I knew it was time for me to go to court for my verdict cause I could hear the security doors open. For once in my life I was actually scared. Never in any of my days alone protecting Lissa against strigoi or even fighting along side Christian did I feel scared. But in that one moment I was more scared than ever. It was Guardian Hans who came to get me. I was glad that it was someone on my side of all of this. They probably would have had trouble finding a Guardian not on my side since they all seemed to believe in me.

He and I walked into court at 4:25 on the dot, just as Lord Eric had said. And to my surprise they were actually allowing people in. As we made our way to the front I seen Adrian, Christian, Mia and Dimitri. Strangely they were all sitting together. OK well the strange part was that Adrian and Dimitri were sitting together. I think they found comfort in one another at the time since they both felt the same for me. I also think that they were terrified for me as well. Cause as usual I walked in the court with my head held high like the brave person I always portrayed myself as. And I think that's what scared them more.

Hans seated me at a table and then proceeded to handcuff me to it. Then he sat beside me and with a subtle squeeze on my shoulder to let me know he was there for me and that things would be OK. But I could see the worry on his face. No one could ever hide their true feelings from me. I was flattered that so many people cared for me. Then seconds later the royal court walked in. I didn't care who all walked in until the last two, Lissa and Lord Eric. The only two on the court that weren't against me. It almost seemed like eternity before Lissa began speaking. She had finally become Queen shortly after being put on the royal court. It amazed me at how fast it happened but no one else seemed to want the responsibilities or the everyday danger that came with the title. It astounded me at how her voice rang throughout the room when she spoke. Even more so than how everyone's attention was immediately drawn to her. But that very well could be the compulsion. Some times she accidentally used it but at that moment she meant to.

"Ladies and Gentlemen we are here today for the verdict of Ms. Hathaway. She will be allowed to say what she needs on the charges that have been dealt. Then we will each take our time to decide what we think. And lastly as a whole we will come to the reasonable yet deserved punishment or freedom of her. Now lets get started." Lissa paused for a few moments to gather her feelings. She was proud to be Queen but at the same time terrified because she didn't want to betray me. But I told her, in my thoughts, to do what was right. "Ms. Hathaway…"

I rose to my feet and cleared my throat, "Good afternoon everyone. I'm here today under false accusations of a crime I didn't commit. I'm deeply sorry that ex Queen Tatiana was murdered. Everyone here knows that she and I didn't always see eye to eye but I liked her. She was a good person and a very good Queen. I may be very well capable at doing a crime such a this…but I don't have the heart to. I wasn't born into this world to kill just anyone or anything. I was specifically born to kill the Strigoi. You all know its what I do best."

"So are you saying that you did it?" asked Lord Ivashkov

"No. I am merely saying that I would not under any circumstances kill our kind. So to end my closing argument I, Rose Hathaway am a good person, a great friend…and girlfriend and most definitely an excellent protector. Thank you." with that I sat down and let the court scribble their thoughts down about me and what I had just said. What scared me a little more was that they were down within a few minutes. But they still had to leave so that they could discuss me as a group.

I obviously don't know what was said. Trust me I tried my hardest to get inside of Lissa's thoughts but she wasn't letting me. She some how figured out how to block me. After about fifteen minutes they were all back.

I could hear Adrian breathing heavily behind me. He was scared of the verdict. And in his head he knew that his father was voting against me. I knew it as well. "We have reached our decision on Ms. Hathaway. Will you please rise?" I rose as she asked.

"I will call out each name and they will respond with either a guilty or not guilty. Lord Ivashkov?"

"Guilty." he replied

"Lord Eric?" she continued

"Not guilty." he replied

"Lady Dragomir?"

"Not guilty." Kaydence spoke. She became a member of court about two weeks after Lissa was named Queen. She was more surprised than anyone else. She never seen herself staying in our life style but was she accepted the title she was more than happy to help anyone possible, using her good name.

"Lord Caldwell?"

"Not guilty."

"Lady Grisham?" Lissa still held a calm tone.

"Not guilty, your majesty." she spoke gently.

I was most surprised at their verdicts cause I didn't remember any of the court so far. I think they brought new people in while I was locked up. So they all must have read over the report and my file. That's the only thing I could think about why I didn't remember any of them.

Lissa continued with Lord Cody, Lady Austin, Lord Vanchoyk, Lady Lockwood, Lady Underwood. The five of them all gave a not guilty verdict. I was most pleased. But there were still two people left and again, I didn't know either one.

"Lord Hudgins your verdict please."

"Guilty!" Lord Hudgins reminded me a lot of Adrian's father. I think in some way they're related.

"And lastly Lady Jergins?"

Lady Jergins didn't speak right away. She stood up, which was completely out of ordinary and held her head high. She made sure her voice reached the back of the room when she let out a…"Not guilty!" as she sat back down she gave a smug look to both Lord Ivashkov and Hudgins. Neither of the men looked pleased to see that I was being set free. And No one was more happy to hear that than me. I know I had the hugest grin on my face.

"As you all have heard there were only two to find Ms. Hathaway guilty which means that you are free to go. Case dismissed." And with those last words everyone in the royal court exited. Even Lissa because she was going to have to deal with the men who said guilty.

Hans unhand cuffed me and I ran straight into Adrian's arms. I never felt more freedom than when he held me. Then everyone else joined in. Amazingly even Christian.