AN; Sorry this one is a bit late and a bit short guys. I got caught up with other stuff and a new story I've started on. I promise the next one is gonna be good guys. (:

Thanks for reading.

Four;

I sidestepped her left punch and managed to land an awkward blow to her stomach, it didn't do her much damage but she stumbled back a step and hesitated for only a half a second. She was good, I'll admit. But that half a second was all I needed. I kicked her leg out from under her and caught her forearm before she hit the ground. I yanked her back up and grabbed her other hand before she had time to think, pulling them both behind her back.

Viktoria admitted her defeat and I released my hold on her and she stepped away from me. We turned to find an entranced Jill sitting cross legged, staring at us with wonder and an amused Dimitri looking between Jill and us. Dimitri chuckled, low and quiet. I wiped the sweat off my forehead and Viktoria stretched out her arms.

"It's not always that easy though," Dimitri said, leaning towards Jill. "Rose and Vik are almost of the same build, age and height. When fighting Strigoi you're usually faced with someone older, taller and definitely stronger and faster than you are." He added, jumping up next to me. "Rose." He said with finality.

I knew the talking was over as we began to circle each other, matching step for step. I made the first move, lunging forward and trying to use my weight and force, combined with – hopefully – surprise to knock him down and pin him. Almost nothing surprised Dimitri and this was no different. He sidestepped me and grabbed my shoulder, not unlike I just had with Viktoria. However instead of pulling my arms behind my back he turned me around to face him and stepped towards me, behind my left leg. With a swift kick he tried to take my legs out from under me. As I was falling I'd grabbed his arm and pulled him down. He landed on top of me and I quickly regrouped myself and kneed him in the stomach. Scrambling out from under Dimitri I tried to stand. Dimitri was faster.

Before I'd gotten off my knees he'd had his hands on my shoulders, pushing me onto my back and pinning me. I brought my arm back as far as I could and swung. My fist connected with his jaw. I heard a slight gasp from Jill and a laugh from Viktoria. I ignored both.

I pushed him off me and quickly straddled him, using one of my arms to pin his shoulders as I, in one quick fluid motion, pulled my stake out and pressed the tip ever so slightly into his chest above his heart. Dimitri lifted his head and smiled at me. I got up and held my hand out to him, he took it and I helped him up. We walked back to Jill and Viktoria, his arm around my waist.

Jill was gaping, staring at my hand, or more my stake. I smiled, remembering how much I'd pestered Dimitri about letting me practice with a stake back at the Academy. Reluctantly I'd been running laps, a lot of them.

"Here." I handed her the stake, she was gentle with it for some reason. Like she was scared of it.

Viktoria took one look at Dimitri and I, standing together and winked. Standing with Jill she showed her how to hold the stake and started to show Jill some simple lunges and parries. Dimitri laughed and pulled me close for a moment, pulling my pony tail out and twining his fingers in my hair, gazing down at me in a way that made my cheeks flush.

"I still think your hair is beautiful. It's a shame you have to keep it up all the time." Dimitri said. It was a real pain that while on duty I'd have to keep my hair up. Having loose hair was a massive disadvantage while fighting.

"Is that right?" I smiled, pulling him closer to me.

"Of course Roza. Everything about you is beautiful." He hummed in my hear. Pulling me back just far enough to lean down to kiss me. I bridged the gap between us by stretching my neck and standing on my toes, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him down.

The kiss was soft and sweet and, sadly, interrupted by a cough. I turned, expecting to sneer at Viktoria and Jill looking at us but was met with a completely new face.

Jesse stood a few feet from us, with an awkward yet smug look on his face. Dimitri tensed, as did I. I never liked to be interrupted. Jesse looked extremely happy with himself for barging in on us.

"Rose." He started. Completely disregarding Dimitri. "I was thinking about getting some lunch, maybe you'd like to come? You can catch me up on your adventures." He beamed.

You're fucking kidding me right? He's out of his mind! I thought, my eyes widening at his offer. Was he seriously going to interrupt my kiss and practically ask me out while I'm standing in Dimitri's arms? Which were now tightening around me, pressing me closer to his chest. I opened my mouth to – not so politely – reject Jesse's offer but I was cut off.

"Lord Zeklos." Dimitri spat, his words dripping with spite and disgust. Jesse flinched ever so slightly. "Guardian Hathaway and I are training Miss Mastrano here."

Jesse apparently hadn't caught on to the fact that he should be really scared of Dimitri and so he pressed on.

"After then? Dinner's fine with me." Jesse's words were directed at me, once again ignoring Dimitri's presence. Again I tried to speak and like before I was cut off. Was I ever going to get a word in?

"Lord Zeklos I suggest you turn and walk right out of here before Rose has to kick your butt. She's. Not. Interested." Viktoria said blandly, walking to my side. It was obvious she was also holding back the urge to punch him. Jesse actually took notice of Viktoria and was looking her up and down before getting angry. The guy was relentless.

"You will not speak to me like that." He snapped. Waving his hand at her dismissively. I gaped, stepping out of Dimitri's grip towards Jesse. His eyes lit up, not knowing the reason why I'd approached him.

"I'm sorry Lord Zeklos, but I'll have to reject your offer." I said politely, smiling. His smile wavered before he set himself back on his righteous pedestal. I smirked at the fact that I was just about to knock him back off it. I leaned into him, my lips at his ear, my voice low, dangerous, angry.

"Do not think you can get away with talking to Damphirs that way because you're a royal." I spat the last word, sounding a lot like Dimitri. I stepped back, smiling again as if I'd said nothing. Jesse's face was a mixture of fear and surprise. I though I had him but he, in turn, surprised me. He'd not been deterred, or discouraged.

"Maybe some other time then eh Hathaway." He called over his shoulder as he left.

Jill was the first to speak.

"I never liked him anyway. Too much of a jerk." She snorted before practically skipping over to me, a giant grin on her face, and handing my stake back to me. "I've got to get over to Mia's. I'll see you guys around. Thanks Viki!" She called as she picked up her bag and flounced over to the bathroom to get changed.

I shook my head in disbelief, a few days ago she'd been so oppressed by all the royalty and responsibility and now she was practically back to her old self. The rest of the royal society could learn a thing or two from her.