Hey people, have I got some awesome news for you. You want updates so I'm here to give them to you. I've finished my Cert 3 now, so I can spend more time writing! You guys are so amazing with your reviews so thank you!

Okay so I was told that instead of writing in Russian I could just write that they were talking in Russian and then write in English. So I'm going to do and if you've got a problem, meh.

Anyway, on with the show or rather the selection.


Rose Pov

After lunch, we all gathered in a classroom of sorts. According to Sylvia, it was to prepare us for royal life. Currently, we were learning about the royal family tree. As it turned out, Viktoria wasn't Dimitri's only sister. The oldest was Princess Karolina. She was supposed to be Russia's next ruler, but abdicated because she didn't want to be a single mother of two and be Queen so she passed the crown to Dimitri. I wondered why Dimitri never talks about her or Princess Sonya. Did something happen between them? I tried my best not to seem bored. I never liked school.

"Rose, what are the names of the Queen's parents?" Sylvia asked. I looked at the board trying to find the answer but a knock on the door sounded before I could respond.

"Your highness, how may I help you?" I turned expecting to see Dimitri but Viktoria was standing there.

"Oh I just need to borrow Rosemarie please. My mother would like to speak with her." Oh crap, what had I done? Would I be eliminated. Whispers and murmurs swarmed around me.

"Of course. Rose, you are excused." Sylvia said calmly. I left my desk tidy before leaving with Vik. After we were a good distance away, Viktoria dropped her regal act.

"Alright, let's get ready shall we? We've only got six hours or so. Come on!" She grabbed my hand and ran towards the stairs.

"Wait, aren't we going to see your mum? I thought I was in trouble?" I was confused but grateful to be out of the classroom.

"Of course not. That was just a cover. I couldn't walk in and be like 'Excuse me Sylvia I want to take Rose out so I can get her ready for her amazing date with my brother'. You're already a threat to the other girls in the competition."

"Wait, so you know what's happening?"

"I do, but I'm sworn to secrecy. It's a surprise." Viktoria had the biggest smile on her face. We entered my room and Viktoria went to my wardrobe. She radiated happiness. Maybe I could use this to my advantage. But Dimitri wants it to be a surprise. What if he's putting a lot of work into it?

"Alright, sit down and I'll get your maids. It's so exciting!" Viktoria squealed. Wow, she was even more hyper than normal. Not that being hyper was a bad thing. Her eagerness made me more anxious to know what Dimitri was planning. The more I thought about, the more I had to know. I hated surprises. Minutes later, my maids came in and curtsied.

"What did we say about the curtsies?" It took me a month to train my maid back home not to curtesy. Not in private at least.

"Sorry Miss Hath-I mean…Rose" Elaine gave me a faint smile.

"Alright ladies, we have six hours to get Rose ready. I know you do a magnificent job but I want Rose to look even better tonight. So let's get started." I laughed and watched my maids move around, happy to serve.


Dimitri Pov

"Dimitri it's perfect. She'll love it I'm sure." Mama said, staring around the room.

"You think. It's not too much?"

"No it's fine, Dimka." I looked around making sure everything was in place. Beside me, I heard mama giggle.

"Mama?"

"Sorry dear, I've just never seen you this wound up before."

"I'm not wound up; I just want it to look right."

"And it does so stop worrying. Nothing could go wrong." I sighed, making one last check before leaving.

"Alright now, go to your meeting and I'll see you later at dinner. The councilmen have many things to discuss I'm sure."

"Yes mama."

"Good boy, now I have to find Amberley. She owes me a rematch. The sneaky women cheats at cards I tell you." She muttered and turned to leave.

"It's not cheating mama, it's skill." I walked towards the boardroom and found Maxon with his parents who appeared to be in an argument. Well him and the king more so. Maxon was the first to spot me.

"We'll talk about this later father."

"No we'll talk about it now. We had an agreement. You will not-" Her Majesty lightly coughed and King Clarkson finally looked up to see me.

"Apologies, your highness. I do not mean to bring turmoil into your home."

"It's fine, but perhaps you should discuss family matters in a more private room rather than in a hallway."

"Of course your highness. Maxon." King Clarkson narrowed his eyes at Maxon before leaving. I smiled, turning towards Queen Amberley.

"Your Majesty, I believe my mother was looking for you. Something about cheating at cards and deserving a rematch." Amberley laughed and smiled.

"Your mother has a very strange definition of the word 'cheating. Did she say where she was going?"

"No, but she was headed towards the Library I think. Or the Women's room perhaps." Queen Amberley thanked me before heading off.

"Thanks mate." Maxon said once we were alone

"Mind explaining what that was?" I asked

"Um, actually I wanted to talk to you about something. Remember that girl I was dancing with at the ball?"

"America Singer?"

"Yes, well I know she's part of the Selection and well…" Maxon trailed off and I smirked at him.

"Let me guess, you like her. So you want my permission to spend time with her and then when you fall completely in love with her, you want to ask me if I can eliminate her so that you can marry her."

"That's one way of putting it, but how did you know? I mean, yeah I like America. I had a good time talking and dancing with her. I'm not being cliché but she's different from all the princesses father threw at me. They all wanted my crown. God I sound like some cheesy romance novel don't I? I just mean, what I want is to find out more about her. That's what my father and I were arguing about. He thinks I'm being pathetic as usual and that I shouldn't fall in love with a commoner. Which is ironic, considering mother grew up on a farm and look where she is now."

"Maxon, if you like the girl then just go after her."

"Gee I wonder why I didn't do that before. Oh wait." Maxon scowled

"Alright I get it. How about I talk to Rose and ask about America for you."

"This is the beautiful Roza you talk constantly of I take?" Maxon teased.

"You want my help or not?" I looked at my watch and swore. The meeting! Mama would not be pleased.

"Got somewhere to be don't you? I'll talk to you later." Maxon laughed and walked off. I ran down the hall towards the boardroom. The meeting was supposed to have started half an hour ago. As I opened the doors, the men rose and stared at me. They had to be polite, but I knew they were irritated.

"Gentlemen, sorry for the delay. Let's begin."


Lissa Pov

Two hours later, we finally were allowed to leave. I loved learning, always gaining knowledge, but I was too distracted to focus. I kept thinking about Christian. He was so amazing and really handsome. I knew that I liked him and I knew why I was here; however, I wasn't getting anywhere with the prince. Not that it was a problem. I was happy for Rose. She'd become my best friend and I wanted her to be happy but where did that leave me. Maybe I could tell Christian how I felt and if he liked me back, I'd ask Maxon if I could be eliminated.

"Earth to Lissa?" I blinked and saw America's hand waving in front of me.

"What?" I asked confused

"Where'd you go? I was talking to you about Rose and you didn't answer."

"Oh sorry, I was distracted. What were you saying?"

"I'm worried about Rose. She got pulled out and taken to see the queen. The princess didn't sound happy." America said concerned. It did seem odd that the queen wanted to see her.

"It probably wasn't anything bad. I bet she probably wanted to show Rose the Royal Jewels room. Practice wearing the crown for when she needs it." America laughed and we headed up the stairs to retire before dinner.

"And all the beautiful clothes and shoes she'll gain." America laughed and I said goodbye as I reached my room. Unfortunately, hers was near the back. As I opened the door, my maids pounced on me.

"You've got a present!" Rebecca exclaimed. I looked on the bed and there was a small gift-wrapped box.

"Is it from the Prince?" Hailey asked eager to see what was inside. Not likely but I had a pretty good guess. Or at least I hoped I did.

"Go on, open it!" I grabbed the box and gently pulled off the wrapping. Inside the box, was a beautiful circle shaped ruby guarded by a dragon. The wings were melded around the ruby while the head rested on the top. It was breathtaking. My maids gasped as they saw it. I looked for a card but there wasn't one. I knew it was from Christian. Jane looked at it and frowned.

"Jane what's wrong?"

"The ruby doesn't look real."

"Why does that matter?"

"His highness wouldn't send gifts of fake jewellery, so whoever it's from must have bought it from a flea market or something." I frowned and put it back.

"Whoever bought it was thinking that I would like it and that they should buy it for me. Gifts don't always have to be lavish and expensive. Some people can't even afford to live in a home, yet they try to make the ones they love happy."

"I apologise miss; I was just making an observation."

"No you were making a judgement. It's beautiful and I'm going to wear it. Even if it did come from a flea market." I walked into the bathroom, looking at the mirror to put it on. The ruby nestled nicely on my chest. It was a short chain thankfully so I wasn't hidden from view. Behind me, I could hear the whispers. I grimaced, had I been too hard on Jane? She did apologise after all. I couldn't get the clasp hooked so I walked back out.

"Jane, would you help me put it on please?" Jane glanced up and her solemn look fractured, a tiny smile gracing her face.

"Of course miss." I handed her the necklace and turned around, holding my hair up. I felt the necklace as Jane put it around my neck and clipped it together.

"Thank you." I said as I turned around

"It's a pleasure miss."

"I'm sorry for snapping at you before."

"It was my fault; I shouldn't have judged like you said. It is a beautiful necklace." Jane said before curtsying

"It's okay, I forgive you. Now what should I wear for dinner? I'd like something that matches it." Jane broke out into a smile before pacing over to the wardrobe and pulling out several dresses.


Rose Pov

Three hours later I was ready, well not entirely seeing as how I couldn't go down to dinner formally dressed and all. Which posed another question.

"Vik, aren't the girls going to question why I have so much make up on?"

"No because you aren't having dinner in the dining room. No one is to see you except Dimitri."

"But you've seen me, and no doubt the guards will see me on my way there, and anyone else who happens to be around."

"You've got an answer for everything don't you Rose." Viktoria huffed. I only smiled back at her.

"Sorry, my father says that too. I get it from my mother." Thinking of her made me want to tear up. What would she say if she saw me now? A runaway completing for a man's heart with several other women. She might have been a tough love kind of mother but all she wanted was for me to be happy. I quickly wiped a tear before anyone could notice. My stomach rumbled and I was brought back to my earlier question.

"Vik, you said I wasn't going to have dinner in the Dining Room so where am I going to have it?" Viktoria froze up.

"You look absolutely stunning Rose. Let's put on your shoes and then we can go." I narrowed my eyes at her. She may be hiding it but I could sense her fear. I smiled and turned to Joanne.

"Joanne, I think we all need a break after all this hard work. Could you go down to the kitchen and ask for some sandwiches or something please. Thank you."

"No, we'll all be going down soon enough. We can get dinner then but we have to get you ready first. Joanne the shoes please." Viktoria said hurriedly.

"Vik, spill. If I'm not having dinner here or in the Dining Room, then I must be having dinner with Dimitri. So just tell me. You'll feel much better if you do."

"Alright fine. Yes, you're having dinner with him. That's all I'm telling you." I smiled and put on my shoes.

"See, that wasn't so hard." I followed Vik through the palace until we met Dimitri.

"Thank you Viktoria." She smiled and went off, sort of skipping even.

"So is my surprise ruined or did she actually manage to keep a secret from you."

"Only partly. I gathered that we were having dinner here, but I know nothing else."

"Yes we are having dinner but I still have a surprise for you." He stood behind me and covered my eyes with his hands.

"You should probably know I hate surprises."

"You'll like this one." I heard the doors open and we walked in. My eyes were still covered.

"Can I look now?" Dimitri removed his hands and I opened my eyes. On the floor was a rug, resting closely by a fireplace. Dimitri had set up a picnic for us. The room was small but cozy. On the other side of the wall was a bookshelf and couch as well as a desk by the window.

"So, did you like the surprise?" Dimitri asked. I noticed he was sitting down by the assortment he had set up.

"Well I don't hate it, so yes you could say I liked it." I sat down next to him as my stomach grumbled again. Dimitri laughed and pulled the lid of one of the platters.

"Should we eat?" he joked. I spotted a bowl of fettucine and scooped some onto my plate, pouring creamy mushroom sauce on it. Dimitri laughed again before serving himself. I opened the wine bottle and poured us both a glass.

"So this is what you had planned?" I asked.

"Yes, I thought I should show you this room. Being a king in training can be stressful so I come here whenever I need time alone. No one is allowed to enter. Not even my mum. Well actually she is but she knows what this room is to me so she doesn't enter. I found it after mama told me that Karolina was stepping down. Believe it or not, I never actually wanted to be king. I wanted to travel around the world like in the books I read. After months of failing to pass off the crown, I decided I would leave. I was a naïve eighteen-year-old who only cared about himself." Dimitri paused, taking a bite of his pasta.

"What happened?" I was intrigued like a little kid being read a bedtime story.

"I packed everything I thought I needed and walked out of my room. It was late at night so I thought no one would be up but I found Viktoria sitting on the stairs. Said she couldn't sleep. I said I was leaving and that she couldn't stop me. She didn't cry or ask me to stay. All she said before she left was 'Good luck. Maybe you'll find papa.' I realised I couldn't leave them. If I did, I was no better than my father. He left when Karolina was three. Mama says he didn't say word to anyone about it and just left. I never met him and I've hated him till this day. So I stayed. If Viktoria hadn't been there that night I would have left and never came back." Dimitri sighed before having a sip of his drink. (I know what really happened with his dad but I changed it for the storyline.)

"So that's my story. All my faults laid out for you." Dimitri said.

"My parents got divorced when I was six. I was never told the full story and being six, I didn't really understand it anyway. I thought she was just going on a long holiday and that one day she would come back. She never did. Nowadays I'm lucky to receive letters from her on my birthday. We moved away a month later. He said it was too painful to stay there with her gone. The first year was hard. New school and all. We didn't talk much. He was always in his office. My nanny took care of me while he hid himself away. It got better over the years. I think he realised it was time to move on but now…it's worse. Which is why I ran away. So that's my story." I finished the bowl of pasta and refilled it.

"So I have your father to thank then?" Dimitri said. I swallowed and put my drink down.

"What do you mean?"

"Well if things weren't so bad at your house with your father, then you wouldn't have run away and I would have never met you."

"I guess not."

"Then a toast to your father. I must thank him one day." I laughed as Dimitri held up his glass and clinked it with mine.


America Pov

Lissa and I made our way down to the Dining Room for dinner. I waited for Rose enter but she never did. I was getting really worried now. Before Lissa and I were joking but now I was starting to fret that maybe she'd been eliminated. The girls around us had noticed too and were gossiping. The main source being Celeste.

"I knew she'd get eliminated. She wasn't fit to be queen. The prince must have realised and got rid of her."

"Making up more lies again Celeste. Rose hasn't been eliminated." Lissa said. She didn't look worried at all.

"Then why isn't she here? Face it blondie, she was called to see the queen and now she's gone. You'll be next if you're not careful." Lissa just laughed.

"Okay 1, calling someone a blondie as an insult doesn't work when you're also a blonde. 2, the prince isn't here and neither is Rose. What does that say to you?" Lissa smirked before going back to her dinner. I watched as Celeste looked down the table to see that the prince indeed wasn't sitting with his family.

"Just because he's not here doesn't mean he's on a date. He could be at a meeting, trying to help run the country." Celeste tried to get the other girls to agree with her, but they were all coming to the same conclusion as Lissa. I finished my dinner and put my knife and fork together on the plate.

"So what do you reckon Rose is doing with the prince then?" I asked Lissa.

"Don't know but it'd have to be something special. I mean she was pulled out of class during lunch for a date at night time." After dinner finished, we were excused. I walked towards my room and found Prince Maxon waiting for me.

"Your highness. How may I help you this evening?" I said as I curtsied.

"I was wondering if you would like to join me for a walk? Indoor of course. It'd be too cold outside. Maybe you could show me your favourite room in the palace.

"I'd be delighted to."

"So where are we going?" Prince Maxon asked

"Well considering the Selected women are only allowed on the first and second floors, there isn't many places to choose from. But I enjoy the library. On the second floor at the back, there's a piano that sits by a large window. It's much bigger than the one back home.

"How about I show you my favourite place? The best view from the palace." I nodded and he lead me up the stairs to the roof. Or rather the greenhouse. In long rows, were plotted plants and flowers blooming. Moonlight was filtering in through the glass ceiling.

"I come here every time I visit to look out at the view. You can see for miles on a good day. I've never actually come at night though."

"Well then Your Highness, you must look up at the stars. They are so beautiful."

"I thought we agreed you couldn't address me as Your Highness." Maxon asked

"No, you said I could, only if I danced with you." I answered back cheekily.

"Well then as we are not currently dancing, you're not allowed to." Maxon smirked

"What should I call you then?"

"Try calling me by my first name, dear." I smiled and looked into his eyes.

"Alright then, Maxon." He grinned at the sound of his name. I headed towards the doors again.

"Except you can't call me 'my dear'…Your Highness" I smiled and ran down the stairs. I heard Maxon's laugh and his footsteps chasing after me. As I made my way down the stairs, I saw Rose and the Prince standing outside her room.

"Quick hide me." I said laughing, pulling her into her room with me. She locked the door. I heard Maxon outside talking with Prince Dimitri.


Dimitri POV

"You really did that?!" Rose asked. She was laughing on the floor.

"Yep. I was an eight-year-old kid. Victor's been watching me ever since. Besides it was Christian's idea."

"Of course, because pranking was above you when you were eight."

"Not exactly. I was just annoyed at Victor when he didn't let me lick the spoon. Who doesn't let a kid lick the chocolate off the spoon! It's halfway clean then."

"But licking all the spoons just so he'd have to wash them all. That was your prank!"

"Hey I was eight! Like I said, it was Christian's idea and I couldn't come with anything else. Only problem was that I had to help Victor wash them." I yawned and looked at the clock. It was nine-thirty. I could see Rose was tired too. I stood up and offered my hand, helping her up.

"This was nice Dimitri. Thank you." Rose said as we walked back to her room.

"Your welcome. I'm glad you had a good time." Rose remained silent until we reached her door. I stood looking in her eyes and she looked into mine. I tucked a stray piece of her curled hair behind her ear. She was so beautiful. I leaned in to kiss her, closing my eyes when I heard a loud noise behind me. Rose opened her eyes and pulled away. I turned to see America running down the stairs with Maxon not that far behind her. As soon as she reached us, she pulled Rose into her room. I heard the door lock.

"What's going on?" I asked Maxon. He had a grin on his face.

"America is what's going on. She refuses to call me by my first name." Maxon was grinning.

"So what's wrong with that? Maybe she doesn't feel comfortable doing so."

"Oh she does. She's doing it to annoy me. Anyway, did you talk to Rose about America for me?"

"No I didn't. I actually forgot but I'll ask tomorrow. See you later Maxon." Maxon was great and all, but he has the worst timing ever.


Maxon's Pov

Now that Dimitri was gone, I was left to go back to my room. I didn't want to. It was late but I knew that father would be waiting to have that talk. I entered my room and there he was, along with my mother.

"Where have you been? We've been waiting over an hour."

"I was taking a walk." I replied, keeping my temper.

"No doubt with that redhead. You will marry a princess and that's final. I won't have you marring someone else's cheap seconds."

"I'm going to be King and I'll marry whoever I choose."

"Boy, don't you mess with me. I made you my successor and I can always take it back."

"And then what? You'll rule until you die of old age. Who'll take over then?" I felt the back of his hand on my cheek, knocking me down.

"Clarkson please!" Mother yelled, reaching for me.

"Stay out of this!"

"Boy, you listen hard and listen good. I'm the king. You do as I tell you. You will marry a princess. That commoner will never be Queen." He turned and exited the room with my mother. God I hated him sometimes. Sure, he was my father and he loved or something like that. There was still pain in my cheek. I knew I'd have a bruise tomorrow morning. I'd just blame it on trip like usual or something. I walked into the bathroom and put a cold cloth on it, hoping to numb the pain.


Rose Pov

Morning came and I got up. I had tossed and turned all night. I dreamed I was in a maze with Dimitri. I thought he found me but it was someone else. I couldn't see his face. I struggled to break free of his grip, screaming out for Dimitri to rescue me.

"Rough night Rose?" Elaine asked as she set out a dress for me. God I hated wearing these dresses. Why couldn't I just wear pants? Did I still the clothing from when I was at the gym with Dimitri.

"Yeah, just a weird dream. I'll be fine." I got dressed and went down for breakfast. Viktoria came up and sat next to me. Lissa and America hadn't arrived yet.

"So had did it go last night?"

"It was fun. We ate, drank and got to know each other." I smiled as I thought back to last night. We nearly kissed. I tried not to be annoyed at America. She just had bad timing. I'd get another chance. Wouldn't I?"

"Ugh, why can't he just pick you already. I want a sister!" Viktoria groaned

"You have two sisters."

"Yeah but I hardly see them. Karolina barely comes for visits anymore and Sonya is always off at some fashion show here or an after party over there. If you marry Dimitri, I'll see you every day. So get to it missy!" I laughed and promised to try harder.

"So what's happening today?" I asked

"Don't know really. There could be an announcement about mum's birthday. It's happening in three days. Speaking of which, you must come shopping with me to find her a present. Mama said she didn't want a present. When I asked Dimitri what he was getting her, he said he wasn't getting anything. Can you believe that? Of course mama wants presents. So I have to buy a gift from me and from Dimitri now. So I'll need help. We can go today. The storm has passed so it's warm enough outside. I'll arrange everything and come get you after breakfast. You'll be excused from classes today." She smiled and got up when America arrived.

"So what lavish event are you invited to now?" America asked as she loaded her plate with all sorts of fruit.

"Just shopping. Nothing major. It's the queen's birthday soon. Viktoria asked for my help."

"Nothing major! Are you serious?! You're leaving the palace to go shopping with the princess in public. You'll be hounded by fans and cameras as soon as you arrive."

"Where are we arriving?" Lissa asked as she sat down.

"Rose over here is going shopping with the princess." America answered.

"That's awesome! I love shopping!" Lissa squealed

"Shhh! It's not that big a deal. Viktoria probably knows what she's doing. We'll just go shopping and then come back."

"Oh yeah, it'll be like getting groceries." America said sarcastically. I threw a grape at her and she ducked, poking her tongue at me.

"Whatever. Is there anything you guys want? I'll try to get it while I'm there." They shook their heads and we changed the topic. An hour later, Viktoria was knocking on my door. It was just shopping so I determined to go casual despite my maids' protests. I had to wear skin coloured stockings with my dress since there would be a cool breeze. I despised them but I knew I would be cold without them. I put on my nude coloured coat and opened the door.

"Ready?" Vik asked. She had a pretty light green dress on and a white coat.

"Yep. Let's go."

"Great." Viktoria smiled and we walked to the garage where there was an elderly man, wearing a full suit and black shades, waiting for us. Behind him were four tall muscular men. Obviously they were the guards.

"Good morning Your Highness."

"Good morning Robert. We're ready to leave now thank you." The man nodded and opened the car door. I followed in after her and soon we were off. There was a black car in front and behind us.

"Why do you have four guards? Wouldn't two be enough?"

"Normally yes, but you're with me and when we get there, we'll need them to protect us from the crowd of people all to trying to get a glimpse of us. My Head Guard has already called ahead and the centre will be setting up barricades and more security for us." I was stunned.

"Think of it as a practice run Rose. You'll need to be experienced in this when you rule by my brother's side. The people love us but that love can sometimes drive them to do crazy things. But don't worry, I'll be by your side the whole time. We can wave, sign a few things, pose for the cameras and then go inside. My guards will circle us so wherever we go."

"Like everywhere. What if I need to go to the toilet?" Viktoria laughed at this.

"I had the same thought when Dimitri first assigned them to me. No they stand outside the bathroom door. There's not likely to be any danger but one scream, any crashing noise and they'll bolt in. I remember one time the dryer wasn't working so I hit it and groaned. The door flew open as Nikolas rushed in." The car came to a stop and I could see people gathering outside, with posters and magazines. Viktoria's guards had already formed a perimeter. The left hand door opened and Robert was standing there. As soon as Vik stepped out, the screams grew louder.

"You coming?" She asked. I took a deep breath and stepped out. Thousands of people were staring at me, trying to thrust pens at me, screaming my name. It was insane. Robert closed the door behind me. No escaping now.

"Ready?" I followed whatever Viktoria was doing. I'd signed several pictures of me by the time I caught up to Viktoria. A little girl had even given me a red rose. Actually the guard grabbed it before I could and checked it before handing it to me. I thanked her and let her mother take a photo of us with her phone. I smiled for a few photographers before one reporter pushed her way to the front. Two guards stood in front of me, in case she tried to get past the barricades. One of them looked back to me as if asking whether to let the woman speak to me. I nodded and they eased up a bit but kept the woman at distance. She smiled and began speaking in Russian.

"Roza Hathaway! Alice Clayton from Seventeen magazine here. Could we get an exclusive statement from you about how the Selection is going? You're leading in the polls currently as the favourite to win. How are things going between you and the crown prince? Any juicy gossip you can share with our readers?"

"I've been very fortunate to spend time with Prince Dimitri. He is the kindest and most wonderful man I've ever met. He will be an amazing King and I would love to be the one he chose to share his life with."

"And can you tell us about Princess Viktoria? You two seem to have become the best of friends. Sharing clothes, go on shopping sprees together. It's like you're attached at the hip." I laughed at that.

"Not quite attached at the hip but definitely close. Princess Viktoria has become like the sister I never had to me and I'd be devastated if I had to leave. I'd miss everyone back at the palace."

"Sounds like you've found your perfect family, and you're fighting for it. You've had a flew blows with a couple girls in the Selection haven't you including Miss Celeste Newsome. Bit of a rivalry happening there?"

"Most of the girls are lovely but Celeste seems to have a problem with me. That's all I can say on the matter."

"It sounds like her problem with you is that she's jealous. You've had more time with the Crown Prince then anyone. Is the prince even paying attention to the other girls in the Selection? Or can we expect a proposal within the following weeks?" I didn't know what to say, but thankfully Viktoria came over and grabbed my arm.

"I'm sorry that's all the time we have for you." The woman smiled and left. We quickly made our though the doors and into the centre.

"Sorry, I should have said to you in the car not to do any interviews. Photos are okay but reporters can twist the words you say and change the whole story. I'll make sure the magazine doesn't print anything bad. Anyway, let's shop." Over the next hour, we went into several stores looking for presents. I had no clue what to get the queen. What do you get a queen who has everything for their birthday? Viktoria was going to get her a nice set of pearl earrings and necklace. She'd placed the order weeks ago. I asked why she didn't have the Royal Jeweller make it since everything else was.

"Exactly, I want something that has a brand on it, instead of being a one of a kind possession made only–hey look there's Christian!" I looked over to where she was pointing. It was indeed Christian but he was headed towards Alchemia. I watched Christian looked around as if he thought someone was following him…or watching. Ten minutes later he came back out, holding a blue paper bag with the store brand on it before putting in inside his coat.

"What do you think you think he bought?" I asked. As it so happened, Viktoria had placed her order at Alchemia.

"I don't know. No offense too Christian but he couldn't afford anything from here. It's too pricey. If he bought something, he must have gotten the money from someone else. Oh My God!" Viktoria's eyes went wide as golf balls.

"What?" I asked

"Rose, can't you see! It's obvious he got the money from Dimitri, because he wants to marry Lissa!"

"But he only just met her and she's still apart of Dimitri's Selection." This wasn't right.

"Yeah but he hasn't met anyone like her. He's obviously already asked Dimitri if he could release Lissa from the Selection so he could marry her! Oh it's so romantic!" Viktoria's grin couldn't get any bigger.

"It's only been like two weeks or so! You don't decide you want to marry someone after that short a period." As much as I wanted Lissa to get her happy ending, I also didn't want to raise her hopes up just to see them fall.

"Oh please. Dimitri fell in love with you the minute he met you and we know how this will end. How is it any different now?" I didn't know how to respond.

"We have our suspicions. Christian walked out of a famous jewellery store with a bag but he was suspicious about it. What does that tell us?"

"It tells us he's going to marry Lissa!" I sighed and dropped my head. There was no way I would change Vik's mind.

"Alright fine. We'll ask the salesperson at the store."

"Why would he tell us. Christian obviously has him keeping the secret." Viktoria argued.

"He'll tell us because you're a princess and because we have four guards with us."

"That's blackmail!" Viktoria gasped in shock. I only smirked.

"Not exactly. It's just threatening him. Look do you want to find out or not?" Vik had mixed emotions. I could see it on her face.

"Okay, but we're not to hurt him. I still have a reputation to uphold."

"Good thing I don't" Vik laughed and we made our way to the store. Just my luck there was a young man with a Trainee tag behind the counter. This was going to be easy. As soon as we entered the store, the guards stood on duty. Everyone in the store bowed or curtsied at Vik.

"Your Highness, how may I assist you today?" The young boy said.

"I placed an order for mama's birthday present and I'd like to pick it up." The young man smiled and went out the back door. While Vik was waiting, I decided to look through the display cases. Everything was as beautiful as the piece before. I signed a few girl's magazine when they asked me. I looked back to the counter to see the young man had returned but this time an older man was with him. Crap. Viktoria opened the polished wooden box, inside the softest blue velvet cushion I'd ever seen. The older man asked if she liked it.

"It's stunning. Thank you." Viktoria closed the box and pulled out her wallet. I couldn't even begin to imagine how much it must have cost. She would have gotten a discount being royalty. I was still thinking about the price when Viktoria nudged me on the shoulder.

"Yeah?"

"Erik was asking if there was anything you'd like?" I looked to see the older man holding his hand out, gesturing to the jewellery below. With great difficulty I held in my laughter.

"No I'm fine thank you. I think the price range is a bit much for me right now." Erik chuckled

"Yes our prices are a bit high but the quality of our jewellery demands it. How would you like to borrow something? Perhaps for Her Majesties' birthday celebration?" I stared at him in shock.

"You'd let me walk out of here with priceless diamonds?" Erik chuckled again.

"Not exactly, we'll loan it to you for the twenty-four hours, being the night of the Queen's birthday and then we'll either send someone to have it returned or if you change your mind, we'll send you a bill." This time I laughed.

"I think I'll stick with the loan." Erik smiled and held his hand up again to show me around. In the end, Viktoria and I chose a diamond crown. It was more of a headband but it was twisted flower vines and leaves, than when put on it looked like an elegant crown. Viktoria instead I have my hair done up for it. I thanked the man and we left. After lunch, I found Her Majesty a crystal butterfly jewellery stand to go with Viktoria gift. I also got America and Lissa cute sapphire and ruby bracelets. We finally made our way back around four in the afternoon. I literally want to drop I was so exhausted. Maybe that's where the term comes from. Joanne being the amazing woman that she was, had a warm bath waiting for me when I returned. I don't know how she does. It's like she can read my mind and know exactly what I need. Elaine put my bags away while I went into the bathroom.

"Did you have a nice day Rose?"

"The day itself was nice, Viktoria's company was nice. The eight hour walking around part. Not so nice. My feet are so dead I'm surprised they haven't fallen off." Joanne laughed and left me to undress and enjoy my bath. As I sat in the bath I thought about the headband I would wear. It was so pretty. Too bad I couldn't get something for America and Lissa to wear. At least they had the bracelets I got them. Lissa's would match the necklace Christian got her. Christian! Oh crap! I forgot to interrogate them about his purchase. Damn it! I knew something wasn't right here. Sure I knew Christian liked Lissa and vice versa but he wouldn't just ask her to marry right out the gate. What if Lissa wasn't ready to get married. Like me she would probably think they hadn't known each other long enough either. I reckon Vik was right about one thing. Dimitri probably did get a gift for Her–I mean Olena and he didn't want Vik to know. Although that doesn't explain why he didn't order from the Royal Jewellers. Wait, yes it does. Obviously he doesn't want anyone to know so he had to be secret about it and order it somewhere else. He just didn't think Vik would be doing the same. No one would because she has nothing to hide. But then if he's getting a gift when he said he wasn't, what's the big deal. Sure he might want to surprise Olena, which is why he said he wasn't getting one. I rubbed my forehead from the headache I was getting. There were too many questions here without enough answers. I looked at my fingers and they were starting to prune. Clearly I'd been in here long enough. I hopped out and wrapped a towel around me. The warm water and bath salts really did me good.

"Feeling better?" Claire asked. I nodded and she asked what I would like to wear to dinner. All of them had given up on trying to help me pick what to wear since I was so stubborn. I'd bought myself a set of cotton shorts. They were like underwear except I could wear my dresses over them so that I could feel comfortable. I chose to wear another black dress. It was one shouldered and had a diamante belt around my stomach.


Dimitri POV

As I got ready for dinner, someone knocked on the door. I opened the door and Christian walked in.

"So you got it then?" I asked.

"I did. No trouble at all." Christian smiled as he reached into his coat pocket and pull out a small wooden box before giving it to me. I opened the lid and inside it stood. Grandmama's ring. She gave it to me before the selection started. I was going to create one for the women I chose but she insisted that the one I chose would want this one. I had it altered to fit Rose's fingers after our first date.

"So you're really going do it then?" I nodded and Christian broke out into a grin. He held up his hand, as if there was a glass in it.

"Well then, to the new Queen of Russia. Her Majesty Rosemarie Belikov."


Well there you go. It's unofficially officially happening. But you guys knew that already, why else would you be reading but no one else does. What will happen if word spreads about what rose and vik saw? Who is the mysterious person that plans to hurt Rose and her family? And plans are in store for Maxon and America? All will be revealed. Review what you think of the chapter, your theories for what will happen. I may give you a hint.

Until next time,

xoxo

LMD