When Rose woke up, she felt an immediate pounding in the front of her head. She groaned, rolling over, and a sudden wave of nausea hit her. She stumbled up, just making it to the bathroom as she let the contents of last night empty from her stomach. She groaned, and knelt down on the bathroom floor, pressing her head against the counter.
"Here," Adrian's voice said, and she let him push two painkillers in her mouth, handing her a glass of water as well. He helped her up, and back into the bedroom. He laid her down, and grinned, "Isn't this quite the roll reversal." She just moaned, and put her hands on her face, "Damn."
"You have a few more hours, you can sleep, then you need to get up," Adrian said briskly, "I'm going to run over and see how Lissa and Christian are this morning, will you be okay? There is water on your bedside table, as well as another two painkillers for later." She nodded, not moving her hands from her face. He smiled, watching her for a moment, before he slipped out of the bedroom.
Rose heard Adrian leave, but couldn't even begin to say goodbye. She rolled over, and winced, burying herself under the blankets. At least she remembered last night still. Of course, that mean't she remembered her open honesty with Adrian on their walk home. She cursed herself for talking about something like that - he didn't need to hear it. Rubbing her forehead, she decided a few hours of sleep would probably be for the best, and then she would do some damage control.
Adrian swung by Lissa's apartment, where he found a very groggy Lissa and a very sick Christian. He made arrangements to meet Christian in a little while at his place, but stayed only a short time - he had somewhere else he needed to go. Knocking on Ana's door, he waited as he heard her approach from the inside.
"Oh, Adrian! Didn't expect to see you up this early," his sister smiled, leaning in the doorway. He shrugged, giving her a half smile, "I played babysitter last night. Got a spare moment?" She nodded, moving back to let him in. She walked back towards the kitchen, where she was in the middle of doing her dishes.
"I wanted to talk to you about something," Adrian started conversationally. Ana nodded, listening but concentrating on her task. Adrian watched her hands fly through the menial job for a moment, before stating in a flat voice, "I'm going to ask Rose to marry me today." Instantly, Ana's hands froze. The blue scrub brush in her hand dripped suds down her plate as she remained immobile, processing what Adrian had just declared. Slowly, she turned to face him, studying his face. He stared back, every inch of his face determined.
"It will be hard," Ana began, softly. She walked closer, and sighed, "You'll get a lot of backlash. A lot, Adri. Father will be furious. Mother will have a fit. The rest of the family-"
"Will hate it. I know." He interupted, not wanting to talk about their family at the moment, "What I want to hear, is what you think, Anastasia." Ana bit her cheek, a smile tugging at her lips, "You know I love Rose. Of course I'll accept it. Did you think I wouldn't?"
"I wanted to be sure," Adrian replied, offering a smile back, "What I really came here for, was to see if you held on to Great-Grandmother Imogene's old ring. You know, it was silver, thin. A few little pink diamonds scattered around?"
"I know where it is!" Ana exclaimed, and they walked into her bedroom. She rummaged through her jewellery, and said, "So, you really are serious? You really love her, Adrian?"
"I do. She thinks I'm just with her for kicks, though. I need to prove to her how I feel." Ana raised an eyebrow, and said, "Marriage is the answer?"
"I want to spend the rest of my life with her," Adrian insisted earnestly, "Its not spur of the moment, Ana. I've been thinking about it for awhile. God know's I've been in love with her for longer. I plan to ask her after the wedding, during the reception. If all goes well, we can announce it then."
"And if all doesn't?" Ana asked softly, turning, with a beautiful, elegant ring in her palm. Adrian took it, rubbing it with his thumb. Perfect. He looked up, and said, "Nothing will go wrong. I know she wants this, deep down. She's just letting our corrupted society's way of thinking get to her."
"Adrian, she's a serious woman. A serious guardian. You know they will talk. Laugh at her, even, for marrying her Moroi. Have you considered these factors?" And put both hands on his arms, and sighed, "I want the best for you, Adri. I love you. I know you and Rose are meant to be, but I don't want to see you get hurt."
"I'm certain," Adrian merely replied. Ana gave him a wisty smile, and said, "Alright. I might tear up if we keep at this. How about some coffee?"
When Rose woke up again a few hours later, she felt a thousand times better. After a hot shower and some more painkillers, she decided it was time to meet Lissa for their hair appointments. When she reached Lissa's, she found her alone - Christian wasn't allowed to see her on their wedding day, until it was time. Lissa smiled as Rose walked in, a hair stylist already working on Lissa. Another was waiting for Rose, who sat eagerly.
"Last night was fun, Rose. Thank you." Lissa stated, tilting her head forwards for the stylist. Rose grinned, "A night to remember, that's for sure. Where's Christian hiding today?"
"Adrian and him are doing the man thing," Lissa laughed, shrugging at Rose's curious glance, "Don't ask, I have no idea."
"Princess, please stay still," the stylist huffed impatiently. Lissa and Rose exchanged an amused look, and concentrated on getting beautiful. While the girls did this, Christian and Adrian sat on Adrian's porch, smoking cigars. They'd done the traditional man thing - cigars, drinks, and reminiscing about beautiful women of their pasts. Adrian spilled the secret of his plan to propose to Rose during the wedding, and Christian thoroughly agreed - he had no problem thinking of a Dhampir and Moroi being together, considering his Aunt Tasha and Dimitri. This helped bolster Adrian's confidence, and he was practically humming with excitement as they changed into their suits, and walked down towards the ceremony hall.
The ceremony was to take place in a beautiful room, with enough seats to house the many people who wanted to see what was being called the wedding of the year. The walls were covered in elegant flowers and mirrors, and golden lillies bloomed everywhere. As the two walked up towards the Court's priest, Christian tugged at his collar, swallowing hard, "Jesus, there's lots of people here."
"Your marrying a princess," Adrian reminded him, giving him a little push to keep him going, "As soon as you see her, you won't remember the rest."
"I sure hope your right," Christian muttered. Already, most of the seats were taken, and right at the front, on Christian's side, sat Tasha and Dimitri. Tasha gave Christian a huge hug, wiping tears from her eyes, "I'm so proud of you." Dimitri nodded at Adrian, shaking Christian's hand. Adrian coughed, and caught Dimitri's attention once more, nodding to the side. Dimitri frowned slightly, but walked with Adrian off to the side.
"I'm proposing to Rose today," Adrian said simply, meeting Dimitri's eyes without wavering, "I wanted you to know."
"Congratulations," Dimitri mumbled, offering his hand once more. Adrian ignored it, studying Dimitri's face. For a man without a lot of outward emotion, the slight tightening Adrian detected in his jaw gave him right away. He sighed, and said, "Are you okay with this?"
"I want her to be happy," Dimitri replied, glancing at Tasha, who was watching them curiously from her seat. He gave her a quick smile, and said, "I'm happy with Tasha. I'm going to be a father. I want the same things for Roza." Adrian nodded, and accepted them handshake finally, "Okay. Thanks, Belikov."
"Dimitri," He replied, giving Adrian a small smile as he walked back to Tasha. Adrian shook out the tension in his shoulders, and glanced around the room. There were two more people he had to tell, neither of which were present as of yet. It wasn't Rose's father he was worried about - it was Janine Hathaway. But, it seemed like that would have to wait until after the ceremony. A guardian approached the altar, informing the priest that Lissa was ready to begin. Almost instantly, a slow, melodic wedding march began. Adrian took his spot next to Christian, shooting the ill-looking man a grin, "Showtime, Ozera." Christian gave a weak smile, and they concentrated on the arch at the back of the room. Absently, Adrian noticed Janine and Abe leaning against the wall near Janine's post, and made a mental note to go over as soon as the ceremony was over. Then, all thought processes flew out the window as Rose appeared.
She was wearing a beautiful, pale green dress. It was more risque then traditional wedding wear at Court, but still elegant. She held a bouquet of the same flowers placed throughout the room, and a tiny smile on her face. She met Adrian's eyes across the room, and the smile grew as she walked towards the altar. She reached them, and winked at Adrian, putting an arm around the nervous flower girl as they stood opposite Adrian. The wedding march slowed, and suddenly, Lissa appeared. She was a vision in white, with her light blonde hair down in waves. She had eyes only for Christian, who had stopped his nervous shifting the moment she walked in. As she walked down the aisle slowly, Adrian wondered if he had ever seen any two people more meant for each other. His eyes met Rose's again, and she blushed, smiling and looking down. 'Maybe I have.'
"Do you, Christian Ozera, take Princess Vasilisa Dragomir, to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do."
"And do you, Princess, take Christian Ozera to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"With all my heart, I do."
"I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
As the hall cleared out, most of the crowd was heading towards the grand reception hall, the same one they'd held the rehearsal dinner in. Christian and Lissa had left to the dressing rooms, to prepare for the reception together, as man and wife. Rose walked over to Adrian, a big grin on her face as she tidied his collar, "Pretty sharp, Ivashkov."
"Back at you," Adrian grinned, pulling her closer and kissing her head. Rose laughed, wiping a tear from her eyes, "Jesus, I'm getting emotional. I think hell has frozen over."
"Your best friend just got married in the most beautiful ceremony ever, I think your entitled to a few tears," A deep man's voice claimed, causing the pair to turn around. Abe Mazur stood there, the petite Janine Hathaway next to him making a striking difference in appearance. Rose nodded, "I am entitled. Hello, old man. Mother." Janine nodded, "Your dress is nice, the Princess made an excellent choice."
"She did," Rose agreed again, "Now if you'll excuse us-"
"You go ahead," Adrian said suddenly, dropping her hand, "I have to speak with Ana, she's still here somewhere I'm sure." Rose frowned, but nodded, walking away. Abe and Janine exchanged a look, and Adrian stepped closer, "I want to talk to you."
"We figured," Janine said shortly. He wasn't sure if it was because she could guess what it was about, or if she just didn't like him in general. Maybe it was because he was a Moroi, dating her daughter. Adrian dug in his pocket, and pulled out his grandmothers ring. He presented it to Abe, for inspection.
"I'm going to ask Rose to marry me at the reception," was all he stated. Janine raised an eyebrow, and said, "You realize what this will mean, Lord Ivashkov."
"I do, and hopefully soon you will be calling me son-in-law."
"She's finally made something of her career, and this will-" Janine started, but Abe let out a laugh, "Oh, drop it, Janine. If this is what the girl wants, its what she wants. Your opinion won't change that, as we've already learned. Now, Ivashkov, do I need to have the discussion where I tell you about all of the bones I can snap in your body without you dying, or will we just leave it at you never hurting my girl?"
"I think we can leave it," Adrian said, after swallowing hard. Janine folded her arms, and then finally glanced at the ring, almost unwillingly. She sighed, "It's her style."
"It was my great-grandmother Imogene's," Adrian explained, "She was ostracized from our family for marrying her Dhampir guardian. My sister held on to her ring all these years, and I thought of it as soon as I decided where I wanted us to go."
"You know what will happen to you?" She replied. Adrian nodded, "I've already spoken with my sister about it - the rest don't matter. I want to marry Rose, Ms. Hathaway. I'll make her happy."
"I don't doubt it," Janine finally said. Abe handed the ring back, and said, "We better get over to the reception hall before Rose suspects anything." Adrian nodded, and let them leave. Letting out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, he rubbed his forehead. That was it - that was everyone he wanted to talk to before he made this step. Now, to convince Rose .
The reception hall was decorated much less formally then the ceremony room was. More colors and lights, and lots of candles. There was a circular dance floor step up in the center of all the tables, and a long table for Lissa and Christian at the front, with two extra places for Rose and Adrian by their sides. When Adrian got to the hall, Lissa and Christian had already made their entrance, and were seated up front, talking to one of the many well-wishers lined up to see them. Rose was at her seat, as well, leaning back and sipping her wine. Classical music was playing in the background, and Adrian walked over, sitting next to Rose with a smile."
"What took you?" She asked, as he poured himself a glass. He shrugged, "Ana wants me to watch Patrick, nothing major." She nodded, shooting him a frown. Dinner wasn't until after, and the MC stood up, announcing it was time for Lissa and Christian to have their first dance. Christian stood, bowing low to Lissa, who giggled, taking his hand as they walked to the center of the dance floor. They began to dance to the music, a slow, romantic ballad. Many claps and cheers were heard, and then, a few other couples were up dancing. Then a few more. Before long, the dance floor was full, and the reception was underway.
"Would you do me the honor of dancing with me, Miss Hathaway?" Adrian asked, copying Christian's bow. Rose pretended to giggle, and then laughed as he kissed her hand, leading her to the dance floor. He drew her close in a quick, practiced movement, making her eyebrows raise. As he started to lead them, she mumbled, "You know I'm just with you for your dance moves, right?"
"What else could it be?" He agreed, spinning her back into a low dip. She laughed as he raised her back up, nuzzling in closer against his body.
"Rose?" Adrian mumbled, after a few minutes of silent swaying. She made a humming sound, and he stopped, demanding her attention.
"I love you," he said seriously, in a quiet voice. He didn't want every person in the room witnessing this private moment. She gave him a lazy smile, and said, "I love you too, Adrian." He took her left hand, kissing the fingers softly, slowly. His other hand dug in his pocket, and as quick as a flash, he had it on her ring finger. She had frozen, barely breathing, both surrounded by the moving bodies of other couples dancing still. Her eyes met his, a slight panic evident in them.
"Rose, I don't want to be without you. I can't ever be without you. Please. Please tell me you will marry me," he almost whispered this, his head bent so their foreheads almost touched. Lissa and Christian had danced over to say hi, but as soon as Lissa noticed the situation, Christian quickly explained that he was proposing. They stopped feet away, eavesdropping.
"Adrian-" Rose began, but Adrian kissed her quickly, and said, "I don't want to hear anything but yes."
"I'm your guardian," Rose hissed, looking around uncomfortably, "What do you think your doing?"
"Proposing?" Adrian replied, his voice weakening a bit. All of his confidence was balancing on a narrow ledge, and he made her hold his gaze, "Rose, I don't want to marry a Moroi pedigree girl. I want you. We're meant for this."
"No," Rose said, her voice getting a little hysterical, "Why would you even ask me that? I have a career! I can't marry my Moroi, your insane.." She shook her head, backing away again as he reached for her. Tasha and Dimitri had joined Lissa and Christian, and Lissa sadly whispered, "She's not taking this well."
"Oh no..." Tasha whispered, watching with a worried look. Their audience went unnoticed as Adrian reached for her hand again, and Rose whipped it away as if he had burned her.
"Don't do this to me. Leave things as they are," Rose insisted, pleading with him, "We can't get married. That is NOT happening."
"Rose-" Adrian started, but Rose shook her head, "I need to go." She missed the crestfallen look on his face as she turned to leave, but suddenly, the MC chimed, "Time for a speech! The Maid of Honor, Rosemarie Hathaway, would like to say a few words." A spotlight landed on Rose, who looked panicked and upset. She froze, and forced her guardian mask into place. She didn't want these people knowing what was happening. She noticed the group standing there, watching her, and she took a deep breath, ignoring Adrian as he made her way to the MC's mic stand. She reached it, and turned to face the waiting crowd. She took another deep breath, and smiled a weak smile, starting, "Vasilisa Dragomir is my closest friend. We've been through everything tog-" She froze.
"What? Are you okay?" The MC asked, waving a hand in front of her face. Rose had cut herself off, and she was peering across the crowd, at the back corner. For a second, she could have sworn she'd seen red eyes staring back at her...
"Strigoi!" She yelled, the microphone blasting ears. A scream was heard from that corner, as the Strigoi she'd seen bit his teeth into a nearby woman. Simultaneously, every window shattered, Strigoi jumping in from the ground below outside. The guardian's were a blur as they tried to get people out of there - but there were a lot of people in the hall. Rose took off from the stage, shoving her way through the panicked Moroi to where she left Adrian. She spotted him with Lissa and Tasha. Dimitri and Christian had the rest of them against the wall, Christian using fire on any Strigoi nearby, and Dimitri fighting the rest off. Rose jumped into action as a Moroi slipped back Christian's aim, and she took him out with the stake she'd strapped to her thigh.
"Rose!" Lissa screamed, and Rose spun just in time to watch Dimitri stake a Strigoi woman who had come at her from behind. He was breathing hard, and he quickly said, "We need to get them out of here!" Rose nodded, turning and grabbing Adrian's arm, seeing Eddie come from his spot against the wall across the room to get Lissa. They started to run, but Tasha groaned, doubling over.
"Aunt Tasha!" Christian said, putting his hand under her arm, "Come on, we need to go."
"The baby..." Tasha groaned, trying hard to stand up, "I think I'm going into labour." Dimitri looked stricken, and Rose swore loudly, dropping Adrian's arm as three Strigoi spotted them trying to leave. She faced the biggest one first, engaging in hand-to-hand combat, trying to find an edge. She could feel Dimitri beside her - that was something that hours and hours of training had given them. They worked together, dispatching two Strigoi, but more were coming. It was as if the hall was overrun - those who had gotten out were forgotten, and only those who remained were being attacked. Every guardian was fighting, and Rose managed to yell to Christian, "Get them out of here!"
"Got it," Christian called, pushing the group, trying to surround them with a wall of fire. Adrian hesitated, but Rose glanced back and saw him, angrily yelling, "RUN!" As she turned back, a fist caught her in the face, sending her backwards. She hit the floor hard, rolling as the Strigoi pounced on top of her. She lost sight of the others as she struggled to free herself, and finally managed to get her stake up and under it's ribcage. Once that was over, she got up, but couldn't see them anymore. Figuring Christian got them out, she moved to help another Guardian dispatch a tricky Strigoi. With a yell she shoved her stake in his chest, and then wiped sweat from her brow. She moved to attack something else, but suddenly, heard Adrian's voice yell her name. He was struggling against a Strigoi Rose recognized as Lara's right hand man, of sorts. Rose screamed, "ADRIAN!" It was as if time slowed. She tried to run towards him, but was intercepted by another Strigoi. As she fought to get by, or kill him, whichever happened first, she lost sight of him for a moment, Just as she shoved her stake furiously into the Strigoi, she saw him again, as the one who had him landed a powerful blow to his face, knocking him unconscious, and threw him outside where others were retreating. Rose screamed again, but a pair of arms caught her around the waist, preventing her from chasing the retreating hoard. Tears streamed down her face, but as hard as she fought, she couldn't get away. She watched them go, her eyes locked on Adrian's lifeless body until the Strigoi carried him and the rest of their captives out of sight, and over the wall.
A/N: I'm extremely sorry about the incredibly long wait - it was largely due to the holiday season, then the New Year and my birthday. Finally, life is back in order, and I am devoting myself to finishing this story. As you can probably tell, we're gotten the ball rolling at the end of this chapter :) Stay tuned. - Avalon Ryan