R POV

I always thought my father was busy each day. I have completely changed my mind ever since I came to Russia. Dimitri's in meetings everyday or has a event to go to or visits. We've had a few dinners alone since our day out but he has been very busy. It's a much bigger country than England but i didn't know it would be like this. I have spent some time with Olena, Dimitri's sisters are still ignoring me, I haven't had it in me to confront them yet. Nor did I want to be needy and clingy and tell Dimitri to spend more time with me, it's not like we would have everyday alone together later on, but I just did't imagine it to be like this.

I have read book after book in their beautiful library, I've wondered around the palace and made sure I've see it all. It truly was magnificent. The gardens were huge, beautiful scenery and views all around. All that was missing was Dimitri.

Closing my book I sighed, looking over at the time. He was suppose to meet me an hour ago after his second meeting with the local military academy presidents. Maybe he forgot…

The door then opened, and I looked up feeling the smile grow on my face but it suddenly fell and it was Olena coming through the door. She laughed, "I don't think I've seen anyones face fall that quick realising I'm not who you think I was"

"Sorry" I said looking down moving a strand of hair behind my ear, "I thought you were-"

"Dimitri?" She finished my sentence before I could. Nodding I felt a bit of a blush come on. Was I that obvious?

"The presidents of the military wanted him to come and see their great progress, they just left but he will go in an hour or so" she said.

Feeling my stomach drop with disappointment I knew it was obvious, disappointment was radiating off my face. Licking my lips I sighed, "Ok" I got up planning to go to my room. I didn't feel like being around anyone anymore.

"I was thinking" Olena's voice pulled me back to reality. "I was thinking it would be good for you to join in for two or three days, see the way he works and what another country is like. I'm sure we must work differently towards your father"

It actually sounded quite interesting and a really good idea. Nodding I agreed with her. She told me to be ready in half an hour and meet them in the great hall ready to go. It would be a official visit so I knew I had to go change.

For my usual visits I wore dresses, it was more occasional wear but for this I knew it would be about being able to hold my own. I knew Tasha would have something good for me.

As I came walking down the stairs I could see Olena, Dimitri and a few of the officials that I had seen around every day. After I told Tasha where I was going and what I wanted I instantly knew I could trust her. I was wearing a dressier riding pant with a pair of high dark brown boots with a daring heel. She had this amazing jacket with rope lacing all up the front of it and a simple white blouse underneath. I left my hair out, I didn't want it to be too strict. I just felt like I needed to make a statement. I didn't want to be somebody on the side, that wasn't me. And I clearly succeeded…

The moment I caught Dimitri's eyes they widened and Olena clearly look amused. It wasn't that I was showing anything, I think maybe it was the face that ladies wear dresses and look pretty. I wear something fitting and flattering dressed in black.

Olena stepped forward Holding her arms up for a hug, snickering as she kissed my cheek, "You look stunning"

For some reason I had a feeling she knew I would do something like this, and it was like she wanted me to stir things up.

"We are ready to leave your majesty" One of the officials said as we turned around. Olena nodded before giving me a smile. "I think you will enjoy this, it'l be something different for you"

"I'm very curious" I smiled to her before meeting Dimitri's gaze. I couldn't tell what it was saying but I was very curious to hear what he thought of my outfit. We let the officials lead the way, we stayed behind for a few moments to get a moment alone.

"Hello" I said like nothing had happened. He had an amused smile on his lips, "I have said it before but I will say it again, you will be the death of me"

A grin painted my lips, "I need to keep you on your toes" I winked before starting to walk to the door. He caught up with me quickly lacing his fingers through my fingers. Looking over he caught my lips kissing me before pulling away. "You look amazing, I am worried though" he said shaking his head.

I frowned, "About what?"

"You, you're outfit, a full academy with teenagers looking at me woman?" He shook his head.

I puffed, "I can definitely hold my own" I said confidently. He chuckled, "I know you can, it's not you I don't trust" We got outside and Dimitri helped me up on my horse. As we started riding I grinned, "I didn't know you were the jealous type"

He narrowed his eyes slightly as he was studying me, chuckling I said, "I said I would keep you on your toes"

As we got to the academy there platoons saluting, perfectly positing along the big front yard. Dimitri and I rode side by side as we headed towards middle.

"Welcome, my Prince, my lady" One of the men said as we stopped and jumped off of our horsed.

"Rose this is General Tarring, he has been leading this academy for almost ten years now. General, this is my Girlfriend Princess Rosemarie of England"

"It's a pleasure your majesty" He said bowing his head to me. Nodding in return I said, "The pleasure is mine. It's some impressive grounds you have here" I said turning to look at the platoons that hadn't moved an inch.

"Our army is the pride and heart of this country" The general said coming up on my side looking over his students.

"I thought the people were the heart of the country" I said. I knew it was a daring remark, but I wasn't going to hide. Men could say whatever they wanted all the time, so why can't I.

He chuckled, "The people is the army, so in other words they are" he said before looking over to Dimitri, "She is one of a kind this one"

I could feel Dimitri's eyes on me, not sure he was very happy with what I just said. His hand smoothly being placed on my lower back, "She is" He guided me forward as the general started to go through figures and what they had achieved since last year.

"Ever since last year we have an even higher recruitment rates, we have an ever stronger army that only means we will remain the strongest nation in the world. We are beating our own records in greatness, nobody can compete with us" He said proudly.

Taking in all the information I was puzzled. They were acting as if they were gearing up for a war but what I couldn't understand was, against who? The world has peace, why be prepared for something we hope shouldn't happen?

Keeping my thoughts to myself I listened as Dimitri spoke, "That is great to hear, it has taken a long time to build our nation and our army, I know it's safe in your hand general. What have you done over the last week?"

"We are testing their physical breech, pushing them to their absolute limit to see how strong their will power is. Whom ever give us first, each minute longer the winner lasts they have to add up in laps"

Frowning I shook my head slightly. Russia is a very strong country, that's something I've never doubted. But forcing someone over and over to their physical breech isn't healthy. How is that keeping an army strong?

"If only we could recruit a third more then I think we are ready for anything. It would mean an other generous contribution from the royal family, but I'm sure that would be something we could speak about over the next council meeting?" The general said eyes on Dimitri who was slowly nodding along looking like the wheels were spinning in his head.

What I didn't understand was their army is already twice the size of any army across Europe and Asia, why the fuck would they need to recruit yet another third of the population.

"Excuse me if I'm being blunt here but, how much would that be? I'm sure you already receive a great amount judging by the amazing looks of this academy"

"Thank you" he said as if it was a great compliment…

"But isn't there another way to benefit the rest of the people, there is no war going on anywhere, why gear up like it is?" The general raised his brows at me. I could tell he wasn't happy with what I'd just said. Which was that the people would be more or at least equally important as the army. He clearly didn't feel the same.

"This country is known for it's army, if we do not keep up a strong front who knows what will happen?" He said with a sharp tone. I was about to argue when I felt Dimitri's hand snake around my write to stop me.

"She didn't mean to offend you Tarring, I'm sure she is only curious" Dimitri said sternly. I knew his eyes were on me.

The general made a noise as he pursed his lips and just continued to walking. Not meeting Dimitri's eyes I waited for him to ease his grip around my wrist. When he did and moved it back to my lower back I just started walking with him.

Taking a deep breath it took a lot not to continue the way I wanted. How could an army be so ignorant to what they were protecting? Which is the people.

"Are you ok?" I felt Dimitri's lips in my ear, looking to him I nodded giving him a small smile.

Dimitri looked back at the general that just said something that I completely missed. Dimitri smiled, "I'm not sure she knows" he said then.

Looking up I asked, "What was that sorry?"

"Did you know The prince still holds a few records at the academy?" The general asked. Looking back at Dimitri, tilting my head slightly. I didn't know he had gone to this academy but it makes sense since he is the prince over a "ready for war" nation.

"What records might that be I you don't mind me asking?" Looking at the general.

"He still hold the physical breech record in running, he ran for and hour longer than anybody else before he stopped. He also still have a swimming and our obstacle courses" He said proudly.

Nodding I narrowed my eyes looking over at Dimitri, "How come nobody have beat him yet?" I asked, I knew what i was going to say next would stir things up, but I felt a little provoked by all this war, men hitting their chests like gorillas game. Before he could reply I said, "If you've performed greatly and pushed all your soldiers to their breech shouldn't someone have beaten a record I presume was made several years ago?"

"Rose" I could hear the warning tone in Dimitri's voice as he lowly said my name. The general turned to face me, it didn't phase me. But before he could speak Dimitri said, "It's be cause, my love" he said the words harshly as if I said much more in similar fashion this wouldn't go down well, "Nobody is as good as me, I am one of a kind" he said now in a joking fashion looking over to the general whom now looked amused smiling towards Dimitri, "I couldn't have agreed more My Prince"

I rolled my eyes when no one was looking. Ridiculous!

On our way home, I was riding slightly behind Dimitri. I felt like I was still stirring after being treated in a somewhat childish way. Yes what I said wasn't the most appropriate but they way they're acting is as if we are at war, and we are not.

Seeing Dimitri slowing down slightly, letting the guards ride ahead a bit more. I didn't say a word, I was only looking down at my hands.

Hearing him sigh, "I know you'e annoyed but you can't just say what you want to one of the top generals at one of the worlds most famous Military academy's"

I stayed silent.

"I just don't want something you said to come back around and then have an award conversation or ever worse your father being embarrassed for something you've said"

Raising my brows I now met his gaze, "How is that the worst thing to happen? My father knows who I am, he knows that I would never be disrespectful unless what the person was saying deserved in some way. Don't defend a general who is bragging about their achievements when they haven't even beaten a record you set what ten years ago?"

I could see Dimitri's eyes narrowing as each word left my mouth, "I'm not saying it is an amazing achievement on your behalf, but what I am saying is why do they want to recruit even more people? I don't understand why that is necessary"

"It's what we are known and proud for Rose, why wouldn't we invest in it?" he said raising his brows waiting for me to reply.

"Of course you invest in what you are known for, but isn't there anything better to use your energy towards instead of raising an army that no one will fight?"

Running a hand through his hair, he sighed "This is all new to you, I know your father is one of the strongest leaders out there but we have different focal points for our strategies. Give it some time and please keep an open mind. I know you are outspoken, you have to bear in mind this is a very proud country, you're not home anymore"

A frown came onto my face. Looking away I didn't say another word on our way home.

Leaving the horses in the stables we walked in silence through the gardens. It was this tense energy in the air. It's like it was hard to relax, like it wasn't effortless anymore. Walking inside I thought hopefully we could spend the rest of the afternoon together, so I broke the silence, "What do you want to do for the rest of the afternoon?" I asked trying to sound a little bit cheerier. Starting to walk up the stairs I noticed he didn't follow. Turning around I saw he had stopped, I just knew he already had something planned.

I sighed, looking down, "You already have plans" I said. It wasn't a question, it was a statement.

Sighing he took a few steps closer, "I have meetings this afternoon, tomorrow and then the big council meeting the day after tomorrow, Mama told me you were joining us for that as well"

Studying as he spoke, what annoyed me was that it was his mother who had invited me. It might not seem like something to be annoyed by, but I was here to spend time with him, learn around him and the way he did things, not his mother and for her to make sure we spend time together.

When I didn't respond, only looked away I felt his hand cup my chin turning my face to meet his, "Please don't give me that sad look, I promise we will spend more time together. I would love to see one of your beautiful smiles before I go into this long meeting" he said with his sweetest voice.

I didn't want to act childish, I already had done enough of that in whatever you'd call the early start of our relationship. Exhaling I pushed my thoughts aside and gave him a smile.

He smiled back before leaning in to give me a kiss. "That's what I wanted, how about lunch tomorrow at twelve in the garden, I'll set it all up. All you have to do is show up"

His smile was infectious, it made me feel giddy so all I could do was smile and nod yes. At least he was trying!

Shit, shit, shit!

I was half running down the stairs hurrying towards the garden. I had taken the morning to myself, slowly getting ready. Choosing a cute dress to wear, making sure my hair looked good for my man! But I had completely forgotten about time and I has about fifteen minutes late. I knew he wouldn't be angry with me but I didn't want to miss spending time with him.

Stopping right before I went outside I made sure I wasn't too flustered. My hair still looked great and this dress was very sweet. It was white with lots of red broidery details along the hemline and neckline. Which was one of his favourite colours on me. It had a sweet simple U neckline and three quarter length sleeves. I had pinned my hair up and a simple red lip.

Walking outside, the weather was amazing! It was sunny, a warm breeze going through the air, perfect day. I could see the table underneath the big cedar tree but, Dimitri was no where to be seen.

Biting my lip I got there and looked around hoping he would appear any moment.

"Princess?" one of the staff came up with a drink for me, "I'm sure the meeting has just taken a bit longer than expected and The prince will be here soon"

"Thank you" I smiled to him taking the drink and had a seat. taking a sip I pushed all bad thoughts aside. I can't just continuously think he will do wrong, that's not fair! Dimitri is an amazing man, we've gone through enough. Creating little drama over him being late isn't worth it.

The table looked sweet, there were red roses on the table, some bread and candles. I smiled, he truly thought of it all!

Sipping on my drink I enjoyed the warm air and let my eyes wander around the garden. There was a big beautiful pond on the far end. I still hadn't walked around it but it looked beautiful.

Sip after sip my glass was empty. My eyes stayed on the door waiting for Dimitri to appear. I was always disappointed when it turned out to be one of the staff to give me a refill. Starting to tear up some pieces of bread i popped a piece into my mouth.

After waiting half the bread basket I started to get impatient, I had declined another drink knowing I would get tipsy and me being tipsy and impatient wasn't a good mix. Seeing the waiter return he had a plates of food in his hand, "I\m terribly sorry my princess but the food will get cold if I don't serve it"

Giving him a sad smile, "Just leave them on the table"

He gave me this sad pitiful smile that only fuelled my anger. Exhaling I got up and started to walk towards the pond. I might as well do something in stead of just waiting. I knew I had been sat by the table for over an hour. Walking along the pond it wasn't as relaxing as I had hoped. Continuously placing back at the empty table my anger grew each time.

Sitting down on a bench I tried to enjoy the sun for a while but after fifteen minutes I couldn't really take it any longer. Walking up to the table I took a deep breath. I couldn't believe he the meeting was taking this long? Can't they take a break? Doesn't he know I'm here waiting.

Another waiter appeared, turning towards him, "Do you have any news on the meeting Dimitri's in? When it will finish?"

He gave me a confused look, "Um, the meeting finished half an hour ago" he said carefully.

My brows rose, "Excuse me?"

"The meeting finished over half an hour ago, I was sent out here to see if you were finished with your lunch" As he looked down at the two plates I could tell it dawned to him that Dimitri was suppose to have Lunch with me.

"I'm sorry my princess, do- um do you want me to get him for you?" He asked politely.

Shaking my head I clenched my fists. "No it's fine, i'll speak to him myself"

Nodding he was about to take the two plates but I held up a hand, "Leave it, I'll take care of it" I said giving him a fake smile. He gave me a strange look before nodding and disappearing inside.

I was just standing there. slowly breathing, just staring at the plates. Shaking my head I lifted one of the plates up and through it straight down onto the table, picking up the second one I did the same thing again. It felt good! So good.

Once inside walking down the hall I could hear a familiar laugh coming from the library. Sneaking up silently I peaked inside. Dimitri was sitting on the sofa along side Olena, his sisters and a few of the officials whom I always forgot the names of. Shaking my head in disbelief I felt like screaming. Then I heard my name, it was Olena's voice, "Well I'm glad the meeting went well, but I was going to ask, where is Rose? I haven't see her all day?"

Dimitri voice spoke up, "I'm not really sure I haven't seen her eith-" I knew then that he had completely forgotten about the lunch he himself had planned for us.

Opening the door silently I could see him jump out of his seat, "Shit!" he said loudly, "What time is it?"

Olena looked surprised as she said, "Quarter past Two, why?"

I could hear him grumble something under his breath before he said, "I was suppose to meet Rose, we were going to have-"

"Lunch?" I said loud enough, interrupting him as he spoke.

He spun around, his eyes falling on me. My arms were crossed over my chest and I had a look on my face that must've show him how pissed off I was.

Starting to walk towards me he was already apologising, "Rose, darling I'm so sorry I completely forgot I-"

Holding up my hand I shook my head slowly which made him stop. Unfolding my hands I just felt like I couldn't bother anymore. "I'm not even interested in what you have to say Dimitri"

"Rose I'm So-"

Looking passed him I completely ignored him and met Olena's gaze saying, "Could you please tell the kitchen I'll have my dinner in my room tonight. If you excuse me" I said not even sparing Dimitri a glance.

Turning around I could hear him coming after me. I was shaking my head all the way to the stairs, that's when I felt his hand snake around my wrist pulling me to a stop.

"Rose please-"

"No!" I said firmly pulling my hand away from him. Turning toward him I took a step away, Sharking my head "I don't want to hear any excuses, you were busy, you're doing your job, But don't think that I'm going to sit around and be available for you so you can see me when ever suitable. I have better things to do with my life" I said. Before he could speak I just shrugged and said, "I honestly don't even want to hear you say anything, I'm going to my room and I will see you tomorrow at the council meeting. Make time for what you do best Dimitri, your job"

I knew that must have hurt. I couldn't careless. He might have forgotten but that doesn't make it ok? That doesn't mean I have to be fine with it.

Walking up the stairs I ignored whatever he was trying to explain. He followed me all the way to my door, I opened my door and closed it in his face. He was knocking, I could hear his muffled voice through the door, calling my name.

Walking to the other side of the room I sat down on a chair resting my face in my hands. Letting out a heavy sigh all I could ask myself was, Why is this happening again?

Hmmm... You guys really thought I was going to let this be easy? Haha, nope! They're are getting to know one another, and you never know the other until you live with them. What will happen next? What did you think of Dimitri reaction? Was Rose overreacting?

Let me know

xxxx