Hi! Thank you for your reviews (although I have to admit I got kinda scared that something was seriously wrong when no one reviewed within the first few hours like you guys usually do). This one here I love; it's my first time trying this particular POV. Enjoy!

Summary Rose was the light of the party.

POV Second

38

You see her standing there across the room, her hair wild and free around her waist. A smile bloomed on her face, flashing her pearly whites to the world. Around her, Moroi and dhampir alike stand in awe at her beauty and strength.

She fit into her blood red ball gown sinfully well, and her toned muscles, much more pronounced than any other lady at the ball, were on full display in her strapless dress. Red gloves with a trace of black lace fitted snugly up to her elbows. It hid her scarred hands, but brought poise to her deceitfully delicate fingers.

You're afraid of the likely possibility that you're drooling, so you gulp and run the back of your hand over your lips. For once, you're not on guarding duty, and neither is Rose, giving her the opportunity to wear the magnificent ball gown that suits her so well. It took Lissa ages to convince you and Rose to come as guests, but you have to admit the risk of Strigoi attack was shoved into the back of your mind as soon as you saw her standing across the room, unseen heels boosting her height.

Her dress lightly brushed the floor, the hoop-like skirt looking heavy. You can imagine Rose probably hates it, but she looks so stunning you can't bring yourself to care much. Besides, you think wryly in the back of your mind, she probably thinks the same as you in your uncomfortable suit and tie. You've come to learn over the years exactly what made her gaze turn lustful and sultry.

Rose laughs again, her face mirthful. Scanning the people around her, it's hard to say which one of her loved ones had the fortune to make her laugh, but you imagine it's the Queen, standing in a stunning, yet less extravagant, green sheath dress that showed a slip of leg through the cut in the side. The two laugh heartily and your mouth goes dry at the faint sound of chimes tinkling together that you can vaguely hear coming from your beloved's succulent mouth, lip gloss the only thing adorning it.

Eddie is beside you, a warming sad smile on his face. "She looks beautiful doesn't she?" he voices, flicking a glance your way. You feel a tentative smile cross your face. Eddie continues, "Who knew the little girl in the mud would grow up to be this dangerous." His voice is wistful, nostalgia plaguing his thoughts. With a grin he says, "She's certainly got you captivated."

You grumble out a mutter of defence, hoping Eddie was the only one who saw you so enamoured. The fellow guardian just chuckles and shakes his head, a bemused smile on his lips as he straightens his tie.

You see why when seconds later Rose emerges from the crowd, her smile etched with happiness. Good, you think. This party was made specifically to make her happy after all. She stands less than five feet away from you and you wonder why she doesn't come close, hovering on the precipice of anticipation. Eddie has disappeared into the crowd.

Rose's goofy smile floods her face and she stares at you expectantly. It isn't until the crowd around you starts to part that you understand what she's asking for, her sly brown eyes pulling you in, the laugh of an elf sounding throughout the room as she laughs.

"Well comrade?" she questions mischievously, hands placed mockingly on her trim waist. You take in the air around her, how it hums to life and how stares are riveted on the two of you in gentle smiles and warming hearts.

Taking your cue you take a few steps forward and hold your hand out into the space between you. "Would you care for a dance?" you smile teasingly.

Rose laughs but takes your hand anyway and you whisk her into the crowd, the whole room stopping to watch the two of you light up the room with your fancy swirls and dips, entranced by the ever present smile's lighting up your faces.

The two of you have captured the whole ballroom's attention, their stares drilling into you with awe. For once, you don't mind their stares. Your focus is entirely on Rose, who laughs and laughs as you spin her around again and again.