Finally here is Ch. 8. I apologize that it took me so long to update. The holiday set me back a little.

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next chapter sooner. Remember your reviews are what keep me going!

DPOV

Waiting outside of the Queens' chambers, I was becoming curious as to why she would want to meet with me. Just then Guardian Korskii appeared through the doorway. "Guardian Belikov, the Queen would like to see you now." He spoke, motioning for me to go right in.

"Guardian Belikov," she said as I entered her chambers. "Thank you for meeting with me." "Your majesty," I replied bowing to her. I hated being formal with Tatiana, even if she was our Queen. I never really liked her, but after I seen how she treated Rose, I would like to have seen her stripped of her title. I definitely understood why Rose always referred to her as Queen bitch.

"Would you like to sit down?" she asked. I scanned the room noticing the other guardians standing guard; I felt I would be more comfortable standing. "No thank you, your majesty. I am fine standing." I stated. "Always a guardian." She remarked. "I have asked you to meet with me because there has been a mistake and you are not needed here at court for the next two days." She disclosed.

"You are welcome to use these next two days as vacation if you would like." She offered. "I'm sure you would appreciate the time off, I can imagine mentoring Miss Hathaway has been very demanding on you." The Queen never spoke a kind word about Rose. She was always so disrespectful to her; she believed that all the rumors were true.

"Not at all, mentoring Miss Hathaway has been a pleasure. She has not only caught up to her peers, she has surpassed them. Miss Hathaway will, without a doubt be one of the best guardians to ever protected the moroi race!" I confirmed with so much pride. "I hope you are correct Guardian Belikov, but I have yet to see that for myself, she said with contempt.

My patience was wearing thin with her, desperately needing to get out of here before I said something that could get me in a lot of trouble I said. "Your majesty, I appreciate the offer for vacation time, but with the field experiences starting soon, I'm sure they need me back at the academy."

"Very well than, I will have a plane ready to return you to the academy tomorrow afternoon. Please accept my apologies for the misunderstanding. If there is nothing else Guardian Belikov, than you are free to leave." She concluded. "Thank you, your majesty." I said bowing to her before leaving.

Since I wasn't going to be on duty tonight. I thought I would go grab a bite to eat at the tavern. Entering the tavern I recognized a few friends. Saying hello to them, I spotted Adrian sitting at a table alone with a bottle of vodka. Adrian briefly looked around the tavern, as he made eye contact with me he dropped his head.

I couldn't help but laugh at what I saw. He had the worst black eye imaginable. With a huge grin plastered on my face I made my way to his table. "Hell Ivashkov, what happen to you? Did you get so drunk that you ran into a god damn wall?" I teased. He glared at me. "Real funny Belokov, Actually Rose happened to me!"

"What are you talking about Ivashkov? Are you really that drunk? Rose is back at the academy." I reminded him. "I know where she is Belikov, I'm not that stupid. Although, I have to admit the look of confusion on your face is priceless." He scoffed. I was becoming irritated with him. How could he possible think Rose gave him that black eye? She is not even here at court.

"What's going on Adrian? I don't feel like playing your games right now!" I scolded. He smiled up at me. "I went to Rose in her dream and I told her that I love her." My whole body tensed up, I was fighting the urge to lunge across the table and latch a hold of him. "That doesn't explain your black eye Ivashkov. However, it does explain why you're about to have a matching one." I said. My voice sounding so violent I didn't even recognize it.

"Relax Belikov, Rose made it perfectly clear she only loves you." Adrian relayed. "Are you trying to tell me Rose punched you because you told her you love her? That's how you ended up with a black eye?" I asked. Adrian rubbed his eye. "As you can see, Rose has one hell of a right hook! I didn't know it could show up outside of the dream, but apparently if you get hit hard enough it can happen." He revealed.

I guess I should have known this was going to happen eventually. Rose did tell me she could take care of Adrian, and boy did she do a number on his face.

"She told you before that she didn't have those feelings for you Ivashkov. I guess I was right about you. You really are a moron." I insulted. "What ever Belikov," he said blowing me off. "Rose didn't punch me because I told her I love her, she punched me when I kissed her." Adrian said smugly.

I wanted to make him hurt, but I needed to keep my control. I didn't want to end up in jail, and then I would never see Rose. I'm pretty sure that would make Adrian very happy. So instead I just leaned in close to him so only he could hear me. "You should thank god that it was Rose that got a hold of you and not me! I would have given you more than a black eye." I informed him.

Without saying another word to him, I left the tavern. I suddenly lost my appetite after talking to Adrian. I just wanted to get back to my room and call Rose. I needed to hear her voice; I missed her so much. I decided not to tell her I was returning early. I would rather surprise her.

RPOV

I was supposed to be finding Lissa, but instead I found myself wondering aimlessly around the academy. Before I knew it I was standing outside the cabin. I hesitated for a minute, not sure if I was ready for the emotions that were going to hit me when I walked into the cabin. This cabin held such a significant memory; I just wasn't ready to let it go. I'm not sure how long I just stood there, but eventually I gave in and walked through the door.

The memories flashed before my eyes. I could still see Dimitri and I lying on the bed. His arms wrapped tightly around my waist, holding me so close to his body. I could still hear him whispering in my ear, that he loved me, and that he wanted us to be together. The tears began to spill from my eyes, as a sob escaped my chest. I felt like I couldn't breath.

Just then my phone rang, preventing me from having a complete break down. Thankful for the distraction, I answered it without looking to see who it was calling me. "Hello," I answered. "Hello Roza," Dimitri spoke with a light Russian accent lacing his words. I instantly felt better just hearing his voice. I always loved when Dimitri spoke my name in Russian.

"Dimitri, Is there something wrong? Shouldn't you be on duty by now?" I asked with concern. "Everything is fine Rose. My shift doesn't start for a little while." He explained. "I was calling you to find out what was going on? I ran into Adrian and he told me about your conversation."

I started to panic. I knew I shouldn't have hit Adrian. Of course he would be pissed off and tell Dimitri about me leaving. "Listen Dimitri, I can explain." I stammered. "Calm down Rose, I'm not mad at you. To tell you the truth I'm glad you did it, now I don' have to."

"I'm Confused, what exactly did Adrian tell you?" my curiosity getting to me. "Adrian said he told you that he loves you. He also told me that he kissed you. Which I have to admit, made me want to kill him." He confessed. "I'm guessing he also told you I punched him." I laughed. "Yeah he told me, plus he's also wearing the black eye to prove it." he bantered.

I can't believe I gave him a black eye, I thought. "How is that possible? I hit him in my dream." I questioned. Dimitri was laughing. "Well apparently, you have one hell of a right hook according to Adrian. He said you hit him hard enough that it surfaced outside of the dream."

"Huh, I'll have to remember that for the next time he invades my dreams." I teased. Dimitri just sighed. "There better not be a next time."

I started to relax a little, now that I know Adrian didn't tell him about me leaving. "So comrade, is that the only reason you called me?" I asked jokingly. "No, I called for a couple of reasons." He replied. "Well what might those be?" I said. "The first reason is because I miss you and needed to hear your voice. The second reason is because I want to know what your keeping from me, and Rose please don't lie to me." he pleaded.

I wasn't quite sure what to say. I was silent for a while, and then I decided I don't want to lie to him.

"Roza," he begged. "Please talk to me. What ever it is, you know you can talk to me. I will always be there for you." I took a deep breath hoping I could get through this without my tears betraying me. "Dimitri, there is something I'm keeping from you. Please try to understand that I have my reasons for no telling you. I promise when you get back from court all will be revealed.

"Rose why can't you tell me? Don't you trust me?" He sounded hurt. "I trust you with my life! It's just not something I want to discuss over the phone."

"Fine Rose, but we need to talk as soon as I get back!" he said sounding unsatisfied. "Rose it's getting late, so I should let you get some rest. I'm sure you need it for your training. I hope their not taking it to easy on you." He laughed.

Since I will be leaving so soon, Kirova cancelled my training and my classes. I'm not sure what excuse she gave my teachers, but no one is questioning me. I couldn't tell Dimitri I wasn't training, he would become even more suspicious, and it's already hard enough keeping this from him. So once again I had to lie.

"It's not bad, but nothing like the training I received from my old mentor. The man is a god, in more ways than one." I said seductively. "Rose, why did you just call me your old mentor? I'll be back in a couple of days." He questioned. "I'm sorry Dimitri, I didn't mean it like that. I was just joking." I replied.

I didn't want to end our conversation, but I'm sure his shift would be starting soon, plus I needed to go find Lissa. "I guess I should let you go. I'm sure your shift is starting soon." I sighed. "I love you Roza!" The tears began to flow from my eyes again. "I love you too Dimitri!" Then I heard him whisper. " I'll see you soon," as he hung up the phone.

Closing the door behind me as I left the cabin, I had an overwhelming feeling of sadness. Sadness because I knew I would never be happy again.

Making my way through the woods out into the clearing, I spotted Lissa and Christian walking across the quad. "Hey," I shouted, as I got closer. Lissa spun around to face me. "Rose where have you been? We have been looking everywhere for you." She spoke with anxiety in her voice. " Somehow I was looking for you and ended up at the cabin, but you don't have to worry I'm here now." I said trying to calm her.

"So what did Kirova want early? Lissa asked. "That's another reason I was looking for you." I answered. I could feel her becoming nervous. "Did you tell Christian about my trip yet?" I inquired. She looked at me confused. "No, I told you I wouldn't tell anyone." She declared.

Christian was looking at us like we were speaking in a different language. "What are you talking about Rose? Where are you going?" he asked. "Easy there fire boy," I laughed. "I'm going on a trip for a couple of months, and Lissa's going to need you. She can fill you in on all the details later."

"You still haven't answered my question Rose." Lissa reminded me. "What did you have to meet with Kirova about earlier."

"Kirova needed to let me know me that I would be leaving sooner than expected." I informed her. "How much sooner?" she asked with tears filling her eyes. "I'm leaving tomorrow night." I said. Lissa looked like I just punched her. "Liss it's going to be fine. I'll be back for graduation." I tried to reassure her. Tears were running down her face. Christian wrapped his arms around her, almost as if to keep her from collapsing.

"Rose, please don't go!" she pleaded to me. "Lissa we have been through this already. You know I have to do this. You said you understood." " I do understand, it's just I'm going to miss you so much!" she cried. I wrapped her in a hug. "Lissa I'll miss you too. Like I told you before, it doesn't matter how far apart we are. Were bonded remember, I'll always be with you, just like you will always be with me."

"Lissa you will have Christian, and He loves you." I said to her "Who will you have Rose? You're going to be all by yourself. I don't want you to be lonely." Lissa whimpered. "Lissa, don't worry about me. I'll be fine." I was feeling exhausted. I didn't want to discuss this anymore. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster. "I'm feeling pretty tired Liss. If you don't mind I think I'm going to head back to my room and get some sleep." I said yawning.

"Are you sure you don't want to hang out and watch a movie with us?" she asked. "No, I wouldn't be very good company right now. I would probably just fall asleep anyways, but thanks for asking." I grinned. "Will I see you before you leave tomorrow?" she pouted. "I would not leave without saying goodbye to you Lissa." I said. I told Lissa and Christian goodnight and headed back to my room. Once I was in my room I crawled in bed thinking about the day ahead of me. I closed my eyes and drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

Next Day:

DPOV

I couldn't wait to get back to the academy, back to Rose. The plane is already waiting o the runway. I was leaving in less than an hour. The flight to St. Vladimir's takes about four hours. Everyone should be sleeping when we land. Maybe I will sneak in Rose's room and surprise her. Although I should be careful, I could end up with a black eye like Adrian. Just the thought of Adrian's black eye makes me laugh.

I heard a knock at my door, and when I answered it I was shocked to Adrian standing there. "What can I do for you Lord Ivashkov," I asked. " I need to talk to you Belikov. Can I come in?" he walked past me through the door not even waiting for my answer. "It's not like I have a choice!" I groaned. Adrian looked like hell, his black eye looked even worse today.

"What do you want Ivashkov?" He looked at me for a second and shook his head. "You don't have time to ask me questions, so just listen to me carefully." He said.

"The car is waiting to take you to the runway. The pilot is waiting for you. I can't explain what I'm about to tell you so don't ask me to. You're running out of time." He stated. That's all Adrian said as he walked towards the door. "Wait, I don't understand?" I asked confused. He turned to face me. "I told you more than I should have, but I just want her to be happy. So hurry up Belikov and get on that plane. I'll only say it once more. You're running out of time." He repeated then he walked out the door.

I was trying to process what he said, but it made no sense to me. Adrian said I was running out of time. Then he said he just wants her to be happy. I wasn't sure what it was about, but I'll try to figure it out on the plane. I grabbed my bag and took of running for the car. I'm not sure if he was drunk or not, but I'm positive this had something to do with Rose.

I boarded the plane and strapped in. The plane immediately took off once I was situated. I am so confused as to what is going on, but I can guarantee that in four hours I will be getting some answers.

Three hours later:

RPOV

I scanned my room one last time making sure nothing was left behind. All of my belongings were packed in the suitcases sitting next to the door. I glanced down at my watch; it was almost time to go. The decision I made two days ago has not only impacted my life, but it was impacting the lives of everyone that I love. I can't believe I'm leaving St. Vladimir's, leaving Lissa, leaving behind my mentor, my one true love, Dimitri! Even though leaving is unbelievably painful. I couldn't allow myself to regret my decision. It is a decision that will ultimately protect Dimitri from having to make a choice that he may one day regret.

I could sense Lissa through the bond. She was on her way down the hall to my room. I opened the door, not waiting for her to knock. I was sitting on the bed facing Lissa and Christian as they came through the door. Her eyes were swollen and red from crying, just like mine. "Are you all packed and ready to leave?" she murmured. "Everything is packed, but I have one more thing to do." I sighed.

Christian looked at the both us sympathetically. He knew we needed some time. "I'll take your luggage and meet you guys at the plane." He offered. Most people would think that Christian and me hated each other because of our constant badgering, but truthfully I thought of him as family just like Lissa. "Thank you, Christian." I smiled at him.

"I'm going to miss you Hathaway!" he said picking up my luggage. Trying to lighten the mood I said, "I'll miss you to fire boy, try not to burn the place down while I'm gone."

"Always a comedian Hathaway." He laughed walking out of the room. "What do you still have to do?" Lissa asked. "I have to drop off a couple things in Dimitri's room." I said grabbing my phone and the letter I wrote for Dimitri. "We better go than, you don't have much time." She revealed. It was silent between us as we walked to the guardian dormitory.

"I'm glad Kirova agreed to let you out after curfew, so I could see you before I leave." I said with emotion playing in my voice. "I'm glad she did too, I didn't want to use compulsion on her." she replied.

No one was at the front desk, so it was easy getting up to Dimitri's room. Walking down the corridor Lissa asked, "How are you going to get into his room?" Smiling at her I pulled out the key Dimitri gave me a while ago. "Why am I not surprised? Of course you would have a key to his room." She chuckled.

The scent of his aftershave hit me as I opened the door. I began feeling a stabbing sensation in my chest. I couldn't breath and tears began to fill my eyes. I had to stop them; I won't let Lissa see me cry. This is already hard enough on her. I walked over to the bed and laid the envelope and phone down on the comforter. Spinning around to face Lissa, she had a puzzled look on her face. "Lets go," I moaned. Before closing the door, I inhaled deeply taking in the scent of his aftershave for the last time.

Lissa kept glancing at me with the same puzzled look plastered on her face. Finally she asked. "Rose why did you leave your phone in Dimitri's room?" "Because he would use it to find me." I informed her. 'Lissa after the incident in Spokane, Dimitri gave me the phone. Dimitri said that he about went crazy trying to figure out where I could be. He was scared he wouldn't find me in time. When he gave me the phone he said it had a gps tracking device installed, so he could find me if I ever got in trouble again. Lissa smiled slightly "Wow, he really loves you!" Her words made my heart ache.

Christian was waiting for us when we reached the plane. "Hey Rose, the pilot informed me that it's going to be at least another thirty minutes before he can take off. Apparently there is another plane landing in a few minutes.

I just nodded my head. "Rose," Lissa said. " Do you want us to wait here with you?" I hated to let her leave, but I wasn't sure how much longer I could fight back the tears. "No, you better get back to your rooms. Kirova said she didn't want you out that long." I reminded her.

Christian hugged me goodbye. "Take it easy on your new mentor Rose. Try not to hurt him to much." He smirked. Just then Lissa started to cry. I hugged her. "Lissa I promise I'll be back soon. Graduation is only two months away. I'll be checking on you through the bond, so can you make sure that you and Christian keep your clothes on." I laughed. "Gross Rose," she said lightly punching me in the arm. "Ouch" I rubbed my arm faking that she hurt me.

We all looked up hearing a plane coming in for a landing. "You guys better go, I don't want you getting into trouble." I said. I hugged Lissa goodbye and started up the steps to board the plane. About halfway up the stairs I stopped. I just stood there with tears streaming down my face, watching Lissa and Christian leave.

Knowing I couldn't hold it together much longer I boarded the plane. I sat in my seat, staring out the window.

DPOV

It felt good to be back at the academy, I thought as I got off the plane. I still couldn't figure out what Adrian was talking about, maybe he was drunk. I wanted to hurry up and go see Rose; I wouldn't be able to wait until morning. I was just about to take off for the novice dorms, when I saw Lissa and Christian. She looked like she was upset. "Would either of you like to explain why your not in your rooms sleeping." I questioned them. They both spun around, and by the look on her face, there was definitely something wrong.

"Guardian Belikov, what are you doing here? We thought you were at court." Christian looked shocked. Lissa just kept staring at the other plane on the runway. " I got back early." I answered. I was becoming suspicious so I decided to start asking some questions. "Princess are you okay? Why are you crying?" She was stumbling over her word "I….I had a nightmare. S…so I asked Christian to take a walk with me to get some fresh air."

"Why isn't Rose with you? If you were feeling anxious she would know and come looking for you." I interrogated her, not quit believing her nightmare story. I don't know what it was about that other plane, but she just kept watching it. Still stumbling over her words she said. Rose was really tired, s…so I told her to go back to bed. I told her I needed some time with Christian. I wasn't convinced she was telling the truth, but I was excited to see Rose, so I let it go.

"Both of you need to get back to your rooms. I'll walk you to your dorm." I declared. Lissa didn't say anything she just nodded. The whole way to her dorm I saw her glancing back towards the runway. Once we got to her building Christian wrapped his arms around her holding her in an embrace. I heard him whisper to her, " everything will be fine Liss. You know she will be fine." I watched them for a minute longer. "Princess, you need to get to your room now." I said sternly.

I led her to her room, and then headed for the novice dorms. I couldn't wait to surprise Rose. I practically ran down the hall to her room. Standing in front of her door, I knocked. I was excited to see her expression, but she never answered the door. I knocked harder and waited, still no answer. I turned the doorknob hoping it was unlocked. Of course I couldn't be that lucky. The key to her door was in my room. I will go get the key and come back, I thought.

Running to the guardian dorms, my mind was wandering. What did Adrian mean I was running out of time? Why wouldn't Rose answer the door? Why was Lissa so upset? And to top it all off, why was she so fixated on that plane? Nothing made any sense to me right now.

Opening the door, I walked over to the nightstand to get the key to Rose's door. Turning to leave I caught a glimpse of something on my bed. The phone was Rose's and beside it was an envelope addressed to me. I was beginning to feel very nervous. Leaning down I picked up the envelope. I could tell by the handwriting it was from Rose. I sat down on the edge of the bed and opened the envelope and began reading.

Dear Dimitri,

Writing you this letter is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I love you more than I ever thought possible, but our love has to be enough for both of us in order for it to work. I over heard your conversation with Alberta, when you were at the cabin. I guess I never realized how much it cost you to be with me, until I heard how torn you are between your love for me and your life as a guardian. I don't want our relationship to jeopardize what you worked so hard for. I know your not sure if what we have is enough so it has led me to make a decision that will protect you. I have decided to leave St. Vladimir's and continue my training somewhere else. I can no longer stay here and make your life more complicated. You deserve so much more than I could ever give you. I know I am hurting you, and I am truly sorry. I only hope that you will never regret our time together. I know that someday you will understand why I had to leave, and I hope that maybe then you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I want you to know that my life will forever be changed because I had the chance to love someone as special as you. Take care of my heart I am leaving it with you!

Love always,

Roza

Did you ever have a moment when you thought you were trapped in a nightmare and couldn't get out? I could hear screaming not really sure where it was coming from, only to realize it was me. I could feel tears filling my eyes, slowly falling from the corners. This can't be happening, I felt a throbbing sensation in my chest, my heart was breaking into a million pieces. I can't let her go, I need Roza in my life. I have to stop her. Then all of a sudden everything clicked. Adrian knew she was leaving. Lissa was upset because Rose was leaving. The plane….. OH MY GOD THE PLANE! Rose is on the plane. I ran so fast I don't even remember coming down the stairs. I might still have time to catch her, I thought. I ran so fast for the runway I thought I might pass out. I could see the plane in the distance, but could I reach her in time.

I made this chapter extra long for you guys to make up for me posting so late.

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