It took me a few hours to realize what I was missing. The bond, it was gone. I couldn't feel Lissa anymore. For the first time in... god, I can't even remember, I was completely and utterly alone. I had no idead how this could have happened but for the moment it just felt good.

A few days passed before I got any visitors. And of all people, he was not on my top ten list. Abe Mazur strode into the hospital room with an ease very characteristic of his personal demeanor. But as he sat down beside me his face showed nothing but concern.

"How are you, Rose?"

I smiled with my standard sarcastic expression.

"5 by 5, old man. And how are you?"Abe smiled a shook his head.

"You had me worried there for a moment kiddo. But I guess I was stupid to think a mere bullet to the chest would take you out."

"Damn straight."

This time I didn't paint on a happy expression. Honestly I couldn't find the strength to pretend, especially in front of Abe.

"So the doctors aren't telling me much but-"

"Why hasn't anyone come to see me?" I cut him off.

He paused a moment, taking in my newfound serious tone.

"No one's really aware of your whereabouts at the moment..."

"What are you saying?" I prompted him for my information.

He looked around the room before continuing.

"We can talk about it later."

"Abe. Talk now."

He grinned slyly and put his hand on mine.

"As far as anyone knows, you died when you took that bullet."

I shook my head at first, thinking I'd misheard him. But realization hit me hard when I remembered Abe never joked about anything. What he said... he meant every word.

"What did you do?"

"You were dying and I had to make a choice. I chose to take you away so that the best surgeons in the country might save your life."

"Then why does everyone think I'm dead?"

He turned away and began pacing the room.

"Abe!"

"Because you were! You were dead..."

God... How many times can someone die and come back? Taking a tally, I've got three as my personal record. Yeah, there's something very wrong with that...

"Well I'm fine now, so we can go back and everything will-"

"Well actually, there's something I wanted to talk to you about."

Preparing for the worst I held my breath.

"To the world you're dead, which offers a lot of leeway to your capabilities. As you know I am a business man..." I poorly attempted to stifle a laugh. "... among other things." He continued. "And I could really use you for certain jobs."

"Jobs that involve a lot of violence..."

"Well... yes." I understood almost immediately.

"And it would make things a whole lot easier if I technically didn't exist. No paperwork to file, no consequences to deal with."

"See, I knew you were my daughter." He smiled but I didn't return the look.

"I-"

"Before you answer, think about what's left for you back at court. The Princess told me your bond was broken, and I know you feel it. You can't protect like you once did, she has an army of guardians at her side. And that boy , the Belikov character. Well to be perfectly honest I don't approve. But to be even more honest, I probably wouldn't approve of anyone." He smirked "And my opinion has no sway on what you do with your personal life. But I can see the pain he's put you through. Perhaps some time away might be beneficial for both parties. Should you agree to the job."

The old man wasn't wrong, there really isn't much left for me back at court. Except he doesn't know how Dimitri and I have finally resolved the pain from before. We are finally together and I love him so much. But the baby. How could I face him knowing what we've lost? How could I tell him? Should he even know? Question were whirling around in my head at a pace too face to attempt to answer. But if I left, I would have to face any of them. All the doubt and all the hurt would be put on hold. And sure my loved ones would think I was dead and that would hurt them more than I could bare. But that was a consequence. And if I went with Abe, there would be no consequences to deal with. At least for now. The thought brought ease to my stress and I knew I had an answer.

"When do we leave?"

Abe smiled and took my hand once more.

"Good choice, kiddo."