Ambrose was the one who spoke first. "What are you talking about?"

I turned to the queen. "Queen Tatiana, may I see you again privately. I want to tell you what I am thinking. Over the course of the past year, I have been noticing things that are out of the ordinary. I want to get back with you, once I organize my thoughts. I know it seems completely ridiculous coming from me, whom of which just called you a sanctimonious bitch earlier, but this is bigger than the Decree! This," I swallowed again, trying to make my voice stay steady. I was afraid. I felt like a little girl again, wanting someone to hold me in their arms and make all my worries go away. But I never had that as a child. I never had any sort of mother or fatherly love. I would like to say that I have forgotten what it was like to be held,(because I would have liked to of experienced it) but I don't, because I never was held in my mother's or even father's arms. "This is dealing with extinction."

Tatiana was taken back on what I just said. She thought about it for a few moments, taking in my tense stance. After a few extremely tense, long moments, she spoke. "My first impression on you Rose Hathaway was that you are wild, impulsive, and could give a damn about anyone, as long as you got what you want. However, you keep amazing me. You care. You care about Vasilisa, Adrian, and others, such as Dimitri. You are protective of the ones you hold close to your heart. However, when things get dangerous and can cause others harm, you snap into commerce mode and won't get distracted; you follow through and will not give up. You, as your mother, are a force to be trifled with. Find Ambrose when you are ready to speak with me. I want this to remain private. The commotion you did in court will keep the people from seeing what is really going on here. Keep this between us. Tell no one of our rendezvous."

I nodded my head and turned on my heels and headed for the door. Before I touched the doorknob, I looked over at Ambrose. He was looking at me, somewhat confused. "Rose, you always seem to amaze me whenever you are around." Then he gave me a breathtaking smile.

I smiled in return. "I tend to do that a lot." Then I added in a serious tone, "be careful Ambrose." I glanced at Tatiana, "you as well. You have great guardians, but no matter what, be ready for anything in any circumstance. Call my father and see if he can dig around about Lissa's sibling. Have him get back to me about this privately."

"I will tell Ibrahim. Do not fret about me Guardian Hathaway, my men will look after me, and I will have one on Ambrose."

"MOM!" Ambrose yelled.

My eyes widened in shock. Mom! He just called her mom! I thought they were having a love affair for goodness sakes! Could this day get any stranger? Wait-no, I don't want to know. I immediately hid my shock. They couldn't know what I had originally thought.

"Ambrose, you will not disregard my command. You will do as I say."

I could tell Ambrose was hiding his frustration. So for him, I spoke. "With all due respect your Majesty, I can be wrong."

"Better safe than sorry," she responded.

Eh, true, I thought. It would be a shame if Ambrose was murdered. I like him. I looked at Ambrose and gave him a helpless shrug. He shook his head and I walked out. I didn't know what to do next, so I decided to go back to my room. I walked up to my door and Lissa and Dimitri was standing, waiting for me.

"God Rose! We have been waiting for over an hour-" She stopped midsentance and looked me up and down. "Dude, you look like you have seen a massacre."

"Saw that a few months ago Lissa." I was thinking of the Badica's household, when Dimitri and I went to see Arthur.

"Right, sorry."

I shook my head. "What do you two need? I'm in a bit of a hurry." I lied, no I wasn't.

Lissa cocked her head to the side. "And that's not normal for you? You are always in a hurry. You need help? Christian is a bit bissy with, um, guy stuff."

I smiled wickedly. "Don't tell me he started his period this morning."

Lissa bursted out laughing. "Come on in you two. I need to get some stuff anyway." I opened the door and to my amazement, Dimitri came in. He stood by the window's wall, hiding him if anyone should peep through our window. He stood there, arms crossed, and looking at my bookcase collection and focusing on standard stance.

"So, where have you been? Adrian came and found me, thinking that you would be with me. When he found out that you weren't, he seemed a little bit worried."

"I left him a note telling him I will see him later. The guy sleeps like the dead. I swear, a tsunami can hit and he would sleep through it." She laughed, and I smiled. I hope she wouldn't notice that I was ignoring her first question. "But if you see him," I thought, were would I be? "Tell him I am either at the library or at the track. I need to clear my head and think."

"Oh God, here we go again!"

"What?"

"You just found another suicidal mission that might kill both of us."

I shook my head. "Kill me Lissa. Nothing is going to happen to you, because you are not going." I wasn't going to deny and lie to Lissa about my assignment that I just given to myself. "You're staying out of this one."

"Why?" she said angry now. "If it's involving me, then I am going."

"Because, this isn't involving you," I lied. It was natural to me now, so she believed it. And from the corner of my eye, it seemed Dimitri did too, because he didn't even glance my way. "Besides, it's not like I'm going to break any more laws that I could end up in the slammer." I smiled. "But if I did, then, it better be damn worth it."

"So where were you?"

I decided to play a game with her. This should be fun. "I was with a guy."

She arched an eyebrow. Man, I wish I could do that! "Oh, rate?"

"Perfect twenty." I smiled.

"Nuh- huh. The scale is goes up to ten."

I sighed dramatically. "Well, you're the one that introduced us. My bad. You thought he was hot. You probably still do." I smiled teasingly.

"I should have known when you started teasing. It's Ambrose," she laughed.

"Caught me," I smirked, and then I turned serious. "He had information that I needed."

"Rose, something is going on, and I demand to know what it is."

Just like that, I had Dimitri's complete attention. His head snapped my way as fast as lightening. "What is going on?"

I glared at him. "I've got to go. I'm late." I walked towards where Dimitri was standing, because that was where my dresser was. He stepped back, realizing what I wanted, and I got into my draws. I took out a pair of shorts and a flannel tank top, then I grabbed my gym bag that held my stuff for my shower and a new outfit. When I turned to walk to the door, Dimitri caught my upper arm.

"What is going on Rose?"

"Let me go." He dropped his hold and took a step back. "Look, I will talk to you later Lissa. Right now, I need to burn off my rage, okay? I'm still pretty pissed off about this fucking age decree thing, and talking to Ambrose didn't help one bit, so if you will excuse me before I do anything rash, that would be great." The last part with Ambrose was not entirely true. It did help, but I am still having a hard time believing that the Queen made the right choice.

"I sort of wanted to talk to you about what you said in court."

"Lissa, I so don't need a scolding from you right now."

She ignored me. "I wanted to tell you that you were amazing. I didn't have the nerve to tell her off like that. Come to think of it, I probably won't ever have the nerve."

That softened something inside of me. Of course she wouldn't. She is too gentle, too pure of heart for that. I walked over to her and put my hand on her shoulder. "It's because you're too nice Lissa. But, then again, no one is as reckless as I am."I shrugged. "It's just not in your cards to be…a little bit mean."

She rolled my eyes. "Well, one of us needs to stay in line."

I had to laugh at that, even though it was completely true. "And one of us needs to be the bitch, the backbone- which just so happens to be me. I'm the one everyone hates, or at least has a problem with." I smiled, secretly sad about that.

"And I guess I'm just the voice of reason and sense."

"No Lis," I said as I walked to the door. I turned the knob and opened the door, then I looked back at her, smiling gently, and said "You are everything good." Then I walked out.

When I got to the track, it was nearly vacant. I changed in one of the bathroom stalls in the locker room, and put my gym bag and clothes in my assigned locker. When I got to the running track, I put in my earphones and started to run laps. As a ran, I kept thinking about the revelation in Rhonda's room. I couldn't believe it! What do the Strigoi want exactly, besides the extinction of moroi?

Suddenly, the conversation Dimitri and I had with Victor in the court's jail cell came rushing back into my mind. "You wanted to start a revolution. You still do. That's crazy; it's never going to happen!" I exclaimed.

"It's already happening…" Victor said. And it is, that is what is scary. Some moroi are willing to fight, while most are not and are saying its suicide. I think they are just scared cowards, like Nathan Ivashkov. I could never tell Adrian that I think his dad is a coward, if I did, he would most likely get really mad at me.

I have a feeling that this topic is going to go on for a very long time. It's controversial right now, but if it were not to be, then there might be a segregation of moroi. I would classify them as those who are fighters and those who are cowards. Everyone should have the knowledge to know how to defend themselves if someone were to attack them. It feels like the moroi think we are only good for protection and sex! Adrian doesn't think that, and neither does Lissa. When Lissa talks to a guardian, she respects them, as well as every other person should. Guardians are distributed to moroi like pocket change it seems like- the shiny pennies goes to the royals. Guardians don't get a say in who they want to protect, we are just assigned, which I think is a load of crap! If a guardian were to decide who they wanted to protect, then the moroi will be better protected. This government is becoming corrupted. The quorum law is such an example.

However, that's not what I came out here to think about. Back in Spokane, I found a list, at first it didn't make sense, then it did- it's a list of all the royals. The list went from smallest royal family to the largest. Some letters had an x, the other and dashes. I only now understood what the lines were meant for. I quickly understood what the x mean. The means x means the termination of each royal, like three x's for the Dragomir family. However, I believe I know what the lines mean. I could be wrong, but I have a theory. It could mean that that family is diminishing, and are next to strike. Adrian's family is a perfect example. His mom and dad are being distant towards each other, and Adrian is taking no sides with this controversial topic.

Whoever made this list is still alive. It wasn't Isaiah who made it. He might have been the leader's second in command. I'm not sure, but I know whoever made this list is still alive and breathing and I won't rest until he or she is dead and Lissa is safe.

The attack on the Academy was to get me killed, but unlike before, I realized they weren't out just for me. They were out for all the royals. Dragomir and Zeklos- I need to warn Jesse. I'm still pissed at him, but I don't wish him and his family dead, even if they think moroi shouldn't be fighting.

I was on my twelfth lap when I saw a figure step into pace with me. "I thought you wouldn't talk to me anymore."

He smiled. "It was your idea, and you did warn me. However, what you-we-found out, was incredible. And, you were right, it does play into the greater good; but you don't think it does anymore since you found out only a spirit user can stake strigoi." Eddie said.

I sighed. "Eddie, it is wrong to send Lissa into danger to save another. She can do so much more good than saving strigoi."

"In a way, you are right, but look at you. You went to Russia to save Dimitri from the state he was in, then when you realized you didn't kill him, you found an alternate. You went from a sliver of hope to save Dimitri. Everyone doubted you could do it, even I did, yet you reached your goal." Eddie looked at me with aw. "It's the protective side of you that I only have seen with Lissa, now I got to see it with a guy that you love."

"I'm protective of you too, Eddie. Believe me; I would have done the same thing for you." I said matter of fact. I tried to smile, but Eddie caught on now. "Something is going on, tell me."

I shook my head. "I don't know Ed."

"You don't know if you can tell me? Rose, I am a guardian too and on top of that, I am your friend."

I sighed. "Something big is going on with strigoi. I haven't quite wrapped my head around it yet, but I am getting there. I found out that the Strigoi are specifically targeting the royals like I had thought back at the ski lodge. Back in Spokane, I found a list down in that tunnel. I thought when I killed Isaiah, that all the problems were solved. No, I was wrong." I grew quiet after a while. Should I tell Eddie everything? Would he even believe me? "Would you believe me if I told you something that I have no proof of what-so-ever?"

He looked at me. "You saved my life twice and everyone called you crazy for it. I think I can believe you, or at least keep what you say as a very strong possibility."

I smiled. "Thanks Eddie." I sighed. "Lissa is going to be upset that I told you and not her, but you're a guardian, this is business and can affect more than just her. But you can't tell anyone unless if it's the right time for everyone to know." We grew quiet as we ran a couple more laps around the track. Running with Eddie was nice. I guess running with someone you have a lot of history with, is somewhat relaxing, especially if that person and you are good friends.

"When will be the right time?" He finally asked.

"You will know." I stopped running, mainly because it was my nineteenth lap and my legs were starting to scream at me to stop, and I was running out of breath. I told him everything that I was thinking of; I left out the encounter with the queen. "I think strigoi influenced the royals by scaring them. There are so many strigoi and so little guardians. It was a cakewalk for them, Eddie. For all we know, they could have been targeting the best guardians, who, not only have a huge influence in the moroi government and guardian distribution, but in training the novices. The first one they took out was Arthur Schoenberg, then they took Dimitri, along with a bunch of other guardians at the attach on the Academy. When I was in Russia, they started to tackle me. I believe I scared the hell out of the, though, because they started staying away from me and my hunting group. I believe they didn't believe a drop out could be that good, or at least that well trained."

Eddie was deep in thought. I could see him connecting the dots, though most of the dots he wasn't aware of, but I was. "Do you think Isaiah killed Mason because he was going to be a good guardian."

"I think killing Mason was just a bonus," I said sadly, my shoulder sagged. I still felt pretty guilty over Mason's death. "I think he killed him because he was a problem easily taken care of at the time, and he wanted a snack. I wouldn't mind torturing Isaiah the way he wanted to torture me. "

"I heard him say what he wanted to do to you, and so did Mason. He got angry and scared. I remember him telling us that he would be right back. Mia begged him to stay, but he went to save you. I heard you tell him to go back, but he wouldn't listen."

I felt tears coming down. In my mind, I relieved that dreadful event; Isaiah picking Mason up by the neck, hearing the crack and seeing the light go out of his eyes. A sob escaped my throat and Eddie hugged me lightly. Him hugging me, just made me start crying, and I hated it, but the more I cried, the harder my sobs came out, he tightened his hold on me.

"Rose!" A female voice called over me. "What is wrong?"

I quickly moved out of Eddie's embrace and dried my face, but I wouldn't look at Lissa. "I'm fine Lissa."

"Rose, look at me."

I sighed and turned my face to meet hers. She frowned, wondering what was wrong. Christian was beside her, holding her hand in his. He wasn't concerned, just curious.

"Just memories," Eddie said, saving my ass. "Let her be."

That coming from Eddie prevented her from saying anything. She nodded. "I was just looking for you two. Rose, I don't think you have eaten anything all day, so come eat lunch with us. Eddie, I was looking for you too. Want to join? It is my treat." She is an angel. I glanced down at my watch and realized it was twelve thirty.

Eddie smiled. "Are we eating pizza?"

I smiled, hoping we were too.

"It must be a guardian thing to eat pizza."

Eddie and I shook our heads no. "It's a teenage thing." I said, laughing.

Eddie and I went to the locker room to change. He went into the men's while I went into the women's. I took a hasty shower, then partially dried my hair, letting it hang loose so that it will dry. I walked out and there, looming by the tree's taking a guardian stance was a tall, cowboy figure. Dimitri.

"Is Adrian coming?" I asked Lissa.

"Yes, he probably ordered the food already. I think he said something about four large pepperoni pizza's at Cottage Inn." I smiled. Ah, Adrian was getting to know me well. If he really knew me, he would order a brownie on the side.

As we walked, the cowboy figure stayed with us, but only in the shadows. I hated that. Why does he have to isolate himself from everyone? He should have friends, or someone to talk to. Dimitri was always alone before anything happen, but he would talk every once in a while to people. Now, I hardly ever see him talking to someone. I stopped abruptly. No, I was going to put an end to this.

"Rose?" Lissa asked questioning.

"Is Dimitri going to eat with us?" I asked quietly so that only she could hear.

"Not that I know of."

"You should invite him."

"Rose-" She started, feeling slightly guilty about what she had to say.

I cut her off. "Lissa, look at him. He only talks to you. He needs to socialize. If he doesn't then he is going to get even more depressed. Remember how depressed you were when we returned to the Academy? Add the fact that you killed people."

"He wasn't himself," Lissa defended.

"I know that, but he doesn't!"

Lissa thought about what we said. Through the bond, I could tell she was worried about Dimitri being around me. With that thought, I decided Adrian and I will go our own way. If she was so worried about Dimitri being with me, then I would go away.

"You know what? Adrian and I will get something to eat elsewhere," I said curtly, with an angry tone. If she cared so much about him, then I will make it easier for her. I will disappear for the night. If only she knew about what he said to me, and what my decision was. If she knew, then maybe she would lighten up, but my love life is none of her business right now. I turned on my heals and headed inside the Cottage Inn Pizzeria.

Adrian looked up at my entry and rose from his seat. "Little dhampire, I thought you wouldn't show."

I laughed. "You are absurd," and with that said, I kissed him with an intensity that surprised me. It was one of those kisses that you can easily get lost in, and this time when I melted into this kiss, I didn't feel bad. I chose Adrian, and it is time to let him know it. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kept kissing him for a few moments longer. Images from last night danced in my mind. When we parted, I took his hand and entwined our fingers. "Let's go somewhere else, just you and me."

He looked at me in surprise, which quickly turned into excitement. I had a feeling he thought I felt bad about doing what we did last night, which is completely insane. I could tell he was about to say yes when someone interrupted us.

"You are leaving us already Adrian?" This came from Eddie. Both of our heads snapped towards Eddie, and I noticed now that everyone was in the pizzeria, including Dimitri, watching Adrian and I make out in public.

"Yes-" I started to say, but Adrian cut me off.

"Rose, are you sure? I ordered pepperoni." Adrian asked.

I shrugged. "Burgers are good too." I said, looking at Adrian and squeezed his hand. Though, truthfully, pizza sounded fabulous right now, especially pepperoni pizza.

"A delicious slice of pepperoni pizza, or a thin meat patty, with squashed tomatoes and squashed mustard seeds." Eddie said, trying to bribe me by weighting my options. I looked at Adrian, and he honestly looked like he wanted to stay.

I sighed. "Fine."

"Later," He said, winking at me. I suppressed a smile.

We all sat down at a round table. Adrian sat on my left, Eddie on my right, then Dimitri sat beside Adrian, and Christian sat beside Eddie and Lissa sat between Christian and Dimitri. "So, does anyone else feel like you're a knight at Arthur's round table?"

Christian and Dimitri cracked a smile, while everyone else laughed. "Only you would think of something like that."Christian said.

I shrugged.

"So, tell me what you and Lissa were up to those two years you left the Academy." Adrian asked

It was a question asked by the whole student body when Lissa and I came back from our 'vacation'. I didn't want to tell everyone, because then I would be inclined to tell them why we left, so I settled with telling everyone in school 'wouldn't you like to know.' "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"I would." Eddie said, leaning into the table, wanting to hear what I would say.

I glanced at Lissa, who shrugged. I don't really care. I trust Eddie and Adrian not to tell anyone, she said over the bond. I nodded to her, but I kept quiet. Most of the stuff I did was rather embarrassing, and to my reputation, it would just add to the recklessness of my character.

Now, review! Please give me some Idea's on what Rose's embarrassing/funny drunk memory is. It MUST be funny AND EMBARASSING. This is Rose Hathaway we are talking about, so if she says its bad, then its HORRIBLE! TUNE IN NEXT TIME!

NOW REVIEW!