Hi guys here's the next chapter! I know it's a bit late so I added a bit more. Thanks so much for reviewing!!! Btw please let me know if you have any ideas as to how I should continue, I have a basic idea of what I want to happen but I would love some outside input!! Don't forget to review.

I walked back to the spa feeling a little light headed which is sort of understandable considering everything that had happened. I walked into the reception and found Adrian casually leaning against the wall looking the like he owned the place. Well technically he great-aunt did. But the receptionist looked pretty annoyed at having him, so I decided it was best to get him out of here asap.

"Adrian," I called softly, knowing that he would hear me.

"My, my little dhampir you take your time." I gave him a sour look, but he continued, "not that I mind I just thought you were going to stand me up." He walked to the other side of the room so that our faces were inches apart. He gave me a small smile and looked me in the eye. I was so lost in his beautiful green eyes; they looked like they could see right through me. Well not through me but the mask that had covered the real me ever since the car crash. It looked like he could see through that mask and to the girl on the inside, the little girl, who wanted to be loved and protected not always putting her own love aside to be the protector.

"I, uh, promised didn't I?" was my genius response.

"Yes, you did little dhampir." He answered with a small chuckle.

Wordlessly he grabbed one of my hands and led me out the door and into the day (well night for humans). We strolled around until we came to a pub. It was around the corner from the café where I had met Christian and Lissa earlier.

The pub was filled with smoke. Either from other unknown spirit users or living/working at the royal court was really stressful, and having met the queen I was going to say option two.

Adrian walked up to the blonde haired moroi man at the counter and ordered a beer, I ordered a frozen strawberry margarita (non alcoholic of course). We went and sat at the far side of the room in one of the few small booths. Adrian had downed his beer by the time we sat down and signaled for a waitress to get him another.

When we sat down a comfortable silence settled between us almost as if we were too busy soaking in each other's company to talk. I sipped my drink as I stared in Adrian's eyes and he stared straight back.

It seemed like we only sat there for a few minutes before we were aroused from our trance like state when Adrian saw the time. Hastily he slipped a tip under his drink, grabbed my hand and led me out. Still holding hands we started up a light jog towards the guest lodgings.

Adrian walked me to my door, who knew there was a gentleman somewhere inside of him? He grabbed my hand as I started to walk into my room and kissed it! "Rose remember that you told me I'd get to see you in dress?" I stared at him with a dumb founded expression, "well don't let me down." Was all he said as he quickly turned on his heel and walked down the hall with a smug expression.

I entered my bedroom to find it in perfect order. Except for the black garment bag lying across my queen bed. I walked over to it and unzipped it. Inside was a black cocktail dress that came to just above the knee with a white waist belt. It was beautiful! It also looked very expensive. It was perfect for the private jet plane to the academy. Dressy but at the same time casual enough to fly in. I still wasn't sure though if I should wear it on the jet. I mean it was from Adrian! Although who cares I can do whatever I want and that was what Rose Hathaway did best, she was different, and besides it was too pretty to be stuffed in a bag a bag for the trip to the academy. And if anyone asks I could just say I found it at one of the many boutiques that lined the pavement at the royal court. I lifted the dress in the bag and hanged it in the bathroom. It was only when I came out to grab my vanity case that I saw the two smaller packages that had been under the bag. The first was a small shoebox that contained a pair of sparkling black ballerina flat. They were feminine but sturdy enough that I thought I would be able to put up a good fight in them. The second was a small velvet box. I opened it to find a gorgeous silver ring, with a silver rose about half the size of my pinky, covered in diamonds attached to the wide silver band. I had to admit it was one of the prettiest pieces of jewellery I had ever come across. I slipped it on my middle finger without further hesitation, and then proceeded to change and finish packing.

I called Lissa and arranged to meet her in the lobby so that we could walk to the airport together. Fifteen minutes later I was in the lobby, where I was greeted by Lissa and Christian...Dimitri and Alberta?

I took in all of their expressions before I made my presence known. Lissa and Christian were looking at each other with goo-goo eyes, although I could feel confusion through the bond. Dimitri and Alberta looked bored and worried.

I rushed over to them. " Is everything alright? Is anyone hurt?"

Alberta looked down at me, first surprise, then annoyance and then worry. "Rose we've been speaking to your mother. She called to inform us that one of her charges has been identified as a spirit user with much knowledge on the topic of the shadow kissed. She told your mother that as well as having a connection with Lissa, that allows you to take away her 'dark' feelings you have a connection with the shadow world. Basically it means that you can see ghosts, well you can well you are not holding a stake or inside a ward." She gave me a sympathetic look and continued. "So we have decided that to compensate for our need to travel outside of the wards to get back to the academy, you shall be issued with a stake and assigned to protect Mr Ivashkov. See you in five." She threw me a silver stake attached to an ankle holster.

"Um, thank you Alberta." She nodded to me, Christian and Lissa before turning quickly and walking out the door.

I quickly fixed the holster in place and after a quick turn in front of the full length lobby mirror turned to face my little audience. The first thing I saw was Christian and Dimitri looking at me, but that only lasted a few seconds before Lissa slapped Christian and Dimitri pulled his emotionless mask back in place. I just grinned. I had to admit I did look hot-meets-sexy-badass-guardian and my high pony tail that showed off my tattoos only added to the sexy part!

It was Dimitri who spoke first, "Rose why didn't you tell us?"

I gave him an exasperated look, "what was I meant to say? Oh yeah guys, um I've been seeing ghosts around the campus y the way." H gave me a dry look. "Okay so maybe I knew I was going to have to tell you at some stage, but I didn't want to be the one to do it I was sort of hoping that it would come out some other way. And I guess my prayers have been answered." I looked at them sheepishly.

Christian was the first to respond, "and I thought you couldn't be anymore of a freak!" which earned him anther slap from Lissa.

She was next to speak, "Rose, I'm so sorry that's what happened isn't it? That's what stopped you from protecting Christian?" I gave her a small nod, she grabbed my hand, "well lets get going then. We most definitely don't want to keep Mr. Ivashkov waiting, I assuming he gave you that dress?" she asked with a smile.

I nodded again and picked up my bag and we started walking towards the airport. A comfortable silence settled between us, so many of her questions had been answered. We were both vaguely aware of the two boys following behind us, that is until Tasha joined them.

"Tasha!" Lissa and I cried together.

"Girls, you'll never guess what happened. I've been invited to come teach at the academy!"

"That's great" Lissa gushed as Tasha moved to stand beside Dimtiri and took his hand, a small look a triumph in her eyes.

"Looks like everyone is getting what they wished for." I said without a hint of sarcasm. Including Adrian who was going to get to see me in a dress! Damn soft spot for good clothes! And with that we continued our walk towards the airport, with Christian finally having remembered his manners after a look from Lissa, carrying my and Lissa's bags as well as his own, and Dimitri with his and Tasha's.

Ok things are about to get interesting!!!!!!!!

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MiCky MoUsE's imagination

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