SURPRISE! Random update, felt like spoiling you. Enjoy!

Ibrahim

I knew he would be there that night. I didn't know to tell her or not. I could tell that he had already made a mark on her and I could see she was trying to get passed what he had already made her feel. But I knew it wouldn't be that easy.

My hopes was that she would feel that she could always talk to me. I know your father might not be the first person to turn to about love but from what she told me in the library the other day she's still my girl.

I just hope she will be able to let go. If not I know she will be in for a heartbreak.

Rose

You always look forward to traveling until mid through the trip. When your stiff and warm and there's still a long time left to go.

I helped Tasha finish up packing that night and in the morning we went to the dress shop and Louise was very happy I had decided on one of her new designs. I promised I would tell her the reactions when we've come back.

"Is it a big event?" Tasha asked as we were all taking a short break before continuing.

"The last number I heard was about one hundred guests. I think the majority to be bachelors there to see if they can win the fair ladys heart" Oscar chuckled.

"Poor girl" I said with irony and they all laughed.

"I'm sure it will be a lovely night for us all" Papa smiled. "Maybe we can find a special someone for Oscar, what do you think Rose?"

"Oo I like the sound of that, I'm always up for a challenge" I wiggled my brows towards Oscar.

He laughed, "Don't you two even dare plotting against me, no woman is coming home with me"

"Why not? Isn't it time?" I asked tilting my head to the side innocently. He shot me a glare. I giggled.

"Shall we continue?" Eddie asked as he came around the corner, "There's only a few hours before we reach the Andrew Estate"

"Thank god" I said with a sigh.

"Don't be so dramatic" Papa said as he helped me in. I rolled my eyes, this is nothing. He's seen me dramatic and this isn't even half way!

As we reached the estate the whole Andrew family were waiting for us. Sydney was an only daughter just like me so the few times we've met we always got along great. She was a petty blonde girl similar to Tasha. Her hair was golden and her eyes a beautiful grey colour.

Her father was a rather large man with white hair and a big moustache. Her mother was the only tall person in the family with a slim form. Oh how I wished I had some height, it's tough being one of the shortest people in the royal world…

"Rose" Sydney's face lit up as I got out of the carriage. I grinned as we hugged, "Sydney" I took a step back to take her in, "Wow you look stunning" She giggled and blushed, "All ready for the season" I winked and she rolled her eyes.

"It's been so long, I'm so happy to see you"

"And me you, Thank you for inviting us" I smiled as she led us inside.

"Nothing to thank me for, I wanted close friends here as well, papa have invited so many bachelors I don't really know to be happy or offended"

I laughed at that, "I think you should be happy, the more the merrier! Also the more the higher the chance of someone who can actually keep a good conversation"

"True" she smiled, "I have it all planned, my dress my hair, I'm so excited"

"As you should be, you will be the star of the night"

"Tea?" Sydneys mother Emma asked and we all followed her to the lounge where we sat for a while and had a chat. The ball wasn't until tomorrow but it was exciting as they shared their plans. There would be a big orchestra coming and several of Europe's elite bachelors had accepted which I knew Sydney was incredibly please with.

"We have invited some friends as well of course to share this joyful occasion" Robert, Sydney's father said as he lit up a cigar. "Rose we have put you in the room right next to Sydneys, feel free to make yourself at home"

They were such a kind family I could see why my father spoke so warmly of them. The night went on and we all went to bed filled with excitement.

The morning was busy with preparations. I had promised to help Sydney pick was jewellery to wear and we were getting ready together. Tasha had offered to do Sydneys hair and make up as well since all their staff was busy with decorating.

We had been in her room for hours finding all the matching pieces to go with her gown for tonight. When she showed it to us I was amazed. It was a beautiful yellow colour with thousands of sparkly beads embroided on the bodice. The skirt turned into a beautiful full skirt with a thin layer of a shimmery chiffon which gave it a magical feel. We had decided she would wear her hair up with a beautiful diadem her mother had borrowed her. She was wearing white gloves and a pair of beautiful pair of earrings with a big yellow diamond in the centre surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds.

Showing my dress Sydneys eyes went wide, she have never seen anything like it. It was a nude fabric that had a slight shimmer to it. It was fitted showing off my curves and then fell beautifully from my hip down to the floor. The was off shoulder with a long sleeve. It had lace detail along the sleeve and at the hem of the skirt. It again had that sparkly detail by my waist which I was a detail I truly loved. Tasha was going to put my hair up in a relaxed up to with strands of hair falling down in soft curls.

A soft brown and gold was going to contour my eyes and a thick layer of mascara. Tasha was a miracle worker so my the time we were done I knew we'd both look great. Well Sydney would outshine anyone tonight, which she should! I was so excited for her.

They had told us that people had already started to arrive. I was almost done and Tasha was doing some final touches on Sydneys make up. I was putting in a pair of diamond hoops that my father gave me for my twentieth birthday and a thin diamond choker necklace. It was a low key look but with the fitted dress it worked perfectly with a little bit of diamond sparkle.

"Done" Tasha declared proudly as she took a step back. Sydney got up and stood in front of the big mirror in her room. I grinned, she looked absolutely breathtaking!

"Sydney you, you're glowing" I said seeing the excitement on her face.

"They men won't be able to stay away" Tasha snickered and I giggled with her. "I think I might have to tell your father to keep an eye on you" I winked towards Sydney. She laughed and shot us both playful glares.

There was a knock on the door. The maid told us that I should go down and join the others, Sydney would have her own grand entrance as soon as all the guests had arrived.

I kissed her cheek, "Enjoy every second ok? And try to dance with as many men as possible" I winked, "I'll be right there if you need any help to pick and choose" I giggled before I lifted my dress and walked out.

The maid guided me down the hall and down the stairs. I could see my father and Oscar waiting at the bottom of the stairs. I smiled, they were both dressed in all black. Papa had red details and Oscar a soft blue.

Sometimes it still shocked me how young my father still looked. I grinned as I walked down. I spotted Eddie by the far wall, he gave me a look like he wanted to tell me something. I frowned trying to understand what he was saying. He looked me straight in the eye before he nodded his head in another direction. My eyes followed and I felt my heart drop a little. I could recognise him from miles away. He had his back to me.

I think Eddie suddenly saw the slight panic in my eyes as he started to move over. I tried to rush down the stairs so he wouldn't see me and I tripped right at the end. Luckily Eddie had already made his way over and he caught me right before I managed to fall.

Papa and Oscar turned around right in time to see. They rushed forward, "Rose?"

"Are you ok darling?" Papa steadied me as Eddie was holding onto my other arm. I smile sheepishly, "Just clumsy"

Oscar smiled, "I think she swooned over our good looks or what do you think Ibrahim?"

My papa laughed out loud, "That must be true"

"I'll let you keep thinking that" I smiled shaking my head.

"Let me look at you" Papa said taking a step back. "Beautiful" he grinned, "Interesting choice of dress"

I smiled, "I always like to stand out, I just thought I'd try it in a more low key way"

"Not with a dress showing off your curves" Eddie Joked which earned a glare from my father. I laughed, "Calm down papa, Eddie is just being silly, shall we go in?" I asked. I wanted to go in early so maybe I could hide in the crowd. For some reason I wasn't happy to see Dimitri.

I was scared.

Before I was slightly more prepared and I was at home. I'm always more confident when i was home. Hopefully I will be able to lay low tonight and he won't even notice me.

Papa and Oscar walked in first and Eddie escorted me in, "What is he doing here?" I whispered through my teeth.

"I saw him as he arrived, I wanted to let you know as soon as I could but I couldn't find your room" Eddie said lowly. I sighed as he continued, "I spoke to one of the guards and apparently Sydney is a good friend of Viktoria, Dimitris younger sister. When Robert heard he was near by he invited him over"

I mumbled some curses under my breath. Eddie stopped and let go of me, "What do you want me to do?"

"Nothing" I said shaking my head, "I'll lay low, I want to be here for Sydney tonight"

He nodded sternly, "Let me know if you need me. I need to get back"

"Thank you for telling me" I smiled squeezing his hand. He smiled in return and then he left.

The room quiet down and Robert was standing in the centre saying a few words and welcoming everyone. Papa and Oscar stood on each side of me as the orchestra started playing and the door opened and there stood a glowing Sydney.

I heard murmurs all around me praising her:

"She looks stunning"

"Wow!"

"Absolutely beautiful"

I grinned, she did look stunning as she was walking in a man walked forward instantly asking for a dance. She accepted and everyone was looking in awe as he pulled her around the dance floor.

"Who is that?" I asked watching the dark haired man that was dancing with Sydney.

"That's Ruben Voda, I haven't met him but I've heard great things about him" Papa said.

"He's handsome" I said smiling towards Sydney.

"Jealous?" Oscar teased. I elbowed him but kept my eyes on Sydney. When the song was finished a new man came and cut in and Sydney continued to dance.

"She will be busy tonight" I laughed, "Look at the queue"

"Maybe we should warn Robert" Oscar grinned.

"I think he already knows" Papa smiled and nodded towards Robert. He was proudly watching his daughter dance with yet another suitor. My smile suddenly fell as Dimitri walked up behind Robert and they laughed and shook hands. I looked down started to fiddle with my hands.

"So you've seen him?" Papa asked. He wasn't looking at me but I knew he was talking to me.

"Eddie told me earlier"

"Is that why you tripped?"

I looked up as Oscar asked that, I gave him a side glaze and nodded. "I'm going to stay in the crowd" I half smiled, "Tonight is Sydney's night. and hopefully I can side track myself by finding Oscar a woman"

Papa held back laughter as I knew Oscar was shooting me glares.

I saw Sydney had stopped dancing and was over by the drink table talking to a gentleman. I saw this as my escape to talk to her, "Excuse me gentlemen, I have a lady friend to talk to" I winked as I walked over to Sydney.

The man left just as I got closed and I could see a blush on Sydneys cheeks. I grinned, "Oh hello you"

She turned as soon as she heard me and laughed, "Hello"

"Enjoying yourself?" I asked taking a glass of wine of a tray. I put some water in it as Sydney wasn't looking.

"I am, it's a little overwhelming" she said fanning herself.

I chuckled, "The amount of men queueing for you or the amount you've already danced with?"

She shot me a playful look as she blushed ever more and I laughed. "I'm happy you're having such a great evening"

She smiled thank you as she was looking out on the dance floor which was now very crowded. "Fancy anyone so far?" I asked sipping on my white wine.

"Ruben Voda is still all I can think about. Altho I met a Adrian Ivashkov that was incredibly charming"

I smiled, "Rather like too many and pick and choose instead of not liking any"

"Have you met anyone yet?" She asked suddenly looking at me curious. I half smiled and shook my head.

"I didn't mean to intrude-" she started to apologise but I held up my hand and smiled, "It's nothing, I just haven't found anyone catching my eye, but I have met plenty" I said making a face.

Sydney giggled, You will find someone, I mean look at you! You're gorgeous"

"We both will and are" I said, "Now go dance, I can tell there's probably ten men eyeing you over my shoulder"

She giggled and put down her drink disappearing into the crowd.

A strange feeling fell over me as Sydney had left. I was so happy for her, she was centre of attention and the guys were piling up to dance with her. I was sure she would find at least two or three men she would see again.

And here I am, two years past my season coming out and nothing's happened. I know it's unfair thinking of it like that. When I finally find someone that makes my heart skips a beat he is already taken.

I skimmed the crowd and found him in a small crowd talking to Robert, papa, Oscar and some other gentlemen. They seem to be deep in conversation so I took this as my queue to leave. Sydney was being taken care of and I was sure she would dance all night and my father was distracting Dimitri.

Sneaking out of the ball room and looked around the hall, I saw two big french doors that I remembered led to their back garden. I lifted my dress as I walk down the small steps. It was dark but the light from inside lit up parts of the garden.

I remember being out here for a garden party years ago. There were walls surrounding the garden, in the centre a pond surrounded by beautiful flowers and a big tree hovering over it.

I looked over my shoulder making sure nobody saw me. I walked along the pond edge seeing the moonlights mirror. It was cool out but no wind which made it durable. My dress was thin so I probably wouldn't last out here for long.

Looking up to the tips of the big tree and I closed my eyes as I felt calm. I've had a small lump in my stomach ever since I saw Dimitri on the steps.

Taking a deep breath before I looked at the stars. Since there were barely any lights out the sky seemed endless and beautiful.

I continue to walk closer to the stem of the tree and I decided to sit down. I leaned my back against the tree and rested my eyes on the still water. It was very beautiful out here.

There came a noise from my right, I sat up suddenly and gasped as a shape came through the leaves.

I narrowed my eyes trying to see my eyes went wide as I recognised his form.

Dimitri.

He has an amused look on his face as he was looking down on me "What are you doing?"

"How did you know I was here?" I frowned.

His expression sobered up slightly to the tone of my voice. "Is everything alright?" he asked worry lacing his voice.

I sighed and closed my eyes nodding, "Yes sorry, I didn't mean to sound rude" I looked down at me hands, "How did you know I was here?"

He took a few steps closer, hands in his pockets "I didn't, well" He looked out across the water, "I hadn't seen you all night and your father said you were here" He looked down before he looked at me. "I saw the french doors open in the hall so I peeked out and saw you walking along the pond"

I licked my lips looking out across the water. I rubbed my hands together as my fingers started to get stiff.

"Why are you sitting on the ground?" Amusement filled his voice.

I didn't look at when I said, "There wasn't anywhere else, it's just grass" I shrugged.

He breathed a chuckle and mumbled "I've never met anyone like you Rose"

I looked down at my hands with a sad smile. I started moving my hands trying to not go numb.

"Are you cold?"

I looked up, he was standing right next to me now. It was dark so I couldn't see his face clearly but the water reflected in his eyes and i could see his face was serious.

I nodded.

"We should go inside" I could see him looking over his shoulder. I started to shuffle holding my dress and getting up at the same time. Suddenly his hand was right there I looked at it before I looked up at him. I felt guarded. The thought of him being engaged kept playing in my mind.

I let my fingers slide into his as I held my dress he pulled me up. He gently squeezed my hand, I put a hand on his chest to steady myself. He was so warm. My eyes instantly moved to where my hand was, I knew I should move it, I should have moved it many seconds ago. I just couldn't do it. I bit my lower lip just as I was about to pull away when his hand rested on top of mine.

Looking up, I tried to search his eyes. It was dark but I could see the want that was burning in there. The heat and the passion was burning, his lips parted slightly and my breathing picked up.

His left hand was still laced up with mine as his other hand rested on top of mine. I didn't know what came over my but suddenly I reaching up on my toes and for a brief second our lips meet.

Taken aback he moved away. My hand slid off his chest. I instantly felt so stupid. I knew what I just done was so wrong. I looked away closing my eyes trying to hold in what ever my body was feeling.

I pulled my hand out of his, I couldn't stay here, I brushed past him.

I had to get away. I had just kissed a man that's already promised to someone else. Mid step I felt his hand wrap firmly around my wrist. I snapped around gasping at his firm grip.

The look on his face was a mix of pain and sadness. I felt my lower lip quiver and I shook my head, "D-Dimitri I-I-I" I stopped as he started to pull me in.

My eyes narrowed as he gently pushed me back, I felt the tree behind my back as his feet was flush with mine. I looked up feeling out of breath.

He placed his hand on my cheek, our eyes locked on one another. His thumb slowly traced down lining my bottom lip. I swallowed hard before my lips parted.

I could see determination in his eyes, he then moved his face closer, tilting my head back in a smooth motion and suddenly his lips pressed against mine.

Moaning into his mouth I grabbed into his jacket pulling him closer. His free hand ran into my hair as our lips parted and came together again. Feeling his bottom lip between mine was mind blowing. Where I just a moment ago felt cold I now was burning. Our lips met again before he suddenly pulls away.

I gasp loudly at the sudden loss of his body weight against mine. He turns his back to me running both his hands through his hair, "Shit!" i heard him curse under his breath.

Leaning against the tree I close my eyes and feel the tears burning in my eyes. What have I done?

A quivering sob leave my lips. I quickly push myself away from the tree make sure not to touch him has I rush past him.

I could hear him call after me, "Rose?"

Running through the doors I make my way to the stairs. I start running up but my stupid heels keep making me side step.

"Rose!" I could hear his voice coming closer. I try kicking the shoes off my feet and trips at the same time.

"Fuck" I curse feeling a pain in my ankle. I look over my shoulder and he's at the base of the stairs still coming after me. I get up, I leave my shoes mid steps and hurry up the last steps. I make it half way to my room when I feel his hand take mine, pulling me to a stop.

The force of his grip pulls me right against his chest. I couldn't move. I was back were I'd just ran away from.

We were both still for a good minute, the only thing you could hear was our loud breathing. I jumped slightly when his arms suddenly move around me hugging me tightly against his chest.

He rests his head on top of mine and I feel him sigh heavily, "What are we doing?"

I shook my head into his chest, "I don't-" I lean my head back and I see all the different emotions flashing in his eyes. I try speaking again, "I don't- I can't" I can feel the tears pooling in my arms.

I'm so blissfully happy to finally know what it's like to be in his arms. To know the warm soft feeling of his lips against mine. At the same time it feels like my world is crashing down and I have just made the biggest mistake of my life.

Suddenly a feeling comes over me. If this is the first and last chance I will have to kiss Dimitri Belikov, I better fucking kiss Dimitri Belikov.

With determination I let my fingers grip the collar of his shirt pulling him down and his blissful lips are on mine once again. I take his bottom lip between mine making sure to memorise every feel on him. His arms sneak around my waist as he presses himself closer to me. Our lips meet again and I can feel his teeth nibble at my bottom lip and I moan softly against his mouth.

My grip of his collar eases off and I kiss him more softly. Pulling away, I savour every feeling, every touch and breath I have as I linger close to his lips. I close my eyes as I slowly back away, out of his arms. I turn and finally open my eyes walking towards my door.

Putting my hand on the handle I look up seeing Dimitri frozen in his steps, his eyes hungry looking at me. My free hand rests on top of my heart. Not wavering from his gaze I lick my lower lip getting a last taste of him.

His face hardens as I do so.

With that I open my door and leave Dimitri standing alone in the hall way.

I lean against the closed door trying to gather strength to face anyone. I've never felt so weak in my life. I don't even know what just happened. I can't stop nor comprehend any thoughts that are flashing past my mind.

Leaning my head back against the door I release a sob.

I then hear movement through coming from beside me. There is Tasha and Eddie with very surprised looks on their face.

They take in the state of me. My hair is messy after Dimitri tangling his hands in there as he was kissing me. My lips are swollen and my knee is probably scraped.

"Rose?" Eddie says with a serious look. They both move closer and Tasha gasps,

"What happened to you? Your hair?" She eyes me up and down, "Are you bleeding?"

I feel my eyes pool with tears as I bit my lips before meeting my friends eyes. I have to say it, there's no way around it.

"I kissed Dimitri"

This is one of the first more drama filled chapters, what's your opinions?

xxx