Chapter 4

I was frozen, my arms still wrapped around my love's neck, and his around my waist. We were both staring at the unwelcome intruders in horror. Adrian was smirking; he knew what was going to happen to Dimitri. So did I, so did Dimitri, and so did my father. I could not let it happen. My father's face was furious. He glared at us both and I tried to think of a way to make this situation better.

"Unhand her this instant." My father's tone was deadly, and I knew Dimitri was scared, even if he'd never show it. Dimitri slowly released me, and I reluctantly pulled my arms back from his neck.

"Would you care to explain the situation?" My father still spoke in the same deadly tone, and it was difficult to say who he would rather kill at this moment in time. I decided some grovelling was needed.

"Father, I know this position you found me and Dimitri in is very compromising, and disgraceful for a member of the best royal family on God's green Earth, but, I promise Dimitri was doing nothing that could compromise my honour." Well that was rubbish... he's never going to fall for that... he's going to chuck Dimitri in the tower now... the thoughts would not leave me alone and I could feel my terror levels rising.

My father frowned at my speech. "Lord Ivashkov, I am well aware that my daughter appears to be a little whore..." here he shot me a venomous look and I felt like I'd just been punched in the gut. He's just angry, he's just angry, I am not a whore, and he'll apologize for that later..." "But, I can assure you this behaviour will not happen again. I ask you sir; will you still take my daughter to be your bride?" My father ended his speech in a tone that said very clearly that he expected Lord Ivashkov to say he'd end things. I felt a flurry of hope, Maybe I won't have to marry it... Yes, I don't like him, what do you expect? He hit me!

Adrian smiled, he forced some sadness into it, but I saw him look at me and the anger in his eyes was unconcealed.

"May I be blank your majesty? I know I am unworthy to speak to you but I beg you to hear me out." Dimitri got down on his knees in front of my father before Adrian could speak. My father gave him a disgusted look. Then, seeing him before him on his knees he frowned. Edward V really loved people who were humble, and even though he'd just seen this man kissing his daughter, he tended to be more lenient on the people that showed themselves very plainly as beneath him.

"Speak boy, what is your name?" My father's joy at seeing Dimitri before him was what persuaded him to hear him out. Make it good Dimitri... I can't see you die...

"Dimitri Belikov your gracious majesty." I smiled, flattery always helped too.

"Occupation!" barked father.

"Chief Advisor to Duke Adrian Ivashkov generous king," I caught a glimpse of Dimitri's face, he was struggling to think up good enough adjectives to describe my father.

"Not. Anymore." Adrian got out through gritted teeth, it was clear that he wanted Edward to through him in the tower. Dimitri nodded.

"I understand Lord Ivashkov; I would have had to resign my post anyway." Adrian and my father raised their eyebrows.

"Oh? Why so?" my father asked in curiosity.

"Well, I confess I am in love with your daughter the Princess merciful Majesty, and I would have had to leave so I could not see the woman I love dearly married to another man." Dimitri spoke with pride, though I heard the faint sound of unease in his tone. It was clear he thought he was about to be thrown in the tower now. My father's lips had tightened in anger and my fear for Dimitri grew. I had to step in. I ran to Dimitri's side and dropped onto my knees beside him, quickly I grabbed his hand and looking up at my father's face, and I spoke the truest words I'd ever spoken.

"Father, I understand that you must detest even the sight of Dimitri now, but please understand these words from your weak daughter." Inhaling deeply I continued. "I love Dimitri father. I love him so much I feel broken when he is not around. I must tell you father, that if you sentence Dimitri to death, then I will follow him, and we shall be together in heaven." I inhaled deeply again, here my father would explode. I wasn't disappointed.

"LOVE? LOVE! GIRL YOU ARE 17! LOVE FADES! YOU WILL GET OVER IT" he was steaming now. His eyes crazed as he frantically debated in his head on what he should do.

"I CANNOT!" With an effort I calmed down, shouting at the king would not help matters in the slightest. "Father, this love is true and strong. Dimitri and I will last long, and I could bring you many healthy boys off him." My father only cared for boys.

"You could do that with Lord Ivashkov." He muttered angrily.

"Healthier children are born to couples who love each other." I argued. There was no way I was going to let this go. I had to have Dimitri safe.

"I have a suggestion majesty." Adrian spoke up. I was wary immediately; I hated Adrian, and everything about him. If he had a suggestion, it wouldn't benefit me or Dimitri.

"Speak Lord Ivashkov" ordered father, he was pacing now.

"I will marry Princess Rosemarie, if you will execute this traitor." I gasped in horror and decided to beg.

"FATHER PLEASE!" He looked at me with a torn expression. He didn't want to hurt me, but he wanted me married to a respectable man.

"Madam. Lord Ivashkov. Sir Belikov. I shall retire for evening and ponder on what you have told me. Come to my rooms at 10 tomorrow. I shall tell you my decision then." He nodded and we rose to our feet. Dimitri and Adrian bowed and dropped into a curtsey.

"Very well father. Thank you." He nodded again.

"And Rosemarie, pray for your soul tonight. God frowns upon displays of affection before matrimony. The engagement is on hold for the moment." With that he left.

"Don't worry little Princess. I will get my way. And you will be punished for this treachery. Whore." Adrian gave his last parting retort and left my rooms. Dimitri sighed next to me.

"Well, let's just hope your father looks kindly upon us." Dimitri said sadly.

"I doubt it." My voice was bitter, but I knew my father. He would most likely go in the favour of Adrian as he could offer more in the way of peace and connections to my father.

"Then... Roza." I looked at him, gazing into his deep brown eyes that saw into my soul I began to melt.

"Yes Dimitri..."

"Marry me Roza. We can elope. Flee the country. We'll be safe; we can live happily ever after. Please."

"I-" Then we interrupted once more.

Hiiii :D

I'm really mean to end on a cliffy in both this chapter and the last... but I'm mean lol ;)

Thanks for all the reviews! They make me smile :D

Ok, I'm putting up a pole on what the king is going to decide. Please vote! The most popular one is most likely going to be the one I use because I have good ideas for them all.

Please keep on reviewing! :D

DarkRomanceAddict