The wind rustled through the trees, filling the silence around us. The cool summer air brushed over our skin, making mine pucker.
"We shouldn't be here. Not like this. If we're seen," I whispered but my hands had a mind of their own, coming up to rest on his shoulders. His hands ghosted over mine and up to my neck. This was dangerous, but it felt so good.
"We won't be seen," he said brushing the edge of his nose against mine. I breathed in a slow breath and tipped my head back the slightest bit. His scent overwhelmed me, billowing around me like smoke billows around people in the cigar rooms.
"How can you be sure?"
His thumbs brushed down my neck. Even that was scandalous enough to cause talk.
"I promise. Nobody else is here," he whispered, his lips brushing against mine as he spoke. I gasped quietly and my eyes found his in the dark, his brown eyes so deep and captivating. They were beautiful and I loved looking at them.
I had never believed in finding someone so easily that I loved, but even after a handful of weeks, I knew. I knew that he was the one for me. I smiled to myself when I felt his fingers twist into my hair, pulling me closer to him. I wasn't surprised when his lips pressed against mine, warm and soft but equally commanding.
I had never been kissed before, but I knew what the fuss was about now. I stretched up on my toes and dug my fingers into his jacket, moving my lips with his.
Even now, I would take the consequences of my actions if I could feel his kiss again.
A Rose For A Rose
I finished buttoning the back of Lissa's dress and smiled at her in the mirror. Today was the day Lissa made her debut as a debutant in society. The daughter of a Viscount and a genuine beauty. She was a pure soul and it showed. She was what society would speculate as a pearl; delicate and pure to look at but formed to withstand pressure.
Dressed in a beaded gold gown, she looked like a jewel that was waiting to be plucked.
"Are you nervous for today?" I asked, fastening her necklace around her neck. Lissa looked at me in the mirror and shook her head.
"No. Are you?"
I shrugged. I wasn't exactly making my debut into society. Both my parents were away for political matters. Earl and Countess Mazur were rarely home, and I was often shipped off to whatever place they could find. I was lucky when my friendship with Lissa grew to be what it is now; her parents graciously offered to watch over me while my parents were away. But after Lissa's parents passed a few years ago from influenza, the title of Viscount passed to her brother, Andre, and he continued to let me stay with them.
And it was just as well. I had a better relationship with them.
Lissa turned in the mirror and maneuvered me so that I was standing in front of the mirror, her fingers moving and pinning my hair. Usually Lissa's handmaid would help us, and she did for the most part, but we wanted to do that last bit.
Lissa insisted on picking my dress tonight and I was grateful that she did. I would have gone with something so simple, but she picked out a beautiful lilac silk dress with gold ivy like embellishments cascading down. She pinned my hair back in a way that made it look elegant but still down like I preferred.
Once she had placed my jewelry and deemed we were set, we descended the stairs in search of her brother. AS expected, he was waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs, toying with his pocket watch. Lissa cleared her throat as we got closer to the bottom of the stairs and he looked up, giving both of us a smile.
I gave Andre a small nod and he took my hand twirling me around, making me and Lissa laugh.
"Both my sisters look stunning," Andre said fondly, smiling at me and then Lissa. I smiled up at him and then looked at Lissa. Andre was a good brother and even though I was the only daughter in the Mazur family, he was my brother too. He taught me out to play cricket, how to box – which he made me promise was our secret. He would help Lissa and I climb trees in the back of their estate, kiss our scrapped knees and pull our hair. He was the best brother a girl could ask for, even though he wasn't really mine.
"Ready?" he asked. Lissa and I nodded and took our things, slipping our dance cards onto our wrists and taking our purses.
I smiled to myself as I watched Lissa dance with a lord who seemed to be stepping on her toes. Lissa had poise like no other, she wouldn't let on to anyone that he was stepping on her toes, but I knew that she was wishing for the dance to be over.
I made my way slowly around the room, a few men stopping me to chat or ask for a dance. It was rude to reject a dance, so I was careful to side step the ones I really didn't want any interest in.
Though two men that stopped me didn't need to request dances, they already knew they'd receive them.
"Look it here, Mase. Our very our Rose looks like a lady," my friend Eddie Castile said to our friend Mason Ashford
I snicked and rolled my eyes. "Oh shush," I said with a shake of my head.
"Really, Rose. You do look beautiful," Mason said gently, "I didn't think you knew how to wear a proper dress."
I shook my hand and smacked him with the fan in my hand, laughing with Eddie. The two had been thick as thieves since we had all been children, and I was drawn to them from a young age. They were fun and carefree, but I was always at peace around them. I liked the step away from poise and propriety. They kept me level head and grounded.
They reminded me how to be myself.
"Promise me a dance?" Mason asked, a small smile on his face. I smiled and nodded, but gave Eddie a sad look. I knew that Mason had feelings towards me, but it was one of those situations of stature. Mason was accepted into the society events, but he wasn't what my family would deem acceptable. Not that I saw him in that manner though, to me he was my boyish friend that would tease me about having to wear dresses that dropped below the ankles.
"Of course. At least with you two, I can be promised no wandering hands," I joked, giving both of them a nod as I continued towards the refreshments. I poured myself a glass and took a sip, surveying the room again. Lissa was dancing with an attractive man and he seemed to be holding her attention.
"Well, this is a surprise."
I turned and found the last person I wanted to see. Mr. Jesse Zeklos stood behind me with his signature smirk. Blonde hair and blue eyes, he would be deemed attractive, but his personality and character made me think differently.
"Mr. Zeklos," I said politely, canting my head. If I didn't need to interact with him, I wouldn't. He had a bad reputation when it came to young ladies, but never was caught, so he was never held accountable for his actions.
"Lady Mazur. I'm surprised that you aren't on the dance floor," he said with a smile, one that once would have made me swoon, but now made my skin crawl.
"I'm waiting for my next caller," I replied immediately, gesturing to my dance card. I didn't have anyone next, but he didn't need to know that. I gave a curt nod and stepped away before he could ask me to dance, practically fleeing.
The crowd around us thankfully parted as I walked. I glanced over my shoulder to see how far behind me he was when I walked into a solid form. I gasped and snapped my head around to see who I had ran into and looked up, finding a man taller than I had ever seen before. At a glance he was attractive, but right now he was better than Jesse.
Well, I hoped he was.
"I'm so sorry," I apologized, glancing over my shoulder again. "What's your name?"
The man raised his brow at me and I could see a look of annoyance on his face.
"Your name sir?"
"You really want me to believe you don't know my name?" the man asked.
I nervously glanced over my shoulder again and faked a laugh, brushing my hair away from my shoulder in hopes of Jesse believing that I was engaged in conversation. Jesse stopped and eyed us both before turning away and I sagged, breathing out a sigh of relief.
"Accosting me is not a way to buy an introduction," the man said with a bit of a snap and I looked back at him with wide eyes.
"Accosting?" I asked with a slight shake of my head. The man muttered something under his tongue in a language that was unfamiliar to me when I heard a voice call out.
"Belikov!"
The man and I bot turned to find Andre and another man approaching us. I took a deep breath and spared a glance at the man beside me, Belikov, I assumed. Belikov had a look of recognition that changed into a smile.
"Dragomir!" he said, clapping Andre on the shoulder. I stepped back the slightest bit to allow them to have their reunion of sorts, giving the other man a small smile. He was tall and blonde like Andre, but his eyes were a vibrant blue, almost like the lakes and seas.
"I heard about your father. Hey! You're no longer Belikov!" Andre said as he pulled back, a smirk growing to his face. Belikov looked a little uneasy and started to interject, but the blonde man interrupted.
"Grand Duke Belikov," the blonde said with a smirk, raising his glass to him.
"Grand Duke Belikov is it?" I asked, turning my attention back to the man beside me. He seemed so young to be a Grand Duke, but then again, Andre became Viscount at seventeen. The three men all looked at me, Andre clearing his throat and placing his hand on my shoulder.
"Yes. Belikov, this is my youngest sister, Rosemarie."
"Sister? I thought you only had one sister," The Grand Duke said, his eyes lingering on my face for a moment.
"That is correct, but Rosemarie stays with Vasilisa and I often, her family travels much. I'm sure you know of Ibrahim Mazur? The Earl?" Andre explained giving me a smirk. I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. I wasn't one to flaunt my title and stature, even though my ranking was higher than Andre's. I felt uneasy having Andre bring my lineage into play, but it was necessary to a degree. I wasn't debuting, but it was good for others to know for the next season.
"Yes, I have met the Earl many times. I met with him just this spring," he said before looking at me. "Dimitri Belikov," he said formally, extending his hand. I placed mine in his and nodded my head politely. I blushed when he lifted my hand to his lips, pressing a brushing kiss against my knuckles. It wasn't a strange gesture, something done and seen in society so often, but I had never experienced it.
"Rose," I said softly, a small smile gracing my lips. Dimitri, Grand Duke, whoever he was gave me a small smile in return and let go of my hand.
"You should have a dance with Rose, I can promise she won't step on your toes," Andre said, "I need to check on Vasilisa."
Andre didn't wait for a response, instead, he turned and walked through the crowd. My face must have shown what I was thinking because the blonde man that was standing with us chuckled. He said something to Belikov in the same language I didn't understand before giving me a bow of his head and left too.
"Oh, you don't have to if you don't want to," I said, "Honestly, Andre likes to meddle."
He smirked at me and held his hand up for me to take. "I have no objections. Shall we?"
I placed my hand in his and let him lead me to the floor, setting his hand on my back respectfully and led us in time with the music. I had danced many times, but I had never felt the zing of attraction fly through me. It was like the moment he touched me I could feel something change.
"Are you new to the city, Your Grace? I don't believe I've seen you in passing," I asked as we danced, swaying in a slow waltz.
"I don't generally linger in the city. I prefer the countryside; it reminds me of my home in Russia. And you, my lady?" he asked. I chuckled a little at the title. I hated being called 'lady' or 'Rosemarie'. I just preferred to be Rose.
"I prefer my family's estate in the country as well. We have an estate in Constantinople that I enjoy spending time in," I said. "And, to be honest, I hate being called 'lady."
"Then how should I address you?" he asked with a smirk. I decided already that I liked his smirk, even if I hadn't seen him smile. There was just something boyishly charming about the curve of his lips.
"In like company, Rose," I said.
"Then I insist that you address me in similar company as Dimitri," he said. I smiled and ducked my head to hide my blush.
"Dimitri," I said softly as our dance came to an end, curtseying while holding his eye. Dimitri bowed his head and gave my hand a squeeze before walking away. I watched as he left before giving my head and short shake and went in search of Lissa.
It was easy to find her in her gold dress and I shifted through the crowd towards her, slipping my arm through hers when I approached. She looked at me and smiled, jumping into a tale of her dances and those she thought would call upon her. She said there were a few that she was interested in or had nice smiles and I nodded along until she turned the direction of the topic.
"Was that Grand Duke Belikov I saw you dancing with?" Lissa asked in a hushed voice as we went in search of refreshments.
I scoffed a laugh. "You should have been paying more attention to who you were dancing with, Liss. But yes," I said with a small smile.
Lissa giggled. "Haven't even made your entrance into society and you've caught the eye of a Grand Duke."
"It's partly Andre's fault," I explained, "He introduced us after I crashed into him trying to avoid Mr. Zeklos."
Lissa's brows furrowed and she pursed her lips. "He approached you? I thought he wouldn't after what happened the last time," Lissa stated with a worried tone. I waved her off and gave her a smile.
"Don't worry, I made sure to get away as soon as possible," I reassured, "Hence running into the Grand Duke," I said with a chuckle. Lissa nodded and patted my hand as we approached Andre, who was still talking with the blonde man from earlier, Dimitri standing just to his left with a glass.
"Brother, I think it's time that we retired," Lissa said politely, tapping Andre on the shoulder. I took a glance around and bristled when I notice Jesse looking at me, an amused look on his face.
"Of course, but let me introduce you to a few old friend. This is Lord Ivan Zeklos and the Grand Duke, Dimitri Belikov," Andre said with a smirked, gesturing to the two men. I bristled again at the name Zeklos and my eyes snapped to his.
My face must have shown something and Lord Zeklos chuckled.
"Oh, I get that look all the time. You must be acquainted with my youngest brother, Jesse," he said. I gave a sharp nod and rolled my shoulders back.
"Ah yes, the black sheep of your family," Andre mused, "We tend not to bring him up when Rose is in our presence. Although, I took great pleasure breaking his nose last Christmas."
Lord Zeklos sputter on his drink and laughed. "That was you, Dragomir? My, I'm impressed," he exclaimed.
Andre nodded and gave me a reassuring smile. "Nobody gets to try and mess with my friends without suffering the consequences."
Both Lord Zeklos and Dimitri seemed to mull this over, Dimitri's eyes wandering towards me as he did. There was something so intense about the weight of his eyes, and i could feel the blush rising to my cheeks. Noticing it, he smirked and looked away, taking a sip from the glass in his hand.
"It was lovely to make your acquaintance, Miss Dragomir," Dimitri said to Lissa. She nodded her head politely and squeezed my hand where hers rested.
I tuned everyone out as Andre made plans to meet with his friends again, my eyes wandering around the room as they chatted. A lot of the ladies I had grown up with were joining the society this year, and a part of me felt a little left out that I couldn't. But at the same time, I was glad I wasn't going out this year, it would give me more time to stall. I didn't want to end up with someone who would want to silence me.
My father said that I spoke my mind and he thought it was endearing, but my mother hated it. She thought that I was too rebellious for my own good and that it would deter a "suitable match". But I wanted someone who wanted me even with my flaws, not just for my dowery.
As Lissa dragged me along with her, I remembered my promise to Eddie and Mason. I looked around the room, spotting them. I waved and gestured to Lissa before mouthing my apologies. Mason looked a little forlorn but nodded, knowing that if Andre left, I had to leave too.
Next time, I mouth to the two of them. They both nodded and gave me a smile before I slipped out the door.
Just as expected, many suitors showed up the next morning to meet with Lissa. They showered her with flowers and attention, but I could tell that none really impressed her. Lissa was a smart lady, particularly in language and literature, but she kept her cards close.
I knew that Lissa dreamed to find someone she loved to marry, and I wanted that for her. Too many people would see her as the sister of a Viscount and think they won the lottery, but not many would see the amazing woman she was.
I was lingering in the drawing-room as she met with another suitor, Mr. Aaron Drozdov and they seemed to be hitting it off when the Dragomir housekeep came in with a single flower with a bow tied to it. I smiled to myself, thinking that the simple flower would mean more to Lissa than a massive bouquet, but I felt my smile falter and grow again when the housekeeper stopped in front of me.
"This was delivered for you," she said, extending the flower to me. I blinked and took it, examining the lilac rose carefully. I wasn't one for roses, but the purple contrast of the petals was beautiful.
"From whom?" I asked.
The housekeeper had a small quirk of a smile and handed me a small folded paper before walking away. I glanced toward Liss to see if she was still speaking to the gentlemen before unfolding the paper.
A rose for a Rose, but it doesn't compare to your beauty.
~D
I grinned to myself and brought it up to my nose, sniffing it. It wasn't overpowering but it still smelled nice, nonetheless. I set my book down beside me and examined the rose in closer detail. The thorns had been clipped near the bottom of the steam, making it so that holding it was easier.
The rose was perfect, and I smirked to myself again thinking of the note. He knew how to make a girl blush.
"Where did that come from?" Andre asked.
I jumped a little and looked up at him, giving him a small smile.
"An admirer."
"I thought that you weren't entering society," he said sitting down, "At least I wasn't told I could present you."
"I'm not," I said with a roll of my eyes, "But it's still nice to know that someone noticed me."
Andre hummed and leaned back on the cushion beside me, plucking the note from between my fingers. I protested and reached for it, but he held it up above our heads,
"Andre!"
Andre gave me a smug look before tipping his head up and moving the paper between his fingers so he could read the contents. I huffed and crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes at him. I watched Andre's eyes move as he read before he raised a brow and smirked at me.
"Look at you. Not even on the market and caught the eye of a prominent figure," he snicked, flicking the paper at me.
"He's being friendly," I mumbled. Andre laughed.
"Dimitri isn't 'friendly' with people unless he means it," Andre said, "Did you tell him you were available."
"I didn't think I needed to. Besides, he's what, your age?" I stated, chewing on my lips.
"Yes. Seven years your elder."
I shrugged. "Exactly," I said standing up, the rose hanging loosely between my fingers.
"Rose?"
I turned at looked at Andre again. "Yes?"
"Just be cautious, okay?"
I furrowed my brows and nodded before leaving the drawing-room in hopes of finding a vase for my flower. Why would I need to be cautious?
