So the majority of you asked for.. a nice meeting with her father, followed by a Strigoi attack where Rose shows how bad ass she is with a small lemon at the end... lol don't ask for much hey. Jokes, hope this has something that everyone wanted.

And thank you for all the reviews I received for my last chapter it was a great feeling to know I still have so many readers after that amount of time.

Also I know I just posted n authors note, but I did this n my mums computer much to her distaste on my day off work, plus it was already half done when my laptop crashed so I thought the least I could do was finish it.

This chapter ended up being to long, so I split it into two separate ones.

Enjoy. Xx.

RPOV

We followed Lissa through the mansion, my nervousness slowly returning. Tonight was the night I would meet my father.

RPOV

We arrived outside two double doors after winding through the hall for a few minutes, I could see the party through the open arch way. I could hear the babble of conversation as the royal Moroi debated politics and accessories, the music was loud, but not so loud people weren't able to talk to each other easily.

The doors themselves were enough to freak me out, they were large and intimidating, looking as though they might snap me up before I passed through them. I could hardly see past the front crowd, even with my deadly heels I was still short among the Moroi, even Dimitri's staggering height was only an inch or so above the crowd average.

I took a deep breath and held Dimitri's hand tighter in mine, Lissa smiled back at me encouragingly and I gave her a tight smile in response, which was as much as I could manage.

"Breath Roza, it will all be fine." Whispers Dimitri, bending down slightly to get closer to my ear.

I took a deep breath and sighed, squaring my shoulders. I'm Rose frikken Hathaway why am I getting so worked about meeting one snotty Moroi, I've been meeting and arguing with the queen since I was thirteen years of age, what was one old man. I mean sure he has a reputation, but so do I, sure he is my dad, but so what I'm his daughter and if he doesn't want to know me and can go, go screw himself for all I care.

After I was done with my mental monologue pep talk I was ready and I was confident, more than I had been in days. I looked up at Dimitri and smiled, tugging on his hand as we followed Lissa into the magnificent ball room. It was beautiful all gold and pearl white, and huge, with high ceilings, there were floor length windows on the far wall and I noted to make sure I kept myself between Lissa and the window for her safety if there was an attack they would be the obvious weak point, even with a guardian stationed at each one and the patrols around the perimeter, because if they wanted to smash window a guardian standing there wouldn't stop them. That also worried me because I didn't know how easy it would be to fight in this length dress.

After making these quick assessments I moved myself as close to Lissa's side as possible, without being noticeable, Lissa was smiling widely, "Isn't this amazing, I wish the balls I organized looked like this." She said dreamily, looking around the room once more.

"It is amazing Babe, but yours are just are good." Said Christian, wrapping his arms around her from behind and kissing her neck, making her giggle.

I looked away from them to see Mia and Adrian right behind us. I noticed that Mia had also positioned herself between Adrian and the window, like a true guardian. She had been trained well in the last few years, I wondered who her instructor was..

I ran my hands down the length of my dress loving the feel of the smooth fabric under my hands, however I stopped my progress went I felt something strange where the corset and skirt met, there was a small tab of fabric that had clearly been put the on purpose. I fingered it carefully, "Liss whats this?" I asked motioning to the tab on my dress.

"Ow, I complete forgot to tell you guys." She said looking at Mia and I. "Be careful if you pull on that it will unravel your skirt o you can remove it from your dress, there's another shorter one sew separately onto the corset." She said smiling, but I was still slightly lost. "Rose it's in case something happens and you need to fight, I know it won't, but I also know you like to be prepared and would have trouble fighting in that, so I got that put in. This way if anything happens, just pull the tab and ta-da removable skirt, leaving you free to... do you thing." She finished and I couldn't help but be amazed at my best friends planning skills, she'd though of this without even being a guardian.

"Thanks Lissa, that's amazing, I was sort of worried about what would happen if I had to fight in this dress, you think of everything." I told her earnestly giving her a quick hug, despite the hold Christian had on her.

"Well I just wanted to help..." She said, blushing slightly.

"It's great Lissa, really." Said Mia.

Lissa took a deep breath and smiled. "Come on guys lets go dance." Said Lissa, having to raise her voice a little to be heard over the new song that had tarted playing, for a ball the music they were playing wasn't that bad. We all groaned but nodding, heading out onto the crowded dance floor, after having deposited our belongings at our table.

We danced together and the whole time I made sure I was between Lissa and the huge threatening windows, I just felt so on edge tonight, even more protective then usual, maybe it was just the stress of meeting my dad or whatever, but I just couldn't help it.

Dimitri held me close as we danced, I was amazed we didn't trip over the long skirt of my dress, but of course Dimitri was to graceful for that.

After a few more songs I felt Lissa tap on my shoulder.

"I'm going to the ladies room," She told me and turned to walk away.

"Hang on." I called out to her. "Comrade, we'll be back soon, meet you at our table?"

"Of course Roza h said ad we parted, me following Lissa and Dimitri Christian – who was also heading back to the table now that he had no dance partner.

I caught up to Lissa quickly and followed her silently to the bathroom, it was small, only a few cubicles, but it was just as elaborate as the ball room outside and the cubicle themselves were hugs, large enough to fit three regular ones in.

There were already a few people in there, so I lent against the wall near the door, around the corner, out of sight. Lissa continued to hurry though, not stopping until she reached a toilet where she immediately bent over and threw up... guess the morning sickness wasn't over yet... I hurried after when when I realized she wasn't just in here to pee, although I really should have already known. She'd left the door unlocked so I went in and locked it behind me, then knelt by her side, holding her hair, one hand on her back. She had finished throwing up, but remained kneeling their, still feeling nauseated.

"Are you okay?" I asked stupidly.

"Yeah just give me a second," she said leaning away from the toilet and flushing it, then leaning against the wall, lucky these things were so big.

We heard people leave the bathroom and then three new women enter. "Well the serpent has certainly out done himself this time, hasn't he?" One female asked the other two.

"Ow yes it's magnificent, but want I really want to know is who the girl I, the one he is looking for." Said another and I looked at Lissa, my eyes wide.

"Yes, that's true, I think I'll keep an eye on Mazur to see how that works, I won't to know what girls got him so worked up, you know he hasn't had a partner since that guardian, and that was how long ago?"

"Twenty years about, I think, It's hard to keep track of all the scandals that go on in this society." The first one said with a laugh.

"Speaking of scandals can you believe about Miss Hathaway coming back, I can't believe they actually named her the slayer and are letting her stay and Guard the next monarch" Said the second one again.

"I can't even believe they let her back in, after the disrespect she showed, she's always been a wild one that girl." I looked at Lissa and she was mentally shouting at me to stay calm. Ha, she hadn't realized that I had much more self control and little non-jabs like that weren't going to anger me. I gave her a calm smile to show her that I was fine.

"I'll bet she's here tonight, standing guard, protecting us." Said the older one sarcastically and that was when I'd decided I'd had enough I stood up and then helped Lissa, who shook her head at me, but I just grinned at her.

"Have you ladies seen that woman in the red dress, isn't it magnificent, definitely the best one I've seen tonight." Said the third one, who'd been practically silent since they entered.

"Ow yes, I wonder who she is..." Trailed off the second lady who had just finished insulting me said, making me laugh. The conversation cut of quickly when they realized they weren't alone in the bathroom. I pun the lock and Let Lissa lead the way out. I could tell she was upset with the ladies for insulting me, but happy that they liked my dress.

"Good evening ladies." Said Lissa and I could see her nod to them.

"Ow my, hello Princess." Said the third of the ladies, the one I liked she had taken her mask off. I followed her out and wanted to laugh the three woman stood there shocked, obviously being caught insulting Lissa's best friend while she was right there. I shuffled nosily and their heads snapped in my direction, eyes wide.

The room stayed silent and awkward as Lissa washed her hands and rinsed out her mouth. We went to leave the bathroom.

"Excuse me ladies," I said grinning at them and we walked past, I honesty had no idea who they were, apart from Royal. Lissa followed me out of the bathroom, replacing her mask went to head back to our table, but Lissa grabbed my arms.

"It's time Rose, come on." She said, looking at me.

"I need Dimitri." I said looking around panicked.

"I'm right here Roza." I heard him say and I spun around clutching at him, he grabbed me and held me tight. "It's fine you can do this." He whispered and kissed the top of my head.

I sighed and pulled away. "Fine lets do this." I said nodding at Lissa to lead the way. We followed her along the edge of the crowd until we had reached the far corner of the room where there was a crowd of male Moroi talking. One of them spotted Lissa and greeted her.

"Hello Princess, is there anything we can do for you?" Said an aging Moroi male.

"Actually I was wondering if we could speak to Mr Mazur?" She said turning to face the gentlemen closest to her, blocking my view of him.

"Why of course, excuse me gentlemen." He said nodding his head and then turning to Lissa, "Would you mind following me to somewhere more Private?" He asked and she just nodded, He lead us to an almost hidden door where two guardians where stationed. He nodded at them before entering the room with us following him. He sat down and motioned for us to do the same. Dimitri and I sat on a two person couch as did Lissa and Christian. Mr Mazur, didn't even glance our way, keeping his gaze on Lissa. "Is she here, did you bring her, please Lissa, tell me you did. I've been looking for her for years, I just need to see her for myself." He said with such compassion it made my chest hurt, My dad did love me he did want to know me.

"Abe, she's fine, she's here, look for yourself." Take off your mask. She sent me through the bond and I did. Abe then chose to finally acknowledge our presence in the room. His eyes widened at the sight of me and a huge grin took over his face.

He stood up slowly and I mirrored his actions, then he took a step around the table and collected me in a bone crushing hug. He pulled back and whispered and looked at my face before leaning forward to whisper at me. "Don't you ever, ever do that again, one un away was enough but two, do you have any idea how many people I had looking for you?" His word were harsh at first but softened towards the end.

"What are you talking about I only just met you and your already yelling at me for running away, you don't even know why I did it and you weren't there, you have no right to be mad at me." I told him pulling away quickly and crossing my arm. "Look old man you may be my father, but you've been completely non existent in my life so don't go there."

"Little girl you have no idea how much I've been there, you don't think I wanted you to know me, you don't think I tried, your mother asked me to stay away and I did, but that doesn't mean I wasn't there." He said his posture matching mine, you could defiantly see a resemblance. My friend remained silent watching our dispute.

"Ow yeah and exactly how were you present," I said scornfully.

"I was there, I was there every time you got in trouble, you think schools are always that lenient, you would have been expelled several time over if it weren't for my influence. I was there when you and Lissa ran away you think I was a coincidence you stayed safe for long. I was there for your graduation. So don't tell me I wasn't." He finished his rant and I stood there speechless, after a moment I bowed my head.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice cracking a lone tear escaping, Dimitri's arms were around me immediately and I leaned into his comfort.

He sighed, but also relaxed. "Look I know this is going to be hard but Rosemarie, I want to be part of your life, if you'll let me." He said, offering out his hand as a gesture. I looked at his hand, then at Lissa then finally at Dimitri, they weren't giving me anything this is my decision.

I took a deep breath. "I already lost one parent how do I know I won't loose you too?" I asked slowly, looking straight into Abe's eyes, I could see the pain.

"Because I promise that I don't care what happens, you'll always be my daughter. I mean I'm not exactly the best person to be judging you." He said with a small laugh at the end.

I thought about it some more. "Do I have to call you dad?" I asked.

He smiled, "Only if you want too."

"Okay, yeah, but were not going to start doing family dinners every Thursday night or some shit like that." I said, mainly to Lissa.

Abe laughed again. "Of course not." I nodded and stepped out of Dimitri's embrace to hug Abe once more."Can we gt together after tomorrow I want to get to know you a bit better?" He said and I hesitated, but nodded.

"Sure sounds great."

"Now I know it's a bit fast to get all daddy protective, but who the fuck are you and why are yours hands around my daughter." He said with all seriousness making me laugh.

"I'm Dimitri Belikov and she's the love of my life sir." He said with complete sincerity making Lissa 'awww'. Abe scrutinized Dimitri for a few more minutes before nodding, seemingly satisfied.

"Fine but hurt her and you'll be dealing with me."

"I won't," He said with a dry laugh. "I pretty sure there would be an army after me if I did anything to your daughter, she's loved by many people."

"Good, now lets go enjoy the party, before any rumors are started. We can talk more tomorrow." We all agreed and stood leaving the room.

We had just left the room when pain shoot through my stomach and I cried out doubling over. I only remained standing because of Dimitri's grasp on me.

"Rose what's wrong?" Shouted Lissa alarmed and frightened her mind already trying to get her to protect her unborn baby from any possible threat.

"Strigoi, lots of them." Over the last three years I had sort of honed my abilities, I could now sense them from further away and pretty much get an exact number. "There about four minutes away, maybe a little more, they haven't reached the guardians yet but they're through he wards. There's about sixty or so of them, Lissa get back in that room, Christian you too, protect her with your life. I told her, shoving them into the room we had just exited it was on the opposite side of the room the Strigoi were coming from and had no windows, so I was hopeful it was safe. Abe, I would like for you to stay in there too please." I told him as he stood there gaping at me. "Dimitri go find Adrian and Mia bring them back put them in there, tell Mia to sty in there with them, she needs to protect them." I told him, he nodded and headed off, I grabbed his arm. "Hurry." He nodded.

I turned to find Abe speaking to his the guardians, they looked shocked but nodded and rapidly started speaking into his mic.

"Is there anywhere for all these Moroi to hide?" I asked, there were so many people here to protect.

"Yes there are safe room equip for fifty people each along this wall, just in case something exactly like this happened. I nodded relieved.

"We need to get them into those room now, with as little panic as possible." He nodded.

"Follow me." I did as I was told, he led me to the front of the room where the DJ was set up, looking from here I could see the cleverly concealed doors along the wall furthest from the full length windows. He asked the DJ to stop the music and all chatter stopped immediately everyone turned to face us. "Now I must request you do not panic but there are Strigoi in the grounds, lots of them so I need all Moroi to head to the far wall were guardian are stationed doors. Don't panic there are hidden rooms there, designed exactly for situations like theses." Immediately everyone began rushing towards the far wall... so much for not panicking. Only two minutes had passed, yet it seemed like hours. I saw Dimitri Heading towards us through the crowd of panicking vampires and sighed in relief.

He reached us and grabbed me. "Adrian and Mia are safe, they're with Christian and Lissa."

"Thank you, Abe you need to go, please, I told you I can't loose you already." He nodded and hurried off, this was our party now. We had just over a minute until the Strigoi would be here. I pulled the tab and my skirt unraveled, falling to the ground and revealing a very short skirt, that would allow me to fight without hassle. I wanted to laugh, six inch heal a tight corset and the shortest skirt ever, what an outfit. I guess Dimitri agreed by the way he was looking at me.

"You know if we weren't about to fight for our lives I would be taking you away to have my way with you." he said with a small smile. I stood against him.

"I love you Dimitri Belikov." I said, leaning up to kiss him.

"I love you to Roza," He breathed. I stepped away from him and removed my heals, then moved away from the windows and to the middle of the room, you could hear the fighting that had already started outside. Just a few more seconds.

I looked around, there were about twenty guardians standing in a line behind Dimitri and I, already in fighting stance. The last of the Moroi were just entering the rooms.

"I want a guardian stationed at each door." I shouted and several Guardian scrambled to stand in front of the Moroi. "Get ready." As the words left my mouth the windows shattered at the same time.

Hope you liked it, next chapter is done, will be up tomorrow.

Please review!

Xxoo.