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CHAPTER 14
ROSE'S POV
Everyone was packed and ready to go. I had said my good-byes to Kirova, Alberta, and Stan…..Thank goodness I didn't have to deal with him anymore. I thought Kivora might have started dancing
right in the middle of her office. Alberta actually seemed as sad as I was to say good-bye. She had become a good friend and mentor to me when I needed it most. I stood in the middle of my
room and looked around one last time. So many memories to take with me. A silent tear escaped my eye and down my cheek as I shut the door behind me. The one place I couldn't bear to visit was
the gym. If I valued my sanity it was the one place I had to avoid. I subconsciously rubbed my belly, reminding myself no memories of Dimitri could ever replace the real thing growing inside me.
I will have him with me forever. I missed him so much. I continued to rub my stomach as Adrian came up behind me and placed his hands over mine.
"How's the little guy doing today? You can see and feel him growing in there." Adrian was beaming.
I raised my eyebrows at him. "How do you know it's a little guy?" He already loved this baby so much.
"I don't know….hoping I guess." His green eyes sparkled.
"Why is that? Afraid of a Rose Jr?" I laughed at the thought.
"No….I figured I need a son to help me out when you're kicking my ass for something I did wrong. The kid is going to have some serious badass ability. He has won the genetic lottery." Adrian
teased me.
"Yeah, Even I will be afraid to tell him/her No." I shook my head in acceptance of defeat.
Taking my hand. "Let's go get Lissa and Christian. We can head over to the airstrip to meet your father."
"My dad is going to Court with us? Why?" I was extremely curious. My dad is not in the whole Royal thing.
Adrian tried to backtrack. "Huh?…Oh! He has some things to tend to I guess. I think he needs to see someone who lives at Court."
"Who? About what?" I asked again, not giving up easily.
"Look! There is Lissa, Christian, and Eddie. Let's go." Adrian said thanking God he was able to change the subject.
Lissa was smiling her mega watt smile."What?" I asked her in a grouchy tone. I hate not knowing what's going on around me. Actually, it really pisses me off. "Why have you been hiding from me?"
"Let me see it." She grabbed my hand. I felt her excitement and smugness.
"You knew! Didn't you? No wonder I couldn't find you yesterday." I said with accusation in my tone.
"I had to block you, so I wouldn't give away the surprise……Congratulations you two." Lissa said pulling me in to a hug. She whispered in my ear. "Are you happy?" I nodded my head to affirm that I was.
Christian grabbed my hand to inspect the ring. "Christ Ivashkov, Did you have to buy such a big diamond? Do you know how much shit I'll have to deal with now?"
Lissa smacked him. "I want a diamond just as big."
Christian rolled his eyes. "And so it begins. Thanks a lot, dude. You're a dick." He punched Adrian's arm.
We boarded the jet and were excited about starting our new life. I think it was safe to say that we were ready to get it started. Christian and Lissa were already seated with their heads tilted together.
They really were the cutest couple. I started to walk past them as Lissa looked up at me. "Come sit with me in a bit. We need to caught up since I haven't seen you much in the last few days."
"Sure, okay. I want to eat first. I am starving." Like that was anything new for me.
I took my seat beside Adrian as the jet took off. I still can't believe all of this belongs to my father. It doesn't seem real to me. I laid my head on Adrian's shoulder and closed my eyes to sleep.
ADRIAN'S POV
I gently eased Rose's head on a pillow so not to disturb her sleep. I walked to the back of the jet to where Abe was seated. It was time to set the plan in motion.
"Rose is sleeping. This may be the only time to speak before we land at Court." Informing Abe it was now or never if he doesn't want Rose to find out.
"Pavel, Could you please ask Mr. Ozera to join us? " Abe asked his most trusted guardian. Pavel nodded his head. The guardian was a menacing, total bad ass power at it's finest.
"Christian Ozera?" I asked confused as to why we needed him involved.
"Diversion. Tatiana will never grant me a meeting with her. You and Christian will need to make up an excuse to why you need an audience with the Queen." Abe was laying the plans before me.
Christian walked over with Pavel. "What's going on?"
We explained the whole situation with the Queen and Rose to him. "That Bitch!" Christian was appalled. "What can I do to help?"
ROSE'S POV
I woke up when I felt Lissa slid in the seat beside me. I opened my eyes." Hey Liss."
She smiled at me. "Hi Rose. Tired?"
"Yeah! I can't seem to catch up on my sleep." As I yawned.
Lissa reached over and rubbed my belly. "How is my niece doing?"
I laughed at her. "You think it's a girl and Adrian thinks it's a boy."
Lissa grew serious with concern. "Are you sure you are going to be able to guard me while pregnant?"
"Of course! Why wouldn't I? Do you want someone else?" I asked confused by her sudden lack of confidence in me.
"I was just hoping while you were pregnant you could just take it easy. Maybe, let someone else do the hard stuff and we could just prepare for the baby." I felt her nervousness through the bond.
"It's not that I don't trust your abilities Rose. You know that I trust you more than anyone in this world. I just that I could never forgive myself if something happened to you or the baby because of me."
"It's my job." Clearly offended by her statement even though her intentions were pure and from love for me.
"Oh Rose, I know that. I just need you and the baby safe. You're my best friend before anything else. Just please think about my offer, okay?" Lissa pleaded for my understanding.
"Okay. I will. You better get Christian because I think we'll be landing soon." I squeezed her hand and smiled. She knew all was forgiven. It always was where we were concerned.
"Hey Babe. Have a nice nap?" Adrian kissed me softly.
"Yes, I did." I looked at him. " Adrian?"
"What's that my Little Dhampir?" He smiled at me.
"Lissa feels that I shouldn't be her guardian while I am pregnant." He bit his lower lip and gave his head a slight nod. "Do you agree with her?" I watched his expression.
He squinted his eyes in concentration. "I am going to be completely honest with you. I do agree with her. I don't want you guarding anyone….Ever." I glared at him. His choice of word..Ever..pissed
me off and he knew it. "Let me clarify. I don't want you or the baby getting hurt……There is No One's life above yours. You can disagree with me and I expect you too, But it's how I feel. Nothing
will change that. Also, I am going to press my luck beyond it's limits. Since we are now engaged, I would like you to move into my apartment at Court."
I raised my eyebrows. "Are you sure about that?"
He smirked. "Well, I will have to tell all my other girlfriends they can't come over anymore. But, I guess I can sacrifice some late night booty calls for you."
I smacked him……..hard. "How will I make a living while I am off from my duties."
Adrian pointed to himself. "Again…..Fiance. I will support you. I will show you our apartment when we land. Also, I am going to go see Tatiana about assigning Lissa a temporary Royal guardian."
We made Lissa aware of the plans and she was delighted that we had agreed with her temporary solution. It would give more free time for us to be together without the worry. Adrian suggested a
guardian for me, which I flat out refused. He really was pushing his luck. We landed at Court and exited the plane. Adrian and Christian had walked over to meet Abe. I would really like to know
what those guys are always whispering about. I put it out of my mind for now and I couldn't help to think how beautiful it really was here at Court. Everything you could possibly need was readily
available to you. I had a feeling I was going to like living here full time.
Adrian walked over to me and Lissa, wrapping his arm in mine. "Are you ready to go see our apartment?"
"Sure." I said excitedly. "Where are Lissa and Christian staying?"
"That's the thing. We have to make some agreements with Tatiana. So, I will take you and Lissa to our place. Christian and I will go to the Queen to make new provisions for them. You two
can take some time to do as you wish while we are gone." He was saying as the four of us arrived at the apartment.
Adrian opened the door. The apartment was beautiful. We had a large step down living room with the dining area and kitchen adjoining with open free space. A gorgeous, stone fireplace in the center
visible from both sides. I was amazed. It was painted a light beige with dark wood trim and hardwood floors. Adrian had it decorated with tasteful leather and suede chocolate colored furniture.
He took my hand, smiling at the expression on my face. "Want to see our bedroom?"
I nodded as I felt my face grow flush. The bedroom was just as fabulous. A king sized canopy bed with white lace curtains enclosed around it. "You had all of this done before we arrived, didn't you?"
I laughed with accusation in my voice.
He raised an eyebrow at me. "Damn it Hathaway…..I can't get away with anything."
"Always remember that….Don't ever try to get over on me. I'll kick your ass." We heard Christian laughing in the other room.
"Where are we making the nursery?" Lissa asked hardly containing her excitement.
"Rose can choose any of the two bedrooms left. Matter of fact, you and Christian are welcome to one of the bedrooms until we can arrange your living arrangements." Adrian was speaking to Lissa.
" Please stay with us for a while. It will be perfect." I begged her.
"Where would Eddie and the other guardian sleep?" Christian asked.
"They could use the baby's room for now." Adrian suggested as he motioned to Christian. "Ozera, we need to get moving to our meeting."
ADRIAN'S POV
Christian and I made our way to Tatiana's office. We requested a meeting with her using the excuse that Vasilisa needed a temporary guardian due to Rose's voluntary hiatus. Also, Christian and Lissa
have decided to live together and would like their accommodations closer to Rose and I.
"Good Evening Priscilla, Is Aunt Tatiana available to meet with us?" I used as much false civility as I could muster.
"Hello Lord Ivashkov, I will check with her. Please won't you and Mr. Ozera take a seat." She batted her eyelashes while Christian rolled his eyes.
"Have you slept with everyone Ivashkov?" Christian asked disgusted.
"Hey older chicks need love too! I was just doing my stud duties. Don't be mad at me because I've been laid more times than you can count, Ozera." I stated conceitedly.( My shout out to all the Cougars out
there…Terri)
"When we get in there try to show some charm. I am quite fabulous, but I still can't do everything by myself." I smirked at him.
"God Adrian you really are an egotistical dick head, you know that right?" Christian said smirking at me.
"Thanks…I love you too man…Just follow my lead…That should be easy for you to do." I added insult to injury.
Priscilla entered the room. "The Queen will meet with you now."
We entered the room to see Tatiana standing in the center of it with Nikolai placed menacing up against the wall. He was pretending as if he wasn't watching, but we both knew he'd love any excuse to
kick my ass. So, in my true smart ass form, I smiled widely and waved at him. I walked to Tatiana and thought I should win an oscar for the performance I am about to give.
I took her hand and kissed both of her cheeks. "Aunt Tatiana, You look wonderful." Christian cleared his throat and I turned slightly to glare at him.
"Ah…Mr. Ozera, I didn't see you there. What a mistake. It could have been deadly considering the fact you may decide to turn Strigoi at any given moment." She sneered, speaking in her most disgusted tone.
"Bite Me." Christian barked at her.
I turned to face Christian. "Real Tactful. Remember the charm, asshole." I whispered.
The Queen smiled and waved a dismissive hand. "Adrian, It's quite alright. No blood, No foul."
The Dumb Bitch thought that I was defending her. As If. I was trying to make sure Christian didn't screw our chances of getting our way.
"What can I do for you today?" The Queen asked while taking a seat at her desk.
I cleared my throat before speaking. "As you are aware, Rose is pregnant." She narrowed her eyes. I ignored her, I had to if I wanted to get through this. "As I was saying. With Rose expecting, We had
decided, maybe it be best if she temporarily resigned as Vasilisa's guardian. We will need a new guardian temporarily assigned immediately. Only Temporary, Of course."
Her serpent like smile was back. "Of course."
"Also." She looked up at me. I continued. "You are aware that Christian and Vasilisa are planning a future together."
"Ah Yes! Their fleeting romance." She said antagonizing Christian.
Christian clenched his jaw and hands balled into fists. I slapped his shoulder telling him silently to calm down. She will get hers soon enough.
"Can I continue?" I patronized her.
"Proceed by all means, Dear." She smiled….Bitch.
"We would like them to have an apartment closer to ours. It would be easier for everyone." I didn't ask I demanded it be done.
"We? Ours?" She raised her eyebrows in question.
"Rose and myself." I answered her like she were mentally challenged.
"Are you and Rose planning to live together…..here?…At Court?" She raised her voice an octave.
"Adrian, I take it that you haven't given any serious thought to our last meeting?" She warned with the threat against Rose still apparent.
"Yes, Didn't I mention it? I ask Rose to be my wife. We are engaged to be married. Don't you want to congratulate us?" I smiled at her. Swallow that and choke you old bag.
Christian laughed out loud at the pissed off expression on Tatiana's face. She glared at him. He laughed harder. Did this woman really like anyone? I was seriously having my doubts.
"I won't allow it." Her face bright red with anger.
"Sure you will. Would you like to meet my future father-in-law?" God, I really am a spiteful prick and honestly, I love it.
Abe Mazur walked in the room with all his swagger. Pavel, the deadly, very intimidating guardian on his flanks. He definitely gave off the "Don't fuck with me" vibe.
Tatiana's eyes widened to the size of quarters. She was flustered and shocked. After she gathered herself together, she finally spoke.
"What do I owe for the gift of your presence?" Her tone full of false charm.
"Cut the act Tatiana. This isn't a social visit." Abe said cutting through the bullshit formalities.
"Whatever do you mean Ibrahim? I am always delighted to see you. I've missed you." She spoke this time with distant sadness in her voice.
Abe snorted as he laughed. "Really? It's been 19 years. I thought you'd be over it by now."
"Oh! Yes, well how could I forget? You destroyed my chance for happiness, marriage, and dreams of my own family. You and that bloodwhore." Tatiana said accusing.
"I don't want to get in to this with you, Anyia!" Abe demanded with finality.
"Don't call me that!" She yelled at him. Everyone in the room flinched except Abe.
Abe was taunting her as he smiled. "That is it, Huh? Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Scorned."
"I don't want your pity Ibrahim." She scolded.
"Pity? Abe laughed. "Oh, you will NEVER get pity from me."
"Why are YOU here?" The Queen snapped at him.
"Rose." Abe answered matter of factually.
"Rose?" She spat. "What about the Little bloodwhore that is determined to ruin my family?"
Abe stepped to the Queen and pointed in her face. Nikolai pushed away from the wall and was by the Queen's side in an instant. Pavel, not allowing a chance for harm to come to Abe
took his fighting stance beside him. The room was filled with palpable tension. "You will never speak of Rose that way. Do Not hold it against my daughter that I LEFT You for Janine."
Adrian and Christian looked at each other in shock.
"You WILL NOT speak to your Queen in such a manner." She demanded with authority.
Abe laughed again. "My Queen? You're only Queen because I allow it Tatiana…..OR did you forget who holds the REAL power. This fairytale facade you have alluded this society into
believing ….is only that…….A Facade. Remember that. I can pull it from under you at any time I feel the need."
Tatiana's eyes narrowed into small slits. "Are you threatening me?"
"That seems to be your job lately. If my daughter or grandchild is harmed or threatened in any way, I will do what I have to do to eliminate that threat." Abe said as he walked out the door
with Pavel, Christian, and myself following behind.
The Queen just stood in the middle of her office in silence.
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