Soul Bound

Chapter 46

DPOV

That afternoon the four of us went to the meeting with Guardian Croft. I was nervous. Rose didn't seem to share the same feelings maybe because she would be judged as the victim, although if anybody knew Rose they would see how ridiculous it was. I never regretted being with Rose and I never will. But I didn't like the fact that people would shame our relationship. We did nothing wrong.

When we entered the room I was surprised to see Guardian Alto and Alberta were there as well. Oh, this was not good.

The four of us sat down not betraying anything.

"Alright. Miss Hathaway."

Oh I saw her bite her tongue. But luckily Rose remained quiet this time.

"Oh sorry I read it's Mrs. now."

Rose just nodded and I saw Alberta raise an eyebrow at me. Stan seemed confused.

"We are to discuss how and if we can find a way to let you graduate. I have asked two teachers of yours to come and explain if they think you were on your way to graduation before... the incident."

"Oh for God sake, would people just stop with the euphemisms. I died. I got turned. It was horrible, let's move on."

I saw Hans and Stan just stare at Rose. I expected the answer although I was a bit surprised Rose knew the word euphemism.

"Very well. I'll ask your teachers, including Guardian Belikov if they believed if you would have graduated. Guardian Petrov if you will."

I saw Alberta nod.

"I do believe Rose was well on her way to graduation. Thanks to her own efforts and Guardian Belikovs guidance she had top marks in her combat classes. Even in her academic classes she was catching up."

Hans nodded.

"Guardian Alto?"

"I have known Rose for almost her entire life. She was four when she entered my class. I must honestly say she is one of the most difficult students I have ever had."

Both Rose and I held our breaths. Stan could make or break her here. He was always very hard on Rose. I just hoped he wasn't now.

"But she is also one of the most talented. I tried teaching her discipline and humility because I know she will be one of the greatest. But she needs to keep a level head."

I saw Rose gawking at him. She always thought Stan had it in for her, but in truth he was being hard on her to make her better. I appreciated that.

"But please let her graduate here and don't send her back to the academy. I swear I aged twice as fast after having Rose in my class. I don't think I can do it anymore."

And there it was. Luckily the overall sentiment was to have her graduate. I saw Hans raise an eyebrow at Stan and I saw a huge grin come across Rose's face. I simply pinched the bridge of my nose. This wasn't something you should be proud of. But Rose practically saw it as a victory. She broke the poor man.

I had seen Rose's very large file on his desk so I knew Hans knew about most of her... transgressions. I knew it was a daunting file, certainly if you didn't know Rose.

"Guardian Belikov, I know your time with Rose was significantly less then guardian Alto's or guardian Petrovs but I know you spend a lot of quality time with her."

Oh his double meaning wasn't lost on me. I suppose we did have another conversation coming after this one. But my guardian mask was firmly in place.

"I collected Rose and the princess from Portland. I had read Rose's file and was honestly expecting something completely different. What I saw was a girl that was rash and clearly behind in training but still willing to take on 12 highly trained guardians to keep her friend and her charge safe. It was that dedication that prompted me to volunteer to mentor her when she faced expulsion. She may have been lacking technique back then but she had a sense of duty well beyond her years. Also her fighting instincts were the best I had ever seen, all I needed to do was teach her technique and control."