Here's the next chapter guys n gals. I will be updating Untitled later as I have a pre-written chapter on my netbook at home, I am writing this one at school.

I hope you all continue to read and support!

Disclaimer: The Vampire Academy Series of books and all associated content are owned by Richelle Mead.

Chapter Seven - Making a Deal

Rose POV

I was trying to watch Avro closely as he worked at his desk, talking to someone on the phone. Unfortunately, Victor was sitting next to me.

I still found it hard to believe that I had to work with Victor Dashkov, after all he had done to me and Lissa, although I now understood why he did what he did, he was simply trying to make things better for everyone. This still didn't make it any easier, or less awkward.

I also considered it odd how he was willing to help the Non-Royal Moroi lead a war against the Royal Moroi, since he was once one of the most powerful Royals on the planet.

"So, how have you and young Vasilisa been since I last saw you," Victor spoke in a tone that was amused and serious at the same time.

I looked over at him, and he looked like he was thinking intensely, I wondered why he was trying to make conversation, "Fine I suppose, well, aside from the time I spent with Dimitri while he was Strigoi, and that whole war I started, and lost."

He chuckled, "Well, I supposeyou could have been better off, but if you hadn't done all that, you wouldn't be here with us right now. Would you?"

I smiled, "I guess so, the Royals really don't treat you guys with any respect. Maybe soon enough, they will realize that we have more support than them. If we ever get anywhere will all this, I will be overjoyed to see an elected Moroi government, or at least a council that rules, and a Monarch for ceremonial purposes."

He stood, "Either one would be lovely. I need to attend to some things, give Mr. Xenon my regards."

He walked out, coincidentally, just as Avro finished up his phone call. "Rose, in here please. I need to discuss our agreement."

I entered the office through the open door, and as I sat, he signaled to the Guardian who had been behind the door, who exited and shut the door behind him.

Avro had a serious look on his face, "Rose, I know what you are, I know what you are capable of, and I need you to trust me, so that I can trust you. I cannot put Moroi lives at risk, especially to someone who was fully a Strigoi at one time. I also need to know that you will be loyal to us, and not the enemy."

I chuckled and smiled, "First off, I have no need to harm your people, I am part Strigoi, I am part Moroi, and I am part Human, although I don't need blood, only solid food. Secondly, if you think I will be sympathetic to those bastards back at the Court, let me tell you it is the stupidest thought of your life. They imprisoned me, of course I know I did many things, but I was remorseful to some extent. They treated me like a monster, and while that is what I partially am, I am not enough of a monster to want to hurt them. I didn't want to hurt them, until I was put on trial for the war. I want to see them suffer, although Lissa, Dimitri, and her other Guardian do not think the same way, so they should be captured, not killed. Besides, if we could convince Lissa to join us, the Royals would have no choice but to surrender, since they cannot hope to control their King without her."

Avro exhaled with a low whistle, "Wow, you make some very good points. Anyway, most of the Guardian Council defected to us, and they want you to help them lead our people in battle. What do you say?"

I smiled, "It would be my pleasure."

He stood and extended his hand, I shook it and he said, "Good, we are not reffering to others as a Guardian anymore, they will now serve by military rank, just to keep things clear. The Council Members will be reffered to as so, but you are being offered the rank of Strike Commander, do you accept?"

I smiled, "Yes, but I want one thing in my possession before I do it."

"What is it you want, we will find and retrieve it."

"My Katana."

Love it?

Hate it?

Review and let me know!
-Nueemann