Hey there Sorry I took so long to post but I had to hang with family this week

I do not own VA but that which is mine I freely share with you.

Chapter 38: White Roses and Crowns.

Adrian POV

I woke early on December 24th. Rose was sleeping peacefully in my arms. I put my walls up to block my brother from my thoughts. I need to be alone in my head right now. I look at My Lil' Dhampir as she sleeps so peacefully beside me. My heart begins to ache because I feel that it is not going to be much longer till I have to leave her. She has brought so much meaning to my life. Without her I would have been incomplete.

The thought of leaving my family hurts me so much but I know that they will be in good hands. Dimitri is a very loving and caring man. He is patient with all the children and he loves my children as his own. There is no doubt in my mind that he will protect and aid Rose through her journey.

I held her close to me and I could feel her bare baby bump against my own stomach. My child was so close to me and yet so far. I wonder if I will be here to hold it once it is born. I think of all the things I am going to miss. I wonder if Essa will remember me. Xander is so little still that I cannot even begin to hope he will remember his Daddy Adrian. I think about my son; he looks so much like his mommy. He has my deep green eyes but he has Rose's eye shape and ears. I wonder who this child will look like. We haven't even thought of names yet.

Rose sighed and I held her even closer. Her breathing changed and I know she is waking up.

"Good morning, my Lil' Dhampir." I kissed her forehead.

"Mmm, good morning, my Angel." This was a nick name she has used for me only when we are in private and she is feeling intimate. I never asked her why she chose that for me but suddenly I wanted to understand.

"Why do you call me Angel? With my past most people would say I am anything but an angel."She smiled at me sweetly.

"Don't you know you have always been my guardian angel; even since we first met? When I was in Spokane you tried to come to me in a dream to find out where I was. All those times that I was sad because I couldn't be with Dimitri, you were a friend who I could talk to.
When I needed the money to go find him I turned to you because I knew I could. You came to my dreams when I was in Russia. I was so rude to you but you still came. You don't know this but when you told me you were worried about Lissa that gave me the incentive to pull myself out of the endorphin haze I was in. I would never have escaped if it had not been for that.
You helped me through my grief. You were my Essa's father before I even knew I was a mother. Then you helped me give her back her father. You are my living Guardian Angel."

She kissed me softly a first but then her breathing began to quicken and I could feel her magic begin to flow into me. Any time Rose expressed her love for someone whether through nurturing or lovemaking; she would wield life. This was the nurturing healing side to her magic. Without knowing it she was like a medication to me. She has been counteracting my illness with her love; but I can tell that my illness is still overtaking me slowly.

She explored my body with her soft hands; I do the same. The curve of her back and firmness of her bottom still excite me even though I know her body so well I could sculpt it in clay blindfolded. She moves above me and I guide her in place. She emits a soft moan. Her hair gently brushes against my face as she moves over me. I love how her silky skin feels against me. She leans down to kiss me I open my mouth and she deepens our kiss still moving over me. Her full breasts graze my chest.

Our lovemaking was slow and tender. It was not driven by our need to give each other pleasure; instead it was driven by the need to be one. After making love she lay next to me with her head on my chest listening to my heart. I lay back feeling the complete joy of being her husband. I traced circles in her back as we fell back asleep for a while.

Dimitri POV

Rose and I drove in silence to the Lehigh valley airport in Allentown. The main reason we were quiet was because I was trying to block the ghosts that started to bombard me the moment we left the wards. I have gotten better at this since the first time I saw the ghosts but it still takes a lot of concentration. The first few flights we took when we were traveling to the academies Adrian had to compel me to sleep just so I wouldn't have to deal with the headache. Lissa and Roza have been helping me learn some control by taking me beyond the wards to practice.

After I felt that I had gained as much control as I would get I decided to take the time to talk to Rose about Adrian.

"Roza, I have been worried about Adrian. He has been getting very tired lately."

"I've noticed it too. When I have asked him he just says it's nothing." There was a little frown on her face.

"You know how automatically you wield life during intimate moments. I was thinking that perhaps you can add a little bit more to it."

"I can do that. Through the bond, can you tell if it helps him?"

"It does."

The plane arrived right on time. I was really excited to see my family. They were coming for Lissa's wedding and staying for her coronation later in the month. Paul is excited over the idea of riding horses that are not afraid of him. I am just getting over my fear of them myself but for him I will be brave. I am still amazed at how friendly that they are with Dhampirs. It is amaising what Rose has been able to do with her gifts.

Suddenly I spot them. Surprisingly Rose makes a beeline to Yeva. I can tell that Roza is scolding Yeva and Yeva smiled at her indulgently. Momma who had been not a foot away from them shook her head as she walked up to me; I could hear her chuckling.

"What is Roza scolding Yeva about?"

"Predicting she would have so many children in close succession." I looked over at them and now Yeva was leaning over talking to Roza's belly. Roza had a slightly irritated smile on her face.

"She is happy about the baby; it is just that it is difficult that she gets no rest between them. They are growing so quickly."

"I can understand that."

I looked over at my sisters who were huddled around Rose.

"I told them to distract her so we could talk." I looked at her serious expression. "How is your brother?"

"Not good. He is more certain that he is going to die. I am really beginning to worry about his health. It is almost unperceivable but he is weakening. I can protect him from physical danger but I cannot fight his own body. He still refuses to tell Roza about the readings with Rhonda. He won't tell me everything ether. I can tell that there are some things he is still holding back from me. He wouldn't have told me as much as he did if not for the fact that I guessed it."

"Yeva said that it is not time for Rose to know but that it is coming soon. I am sure that he will tell you both everything then. I know you love your brother as much as you do your sisters that you grew up with. You want to save him with everything in you." She hesitated a moment and I could hear the But coming. "But maybe this is what is supposed to happen. You yourself told me that he believes it is necessary."

"Momma, I can't sit idle and let my brother die. What do you think it will do to our family? His children are so young to lose their father. Roza has lost so much already; Lissa's family was like her own, Mason, Me and even the child that Lissa just lost was like losing her own. How can we let her lose her husband?"

"I didn't say that you shouldn't fight for your brother. Yes his children are young but they have you, Roza and the rest of the family. I am sure that you will not let Adrian's memory fade. Rose has lost a lot but she got you back and it will be up to you to help her through this. You are the husband of her heart."

"I love her enough that I would rather continue in this odd kind of marriage with Rose and Adrian than have her all to myself. Is many ways Adrian has been better to her than I have. Instead of loving her as I should have; I pushed her away for so long. There are so many cruel things I said to keep her from getting too close. Perhaps I could have found a way to love her and still protect her career. Adrian never worried about the risks. He only worried about her."

"You both did what you did out of love for her; you just took different paths." Rose ran up to us interrupting any farther conversation. Her expression was irate.

"Comrade I am going to kill your sisters if they don't back off. First they teased me by suggesting I get my own bedroom. Then they spent the last five minutes barraging me with baby name suggestions." Perhaps my sisters went a bit too far. Unfortunately I couldn't help but tease her just a bit more. She looked so cute when she was mad.

"Did they give you any good ideas?" I smiled at her while raising my eyebrow. Oops big mistake. Her eyes grew wide with indignation. She emitted a low growl then she turned on her heal and stormed off to the parking structure while giving me a very rude hand gesture.

"Pregnancy is a bitch."

We all turned to look at Yeva. Yeva just shrugged and headed off in the same direction as Rose.

Christian's POV

I have waited for this day since I first met Lissa. I looked at myself in the mirror wondering how the hell I have gotten so lucky in my life. I have never met anyone quite as giving as Lissa is. When I met her I was for all intense purposes invisible. The only person in the world who cared about me was my aunt. Everyone else did their best to ignore me. Even my teachers ignored me. Lissa wasn't afraid of me in the least. She and I had an instant connection.

Because of Lissa I have other friends in my life. If not for her I would never have had the confidence to fight alongside Rose during the attack on the school. Fighting with her like I did is what has given my aunt and me a foothold back into Moroi society.

Dimitri tapped me on my shoulder. In the mirror I could see he had a boutonniere in his hand; his expression was sympathetic. I turned with a sigh and let him put it on my left lapel. It was a single white rose bud with baby's breath flowers around it. Lissa was going to wear one on her dress too. Lissa and I were still mourning the child we lost a few weeks ago. Rose knew that Lissa was feeling weird about celebrating when her baby was gone. So she suggested that we do something to honor our baby, Lissa and Rose came up with the boutonnieres together.

"It's time go to the altar." Dimitri was now smiling with happiness.

"Hope you're ready, the ladies are waiting for us to get down there." I almost ran up the basement steps two at a time. I stepped outside and was amazed at the setting. Lissa had wanted a garden wedding in the middle of winter. There were torches lining the outside of each row as well as along the isle. An enormous red carpet covered the entire area and leading up to the gazebo which was to be the altar for today. Red Roses were growing everywhere despite the snow we had last night. There was no moon tonight and the stars were out in abundance. The string quartet was playing some sweet melody.

Father Evans and I took our places on the altar. Next Dimitri walked up the aisle with a smile plastered on his guardian mask; Aunt Tasha was on his arm with the biggest smile I have ever seen on her face. I felt really bad for him because I know that she has basically ruined her friendship with him by trying to get him away from Rose. He gently unwrapped her from his arm and guided her to her place before taking his place on the groom's side. Next came Mia and Eddie, they really make a good couple. Arianna and Isabela both walked together; each carrying a small pillow with our rings. Adrian escorted Theresa down the aisle as she left her trail of petals. He guided her next to Tasha and the girls before taking his place next to me.

The music changed and Lissa began her march. Rose walked next to her but I almost didn't even notice her. My eyes locked on Lissa. She looked like and angel in her white dress. She wore a white fur stole and tiara that Tatiana had given her. Rose brought her to me and placed Lissa's hand in mine. She kissed Lissa's cheek then took her place as maid of honor.

I held Lissa's hands and looked into her eyes the entire ceremony. I smiled when I heard Father Evans ask who gives this woman to this man and Rose said

"She is my bondmate and my sister; I give her to this man."

I am not sure how I even managed to say my vows in the right time because all I could think was the fact that I was the luckiest man alive. Next thing I knew I was kissing my wife while everyone clapped.

Rice fell on us as we ran to the tent for our reception.

~*~xXx~*~

Rose POV

Lissa' plane was overdue to arrive because of bad weather. I stood against the SUV thinking over all the safety measures we had taken. There wasn't much left for me to do but I fretted over everything anyway. The Court Guardians were technically in charge of security for the coronation but as Lissa's lead guardian I got to oversee everything. Thankfully Lissa and Tatiana had planned every detail of the ceremony so I didn't have to deal with any of that. Tatiana was taking care of everything in Lissa's absence.

The plane came into view and through the earpiece I heard the other guardians say that it was indeed Princess Vasilisa and Christian Ozera Dragomir. Chris had taken Lissa's last name because she is the last Dragomir. When the plane was finally parked I took two heavy parkas out of the warm SUV. I ran up the ramp and opened the hatch. On the other side were Eddie and one of the courts Guardians. I rushed past them to Liss and pyro; I couldn't help myself I took both of them in a hug. I really missed them. During the last two weeks I had kept my walls up as much as I could while still feeling that she was safe. I didn't visit with her at all so that I could give her privacy. This was one of my wedding gifts to her.

I handed them the warm coats and insisted they put them on before we exited the plane. Eddie, Janine and four other court guardians exited first. I came out next and looking around for any new threats. Eddie signaled me all clear so I let them disembark. We rushed through the lightly falling snow to the cars. Mom was already behind the wheel waiting for us. I sat in the front passenger seat. In the far back were two of her new court guardians and Eddie. Lissa and Chris took the center seat. I could feel the happiness and love radiating from both of them. Through the bond Lissa said. "Thank you for the privacy. We really used it wisely." I glanced back and saw them snuggled up to each other with there eyes closed.

We drove them directly to the Royal Mansion were Tatiana lived. This is where they were to get ready for the coronation ceremony. If Lissa and Chris decided to move to Court then this would be their home. I would either have to move here to live with her or step down as her guardian; instead Lissa chose that she would rather live at the House on Cherry Hill with me as part of my family then move to court. Tatiana herself had lived at the House on Cherry Hill during the first few years of her Reign. It was only a ten minute drive in good driving conditions and there was a helicopter that could be used in times of emergency.

"Princess I was worried that you would miss your own coronation, Thank goodness the snow eased up." Tatiana hugged Lissa and Pyro as she greeted them. Adrian and Dimitri came up to welcome them home and then they stood on either side of me with an arm wrapped around me.

My odd marriage had become somewhat common knowledge around court and it was not odd for me to have my husbands both wrap an arm around me; or greet me with affection. This did cause a bit of a stir sometimes but I ignored it. My personal feeling was that this is my life, my strange marriage, I didn't do anything wrong so everyone else could just deal with it. I had Lissa's support and the love of my family so nothing else mattered.

At first I was bothered by the speculation that I was sexually intimate with both of them. I had gotten asked by the female guardians and occasional nosy royal. I know that Adrian and Dimitri were also asked. We would simply say that it was none of anyone's business.

I hung out with Lissa as she got ready. There really wasn't anything for me to do since she had a makeup artist and hair stylist waiting to primp her up. Lilly had made her the most beautiful dress. It was a full length ball gown in a deep jade color. The way the dress was cut made her look a little curvy without being too sexy. The stylist put half of her hair up in bun with soft curls pinned to it. The rest of her hair was down cascading in soft curls down her back.

I changed into my formal black and whites. Mine was of course maternity but I am used to maternity clothes by now. I was about redo my hair since the bun I had put it in this morning was all messed up by the hood of my parka. The hair stylist who was now done with Lissa brought her equipment over to me and took over. I went ahead and let her work. She gave me a soft twist with some strands of hair artfully left out giving me a very feminine look for a guardian.

"I don't think I have ever seen so many Molnija marks on a Guardian before let alone a female guardian."

"I will take that as a compliment."

"Good because it may not have come out right but it was meant to be a compliment."

I did my own makeup since I didn't want to be too glamed up. When I was done I helped Lissa put on the jewelry that Tatiana had given her for the occasion. She was also to wear the Tiara that was given to her for her wedding. Just like I did for her wedding I got the privilege of placing it on her head. It fit perfectly around her hair. I could feel her nervousness as she looked at the clock and realized that we would be heading downstairs any minute.

"Lissa you are going to be a wonderful Queen. You are ready for this I know you are." I hugged her and sent her some of my healing love to calm her. "Thank you." She whispered though our bond. I put the last part of my outfit on; a pair of white cotton gloves. Only I and Tatiana's lead Guardian would wear gloves because we would be participants in the ceremony. Taking her hand I led her downstairs where we would meet up with the others. The queen was dressed in a deep emerald green gown she wore a sash that had the Ivashkov crest embroidered on it. On her head she wore a crown that held a diamond in the center and around the crown were twelve stones each one representing the color of each of the twelve royal families. I never realized before but the color of the family color correlated with the dominant eye color of each royal family. But what I noticed most was Dimitri.

"Dimitri, you're in official black and whites!" Up till now he had not been an accepted as an official guardian. He gave me a huge smile and turned for me to see.

"Guess they have decided that after eleven months and I have not spontaneously gone Strigoi I am safe to return to Guardianship." I suddenly got a knot in my stomach.

"Who is your charge? Will they make you leave me?" My voice was a whisper. Adrian put his arm around me. With a quiet solemn voice he said.

"I heard that he was assigned to some spoiled rich royal and his family."

"Oh Dimitri I don't want you to leave. I know that being a Guardian is what you were born to do but I can't stand the thought of losing you when it still feels like we just got you back."

"Well it's a good thing that Adrian admits he is a spoiled rich royal; because I have been officially assigned to Guard him and his family." I grabbed them both in an embrace.

Lissa was so nervous at during the ride to the great hall that we all remained silent the whole way. Once we got to the grand hall Adrian, went to sit with the rest of Lissa's guests. Dimitri went and took his place along the walls with the rest of the Guardians. Eddie and Mom stayed behind with Lissa and me. The Queen and her Guardians entered into the Great hall from a corridor that led to the other end of the Hall were Her thrown was. We could hear and see what was happening on a video feed that was being televised via closed circuit satellite all around the world. Lissa gave a groan at the monitor. The Queen gave a speech about how all things much come to a conclusion to make way for the new. She spoke of innovation and moving forward into a better future. The Audience clapped for her. She turned and stood before her throne; gracefully she sat. Her lead Guardian handed her the Royal Scepter. In a clear voice she called

"I call my chosen successor, Princess Vasilisa Dragomir. May her Reign herald a peaceful future!"

This was our cue. The doors opened; Lissa and I walked up the aisle with Mom and Eddie following two steps behind us. We stopped at the bottom most steps before her throne.

"Princess Vasilisa Do you accept the responsibility to care for the wellbeing of the Moroi and the Dhampirs?"

"Yes Your Majesty, I will."

"Do you promise to be fair and just?"

"Yes your Majesty, I do."

"Do you promise to protect the spirit of our culture while helping us adapt to our changing world."

"Yes your Majesty, I will."

"Princess Vasilisa Dragomir, I ask you to take my place as the monarch of my people."

"I Princess Vasilisa Dragomir will accept and take the position as monarch. May your people from this moment on, be my people."

"Come forth" Lissa and I both ascended the last four steps up to the throne. Eddie and Janine took post at either side of the stage alongside two of Tatiana's personal Guard. Tatiana stood and Lissa turned so that she stood beside her. Once they were side by side they both knelt down facing the audience. Tatiana turned at her waist and offered out her scepter. Her lead Guardian Stephan, stepped forward and took it respectfully with two white gloved hands. He stepped towards me; likewise I stepped forward to meet him. With my own gloved hands I took the scepter when he offered it to me. In sync with me we turned on our heels and walked back to our original positions. I then offered the scepter to Lissa

"I give you the authority to rule over the Moroi and Dhampir."

"I accept this authority with humility and I pray that I will be found worthy of it."

Lissa's daughters came forward each holding a blood red pillow they ascended the steps and stood before Stephan and I. He gently took the crown from Tatiana's head and placed it on the pillow that Arianna held. I then gently took the tiara from Lissa's head and placed it on the pillow in Isabela's hands. The girls turned and walked across to stand before the opposite Guardian. I took the Crown form the pillow and placed it on Lissa's head.

"Vasilisa Dragomir, I Crown you Queen of the Moroi and Dhampir. May you're Reign be long and just."

Lissa rose and I knelt down.

"I pledge to you Queen Vasilisa to serve you as your Guardian I will protect you and your people to the best of my ability."

"Please Rise Guardian Hathaway and take your post."

I stood and walked to my post behind the throne. Lissa then took the tiara from Isabela and placed it on Tatiana's head.

"Princess Tatiana we thank you for your service and we pray that our Reign will be worthy of your praise." With that Tatiana rose and descended the steps, her Guardians following behind her. She exited the same door that Lissa had come in from. A few moments later I saw her sneak back into the room and sit with the audience with a look of pride on her face. She had changed and taken off the tiara.

The prince or princess of each Royal family gave a speech welcoming Lissa and wishing her well. Arianna being the oldest Dragomir gave the speech for her family. She is a very good speaker for a nine year old. She did not make any mistakes but at the end of it she did use some levity that made every one laugh.

"Way to go mom!"

The laughter was light but I could tell that people appreciated it. The ceremony ended and everyone stood. When Lissa stood and began to descend the steps everyone in the room except for her Personal Guardians knelt down till she made her exit. She stopped in front of Christian who had been given a special seat close to the stage. She gently touched his shoulder he rose and took her arm walking with her.

We went directly to the Reception hall and waited till we got the signal to make our entrance. Once the signal was given the doors opened for us and I led the way fully alert and ready. Lissa and Christian followed taking the time to greet her well wishers. The rest of her Guard took position around her.

Once she had greeted everyone she and Christian took their place with the girls at the Queen's table. Tatiana joined the table with Adrian and my family. Nathan looked at her from the Ivashkov table with disbelief. Daniella Adrian's mother who preferred to keep her distance from Nathan also sat with my family.

All of Lissa's Guardians stood behind her against the wall. Mid way through the dinner I looked over at Dimitri who was standing behind Adrian looking at him intently. I wanted to ask him what was wrong but I could not leave my post. "Lissa, something is bothering Dimitri, can you send someone to see what is wrong?" "Sure." She made a gesture and a Moroi woman in a server's uniform came up to her. Lissa whispered to her and the woman went directly to Dimitri. They spoke for a minute then she came back to Lissa. I listened through the bond.

"Guardian Belikov would like to have a private word with Guardian Hathaway and his charge Lord Ivashkov."

"Thank You" "Rose by the look in Dimitri's face it is important so go but tell Janine and Eddie why you are going." I stepped out from the wall and told my fellow guardians that I had to speak with my husbands for a moment.

Lissa continued to eat her dinner pretending that nothing was going on but; I could feel her concern through the bond.

Dimitri broke from his place along the wall and went over to Adrian who was beginning to look ashen. Adrian tried to wave him away but when he saw me he gave in and went with us. There were several smaller multipurpose rooms in this building and Dimitri led us to one.

"Rose Adrian needs blood desperately; I can feel it, the feeders are too far away." I understood what Dimitri was telling me to do. I stood in front of Adrian and tilted my head.

"No Rose this is not part of our deal."

"It is now."

"Brother Rose is right." I took Adrian's head and guided him to my neck. Hunger overtook him and he gave in. Adrian's bite was tender but eager as well. I sent him healing love as he fed. When he was done feeding his color looked normal but I could see that he was tired.

"Dimitri, take him home please. Adrian, get some rest. I will be home as soon as I can." I walked them out to one of the waiting limo's on my way back I contacted Lissa

"Liss Adrian is not well I had to feed him. Can you heal me before I go back in?" Before I even heard her reply I felt the joy that spirit gave her along with the healing sensations.

"I hope he feels better after some rest."

"Thank you Liss. I'll be back in a sec, I just need to make sure that the blood is cleaned up."

After a visit to the lady's room I returned to my post behind Lissa. I could feel that she wanted to leave as soon as possible but she had to stay because she was the guest of Honor. An hour and a half later she felt it was safe to excuse her self so that she could take her children to bed. We took the limo to the Royal mansion and from there took my Durango back home.

At home I checked in on my children and Adrian before knocking on Dimitri's door.

"Come in Rosa." I opened the door to find him in bed with a western novel.

"I am worried about Adrian. He is getting tired much too easily. Every time I suggest he see Sasha he brushes it off as nothing but this is something." He gave me a look that told me he know just how serious it was.

"You have an appointment with Sasha for you and the kids tomorrow. We usually go with you anyway. Maybe you should suggest to Sasha that we should have an exam to."

"Good Idea Comrade. Hey I left before they gave the guardians buffet, do you want to join me in the kitchen."

"Roza you really should not hold off on meals you know that." He was already putting on his robe. Once in the kitchen he made me a fresh fruit salad and a black bread toast with a large glass of milk.

No quiz today mostly because it is already 4 30 monday morning and I need some sleep before I teach my class tomorrow. I will be lucky if I don't get tied with jump rope and masking tape tomorrow. LOL 3-4 year olds can be brutal.

Please Please review. I will need the pick me up after the day I will have.