Rating:
This chapter is Rated T.

Beta:
Twilighternproud; you're the bomb. You blow me away from your eagerness and talent.

Authors Notes:
Thank you all for your reviews!
You were all very supportive of his illness! Your reactions has blown me away.
I won't be able to post for about a week, because I am going into surgery.
So stay tuned, and I shall return. :)

Disclaimer:
The author Richelle Mead owns the Vampire Academy universe. I Want To Experience Love is a Vampire Academy Fan Fiction story and it is not intended to infringe on any copyrights held by Richelle Mead or Razor Bill Company. Richelle Mead is the creator of the Vampire Academy characters, however this story is my original work. Copyright 2010 by xx-RedRoseBlackThorn-xx. No copying or reproduction of this work is permitted without my express written authorization.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Announcement Broadcast

The queen sent a note to everyone at the Royal Court to announce that she had a speech she would like to publicise. However, it seemed Dimitri and I were the last ones to find out, because when we turned up to the broadcasting room, Moroi, Novices and Guardians had filled the room. There were camera crews, reporters and Guardian's from the Guardian Council.

Dimitri told me he would be back in a second and went over to talk to someone who looked like a barrister. I took the time to take in who was seated and where the hell Lissa was. The Queen was situated in the front of the room, with people fussing over her clothes, and appearance. Others were making sure the camera was in place and working well. Six guardians were situated on either side of the stage. Of course Priscilla Voda was standing right beside her, who had a note pad in front of her. It looked to me, that she was reminding the Queen of what she should and shouldn't say.

The front two rows were full with Royal Prince and Princesses, and their families who were of the twelve Royal Familys. From the front left was: Prince Szelsky, Prince Drozdov and his wife, Princess Badica and her two children. From front right: Princess Dragomir and Lord Christian, Prince Voda and his child, Prince Ivashkov, his wife and three children. The second row had the other Royals. From the second left: Prince Zeklos and his wife, Princess Tarus and her three children, Prince Dashkov and his wife, Princess Conta and her husband, Prince Lazar, his wife and two children, and lucky last; Prince Ozera with his one child.

The other ten rows of seats were for the other Moroi were able to attend the declaration. Guardians who were working at the Royal Court or came with their Moroi, could sit in the spare seats at the back on the room, or either stand on guard along the room walls.

Eddie was standing along the wall across with Lissa and Christian on guard as well at Stan. Alberta was standing to the side of the room, talking to someone who looked important. I'll take a guess and say he was one of the investigators in the investigation. I know right, Rose Hathaway must have had to work hard to come up with that conclusion. Looking back over in Lissa direction, she was very tense and Christian was trying to calm her down. I could feel from the bond that she felt worried, frightened, and anxious. I wanted to go over there and support her, but I was in no position to fight through the other guardian to get over there. One: I'm not even a guardian yet, I'm a novice. Two: I'll most likely use violence to get to her, and then I'll end up getting kicked out, which would be a worse situation for the both of us.

I caught Eddies eye, and he gave me a brief nod and smiled before turning back in Lissa's direction.

Thinking back in time, at Dimitri's motel room, Dimitri told me to wear black pants and a jacket with a white shirt. I gave him an are-you-serious look, because he knew I wouldn't have any type of clothing like that. We didn't have time around our... make out session to go to one of the shops and buy the clothes, so he let me wear a second pair of his. Yes, I know, sounds weird. Well trust me, it sounds weird but it feels great, knowing Dimitri had to have had to wear these.

"I think they are a bit too big for me, Comrade." I said while looking at him with an are-you-kidding face.

"They are going to have to do, Rose. We haven't got another option," he said frustrated.

"No worries," I patted him on the back and gave him a fake smile. "I'll just stick to my clothes. No one will be paying any attention to me anyway. The eyes will all be on the Queen. Problem solved," I clapped my hands together like an idiot.

He gave me a don't-mess-around look and said, "You are going to be wearing the right clothing. There is nothing more to discuss."

He threw me the clothes and ordered me to go get changed in the bathroom. Sometimes I wonder why he is so serious all the time. It's not like I knew this was going to happen. I didn't ask Victor to leave so the Queen would have to announce it to the world. But then again I would have had time to buy my own set of clothes if I wasn't using my time all over Dimitri.

I changed into the clothes Dimitri gave me and laughed at myself. The pants were over sized; I had to pull them up to right under my bra, so they can at least resemble my length without a large space for my crotch area, because I wasn't a guy. The shirt was big on me and nearly went down to my knees. The jacket wasn't too bad. It just made me look more muscular than I was, but I could handle that.

I walked out and Dimitri looked at me with a small smile.

"Don't laugh at me. You are the one who insisted I wear this," I pointed to the clothes.

He walked over and grabbed the bottom of the white shirt. "Maybe we should tuck this in."

He insisted on tucking the white shirt in himself and he did, very slowly, making sure not to lose eye contact with me. Maybe he was testing his self control? I wasn't sure, but his touch was memorising.

He stepped back and looked at me, "Better. What did you do with the pants?" He said while looking at my legs.

"I had to pull them up to here," I indicated with my fingers. "Why did you have to be so tall," I huffed.

He chuckled. "You look very sexy."

"Oh yeah, because wearing oversize clothes is very appealing," I said, making sure I showed my sarcasm.

He stepped closer to me and made sure his lips were brushing my jaw as he spoke. "Wearing oversized clothes makes you very sexy. Even more appealing when they're mine."

I shivered from his voice and words and I had to wrap my arms around his neck to stay standing up. It was my turn to now make Dimitri shiver from my touch. I put my left hand under his jacket and shirt and trailed it up his body.

I whispered on his neck, "That's where you are blind. Seeing you dressed up in a suit, will make all the women...wet."

"Rose," he warned, "Watch your language." Apparently, he didn't like my wording of making women wet. Oh well. "By the way, I saw your message on the mirror this morning."

"I love you."

It was all I had to say for Dimitri to crush his lips onto mine and kiss me with a hungry passion. It was hard for us to pull away, but we did and he helped me button up my jacket.

Dimitri's voice knocked me over into the present.

"The Queen is going public," he said in full guardian mode.

"I thought that would be the case. I can't even get up there; closer to Lissa."

I could see he was fighting whether to say something as Dimitri or as Guardian Dimitri. He chose Guardian Dimitri.

"We should stay near the doors. That way if she or Christian need to leave, we can easily follow them."

I nodded and stood by the door. Looking at Dimitri made me smile. He was everything. I felt so selfish taking him away from Lissa. He would do anything to keep her safe and look after her. I should be the one to find another Moroi to guard. I shouldn't even be letting him suggest finding a way for us to be together, not when I can see how much this job means to him. Whereas normally I would be begging Dimitri to let me be with him.

Dimitri must have seen me looking at him from the corner of his eye, because he turned to me and lifted his eyebrow.

I shook my head and smiled. He shuffled a little closer to me and now I could feel his breath on my neck. I looked up at him and he was back to looking around the room. He moved closer to me to tease me. Either that, or he just liked being in my presence. I would personally appreciate it if it were the latter, because I loved being close to him.

I heard the camera crew yell, "5...4...3...2...1" and my attention was all on Queen Tatiana.

"Good morning, Moroi, Guardians, Novices and children." She smiled. "I am here today to announce an important announcement, broadcasting here, at the Royal Court." She looked around the room for a dramatic effect and looked straight back at the camera.

"As most of you were unaware, at the Royal Court yesterday morning, Victor Dashkov was scheduled for his trial. The trial was unable to take place, due to serious circumstances. I am sorry to announce that Victor Dashkov is no longer in prison." I heard various gasps from everywhere in the room. "It is recorded that he escaped early yesterday morning." More gasps were made and the Moroi we becoming frigidity.

"We have an investigation team, doing their best to track Victor and leave us with justice. I advice everyone to be extra careful when stepping out of their homes and stay safe. It is not certain if Victor is going after anyone in particular, or anyone at all, however this is just a warning. All guardians are to be working extra hard and will be rewarded for their work."

"If anyone has seen, or heard any information that may help solve this devastation, please let us know as soon as possible." She took a deep breath and said, "Thank you."

I took a moment to open up to Lissa's feelings. She was: scared, shocked, upset and angry." I looked over towards her and Christian was hugging her tight. I wanted to be over there, to explain that I'm sorry I didn't tell her and to support her through this. Christian was looking around the crowd and he stopped when he saw me. He gave me an pissed off stare and turned away. What the hell did I do to Fire-boy? I knew I kept it secret, but still.

The reporters asked the Queen several questions and she tried answering them all as well as she could under the circumstances. She tried several times to convince everyone to calm down, because they would find him sooner than later. The Queen was too busy dealing with the escape of Victor; that I don't think she is going to talk to me about Lissa today after all.

Great, now it gives her more time to work on Lissa and Adrian... and more time for me to work on how to outsmart the Queen. Oh, this should be good. Can't wait until we meet again, Queen Bitch!

After the announcement, slowly everyone left the room. Each group talking about Victor and what might happen. It looked like it was more fascinating to the children, then to the adults.

Lissa, Christian and Eddie reached us at the doorway and didn't say a word. Lissa was hurting by this stage, because I didn't tell her sooner. Christian being the guy he was, was sticking by his girlfriends side. Which in respect he should be. Lissa didn't tell me about the Queen speaking to her, but this is more serious. Alberta and Stan met up with us briefly and told us to go chill down, before we aboard the plane in the afternoon.

Eddie, Dimitri and I followed Lissa and Christian up to the motel. We were all getting the silent treatment and I had no idea how long it will last for. We walked Lissa to her room, she said goodbye to Christian and closed the door. Eddie looked at me apologetically and Christian continued to ignore us to his room.

Dimitri broke the silence, "You can rest, Castile. It's clear the Princess does not want to be disturbed. You should go relax before we leave, I can look after Ozera." Dimitri turned to me and said, "Same with you Hathaway."

Eddie nodded and walked away, while I argued. "It's fine Belikov, I want to stay." Dimitri was about to disagree, until he saw how certain I was.

We got to Christian's room and he said, "I don't want a supervisor!"

"Well to bad Fire-boy, because you are going to have some."

"Rose..." Dimitri warned and I turned around to talk to him. As I did, Christian closed the door and I heard him lock it.

"I need to speak to one of them Dimitri," I sighed.

"In time, don't push what you don't have."

"I hate the way Lissa thinks of me right now and the only person she is talking to is Christian. So I got to work on him."

Dimitri sighed but said, "Be careful. I don't want to see you burnt."

I chuckled to his words and looked around to see if anyone was in the hallway. There wasn't, so I was clear to grab his hand. "I will be careful. I'll see you in your room."

Dimitri raised his eyebrow and said, "I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying right here, so if I hear a fight going on, I can barge right in."

"Very wise, Guardian Belikov," I joked and he nodded with his guardian mask on.

I knocked on Christian's door. "Open up, Christian."

"Go away!"

"Look, give me thirty seconds to say what I have to say and then if you still want me to leave, then I will."

The door opened up and Christian gave me one of his glares. I have to give it to him, he can give a good glare. I pushed through the door, and entered his room. Eddie and Christian were sharing, so where did Eddie go? Maybe he is relaxing somewhere else instead, and giving Christian some time to himself.

"I just want to explain why I didn't tell you about Victor yesterday."

"It's a bit late for explaining isn't it Rose?" Christian spat.

"Why are you acting like this?"

"Like what?"

"Like I just committed a crime... your attitude towards me..." I stumbled for words. "...Sucks."

He snorted, "Opposed to my attitude towards you every other day."

I blew out a large amount of air and slumped down on his bed.

"I thought... I thought..." I trailed off. What did I think?

"You thought, hey if I can win Christian over Lissa will have to talk to me then."

He had me there, that's what I thought five minutes ago, but not what I'm thinking now.

"No, Christian. I thought we understood one another," I yelled back. "Just forget it. Obviously it was a mistake coming here.

I stalked for the door when Christian says, "Rose, wait."

I looked up at him tired. I really didn't want to deal with this.

"I'll listen."

I told Christian about Dimitri telling me Victor had escaped and having the chance to check out the crime scene. I obviously left out the part where I received a letter from him and had a make out session with Dimitri, but he got the important details.

It took him a while to understand why we didn't want to tell him and Lissa, until today. I explained that I did want to tell them before the news was out so they could be prepared, but then I didn't know enough information to tell them, so this morning had to do. I also explained that I didn't mean to be late this morning and miss supporting Lissa.

Christian looked at me strangely, "It's fine Rose, to admit why you were with Dimitri."

I looked at him shocked, "What do you mean?"

"I know why you were with him. I've known for quite some time now. Why you hang around him so much." Christian gave me a serious look.

He couldn't know. How would he know? Oh my god. What do we do? I have to protect Dimitri with everything I have. I would never let Dimitri lose his job over me.

"Christian, I hang out with him because I have too. He trains me morning and night. All my spare time is with him training."

"Rose, it's all right. I know he is the only one you can talk to, who can't tell anyone."

I looked up at him and nearly laughed. He didn't know after all. Thank you god! "Yeah, he is. Don't get me wrong I trust Lissa, but talking to Dimitri feels like I'm talking to a wall. He doesn't reply back, but stays to listen."

Christian snickered, "A bad metaphor there, but I do understand. I see you remember? I know you are going through your own personal problems at the moment and if you need to talk to him about it, then good for you."

I nodded and quickly changed the subject. "So now that I have gotten you to listen, I'm hoping I can get Lissa to as well."

He sat beside me and lit fire balls in his hands while he thought.

"I'll make you a deal," he said.

I looked at him warily and said, "Should I be scared?"

He smirked and lunged a fire ball towards me, "This should scare you."

"Fine, what's the deal?"

"I'll talk to Lissa and see if I can talk some sense into her, to let you talk to her, but you have to keep Adrian away from Lissa."

I gave him an are-you-joking look. "How am I supposed to keep him away from her?"

He shrugged. "That's your job to work out, while I do mine."

"Fine, but you better get Lissa to understand."

"Na ah," Christian said. "I said, I would talk some sense into her, not that I would get her to forgive you."

"Deal, but I'll only try and keep Adrian away when there not practising magic."

"Fine, deal."

Christian and I shook hands and laughed.

"I can't believe I just made a deal with you – Rose Hathaway," he mocked.

"I can't believe I touched your hand – Christian Ozera."

He tried wiping his arm on me again, but I dodged him every time. We both fell onto his bed and his smirking face turned to a serious one.

"How are you... now?"

I looked at him surprised. Was he really asking about my feelings? I knew we had a close chat a few days ago, but I thought it was a once in a lifetime.

"Well, I sorted the problem out. That just means there an empty space for something else to take it's spot."

"I hope you don't mind me saying but..." he trailed off.

"Oh spit it out, Ozera."

"You look happier. You have a smile on your face and more... I don't know. I can just tell."

I smiled and said, "Thanks Christian. I am happier." I had a big smile on face thinking about Dimitri.

Christian moved over and started pushing me off the bed. "Time to leave."

"All right, I get the hint," I said standing up. "Don't forget the deal. It will only work if you start your half, because I won't start on Adrian until you do."

"How do I know you won't back out?"

I snickered, "Because I'm Rose Hathaway, I don't back out of deals."

That seemed to be enough to convince Christian. I left the room without looking up, which was silly of me, because I ran into Dimitri.

"Sorry," I mumbled.

Two hands were on my shoulders and I looked up.

"Or maybe not," I teased.

"Well, you are out alive." He turned me around, "and with no burn marks. I say a job well done."

I chuckled, "You could say that. I thought you were listening."

"Alberta called me over to her room."

I tried to raise an eyebrow, but I ended up raising both. He noticed my facial expression and spoke.

"To talk about tactics at school." He quickly added, "With the recent attack and Victor out, we want to be safe."

I nodded and yawned. "How long we got until we need to board the plane?"

"About two hours. Let's go get you changed into something more comfortable."

"Would you do the honour of undressing me?"

He looked at me with lust, but I knew he wouldn't be able to do it.

"I could help pick the clothes you wear."

Nice move to avoid the subject, Comrade, I thought to myself.

He took me to his room and I changed into the clothes Dimitri picked out. It was a purple V neck shirt that clung to my body and a short denim skirt. I didn't think I would be allowed to wear it at the academy, but Dimitri said they couldn't do anything about it since I'm at the Royal Court today. I reckon he just wanted to check out my ass when I bent over. He made me get things for him that involved me bending over, so he was defiantly checking me out.

We made our way to the plane. We didn't arrive together, I made sure I was later than everyone else. Lissa wouldn't look at me, but Christian acknowledged my presence. I stood over by Eddie who was beating himself up.

"Don't blame yourself Eddie. We both had to keep it from them, it was our duty."

"I just feel bad. You guys are the only family I have, that wants to know me."

"Aw, Eddie. You are our family too. Lissa just needs time to think things through," I gave him a hug.

He murmured, "That's what Christian told me, but how long does she need."

"Oh, Christian is talking to you?"

"Yeah, he apologised for being rude."

I looked at him shocked, "Christian apologised? No way!"

Eddie laughed, "I thought the same thing, but hey, it's something."

We boarded the plane and I sat across with Dimitri in the aisle. Adrian once again was sitting in front of me.

"Little Dhampir, I'm sorry to hear about the news."

Adrian triggered my mind. Where was he when the announcement was being made?

"Thanks, but where we you? I didn't see you anywhere."

He smirked, "So you were looking for me?"

I snorted, "Don't you like my company any more?" Two could play this game.

"Little Dhampir I could never get sick of your company." He glanced over at Dimitri and back at me, "I was... you could say... at the bar."

My mouth hung open, "You choose to go to a bar, than to your auntie's announcement?"

"Politics has never been my thing. You know that."

I nodded and looked at his glass. "What you drinking there?"

"Whisky. Oh and would you look at that, my glass is empty."

He got up and walked to the back of the plane. My guess was he wanted to refill. I looked over at Dimitri and he looked annoyed. I didn't want to see him like that, so I took the risk and moved to sit next to him.

"Adrian is just being Adrian," I said.

"And Adrian can give you what I can't," he whispered with frustration.

I looked at him appalled. "How can you honestly think, I would choice Adrian over you?"

He looked at me with all seriousness, "Adrian can... be with you." I knew what he meant. He was saying Adrian could have sex with me, with no issues in the way.

"That can be fixed and you know it. It will take time, but I can wait." I hissed back.

He shook his head, "He can give you more."

"Don't start with this Dimitri. You say I act like my age, well now you are acting my age. I know what I want. Accept it."

Dimitri and I did a stare down until one of us gave up. It was me who broke it, because I heard someone clear their throat. I looked over in Lissa and Christians' direction. Lissa was looking at us worried and Christian mouthed 'sorry' and tried to get Lissa's attention back. Lissa most likely saw Dimitri and me glaring at each other and wondered if she should intervene. Christian however, probably thought I was talking to Dimitri about my problems.

"We probably look like a couple having a hissy fight," I told Dimitri.

"Isn't that what we were doing?" He said like he was stating the obvious.

"My birthday is tomorrow and all I want is you. Do you think I could have it?"

Dimitri looked at me like I had stated something sexual. "Rose I don't think I can get over my illness in one night and have my way with you."

I laugh at myself after repeating in my head what I said to him. "I didn't mean for it to come out the way." I could feel my cheeks burning. "But will you stay will me that night?"

"Of course, Roza." Dimitri intertwined our hands.

"Enough about Adrian and I, all right? I made my decision a long time ago that I loved you."

He nodded and pulled out of my hand as quick as a fox. I looked up at him in question, but it was answered when I heard Stan's voice.

"Hathaway, this is yours."

I looked at the gold bracelet and shook my head. "It's not Guardian Alto. I've never seen it before."

"You must have. It has your name engraved on it." He gave me a forceful look.

I took the box the bracelet was in and looked at the name. He was right it had, 'Rosemarie Hathaway.'

"Where did you find it?"

"It was found near the reception of the prison. I know, strange place to have it, but we kept it as evidence and you were clear. So here it is."

"You thought I was a suspect?" I yelled.

"Rose, calm down," Dimitri warned.

"You should listen to him, Hathaway."

I gave him a glare and he left me the bracelet in the box. It was a pretty bracelet. It had little gold links with a sun and moon charm.

Dimitri took it from me and said, "I wonder who left it for you. Be careful not to break it though, it might not be yours."

I snorted and hit his him, "What other Rosemarie Hathaway do you know of?"

"Well there is this nice young lady who is sweet and caring. Unlike the one I am with now." He said looking at the part of his arm where I hit him.

"Ha Ha. I wonder if I have met her before."

On the trip back to the academy I thought about the bracelet and everyone I could think of who might have left it for me and then it hit me.

Victor Dashkov.

In his letter, he mentioned a present down near his cell. I totally forgot about it, and I'm glad someone found it. But why would he leave me a present... unless it's another lust charm... No it can't be. He wouldn't go for the same trick twice. Then why the hell did he leave it there for me?

I must have looked like crap because Dimitri grabbed my face in both of his hands and said, "Roza. Roza. Speak to me."

"Huh?" Was all I could manage to get out.

"I asked you if you were all right, but you didn't respond."

"Dimitri," I whispered.

"What is it Roza?" he sounded alarmed.

"Victor Dashkov left me this present."

He looked at me stunned, "Are you sure?"

"Positive."