Sorry! Exams were pretty much hell and I honestly don't know how I managed to write this chapter up. I haven't seen Katerina or the twins in a week or so 'cause were call studying and stuff. :) Anyways, here's pretty long chapter for you guys, and hopefully it will make up for our absence. I loved writing parts of this chapter, it's dramatic (no duh!), and kind of funny. Well, enjoy!
This is mostly written in Dimitri's POV, but somewhere in the middle there's a little RPOV, then back to DPOV.
Chapter 4
DPOV
Rose was a special and unique creature. It was as if she had two sides. She was very delicate, young, and fragile, but she was also quiet rough, strong, and not so much emotional. But there was something about her that made me want to stare at her endlessly. Rose was only eighteen, and yet she was already grown up. She knew all her loyalties and people, but I did not think she knew herself. She acted as if her true self was clogged inside that little body of hers, tearing to get out. I wanted to learn more about her, mostly because she was not like most of the girls I have ever met.
She is not into me, that is for sure. Rose does not believe in 'arranged love', and I agree with her. Love should not be forced. But still, I did not very much argue with the engagement. Rose was sweet, kind, caring, all those things. She had many problems in her mind, and I wanted to help her. It was as if it were my duty to guide her through it. That is why when Rose's ladies came barging into brunch telling us that Rose was locked up in her room worried me. Rose was an angel sent from heaven above, and I already felt like I had to protect her, just like a husband should.
Most people would have wanted Rose for her beauty. Not that she wasn't, because Rose's beauty was like a goddess's. The first time I looked at her, I thought about how many people would have been lucky enough to see her and her divine beauty. A whole castle of men could have been in line to marry her, but half of them wouldn't have even met her. They would only judge her by her beauty, and that was all. I, on the other hand, would like to discover her personality a bit until I officially close the deal. Rose's looks were nothing compared to the beauty of her soul, which I was yet to discover. She was beautiful. Darkish hair that fell down her back in big, loose curls. Sparkling brown eyes that could make a slave fall in ransom. And striking features like a goddess.
So it had hurt me a bit when Rose said that she would never consider loving me at Dr. Olendzki's quarters. It pained me that she would not even try. It had only been a mere few days since I had met her, and my feelings were already mixed. Rose wanted to get out of this marriage quickly, but I did not know how to tell her there was no backing out. I felt quiet bad for her, because she had wanted to fall in love by her own, as I did. But Rose had to understand that this was reality. I did not want to be rude or mean to her, mostly because she was as precious as a glass vase. Smash it to the floor and it breaks. If I tell her straight out that we will get married if she likes it or not will ruin everything. I did not want to do that to her.
I cared for Rose. How I wish that she would just stop pushing me away and let me in her mind. What I wanted most was for her to express about herself to me, so I could make this marriage more enjoyable. There did not have to be love, but there could be happiness.
I went into my quarters quickly after dropping off Rose in her room. I felt embarrassed after our conversation at Dr. Olendzki's, and I did not want her to see me go red. I slammed my door closed and leaned against it, pinching the bridge of my nose. Then I remembered that today was Sunday, and we still had the feast. Every Sunday, the royal family of Russia would hold a feast for the Sabbath day. It was to honor God and his people and all who died for our protection. I did not know if Turkey had such beliefs in God, but my family did. We were strong believers, and the royal Russian minister would always hold a sermon at the palace, which we would attend.
I dressed quickly in my formal white tunic and some black trousers with my usual pair of combat boots. I put my hair into a loose ponytail at the nape of my neck and adjusted my collar one last time before heading out again. I huffed a sigh as I made my way to the grand hall. Yes, this ship was big enough to hold a grand hall. It was quiet elegant, actually. We also had a small ballroom.
Once I arrived, I took my place at the head of the table. Rose would sit on my left, and her brother Adrian and his fiancee Sydney would sit on my right. Beside Rose would be Captain Ashford, and then Captain Castile from the Turkish guards.
I leaned back into my set, blinking my eyes every so often. When I saw her, I straightened up and clenched my jaw so it was set in a serious manner. She walked in wearing a revealing maroon and midnight blue dress. I closed my eyes shut and opened them again and she was still there, at the entrance to the grand hall. She was breathtakingly beautiful, it hurt me. She was like a rose, a perfect rose that never wilted.
She caught sight of me and made her way over in gentle, light steps. I motioned towards the cushioned chair on my left and she sat down on it gracefully. Everything she did touched me like ice and made my me flutter.
"Is my brother coming?" she asked in a small voice.
I nodded slowly. "I am sure he has forgotten everything, Roza. Just stay put." I loved calling her Roza. It felt like heaven every time the name rolled of my tongue. Roza...Roza...Roza.
We were both silent as we waited. I felt my eyes bore into her as she looked down at her petite fingers. How I wanted to reassure her that everything was okay. But in her mind, everything would be worse than hell.
Mason Ashford was the first one to arrive. He took his spot next to Rose and glanced at her curiously. He murmured a few words to her and she looked up at him with a smile, which surprised me from the mood she has been in lately. She spoke something in a low tone, to low for me to hear. Captain Ashford nodded and they were soon engulfed in a happy conversation.
Something big hit me. Seeing Rose and Ashford talking like good friends struck a nerve in my system. A pang of something inevitable hit me like a whip. My first thought was jealously, which would make sense. I was beginning to have feelings for Rose, no doubt, and seeing Captain Ashford adore her made me quiet mad. But what could I do? Maybe Rose was falling in love with Mason Ashford. I could not stop her happiness. I hadn't seen Rose smile very often, and it seemed as if Ashford was the only one that could make her. I wanted the best for Rose, and I cared about her.
So I waited, ignoring the conversation Rose and Mason were eagerly engaged in. I waited patiently, until Eddie Castile, Sydney, and Adrian came. Adrian had a flat expression on his face, clearly not pleased at all. I was fearful for Rose, because I did not know what was coming. She was hiding her face from Adrian when he took his seat to my left. Sydney placed her hand on Adrian's and he let out a big, frustrated huff. Lissa and Mia entered the hall and stood by the entrance. The servants came out and served us a bowl of soup before the main course. Sydney muttered a few words to him and he nodded. Rose sipped her soap quietly when Adrian looked up at her.
"Rose," he grumbled unpleasantly, "I'd like to speak with you on the deck."
I met Rose's pleading eyes as she stood up and followed Adrian outside. Even after she left, I remembered the look she had on her face. A look of fear. She was scared, and she didn't know what was coming her way. I definitely did not want to see Roza in tears, or else hell would overcome me.
It happened too quickly, like a blink of an eye. Adrian had come back to the table, but not with Rose. I did not want to ask, so I left the grand hall with Sydney shaking her head rapidly at Adrian and yelling at him.
I rushed to the lower deck, straight to Rose's room. I knocked quietly but she didn't answer. Emotions ran through me quickly, and my heart was beating fast. I knocked again. Nothing. Without thinking, I opened the door, finding it unlocked, and rushed inside. Rose was huddled on the corner of her bed, crying. I didn't say anything, because I didn't want to ruin the moment. I walked over to her cautiously and pulled her into my arms. She didn't do anything else but weep, and I held her carefully, as if she might break. She buried her head into my chest and I held her tightly. My tunic was getting wet, and I could feel it, but I didn't care. I rubbed small circles on her back to sooth her.
I looked down at her and a cold feeling ran through me. I didn't care that she didn't say anything. I didn't care that she was in my arms, even if it were wrong.
All I knew was, there was something about Rose that struck me, and I had no words to describe it.
RPOV
Being in Dimitri's arms, I felt safe. He held me tightly and I continued to sob into his chest. He did not say anything, and I appreciated that. I didn't care about the awkwardness we had experienced earlier. I just wanted to cry my heart out.
*Flashback*
I followed Adrian out of the grand hall, shaking slightly. My skin was cold as he stopped and turned to me. His expression was settle, but it still made me shiver.
"You make me sound like a monster," he said through clenched teeth. "Everybody has been coming up to me, saying to forgive you and that I should be ashamed of myself. You started this Rose, you fix it. Sydney even had to lecture me until I finally felt bad for yelling at you, Rose! I can't believe the person I have become, that you have turned me into! I never yell or burn with anger, and you should know that! I am disgusted by myself. What the hell happened to me?"
I was shocked. He was angry at me, because of the person he had become. I had so much to argue about, because I was fuming as well.
"You are so protective, Adrian!" I yelled at him. "I am my own person, and I am sick and tired of telling people to back off and stop blaming me! Bloody hell Adrian! It is not all about you. I did not turn you into the person you have become, that was all you!"
"Just shut up!" Adrian roared. "You are such a baby, Rose. when will you ever grow up and learn that this real! Nothing is a fantasy, so just face it! Your so depending on everybody else. No wonder nobody loves you."
I recoiled, my face blank. Adrian, as much as he was annoying, never talked to me like this. I was in complete shock, that I didn't feel the hot tears that were running down my face. MY feet carried me away from the scene, and I heard Adrian's voice fade shouting, "Rose! Come back! I didn't mean it like that!"
*End of Flashback*
I was still crying from the memory, but it had subsided a bit. My weeping was now reduced to whimpering. Dimitri clutched me closer and muttered a few calming words to me. I clutched his tunic desperately, as the last tear fell from my face.
We were both quiet as he just held me in his arms. It comforted me that he was right here, right now, and just for me. The whole talk between Adrian and I shunned me. He was always so calm and only criticized me through teasing. Seeing this new side of him burned inside me like flames, bursting and spreading through tears.
Once my crying at stopped, I shifted in Dimitri's arms uncomfortably. He sensed me uneasiness and loosened his grip on me so I could squiggle away.
"Would you like to talk about it?" Dimitri said quietly, his thick Russian accent tormenting his words.
I hesitated before shaking my head. I did not want to talk to anybody at this moment. I just wanted to be alone, for from any living existence in the universe. I wanted to be in my own world, where everybody didn't mind what I did or say.
"I would like to remain solitary until the morrow," I said, looking at my hands.
He nodded then stood up. "I will arrange for your ladies to bring some food for you."
"No!" I said, almost too quickly. I did not want anybody asking anymore questions. I knew Lissa and Mia all too well to know that they would squeeze the truth out of me. I would usually tell them, but this situation was far from being told publicly.
Dimitri stopped in the midst of a step out of my room.
"You must eat, Roza," he emitted. "You have gone a day without food. At the least, let me bring you a bowl of Russian porridge."
I didn't say anything and only nodded. Dimitri gave me one last worried look before leaving. As soon as he was gone, I laid fully on the bed. I did not feel so tired, so I just lay there, staring at the wooden ceiling.
I suddenly remembered that I was still dressed in my formalwear, so I hopped back up and grabbed my nightgown, laying it carefully on the bed. I managed to get the petticoats off, until I finally shimmied out of the stubborn dress I had on. The dress I had chosen to wear was not very much like a ball gown, but it spilled out of the waistline like a fountain. Unfortunately, to my distaste, I had to wear petticoats for this dress. But not the ones the looked like complete horror, but a special made one so I did not look like a buffoon. I hated wearing dresses, especially since I had to wear a corset underneath. Men had it so easy, wearing their trousers and pantaloons like it didn't matter.
I struggled with the corset, mostly because it was the hardest to get off. It was hard getting it on as well, but I had learned enough to know how to put it on. But when I had to take it off, I always needed the assistance off Lissa and Mia. I fumbled with the tied knot in the back and swore to myself. And just as I was about to give up, the door opened.
DPOV
I didn't know my reaction when I saw Roza standing there. Both her hands were tightly gripping the knot on the back of her corset, clearly struggling to free it. She stood up straight and turned when I entered. And what a mistake that was, because now she was half naked, standing nearly seven feet away from me.
She was wearing her undergarments, with a pair of dark stalkings adorning her beautiful legs. Her dark, blood red corset wrapped tightly around her figure and skimmed the top length of her waist, starting just above mid-breast. Her hair was a bit messy, but it looked exotic and quiet wild.
She looked at me when I entered and gave me a small, sad smile. She didn't even bother to cover herself. What a girl she was!
"Would you like me to give you some time until you are finished undressing?" I asked uneasily.
She turned around again and shook her head. "It is quiet alright. I am not ashamed of anybody seeing me so publicly. Nor am I like some girls that cover themselves up and scream their heads off."
I gave her a slight laugh then stopped ever so quickly. She blinked her brown eyes twice and looked straight into mine knowingly. The way her hair fell over her face and curled at the edge of her pink, heart-shaped lip brought shivers down my spine. I got completely lost that I hadn't noticed that her expression had turned to curiosity over why I was staring at her. I shook my head and stepped forward, holding out the ceramic bowl of porridge.
She pointed her finger to the small, wooden table on the bedside. "If you'll be so kind as to place it over there, then I would be more then thrilled so I could get this stupid corset off me."
"Will you need some assistance in that?" I asked before I had even noticed it had left my mouth. Dear God, I certainly did not mean it sexually. I was trying to be a gentlemen, but apparently things took a turn for the worse. I bit my lip, hoping that she did not think of the opposite way. "I did not mean it like-
She cut me off with a broad smile, holding her hand up in front of her. "It is alright, sir. I know what you meant. And I would be very happy if you'd be a gentleman and untie the back for me."
Thank the Lord. She was smart enough to spot my mistake and ignore it like the lady she was. Rose wanted to drive me away from any mistakes I would make to embarrass myself.
"Of course, Roza." I muttered. I quickly placed the steaming hot bowl on the bedside table and made my way over to her.
She turned around slowly and pushed her long hair in front of her right shoulder, leaving the top of her back bare. I had to admit, I if I could, I would be blushing furiously.
I placed my shaking fingers on the tied knot on the back of her corset while she held her hair. I grabbed the silk ribbon and started to unknot it, ever so carefully. Once I managed to do so, I started to unlace the the ribbon from the metallic prongs. My fingers brushed against her bare back and I felt her tense.
"Sorry," I murmured. I continued to unlace the back until there was only two prongs left. I slowly unleashed the ribbon from the clasps and the corset lay free in the back, pealing down so it showed most of her back. Rose held it to sustain it from falling down and turned around.
"Thank you," she complied. "It really is a sucker to get off. I am the opposite of most people. I know how to lace it up, but I do not know how to free it."
I gave her a warming smile. "I will leave you so you may rest." I turned around to leave, but she caught my arm.
"Please," she said, "I have rested the whole day. Why don't you stay?"
"I don't know..." I said, unsure.
"Oh please. I do not feel like inviting my ladies in to talk. You have shown yourself by not being so aggressive of asking questions. Can you please stay for a little while? Perhaps until I grow the slightest bit tired?"
She looked up at me with irresistible eyes and I sighed in defeat. "As you say, Rose."
"Thank you, Dimitri," she said. "I will just change into my nightgown."
I nodded my head and turned around to give her privacy. I heard from behind me the ruffling of her clothing as she took off her corset and slipped on her nightgown.
"You may look now," she said with a joking tone in her voice. I turned around as she sat down in the middle of the bed, patting the spot next to her. I obeyed and sat slightly next to her.
"So," she started, grabbing the bowl of porridge from the table and mixing it slowly, "What is life like in Russia? I ought to know, since I will be living there soon enough."
"It's simple, actually." I said. "I am sure our countries have both adapted some things from one another. My family always likes to stay together, so we always have every coursing meal together. My sisters and I are very close, and I am sure that you will love Viktoria."
"What is she like?" Rose asked me.
I smiled wryly. "Well, she's very outgoing and self-confident. She speaks her mind, which sometimes gets quiet annoying, but still. She is my dear little sister."
Rose smiled lightly at that. "I cannot wait to meet her then."
I did not stay with her that night. Somehow in the middle of my sentence, she had fallen into a deep slumber. I looked at her small figure and tucked the duvet around her. Before I left, I did something that was out of my mind. I leaned down and kissed her head hesitantly and pulled away quickly. I was in complete shock that I had just did that, so I left the room in a rush just to run into Rose's ladies.
"Is her majesty alright?" Mia asked, worry lines forming on her forehead.
I nodded. "She is sleeping soundly. I suggest not to question her about the situation. I am not sure she is ready to tell us. She will let it out on her own time."
"Well we are glad she is fine." Lissa said. "Prince Adrian feels awful. After you left, Sydney started giving him a taste of his own medicine! It was horror. His majesty declared an end to the feast and he stormed out with a blank expression. Mia swore she heard weeping shortly after. Adrian has not come out of his room ever since."
"Well let's just hope both of them realize their matters and come together soon enough. It's looks as if Rose and Adrian were pretty close," I said.
Lissa nodded. "They are! Even though they are only half-siblings, they treat each other best friends."
I raised my eyebrow. Half-siblings?
"Half-siblings?" I echoed my mind.
Mia nodded. "Rose does not like to talk about it, and neither does anyone in the family. Queen Daniella is not Rose's real mother. Her real mother died in childbirth, poor thing. So his royal majesty King Abraham remarried the Queen, who already had Prince Adrian."
Something shook inside me. The thought of Rose going through all this pained me. Adrian was the only family that she enjoyed her life with, while her father and step-mother ruled the kingdom. Her biological mother had died before Rose took her first look at the world. Adrian was the only thing she had to lean on, and now they were both stuck in this horrid situation that put them both on opposite sides.
"I shall talk to him," I blurted out.
The ladies widened their eyes before straightening up their faces.
"I do not think that is wise, Prince," Lissa said with a flat expression. "If he will not listen to Sydney, I highly doubt he would listen to you. Not to be rude, your majesty."
"It is Dimitri. Please call me Dimitri from now on please." I said first. "And I cannot stand seeing these two loving siblings fighting over something unworthy. I will try to ease him. I will try, and if I don't succeed, then I will leave with the thought that I did the best I could."
"You are much independent and trustworthy, Pri-Dimitri," Lissa consoled. "I hope Rose finally realizes that one day."
With that, Lissa and Mia left. I stood there looking dumbfounded. I hope Rose finally realizes that one day. I shook my head and headed down the hall.
LOVED IT? LIKED IT? Review please! And I know this 'situation' between Rose and Adrian is confusing, but it all will be explained in the next chapter. Next chapter will probably be written half of DPOV and the other half RPOV.
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