Hey Everyone…I guess you didn't enjoy the last chapter, considering I didn't get many reviews…BOO!...:(

I was hoping to feel more love, but I have decided to elaborate the story anyways…I needed more drama between Rose and Tatiana.

So, I don't know when I will end this story, it could be 7-8 more chapters. We will see! Please review…it's helps keep up my morale..I own nothing…Richelle Mead does.

Thanks Terri

CHAPTER 31

ADRIAN'S POV

I saw it in an instant, the look on Rose's face, utter devastation was written all over it for me to see. I ran up to her side. "What the hell did she have to say? I saw that she whispered something to you.

What was it?...... Rose?" My voice starting to raise slightly, due to anxiety.

She had a blank expression on her face as she answered me. "It was nothing. I mean nothing I care to discuss right here, right now. I will tell you when we are alone, okay?"

She pulled me into a tight squeeze. I knew whatever Tatiana had said, it had frightened her, which was highly unusual for Rose.

I just held her tighter while making circles with my fingers along the small of her back.. "It will be alright. Whatever the problem may be; we'll fix it, together. She is locked away now sweetheart; never to bother us again, I promise."

I just wanted to get her out of here, but we had to see her father, Lissa, and Christian before we could make our way home. As the thought was crossing my mind, we were approached by Lissa, Christian, Abe, and my Father.

"What did Tatiana want with you Rose?" Lissa grabbed Rose's hand, placing it into hers.

"It was nothing, really." She looked directly in Lissa's eyes. I knew that they were secretly conveying a message that they would talk about it later.

"I am so proud of the way you handled things today. You spoke like a true Royal." Lissa said as she gave Rose a brilliant smile.

They lightly bumped their hips together. "Yea right, Liss! I fit right in with the high society. I will soon be attending all their fancy dinners and shit." Her voice was dripping with sarcasm.

"Yeah Princess Rose, You are a true Royal alright. A Royal pain in my ass." Christian gave her a wide grin.

She raised her eyebrow, or attempted to, failing miserably. "Remember Flamer, I can put your scorching ass to death if I wanted." She stuck her tongue out at him.

I could see that Rose was going to have fun with this whole Princess thing. She said she didn't like the idea of her new title, but secretly I think she loves it.

I had to chuckle at the idea of my Little Dhampir being a Princess and then eventually a Queen. Oh Christ! What a sight that will be. Honestly, I think Rose would be a perfect representation of our peoples, whether she believes it or not.

I had complete faith in her abilities to lead; she was born for this, a natural.

I felt a hand on my shoulder as I turned slightly to get a better view of the person touching me. It was my Dad. "Hello Son. How are you holding up?" This is the first I have spoken to my Dad in months.

"I am doing well considering the circumstances. I am just glad that Rose and Ethan can finally be safe and hopefully free of any scrutiny." I locked eyes with my father trying to make him understand the meaning of my words.

"I spoke with Rose earlier, after the sentencing. I wanted to make you aware that I had apologized to her." He gave me a weak smile.

"Why would you want to do that? Is it because of her new position? What are your motives now?" I ask him with the accusation evident in my words.

He shook his head slightly as he spoke. "No, no motives Adrian. I have always been aware of Rosemarie's heritage. It wasn't until I had read the case file against Tatiana did I realize how unfair she was to Rose.

I then saw the error of my ways. Rose had never done anything to me and neither did Abe. It was Tatiana and the other elders in our family that had deluded me to false ideas on how things should have been ruled within our society.

I just wanted to tell you that I am very sorry for the pain I have caused both of you." I saw it in my Dad's face that he was sincere. Without any warning, he suddenly reached forward and pulled me into an embrace.

It was the first time in years my father had laid a hand on me. I really didn't know how to react to his sudden show of interest. But, something deep inside of me was guarded, warning me, and I didn't know why.

I gave Rose a sideward glance to see her grinning at me. I knew that she had blamed herself for so many of the problems between me and my Dad, but I had explained to her time and time again; that my father had always found me as a disappointment.

As his only son, it bothered him that I never lived up to his ideal expectations. I have always lived by my own set of rules, never molded to the ideas of what a Lord should be. I guess I marched to the beat of my own drum.

I knew that was one of the reasons Rose and I were so perfect together. We did things our own way, whatever made us comfortable, happy. Of course, where Rose was concerned it had always involved Lissa first, but not so much anymore,

not since Ethan came along. Her priorities had changed and rightfully so. With the thought of Ethan swimming through my mind, I turned to my Rose.

"Are you ready to get home to our boy?" I had to break the awkward feelings I had going on with my Dad.

Abe had spoken before Rose had a chance to. "I was hoping we could all enjoy a meal together at the The Tavern, a celebration dinner of sorts. Nanny Hailey is home with Ethan. I am sure they are fine. The two of you deserve a little time out together with friends and

family."

I looked at Rose to see what she wanted to do. "I guess it would be alright." She said. But, I still saw the apprehension in her features.

" I will call home and make sure everything is okay." I assured her; knowing she hated to leave the baby for long periods of time. Rose was a real hands-on mother. We tried to do everything for Ethan ourselves. We didn't like the idea of someone else raising our child.

I pulled out my cell phone and dialed our home number; after the third ring, Hailey finally answered.

"Ivashkov residence." She stated politely.

"Hello Hailey, This is Adrian. Is everything going well with Ethan?"

"Yes, Lord Ivashkov. I had just given him his bath and he is finishing his bottle as we speak. Is there something wrong, sir?" She asks with her usual professionalism.

"Oh no… nothing at all. Rose and I were going to have some dinner with family and friends. We were wondering if it might be possible for you to stay with Ethan a while longer?"

"It is fine, no worries at all. Tell Lady Rose to enjoy herself, that her baby is fine. I will see you both when you arrive home." She said; hanging up the receiver.

I put my phone away and took Rose's hand in mine. "Let's go . We are all set."

ROSE'S POV

We finally got seated at our table; me, my dad, Adrian, Lissa, Christian, and Pavel. Ivan had also decided to join us for dinner as everyone started ordering their drinks. I had come to the conclusion that I have had a tough day. So, I decided to treat myself to an alcoholic

beverage. I ask the waitress if she could have the bartender make me a parrot bay breezer (marla…haha). Of course, she had returned to our table to inform me that the bartender was new, and didn't know how to make it.

"Are you kidding me?" I tried to explain what was in it. But, by the time she got to him, she would probably forget the ingredients. I just thought, 'hell with it' I'll go make it myself. I went to the bar to show him how it was done.

Everyone had laughed at my brashness. Hell, I didn't care, it was what I wanted and I was getting it. They weren't laughing after I got back to our table and they all decided to have a taste of my concoction.

"Let me have some Hathaway." Christian demanded.

"Get your own fireball. I told you it was good and you acted as if I were crazy to show that dimwit how it was done. Now I don't want to share with your fun making ass. That will teach you to not trust in my tastes." I laughed at him; while sipping my drink.

Lissa handed hers to Christian, letting him taste it. "That's a girlie drink." He scoffed.

"Maybe you should order two of them then." I grinned even wider at him. I loved to antagonize Christian and I know deep down he loved it too!

"Funny.. Hathaway. "

The waitress had taken our food orders and the drinks were flowing freely as we enjoyed our conversation.

"So, Rose. Should we have your coronation before or after your wedding to Adrian?" My Dad asks as if the decision was already made on my behalf.

"Ahh…I don't know. I was really hoping you could give me an extension, before I had to make a choice." I gave him a weak smile.

"Well, what is there really to extend. I mean, either you want to assume your birth-right or you don't. It is a fairly simple question." Abe had stated without any hesitation.

"I am just nervous..I guess. If I had to be completely honest; I would say that I would probably mess things up. I mean; I am quick tempered, rash thinking, and I react first, only thinking to ask questions later. I would be a laughing stock. No one would take me seriously." I

spoke the honest truth of my feelings about taking on this position and it scared the hell out of me.

The whole table had gone silent; absorbing my confession of why I wasn't sure about my decision.

My dad took my hand in his and gave me a gentle squeeze. "Rosemarie, I told you before I have all the faith in the world in your abilities. You can do this. You always think of others before yourself, yes, you are rash, but we can work on that.

I would never say that our Society doesn't take you seriously, because today when you stood before a packed audience in that courtroom, every eye was on you. Every person in that room had looked to your leadership and your guidance.

They were waiting on your judgment. You had proven to be fair, just, and impartial, even though the situation directly involved you and my grandson. So, yes, I believe you can do this. You and Adrian, together, will do a fantastic job.

I hope you with consider what I am offering you, your son, and future children."

I gripped my dad's hand tighter as I gazed at Adrian, hoping for some guidance. "What do you think Adrian? This involves you too! We will be married and we both have to want this, together."

He just gave me that sweet smile and replied. "I am with you no matter what you choose, my Little Dhampir."

I turned my attention to my father once again. "We accept your offer Dad. But, I would like to get married first, before we make any official announcements, okay? I just want to have a wedding and have a little normalcy before everything changes so drastically for us."

Abe was beaming with pride. I had made him extremely happy, it was written all over his face. "Absolutely, whatever you need Kiz. I will stay in my position until after you return from your honeymoon and then we will move forward with your coronation.

I will relinquish all my Royal responsibilities to you at that time. I am exceptionally proud of you, Rosemarie. Look at it this way, you have a few more months before any changes are made. So, move forward with your wedding plans and everything else that needs to be done.

Enjoy yourself, you deserve it."

Everyone raised their glasses declaring a toast of congratulations. What the hell did I just agree too! I will probably have an assassination attempt in the first week alone. My thoughts were racing; and what could bring me from my thoughts, food. I was starving.

"Yours looks better than mine." I pouted, while taking a forkful from Adrian's plate.

He looked at me with mock horror. "Quit stealing my food, Rosemarie. You have your own."

I gave him a man-eating smile, which always worked. "You better learn to share Mr. Ivashkov. Or I promise that I will not be so generous with you anymore."

He picked up on my insinuation right away. He pushed his plate towards me. "Here, Hell, take my whole plate then." He smiled at me.

Everyone started laughing at us. I can't believe what I had just implied in front of everyone, must be the alcohol. Piss on them, if they can't handle a joke. I am not changing for anyone.

Abe interrupted my dirty thoughts. "Kiz, I am your father. I really don't need to hear all of the details." He scrunched up his nose.

I snorted out-loud. "Lighten up old man! Can't your virginal ears take it?"

My dad started laughing. "And this is our future Queen at her finest." Everyone joined in the laughter.

A shrieking cell phone had disturbed our laughter. "Mazur here." Abe answered.

"WHAT??? You're absolutely sure. How the HELL did this happen? I will be there within 15 minutes. DO NOT touch anything until I arrive."

Pavel was already alert and standing beside Abe's chair, ready for anything. "What happened Sir?"

"What is it dad?" My voice was shaking. I had a gut feeling something horrible had happened.

His eyes danced with anger. "Guardian Nikita Kozlov has been drained of all her blood and…."

"And WHAT?" I ask; my question pleading for an answer.

"Tatiana is gone…escaped. I have to go..Adrian and Christian get them home safely." My dad turned to Pavel as they quickly left the restaurant.

My heart sank as I looked at Adrian. "Ethan, she will go to Ethan…..She threatened me with what she knows about him. Oh God! Adrian." The tears streamed down my cheeks as I ran towards our home leaving everyone behind me.

ABE'S POV

Pavel and I quickly made our way to the Court's holding prison. We came to a screeching halt when we took in our surroundings. Guardian Morozov was hovering over the bodies of Guardians Kozlov and Ivanoz.

"Are they both dead? How the Hell did this happen Lev?" I demanded with authority.

He gazed up at me with remorse. "I have no idea sir. I happen to come across them when we were to change our guarding shifts. It wasn't reported that they had returned to their stations. Usually, the guardians will send a status report to let their supervisor know the prisoner

has been returned to their cell and they were secured. I couldn't understand why it didn't happen in this situation, until I saw them lying here. Nikita is the only one who lost her life. Her body has been completely depleted of its blood. Meanwhile, Luka was hit on the back of

his head. He is still unconscious. I have called for paramedics; which should be here soon. But, I called you first sir."

I turned to Pavel; giving him the instructions that I wanted carried out. He was the best and I knew it would be done accordingly and thoroughly.

"We need to have all Guardians assembled now for further instruction. It is obvious that Tatiana Ivashkov is now Strigoi. The first person she will go after will be my daughter. I need a minimum of 5 Guardians dispatched to her home…NOW!"

Pavel bowed his head slightly. "Yes Sir." He was on his radio; within seconds, Guardians had been sent to their assigned destinations."

I pulled out my cell phone and dialed Rose's number. After the fourth ring, it went straight to her voice mail. Damn it!

ROSE'S POV

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. I knew without a doubt that if Tatiana was Strigoi; she was coming after Ethan and then me. I would have to kill that bitch this time. There would be no forgiving, no second chances. It was time to end all of this permanently.

I slowed down as I reached our apartment. I stood there staring at our broken door; waiting on Adrian, knowing I didn't have the courage to walk into our house alone. I was afraid of what I my find inside. I blinked my eyes rapidly as the tears blurred my vision.

"Rose?" I didn't even notice Adrian's approach. "What the hell happened?" He took my hand pulling me inside our home.

Our apartment was in shambles; glasses and pictures broken, furniture tipped over. I was in shock as I took in the sights of our belongings, destroyed. But, I didn't care about these material things. There was only one thing I cared about, my son.

I screamed over and over. "Ethan! Ethan!" I ran into his room, with Adrian behind me.

"NO! NO! I can't be." I fell to my knees, sobbing.

"Hailey?" Adrian kneeled beside her body; checking for a pulse. She had blood coming from her head, it didn't look good.

She had been in front of Ethan's crib. She was trying to protect him; shielding him with her life.

"Is she dead?" I ask Adrian. I was speaking , but I felt absolutely nothing,... just emptiness.

He shook his head. "No, she still has a pulse, but it's weak. We need to call for help."

Christian entered the room; pulling me up from the floor, and wrapping his arms around me. "I will call for help. Come on Rose." He guided me into our living room.

Lissa rushed to the couch, taking me in her arms. "Shhh! It's alright Rose." She whispered, trying to give me comfort.

I looked into her eyes, trying to focus through my tears. "No Lissa, it's not."

Abe and Pavel came rushing into our apartment. I instantly got to my feet and ran into my dad's arms; through my sobs, I pleaded for his help.

"Dad, Help me! She took Ethan. Dad..Please. I can't lose him." I lost all sense of control as my father held me tightly in his arms.

OKAY GUYS..YOU KNOW THE DRILL..PLEASE REVIEW MY STORY..I UPDATE QUICKLY..I SHOULD SEE SOME LOVE FOR THAT. :)

I HOPE YOU LIKE THE NEW TWIST THAT JUST CAME TO ME.

TERRI 3