So, I know I haven't updated in awhile. I'm sorry about that guys. I know some of you guys have been loyal from the beginning and I have been feeling awful that I keep putting this on the back burner with my other stories, while I have been working on Ransom Romance. I am truly sorry about that. I've just been in a mindset for that story, and I figured I would pump out as many chapters as I could. My goal was to finish it soon, so I could finish this story and Troubles of the Past. I hope you guys are still reading, and waiting, and I also hope you guys enjoy the chapter. Read and Review!

Rose POV

Knocking on Rufus Ivashkov's door was definitely an awkward thing to be doing. For one, he's a royal. Two, we were going to be asking questions that would be prying into his private and personal life. He might not like that, and being friends with the queen wouldn't really help us out if he decides to complain.

A woman in a maid's uniform opened the door. She looked frazzled with blond hair that was somewhat curly. She, immediately, made me think of Mia's mom. I'm guessing Eddie made the connection too, but his guardian mask was up, so I was unable to tell.

"What can I do for you Royal Guardian Hathaway and Guardian Castile?" She asked.

I know that I am a new Royal Guardian, who was recently inducted into the Royal Guard, but it's still a shock to find someone in her position that actually knows my name. Yet they all seem to. At Court, at least. Same with Eddie, we are all recent additions to the Guardians, so of course we would make the headlines around Court. Especially after the recent events that happened with Tasha and Victor.

"We would like to speak with Prince Ivashkov, Miss. If he is available, that is." Eddie replied.

"I will see if he is. He has a meeting to attend to this afternoon, but he shouldn't have to leave quite yet." The maid replied. "Please. Come in."

She opened the door wider, and allowed us to pass through. Eddie went first, and I followed him to the foyer slash living room area. It wasn't exactly a living room, but it wasn't exactly a big empty space either. There wasn't really enough future to fill the room, but what was placed was easily more expensive and decorative than anything I could afford in my lifetime.

She disappeared down the hallway, in a hurry. This place seemed spotless; yet somehow these maids found something to clean in these townhouses.

"What are we going to say?" Eddie asked.

"I don't know." I replied. I need to think. What should I ask? I know what I needed to know, but how do you phrase the question without having a pissed off Prince on your hands?

"Well. Well, if it isn't the famous Royal Guardian Hathaway." Prince Ivashkov stated, walking into the room. "I don't think we've met, but I have heard plenty of stories about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

His posture seemed very open and casual, as he sat down on one of the two couches near the grand piano. Eddie and I sat onto the opposite one, and I have to say, it's not really all that comfortable for being expensive.

"It's a pleasure for us as well." I replied. I was being polite, but he was kind of off. I could already tell. He wasn't the man that Nathan Ivashkov had described. He's different. Not who he was. I wouldn't be surprised if it's Tasha's involvement.

"To what did you need of me?" He asked.

"We came to speak with you about the recent events that have happened here. I assume you have heard of the troubles within the Court?" I began. I was trying to sound confident, yet I had no idea where I was going with this.

"If you are referring to the conspiracy behind the Queen's assassination, then yes. I am well aware." He replied. This surprised me. I didn't think he would jump straight to that.

"Do you happen to know anything about who was behind it?" I asked, cautiously.

"Well, Natasha Ozera, of course." He replied with a sly smile.

"We have heard talk; about others being involved. We were wondering if you have heard some of these rumors." I asked.

"Ah. Well. If you are hearing such gossip from Tasha herself, then I assume that you have been misguided. She is a meddler that one." He leaned back against the couch, with his arms outstretched against the backs.

"How well do you know Tasha?" I asked. Going in a different direction. He was obviously avoiding the question I was trying to get at. So plan B, I guess.

"Quite well. Or at least, I'd hope so since she has been my mistress for quite a few years now." He beamed.

"Tasha? Natasha Ozera?" I repeated. I needed to know if I heard him right.

"Why, who else would I be referring?" He asked.

"You are aware of the deal she made with Guardian Belikov a few months back, aren't you?" I asked.

"What deal, my dear?" He seemed intrigued by what I knew that he didn't.

"Well, that's for another time. I don't have time at the moment to discuss this matter. I have to find the person, or people that Natasha was referring to. Although I could make time; if you would be able to point me in the right direction."

"Why don't you look to your past, my dear? Natasha has been planning this for years. Many attempts to tie Vasilisa to her. Many ways to bring her away from you. Look at your past troubles and see who has gone to extreme measures to get to Vasilisa. Knew to get you out of the way. You will find more of the ones you are looking for there." He stated, shrugging. "Now. What deal, my dear, are you talking about?"

"Back during the holidays, Tasha offered Guardian Belikov a deal. He would go to guard her, and she would give him a family." I said, watching his expression change from carefree to anger.

"That piece of trash. She is lower than a blood whore. She wants me to follow her plans? To go along with her ideas? Then she is sadly mistaken." He sneered. Jackpot!

"I'm sorry that this has upset you, but we must be going." I stated, standing up. Eddie followed suit. Eddie headed towards the front door and again I followed him.

"Oh, Rose." Rufus called, as Eddie had made it to edge of the room. We both turned back to him, to see what he wanted. "I have an opening for a new mistress if you are interested. I've always wanted to try out having a blood whore. I've heard it can bring a lot of pleasure." Although, I knew that the high from the bite does bring immense pleasure, I would never admit that to anyone.

"That won't be happening Prince Ivashkov. And we really must be going." I stated.

"That's a shame. A damn shame." His eyes glanced over my body, and I felt the urge to slap him, but before my impulses could take over, I turned back around and directed Eddie to the door.

As Eddie and I stepped outside, I shut the door behind me, and followed him down the street.

"What the hell just happened in there?" He asked confused.

"I think we just found out one of Tasha's allies. And another lead." I stated, feeling satisfied.

"You were also just asked to be someone's blood whore. A Royal at that." Eddie continued.

"So? Like I would ever agree to it." I chuckled.

"Seriously. Was I invisible in there? What Moroi, in their right mind, asks a Dhampir to be their blood whore? Especially with other people in the room?" He asked appalled.

"He's obviously not in his right mind." I retorted. "So should we go find Christian?"

"Um. I actually have somewhere to be right now. Do you mind meeting up in a couple hours and going to talk to him then?" Eddie asked. I have never heard him uncertain about anything.

"Yeah. Sure." I shrugged. Maybe Dimitri would be back, and I could talk with him about this stuff, before going to Christian with it all.

I watched him scurry off again, like he has been doing lately. He's obviously meeting Jill. Probably for lunch. I'm happy for him. After all the crap he's been through, mainly due to me, he deserves something good in his life. After he left my view, I changed course and headed for my apartment. Hoping to find my Russian there waiting for me.