Thank you to all who had left your review :)
I've received quite a lot of request asking for Rose to tell Dimitri about her identity. Sorry readers, she is not going to do that soon. (I've a plan/scenario in mind where Rose would confess.) But, for those who are worried that Dimitri won't forgive Rose, let's just say that I'm all for a happy ending...:)
On the Job
Rose's POV
Dimitri strolled in casually as though he should be here in the first place, as though he does this nightly after dinner with his family.
"Rose. Did you enjoy your dinner?" Dimitri asked sincerely.
"Sure, Comrade. Mia's an excellent cook."
"Yes, she is. Are you going to bed soon? I imagined that you have a long day."
"Hmm. Probably."
"Well Rose, I shall not delay your rest then. Sleep well." He smiled gently and walked towards the stairs.
"Hye, Comrade?"
"Yes?" He turned at the bottom of the steps.
"What are you back for? I thought you don't sleep here?"
"I am now, Rose."
"What? For just tonight or every night?"
"Every night on from today." Dimitri replied simply.
My mouth dropped open. Incredible! My wish came true!
"Why the sudden change Comrade? You're afraid that I'd nick your stuff?"
"No Rose, I just figured out that what you said this morning actually make sense." He grinned lopsided at me.
Now, what did I say this morning? I searched my memory.
"So, goodnight Rose. I'll see you in the morning."
"Huh, night Comrade."
…
I fell asleep in the bathtub and emerged from my showers 2 hours later. I quickly blow my hair dry and crawled under the thick comforters.
Dimitri, my God, is just 2 doors away.
I smiled and fell into a blissful sleep…
"Ring…ring…ring…"
I opened my eyes and for a moment, couldn't remember where I am. Then yesterday's event came floating back into my mind and I smiled and sat up.
6:15am. Day 2 in the Palace.
I quickly washed up and changed into a blue t-shirt and jeans. I really need to expand my wardrobe now. I hadn't brought many clothes with me when I left Terki and Lissa had been the one doing most of the buying on our shopping trips.
6:25am. I better hurry. I have a meeting with Alberta at 7:30am later in her office. i don't trust myself to find the correct way in this gigantic place.
I stepped out of my room to find a young woman walking towards my direction. She has black hair, pale skin and as she approach, I can make out her light blue eyes and a large scar across her left cheek.
She stopped in front of me and glared at me hostilely.
"You are Rose Hathaway?" She demanded.
A nod.
"His Majesty had given orders for Ryan to drive you to the guardians' building at 7:15am. Your breakfast is ready. You want it brought up to your room or have it in the kitchen?"
"Um. I'll go down. You are?"
"Natasha Onera. The house-keeping supervisor of the King's residence."
"Nice to meet you Ms Onera." I said politely while trying to control my anger.
The glare that she gave me expressed her wish for my gruesome death.
She stomped off without another word, stopping in front of Dimitri's bedroom door.
"Good Morning, Your Majesty, it's time for you to rise." Natasha projected in a very sweet voice.
Revolting.
I shuddered and walked away.
…
I was just finishing off my hash browns and scrambled egg when Dimtri entered the kitchen in his work-out attire.
Wow! He looks fresh and handsome.
He walked towards me with a smile and greeted, "Good morning, Rose."
I can smell his aftershave – so sexy.
"Good morning Comrade!"
He picked up the apple and glass of milk on the kitchen counter and asked, "I presume Natasha has already told you that Ryan would be fetching you to the meeting with Alberta?"
I nodded.
"Well, have a good day ahead. I'll see you tonight." Dimitri turned to leave.
"You're not eating?" I blurted.
"No Rose, I'll have my breakfast after my workout."
"Do I go with you? I thought that's what you hired me for, boss."
Dimitri chuckled lightly. "No Rose, you officially start work on Thursday remember?"
"So, I'll wait for you here at" I look at my watch "6:45am on Thursday then?"
"Right, Rose."
"Oh, I'm dying to stretch my muscles again! See you then, Comrade."
"Bye, Rose."
…
That night
I jumped at Dimitri the moment he stepped through the doors.
"How do I look Comrade?"
I danced around in front of him in my full guardian uniform and badge. Shaped like a diamond and bearing the Royal crest with 2 crossed swords at the bottom, my golden badge glittered proudly on my chest.
"You look very smart and professional."
"Eww, that's not what a girl likes to hear Comrade."
"What would you like to hear then, Rose?"
"That I look stunning, gorgeous, wonderful, dazzling and divine!" I shouted in glee.
Seeing his astonish expression I shouted, "Kidding! Comrade."
"Hye, Your Majesty, I feel like a real guardian now! I'm so ready to kick some ass! Wanna try?"
"No, not now. But I'll take you on Thursday morning."
"Sure, Comrade!"
Dimitri's POV
I slowed down my pace to match Roza's. It's so smoothing beside her, like she had filled in an aching hole of loneness inside me I never realised existed. Running strongly now, she looks so energetic, so full of life, so beautiful.
"Aww Comrade, I'm not against running. But do you have to do it so early in the morning? The sun is barely up!"
"Actually Rose, my impression was that you joined me voluntarily. Combat training doesn't start till 8am."
"And I said I am following you like a shadow, remember? I'm so not going to slack off on my first day."
"Does that mean that you won't be coming tomorrow then, since it'll be your second day?"
I am one step in front of Roza, but I just know that she had just rolled her eyes at me."
"You wish, Comrade."
It feels so…perfect, jogging and joking with Roza alone on the tracks when the morning sun is just a glow on the eastern horizon.
We finished the 3 miles in good time and proceeded to the obstacle course.
"You know comrade, it's hardly fair. You run this course every day and have the best sparring partners to train with. It's no wonder that you ace everything during the selection. You cheated."
"I did? Did I? But I don't remember receiving the acceptance letter from the guardians' office. And, you want to see how the other guardians spar with me? I'll be happy to show you later."
"Ha! I don't think so. I've seen enough drama. They'd be all out kissing your ass and humoring you."
"You know? Then why are complaining that I cheated in the selection?"
"Well, for the sake of complaining, Comrade! You've got a problem there?"
I shook my head, "Absolutely not." I guess I just have to get use of that.
"I've good news for you. Want to hear?"
I raised my eyebrow and asked skeptically, "Yes?"
"Is that how you request for something?" Rose threw me a smug look.
"May I hear it please, Rose?"
"Well, since you asked so nicely…Eddie and Mason can be your sparring partner too. They'll be here with the other guardians for the morning combat training. "
"Are you sure? Nobody ever does that once they discover my identity."
"So I'm a nobody?"
"Besides you, that is. That's why you get to be my personal guardian."
"Then I think Eddie and Mason are in for a promotion. They'll literally kill you if I asked."
"Oh? And I thought that their loyalty should lie with me? Should I be afraid then?"
"Family first, Comrade. We grew up together you know. And no, I still like you so you are in no danger of being murdered by them."
She just said she like me…
But what are her feelings for the 2 guys? They grew up together after all. All the years they've spent together, all the fun they have enjoyed together…and they are not blood-related.
Why am I so disturbed?
"Guardian Castle and Guardian Actford…they are your adoptive brothers?"
"Huh?" Roza looked lost.
"Oh! Eddie and Mason. Just call them that. Yeh, they are my adoptive brothers. Why?"
"You're very close to them?"
"Of course, I trust them with my life."
Not a good idea. I should stop asking now or I'll just lose my temper.
"Ok Rose, I'll race you through the course."
"It that a challenge, Comrade?" Rose cocked her eyebrows at me, and took off abruptly. "I'll wait for you at the other end!"
No Rose, you don't. This is my game.
"At ease."
Facing the guards, I gestured to Roza standing behind on my right.
"Guardians, my personal guardian, Guardian Hathaway. She will be reporting directly to me but I want all of you to assist her in her duties and trainings. Is that clear?"
"Yes. You Majesty."
"Guardian Castle. Guardian Actford. Step out if you all are willing to train with me today."
They stepped out without hesitation. Good.
…
Actford showed no reserve in his moves and is really quite skillful. It was satisfying when I finally brought him down. He cursed and I smiled at him in amusement. I'm starting to like this guy now.
Castle was next and although he did not hold back, he was much more respectful than Actford. He's a very tough opponent, serious and clear headed during a battle. I spent a long time taking him on and he accepted his lose graciously. I've made a correct decision by assigning him to Viktoria. He will take care of her just fine. I trust this guy.
"See Comrade? I didn't lie to you. Are my two brothers good enough for you?"
"Yes, Rose."
Turning to Castle and Actford I asked, "You all will train with us in the future?"
"Yes. Your Majesty." I nodded to them appreciatively.
"You're ready to take me on then?"
"Sure, Rose."
"Here goes!" And she made the first move.
…
"Fine Comrade, you win." Roza finally acknowledged grudgingly when she realized that there is no way she could break from my grip. I chuckled and released her."
"You're good." I praised Roza.
"You're indirectly saying that you're fantastic since you've beaten me Comrade?"
"I meant exactly what I said Rose. You've the skill and is talented. If you are willing, I can teach you more techniques…"
"Deal! Comrade."
"Okay. We'll start tomorrow then. You want to stay with Guardians Castle and Actford here or continue shadowing me? "
"Want to make a guess Dimitri?"
"Let's go then."
Rose's POV
"Are you alright? Tired? Rose."
"I'm fine, Dimitri." I am more bored than tired actually. I have followed Dimitri around the entire day, attending meetings that stretched for hours. We've just emerged from a debate regarding some educational system restructuring and I feel like biting my nails to kill the boredom.
However, I got to see the other side of Dimitri – him in his ruler role. I have always known that he is the King, but he never acted like one in front of me, and I've never bothered with formalities with him. Today, seeing him make decisions and commanding his officials, his seriousness, decidedness, clarity and maturity of thoughts left no doubt of his leadership skills. Dimitri is born to lead, just like the sun is born to shine. His youthfulness did nothing to cloud the torrents of charisma radiating off him. He is truly God. My God, my man, my Dimitri...
…
"Rose." Dimitri hesitated.
"Yes?"
A pause. Then, "I'm returning to my mother's place now. I am thinking of introducing you to my family…you see, they are all curious of my personal guardian…Do you want to go with me?"
Do I? Why am I suddenly feeling nervous? Rose! It's nothing! Get a grip of yourself. You're his personal guardian remember?
"I'll be wherever you are Dimitri."
Dimitri gave me a warm smile before leaning back on the backrest. The Mercedes glided smoothly into the inner palace.
What had I gotten myself into?
For those who were hoping for more intimate scenes during the night, it will happen, but at a better time and place (that I feel). My personal style would be gradually, but the goal is the same isn't it? :)
Again, please review!
