Hey guys, this is my first piece of writing after 8 years so might be a little rusty.

Set after Last Sacrifice.

Please let me know what you think

Ellie x

Chapter 1.

The room was uncomfortably quiet as I was greeted with a mass of unhappy faces. My cheeks slightly flushed – the tell-tale sign that I had to run to make it. I knew I was late and it looked like everyone else did too.

"I'm going to have to buy you a watch for your birthday", Lissa sighed in my direction a faint trace of disappointment laced her words.

It was a times like these that part of me wished the bond still existed- was she genuinely disappointed or was this part of the role for court she had to play? I was still not used to seeing her sitting on that throne as queen; Vasilisa Dragomir, first of her name. No. To me she was Lissa my best friend and it was my job to keep her humble.

"But then I wouldn't be able to make my grand entrance" I laughed as I took my place behind her next to another one of the Courts guardians. Zayn, he had been a final year student at St Vlad's before our 'little holiday' and took his role very seriously from what I had observed so far.

I listened to the rest the week's court session between Lissa and the rest of her court as they discussed the pressing issues that the Moroi and Dhampir community faced. Many of the issues had been discussed week after week; should defence training be mandatory for the younger Moroi students and growing reports about groups of Strigoi working together. I should probably pay more attention but the growing concern for me was what I was going to eat after this meeting. As great as that extra time in bed had been I was really regretting missing breakfast. I had been too late to enjoy the pre-meeting snacks provided and now the empty plates that had been filled with croissants and fresh fruit teased me. Being late hadn't strictly been my fault – Dimitri was normally my alarm clock in the mornings but he had been at an overnight training exercise with some of the guardians from St Vlad's as a favour for them. Pretty selfish if you ask me!

"Well I believe that covers everything. Now I hope you don't mind but I need the room for a confidential meeting so I will need everyone to leave apart from Rose, Eddie and Christian."

The statement may have been polite but it was clear from everyone that this was a direct order from their queen and therefore would have to be followed. A few nods and a collection of 'thank you' as the room emptied leaving only the chosen few behind. I felt my shoulders relax and my jaw unclench, despite proving myself these last few months I knew that some of them still felt disdain towards me. Some of them had been very vocal against me in the trial, you know the whole being accused of killing the previous queen, but oh well we move.

"Thank fuck. That was may have been the most boring meeting yet," Lissa slumped down in her chair, "Sit guys, sit. I should be used to them by now but conversations about budget will never interest me. I think I'm getting lines on my forehead from the confused look I must have anytime they ask me about it."

She brought a fingertip, which of course was perfectly manicured, and ran it gently over her forehead.

"No wrinkles, all beautiful still" Christian lent over, kissed her gently on the cheek and placed his hand on the top of thigh.

"My eyes, Sparky! Bleach! I need bleach!" I cried out mockingly at him.

Although I considered me and Christian great friends now, a friendly bit of banter was the bases of it and he might be dating the queen now but as I said before it was my job to keep everyone humble.

"You're just jealous Rosie. I can kiss my woman all I want – but I see your man isn't here. Did he finally realise you were psycho?"

I always appreciated that he could give it as well as he could take it.

"Ah I see that famous Hathaway and Ozera friendship is as strong as ever", Eddie chuckled.

It was great to see him smile, he had perfected that stoic guardian look perfectly and I knew that he found it really difficult to relax knowing what could happen if he relaxed. We all did. I knew he thought about Mason a lot but was trying his best nowadays to live – not just exist.

"They have actually been fairly civilised lately. Now I think we have something incredibly important to discuss. Perhaps the most important conversation that will be had today", a grin lit up Lissa's face and her shoulders shimmied in excitement.

We all knew what she was referring to, the whispered conversations in hallways between us had been preparing all month. It was Christian's birthday this coming weekend and we had very special plans that would remain between us and whichever guardian would be assigned to accompany us out. I hadn't told Dimitri and had no plans to – he definitely would not approve of our plans.

"You asked and I delivered" I smirked as I pulled four small bags from my jacket pocket.

The bags were each filled with a mixture of white and champagne coloured crystals, carefully divided into four grams – one for each of us. To be honest I had been surprised when Lissa had asked me to buy them for the group. Drugs had never really been her thing- I knew that she had tried cocaine once in school but had been too scared to try anything else in case others found out.

"Is it safe?" there was the sensible Lissa we knew and loved.

"Humans may be a bit boring but trust me they supply some good drugs", I reassured her, "These are a quality product- see the champagne colouring? Only the best Mandy for Sparky's birthday."

I gave each of them a bag. Carrying one each would be a lot easier than me carrying around all four. Although Lissa was technically above the law for most crimes I was not and carrying around these bags would cause major problems if I had been caught.

"I've been doing some investigating. Discreetly of course. Guardian Jones and Hurtz would be the best to suggest came with us. Both were pretty big party animals back in the day I've heard, but still graduated top of their classes. I think they would be able to keep our plans confidential." Eddie' calm and easy nature had made him a hit with the other guardians and was perfect in this situation to help us decide who we should trust.

"I personally think Belikov would have made a great addition to our night"

I scowled in Christian's direction. He was joking of course but he knew how difficult it had been hiding them from Dimitri – a few near misses had resulted in me hiding them in a box of tampons for the past few days before he had left. The group continued our discussion of our plans for the weekend, the more we spoke the more excited we became. We would be celebrating Christian's birthday with a formal dinner at court- fit for the partner of a royal and then the real fun would begin. A warehouse about 45 minutes away from court had been transformed into an 'enchanted forest' for an exclusive event which we had managed to secure six tickets for. Four for us and two for the guardians- although I felt that they would not enjoy the night sober nearly as much as we would.

The opening of the door interrupted our conversation and a familiar Russian accent spoke.

"Queen Vasilisa."

Fuck. He was back early.