Hey everyone! Thank you all for the Reviews! Here is my next chapter and it is pretty long. It was 18 pages on my writing program! I know I don't normally write song lyrics in my stories but I felt that the words of these were just so perfect for Rose and Christian I had to do it. Please don't hate me! Don't worry things are about to get very very interesting in this chapter! The songs are The Dark Waltz by Hayley Westenra and All I need by Within Temptation. Both videos are on my profile if you want to listen to them.

Alright since this chapter is soooo long I am looking for fifteen reviews before I update again!

Disclaimer: Anything pertaining to Vampire Academy or the sequels belong to Richelle Mead. I only own the plotline and the new characters that I have brought in. Bran Castle and Hunedoara/Corvin Castle both belong to Romania. (And yes, Bran Castle is the Castle that Vlad Tepesh-some of you know him as Dracula-lived in while he was alone. And Hunedoara/Corvin Castle was the castle that he was held captive in between his second and third ruling.) Sorry about the history lesson! I love the TRUE history of Vlad Tepesh, the Romanian HERO, not the vampire!

Enjoy!

"Rose, come on you need to wake up," a voice said to me.

I groaned and tried to roll over but arms tightened around me. I opened my eyes and saw Christian staring at me. I hadn't even realized he had came in last night. "It's suppose to be vacation. Why can't I sleep?"

"Because the ball is tonight and we have a little bit of a drive ahead of us."

I sat up and instantly regretted it. My head started pounding and I laid right back down.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm just a little hung over from drinking with Adrian last night."

"You went drinking with Adrian last night?"

"Um, yeah. I wasn't planning on it. After everything last night I just wanted to be alone and walked out to the courtyard and he showed up with a bottle of Vodka and I drank a little bit more than I realized I did."

I ran his hands through his hair. "Why didn't you come to me to talk?"

"Don't take it that way. I didn't go looking for someone to talk to. I was actually trying to be alone."

He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to him. I laid my head on his chest, listening to the calming beat of his heart. "You know you can tell me anything, right?"

"I know. I was just upset about Lissa running to where we were. It's hard enough to keep her safe as it is, and then she goes and puts herself in the middle of danger. Sometimes I'm just not sure if she understands how dangerous it really is out there for her. There are Strigoi constantly following her because she is the last Dragomir, but she doesn't seem to understand that."

"She knows that but Rose believe it or not, she is always trying to protect you. And before you say you don't need protection, you do. Maybe not in the same way that Lissa does but you keep things to yourself and you should talk to people. Even if it isn't me, you should still tell someone what is going on with you."

I sat back up. "I know. Um, Christian I just realized I don't have anything to wear to the ball."

"It's okay. You don't need to worry about that it's already been taken care of."

"Are you sure? Because I only have my mask, and I doubt anyone would look to kindly on me showing up wearing nothing but that."

He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my neck. "I wouldn't mind seeing you in just the mask."

"I bet you wouldn't. If you play your cards right, you might just get to."

Two hours later I found myself back in the SUV with Christian, Mia, Eddie and five guardians. It was a four hour drive and I laid my head on Christian's shoulder and went to sleep. By the time he woke me up my head had stopped pounding.

"How are you feeling?" he asked as he helped me out of the SUV.

"Much better. I really needed that." I turned around and looked over at the Hunedoara Castle. "This place is huge!"

We were in a parking area outside the castle. There was still a bridge that you had to cross before you were even at the castle, but you couldn't take the vehicles across. I was excited to see horse drawn carriages lined up to take us to the castle. Christian and I shared one with Mia and Eddie. The outside of the caste had each of the Royal Families Crests hanging down the side. Inside the courtyard was a young Moroi waiting to give everyone their room keys and maps of the castle.

As Christian and I walked into our room I noticed two garment bags lying on the beds. I knew my dress was in one of them and I rushed right over to look at it. Just as I was starting to unzip it, Christian stopped me.

"Oh come on, I just want to see what it looks like."

"I know, but I don't want to see it until it is on you."

I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. "Okay, I will wait to open it until you leave. When is Mia and Lissa coming over?"

"Not for a while," he said with a sly smile.

He kissed me and I knew just what he was thinking, and I was right there with him. But this was not the right time because just as things started to heat up between us someone knocked on the door.

I growled against his lips. "If there isn't a fire, I am going to kill whoever is at that door."

He laughed as he went to answer the door. "Mia, Lissa. You're early."

"It just takes us longer to get ready, now go," Lissa said as she pushed him out the door. "What are you glaring at?"

"You two. You guys couldn't have waited an hour or so before coming by?"

Mia laughed and pushed me toward the bathroom. "You will have plenty of time for getting dirty with your boyfriend after the ball."

"Did you really say 'getting dirty'?"

"Yes," she said tossing a towel at me. "Now get in the shower, you smell like someone poured a bottle of Vodka on you."

I got in the shower and washed my hair. When I got out, I felt even better. Mia and Lissa already had their hair done and pushed me down into a chair.

"Just sit and relax, we are going to do everything," Mia said as she started drying my hair.

I did as I was told as they worked on my hair. They curled and piled it on top of my head, leaving a few curls down. By the time my hair was finished we only had a little over an hour to finish getting ready. I got up to do my makeup and Lissa sat me back down.

"Don't move, and close your eyes."

I sat there feeling like a life-size Barbie doll as Lissa applied my makeup. I couldn't even see what I looked like because they had covered the only mirror in the room.

"Why won't you two let me see what you are doing to me?"

"Because we want to see your reaction when everything is done. You never dress up, Rose. We just want you to have fun while we are here."

I couldn't argue with that, I never did dress up anymore. I didn't really have a reason to with working at the school.

As Lissa finished my makeup, Mia pulled my dress out of the bag. It was beautiful. It was a strapless red ball gown with a sweetheart neckline. The top had an intricate silver design hand sewn on it. The back was open and tied down to my lower back. I was very impressed.

"That is beautiful."

"Yes, now put it on," Lissa said helping me step into it.

After I was dressed, Mia and Lissa put their dresses on. Lissa's dress was a gold ball gown that made her look like an angel. Mia's was a skin tight deep blue gown that played on the curves that she actually had. We looked amazing. I tied my mask on and helped the other two with theirs.

"Okay, now you can look," Mia said pulling the sheet off the mirror.

I stood there staring at my reflection. I couldn't believe how different I looked. If I didn't know that it was me standing there I wouldn't have recognized myself. The accentuated my curves, and complemented my skin tone. "Oh, wow."

"Come on, we have to meet the guys."

I followed Lissa through the halls to her and Adrian's room. We passed a few others in the hall and none seemed to recognize us, which I found was a relief. Even though we were invited, I still felt a little out of place. All of the guys were dressed in simple black tuxes with bowties. I had to admit, Christian did look really good in a tux. I have always known that he was Royal but he never really did look the part, but looking at him now, it was hard to believe that I haven't seen it before.

"You look amazing, Rose," he whispered in my ear.

"You don't look half bad yourself."

I placed my hand on his arm and we all set out to the ball. I had no idea where we were going, and secretly I was glad I wasn't technically on duty. This castle was huge and had many secret passageways and tunnels that someone could get lost for days. We stopped at the entrance and I looked over at Christian, he was trying to hide a smile.

"Why aren't we going in?"

He tightened his grip on my hand. "We have to be introduced."

"What? I don't think that is a good idea, Blaze. I mean it's not like I am a Royal or anything. Shit, I am just a Dhampir."

"Don't worry," he laughed. "You were invited by a Royal and that's all that matters. Everything will be fine. Now come one it's our turn."

I groaned but walked forward. We walked into the spotlight.

"May I present: Lord Christian Ozera and Rosemarie Hathaway," an older Moroi announced as we walked down the stairs.

There was small applause around the room and Christian stopped next to Lissa and Adrian. I turned to watch Mia and Eddie come in. They were a good looking couple, but without heels Eddie really towered above Mia.

"May I present: Miss Mia Rinaldi and Eddie Castile."

"Why did they announce her first?" I whispered to Christian.

"Because she is the Moroi."

We all found our seats, and luckily we were all at the same table. The dinner was alright, I was able to identify most of it, so I wasn't surprised. But since this was a Moroi function, the portions were tiny compared to what Eddie and I were use to eating.

After everyone had finished their dinner we began to mingle. And when I say we I mainly mean Adrian and Lissa. Christian, Mia, Eddie, and I stayed near our table talking amongst ourselves unless someone came up to us.

The queen had made a small speech and I had no idea what she had said, I was too busy scanning the room. I know, I know. I am suppose to be on vacation but it was a habit that was hard to break. Lissa caught me and gave me a glare. I looked away trying not to laugh. She tried to look mad but it never worked for her.

A waitress walked by offering us drinks. I gladly took one and turned back to my friends. Lissa and Adrian had made their way to the dance floor and were gliding gracefully across the floor. I smiled watching them. They were so happy together.

"Come one, let's dance," said Christian.

I shook my head. "I can't dance like that."

"You don't need to worry about anything. Just follow my lead."

I decided to humor him and we walked out to the floor. The music changed to a slow waltz and Christian placed his hand on my waist. As he held me close we started dancing around the floor. I was caught of guard by how gracefully he moved.

We are the lucky ones
We shine like a thousand suns
When all of the color runs together

I'll keep you company
In one glorious harmony
Waltzing with destiny forever

Dance me into the night
Underneath the moon shining so bright
Turning me into the light

I stared into his eyes as we spun around. In that moment there was no one around but us. We were in our own little world.

Time dancers whirling past
I gaze through the looking glass
And feel just beyond my grasp is heaven

Sacred geometry
Where movement is poetry
Visions of you and me forever

Dance me into the night
Underneath the moon shining so bright
Turning me into the light

I never took my eyes off him. Everything felt so right in this moment.

Dance me into the night
Underneath the moon shining so bright
Let the dark waltz begin
Oh let me wheel - let me spin
Let it take me again
Turning me into the light

As the song ended we made our way off the dance floor back to our table. I took a drink of my champagne and looked at Christian, who was staring at me. "What?"

"I thought you said you couldn't dance."

"I can't. Well not the ballroom dancing anyway. Why?"

"You were amazing out there. I barely had to lead you at all."

I smiled and took another drink. I felt like someone was watching me but I couldn't figure out where it was coming from. I casually glanced around the room, hoping to make it seem like I wasn't looking for anyone in particular. That's when I spotted her. She was wearing a red and black form fitting dress and a deep red mask that reminded me a lot of Lissa's.

"Who are you looking at, babe?"

I turned back to Christian. "There is a woman over there in a red and black dress with a red mask that looks a lot like Lissa's. She has been staring at us for a while. Do you know who that is?"

"Maybe. Stay here."

I was about to argue with him but before I could he was gone. I watched as he walked over to the woman. At first he seemed upset but then he was laughing and pulling the woman into a hug. What the hell. He grabbed her hand and lead her over to me. She pulled me into a hug as soon as she was in front of me. "Rose, you look amazing. I have truly missed you."

"Tasha?"

"The one and only. How have you been?"

I laughed at myself. Here I was getting angry with Christian and it was only his aunt. "I've been pretty good. I don't know if Christian told you, but I'm teaching at St. Vladimir's now, with Lissa."

"He said you had came back. He also told me about Dimka." Hearing her say his name like that made me flinch. "I am sorry you had to do that."

"Me, too. But I couldn't let him stay like that."

"Will all the male Royals please make their way to the dance floor. The Calusarii will commence soon," someone announced over the speakers.

"What is the Calusarii?" I asked Christian.

"It is a traditional Romanian dance performed by the men in the community. I really hate doing. But I am sure you will find it entertaining."

I kissed his cheek as he walked off. Tasha was looking at me with a strange expression on her face. "What?"

"Are you two together?"

"Yes, did he not tell you?"

"No, we haven't talked much lately. He has been busy with his classes and I have been busy at the Court working with the Queen."

That was news to me. I didn't realize that she was at Court now. "What are you working with the Queen for?"

"Ever since they started the magic program at St. Vlad's that Christian is teaching, I have been at the Court trying to get everything ready for the rest of the schools to start next year. I have been training other fire users. I am having a lot of fun with it. But don't try changing the subject. How long have you two been together?"

"A couple of months. After I killed Dimitri," I said trying to keep my voice from cracking, "I was in the hospital for a while. I didn't want to come back to the real world. I stayed in a coma for almost a month before I woke up. And Christian was there for me. He stayed with me, making sure I was okay, and sometime during then I realized how much I really cared about him."

She was about to respond when the music started playing again. We turned our attention to the dance floor. Christian and Adrian looked so uncomfortable. I smiled, trying to picture what would make them look that way. As soon as they started dancing I understood immediately. I tried not to laugh and the looks on their faces, Tasha seemed to be having the same problem.

The music ended and Tasha turned back to me. "I am sorry you had to go through that Rose. I know how much you cared from Dimka. Did you know he told me about you two." I shook my head. "When he turned my offer down he told me that he couldn't leave you. He knew that it was wrong from him to feel the way he did but he didn't care. I was happy that he finally found someone that made him happy even if it wasn't me. You are a great person, and I am glad that you and Christian are together. The past couple of years have been hard on him."

I could feel the tears filling my eyes. I was trying to keep myself from crying. I had never known that Dimitri had told anyone about us.

"Are you okay?" Christian came up wiping a tear from my cheek. I hadn't even realized it had fell. "Tasha, what did you say to her?"

I put my hand on his arm. "It's not her fault, Christian. Don't get mad. I am fine." I pulled my mask back to clean the tears from my eyes.

"Why are you crying, babe?"

"Well you see that dance was just so interesting that it brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't help it."

"Funny, Thorns, really funny. I will remember that later."

I couldn't help but laugh. "I'm sure you will forgive me."

"Rose, we will have to talk more later. It was good to see you again," Tasha said pulling me into yet another hug.

"It was good to see you, too, Tasha."

"Are you sure you are okay?" Christian asked after Tasha walked off.

"I'm sure."

"She brought him up, didn't she?"

I nodded. "But don't get mad. She wasn't trying to be mean or anything. She just wanted me to know that he would have been proud of what I did. I guess when he turned her down, he told her about us. I hadn't know that he had told anyone. It was a little bit of a surprise."

"I know what you mean. Come one let's dance one more time and then we will blow this joint."

I laughed. "Did you really just say 'blow this joint'?"

"I sure did. Now let's go."

I let him drag me out to the floor. Most of the older Royals had left and the music was now geared to the younger crowd. It was one of my favorite songs, All I need by Within Temptation. I had never thought about waltzing to this song but it worked out beautifully.

I'm dying to catch my breath
Oh why don't I ever learn?
I've lost all my trust,
though I've surely tried to turn it around

Can you still see the heart of me?
All my agony fades away
when you hold me in your embrace

Don't tear me down for all I need
Make my heart a better place
Give me something I can believe

Don't tear me down
You've opened the door now, don't let it close

I'm here on the edge again
I wish I could let it go
I know that I'm only one step away
from turning it around

Can you still see the heart of me?
All my agony fades away
when you hold me in your embrace

Don't tear me down for all I need
Make my heart a better place
Give me something I can believe

Don't tear it down, what's left of me
Make my heart a better place

I tried many times but nothing was real
Make it fade away, don't break me down
I want to believe that this is for real
Save me from my fear
Don't tear me down

Don't tear me down for all I need
Make my heart a better place
Don't tear me down for all I need
Make my heart a better place

Give me something I can believe
Don't tear it down, what's left of me
Make my heart a better place
Make my heart a better place

The words of the song made me scared. It described everything that I was feeling. I was afraid to open myself up to Christian because I was afraid of being hurt again. I knew he wouldn't hurt me on purpose. He had been there for me, he never left my side while I was in the hospital. He really did care about me.

He gently kissed my lips and something inside of me changed. I don't know if it was because I had just realized at that moment what he truly meant to me or if it was because of something else. I didn't care, I knew what I needed to do.

"Come with me," he said as he pulled me off the dance floor after the song had ended.

I followed him as we left the area of the ball. He seemed to know exactly where we were going and I was glad he did, because yet again I was lost. We walked through the halls and up a few sets of stairs. When we came to a door, I had no idea what to expect.

Christian opened the door and we walked out into one of the turrets. The view was absolutely amazing. The was just starting to rise-they had the ball early to take in account for the sun-lighting the sky to a beautiful pinkish-purple color.

"How did you know how to get up here?" I asked, turning to him.

He came and wrapped his arms around my waist. "When I was a boy, before my parents died, we came out here a lot. This was one of my favorite places to hide from everyone."

"It's amazing up here."

"It is. Rose?"

"Yes?" I didn't bother turning around to face him. I figured if he wanted me to face him he would turn me. Call me stubborn but I the view was just that beautiful.

He turned me to face him and pulled off his mask, then reaching over he carefully took mine off. He gently kissed me and then left his forehead resting on mine. "Rose, I need to tell you something."

My stomach dropped. All I could think about was that he brought me up here to tell me that he couldn't be with me. You know the 'bring the girl somewhere beautiful so that it will distract from the pain you are about to cause' plan. Leave it to me to realize what I am really feeling when he decides he doesn't want to be with me anymore.

"Okay," I said trying to sound like my heart wasn't about to break.

"Open you eyes." I hadn't even realized I had closed them, but I did as he asked. "Rose, I love you, and I know that you prob-"

I put my lips to his to get him to stop before he said something stupid. "I love you, too, Christian. Now shut up before you ruin this moment."