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Thank you all for your patience waiting on this update. Last week was probably the best week of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed watching my nephews explore and experience new things and places. But, we are back now, I am overcoming this wicked cold that caught me upon our return, and we have an update!

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CHAPTER FIFTEEN

ROSE

Graduation Day.

I have waited far too long for this moment, and it has finally arrived. With trials complete, my dorm room packed, and only a few hours left as Novice Rosemarie Hathaway, I was ready.

I completed my trials two days ago, Alberta wanting to get mine out of the way with the modifications that had to be made. Now at twelve weeks, they didn't want to risk me taking a hit to the abdomen, again. So Dimitri and Pavel assisted in creating a different set of obstacles. Not that I couldn't do the original course, and I made that known numerous times, but the jury won out. So for the last two days, I watched my fellow classmates make their runs. Eddie scored at the top of the class -no surprise there- with Merideth right behind him.

Dimitri, along with Pavel and the rest of the Muzar Guardians Dad had brought assisted in playing Strigoi or Moroi for several students. And tonight, they would all be working the Ceremony and follow up dance -much to my dismay, but I knew it was going to happen. Not even Dad could pull the strings needed to get Dimitri the night off to escort me.

Speaking of Dad, he has been amazing this week. Every morning he would study with me for my Moroi Studies exams over breakfast. Then he took Lissa and me to Missoula for a Spa day, mani-pedi's and massages -ah-may-zing. And he called in a favor to have someone come to campus tonight to help us get ready for the day.

We had talked a lot over the last week about why he wasn't around when I was little, and why Alberta had to keep me in the dark. I get it, well, most of it, but he is still overcompensating for withholding so much from me growing up. But, hey I am not complaining.

"Ready, Rose?" Lissa poked her head around the door, a smile gracing her face.

"Yeah. Where is Sparky?"

"He is meeting us downstairs."

One last look in the mirror, I adjusted the thin straps on my dress, before running my hands along my stomach. When I had tried it on in the store, it took my breath away with how perfect it looked. I remember crying to Adrian that I couldn't get it because I would be showing and I didn't want anyone to see it. Now, as I run my hand over the tiny bump on my lower abdomen, I can't hold back my smile.

After Dad told me about everything he found, I felt a massive burden lift from my shoulders. When talking to Dimitri about it the next day, I could see he had the same feeling. Not having to hide and lie is a huge relief for both of us.

Drawing in a deep breath, checking my hair one last time- keeping it up today with a high bun on top of my head, a few stands left loose framing my face- I turned to head downstairs. Since Dimitri has to work security, Adrian is escorting me to the ceremony. He and I have grown even closer over the last few weeks. Sharing more of a sibling relationship rather than friends. His new found adoration for Sydney has drawn him away from the love he held for me, but I worry he is still setting himself up for failure. Being with her is even more unrealistic than being with me.

"Little Dhampir," Adrian greeted me when I reached the bottom of the stairs. Reaching out to take my hand, he brought it to his lips, "You look stunning."

"Thank you," I laughed, "You don't look half bad yourself." Clad in a green silk shirt, black trousers, and his signature bed head, Adrian looked good enough to eat. Hey, I'm human, I can appreciate a good looking man when I see him.

Adrian pulled me to him, wrapping my arm under his while still holding my hand, "Shall we?"

"Lead the way," I smiled.

Lissa and Christian walked ahead of us, looking like the perfect Royal couple they are. The dress Lissa had chosen was beautiful, mint green in color, and flowed to the floor. Delicate embroidery covered her arms, chest, and down to her waist. Paired with two-inch silver strappy heels, she was the same height as Christian. His black trousers and matching mint shirt and tie complemented her well. They were gorgeous together.

Entering the grand hall, AKA the commons, I paused to take in the transformation of the space. Silk ribbons ran across the ceiling, twelve different colors marking the Royal lines. Expensive chandeliers had been hung, casting just enough light to not be overwhelming like the fluorescents. One side of the room held over a hundred chairs, the other, only a few dozens. Another ten rows sat behind those allowing family and friends to watch their loved ones walk across the stage.

Adrian led me to my section, leaving me there with a kiss to my forehead and one more congratulation, he headed back to sit next to Dad and...Mom. I blinked a few times, making sure my eyes weren't deceiving me. But they weren't. Sitting next to my father was my mother. Seeing the two of them together for the first time, I couldn't help but ask myself, how in the world did they wind up together. Her petite frame, pale skin tone, and firey red hair. Not to mention her take no shit attitude, though she hides that rather well. And his dark and mysterious aura. Between his almost black hair, deep brown eyes, and almond skin tone, he is her opposite. And yet, they look good together.

I watched them for several minutes, unable to look away. Mom was laughing at something Dad said, her head thrown back and a rich chuckle escaping her lips. Dad wore a smile I don't believe I have seen before, not even when he first saw me in Alberta's office. They looked….happy.

A squeal from the PA system drew my attention, Kirova speaking through the mic to get everyone's attention. The room silenced and we took our seats. Kirova began the evening by thanking everyone for attending, and then going over a list of accomplishments made by the students this year. Highlighting the attack on the Academy and the roles several students, including myself and Christian, played in saving the school.

Once finished, she started calling on the Moroi students to receive their diplomas. One by one each Moroi, starting with the Royals, made their way across the stage. If they had already been assigned a Guardian, not one that was graduating today, it was announced with their name. Of course, I knew Lissa would have one called, but the Guardian they named was not what I had expected.

"Princess Vasilisa Sabina Rhea Dragomir, Charge of Guardian Janine Hathaway."

My head spun around, attempting to locate my mother in the crowd of Guardians. I caught a glimpse of her red hair as she moved along the far wall toward the stage. Looking back toward Dad, he had a smile the size of the Grand Canyon, a gleam in his eye. What has he been up to?

Mom walked over to Lissa, bowing to her before following her down from the stage.

What the hell just happened? Lissa called through the bond, locking her eyes with mine as she descended the stairs.

With a shrug of my shoulders, I said, I have no fucking clue.

Kirova continued to call names, shocking everyone once again when she reached Christian. "Lord Christian Ozera," he began his walk up the stairs, "Charge of Guardian Dimitri Belikov."

Christian receiving a Guardian at all was a shock to most. I, along with the rest of our group, already knew he would be assigned to someone. If not because of his bloodline, though disgraced by most, then by his connection to Lissa. Dating the Princess means his Guardian would also be around to protect her. Essentially giving her three Guardians as opposed to two.

What I did not know, is that apparently, Dimitri had already filed his paperwork to be reallocated. Which means… Yes, I knew, I signed his papers a few days ago. Chris requested him as soon as it processed. Don't be mad at him, I told him to wait to tell you. Lissa's eyes remained locked on mine as she sent the silent message.

I tried to convey my thoughts back to her, but this stupid one-way bond only allowed a staring match. One at which I lost. I knew he was going to ask Christian if he would request him once I graduated, that wasn't the issue. However, it happened faster than I had thought, and with my mother being assigned to Liss….where does that leave me? Surely, they wouldn't assign both of us to her. That would be no better than Dimitri and I staying together. How do I choose between my blood or my charge?

I didn't know about your Mom, but we will figure everything out, okay?

I gave a simple nod, not bothering to meet Lissa's eyes.

Finally, Kirova called the last Moroi to walk, and it was our turn. The number of Dhampirs graduating is far less than the Moroi, our section would take just as long, if not longer. As Alberta called each one of us, she would read our scores and grading, and we would receive our marks.

As hard as I tried, I failed at keeping the tears from falling as Alberta started at the top of the list. Mason had always been first in anything we did, but his name was not announced today. I let one lone tear fall as I met Eddie's eyes. He too understood the sorrow I felt at this moment. When Alberta called Eddie's name, he blinked a few times to clear his own tears and proceeded up to Lionel.

"Edison Castile, Score 97, Grade Black New Moon."

A collective gasp was heard amongst our classmates. Eddie has been placed on the second from the top of grading a Novice can receive. I knew he had the highest score on the trials in our class, but I hadn't expected him to have such a high ranking. Grading is the deciding factor on what you are paid, as well as where you will most likely be assigned. Graduating a Red Moon or above guaranteed you a prime Royal spot, and if you were lucky, a partner. With Eddie ranking that high, our plans to have him Guarding Lissa were looking better and better.

"Rosemarie Hathaway." I stood, smoothing my hands down the front of my dress.

Sitting in the tattooist chair proved far more difficult than I had anticipated. The last time I had been in one I had on a pair of jeans, this time, however, I could not sit the way it is intended. Crossing my legs at my ankles, I turned my upper body to rest my chin on the chair.

"Hathaway," Lionel greeted, "You never received your Zevzda, would you like me to go ahead and do that as well?"

"Please," I nodded.

The buzzing started and Alberta read my scoring, "Score 95, Grade Black One-Half Moon."

Thankfully, Lionel had his hand on the back of my head, keeping me from moving. Given I had missed two years of training, withdrawn from the field experience full time during the Mason sightings, you can understand my astonishment at the grade given. I predicted being a Red Moon, or maybe a Black One-Quarter. In no way, shape, or form did I expect to graduate in the top five of my class. Let alone, second. Merideth was the only other person to score above a 90, and she was graded at Red Full Moon.

Shock wearing off, I could hear the murmurs starting around the room, much like with Eddie, only this time I could hear people commenting in a different matter.

The worst part, they were Guardians.

Bullshit.

Rigged.

Way to make the bloodwhore look good.

She didn't even complete the trials.

On and on they went.

Most of the Guardians have been supportive of me, but a few disgruntled ones still lingered around. Gritting my teeth I prayed Lionel would hurry the hell up so I could get down from here. With everyone staring at me I felt like a zoo animal. Caged and ready to break out any second. Attempting to ground myself, I spoke in my mind, I am nota bloodwhore, and I did complete my trials. Plus, I have also already killed my fair share of Strigoi, so these fucktards can kiss my ass.

The buzzing stopped and I felt the bandage being placed over my neck, "You know how to care for it, correct?"

"Yes Sir, Thank you." Rising, I walked over to Alberta, retrieving my diploma and stakes.

"I am so proud of you, Rose," her smile split her face, "You are going to be an amazing Guardian, and mother."

"Thank you, Alberta."

I retook my seat, holding the oak box in my lap, running my fingers over the smooth surface. Lifting the lid, I examined the pair of stakes within. Just like any other, they were smooth and deadly. The tips were freshly sharpened and the surface cold and slick. I didn't go as far as to pull them out just yet, knowing I would receive even more distasteful looks. So I closed the lid and rested both hands on top. Letting the weight of the day finally sink in.

I am officially a Guardian.

"Explain, now," I growled at Dad.

With the ceremony over, we had to leave the commons so they could transform the space once again for the dance tonight. Dad had arraigned a dinner for all of us, Lissa, Chris, Eddie and myself, so we are currently packed into his room in guest housing. Dimitri and Pavel were the only two missing -having to stay back and help the other Guardians.

"Hear us out, Little Dhampir," Adrian came to stand beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

"You're in on this too?" I looked up to him in shock.

Dad being involved didn't surprise me. Guardians may be at the mercy of the Council, but Abe has his hand in several different pots. But Adrian.

"Kiz, let's all sit down and I will fill everyone in at the same time."

One by one we filed into the living area. Lissa taking a seat on Chris lap in the armchair, Eddie and I, with Adrian, on the couch. Mom and Dad across from us on the love seat. We all remained silent, waiting for someone to begin.

"I talked to Queen Tatiana," Dad started, my eyes grew, "I disclosed our current situation to her, and she has made it possible for you to have a position guarding someone who lives at Court, so you can raise your child and work."

"I'm supposed to be Lissa's Guardian," I growled. "I don't want to guard some stuck-up Royal."

"Lucky for you, he isn't all that stuck up anymore," Adrian laughed.

I twisted in my seat to look at him, "Really?" I attempted to raise one eyebrow.

"Yes, really," he laughed, "I snuck off with your Dad to go see Auntie, once I filled her in on some minor details, she agreed to let you guard me."

"What minor details?" Lissa asked.

We never told the gang about Dimitri and Adrian's relation, considering Dimitri still doesn't like to acknowledge it himself. And in all honesty, I never pegged Tatiana to give a shit about her Dhampir family, so there really was no point in telling every one of his connection to the crown.

Adrian took over the conversation, revealing their shared bloodline. As expected, Lissa was the one most intrigued by the information. Christian seemed amazed that with Tatiana knowing about Dimitri's relationship to her, he would be assigned as his charge. Though it further makes sense when you think about it. Dimitri is the best of the best, and if Christian is always with Liss, Dimitri would be protecting her too. Only the finest Guardians for the Princess.

Once the shock value wore off, Abe took back over. "Vasilisa, I hope you don't mind Janine putting in the request for you. We weren't sure it would actually happen, hence why we didn't mention it before now."

"Not at all, honestly, if Rose can't guard me, I'm glad it's you," she told Mom. Which I agree. My mother may not have been the best parent, but she is one hell of a Guardian. It doesn't surprise me that they would approve her to guard to the last of the Dragomir line.

"Thank you, Princess, but I must admit, I had an ulterior motive for the transfer," Mom smiled at me, "I wanted to be around for you. I know I failed you growing up, but I want to help you not make the mistakes I did."

Hasty, I wiped at the traitorous tear that fell. Mom has never shown any inclining that she regretted leaving me alone at the Academy. I always believed she didn't want me, that she didn't care enough to be there. But she wanted too, I can see it in her eyes. She wishes she had been around more for me in my younger years. And I did too.

Me, being me, of course, I tried to play off the overwhelming emotions I was feeling right now. "I'm surprised your not killing me, or Dimitri," I laughed.

"Oh, I wanted too," she chuckled, "I was ready to board the first flight here to kick both of your.." Dad cleared his throat, stopping Mom from her next statement, "But I have had time to come around. Abe called me after Alberta called him, after several weeks I calmed down enough to realize I can't change it," she shrugged, letting out a soft sigh, "so I might as well embrace being a Nana."

"Thank you, Mom," I stood, walking over to give her a long overdue hug.

If you would have told me a year ago that I would crave my mother's embrace, I would have laughed and called you an idiot. But after Spokane, the way she held me on the plane when reality began to sink in, I realize just how much I needed, still need, her.

The door opened, breaking Mom and me out of our moment. "Roza," Dimitri called out cautiously.

"Hey, Comrade," I chuckled, fanning my face to stop the further tears.

"Everything okay?" He wrapped his arms around my waist, placing a gentle kiss on my hair.

"Perfect," I smiled up to him, rising on my toes to kiss him.

"Well, now that all of that has been settled," Dad laughed, "Who's hungry?"

Releasing Dimitri, I shouted, "Me!"

Author's Note:

You can find pictures of Rose and Lissa's dresses on my facebook.

www facebook com/dreamwalkersobsession

Until Next Time, Much love to all,

Dream