My friend Celeste informed me that Adrian's dad's name is Nathan, that he was named in "Shadow Kissed" Page 158…I am sorry..feel like an IDIOT…LOL
I will not change his name this late in the story but, just so you all know..Honest mistake. I will tweak it a bit..lol.. The usual disclaimer…I own nothing…Richelle Mead is the genius creator behind VA.
If you like it please review it…Should there be a sequel to this story?..or should we just let it end soon?….. :D
Thanks, Terri
ROSE'S POV
I stood in front of the mirror with my hair pulled up in an elegant French twist; thanks to Lissa, and in a tailor cut navy suit. The skirt stopped just above the knee, white, crisp shirt, and a fitted, short cropped jacket.
Yea, I looked damn good, but today wasn't the day to really worry about what I had looked like. Actually, my outside appearance was cool, calm, and collected. But, on the inside was an entirely different story.
I was never really one to be nervous or worry about things. It just that, today was a big day for all of us. It was time to stand before the woman who wanted me and my baby dead.
She will have to explain why she had handed out our death sentences; hoping they would have been followed through with positive results. Today, I was to face Tatiana in court.
It had been a month and a half since that fateful day by the lake; when she confessed to her plans. It was also the day that everything I thought was my life, as far as my identity was concerned, flipped completely upside down.
Worse than facing Tatiana, my Dad expects me to decide about my future as a leader of the Moroi/Dhampir Society. Adrian and I had discussed the possibility of us accepting the positions as King and Queen; as silly as it sounded, it was the way it was.
I was hoping my dad would give me an extension; that he would assume the throne for a while longer, letting me get acclimated to the idea of being Royal. Of Course, Adrian was used to that way of life for his whole existence,
but me on the other hand, was a completely different story. I checked my reflection once more, taking a deep breath, and releasing it slowly.
"Are you feeling okay, babe?" Adrian was leaning in the doorway, arms crossed, and giving me that gorgeous grin. He looked so incredibly handsome as usual.
He had on tailored black pants, no jacket, just a fitted vest with a mint colored oxford button down. His green eyes were mesmerizing. When I looked at him, all the tension I was feeling was starting to melt away.
I turned to him and smiled. "I am much better now." I walked towards him; placing my arms around his waist and kissing his luscious, full lips. I could spend all day kissing him. I loved this man so much. I couldn't get enough of this kind of time together.
"What's the big smile all about?" He raised his eyebrow at me with curiosity.
"I was just thinking about last night and how good you were to me. Thank you." I said; kissing his lips again, taking my time, savoring the moment.
He smiled against my lips while releasing a small chuckle. "It was my pleasure, Little Dhampir. You know, I have spent company with a couple of princesses'.
But, you…Miss Hathaway, are by far the most pleasurable woman I have ever had the honor to make love to. And if we didn't have to leave right now to meet Lissa and Christian, I would prove how much I appreciate you."
I kissed him again. "You're such a tease, Mr. Ivashkov. Come on let's go get Lissa before she has a nervous breakdown. She is literally screaming at me through the bond, as if she was going to be the one testifying against your bitch of an Aunt."
"First of all, I would never tease you; I would gladly oblige you. And second of all, I don't want put in the same family category as that demented hag. " He said, while giving me a serious gaze.
We gave Ethan a kiss good-bye; leaving him with Hailey as we left to retrieve Lissa and Christian.
We arrived at their apartment to only have Lissa open the door as if she were going to rip it from the hinges.
"Liss, what the hell was with all the screaming about having to hurry up? They are not going to start the proceedings without me." I looked her with a confused expression.
"I am just so nervous about everything that is going to happen today. First, we were at trial for Victor Dashkov and now, you are going to court over Tatiana. Christ, what is wrong with these Royals?
Are they all going mental or what?" Lissa's eyes were dancing with nervous excitement as she spoke.
I wrapped my arm around her shoulders; giving her a small squeeze. "Everything is going to be fine. I have complete faith in my Dad and the judgment he will pass down. At first, I felt a little bad about the sentence that could be handed down to her.
But, when I gave it some serious consideration, I realized that she really wanted me dead. I mean that is an extremely scary thought; if I were dead, what would happen to Ethan? I mean sure, the first time they attacked me,
it wouldn't have made a difference because we both would have perished. But, the second time when I went to meet her, it could have gone in a completely different direction. My mind has been replaying the events that have happened to me that day;
over and over again. When this is all said and done, there are some things that are important that I need to discuss with you Liss. But, I just don't feel that now is the time. Maybe we can talk about everything when we go shopping for our dresses next week?"
I felt the excitement mounting in her. If I knew anything about Lissa, it would be that shopping would pull her out of any depressing mood that may have engulfed her. "We are picking out our dresses next week?"
"Well yea! We've got to do it sooner or later, so why not next week? Unless you have exams or classes that you are unable to miss?" I was truly excited about picking out my gown. I knew Lissa would lead me in the right direction when it came to choosing my dress.
I was marrying a Lord after all; I would need all the help I could get in the Royal etiquette department. The do's and doesn't of the Royalty world. I had to roll my eyes at the thought of my new current position. It was ridiculously funny to even fathom the idea of me being a princess.
I snorted loudly at my thoughts as everyone turned to gawk at me.
"What?" I shrugged my shoulders at them. "It was a private joke I told myself. Come on, let's get this trial started. I just want to move forward with my life and on the right track." Adrian took my hand in his once again as we made our way to Royal courtroom.
As we opened the doors into the courtroom; the four of us walked in together to have every person already gathered in the chambers, turn their attentions to our arrival. I was starting to get nervous again with everyone's awareness fixated on me.
Adrian, acting as my supportive rock that he is; held my hand in a gentle grip, and pulled me to the front of the courtroom. Christian, Lissa, Adrian, and myself took out seats behind the Crown Prosecutors desk. Adrian had filled me in on all the formalities of a trial
of this magnitude. The King, my Dad, appoints an attorney to represent the case against Tatiana. Also, my Dad would be the deciding factor of the punishment that would be handed down to her or he could pass her sentencing to me.
Since I was his descendant; I was the only other person who could decide her fate. It all seemed so confusing and unjust in some ways considering I was the one she tried to have murdered. How could I possibly be unbiased in my decisions?
I haven't even met the State Attorney or The Crown Prosecutor as they call it in these special proceedings. That is why you could have imagined my surprise when I saw my Father coming out of the King's chambers with none other than Ivan Ivashkov.
Adrian and I looked at each other with utter shock, despair, and anger on our faces. We knew how he felt about me; he would never do anything to help me, and why the hell would my father be with Ivan Ivashkov of all people?
"Adrian, why is your Dad with mine? Do you know something I don't?" I felt guilty questioning him with suspicion, but I really needed to know what the hell was going on between the two of them.
Adrian's eyes widened with disbelief and hurt. "Rose? Why would I know anything to do with their meeting? I mean, Jesus Christ, my Dad is an attorney, remember? What are you accusing me of Rose?"
My mouth flew open; regret consuming me. "Adrian, I am so sorry. I swear I…..didn't mean it. Please believe me, I would never accuse you of wrong doing. I was just looking to you for an answer. I am so, so sorry. Please forgive me."
My eyes pleading with his, as I begged for his forgiveness.
"I forgot your Dad was an attorney." I said to him.
Adrian put his arm around my shoulder; embracing me, letting me know that all was forgiven. I put my head on his shoulder, whispering for only him to hear. "I don't deserve you. I love you so much. I am truly sorry."
I leaned in and planted a small kiss on his cheek.
He squeezed me tighter. "I love you too! Little Dhampir. I will forgive you because if I don't; you could sentence my ass to death if you get pissed off at me." He gave me that sly, smug, crooked smile that I loved so much.
The courtroom became very quiet as my Dad entered the chambers; taking his place to stand before the assembled audience. I noticed the two Guardians on my Dad's flanks; Guardian Pavel, of course, and Guardian Smirnov.
At the door, guarding the doorway for Tatiana's entrance into the courtroom was Guardian Morozov. I had to admit they had some serious badass Guardians posting the room, in the event something drastic were to take place, we were covered.
Guardian Smirnov cleared his voice before speaking. "Would you all please rise for Your Majesty, Ibrahim Mazur Hanedani." There was utter silence as my Dad stood before all of us.
My Dad looked so regal and intimating; even more so if you could imagine. But, I had to laugh to myself; he still had his gold hoops in his ear and his flashy scarf around his neck. It totally clashed with his Royal robes.
What a card; King or not, there was no way anyone could ever change who Abe Mazur was.
"First, Could we please have Guardians Nikita Kozlov and Luka Ivanov escort Tatiana Ivashkov to the desk where her defense attorney, Sacha Novikov is seated." My Dad's voice was strong, precise, and determined.
There were discernible gasps of shock as Tatiana was escorted through the room in handcuffs. I had to hand it to the bitch; she kept her head high as she took the seat beside her attorney. Guardian Ivanov released her handcuffs while reminding her
that if she were to become disruptive during the proceedings; he would be forced to reapply them.
My Dad addressed us once again, now that Tatiana was present. "We are gathered at The Court of Kings Bench to preside over the proceeding of The Crown VS. Tatiana Ivashkov, for the attempted murders of Princess Rosemarie Hathaway Hanedani and Prince Ethan Dimitri Ivashkov."
There were audible whispers of disapproval at the thought of Tatiana trying to have one of her own murdered.
"We also have filed two additional charges of terrorist threats and harassment against Ms Ivashkov, directly related to the attempted murder charges of Princess Hathaway-Hanedani. And last but, not least, I have appointed Lord Nathan Ivan Ivashkov as Crown Prosecutor.
I trust in his abilities to be fair and just in his representation of the Crown's case and evidence against Ms. Ivashkov. You may begin with the proceedings." My Dad focused his eyes on mine; making it quite clear he was relying on my cooperation on his decision to appoint Ivan.
Tatiana Ivashkov jumped from her seat. "This is ridiculous. I will not stand for you poisoning my nephew against me, Ibrahim. How dare you bring my family here to diminish our good name. This is a travesty of justice. I will not stand for this impartial treatment.
You and your filthy bloodwhore daughter will pay for this injustice." Her face was a bright red, hardly able to breath after her tirade.
Abe cleared his throat and narrowed his eyes as he spoke to Tatiana. "Ms. Ivashkov, If you cannot practice some restraint with your emotional outbursts; I will have no choice but to have Guardians Kozlov and Ivanov escort you back to your cell. Understood?"
She glared at him with total hatred; lifting her chin in defiance, refusing to answer his direct question.
Abe smirked at her. "Fine, I take it that you understand. There will no need for any more conniption fits. Let us proceed."
Ivan Ivashkov made his way to the desk in front of us. Before he took his seat, he turned to in our direction. "Hello, Princess Dragomir, Lord Ozera, Son, and Princess Hanedani." It was all he said as he took his seat.
Guardian Smirnov was next to speak. "Lord Adrian Ivashkov, would you please take your place on the stand?"
Adrian gave me a small smile. "We will be fine." He winked and walked to the chair. He stood before Smirnov, placing his left hand on the bible and raised his right hand.
"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?"
Adrian nodded his head slightly while replying. "I do." He took his place in the chair as the questioning started.
Abe turned to Adrian. "Would you please state your full name and title for the King's court?"
Adrian nodded his head again in agreement. "Lord Adrian Alexsandr Ivashkov." His eyes never left mine the whole time he was speaking.
Ivan Ivashkov stood before his son and started with his line of questioning. "Did Tatiana Ivashkov ever threatened the life of Princess Rosemarie Hathaway Hanedani and her unborn child, at that time, in your presence or to you directly?"
"Our unborn son." Adrian answered with a challenging tone.
"Excuse me?" Ivan ask.
"Yes, She did threaten my fiancé Rosemarie and our then, unborn son, Ethan. She had threatened to have Rose eliminated on more than one occasion. If I didn't end my relationship with Rose; she had said that would end it for me.
She had also tried by harassing us and having an ex-girlfriend work with me; putting me in compromising positions. But, when she realized that it wasn't going to work, she moved on to the next phase of her plan; trying to take
Rose and Ethan from me permanently, by having them murdered."
Adrian bowed his head with sadness; having to relive finding me lying unconscious, being in a coma, and Ethan being without me for weeks. He has endured so much; just to be with me, protect us, and just to love us.
There really was no end to his depth of devotion to our relationship. I could live a 100 years and I could never pay him back for all he has given me.
He was ask several more questions before he was dismissed from the stand; taking his seat next to me, entwining our fingers together.
TATIANA'S POV
I was called to the witness stand to speak my views of this situation. Now that I would have my chance to speak; everyone would see that I was correct in my actions. I will not take this injustice lying down. My twit of a nephew stood before
me with that smirk on his face; I wanted to slap him, traitor.
Ivan spoke; asking a direct question with no pleasantries. "Please state your name for the King's court."
I cleared my throat and straightened my back as I made myself comfortable in my seat. "Lady Tatiana Maria Ivashkov. The Imperial House of Romanov; The former Queen of the Moroi Society." I turned to Ibrahim; giving him a frosty glare.
"I am surprised to see.. you turn on your family, Ivan. I would expect it from your ungrateful, disrespectful, drunk of a son, but never you." Rose jumped from her seat.
"Don't you talk about Adrian like that you stupid bitch." Everyone in the courtroom used hush tones of shock; due to Rose's outburst.
Ibrahim directed his attention to his disgusting offspring. "Rosemarie, You can't have any more outbursts while the testimony is being given."
I gave her a glare, not hiding the fact that I truly hated everything about her.
Ivan turned to me once again. "May we continue?"
I gave him a scornful smile. "What ever you wish, traitor."
King Ibrahim coming to the rescue once again. "Ms. Ivashkov, that will be enough with your attitude. Please just answer the questions that are ask of you."
I leered at him. "Of course, King Mazur.
"Why is it that you felt the need to order the murders of Miss. Hathaway and her baby? What is it she did to you to provoke such an drastic action?"
"Are you serious Ivan? You know the answer to that question." I gave him as much sarcasm as I could call-up.
"What question?" Ivan looked at me with confusion on his face.
What the hell is my nephew thinking, Idiot. "Ivan, the question of why I had someone attempt to murder that little bloodwhore and her bastard child. The only regret that I have is that they didn't die." I was so enraged at my nephew's incompetence.
Ivan turned to Ibrahim and stated matter of factually. "I am done with my line of questioning. The Crown rests."
I glanced to see my attorney shaking his head in defeat. What the hell just happened. He didn't, that rotten little. He tricked me. "Ivan, you unappreciative, deceitful, son of a bitch. You hate that little slut as much as I do. How could you betray our family?
Our legacy? You will regret this decision, I swear to you."
ROSE'S POV
After they escorted Tatiana to her seat and quieted down the chamber; My Dad addressed us once again. "After the sudden turn of events that have lead us to our verdict; with the admission of her guilt, Tataina Ivashkov will be handed her
sentence immediately following a brief consultation with counsel at my bench. I would also like Rosemarie Hathaway Hanedani to approach the bench with the counsel."
I walked slowly to my Dad's bench as if I were receiving a death sentence. I knew what was coming in my direction and I dreaded it. We appeared before my Father waiting for his instruction.
"Since Tatiana has admitted her guilt and we can move forward with the sentencing phase of this trial. I have decided that I would like you, Rose, to determine what her punishment should be." My Dad gazed into my eyes conveying that it really was
necessary to be done this way.
"What are the choices of punishment I have to consider?" My voice shaking with nervousness.
My Dad eyes never leaving mine. "Life in prison without any chance of parole or Death."
I took a deep, purifying breath and slow exhaled as I accepted the task before me. My first official duty as Princess Rosemarie Hanedani, it may have seemed crazy, but I saw the pride in my Father's eyes as I accepted the task he laid before me.
I turned to face the large group of people assembled in the room. "I have been given the task to decide the fate of Ms. Tatiana Maria Ivashkov. I had several weeks to come to terms with this very scenario; although I hate to put someone else's
life in my hands, I had to first consider a few things. I know for a fact that Miss. Ivashkov never thought of my life or the life of my son, Ethan. It is a sheer miracle that both of us are still alive. She has no remorse or regret for her decisions. So therefore,
I shouldn't have any for the one I am about to make."
I turned to face Tatiana directly before I spoke. "You have caused nothing but hell for me, Ethan, and mostly your own great-nephew, Adrian. He has endured so much hurt because of you. I can never forget you for what you've done to my family.
With that said, I sentence you Tatiana Maria Ivashkov to….Life in prison without a chance for parole. Death would be too easy for you. I want you to think of the wrongs you have committed not only against me and my loved ones, but everyone else you abused
when you held your position as Queen. And one last personal note, I hope you rot in your cell." There was an eerie silence that radiated throughout the room.
I started to walk towards Adrian, Lissa, and Christian when Ivan reached for my arm. "Rose? I am sorry for all the hurt the I caused you and my son. I hope you can someday find it within yourself to forgive me."
I looked at the place where he had a hold of my arm and then up to his face. "Maybe…I don't know. But, the apology was a start." I pulled from his grasp as I continued my walk.
"May I request one last word with you Rosemarie?" Tatiana had the nerve to address me.
"What is it that you want?" I walked closer to her to hear whatever bullshit she was shoveling out.
She leaned in close to whisper the words that only I could hear. "I know about you and Belikov, everything. I know who the father of your baby really is, remember that Princess." They escorted her out of the courtroom as I stood there speechless.
That last line just sort of came to me at the end…Have no idea where it's going..lol
If you liked it…please review……it keeps me going…..
Thanks…Terri :D
