Chapter 10

"Uhrgh!" The sound that escaped me was probably worse than the death rattle, yet no one commented on the hideous noise. Dimitri was still holding me, but currently he was staring ashen faced at the person who had interrupted us. My mother.

Queen Tatiana was known for her ruthless streak and it was common knowledge that she cared not for me, just her sons. It was said however, that she was fond of Lord Ivashkov. Her catching us was probably the worst thing that could possible happen.

"Madam, I do hope you can explain this situation, and quickly, before I publicly disown you." She snapped at me. I flinched and tried to rack my brain for ideas.

"Well majesty I can only say that I was saying goodbye to my one true love?" Well, it wasn't going to please her but at least it was the truth. I was right, her face darkened in anger and Dimitri's arm tightened around me. I knew him well enough to know that this was a message to me, one saying "don't antagonise her!" Too late.

"Rosemarie! You are an English princess and betrothed to my dear friend Lord Ivashkov! You are fully aware that lovers are not acceptable and revealing this scandal in the royal court is enough to get you executed! You are lucky your father thinks you are just young and naive, I know better. Which is why, when I tell you to do this, you will do this." She paused to take a breathe. Her voice had risen and its sharpness was painful to my ears. I was listening. But I seriously doubt that I will follow.

"I will send you to your old governess, Mistress Mazur in Newcastle and you shall stay there until you have been reminded of the correct protocol for those of royal blood. There will be no contact with Lord Belikov and you will only send letters to your betrothed. You will stay there for as long as necessary and I do hope you will learn fast. You may begin preparations for your wedding while there. You will leave immediately. You may also cease the fish impression, it is very unattractive." She sniffed. I gaped. At some stage during the time she had been speaking my jaw had dropped, and now, as my darling mother had pointed out, I looked a bit like a fish. Not a flattering comparison. However, that was irrelevant. Newcastle was a ridiculously long way away from Winchester, a 2 days ride. And that was on the fasted horse nonstop! I could not be that far away from Dimitri! I just couldn't! The pain would be too much. I was vaguely aware of gentle hands pushing my jaw up again and hearing an angry hiss from my mother. I didn't notice. I was too stunned. Though now, now my shock was fading and a different emotion began to take over, my heart forced blood through my veins and with it a fire. Very different to the one Dimitri put in me. This was one of rage. The anger pulsed through, raw and untamed.

"You may be my mother but you have never acted like one! How dare you do this to me?" I exploded, my rage blinding me. I was no longer rational, and I my brain could not realise that what I was doing was not only dangerous, but extremely idiotic. I may be a princess, but I am also an unmarried woman caught in a very compromising situation. Irrationally, I continued my rant. "Wild horses could not keep me away and I assure you madam, I most certainly will not marry your duke!"

I finished, breathing heavily. Dimitri's arms were restraining me and Tatiana's guards were ready to defend her at all costs. My mother, however, just stared at me blankly. Her face smooth, yet he lips were thin and this was not a good sign.

"Escort her highness to her bedchamber. Order her maids to begin packing and tell them they will need to prepare for a long journey. After that... little temper tantrum, she may only take four maids with her and she may only visit Lord Ivashkov and her father to say goodbye. She is to be followed by a member of the guard at all times until she leaves. Dismissed." Airily, she waved a hand in dismissal and stepping past me, began to move along. A member of her guard bowed to her and then came to stand at my side. Dimitri slowly released my arms, but did not move until the queen and her company had passed us by. As soon as they were out of sight, he stepped into my line of view.

"Oh Dimitri!" I threw myself at him with a sob and fell into his arms. Those arms wrapped around me and left me feeling safe and loved.

"Hush Roza, I promise we shall see each other soon. I shall visit your father before leaving and see if I can get permission to visit you." He tried to reassure me.

"But Mistress Mazur is horrid! Last time she kept hitting me with her husband's walking stick!" I protested feebly. "And... I need you my love."

I cuddled into him even more so that he would not see my blush flood across my face. He laughed.

"I need you too, and I love you Rose. So very much." I closed my eyes to stop the traitorous tears from falling. This was the best of a goodbye I could get, so I should probably make the most of it. Of course, someone had to break the tranquillity that had covered me.

"I apologize, but I must take her highness to her rooms. Her majesty did forbid you to too say goodbye so I have already broken the ruled by letting you have this long." The guard. Of course someone had to cut short by time with Dimitri. With a final sigh I let go.

"Very well. I love you Dimitri." I stared into the brown eyes that I got lost in so easily.

"Goodbye my love, I shall miss you. I love you too my Roza." Slowly, we moved together into a passionate, sweet and too short kiss. Dimitri broke it, and after a last small bow, he walked away from me. As he turned the corner, I finally allowed the tears to fall, as the pain of the separation took me.

Hey!

I can't believe it's been so long since I've updated! :O It sucks. But I'm going to blame the enormous amount of college work I have. And the best bit is, when half term finishes, my enrichment begins: American politics I'm looking forward to it. Which is good seeing as I'm studying politics at uni...

I'll try and not leave it so long till I update next... but all depends on what work I get set!

Thank you to everyone who reviews, alerts and favourites this story! I love you all, and as I update faster with the more reviews I get... REVIEW! :D

Disclaimer: If I was Richelle Mead, I would not be writing FF. All I own is a weird little brain...

DarkRomanceAddict