Chapter 27

Third POV

"Shit I thought it would take longer of Aunt Tatiana to locate us". Adrian announced nervously.

"By order of the Queen, her majesty Tatiana of the Royal Court you are all hereby under the strict instruction to return to court." Announced one of the Guardians.

The group was then escorted to the cars parked out front of the house and they all made their way back to Pennsylvania. Adrian, Lissa and Christian rode in one car while, Rose Dimitri, Oksana and Mark were being driven in the other. The drive back to Court was in fact quite tense for the crew was not sure how much information people back at court were privy to.

Oksana could sense Rose and Dimitri's anxiety and made a comforting gesture in squeezing Rose's hand beckoning Rose to acknowledge her.

"Rose do not fear, no one back at court can know what has transpired these last few days! I have delved into the minds of the Guardians and as far as they know the Queen was only after the safety of Adrian and Lissa. The fact that you were their was just a coincidence but finding you and Dimitri was one of the Queens top priorities. There is no sign that they believe that you were ever turned!" Oksana's words spoken to Rose telepathically brought with them relief and a sense of finality to the nightmare she had to live through.

It seemed that the story making it's was through Court was that Rose and Dimitri were held captive by the remaining Strigoi from the caves back at the Academy and that they managed to escape with their impressive Dhampir skills. To say that the entire court was thrilled upon their arrival was to say the least especially when both the Hathaway woman saw each other for the first time since the incident.

"Mom" Rose cried out running to Janine.

"Rose, is that really you?" Janine ran the last leg to meet up with her daughter.

"Yes Mom, it's really me" "Oh my darling girl!" then just as quickly, she reprimanded her child, "don't you ever do that to me again!"
"I'm so so sorry, Mom" and just like that all was forgiven because Janine had her baby girl back in her arms and she knew now that she would never let her go again. They cried into each others shoulders for a long time, everyone giving the woman their privacy. Lissa and Adrian when marched off to the Queens headquarters, while Christian, Oksana and Mark were shown to guest housing where they could freshen up and recuperate. After what felt like hours Guardian Croft gently tapped Janine on her shoulder.

"Guardian Hathaway the Queen has asked for your presence along with your daughter as well as Guardian Belikov".

The woman let go of their embrace but remained close to each other walking side by side arms interlinked while Dimitri travelled behind them along with a man he was all to familiar with. A man that was as shady and ruthless as they come, and for that reason acquired the title Zmey.

"Nice to see you again boy" Abe greeted Dimitri with a mischievous smirk.

"Mr. Mazur always a pleasure". Dimitri was no fool he knew that he had to treat Zmey with the utmost respect for even though he was not Royal he might as well be with the power he held in his hands. All the while Dimitri was trying to think why on earth Zmey was here and looking longingly towards both the Hathaway woman.

When they all reached the Queens quarters Janine, Rose and Dimitri entered at her Majesties accord. Rose and Dimitri felt uneasy walking into her Majesties chambers but hoped that all they had to do was re-enact their miraculous escape from the Strigoi and then they could be on their way. As the three Guardians made their way across the room they all dropped to one knee as a sign of respect before the Queen acknowledged their presence.

"Please Rosemarie, rise forth. Ah it is so good to have you back". The Queen announced but with a distant tone. Rose however, was surprised by this and simply gave a simple nod while bowing once again before her lady royal.

"It is good to be back, your majesty".
"Ah Guardian Belikov we are so grateful that you have returned safe and sound for your skills are unparalleled."
"Thank you your Majesty" Dimitri bowed in gratitude.

"Now let's get down to what has happened over the past few days". The Queen spoke in a way that suggested she did not believe the report that had been given to her by the Guardians.

"Both Guardian Belikov and Rosemarie were taken hostage by the Strigoi that we were not able to fight off in the cave, but because of their abilities they managed to come together and kill their captives". It was Janine that spoke for Rose and Dimitri and this did not go unnoticed by the Queen.

"Yes that was the story I received from Guardian Croft but what I would like to know from Rose and Guardian Belikov is what really happened?" Dimitri and Rose looked at each other in the eye and a thousand messages seemed to go between them and with permission Dimitri decided to relay part of the story.

"Your Majesty if Rose and I might have a word with you in private?" The Queen accepted his offer and asked her Guards to escort Guardian Hathaway out of her chambers.

"Go on". The Queen was patiently waiting to hear the real story.
" You must understand that I can not go into full details of what has transpired within the last few days but you must know this! With the power of Spirit we now have acquired knowledge on how to restore Strigoi back to their original state. We have seven eye witnesses including myself and Rosemarie, and we believe that with your approval, Your Majesty we will be able to start a team specifically catered to this important task. We would like to start up a team that will focus on finding Spirit users and training them to help and restore Strigoi to their former selves." Dimitri was hesitant but firm in his approach as he knew this was quite a lot to ask from the Queen, especially seeing as that she had not heard the entire story.

"To say that I am shocked is an understatement and I am rarely ever shocked. You must understand from my point of view this seems a mere fairytale and I can not waste my resources." Dimitri and Rose are truly disappointed but understood the Queens predicament.

"What if we could bring you back proof? What if we film a restoration, would you consider forming a team then?" Rose had a plan forming in her mind.

"I might be more inclined if you indeed had recorded proof, I could then present this to the council".

"Alright, may we ask this of you then. Could Guardian Belikov and I travel to Russia? Conversing with Oksana and Mark we understand that there is excessive amount of Strigoi activity in Russia, and we feel we might get the necessary data there to start up this unit."
"I will take time to think over your proposition but first thing is first Rosemarie, you are to finish your training at the Academy and when you have become a qualified Guardian then we may review this topic and discuss it further. Understood!". With an air of finality Dimitri and Rose understood that this was the final word on the matter and they were then dismissed.