Rose yawned, disappointed but unsurprised by Dimitri's news. With their wedding brought forward, she'd deduced Abe planned for them to be 'discovered' sooner rather than later. While it pissed her off, she was grateful that she and Dimitri had celebrated their union before the Guardians appeared.

"Text Abe and let him know," she said with a sigh, before starting in on the breakfast tray her husband had provided. Through their pair-bond, Rose could sense Dimitri's unease… Whatever would happen would happen—so she was taking a more laid-back approach to the situation.

"They want to take you to Court!" Dimitri hissed, beyond pissed off about the turn of events, despite knowing it had been bound to happen. It was taking all he had not to return downstairs and beat the living shit out of the Guardians wanting to take his wife away. The rational part of him understood they were Guardians, just like him, and were only following orders. The Alpha in him saw them as a threat to his mate. Getting more worked up as he thought about it, Rose laid a calming hand on his chest.

"We need to do this," Rose replied, chewing the food her loving husband had provided. "We can't move on until we find out what Her Majesty intends to do. Better to get it over with."

Dimitri growled, sitting beside his wife and taking the cup of coffee he'd prepared for himself from the tray. Taking several fortifying sips from the dark brew, he grumbled. "I don't like this. Despite being claimed, and married, I worry they'll dispute our union!"

"That's a given," Rose acknowledged sadly. "They're certain to punish us… I can kiss being a Guardian goodbye. I don't know if she'll fire you—but you'll never have a good allocation again." While Rose was somewhat resigned to their future, Dimitri's thoughts went elsewhere. His wage supported his grandmother, mother, sisters, and their offspring in Baia. He needed a regular income to provide for them, and his new bride. He also worried how Rose would cope with being away from Vasilisa. They'd been best friends and together most of their lives—surely that would be hard for his mate?

"How do you see our future?" Dimitri asked, trying to work out where to from here.

"Abe's offered that we can stay with him in Turkey," Rose voiced, not entirely sure about her father's long-term intentions. "It's a good stop-gap until we decide what we want to do?" Rose's voice was uncertain. Nothing between her and Dimitri had eventuated the way they'd planned. A courtship, claiming, then working together on Lissa and Christian's guarding team had quickly evolved into something very different, thanks to her becoming Omega.

"A few months with your father could be ok," Dimitri allowed, putting his thoughts together as he spoke. "However, if I can't be a Guardian, I need to find paid employment as soon as possible." He'd previously explained to Rose he was the wage-earner for his family in Baia. She understood his family relied on the money he sent and would be in dire straits without his contributions.

Rose ate, showered, packed her bag, dressed, and was downstairs before the Belikovas departed for church. She hugged each woman becoming emotional when Babushka presented her with a handstitched quilt, quietly explaining it could be part of a nest she could take with her anywhere. Olena and Yeva both asked her to come back with Dimitri as soon as possible; a promise Rose intended to keep.

While the Guardians had expected to transport only Rose to Omsk and the aircraft waiting there, none of them dared oppose Dimitri when he walked out hand-in-hand with his bride. Belikov intended to travel anywhere Rose did, and the Guardians were disinclined to give him any opposition.

"The subject is on board and consenting to travel to Court," one Guardian reported by cell phone before they departed on Her Majesty's plane. Letting Court know to expect Rose, Dimitri was pleased they had not disclosed her changed surname. That him attending Court alongside his wife might be unexpected was the icing on the cake.

"I love you," Dimitri whispered into Rose's ear as he threw Babushka's blanket over the two of them once they'd leveled out. With the armrest up and both seats reclined, they cuddled close and purred to another at the start of the long flight back to Court.


"Abe? Have you got a moment?"

"I do, but only a moment," he said, eying his Guardian of twenty years shrewdly after they returned from Rose and Dimitri's wedding dinner. He had a good idea where this conversation was headed although, truth be told, he thought he had a little more time.

"Karolina is my mate," Pavel replied without preamble. "I want a relationship with her."

"And?"

"And I can't do that if I'm traveling around as your primary Guardian. I'm pushing forty—that's older than most Guardians in active service. I have some money saved… I think it's time for me to do something different with my life."

Abe nodded. Everything Pavel said made sense, and he'd never stand in the way of his oldest friend finding love. He poured them both a scotch. It would be the end of an era, and after seeing his daughter become a wife today, Abe was feeling every day of his forty-something years.

"I'll come to Court with you, and stay until things are sorted with Rose," Pavel offered. "After that, I'll be returning to Baia and Karolina."

Wishing his Guardian and friend every success, Abe wondered about Pavel's plans. His head Guardian had always been well paid for his endeavors, so he would be better positioned than most for life after being a Guardian, however, Abe had the resources to help establish Pavel in any field he wanted. There for him professionally, and personally, for two decades, Abe would not get such dedication go unrewarded.

"I will miss having you around," the snake admitted. It wouldn't be goodbye—Karolina being a sister to Abe's son-in-law ensured that. "You ready to become a Daddy?" he teased, referring to Paul and Zoya. Pavel laughed.

"I'm prepared to give it a go. If you can do it, I'm sure I can," he joked back.

"Can I do it?" Abe mused aloud, concerned about what might happen when Rose returned to Court. If things went badly, she might end up hating him.

"You're making a decent fist of it so far," Pavel said, downing the last of his scotch. He said goodnight to Abe and returned to his room, packing everything into his duffel bag before climbing into bed. Closing his eyes, imagining a life with a mate and two children, Pavel felt more hopeful about his future than he had in years.


"Novice Hathaway is on her way back to Court," Guardian Croft announced to Her Majesty. Breakfasting with her great-nephew, Lord Adrian Ivashkov, the Queen nodded in acknowledgment.

"Miss Hathaway, now. And you sent Guardians to apprehend hours ago," Ivashkov said accusingly.

"Miss Hathaway was in bed by the time the Guardians arrived," Croft explained, his voice dispassionate but cold. "Since she is not under arrest, the Guardians waited for her to wake to request her attendance."

"There was no resistance?" Tatiana asked, ignoring Adrian's rudeness.

"Not that the Guardians reported," Croft said, not sharing the private report he'd received from the pilot - Mirabelle's cousin. He knew Rose was actually Mrs. Dimitri Belikov, now, and that her husband accompanied her on the plane back to Court. "Shall I alert Guardian Hathaway we expect her daughter?"

Her Majesty considered the question. Rosemarie was not yet eighteen, so legally she was still Janine's responsibility. Tatiana was not unaware of the interest her subjects had taken in the young Omega's disappearance and public feeling about her situation. Guardian Hathaway reporting the fictitious coup had proven her loyalty to the crown -. there could be no harm in her presence.

"Let Guardian Hathaway know Rosemarie is returning to Court," Her Majesty said, her voice imperious.

"Will Miss Hathaway stay in Guest Quarters again?" Pavel asked.

"I think not. Since she could evade us so easily, a room in the Palace might be more appropriate," Tatiana declared. "A room without a window."

Adrian waited until Croft left before he spoke to his Aunt about his suspicions about why Rose might have headed to Russia, explaining he'd called Guardian Petrov and she'd confirmed Belikov had left the Academy around the same time as Rose was taken to Court.

"Guardian Petrov said Belikov put in for leave soon after he arrived at the Academy, however, he was guarding Vasilisa the night Rose left and said nothing about going away."

"I doubt Guardian Petrov would lie," Tatiana mused. "However perhaps after leaving Court Rosemarie traveled to Russia and asked Guardian Belikov to hide her?"

"It's a possibility," Adrian allowed, convinced Belikov was more involved in Rose's disappearance, however unable to prove it. "Either way, if he was hiding Rose, and didn't come forward, that's reason enough to revoke his rank and title!"

Thinking Miss Rosemarie Hathaway was proving more trouble than she was worth, Her Majesty decided not to make any decisions until she had all the facts. She'd hear Rose's account of what happened, then mete out punishments where required. One thing she was certain about—Adrian and Rose needed to wed straight away. The sooner the better. When she got to her office, she'd consult her diary. There were already several weddings between Royals scheduled in the next month or two, and it would cause great offense if they booked an Ivashkov wedding on the same date. There was also the matter of the church. The great-nephew of the reigning Monarch would have to wed in the principal church at Court. She'd have to ask the Bishop to check the liturgical calendar, too.

Placing her napkin on the breakfast table with a sigh, Her Majesty stood, brushing down the front of her skirt. A Monarch's work was never done, she reflected, bidding Adrian goodbye before departing to see a feeder then make a start on the day's tasks.


"Abe?"

"It's done. They're on their way back to Court. I'm leaving now, but since my plane is larger, I'll beat them back."

Janine heard the unmistakable note of pride in Abe's voice. Boys and their toys! She knew it pleased Abe that his plane outclassed Her Majesty's.

"So, what's the plan?" she asked, nervous now it was all about to happen. "What do you need me to do?"

"Be there for Rose. Be seen to be reasonable and fair. When they dispute the marriage, and they will, I'll reveal it was my signature which allowed the union. Once Rose's paternity is revealed, Her Majesty will back down."

"And if she doesn't?"

"I'll make her," Abe replied, his voice exuding menace.


Rose's tension grew the closer they got to Court. She and Dimitri had slept as much as possible on the flight. They needed to be on their A-game. Using their pair-bond, they could privately discuss various possibilities and how to deal with them. Rose would wear her hair down, concealing her claim-mark. Dimitri would change into his dress uniform and walk in with Rose and the other Guardians.

"I'll get dressed," Dimitri said, bringing his seat into the upright position before standing and grabbing his duffle. Moving to the bathroom at the rear of the cabin, he used the facilities and changed into his uniform. The area was too tight to shave, so his stubble would have to stay.

"You look sexy," Rose said nuzzling against her man when he sat down again, dutifully fastening his seat belt as per the pilot's instructions. They were on the final approach to Court.

"You look beautiful," Dimitri replied, leaning in to give his mate a tender kiss, unaware of the sympathetic glances from the other Guardians on board. No one felt good about what was likely to happen. Once the plane landed, Rose, Dimitri, and the Guardians crossed the tarmac, piling into a waiting van. Everyone was silent on the short drive to the Palace. Pulling up to one of the formal entrances, Priscilla Voda met the van.

"This way, please," she said to Rose, paying scant attention to the Guardians following her. Dimitri walked beside Rose, but closer to the other Guardians. So far, they had not questioned his presence. Priscilla led them through various passages until opening a door in a dark, oppressive hallway.

"You can go in, Rosemarie. They're expecting you. You too, Guardian Belikov."

'I guess that answers the question if they know you were with me,' Dimitri thought to Rose.

"Rosemarie! Thank God you're ok!" Janine Hathaway threw herself at Rose in a blur of fiery red hair.

"Hi Mom," Rose said lamely.

"You scared the hell out of me when you ran away! And we will have a talk about drugging me," Janine added.

"Yes. There'll be plenty of time for discussion later," Queen Tatiana said, eyeing Rosemarie, and the Guardian, Belikov, curiously.

"Apologies, Your Majesty," Janine said, stepping back, giving Rose her first chance to look around the room. A large chamber, Her Majesty sat on a chair—throne really—on a raised dais. On each side of her, also facing forward, were six chairs, arranged in two rows of three. Each of the twelve chairs was filled. The Royal Council, by the looks of it.

Rose, Dimitri, and Janine were standing in the middle of the room, separated from the Royals by a mostly decorative fence. Behind them was more tiered seating, which was mostly empty, although Rose noticed Guardian Croft was there, alongside Adrian who sat in the front row, wearing his signature smirk. Hazarding a guess, Rose believed they were in the Royal Council Chamber.

"Rosemarie Hathaway, you have been asked to attend Court today for your own protection. When you were last at Court, you submitted blood and DNA samples. These have been assessed, and has confirmed you are Omega. Your enrolment in the Guardian training program at St. Vladimir's Academy has been canceled. In the future, you will live at Court," Tatiana announced, several of the Royal Prince and Princesses nodding in agreement.

"Understand, Rosemarie, as an Omega you're not safe in estrous. That's why all Omega live at Court. You'll enjoy living here… there are plenty of diversions. I have arranged a secure suite of rooms in the palace for you. You'll be safe, here, with a twenty-four-seven guard." A cage, no matter how luxurious, was still a cage and everyone present knew it.

"What if I don't want to live at Court?" Rose asked, trying to get a better read on how the Queen intended to play things.

"I'm sure you'll change your mind… But if not, I'm afraid we will have to insist. An unmarried Omega cannot access estrous suppressing drugs, and it's not safe for you to be at an Academy or any other place unguarded. We're only looking out for your safety, dear," Her Majesty said with mock sweetness. "A safety you put in jeopardy when you left Court to travel to… Russia? Is that where you come into this, Guardian Belikov?" Tatiana asked, making note of Dimitri for the first time.

"In a manner of speaking," Dimitri acknowledged, bowing to Her Majesty.

The door at the rear of the chamber opened, at least three dozen Moroi and dhampir entering and hastily taking seats in the viewing gallery. Word must have got out that Rose had returned to Court and was with the Royal Council. One look at Tatiana's satisfied face revealed this was all part of her plan. Waiting for the hubbub to die down, Her Majesty continued.

"Can I ask what part you have to play in Miss Hathaway's disappearance from Court? Did you help her leave the protection of our capitol, then the country?!"

"Belikov," he corrected the Queen. "Or Belikova," he added, stating the female version of his surname used by the women in his family.

"Pardon?" Tatiana said.

"Rose is now Rose Belikova. We married yesterday."

There were sharp hisses of breath around the room, Janine looking stunned.

"Married? You can't be married?! You're not yet eighteen!" she exclaimed.

"You can marry at seventeen with parental permission," Dimitri explained, moving closer to Rose and taking her hand, his wedding band and hers on display for all to see.

"I didn't give it," Janine declared.

"You're not her only parent," Abe said, standing in the back row of the viewing gallery, making his way down the aisle between seats before stepping over the decorative partition that separated it from the main part of the room.

"Ibrahim Mazur? What have you done?" Janine asked, looking between Rose and Dimitri with believable consternation.

From her throne, Tatiana was regarding the scene unfolding before her with dismay. She had all but promised Adrian that Rose would be his bride. A marriage between an Alpha and an Omega…

"Such a marriage is illegal," Her Majesty said, coming to a decision. "I will annul it."

"Really? On what grounds?" Abe asked, eyeing Tatiana with amusement.

"Omega do not marry dhampir. They are reserved for Royal Moroi."

"And this law is stated, where?" he pressed, knowing already that no such law existed.

"It has always been that way," the Queen replied frostily. "If such a law does not yet exist, it soon will."

"Careful, Tatiana, the role of a despot doesn't become you," Abe replied, using her first name in a blatant act of irreverence. "Rose and Dimitri were legally married in a Church in front of a Priest of good standing. Additionally, they had a civil ceremony at ZAGS. As her father, I gave permission for Rose to marry."

"And what proof do we have? That you are Rosemarie's father?" Tatiana asked triumphantly. "Unless you have DNA proof, I am within my rights to have the marriage annulled until we establish paternity."

"Such proof can easily be arranged. Or you could ask her mother," Abe suggested.

"Abe is Rosemarie's male parent," Janine said clearly.

"There's no doubt…?" the Queen asked leadingly, causing another round of gasps in the Royal Council chamber. Her Majesty's implication was understandably offensive.

"None," Janine replied frostily. "Abe and I were in a committed, loving relationship!" Abe didn't let the joy in his heart show on his face, but hearing Janine make that declaration pleased him.

"Whether or not you gave permission, the fact remains that we cannot allow this marriage to proceed. Miss Hathaway is an Omega, and it has long been the custom for Omega to marry Royal Moroi to provide genetic diversity in the Royal bloodlines. For this reason, I propose the Royal Council vote on the matter."

"You want to vote on whether my daughter will be parted from her loving, legal husband and married off to a Royal Moroi then mated like a piece of livestock?!" Abe asked, turning to face the members of the viewing gallery. They'd become the jury in the battle between Abe and Tatiana, and Abe was hamming it up for them.

"Don't be vulgar!" Her Majesty retorted with a supercilious sneer. "I don't expect you to understand, but being Royal is all about breeding. It what sets us apart."

"So you'd approve of my daughter marrying someone from your own bloodline? A great-nephew, perhaps?"

"Naturally," Tatiana said, hoping Abe would be appeased by the prospect of a daughter being so closely related to the current occupier of the throne. If Abe were to revoke his permission, she could arrange an annulment and a wedding to Adrian could occur immediately, propriety be damned!

"Then there will be no need for an annulment!" Abe crowed with a broad smile. "Guardian Belikov is your great-nephew. His Moroi father is your oldest nephew, Randall Ivashkov!"

The Queen's eyes fell to Dimitri. Much taller than his father, thanks to being Alpha, and with different colorings, a knowing eye could discern a familial resemblance.

"You're being ridiculous, Mr. Mazur," she snapped, not appreciating being blindsided in this way. "I meant a Royal great-nephew!"

"Why is that?"

"Because they're the only ones that count!"