'Don't worry comrade, what's another life-risking mission? I'll be fine,' Rose rolled her eyes at my obvious display of paranoia. She and a couple of Queen Dragomir's other guardians had volunteered to go on a risky mission that included unravelling some of the opposition groups' locations.

After Vasilisa had become Queen at the Royal court, unrest had broken out among the Moroi. Although the majority loved Vasilisa, a few groups of spiteful Moroi had formed outside the court who deeply resented the Queen's latest proclamations regarding Moroi self-defence. Their beliefs held that no Moroi should have to take up arms, or in this case magic, to fight and risk their life. This, by default, had been the dhampirs' job for as long as any of us could remember.

Recent events had changed things. Strigoi were working together, and that's something I knew of better than anyone – after all, I had once been one. More importantly, the Strigoi's combined effort enabled them to better target the royal families. Moroi numbers were dropping, and more daunting still, guardians were starting to become a rare commodity.

Vasilisa's solution to the problem had been as compromising as any could be. She had not made it a law for all Moroi to learn self-defence. However, she had made it a law that any Moroi out there willing to learn self-defence would not be denied the chance. Unfortunately, this angered those Moroi who refused to fight, because suddenly they found themselves at a distinct disadvantage. What was more, the magic-wielding Moroi who practiced it grew much more talented, especially with offensive spells. And what was to stop a few angered, magic-wielding Moroi from lashing out at those who tried to threaten their freedom and protection? What was to stop them from stepping up and taking control?

After all, the Moroi most enthusiastic about self-defence consisted of non-royals who could not afford dhampir guardians, non-royals who might get tired of being ruled. The royal and wealthy Moroi were generally happy to step aside and allow their guardians to handle their protection. This, naturally, caused divisions among the Moroi people.

Some Moroi were happy to show their discontent. And that's why Rose found herself accepting to go on this mission.

'I don't like it,' I muttered. 'I don't like the idea of you going on some undercover mission.' The nature of it was simply too unpredictable, too obscure. We didn't have enough information yet. Their numbers, how they were organised. It was too early to act. I said as much. 

Rose scoffed. 'Have some faith, Dimitri. We're not even supposed to end up in any confrontation. All we're going to do is spy on them and collect information.' Rose gave me a pointed look. 'You should be happy we're not going to storm the place like some blitzkrieg tactic.'

I didn't comment as she shrugged on black army pants, securing them around her waist with a simple belt. Tucked into the pants was a black, tight-fitted t-shirt. The outfit – which was not normal, guardian protocol clothing – admittedly suited her. She looked every bit the asserted badass. Still, I watched worriedly as she grabbed a hair tie, bending over to gather her hair up in a ponytail.

'I'm kind of excited that I'm finally allowed to use a gun, and a silenced one. Along with all the other cool spy equipment. it was kinda hard to get used to at first, but now that I've got the hang of it – I got to tell you Dimitri, I was born for this stuff.' Rose looked fearless and ready to take on the world, like she always did. I couldn't help but offer her a cocked grin – her excitement was always so contagious.

Finished dressing, Rose sauntered over to me, looking very pleased with herself. 'Boy do I love it when you smile,' she murmured, sliding her arms around my waist. She tugged me closer, burying her face in my chest. I felt her inhale deeply, like she wanted to put my scent to memory. She glanced up at me through her eyelashes, pursing her lips a little. 'Well? Take a hint, comrade. Kiss me already.'

She didn't need to tell me twice. Instantly, my lips were on hers. I bent down to grasp the back of her thighs, lifting her up against me. Obediently, her legs wrapped around my waist. Her hands gripped my shoulders for support, and I crushed my lips against her, needing my love for her to shine through that kiss.

After a long while, we both broke away to catch our breath. I buried my nose in her hair, letting her intoxicating scent overwhelm my senses. She smelled so good. The shampoo in her hair, mixed with a faint trace of roses and plum, but above all, that unique, characteristic scent that belonged to Rose. She smelled like home and safety in a world otherwise plagued by threats and dangers. It was as if her scent was a natural ingredient that broke down all my barriers and walls, leaving me utterly exposed to her.

Finally, Rose pulled back, her eyes boring into mine. Unblinkingly, she regarded me in silence. In that heartbeat I knew she was glimpsing the fear in my eyes; fear for her and her safety. 'Dimitri...there's no denying it's a risky mission. But you have to trust me – trust that I will do everything I can to come back to you and Lissa.' Her eyes burned with her promise, and finally I allowed myself to relax. Closing my eyes, I bent forward so our foreheads touched. A brief moment of forever passed in comfort. 

At last, I set her down on her feet. 'I do. I trust you.'

With that, I saw that intense, determined look settle on her face, and she marched out of the room. She didn't close the door behind her, and I stood on the threshold, watching her retreating figure. When she was some distance away from me, she glanced over her shoulder. She didn't look surprised that I was still standing there. I caught her wink at me, before she turned forward and disappeared around a corner.