Hello! Terribly sorry about the slow update, I've had some trouble loading up chapters for some stupid reason.
Super happy you enjoyed the last chapter, I have 31 prepared all together and a prologue. So not much left!
Enjoy!
R POV
Dimitri had knocked on my door and tried talking to me for almost an hour last night after the meeting. I stayed silently on the other side, silently letting the tears fall down my cheeks not wanting him to see nor hear the satisfaction of my tears.
I don't know what happening. We're suppose to have and amazing time, get to know one another like the back of your hand. Romantic dinners and walks in the garden. I went to bed a while after I was sure he had left. Sleeping heavily for several hours.
Waking up I was sitting on the side of my bed for some time. Letting my mind go in whatever direction it was heading in. I felt a sudden urge to write it all down, funnily enough it was a letter.
Looking down at the envelope that had his name on it, I wasn't sure to give it to him or not. Sighing I left it on my dressing table as I decided to et dressed. I put on a simple white dress with a brown vest that I laced up towards the front. I left my hair out naturally.
As I opened my door, I almost expected him to be sitting on the floor outside, but as I looked both ways I was alone. Licking my lips, I felt strange.
Letter in hand I made my way down the hall, I was continuously looking around to make sure no one was following me. I'm not really sure why I felt so nervous and on edge. I didn't want to run into him.
"Rose?"
Caught by surprise I spun to see Olena standing in one of the doorways. Giving her a sad smile I answered, "Yes?"
"Please join me in the library" she said opening the door. It wasn't an invitation, it wasn't a request, It was a demand. Not in a bad way, but it wasn't anything I could decline. What scared me the most was that I had a feeling Dimitri would be on the other side.
Slowly, I made my way to her, she gave me a small smile as I passed her. Inside, the fire was lit, tea was on the table and in a huge chair sat Yeva, Dimitri's grandmother, looking incredibly tiny.
"Please, sit" Olena said as she closed the door behind us.
I sat on the sofa across from Yeva. She had a cuppa in her hand and she was, just, staring at me. It made me feel a bit uncomfortable.
"Excuse my mama, she is very full on kind of person" Olena said as she sat down in a chair next to her mama. "Tea?"
I nodded, I wasn't sure why i was summoned. Yet I had a feeling it had to have something to do with the way I acted yesterday. Oh god, I bet she was going to rip into me like my father did sometimes. Only it's even worse when it's not even your own parent!
"You made quite the impression yesterday at the council meeting"
My brows rose as I was surprised the hear Yeva speak.
Clearing my throat I accepted the cut Olena passed me, "I don't remember seeing you at yesterdays meeting" I said feeling confused. It was definitely just me and Olena there yesterday as women.
"oh no, but I see everything" she said simply.
"My mama listens in on all meetings" Olena smiled apologetically.
Licking my lips, I didn't really know what to do with myself, "I'm sorry if you feel like I have offended anyone, I was just, I was just trying to-"
"Tell the truth?" Olena finished my sentence.
A small smile reached my lips as I nodded to confirm she was right.
Olena leaned forward in her chair, "Rose, we have not brought you here to apologise for anything you said yesterday. You're here because we want to make sure you're ok" she said with so much warmth in her voice, it instantly made me miss my mother terribly.
Looking down into my hands I was trying to get away from their eyes, but it was hard as I could feel Yeva's burning gaze.
"Are you ok Rose?"
Biting the inside of my lip I could feel the tears burning in my eyes as I kept my gaze firmly on my cuppa. Slowly I was shaking my head no.
Hearing the rattling of Olena putting her cup down and suddenly she was sitting down next to me. She slowly took the cup out of my hands before taking both mine in hers. "I could hear the two of you arguing last night" She said calmly. "And judging by the rough look on Dimitri's face this morning you still haven't spoken?"
Still biting the inside of my cheek I shook my head no.
Silence.
"I presume either of you said something without thinking?"
How can she just guess everything correctly?
Sniffling, a tear ran down my cheek. "He said that-" my voice broke, shaking my head I cleared my throat, "He said that Meredith never brought him this much trouble" I said. I don't know why I said it, It just felt so good speaking to Olena. She had such warmth around her, and you just instantly trusted her.
She squeezed my hands reassuringly as I sniffled again. Yeva huffed, "I thought I had taught my grandson better"
Looking up I could see the grim look on her face. She met my gaze full on, "But may i just say, that what you said yesterday at the meeting, was the best thing anyone have said in that hall for decades"
I couldn't help but chuckle as she said that. I lifted one of my hands to dry my cheeks.
"You father would have been proud" she added.
Smiling in return I started thinking of Papa and Oscar. I think they would have been proud, knowing I was standing up for the people and for my own beliefs. Maybe not offending the council… but everything comes at a price right?
"I knew, from the moment Dimitri first said your name, that you were something very special to him Rose, very special" Olena said then.
Sighing I licked my lips before meeting her gaze.
"What I want you to do, is go in town"
I was surprised at her suggestion, yet very intrigued.
"I want you to have a day to yourself, enjoy the market, meet the people and maybe, for a day be able to walk around like just a regular girl"
A smile came to my lips. It sounded like exactly what I needed right now.
Suddenly the door opened, my head snapped up and there he was, in the door way. He looked rough and then surprised to see me.
"Dimitri" his mother greeted him, "I was just about to get you" she got out of her seat, "Rose was just leaving" she said formally. She gave me a look telling me to go. I didn't question her.
He cleared his throat, "I was actually hoping to speak to Rose-"
"First I need to have a word" She said firmly.
Dimitri started to protest,"Mama-"
She held up a hand, "I don't want to hear it, sit"
Walking towards the door I didn't meet his gaze. He was still standing in the door way as I got there. A few seconds passed, when I didn't look up I could hear him sigh before he moved out of the way and I started walking, but familiarly his hand caught mine which made me meet his gaze. A grim look was written all over my face, "Don't touch me" I said with a monotone voice.
He had a shocked look on his face as I pulled my hand out of his. I left him behind me closing the door behind me. The tears started to well up again. Shaking my head I was biting my lip trying not to sob.
Looking up I saw a guard near by the stairs. Walking up to him I said that I was going into town and for him to give this letter to Dimitri when he came out after speaking to his mama. He started questioning why i wasn't bringing any guards but before he could finish I was already out the door.
Usually I will wear a coat and a hood whenever I go into town to keep a low profile, but knowing that I wouldn't be very known here I didn't see the point. And boy it felt great!
Walking through the narrow streets I made my way to the centre. As the market place opened up in front of me I, for the first time in a few days, felt completely relaxed. I was so use to going into the market with Tasha at least a few times a month, this felt so familiar, even though I've never been here before.
There was a warm feeling in the air, people were mooching around, talking and trying different foods. People were giving me friendly smiles as I passed. This town was amazing!
In the corner of my eye I saw an elderly woman struggling trying to lift up a large tray of apples for her fruit stand. Hurrying over I stopped her, "Why don't you let me do that?" I asked sweetly.
The woman straightened up to take me in, she smiled, "Oh no dear, I couldn't let you ruin such a beautiful dress" she said trying to make an excuse but I could tell she really needed some help.
"It's just a dress" I said simply, "If it gets dirty it can be washed"
A big warm smile spread on her face, "What a kind soul"
Taking the tray Off the floor I lifted it to where she wanted it. After putting it down I turned to her, "Are you doing all this on your own?"
Sighing a sad look came over her face, "Since two weeks back yes, My lovely grandson use to help me but he was recently recruited to the army so it's" Pausing she sighed, " it's just me now"
Concern was written all over my face. This was exactly what I had been speaking about during the meeting. Who will look after women like her when her grandchildren have gone?
"Well today you have me" I smiled, "What else can I do for you?"
The woman laughed, and showed me the rest of the trays, as I was carrying them she asked me, "You're not from around here are you?"
"No" I smiled, "Can you tell that clearly?"
"You're sticking out like a soar thumb" she chuckled, "Your beauty could be spotted from miles away, what's your name my dear?"
"Rose, yours?"
"Mrs Krakow" the sweet woman grinned. "What are you doing here all alone on a beautiful day like this? A woman as beautiful as you must have someone special to care for you?"
Grimacing, Dimitri's face flashed before my eyes. I think the woman could see trouble written all over my face as she sat down on a little stool and patted the seat next to her.
Forcing a small smile onto my lips I sat down next to her. "We-" I sighed, it was probably strange that I was admitting my relationship problems with a complete strange lady in the middle of a unknown town, but it felt right. Sometimes it easier speaking to someone who doesn't know you.
"We had a argument. I was telling him things he didn't want to hear and then I got angry when he didn't want to recognise that he was wrong. It feels like lately all he cares about is what other people will think, not what I think" I sighed with a heavy heart.
Mrs Krakow started stroking my back, "Everybody argues my dear, no matter how amazing your relationship is"
"I know, it's just, I'm trying to not talk back as much and be better but it feels like when he's not even trying then why should I?" Looking her way she had a knowing smile on her face.
"True love is the greatest weapon to win the war made by pain"
Taking in what she said I started smiling, that was very beautiful way of putting it.
Patting her hand on my knee she grinned, "Now tell an old woman about this man, how did you meet?"
Smiling, "I remember the night I first saw him like it was yesterday. He came into the room and my eyes instantly found him. He was wearing a military green jacket, he had big broad shoulders. He's so tall, he took my breath away" Looking over at Mrs Krakow I had this ridiculous grin on my face, "He has brown shoulder length hair and these beautiful deep brown eyes. His smile makes me feel all warm and it's so contagious"
I felt silly, like a school girl bragging about her first love.
Mrs Krakow interrupted me, "My dear, are you talking about Dimitri Belikov?"
I guess I wasn't as subtle as I'd hoped to be…
Biting my lower lip feeling like I had said too much before nodding slightly. She chuckled, "So you're the mystery woman, how I have wondered"
Snickering, "I didn't realise you would know who he was by just describing him"
"My dear, not many men are like Prince Dimitri" she said with a cheeky look in her eyes, "All I can say is well done" she winked, "You got yourself a good one!"
With a sad smile I nodded. A great one! I just hope to get that Dimitri to resurface again.
"You can't have been in the country long?" she asked. Shaking my head no. "Where are you from then my darling? And you must have some sort of title to be able to go to a ball with Prince Dimitri"
An amused smile came onto my lips, she was clever. Nodding I agreed, "I'm from England" When I didn't continue she raised her brows at me, as if it was obvious for me to share my title.
"Ibrahim Mazur is my father" I said then giving her an amused side glaze. Her eyes went wide for a moment before she got out of her chair, " Good lord almighty, here I am having a the princess of England helping me with my fruit trays"
Chuckling I got up, "I prefer to be just Rose and my title doesn't really matter here, I just wanted a day away"
"Well it's truly an honour to meet you my love, truly" The warmth in her voice was amazing. I instantly knew she meant it and it actually meant something to her.
"It's an honour to meet you too" I said smiling.
"Would you like me to show you around the town? Since you haven't been before"
"I'd love that!"
After having one of her neighbours look after her stand for her she started taking me around town. I tried telling her it wasn't necessary if she was needed by the stand but she insisted, it wasn't everyday she got to do this. She was adamant to show me around.
She was a truly beautiful lady, inside and out. She was telling me about the town history, about different events that had taken place, how they had recovered from the war and their proud military history.
I could tell she was just as proud as the council about their history, which I could understand, Russia have gone through a lot if you read the history books. It still didn't change my opinion.
"This is the local pub, we'll go in for a drink" she smiled. I laughed, she must be at least Sixty and the woman wanted to have a drink before two o'clock? I was amazed!
She said something to the barman and within minutes he was pouring a clear liquid into two medium sides glasses. Narrowing my eyes I got hesitant.
"What is that?"
Giving me a glass she smile, "This my dear is what we are known for, now drink up"
I couldn't help but laugh, this whole situation was ludicrous yet I couldn't be happier to be here. We clinked out glasses together, as the burning liquor was running down my throat I instantly started coughing as I had swallowed.
"That tastes like gasoline" I coughed. Mrs Krakow laughed, "That's just Vodka dear"
"Should be illegal" I chuckled.
"We'll have another one later" she winked before we started to leave. She introduced me quickly to by passers. It was interesting watching her parading through town. She said hi to everyone and she knew them by name, a truly remarkable woman!
As we were walking on, Mrs Krakow was talking about the fire that happened forty years ago when a building caught my eye. There were more of less ten children playing outside it, their clothes were worn but they had smiles on their faces. Placing a hand on Mrs Krakow's shoulder, "What's in that building?"
"That's the local orphanage" she said with a sad look on her smile, "They recently have had cut backs on their monthly allowance but they're managing"
"Can we go in?" I asked already making my way over.
Reaching the children a woman appeared in the door way looking over the children. When her eyes landed on Mrs Krakow her face lit up, "Afternoon Mrs Krakow"
"Afternoon Marina, let me introduce princess Rose from England, I am guiding her around town today" Mrs Krakow said proudly.
Marina's face went stale suddenly before she bowed, "My Princess"
"That's not needed" I smiled kindly, "Really! We were just walking by and I saw all the children playing outside and I got curious"
She smiled as her eyes traveled around all the children, "Yes they're a very happy bunch"
"I've heard you've recently had some cut backs?" I asked being very forward. Her eyes turned sad before she nodded, "Would you both like to come in?"
I nodded before following her inside. She instantly put the kettle on, we sat down on the kitchen chairs. "I don't mean to interrupt your day or be too blunt, but have the allowances had great impact for the children?"
Biting her lower lip she hesitated, I smiled, "Don't feel pressured or that I'm interrogating you, I have a big interest in children and their well being, and if I can make a difference I will do my best to do so"
"She's a beautiful soul Marina, you can trust her" Mrs Krakow confirmed.
"Well the reductions started a few years ago, it didn't seem like much, we were still able to greet as many children as was needed but for each year it has gotten tougher and tougher. Now we can only take in the children that doesn't have any family left"
Frowning I asked, "And the rest?" An orphanage is usually only to help the parentless children but I know a lot of orphanages did help a lot of children with trouble some homes and such.
Sadness was written all over her face. I felt anger kick in and I instantly knew were the money was disappearing to. Shaking my head I got out of my chair and walked over to the window. The back garden was big but the grass was too tall for the kids to be able to play there. "Is maintenance the reason the children have to play in the front?" I asked feeling more and more anger run through my veins.
"Yes"
So the army is getting more money to build up their strength against a none exciting threat and the children have to play in the streets?
Turning around I had made a decision, "Is there anyone in town I can speak to in order to send a message?"
Looking to Mrs Krakow she nodded, "The royal guard has a station in town, would they regencies you?"
Nodding, I wasted no time. I was fed up with this country the council being useless, I was taking matter into my own hands.
After sending a note for Olena personally to join me in town at the orphanage and for her to bring a list of things I had taken the children inside to read the a story. I always loved story time back home so I hoped they would appreciate it.
As I was reading the children were sitting mesmerised in a half circle. I laughed as some of them were reacting and speaking out loud in excitement. Finishing the story I was surprised when I heard someone applaud towards the back.
Looking up I instantly realised it was Olena. I smiled waving her over to join us. introducing her to the children I could tell she was truly enjoying herself. It must be a unusual situation to her. Marina look astounded when she realised the Queen was there.
When it was snack time took Olena outside. "This is such a lovely place, I haven't visited here for so long"
I smiled and a agreed, "It is"
"So" she smiled, "What's your plan"
Biting my lip I felt like she had seen right through me. I didn't dwell on that, "I know it isn't my place to make decision for a country that isn't mine to rule. But I cannot just stand here when I know that a place as important as this is being treated the way it is. Did you bring what I asked?"
"I did"
After filling Olena in on all the details we got to work. I had asked her to bring blankets, clothes and any toys she had left after her children's childhood. I was going to make this place just a little bit better, It wasn't much but it was the least I could do!
Olena had brought two of the palace gardeners to fix the lawn in the back, I was getting down and dirty with the kids tidying up in all the rooms along side Marina, Mrs Krakow and Olena herself.
Mrs Krakow had been completely overwhelmed when Olena had shown up. It was quite amusing to watch.
My plan was to later that night have a little gathering, I wanted to make the kids feel special, I had asked Tasha to go shopping on my fathers expense getting new clothes for the children. This was only a quick fix, my way of starting to turn their life around in just a mere few hours, or at least trying to.
And we would end the day with a party, If the council wasn't going to help them, then I damn sure will!
D POV
After sitting it yet another painful meeting with the council complaining on Rose's behalf and her behaviour I called it off. I was furious what they were saying yet I was angry with the way she had acted. Why can't she think before she speaks, why does she always have to come into a room with the intention to stir everything up?
Sighing I walked down the hall stopping outside her room once again, knocking I waited for a reply. Knocking and knocking I started calling her name.
"My Prince" One of the guards saluted me.
"As you were" I said. "What is it?"
I noticed him holding something in hand, the man got a uneasy look on his face, "My prince I-" He looked down at the letter that I now saw had my name on it.
Anger instantly sparked within me and sent flashbacks of the letter I had once had left on her bedside table. Shaking my head I groaned internally. Passing me the letter he said, "It's from Princess Rose, she left it for you before she went into town-"
My head snapped up as I cut him off, "What? What is she doing in town? Does she had guards accompanying her?"
Judging my the unease written all over his face I growled, "Are you fucking serious?" I roared. "She's not only in town but she's there alone?"
"You're mother went in a few hours ago to join her-"
"My Mother?" I snapped.
"Yes my Prince" he said not meeting my gaze.
"And are you now going to tell me my mother is there alone as well? Was this Rose's idea by any chance?" I asked sharply.
"Uhh…"
Never mind" I said shortly, "I'm going into town" I said already walking off.
Riding into town I couldn't believe she would do this. Have my mother in town without protection? It's stupid enough she didn't bring anyone herself! And on top of all this, not tell me she was going. I would've come with her, I would've made sure she was safe, but no. Rose took it in her own hands, like always.
Growling to myself I wasn't sure how to find them, The village wasn't big but there was at least a thousand people living in that village. You could easily hide in such big crowd.
Riding through town I stopped in the town centre. People instantly noticed my presence and I gave the guards a kind nod as my eyes searched the town square.
I knew I could recognise Rose from far, the hair was one of her most significant features, and one of the most beautiful as well.
"Is the prince here for the orphanage extravaganza as well?" An older lady asked from beside him. His head snapped over, "Pardon?"
The woman smiled, "Your mother, the Queen and the princess is over at the local orphanage for the event they organised? Are you here for it as well?"
Narrowing my eyes I felt confused. But nodded, thanking her I rode towards the orphanage that was one a few minutes away. As I got closer I could hear music, there was a crowd surrounding the door way, lights surrounding the place.
Coming to a stop I felt incredibly confused. A few people turned noticing my arrival. Getting off my horse I walked closer. The music seemed to be coming for the back garden. Walking closer I could hear a voice speaking, it was coming from inside. Starting to make my way through the crowd getting closer, I stopped in the doorway. I recognised the voice before I even saw her.
She was standing over my the far end wall with an ocean of children sitting on the floor in front of her. She was gesturing with her arms as she was telling a story.
"How nice of you to join us"
I jumped slightly as my Mother suddenly appeared next to me. Frowning I met her gaze, "What is this?" I asked sounding harsher than I meant to be.
She raised her brows at me but ignored me turning towards Rose, "She's been working here all day" she said looking at Rose, her eyes full of wonder and respect. "She's been organising and cleaning never afraid getting her hands dirty. She's truly looking after the people"
My eyes were studying Rose as she was still telling her story.
"She will be an amazing Queen one day, better than I will ever be"
The words leaving my mothers mouth made me look over at her again, "What?"
She didn't meet my gaze as she spoke, "I believe that everything Rose said yesterday in the meeting was the truth nobody wants to hear" Turning her head to meet my gaze, "And nobody will ever speak up and say it. But Rose did. She has a strength that is so rare and beautiful"
Looking away, I couldn't stand the way she was looking at me. The way she was almost rubbing in my face that I had done wrong, which I think I've known all along, I just never wanted to admit to it.
"You are just as stubborn as she is" she said then, "And sometimes I think even more childish"
My head snapped up feeling like she had slapped me in the face.
"But you are still learning" she continued with a small smile on her lips, "As is she. Have you read her letter?"
I had completely forgotten about it, reaching into my pocket, there it was.
Mama placed her hand on my shoulder, "Something I do know, is that she loves you like her life depends on it. Read the letter and ask yourself, do you love her as much?"
My head snapped up about to tell her she was being absolutely ridiculous for doubting his love for her, but before he could say a word she said, "Because lately you haven't been acting like it. It's been more about you than her, which will happen, but it's important you can realise that without anyone giving word of it" Her eyes moved back to Rose as she was smiling towards the kids. "You will also be a Great leader my son" she turned to him, "I know so, but only when you can see the full picture and not just the obvious"
With that she left.
My eyes fell on Rose instantly. She was bubbling with laughter as she was continuing her story. She looked absolutely radiant. The whole room was feeding off of her energy, it was that unique thing about her, why so many loved her. Why she would be such an amazing Queen.
Walking outside my eyes were glued to the letter in my hand, the warm evening air surrounded me. The crowds noise was fading out as I took a deep breath before opening the letter.
When I first saw you, you made me speechless.
When we danced I forgot about all the rest.
When you first left me go, you left me breathless.
When you first kissed me I was blissful.
When you first hurt me it felt awful.
The day you declared your love for me and ending up on the wrong end of a gun, I knew that my love for you was unconditional. No matter how much you could hurt me I still loved you, and I always will.
But I miss the man that took my breath away.
The man that made me feel things nobody had ever made me feel.
Where did he go? Because I haven't seen him lately.
I know that ruling a country, you have to put your people first. I Know that a great leader considers every detail and is apart of everything he can to make sure he has an impact.
But never forget who you are and who you are living for.
I Love you Dimitri, The old Dimitri. My Dimitri.
When ever he's back, he knows where to find me.
I hate being wrong, sometimes even more than I think Rose does. Reading her words, it was like a slap in the face. Someone to slap me back into reality. She is right, I have been very into work, I am very involved with what's going on and it's something I'm proud of. But thinking of how I forgot out lunch I set up, then not being able to defend my own girlfriend when the council is against her? I don't really know who that Dimitri is.
Sighing heavily I ran a hand through my hair. Looking up my brows rouse.
There she was. Standing right in front of me.
She looked more beautiful than I think I'd ever seen her. Her dress was dirty, ripped in some places, her hair was wild, her cheeks rosy, her eyes tired. Yet she looked more regal and stunning than when she was in her statement dresses.
"I wasn't sure you would come"
Biting my lip I thought twice before speaking. Sighing my eyes fell onto the letter again. "I have made a lot a mistakes lately" It was a statement, it was the truth.
Looking up I met her gaze, "All-" Stopping swallowed hard before clearing my throat. "All I can say is I'm sorry. Sorry for what I've said, sorry for how I've treated you" Meeting her gaze full on, "Forgotten you" Licking my lips I was slowly shaking my head looking down at the ground "I had sworn to myself after you were shot that I'd never hurt you again" I chuckled bitterly, "Now I've even failed myself"
Taking a deep breath I forced myself to meet her gaze again, "I'm still learning, it's no excuse but it's the truth. We both are, I know What I've said is inexcusable and I cannot, no matter how hard I try, ever take it back. But what I do know is what I feel for you is something not even I understand sometimes. It makes me do stupid things, speak before I know what's gonna come out, but it makes me do so many good things too. But it all ends with me loving you" I said simply. "I love you so much Rose"
She stood there in silence for few very long seconds before she said, "You are stupid sometimes" with a amused smile on her lips.
My brows raised in surprise then I couldn't help but smile. Shaking my head I tried to hold back smile, "I won't argue with you on that"
"I love you too" she said then.
Slowly taking steps towards her, I should be begging for my forgiveness on my knees, Hoping and praying she'd take me back. That's what you get when you act foolishly. But there was one thing I was sure one, with everything in me.
Stopping only a yard away, taking in everything about her I said, "Not even close to as much as I love you"
A lot went down in this chapter, what do you think?
xxx