WHEN LOVE BECKONS

Royalty

Rose's POV

"So, according to the common decision of the council and all the representatives of the houses, we authorize Guardian Rose Hathaway to take up the position of acting queen, whereby she's entitled to take up all the royal responsibilities in absence of the reigning monarch, Queen Vasilisa Sabina Rhea Dragomir. We will soon have a formal coronation and she'll be assigned to bear the office of the queen and take independent decisions with her council, " Ava Zelkos narrated on, handing over the bill to me.

I stood still for a moment, unable to speak.

She held out the sheet further. I took it from her, trying my best to prevent my hands from shaking.

The beautiful ivory paper with crisp black ink calligraphy sat there on my hand looking so innocent. But it was akin to my death warrant. Taking the throne now was nothing less than going to the gallows and yet I was ready to do it. I was ready to take the risk for Lissa, for Jillian.

"Rose," Ava turned to me, "This is official declaration and I definitely can't go against it. But are you sure you want to do this? All the risk and the stigma. You're a Dhampir. How do you think will this news be received in our world?"

"This is for the benefit of all. I'm standing in the line of fire, shielding all Moroi. The throne is now a throne of fire. I know my duties," I said, still dazed.

"As you wish," her eyes narrowed, "Don't tell me later that I didn't warn you."

There was pure threat in her voice and for a moment I was convinced that she could be the prime suspect of the rebellion.

I had increased further protection on Jill. She needed to be shielded more. We had also channeled guardians to find Lissa but hadn't gotten any news yet.

Overall the situation was a total mess.

Suddenly Sonya came in and snatched the paper from my hand. Taking one quick look look at the paper, she bit her lips and shook her head, finally she grabbed my hand and said, "Don't know what is going to happen... But we need to prepare for a grand coronation."

"I don't want a vast ceremony. I don't want a ceremony at all . I'm not the queen and this is not a happy occasion," I snatched back my hand.

"Rose," she warned, "Remember what I had told you. Don't underestimate the gravity of the position and the Moroi's expectations."

"Fine," I grumbled, "I'll go and utter vows and all."

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I left the hall walking along the street dejectedly when suddenly someone grabbed me, pulling me behind a row of trees. A pair of brown eyes were looking into mine.

"Finally," he said, his voice quivering, "Finally you're sacrificing yourself for the Moroi again and I'll sit back and watch you take the hit, inert. What the heck!"

Dimitri's eyes were burning.

"You'll be my shadow, my guardian. You'll protect me. I know you won't let anything hurt me," I gave a sad smile.

"But still!" he protested, "I can't risk you getting hurt. Situations always push us unto that arena."

"I'm sorry," was only what I could say.

A/N Thanks for reading... Sorry for the delay... Love you all Pipigrin teamhathaway
dodsley KashishBelikov TwilightGirl32