Thank you to all my loyal readers and for the wonderful reviews.
Vampire Academy belongs to Richelle Mead, who I am not.
Rose POV
"Peek-a-boo." Little Roza smiles brightly at me as I play her favorite game. She's six months old now and looks just like her mother but with her father's eyes. Adrian is holding her on his lap in the living room while I kneel on the floor before them, hands over my eyes. Dimitri took Tasha out on a date and I excitedly agreed to babysit. She just loves her Auntie Rose and Uncle Adrian. I had a nice long talk with Dimitri about a month after Roza was born, and he told me that after seeing Tasha become such a wonderful, loving mother, his feelings toward her started to grow. I was so happy that I told him that I would take care of Roza once a week so he and Tasha can have some alone time to work on their relationship. Plus, I get to play with the baby.
Adrian suddenly starts sniffing the air and looks down at Roza and then to me. He picks her up and holds her out to me. "Auntie Rose, I have a present for you." he says in a baby voice. Every time we watch her, we flip a coin to decide who has feeding duty or diaper duty. Tonight, he got heads and I got tails. He must have a rigged coin because I always seem to get tails. I think next time, I pick the coin we use. I take Roza from him, grab the diaper bag and head to the bedroom to change her.
"I thought we agreed you'd save that for your daddy when he picked you up." I tell her as she giggles at me. I lay her on the bed and change her diaper, but before I put her clothes back on, I make her laugh by planting razzberries all over her tummy. Man, I can't wait to have one of my own. No, I take that back. I can wait. But, I will have one, or two. Eventually. I watch her laying on the bed as she yawns and blinks her eyes a couple times. Nap time. Sounds good to me. I stretch out along the bed next to her and put a protective arm around her. Her eyes softly close and her mouth makes little sucking motions as she slumbers. My own eyelids are getting heavy as I let them fall.
When I finally do open my eyes again, Adrian's sleeping face is mere inches from mine. Where's the baby? I frantically reach all over the bed, knocking Adrian awake as I look search for Roza. "Ow! What the hell Rose?" Adrian shouts as he cradles his stomach I accidently hit.
"Where's Roza?" I ask as I look under my pillow. Did I really think she'd be there?
"Dimitri and Tasha picked her up while you were asleep. We didn't want to wake you." he informs me as he pulls me back to him, snuggling close.
"Oh. I kinda wanted to talk to them to see how their night went. Well, I guess I can talk to Dimitri while we're guarding Tatiana on her vacation." I'm so excited about this assignment. The Queen is going to a Moroi resort on a private island in the Carribean. The hotel and ajoining beach have strong wards all around it for extra protection. There are going to be enough guardians with her that we will all have some time off to play on the beach. Adrian is coming too. I think it might have something to do with the tiny red bikini I bought for the trip. After I modeled it for him, he held me captive in his room for hours, not that I was complaining.
"Speaking of which, you have to get up early tomorrow and I need to give you a proper send off tonight." he says as he starts to kiss me all along my neck. He isn't actually meeting me at the island for another week. I'm going to miss him, but hopefully I'll be so busy I won't have time to notice his absence. Since I'm going to have to go without him for awhile, I plan to get my fill of him tonight. I work on getting his shirt off as his mouth finds mine and practically devours me. I melt into his kiss, savoring the taste and feel of his tongue exploring and claiming my mouth. We part only to rip the rest of our clothing off, freeing ourselves. He's pressing and moving his body against mine so sensuously that my desire for him is making me tremble all over. I feel like fire is erupting on my skin everywhere he touches me. God, he feels so good. The ache in my core is growing stronger with every caress and kiss that if I don't have him soon I might explode. I run my hands all over his strong back feeling the slick perspiration beginning to form as he shows me how much he'll miss me. We spend the entire evening saying farewell that I barely got any sleep. At least I'll be able to get some sleep on the plane.
We finally land on the island after many hours in the air. I was able to get a few hours sleep in the back of the plane, but now duty starts again as we walk off. As soon as I step off the plane, the hot, heavy air hits me like a ton of bricks. My heart picks up since my lungs feel like they're breathing underwater. I just know this humidity is going to be hell on my hair. I follow Tatiana down the steps as we walk toward the car waiting to take her to the hotel. "What do you think so far, Rose?" The Queen asks me as she looks around at all the palm trees.
"I think I need to visit a sauna just to cool off. I just stepped off the plane and I already lost five pounds just from sweating." I tell her as I keep my eye out for trouble. I see her roll her eyes at my slight exageration. Thankfully I get to stay with her and ride in the car to the hotel while Dimitri has to stay behind with some other guardians to get all our luggage unloaded and taken to our rooms. Being friends with the Queen has its privilages.
We got to the hotel, and all I can say is WOW. On the outside it looks like an old fortress that might have been used to fight off pirates. It's built on a cliff overlooking the ocean with the most beautiful and strangley familiar beach below it. I have the stangest feeling of deja vu as I look out the huge vista window facing the ever reaching water. At least the hotel is air conditioned so I can finally breath normally again. There aren't too many other guests since the Queen is here and she booked as many rooms as possible for security reasons. Me and three other guardians accompany the Queen on the elevator to her room on the top floor. Of course it's the most luxurious room in the hotel and the only one on this floor. When the elevator doors open, there is no hallway, but another door. I open the door for the Queen to enter while two of the guardians take up their posts on the outside of the entrance.
Her room has four bedrooms, hers, one for Ambrose, one for me and one for Guardian Spade. She's been with the Queen for many years and is my boss. She reminds me a lot of Alberta, so we get along great. Spade and I take a thorough look around the suite to make sure it's safe, which it is. This place is amazing. It even has a full kitchen, already stocked with all sorts of food. Maybe I can talk Tatiana into making cookies later. This is the first time I've guarded her on vacation so I don't know what she does to let loose, besides Ambrose. He's her consort. I've been on night duty back at Court, so I'm familiar with his relationship with the Queen first hand. If it wasn't for the fact I need to listen for any signs of danger, I'd suggest getting soundproof doors. No one should have to hear the things I heard coming from her chambers. Makes me shudder.
The next week goes by really well. Tatiana spends a lot of time with Ambrose at the beach. Just from watching the two of them together, you can tell that they really care for one another. No wonder she accepted mine and Adrian's relationship so easily. Adrian is supposed to arrive this evening and I'm getting rather anxious to see him again. I've been pretty much working 24/7 so I can spend more time with him. Tatiana doesn't seem to mind. Finally, the doors to the Queen's suite bursts open and her favorite nephew comes strutting in like he owns the place. Typical Adrian. Just about gave me a heart attack thinking we were being invaded. He's lucky I wasn't closer to the door or he might have been hurt. He walks right over to his aunt and gives her a warm embrace. "It seems the fresh ocean air is doing some good. You look wonderful, Aunt." He's such a charmer.
"Yes, this place has always done wonders for me." she responds. Adrian looks over to me and smiles.
"Pardon me Aunt Tatiana, but I need to say hello to my fiance." As soon as the words are out of his mouth, he is right in front of me, pulling me into his hard body and leaning down to reaquaint our lips. I've missed this so much. Even though we both want to keep saying hello, we part for our audience's sake. "So Aunt, how about a game of poker and a bottle of vodka to get this party started." I figured she'd blow him off, but amazingly, she pulls out a deck from a drawer and starts unwrapping a box while Ambrose clears off the table. Adrian grabs my hand and pulls me to the table with him. "You're off duty as of now." Another guardian comes in the door and takes my place by the window while I take a seat between Adrian and Ambrose. This should be fun.
The four of us are seated and Adrian starts dealing the cards. Ambrose tried suggesting we play strip poker, but I wasn't drunk enough to go there yet. "So Rose, have you and Adrian made any plans for the wedding yet?" Tatiana asks while Ambrose was shuffling the deck for the next round.
"No, not yet. We've both been so busy we haven't talked about the wedding much. The sooner the better as far as I'm concerned. I just want my friends and family to be with us. Everything else is just gravy. Of course, Lissa lives for the gravy so I'll let her do most of the planning. Now that she's out of school for the summer, I'm sure it won't take her long to get everything together." I tell her.
"Have you at least looked at dresses?" she asks while getting her cards in order.
"Yes, I found the one I want in one of the million bridal magazines Lissa dumped in my lap. I'll have to show you the picture later." I say as I motion over to Adrian since he's not supposed to know anything about my dress. We play for a couple hours, me losing more than the others. Thanks goodness we didn't go with Ambrose's idea or I would've been buck naked a long time ago, not that Adian would have minded. Tatiana lets out a yawn and we decide to call it a night.
"Rose is off for the rest of the week, right Aunt?" Adrian asks as I walk to my room to gather my stuff to take to Adrian's room for some privacy.
"Yes, she's been working all week and has earned a break. Just make sure you both attend the banquet day after tomorrow. I have important people coming in for it and would like you to attend." Adrian sighs, but assures her that we will be there. I have no idea what it's for, but I'm sure the food will be good, so I'm all for it. We spend the rest of the night making love back at our room. I hope I never have to go that long without him sleeping next to me again. I just sleep so much better having him so close.
The next day when we finally manage to get ourselves out of bed, we spend the day going all over the island sight seeing. He's been here many times as a kid and knows all the best stuff to see and do. We even take a zipline tour through the rain forest on the opposite side of the island from the hotel. It's so nice being able to walk through the streets holding hands without the stares and whispers like we get back at Court. Since it's getting late, we decide to head back to get some rest. The Queen's banquet starts at sunset, so we need to get up early to be there on time.
As soon as we get into the lobby, I see Lissa, Christian, Eddie and Mia. They must be here for the shindig tomorrow. Lissa sees me and comes running over to hug us both. "Are you having a good time, Rose?" she asks and I proceed to tell her about all the things we did today. "Well, since Adrian had you to himself all day, I think a girls night in is in order. You and Mia will stay in my room tonight. Christian and Eddie can stay with Adrian." she says as if anybody is going to argue. Sounds good to me. I haven't had a good girls night in a long time. I kiss Adrian goodnight and allow myself to be dragged along by Lissa.
As soon as we get to her room, she's on the phone ordering room service, massages, facials, pedicures and manicures. I'm about to ask what's up with all the beauty treatments, but I haven't pampered myself in a long while, so I keep my mouth shut. When the massuse starts working on my back, I think I died and went to heaven. I didn't realize how tense I was until all my kinks were thoroughly worked out. When it's my turn for the manicure, I was going to ask for my nails to be painted red to match my bikini, but Lissa insisted on french tips. Since she's paying for all this, I let her have her way. By the end of night, I'm so exhausted, I fall asleep during the pedicure.
The following morning I'm woken up to a very energic Lissa jumping on the bed. "Wake up Rose. It's going to be the best day of your life." she yells. Why does she get worked up over the littlest things? It's just a stupid royal function like all the others, boring. I open my eyes and look around and sit straight up in shock. Not only is Lissa and Mia in the room, but so is Tasha, my mom, Adrian's mom and sister, Alberta, Tatiana and Guardian Spade. They're all smiling at me like cheshire cats.
"What's going on?" I ask Lissa while looking at all the women standing by my bed. Even Adrian's niece Irene is here in a cute little white dress.
"You're getting married today!" they all shout at me. My mind goes totally blank as I try to comprehend what they just said.
"Wait...what?" I'm so confused. I think I would remember planning to get married today. I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone. Tatiana decides to explain.
"There's no royal banquet today. You're getting married." I sit there and stare at her while I let it sink in. I'm getting married today. Uh huh.
"Does Adrian know about this?" I can just imagine the shock on his face as Christian tells him. I just hope he doesn't freak out and get cold feet because of the abruptness of it all.
"It was his idea. When he heard the Queen planned to vacation here, he spoke with her and we all planned it out. You aren't mad are you?" Lissa asks. Mad? Is she kidding? I didn't have to do anything but show up? I love it!
"Are you kidding? I'm getting married today!" I shout in excitement as I jump on the bed with Lissa. Everyone looks very relieved I'm taking the news so well. As soon as I step off the bed, I'm thrown into the bathroom to take a shower. I quickly wash with a perma smile on my face. "I'm getting married today!" I shout in the shower. I hear laughter in the room as I guess they heard me. I can't believe this is actually happening. I hop out and dry off I quick as possible. I wrap the towel around me as I don't know what I'm supposed to wear. Lissa rescues me by handing me a strapless bra and a thong. She sits me down and does my hair and make up. I finally notice that she, Tasha and Mia are wearing light teal bridesmaid dresses, strapless, form fitting and falling just below the knee. They're very nice. I can't wait to see what dress Lissa found for me.
Finally, the moment comes to unveil the dress. Usually it's the groom that doesn't see the dress until the big day, but I guess we're anything but usual. Lissa unzips the garment bag hanging on the bathroom door and I just about fall out of my seat. It's the dress. The dress I fell in love with in the magazine. It's white, strapless, form fitting to the hips with a light teal band around the hips and then flowing down to the floor. I get it on and it's a perfect fit. I look fabulous. A knock on the door startles me as I see Abe walking in. Since I met him at the Queens ball about seven months ago, we've been spending time to get to know each other. I can really see where I get my attitude from.
"You look so beautiful Rose. Are you ready?" he asks presenting his arm for me to take. I take a deep breath and look around to all the wonderful women in my life that are here to support me, and nod my head. Everyone leaves before us as we wait a moment. "I hope you don't mind me giving you away. I know we haven't known each other long, but I really want to do this for you." Abe tells me.
"I couldn't think of anyone better for the job. Anyone who's known my longer would probably drop kick me down the aisle." I tell him as I take a couple deep breaths to calm myself. Reality is starting to hit hard. I'm. Getting. Married. Now. My head gets a little fuzzy and I feel Abe's arm tighten around mine as he works to keep me upright. I can do this.
We start heading out to where the ceremony is being held. I see rows of white folding chairs set up on the beach facing the ocean. The sun is setting on the horizon, painting the sky in the most wonderful warm colors. Then it hits me. This is the beach Adrian always takes me to in our shared dreams. This couldn't be more perfect. I see a minister standing at the front facing the guests with my bridesmaids on one side and the groomsmen on the other. Christian is best man with Dimitri and Eddie after him. Then I see him. I literally loose my breath when I see Adrian standing up there waiting for me to come to him. All the men are wearing short sleeve button up shirts to match the bridesmaid dresses. Adian is wearing white cotton pants while the others are in black pants. I meet his eyes and we keep our gaze locked as Abe leads me down the the aisle between the chairs on the sand.
After what seems like hours, Abe gets me up to Adrian and places my hand in his. My heart starts going wild at the touch of his skin. The minister starts talking but I can barely hear him as I stand in front of the love of my life, soaking in all the love radiating off him. I don't know how long we stand there looking at each other when I feel someone lightly shaking my shoulder. I look over to see Lissa pointing to the minister. "I'm sorry. What?" I ask him. He must have said something that I totally didn't hear. He smiles a warm smile like he gets my reaction all the time.
"I was just asking Adrian if he wanted to recite his vows." I look over to Adrian who clears his throat and squeezes my hands tighter.
"Rose, to say that I love you doesn't even scratch the surface to how I feel about you. You are everything to me. Your love sustains me more than the air I breath, blood I drink or food I consume. The first time I saw you smile, I knew you were the only woman for me. I promise to spend the rest of my life keeping that smile on your face for the simple fact that I can't live without it. Your happiness and well being are the only thing that matters to me and I promise to spend the rest of my life loving you and taking care of you with every fiber of my being. I love you Rose." I reach up and wipe away the tears that are falling down his face as he confesses his love to me. I've never heard anything more beautiful in my life. Then I realize that it's my turn, but since I just found about this a couple hours ago, I don't have anything prepared. So I guess I just have to wing it.
"Adrian, you're my best friend and the great love of my life. No one else on this planet makes me feel more loved and cared for than you do and I'm so grateful that you were so persistant and didn't give up on me. Thank you for fighting for me. I promise to spend the rest of my life showing you just how much I love you and appreciate you. I love you Adrian." I pledge through tears that he wipes away as his hand tenderly cups my cheek. We finish the ceremony by exchanging rings, doing the I do's and ending with the kiss. And what a kiss it is. Adrian pulls me close to him dips me low with the flair of a movie star just as the sun dips below the horizon and kisses me with so much passion and love, I feel like I might pass out.
"May I present to you. Mr. and Mrs. Ivashkov." the minister announces as we stand side by side facing all our loved ones and supporters. Applause erupts as we walk back down the aisle as husband and wife. I love the sound of that.
Well, what did you think of their wedding? Were you surprised like Rose? Thanks for reading and don't forget to review.