The Princess and the Personal Trainer

by A.M. Perry

Rosemarie Hathaway Mazur is a Princess who wishes for a normal life. Her mother is pushing her to wed a stranger after her eighteenth birthday so she will someday assume the throne but how do you make a vow to love, cherish and protect someone you hardly know? One night Abe concocts a plan that will get everyone what they want. What will Rose do? All human and maybe a little OOC.

2. You Are a Sly One Zmey

Rosemarie departed dinner in her usual fashion, a goodnight hug to me and a slight nod of acknowledgement, if one could even call it that, to her mother. Tonight the tension level was at an all-time high, our normal family dinners are usually a somber event but the stress has started to weigh on us all. I see no resolution, Janine is getting restless and only wants what is best for Rose but we don't see eye to eye on what is best for our daughter. I know she must wed soon but I don't want her to marry a stranger like we did. Janine and I were a marriage born out of political obligation, she knew her duties and never once shied away but it made for an awkward wedding night to say the least. We had not met before our wedding so I only knew her name and that we were to be married for our alliance to strengthen but when I saw her walk down that aisle, all flaming red curls and fierce features, I was entranced. I wouldn't say it was love at first sight, lust definitely, but I was happy to call her mine. We've grown to love each other over the years however she is still the most hardheaded and exasperating woman I know. I guess we know where Rose gets it from.

"Abe, honey?"

I need a drink, all this talk has caused my head to throb. I know Janine won't let this go, if only there was some way to distract her, and what about Belikov. I'll have to call Olena and tell her of Rose's dismissal. Why must all the women in my life be so indomitable, I am King here, I should have some say.

"Abe, are you even listening to me? I swear you and Rosemarie are just alike, head in the clouds. If the dining room started crumbling down around you, you'd not even notice."

She sounded annoyed now and I knew I'd not hear the end of it tonight unless I gave her some time alone. "Sorry sweetheart, what were you saying?"

Janine gave an exasperated sigh and began shaking her head, "I said are you coming to bed? It's late and I know you're worn from the travel. Everything can certainly wait until morning."

I held back my yawn threatening escape and shook my head. "No you go ahead without me, I'm going to spend a bit in my study. I have a couple calls to make."

She chuckled, "Surely your calls can wait 'til morning", and amusement lit her eyes. That alone almost swayed my decision but I needed some time alone. So kissing the top of head and murmuring into her hair not to wait up I departed to my study.

My study was just as I left it, three white walls scattered with bookshelves and accent furniture, my oversized desk sat before a deep red wall with our flags crescent and star centrally placed. It looked royal but functional; I went straight to the stocked bar in the corner and filled a rocks glass with single-malt scotch before retreating to my desk and settling in an overstuffed chair. Papers and maps were scattered among my desktop, most needing the king's approval but I was in no mood so I pushed them all to one side and reached for the only picture frame adorning my desk. It was Janine, Rosemarie and I at Rosemarie's fourth birthday party, Rose was missing a front tooth but only made her large smile that much more endearing. We were all surrounding her birthday cake and she was about to blow out her candles, Janine and I held such a proud look for our daughter with smiles of pure happiness and satisfaction. It's hard to believe how much my little girl has grown, it felt like only yesterday she asked me to help tie her shoes or read her a bedtime story. She's grown into quite the impressive young woman, independent, strong and so full of life. Now here I am forcing that same young woman to choose a husband, to give up her independence for a stranger. I could establish from her tone at dinner this evening that this is something she does not want but will carry out even if it sacrifices her own happiness. Staring at her picture with the look of pure bliss on her face I realize I could not risk never seeing that look again, staring at her picture I realize I must do whatever it takes to keep my little girl happy.

I'll start first with her easier request, finding a suitable personal trainer. Rose said she wants someone closer to her age and abilities, with the stamina of a bull. I rise and start pacing trying to determine someone with the qualifications requested. Why can't she realize I give her trainers like Stan so she won't get injured, Stan is cautious and a stickler for rules, he would never allow her harm. Rose however is quite the daredevil and see's rules as something meant to be broken which is why she fights Janine and I at every step. I need someone who can handle Rose's rebellion, but who?

I'm brought out of my inner warring with the sound of the phone ringing. Wondering who is calling this late I reluctantly answer, "Mazur."

"Hello Ibrahim, it's been a long time." The voice belonged to someone I never expected to hear from.

I'm sure the shock in my voice was noticeable. "Seventeen years to be exact. How have you been?"

The voice on the other side scoffed, "I did not call to make pleasantries. I called to see how you are progressing with Rosemarie's wedding, you never returned our proposal. "

I sighed into the phone knowing full and well what the phone call was about. "Rosemarie declined, she doesn't want a marriage. You know the number of offers we have received for her hand but she has declined them all. I am sorry, I was really hoping this would be the one but she wouldn't even hear me out."

The voice chuckled into the phone no doubt knowing how exasperated I am over Rose's marriage debacle. "She is hardheaded like her father. You didn't want to listen either, having your heart set on some irrational future, but eventually you saw reason and so will she. Make her listen to you."

I was confused and at a loss, "How do I make her listen? How do I force her into something she doesn't want?"

I heard a frustrated breath and then they spoke again, "She doesn't know she doesn't want this, she just knows what is expected of her and she doesn't want a marriage of obligation. You are a sly one Zmey, make her think it is her own choice. She will be angry at first but eventually she will come around when she sees no other choice. He is already on his way to your palace on my orders so think fast; he should arrive late tomorrow afternoon."

With that the line went dead. I huffed in annoyance before throwing my empty glass and seeing it shatter against the wall. What am I to do now, surely Rose wouldn't see reason. He arrives tomorrow to meet with Rosemarie and Rose is already dead set against him. How am I to get her to listen once she learns this man was the proposal I spoke of the night before she'll want nothing to do with him, or me, thinking that I brought him here to persuade her. She'd probably retreat to her gym pretending our face's to be the punching bag and beat it relentlessly. Gym, that reminds me, Rose needs a new Personal Trainer.

I go back to the bar to pour myself a new glass of scotch before returning to my desk. I lean back and close my eye's hearing those words again, "You are a sly one Zmey." It's been a long time since I've heard that nickname, but it does bring back some fond memories. No time to relive those now though, I need to find a solution for my daughter. I think back to all the proposals we have received and it makes me wonder if maybe they'd met before she might have changed her mind about one. I reach in the bottom drawer of my desk and pull out the files I have on all the men who have offered their hand and begin to sort them into piles. One is a pile of possible husbands, the men I see as suitable for Rosemarie, and the discard pile. The discard pile is ten times the size of the possibilities pile, what can I say I don't think anyone will ever be good enough for my daughter but I have to find someone. I have narrowed it down to four possibilities that I think have the potential to make my Rosemarie happy and rule by her side, now if only I could get her to consider them. She would never willingly choose a husband I have picked out for her that would be too easy. I must make her think it was her choice.

"You are a sly one Zmey."

Sly, I will have to bribe her into this. I start to pore over the men's files thinking of a way to make Rose see reason. The first file I grab is for a young man name Jesse Zeklos, he's young only just turned eighteen but the right age for Rose. He's a Swedish Lord, cousin of the King, and he's handsome but from the stories I've heard he's quite rough and doesn't take no for an answer. I'd find it rather amusing to see him and Rose in the same room, she'd defy him at every turn and he'd not know how to handle her abrasiveness. It would never work out between them but it'd make for quite a show.

Still laughing at my own thoughts I move on to the next file, Mason Ashford. Also, the Prince of Ireland and freshly eighteen, he and Rose grew up together as friends. From a small age Mason has been infatuated with Rosemarie but she never returned his feelings, I always hoped one day she would and a beautiful love would bloom from the friendship but with every passing day that hope dwindles. He would make her a loving and appropriate husband, giving her everything she ever wanted but Rose needs an equal; someone to challenge her.

Next in the pile was Adrian Ivashkov, Prince of Austria. Adrian is twenty-one, a few years older than Rosemarie, but he is someone who will provide Rosemarie with a challenge. He's known as quite the ladies' man back in Austria, never one to settle into a relationship, but Rose could be the one to tame him. I'm also aware that he likes to stay inebriated with booze and smoke and I'm not so sure Rose would tolerate that. I want someone to challenge her, not someone she'd have to babysit, but if she could make him into a respectable man I think she could be happy with him.

I flip to the last file and sigh, he was my first choice, the one I was sure would sweep Rose off her feet. He'd prove to be a challenge for her, but Rose was never one to back away from a challenge. She'd embrace it with open arms and meet it head on. Dimitri Belikov, twenty-four, Prince of Russia, he's older than Rosemarie but I believe that would be a good thing. Rose needs someone with a level head to reign in her wild impulsive side. They seem to have similar interests as well; he's quite athletic and only wants to lead as normal of a life as possible. The only problem I foresee is the age difference; he may think Rose too young for him and immature. Now how do I choose one for Rose and bribe her into a marriage.

"She doesn't want a marriage of obligation…make her think it is her own choice."

So I must let her choose.

She won't decide from a pile of folders that hold nothing but facts and political denomination, she wants romance. She wants love. I have four months to let my daughter find love. Maybe I could bring the men here for dinner and Rose can see if she has chemistry with anyone. She won't put forth the proper effort knowing she must choose one of these men but what other choice do I have, it's not like I can keep the men's identity a secret. She's grown up with Ashford and she knows who Ivashkov and Zeklos are; the only one that remains a small mystery is Belikov. Sure she'd recognize his last name but she doesn't know what he looks like or the name Dimitri. If she ran into him around the palace she'd probably think him a royal guard with his height and bulk of muscle, she'd never think him a prince. Most royalty are lazy and petulant, never willing to dedicate that much time into their physique. Had he not been born a prince, he'd make a fine personal trainer.

And just like that a weight lifted off my shoulders. I was soaring with excitement; I fixed myself another drink then got to work on the details. Rose of course would be irate when she first found out but she'd recover. Getting the men to agree would be a feat but if all went according to plan Rose would be romanced and well on her way to falling in love by her birthday. I'd have to get Janine out of the way as well because there is no way she'd agree to my preposterous plan, she'd have coronary embolism if she found out. I think I'll just keep this my little secret for now, the less she knows the better. It's not like she isn't keeping a secret from me, not too well because I've already found out but nonetheless she thinks she is. I don't know why she's keeping the joyous new to herself but I'll let her tell me when she's ready; which will have to be soon before she starts to show.

Maybe I'll be able to get her out of the country while this is going on. She hates being confined to the palace and this would be an opportune time for a trip because in seven months she'll be constantly occupied. I know we were just there but she keeps bringing up wedding details for Andre and Victoria; maybe she'd like to go and help out. Andre is busy learning the ins and outs of running a country and surely Victoria is planning the wedding alone and could use some help. It might help Janine if she could actually advise a real bride to be instead of forcing one. It also may help Rose come to terms with the idea of marriage if the political situation and deadline isn't constantly being shoved at her and she can relax and feel like she could really get to know her future partner on her own terms.

After talking to three of the gentlemen and receiving some very choice words for my late call they all agreed to my proposal. Some took more convincing than others, but they were all excited for the challenge. Most men want what they can't have so when they found out my call regarded a second chance with Rose they jumped at the opportunity. Also, knowing there would be other men fighting for her affections only heightened the stakes and brought forth their competitive side. Rosemarie's love was the grand prize and it was up to them to obtain it.

I only had one suitor left to talk with but our conversation was going to be a little different than the one I had with the other three. I'd have to wait for Belikov to arrive tomorrow and intercept him before he ruins my plans and reveals himself to the wrong person. Ivashkov, Ashford, and Zeklos didn't know about Belikov and I wanted to keep it that way. Now I must go to Rosemarie and tell her of my proposal and bribe; thank goodness for the three drinks I've consumed or I might not have the nerve to go through with it.

Stopping in front of her closed bedroom door I notice light seeping through the bottom signaling she was still awake so I decided it was now or never.

Knock…Knock…Knock. "Kiz, can I come in, I have something rather important I'd like to discuss with you?" My voice sounded a little more hesitant than I would've liked. Sure I was nervous but there's no way I'd let Rose know that.

She yelled out, "Come in," and I slowly opened the door to find her sitting on her bed surrounded by schoolwork. She looked up at the squeak from the door hinges protest and was wearing a curious expression. I silently shut the door behind me and crossed the room to join her, moving some papers so I could sit on the edge of her bed.

Her curiosity seemed to get the better of her because before I could utter a word I heard her say, "What's going on Baba, what's so important you couldn't wait until morning?"

I kept my face blank and took in a sharp shallow breath before speaking. "Hear me out first before you object, Okay?" Rose nodded, and I continued. "Your mother and I want a suitable husband for you and you want love, correct?" Rose nodded again. "I've been thinking this over for the past few hours and I think there is a way for us to all get what we want here. I will even give you a new personal trainer, one that will rival with your own abilities. What do you say to that Rosemarie?"

She stayed silent, giving what I said some thought. Her silence and stare was nerve-wracking and I could feel my palms start to sweat, surely she would consider this, and Rose wouldn't just turn it down without hearing me out right? She narrowed her gaze and spoke with a suspicious tone, "What is it you want to do exactly?"

I smirked, hoping this bribe might catch her interest. Rosemarie is smart and can smell deception a mile away which is why I must remain one step ahead of her at all times. I could hear the satisfaction in my voice when I spoke again, "Before I tell you, you must agree we keep this a secret from Janine. Can you do that?"

Rose looked thoughtful for a moment then she looked me in the eye and nodded, "I agree."

I smiled a full Ibrahim Mazur smile knowing this would get her attention and repeated her words back to her, "Good, now here's what I want to do, exactly. You know you must marry soon, there's no way around it but I know how you feel about it and have taken your feelings into consideration. I have come up with a suitable solution that I believe will…" she interrupted, "Baba, I don't think…" I tsk'd her but continued on, "make everyone happy. As I said earlier I will get you a new personal trainer, one that will exceed all of your requirements. In return I want you to choose a husband. I have chosen three that will make you a suitable partner, you must choose among those three."

Rose rolled her eyes no doubt imagining my murder in vivid detail but she spoke with an eerie calm, "I will not pick a husband from an approved suitors list, that's preposterous. There's no romance in this; I'd know nothing about my husband but useless facts and nasty rumors. You're asking me to sacrifice my happiness, that isn't worth a new trainer."

I was smiling on the inside knowing I still had one more card to play. "What if there was romance? What if I let you get to know the man before the engagement?"

Rose eyed me suspiciously and her voice held an incredulous tone, "What are you proposing Old Man? You ship me off to one of these random men, letting me get to know him before I hate him and our marriage ruins my life?"

I shook my head starting to get annoyed, yes I was trying to trick her but does she really think I'm an evil man to ship away my only daughter. "Always going straight for the dramatics little girl, that is not even close, but thanks for the vote of confidence in your dear Baba." She made a mock noise but I continued hoping to get this out without further interruptions. "What I'm proposing is a little unorthodox but you've never been one to go about things the normal way Rosemarie. I suggest my three suitors come here to stay at the palace over the next few months to try and win your affections before your eighteenth birthday and the announcement of an engagement. It gives you a chance to get to know your suitors on your own terms and you can make an informed decision. They'd court you and romance you and hopefully one will grow on you."

I could tell by the look on her face she was angry, what I thought was a good compromise she thought an outrageous exploit. Her voice lost the eerie calm tone and took on a more furious twinge, "So I am a prize now, huh? They need to win my affection? So I can make an informed decision? What is this, some dating game for their amusement; see who can get the girl first? I'm not some prize, I am a person, and my affections aren't something you can win!"

Her words were like a slap to the face, I should've never come to her with this; it was a bad idea from the beginning. I needed to apologize; I never meant to insult my daughter. "I'm sorry Rose; win wasn't the right word, I never meant to insinuate you were some prize to be won. I only want you to know I do care about your happiness and if it were up to me I would never make you do something to jeopardize that but it's the law and even royalty cannot be above the law. I just wanted you to feel like you had a choice in the person you marry, not force some stranger on you. Forget this; I only hoped this would make an impossible situation easier."

Her face changed from one of blazing rage to sadness. She was beginning to realize her fate and that this was my last resort to compromise with her. It was a weak negotiation but I didn't have much else I could offer her. She was quiet when she spoke again, so much so I was not sure I'd heard her correctly. "Your right Baba, I'm sorry I overreacted. I accept."

She winced a little at her last two words like it hurt her to say them but I needed to hear them again just to make sure I had in fact heard right. "What are you saying Kiz?"

Rose closed her eyes and took a deep breath, and then she spoke her words slowly, like talking to a small child. "What I'm saying Baba is that I accept. You may make the arrangement for my suitors to come here and I will try to become acquainted with each one."

A small smile broke out on my face. I can't believe she's agreed and no one is injured. I hugged my daughter and placed a kiss on top of her head murmuring, "Thank you", into her hair.

She looked up giving me a small sad smile. I knew this wasn't easy for her but it really was the best way and I'm glad she saw that too. Her look turned devious and I wondered what was going on in that mind of hers, she is my daughter after all.

"So how are we going to keep this from Janine if there are three new male suitors courting me around?" She had a teasing tone but I knew she was actually worried. Her mother was relentless when it came to a new male suitor.

I smirked and replied, "Leave your mother to me my dear. I'll handle her, although if all goes according to plan she'll be away helping Andre and Victoria with their wedding. Poor Andre is busy learning how to run a country and I believe your mother will jump at the opportunity to help an excited bride to be."

I know Rose will miss her mother but she just laughed at my answer, especially my emphasis on the word excited. Rose went silent and narrowed her eyes as though she was sizing up her opponent in a sparring match. "I have one more demand." I nodded, urging her to continue. She'd already agreed but I was curious to what she wanted. "I want Lissa here throughout the whole process. I need a friend, someone I can confide in. Either she come's too or I'm out."

I laughed, she could be so stubborn just like her mother, not that either of them would admit that aloud. I conceded nevertheless; I'd want Rose to have a friend throughout the next few months. "Okay, I will call Vasilisa in the morning with the invitation. She'll come straightaway, she spoke nothing but how much she misses you while we were in England. I think it's a splendid idea for her to be here as well."

Rose smiled a genuine smile at the mention of her friend coming for an extended visit. I could hear some happiness seeping back into her voice when she spoke again. "So when are the suitors to arrive? And when is my new Personal Trainer to start?"

I hadn't thought yet about when Dimitri was going to start. He'll be here tomorrow but that's too soon. I'll have to figure out a way to hide him from Rose until I get this plan into motion. Put him in a hotel or on the opposite side of the palace grounds. I told Ashford, Ivashkov and Zeklos that they should arrive in one week. Maybe I should start her trainings with Dimitri the following weekday. Becoming more secure in my plans I replied, "The suitors will arrive next Friday with an introductory ball. We'll throw it in celebration of the completion of your senior year and high school graduation. I'll send out invitations in the morning. Your new trainer will start the following Monday. Is that sufficient for you?"

Rose pouted her lips at the mention of a ball, she loathed royal celebrations, claiming they were dull and full of self-centered dicks; her words, not mine. "When is Lissa going to arrive? She'd hang me where I stood if I went shopping without her."

I chuckled knowing how much Vasilisa loved shopping; Rose was probably right about the hanging. "When is your last final?"

She gave me a questioning look but still answered. "Wednesday afternoon."

I gave her my best Ibrahim Mazur smile and said, "Then I will set it up for her to arrive late Wednesday afternoon after you've finished. I will also set up a special shopping excursion for you on Thursday. Knowing how Princess Vasilisa can be I'll make sure the driver is prepared to be on call all day."

She laughed but nodded in agreement knowing I was right. We said our goodnights and wishes of sweet dreams, and then I left her alone and headed for my bedroom. After tonight's discussion I was pretty happy with myself. Rose agreed to meet the suitors and all I had to do was promise a new trainer and Vasilisa get a sideline seat. Rose still doesn't know everything quite yet but what she doesn't know won't hurt her. Now I just need to get my wife to

leave the country and Dimitri to agree. Believe me it only sounds easy.

It's early Saturday evening, or late afternoon depending on how you look at it and the day has flown by. I've been dealing with diplomacies all afternoon and rushing to get things together for the suitors to arrive. I sent the invitations out for the ball Friday evening, deciding a masquerade theme to keep things interesting. The ball will consist mostly of Rose's friends but many dignitaries and Royalty will also be in attendance. Janine was difficult to get around but I told her I could handle the ball alone. She agreed last night to my proposal for her to go back to England and help Princess Victoria with the wedding arrangements. She leaves Wednesday morning on the private jet and Princess Vasilisa will return in her place. Everything is working out just like I'd hoped.

I told every guard, maid, servant, cook, and stable boy to keep a lookout for Dimitri and to bring him to my study right away. He should arrive any minute now. I was just working on room assignments moments later when I heard a knock at the door. I spoke my invitation and the door opened to reveal a slightly disheveled Dimitri Belikov. He must be wondering why before he gets to settle in and rest after his travel that he is having an audience with the king. He turned to shut the door behind him, thanking the guard who showed him the way and crossed the room standing next to a chair that sat across from me.

Despite his disheveled appearance his voice was strong and never wavered. "Your Majesty," he bowed his head in respect, "you requested an audience with me, sir."

He said it as a statement instead of questioning me. He was very assured that this is where he was supposed to be. I tried to keep a blank face but my eyes lit up with amusement because I knew this would be a very interesting conversation. "Yes, thank you for coming Prince Belikov. Please, take a seat. I have something I wish to discuss with you."

He nodded and sat in the chair on his left crossing his ankle over his knee to get a more relaxed position. "Thank you, your majesty. What is it you wish to discuss with me?"

I've always heard Belikov was a very straightforward, get to the point kind of guy and I admired that. It would come in handy right now. "It concerns my daughter."

He narrowed his eyes in confusion. Concern lacing his voice he said, "I assumed that, sir. Is she sick? I was hoping to rest and introduce myself tomorrow but if she's ill I'll head straight to the infirmary."

I frowned. I hadn't given much thought to how he'd receive my proposal but hearing the concern in his voice for a girl he hasn't even met gives me worry. He seems genuinely concerned for my daughter and might not agree to deceive her. I could hardly blame him if he did, she'll be upset when she finds out the truth but I believe she'd forgive him because she'd love him.

"No nothing like that. I was actually hoping you'd stay away from Rosemarie for the next week. We have you set up in the Osmanlı Hanedanı suite on the other side of the palace."

His brow furrowed and he didn't look pleased with the idea. However, his voice remain neutral, "Why do you want me to stay away from the princess? I was under the impression I was coming here to get her blessing for our marriage."

I tried to keep my face as impassive as possible when I spoke next but it wasn't easy. All he needed to do was turn me down and reveal my plan to the wrong person and I would have one very angry daughter. "Rosemarie doesn't want a marriage, you see. It's nothing personal; she's turned down every offer since the age of fifteen. Her reason is she wants a normal life, which entails a normal relationship; one that blooms from love rather than political obligation. She knows she must marry, but still holds out hope for romance."

He looks thoughtful for a moment, like he can relate to what she wants because those are his desires as well but his words were shocking; like he was trying to cover his desires with responsibilities. "I understand sir, but she is young and will learn that her royal responsibilities are far more important than what she wants. Love is for fools."

My mouth fell open with an audible pop. Did I just hear him right? Well this makes things a little more difficult. "Why would you say that? Have you had your heart broken?"

He gave me a skeptical look, as if saying that was a ridiculous question. "No sir I have never been in love but I have seen people I care about doing foolish things out of love. I never want someone to have that dominion over me. I want a partner to honor and protect but I don't see love in my future."

I feel like I'm at a loss. Surely everyone wants to love and be loved in return, but his words were chilling. How do I allow someone who doesn't believe in love to try and gain my daughters? "You come seeking my daughters hand but make promises of a loveless marriage. How could I in good conscious allow that?"

I was hoping he'd tell me I was mistaken, that I'd heard him wrong but he just gave a small smile and continued. "I'm sorry Your Majesty if I have offended you; I had no intention to do so. If allowed your daughters hand she will be well cared and provided for. I will honor and protect her. I will remain faithful until my dying breath and I shall do all in my power to keep her happy. Those are the promises I make."

I nodded my head, they weren't terrible things to promise but there was no talk of cherish or love. I suppose he'd want to leave those out of the vows. He's seems like an efficient man and I respect him for telling the truth. I still think he is the best suitor for Rose, and who knows maybe she'll bring out the younger carefree Dimitri Belikov. Only time will tell.

"Well that's all well and good Prince Belikov but that won't sway Rosemarie into a marriage with you. You will have to court her, and show her you have a romantic side."

He looked out the window as if getting lost in his own thoughts. When his eyes focused back on me he gave a slight nod. "This alliance is important to my mother and to Russia so I will do my best Sir."

I smirked, he carries himself the way of someone twice his age but he just showed how young he was. He gave away his only negotiation tactic. He has a long way to go before anyone should let him barter on their behalf. "Well that's good to know but that's not all."

He cocked his head to one side. "What else do you need from me Sir?"

I had him right where I wanted him. He wasn't leaving this office until he's agreed. "My daughter doesn't want a marriage out of political obligation so she can't know who you are yet." He opened his mouth to cut me off but I held up a hand to silence him and continued on, "Rosemarie has never met you, nor does she know what you look like. She'd recognize the Belikov name but if you stuck to your first name Dimitri, and without your title of course, she'll be clueless. You can tell her your title after the engagement is announced."

I believe I stunned him into silence because he stared at me for what seemed like hours as if waiting for me to say it was only a joke. When he finally recovered he stumbled a bit over his words. "Yo…you want me to lie about my title? Won't she be angry when she discovers the truth, that we tricked her into a marriage she never wanted?"

He seemed nervous and he had reason to be. This would be tough but I believe it would all be for the best. "She'll be furious yes, but she'll forgive us out of love."

"You think she'll fall in love with me?" His voice held a hopefulness to it that rivaled his words earlier making me wonder if he was being truthful. It seemed like he really did want love but wouldn't let himself have it.

I smiled and nodded my head. "I do. That's what I'm hoping for anyway. It won't be easy though. Rosemarie is determined and she can smell deception coming from a mile away. If you agree to this, you can tell no one; not your family, friends, or even enemies."

He seemed to weigh his options but I think he realized the odds were stacked in my favor and if he wanted an alliance with Turkey this is what he had to do. He stood up with an outstretched had that I met with a firm shake. "What is it you need me to do sir?"

We both sat back down and I explained everything to him; the other suitors, his role as her new physical trainer, all that she knew about what was going on. I even told him of Janine's innocence. He seemed to embrace the challenge ahead of him. I shared with him some facts about Rose and he seemed genuinely excited when he learned they had quite a bit in common. We exchanged pleasantries for a bit afterwards and when I realized how late it had become I summoned a guard show him to his quarters. Just as he was about to leave I remembered something. This was probably going to add fuel to the fire but I do always enjoy a good roast.

"Oh Belikov," we decided now would be a good time to lose his title, the fewer people who knew, the better and the less we had to pay to keep quiet. "There is a masquerade ball Friday evening in Princess Rosemarie's honor, so pick out a dashing suit and mask because you're attending."

Hope you enjoyed it. Please read an review. Next is the masquerade keep in mind all characters belong to lovely and talented Richelle Mead.