Chapter 19
Today really was not going great so far, the queen has summoned both Abe and I to see her at an ungodly hour the sun was burning my tired eyes. Thursday morning a day before Dimitri's Trials would conclude why Abe and I being summoned before the trial.
Abe being himself came to retrieve me with Pavel before heading there. He wanted to discuss with me that Adrian was back in the hospital due to exhaustion and refusing to leave Dimitri alone down in the prison cell. The queen has requested him to stay there for a few more nights.
As we entered the main foyer to the queens chambers, we nod towards the royal guards who stood by silently. "Why exactly has she requested us to get up so early, she couldn't when the world was awake." Yawning tiredly. "Even the Junior here isn't happy either." Referring to my unhappy child who is pushing up against me.
"The faster you get there the faster you can go home and nap," Abe sighed. "Quit your complaining and ill pay for breakfast after." Making my mouth water. The thought of chocolate donuts and bacon and eggs made me hungry, even Jr was thinking it was a good idea with his movements.
With a knock the two guardians at the door, opened it for us. Walking through both Abe and I stood in the middle of the room. Looking up to the Queens chair where she sat, she than finished her talk with Lady Pricilla Voda and got down to business. Getting up from her seat Lady Voda left the room leaving Abe, Queen Tatiana a few trusted council members and I alone with her most trusted Guardians.
"Ah miss Hathaway what a pleasure to see you doing so well. Congratulations are in orders," She spoke starting off on a good note, the last time I talked to her she was threatening to lower the age of dhampirs graduating to sixteen. "As well as a think you for saving my great-nephew Adrian."
"No thanks needed your highness; Adrian is one of my best friends and would do it again if needed." I replied. "May I ask why we are called at this ungodly hour." Abe groaned at my last comment.
Queen Tatiana laughed. "She is exactly how you where back when you were her age Ibrahim. Times do change rather quickly." Abe nodded in agreement, am amused look on his face.
"That she does your highness, she is quite a good mixed of both her mother and I."
"Anyways," Tatiana says clearing her throat. "Back to the main reason you're here is to discuss Mr. Belikov. With events and his trial hours away, we have questioned everyone else on the matters. We gave you a few days to relax and make sure the child is safe, but we couldn't put it off anymore."
Making me nod robotically. Knowing this day was coming, personally id rather climb back in my bed a forget this day ever came. Now I regret staying up late setting up the house.
Starting from the time I left the academy to Russia, I went into detail on his threats, putting my mother in the hospital and kidnapping Adrian. the only thing I left out was the I am in love with my mentor and we had a student teacher bond. As I explained I made it seem like he was more obsessed with me because I had a reputation on the Strigoi would and he felt like it was his duty. Which was not a lie, but they didn't need to know my child and other shit was connected, if they knew what he did there was no way I hell they would let him go. He would most definitely spend a long time locked up for taking advantage of a minor and his student.
Once I was finished my story, I knew everyone was still silent. So, I decided to speak again but speak on Dimitri's behalf.
"Please listen before you make your decision, I would like to speak on his behalf as well." I asked suddenly more nervous, the thought of Dimitri's freedom being taken away worried me. They all held a look of surprise, the fact I am speaking to help him being tormented, threatened and still defended him.
"Even though I went through all that with him, I don't wish him to be locked up. The thing that did those things was a soulless Strigoi, the man down in that prison is a dhampir with a soul. A man who is a loyal, kind, guardian who always puts his life in danger to protect everyone, he fought bravely to defend St Vladimir's and ended up he ended up a Strigoi in the first place." I spoke breathlessly. "Something that is supposed to be impossible happened and it gave him the opportunity to start over, gave him a second chance at being a dhampir, a second chance at life. Please do not take that away from him, from his grieving family at home that still thinks he is undead. Give them peace and let him have another chance give his family a second chance to have their uncle, brother, son and grandchild alive and free."
Clearing my throat awkwardly I than added. "That will be all." Glancing sideways at Abe he was smiling proudly.
Tatiana smirked. Knowing her she knew I'd fight them on this, did she know about us? Oh no! Where screwed. My stomach rumbled, letting me know I and our child where starving. Great that was embarrassing.
"Thank you miss Hathaway ill take that into deep consideration, now why won't you go and feel the child and yourself and Abe and I handle the complicated stuff." Tatiana spoke, holding her works she looked to be waiting for the few council members to get up to leave before saying. "Wouldn't want my great nephew to have more on his plate don't you think?" Wait what?
"Wait Adrian's not…" I was insanely silent when I caught her winking at me. What the hell was that.
Looking to Abe he also did not look surprised but did not glance my way or confirm my thoughts.
Then suddenly it hit me, I instantly remembered Adrian and Dimitri's conversation back at that warehouse. Adrian called Dimitri cousin when they were both talking before Adrian staked him. Honestly, it never crossed my mind he was being serious I thought because he called Lissa that it was just a stupid nickname. Oh no, I am technically pregnant with my ex's cousin. That is simply wrong and creepy. Shivering at the thoughts I quickly and awkwardly bowed to the queens and told Abe that he owes me a breakfast and a lunch.
Leaving the room, I head back in the direction I came. Walking through the corridors I made my way out of the building right into the lovely garden. Not paying attention to my surroundings I was startled by a woman's voice. "May you be Rose Hathaway, are you the woman who saved my son?"
Turning to the woman I take in her appearance, in front of me was a slender Moroi I assumed was Adrian's mother. "Yes, that would be me," I replied awkwardly. "How may I help you Lady Ivashkov." Stiffly bowing thanks to my pregnant belly.
Briefly glanced to my stomach before she replied. "Just a few moments of your time, if that would be alright."
Nodding I followed her as she went to sit on the bench under the tree to block the sun. Especially consider Moroi weaken under sunlight. "Aunt Tatiana has spoken highly to Nathan and me about you rescuing Adrian, behind that your pregnant it was very brave to save my boy and for that id like to thank you."
"Thank you, Lady Ivashkov but no matter my status id always save him, he is after all one of my best and closest friends." I replied slightly bowing. "Truth be told it is my fault he in the first place, he got into this mess because I had asked for his help. The person who kidnapped him was using him to get to me."
"Daniella." She said kindly. "No titles necessary."
"Daniella," I said smiling. "No apology is necessary, no matter
"Well, none of that matters now, he is home and safe all thanks to you," She smiled standing up. Coping her moves I get up and adjust my shirt making sure my stomach was covered. "Again, sorry for disturbing your plans I just wanted to personally thank you for saving him."
"It was no problem Lady Ivsh…I mean Daniella, I was just going to grab something to eat before heading home, so you were not disturbing me in anyway." I reassured, rubbing my starving pregnant belly.
"Well, I better let you go do that and feed your young one, thank you again" She thanked smiling brightly.
Going our separate ways again I headed to the tiny diner near my house before I went home.
"Wow!" Lissa stared in awe at my house that same day. After my blissful nap I met up with Lissa and Christian than decided to show them my new house with a quiet Eddie behind us in guardian mode. Staring at it for the first time she excitedly pulled Christian and I with her to the front doors. "This house is so beautiful; your father has excellent taste in house shopping this place is so vintage." Both Christian and I looked at her oddly. Vintage?
Glancing to Christian he shrugged clearly confused as I was." Pulling the key from my pocket I open the door and stepped in. "There isn't much right now, but I still have to do some shopping and make an income." I nervously chuckle as they scan the main floor. "Abe offered to pay the bill to decorate but this is my responsibility and as soon as arrives I will graduate and hopefully get assigned." Giving Lissa a quick glance. "Here let me give you a tour."
Off to the right was a staircase taking you to the three bedrooms upstairs as well as a master bathroom and another bathroom for the others. On our left side wad the living room and dining room that lead you to the kitchen and backyard.
"Wow Rose this is amazing." Eddie spoke for the first time in awhile. He was currently on duty and taking it serious, kind of like Dimitri. They both were both serious and dedicated.
"This place is incredible." Christian spoke, as he stared towards the kitchen. Of course, Christian is a sucker for a kitchen. Thinking back when the Academy assigned us to a charged and gotten Christian, I remember watching him as he passionately cooked in his home economics. "Come on you big dope the kitchens this way." Lissa chuckled at her boyfriends excitement.
Once we finished the kitchen and showed them the backyard the was connected to it, we walked back where we came from. On the left by the stairs was a door that led to another tiny spare bedroom, laundry room, tiny bathroom as well as a personal gym. The fact Abe specifically found the perfect house was an understatement, when I get on my feet and make some money ill be excited to make this my dream home. Something I have never really had, something I wanted my child to have.
Let me just say Eddie was in heaven when he entered the gym. "You have no idea how jealous I am." Eddie said astonished with what Abe created. "Well, you are more than welcome to use it, especially now since I can't." Making him drool in appreciation.
"You my friend are the best." Making all of us laugh. "My nephew is one lucky guy to have you as a mom." Making me tear up a bit, these damn hormones has taken a toll on me now."
"Thank you, Eddie."
Walking back up I take them to the upstairs and show them the guest bedrooms and than the master bathroom. When you walked into the master bedroom the first thing you see is my large kind sized bed. Moving to the left side I showed them my master bathroom that had a double sink, a bidet toilet, a rock themed shower that made you think of a water fall and a large jacuzzi tub. Which I had to wait until the baby arrived before I could work that bad boy.
"That's not all check this out Lissa." Pulling her to the walk-in closet. Both sides where shelves and drawers, in the middle was a table, organizer that held mu jewelry and accessories. At the end of the closet was a wall display shelves for shoes. In the corner sat a large stand-up mirror.
"Oh my gosh! This is utterly amazing! Christian don't you think this is amazing, Now I want a beautiful walk in closest, do you think your father could help a girl out and find me a house like this." Making me laugh, Christian shook his head at us and mumbled something about going got make a snack in the kitchen. Eddie laughed and followed him since I was with her, he was free to roam a bit besides we where at court.
Once we were along Lissa asked me what my plans where for tomorrow referring to Dimitri's trial. "As much as I want to go, I have a doctors appointment for the baby. Abe also thought it would be best to not go, he didn't want to stress the baby and I out and distract Dimitri." Making me sigh loudly, frustrated with how everything was turning out. "Also, he blackmailed me." I said sourly, slightly embarrassed that my own father blackmailed me to stay away. "My father is playing lawyer to Dimitri only if I stay away from the trial."
Especially since this trial determines his future and life as well as our child's. He may not want anything to do with us, but I will not stop my child knowing who his father is, so I needed to stay away and focus on my child and the doctors appointment.
"But we both know Dimitri asked him not to let me be there." Lissa gave me a sad guilty look. "The sad thing is my child has to suffer my consequences. The way he spoke pretty much confirms he wants nothing to do with the both of us. I understand he is hurting my he also going to hurt our child." Sighing as I rolled my stiff shoulders.
"Rose…" Lissa said before I stopped her explanation.
"Lissa its fine, I mean its not fine my heart feels like it has been ripped out. I feel pissed for my sons sake, but I can't blame him after everything." I explained. "Yes, I was watching through your eyes when you went to see him, yes I heard everything he had to say to me. After everything I do not blame him, but I will not give up on him for my child even if he continues to hurt me because that is the only thing that matters my child having both his parents, even if they can't be together."
"I am so proud of you Rose; my nephew is so lucky to have such a strong mother like you, someone so honorable. He is lucky like I am to have someone so loving and strong who would risk her life to protect her love ones. You may not believe it, but you are truly an extraordinary woman." Giving me a hug. "I'm honored to be your best friend, your sister. Thick and thin family without the blood."
"I understand your scared even though you don't show it, just know Christian and I will be there tomorrow with Eddie so if you need to catch a glimpse you can always pop in secretly." Referring to my abilities to go into her head and see through her eyes. The only down fall is that we cannot talk to each other nor can I control slipping in her head when her feelings are high and emotional. Which trust me is not a good thing when her and Christian are about to do the hanky panky. She can also block me out if she tried hard enough.
"Thank you, Lissa, for everything truly."
"Let's go downstairs before Christian burns my house down like the pyro he is or eats all of my food with Eddie, both I desperately don't want." Making Lissa laugh following me down the stairs.
"Deal but we are not done this conversation you and I where having, after this we are having a sleep over with Mia." She replied excitedly as we exited my room and made our way downstairs.
Eddie was currently sitting on the couch scrolling through his phone, probably waiting for us to come downstairs. Where was Christian through.
"Christian where are you." I asked not hearing him downstairs the house was silent.
"Where could he be?" Eddie shrugged.
Shrugging I quietly moved towards the kitchen, flicking the light on.
To my right Christian jumped out of me. "BOO!" Followed by a groan as I kicked his ass backwards hitting the floor and the wall.
"Christian!" Lissa squeaked rushing to Christians side. "Are you alright."
"Nothing I couldn't take." He replied grinning at her like a fool. Me I just rolled my eyes at the fool who tried to scare a guardian. Liar I kicked your ass to the floor. Well guardian to be just a month and a bit and he will be here than I can get ready to graduate.
Eddie chuckled from the living room.
Walking to the freezer I take out an ice pack and hand it to him." Next time you will think before scaring a guardian, especially a pregnant one." Grinning at him. Christian snorted in response.
"Oh Rose." Lissa chastised helping Christian up to his feet.
"Hey, don't blame me blame the foolish airhead." I replied defending myself. "Who scares a dhampir who is trained to kill Strigoi and enemies on the spot."
"Now get him to the couch while I fix us something to snack on." I added. Nodding they both go to the sit while I am rummaging through my kitchen. Settling on the simplest thing I carried that and a jug of iced tea. Laying everything out on the table I quickly went to grab glasses for the iced tea and sat down with them.
"So, Rose have you thought of any names for the child yet? "Christian asked. "Personally, I think you should name him Christian after me." Making me roll my eyes. Yeah, that is what I want to do name him after a pyromaniac.
"No, I have not chosen a name yet. Truthfully, I have not even thought of giving him a named yet, I wanted to give his father a chance to name him, but it looks like ill be doing it alone." Suddenly making the atmosphere gloomy so I decided to change the subject.
"What are your ideas maybe you can give me an idea." I asked, Lissa liked the idea.
Sitting here for hours we talked baby name and caught up in each other's lives before they had to leave. Hugging them both I escorted them to the door and locked up behind them. Cleaning the mess and washing the few dishes up I tuned the lights off and headed up stairs. Taking a quick shower, I got ready for bed tomorrow was a big day for Junior and I.
Waking up the next morning was the last thing I wanted to do, other than my ultrasound Dimitri's trial was today as well.
"Rose gets your ass up or you will be late." My mothers annoyed voice spoke to me as peeling my eyes open. Standing there looking at me she was waiting for me to move. "We have half an hour till your ultrasound hurry and get dressed. Why did I have to ask her to come with me again I should have gone alone. But you do not want to be alone. An annoying voice spoke to me. Being alone would bring the great Rose Hathaway to tears, some guardian you cannot even control yourself. Would Dimitri take a whiny baby. Great now I am yelling to myself in my mind talk about crazy.
Getting up I went into the closet to get changed. My appointment was at twelve thirty, Dimitris trial was at one thirty. Hopefully, I could make it home in time to see how his trial goes. Honestly just him being released was all I could hope for even if he did not want me at least he got his life back. This was my gift to his family, hopefully Yeva will understand it was not meant to be when I mail the beautiful ring back to her.
Looking down at it on my left middle finger made a small sharp pain I felt in my heart.
Waddling down the stairs I grab my jacket house keys and locked up behind mom and me.
Arriving at my appointment with minutes to spare I take a seat as my mom checks me in.
"Miss Hathaway." The nurse kindly called. Pulling myself up from the seat with my mothers help we follow the nurse. Taking my jacket off as we entered the room, I handed it to my mother as I sat on the seat.
"Here is her file, everything up until now is in there, as well as my grand child's." Mom explained.
Pulling the file out she hands it to the nurse, pulling it back she than says. "Anything in this file is confidential anything I here leaves this room I will be back to take care of you personally, understood." Mom threatened.
"Yes Guardian Hathaway."
"Also Mr. Mazur has also sent his warning as well, he has specifically asked that you follow these rules." Making the nurse gulp nervously, as she received my file. Her pale face looked a bit ashy. Opening it up she quickly scanned the notes and other medical things they do.
Looking at me she finally than says. "Understood, Guardian Hathaway." She nodded quickly, avoiding my mothers intense stare.
I knew I should have come alone, why oh why did I agree with Abe to let her come with me. Now here she is threatening nurses for Abe, out of both of my parents she is the one who is usually practical one. Now here she is acting like Abe, threatening innocent people.
"Miss Hathaway please lift your shirt." Nodding with a smile and already knowing what to do I pulled my shirt up. Feeling the cold jelly on my belly I gritted my teeth. Bloody hell this shits cold why could not they warm it up before putting it on me. "Shit this is cold." Making her calm down and smile towards me.
"Sorry about that, give it a minute it will warm up."
Placing the stick on my stomach she rolls it around, massaging the gel all over my belly.
Looking on the screen I was again entranced with my baby on the screen. The thumping of his strong heart made me cry. My beautiful baby boy, a miracle. "Oh, wow Rose look at him, he is absolutely beautiful." Mom said staring softly at the screen, as she held my hand. Clearly mesmerized as I was.
"He is perfectly healthy and looks to quite a large child, my guess he will be over an eight-pound baby." Pointing to a spot on the screen. "He no doubt will be tall as well."
Making me laugh, of course he was. "Just like his father, tall and well built, lord knows how I will be able to get him out of me." Glimpsing at the thought, the nurse laughed.
Mom smiles silently, probably thinking on who the child's father is.
"Alright Rose, I will be back I am just going to print out a few copies of your baby boy." Standing up from her seat.
"Would you mind printing me out a few extra, I would like to give some to my loved ones." I asked. "If that will be alright?"
"Yeah, no problem." She nodded sweetly. "Just let me get this done than ill set you your next appointment and update your file." Handing me a paper towel she than exits the room.
"Rose." Mom asks, while I wiped my belly.
"Yes?"
"Who exactly is the baby's father." Making me freeze. "Why isn't he here with you?"
My shoulders sank as I breathed out a large breath. How the hell do I get out of this now. "Does it really matter to you who's the father is, he is not here right now so please drop it." I muttered, throwing the paper towel in the garbage and fixed my shirt.
"Yes, it does matter Rose he is the father and needs to own up to his responsibilities as a father." She replied. "How do you expect to do everything on your own, relying on Abe isn't right either."
Making me instantly pissed. For god sakes it is not like I did not know that, as soon as I graduate, I will pay him back everything.
"Look I understand you are worried about the child and I, but we will be fine without him. I've been doing this alone the while time, if he wants to be in his child's life that is his own choice." I explained. "Your nor I can make that decision for him so please mom drop it, also mind your own business when it comes to Abe, I've already made a plan to pay him back so don't put your nose into something you have no idea about."
"But Rose..."
"But Rose nothing, you of all people can't harp about an absentee parent you and your part in Abe's lack of involvement in my life, what a splendid example of job of that subject." I argued. "Please, we both where doing so good today without fighting, do not ruin it by bringing the child's father into this. He is not in a good place right now mom, right now he needs to fix himself before he can think about raising a child."
Janine looked hurt at what I said, the words I spoke were harsh, but they were true. Nodding she let it go just as the nurse came back into the room. "Alright here is your photo's and we are almost all finished up."
"Thank you miss…?" I asked hoping for her name, I would like to have someone permanently for the rest of my pregnancy and I particularly like this one.
"Where are my manners, my name is Jenny Miller." Holding her hand out smiling.
Shaking her hand excitedly we set my next appointment, handing the file to my mother we thanked her.
On the walk home mom was silent on the way back, probably still upset at me for my words.
"Well, I guess ill see you later?" I spoke awkwardly. Truth be told id rather her yell at me now than stay silent cause the silent treatment was freaking me out.
She nodded at me. "Yeah, ill see you later." Before leaving me at my doorstep.
Laying on my bed comfortably when I got in the doors I focus and enter Lissa's head. There in her eyes I saw Dimitri stood there with his head held high, looking confident standing side by side with Abe in the middle of the court room. Abe was representing Dimitri as his lawyer for the trials in exchange me not attending the trial. Dimitri
"Mr. Belikov it's a pleasure to see you with my own two eyes. Something so impossible yet was possible happened. "Judge spoke sitting near queen Tatiana. "Mr. Mazur a pleasure to see you again, only this time under unfortunate circumstances."
Abe cleared his throat. "Diane it has been ages how's life been treating you." Looking a bit flustered.
"Life has been kind, maybe after this is over, we can sit down and have a couple drinks." Making me gag looking at this. Tatiana on the other hand looked amused. Dimitri's life is on the line and there are all acting like this is high school reunion.
"Yeah, that sounds great," Abe answered before getting serious again.
Over the next forty-five minutes they talked about everything, it was the most nerve-wracking thing ever. Watching his face as they brought up everything, all the evidence of what he did and what Adrian and I shared with Tatiana. Not being there was probably a good thing id break down crying, every word Dimitri spoke as he answered questions made me sad.
"With a lot of thought in this decision which we didn't take this lightly."
"Count yourself lucky Mr. Belikov, my great nephew may have shared his words and defended you, as well us a few other individuals. "Tatiana said. "but it was Miss Hathaway's words that made us decide."Making Dimitri's lose his guardian mask, he face held a look of surprise before he went back neutral.
"What do you mean your highness?"
There was a pause, Lissa held her breathe nervously as she held Christians hand. Even Abe was looking quite nervous. Tatiana looked down at them most likely getting a kick out of making everyone nervous.
"It means Mr. Belikov that you are a free man thanks to her, you will be free from prison. You will be on a six-month probation with restrictions when leaving court of course, doings so you will take that up with Guardian Hans if you choose to see your family. On and off court you will be always accompanied with two guardians" Tatiana explained. "When the six months are up you will be reviewed then on if you earned your guardian status back."
Dimitri looked relieved.
Bowing Dimitri his head he thanked her, Abe clapped him on the back happily whispering something in his ear. Lissa squealed in delight. "Let's go Christian." Pulling him with her towards Abe and Dimitri and now Adrian who popped out if no where.
Congratulations Dimka I am so humbled that you have been released." Tasha spoke cheerfully, pulling Dimitri into a tight hug. "I've been so worried about you, after our last visit I was so worried I couldn't sleep or eat without Christian I would have made myself sick."
Hugging back quickly Dimitri withdrew himself quickly after, Tasha's face went from sporting a look of anger before covering it up. She did not look to happy with Dimitri pulling away from her.
Nodding to her with a genuinely small smile. "You need not to worry about me Tasha I can handle things on my own. No need to worry or make yourself sick."
Blushing like a schoolgirl she placed her claws on his arm. "Really it's fine Dimka, where will you be staying if you're not a guardian." She asked hopeful. "If you don't have anywhere you could stay with me."
"That's will not be necessary." Both Adrian and Abe said in unison. Looking to each other they both looking weirded out before Adrian answered. "What we mean to say is I've already offered Belikov my spare room in my apartment, so it won't be necessary." Making me cheer with joy in Lissa's head, thank you Abe and Adrian.
Tasha on the other hand did not look happy which made Abe and Adrian more pleased with their meddling. That is my boys, make her suffer.
"Oh, that's great I'm glad." Clearly not happy.
Smirking at her misery I left them feeling the glory.