Whooop, and the chapters keep on coming! Hope you like it, I have to say that this chapter and the following one I Really enjoyed writing, hope you like it as much as I do!


Dimitri

I felt nervous.

We were traveling back to England today for me to spend a month with Rose, Ibrahim and Oscar. Seeing her life.

But that's not what I was nervous about.. Or maybe I was, knowing Ibrahim and Oscar might still nor favour me as much as I wanted them to.

Why I was nervous right now was because my Grandmama and my Mama was sitting in front of me still not saying a word after I had asked them a question. They had both been silent for more than a few minutes and it made me very uncomfortable.

Taking a deep breath I leaned forward in my seat and asked, "Well?"

Grandmama looked over at mama raising a single brow silently asking her thoughts. Meeting Mamas gaze she was full on staring at me. Jesus, Belikov women can really be stubborn and take their time with everything.

I groaned and buried my face in my hands before getting out of my chair, "I know I still have a lot to learn, I know we fight but what couple doesn't? I still have to go to England to see what her normal is, I know that but I also know what I love her to the core of me. I love everything about her from her stubbornness to her laugh. All I ask is for your blessing and that ring that both of you know that would make her the happiest woman on earth! I know her colour is Red but Green was her mothers signature colour and I know that it would mean even more to her if it was something coming from the two of you than something I had made. And you have promised me that when I knew someone was the one I could give her that ring" Stopping I swallowed before I said looking at them both, "That's why I never gave it to Meredith"

Grandmama had a amused look on her face as Mama looked more teary eyed. Which is a complete surprise. To my surprise Yeva picked something up from beside her and put it on the table. It was a Grey box I was very familiar with. Meeting her gaze she still looked amused. I was about to reach forward to pick it up when she said, "I know what you're saying is the truth my grandson, and we both know you love her. We just wanted to put some pressure on you, you didn't have to do a whole speech"

I wanted to face palm myself after she said that. She always loved creating a reaction, she was very much like Rose in that sense. Sighing I was shaking my head but I couldn't help but smile as I did.

"So I have your approval?" I asked.

Yeva nodded, Looking over to Mama she nodded as well, "All you have to do now is as for Ibrahim's"

"And Oscar" Grandmama added.

Exhaling slowly I nodded. Now that I dreaded even more.


I knew Rose wasn't much for Long Travels, but I didn't know how whiney she could get until now. As We were almost at her home she was asking yet again "Are we there yet?"

Chuckling I pulled her close kissing her just beneath her ear. I could hear her rolling her eyes as she was trying to hold back a smile, "You've become very loving lately"

"Do you want me to stop?" I murmured in her ear. Turning in my arms she snickered an exaggerated "No! I'm just saying that I don't think Papa will be very appreciative"

"And since when do you care?" I chuckled. Grinning she nodded leaning back in her seat, "Touché"

As we were slowing down I recognised the beautiful gardens that surrounded the palace. Coming to a stop I could tell Rose was so excited to be home, she was bouncing gin her seat. Getting out She held her hand out, hoping I'd help her down. Ever since we had made up completely after what happened in Russia my goal had been to make sure she felt as special as possible. Making sure that every moment I could make that beautiful smile of hers appear. Let's say I had succeeded a lot lately.

So instead of grabbing her hand in order to help her down I placed my hands on her waist lifting her up and spinning her once before putting her down. She instantly started laughing, saying my name and to put her down. It reminded me off the way I had lifted her up when she first came to Russia.

Putting her down she was still giggling, I could see her getting up on her toes to kiss me so I met her half way. She grabbed a hand full of my jacket pulling me closer as my hand got tangled up in her hair.

Someone cleared their throat and I could hear a familiar chuckle. We instantly broke apart and there stood no other than a stern looking Ibrahim and Oscar looking more than amused.

"Papa!" Rose exclaimed happily turning towards him throwing her arms around him. Ibrahim face instantly softened as he embraced his daughter.

"I've missed you" I could hear the smile in her voice.

"Not as much as I've missed you my love" Ibrahim grinned before pulling back, "How are you? I want to hear everything"

"How about we go to the gardens for tea?" Oscar suggested. That man loved his tea!

"Oscar" Rose grinned going from her fathers arms to Oscars. "Don't think I've forgotten about you"

"I would hope not" He chuckled, "You look gorgeous, being in Love Suits you" he winked.

Turning my gaze to Ibrahim's I could tell he was still hesitant towards me, will I understood, but one of my goals with this trip is to make sure he can trust me again. It takes time to win a mans trust after breaking it, but I know that it means a lot to Rose, also Ibrahim is a very important figure for me as well. I've been growing up meeting him at all the events and always looked up to him.

"Ibrahim" I said holding my hand out. He took it without second guessing, "Dimitri, you look well?"

"I am Thank you" I nodded staying very professional "How are you?"

He nodded slowly, "Well, I hope you have been taking care of my daughter?" He raised his brows at me, Rose chuckled from beside him, "He wouldn't do anything less, now stop being such a tough guy, you know he's permanent so might as well drop the act"

"We'll see" he said shooting me a playful glare. I felt thrown off, I had been hoping he would have warmed up to me a bit over the last month knowing we'd been spending it together. But But I know Ibrahim can be just as stubborn as his daughter.

Ibrahim took Rose under his arm and they started chatting as they were heading towards the back gardens.

Oscar held his arms out for a manly hug as he chuckled, "Ignore him, I think he's jealous you're spending more time with his daughter than he is"

Smiling I hugged him, "How are you Oscar?"

"Great, fit as a fiddle, and you?"

"Good, very good"

We started walking towards the gardens as we were talking about our trip back. He laughed knowing that Rose would be complaining a lot, she had apparently never been one to travel far.

We were sitting down under a parasol, the sun was out, it was beautiful out. "Tell us Dimitri, How has out princess been, good?" Oscar teased has he picked up his cuppa.

Smiling I said, "She's been amazing, keeping me on my toes as usual"

"I was brilliant" Rose grinned proudly.

"I hope you didn't cause any drama" Ibrahim said as if he already knew.

"Well…" Rose said with an angelic look on her face. Her papa groaned and Oscar was doing his best to hold back laughter.

Running a hand through his hair, "I thought I told you to be at your best"

Clearing my throat, "To be honest, she was, if somebody mad a fool of themselves it was me"

Papa and Oscar were now looking at me clearly intrigued about what I was saying. Rubbing his hand along his goatee Ibrahim's eyes narrowed as he was studying me, "So even though you've already caused my daughter pain, you're the one who acted foolishly? Again?"

Rose was about to defend me, I could tell she was but I spoke before she could, "Yes sir"

I could tell he didn't look happy about this but I didn't let that phase me, "We went of a few meetings and she accompanied me to the Military academy, they wanted to make some unreasonable changes and Rose was questioning their motives. I was thrown off by this because what she was saying wasn't very respectful"

He father shot her a glare before I continued, "But she was right" I said then.

Rose met my gaze, I could see something shining in her eyes, a small smile on her face. I hadn't really admitted that she was, at least not said it out loud apart from between the two of us. I think it gave her that bit of self-confidence that she should've gotten from the start.

"Russia is very much so stuck in a routine that hasn't changed for a long time, and if it has it has always been to the Military's favour"

"It's impressive army" Oscar said.

"And we are proud to have it, we will always cherish it and make sure it's at it finest" Taking Rose's has as I spoke I looked over at her, "But Rose have definitely helped me see the bigger picture, I didn't like it at start, I think I was the stubborn one to be very honest" I chuckled.

"You were" Rose smiled, "But you caved in to me" she winked.

"I caused quite the stir at the monthly Council meeting as well" Rose said looking proud as he father and Oscar both face palmed. I held back a chuckle.

"Please don't tell me Olena was at this meeting" Ibrahim said as he was rubbing his temples

"She actually impressed my mother quite a bit" I said looking proudly over at Rose.

Oscar chuckled, "Is that true?"

Sitting up in her chair Rose started to speak, "Well I was already annoyed with the way I had seen things to be done-"

"Every country is ruled differently Rose' Ibrahim said sternly. She rolled her eyes, "You're starting to sound like Dimitri" Before she sent me a wink, "During the council meeting they were talking about building up their army even further, about lowering and raising the ages for joining and leaving the army. I didn't see why they were doing this, what the purpose or the benefit was, Olena asked me for my opinion and I gave it"

"More like demanded a change" I teased. She shot me a look, I held up my hands in defence, "I didn't agree with her at first and I do admit we had an unnecessary fight after that, caused by me, but after talking to my mother, hearing her say it was probably one of the best council meetings in quite some times, I realised the truth Rose was preaching"

"It's not easy to admit defeat is it?" she grinned as I rolled my eyes playfully. "I did mean every word I said in the meeting might not have been the ideal way of getting my opinion across, nor demanding my will to be heard. But sometimes it's the only way"

Looking over at Ibrahim who had been silent all this time, he was leaned back in his seat hands laced, elbows resting on the armrests,"It seems like both of you have learned quite a bit about each other while spending time together in the others environment"

Nodding in agreement he continued, "The Military ball is coming up soon and it'll be your first big event together. I've heard your mother had a small gathering while you were over?" Ibrahim asked looking towards Rose.

"Small is not the right term but yes, she did and it was good"

Nodding along I could tell he was thinking hard. "It will be interesting to watch the two of you in public"

"Finally no more drama" Oscar filled in as Rose rolled her eyes.

Ibrahim exhaled, "Well It's good to have you here Dimitri, you will accompany Rose to several visits she has coming up. I also want the two of you to join Oscar and I first thing tomorrow morning for a update on what's been going on and what needs doing for the Military ball"


After tea Rose showed me to my room and also took me for a tour around the palace. I had already seen most of it but there were still parts of the palace that were unexplored.

We had spent most of the afternoon on the balcony over looking the gardens. I had asked questions about what her visits usually was like and what to expect. We loads of laughs and it was just amazing to feel like there was so pressure to be anywhere, just have time for us.

I was pacing back and forth outside Ibrahim's office. I was ten minutes early and I knew Rose would come just about on time. I felt nervous for some reason, knowing that Ibrahim had let up slightly, that he wasn't angry with me anymore felt good to know. But I know that he will study me and keep an eye out to notice any mistake I make.

"Are you alright?"

Spinning around I hadn't even noticed Rose arrival. I smiled nervously, "Yes, yes I am"

She chuckled, "Doesn't look like it" She came in close as I took her hands in mine, "Good morning"

Grinning like a fool I said, "Good morning, you look beautiful as ever"

"Why Thank you" she giggled. Just as I was about lean in and steal a kiss the door opened and there was no other than her papa. He rolled his yes, "Jesus" I could hear him mutter, "You to are even worse now than after you got shot, I hoped it would fade after you spending time together in Russia"

"But life never goes your way when it comes to me papa" Rose winked playfully before she made her way past him inside. "Morning Oscar" she grinned sitting down across from him.

"Morning Sunshine" he smiled kissing her cheek before passing her a tea.

"Morning" she smiled as she got comfortable. Ibrahim shook his head at his daughter before he moved out of the way, "Belikov" he said motioning for me to get inside.

Oscar handed me a cuppa before we all sat down. Ibrahim wasn't beating around the bush, he went straight to it. "Right, I'm not sure how things worked in Russia but I want to just go through so we're all clear. I have a few visits for the two of you, then I would like both of your input for the military ball. But before we get into detail I wanted to catch the two of you up on what's been going on over the last month"

Nodding along I was concentrating on what Ibrahim was saying, "Sydney recently announced her engagement, so they have declined coming to the ball since they are having a engagement party that same week"

"Oh" Rose smiled, "I'll make sure to send her a letter to congratulate her"

"Good idea, also Lord and Lady Devereux have decided to come last minute so they need to be planned in. Now to the sad news" Ibrahim sighed, "We did have a fire in town while you were away" I could tell by the look on Ibrahim's face that he was worried about this, so it obviously wasn't just any fire. Worry suddenly was written All over Rose's face, "Was anyone injured?"

"We have two people still with the doctors but they will be ok" Oscar informed.

"Where was the fire?" I asked putting my cup down leaning forward slightly.

"It was at the orphanage" Ibrahim said simply, eyes firm on Rose, waiting for her reaction.

Judging by her sudden inhale grabbing the sides of her chair as she breathed, "What?"

"I know it's a very dear place to you, I have made sure they have all the necessities and they have all been taken care of-"

"Are they all ok? When did it happen? I want to go see them" she said. Passion was burning in her eyes as if she wanted to leave right this instant.

"There's no need to panic" Oscar said, "I have been to visit them and they seem to be going back to normal, no children were hurt, only one of the volunteers along side one of the cooks. They are all cared for like you father said but I do think they would appreciate a visit"

"I'll plan it in" She said determined.

Reaching over I took her hand in mine, she looked surprised as her eyes met mine and I gave her a reassuring smile, "We'll go today after we're done with our visit" Looking over at Ibrahim, "If that is ok with you?"

He nodded, he was closely studying us. Ignoring his intense gaze I met Rose's again, "We'll make sure they're ok" I said squeezing her hand.

"Thank you" She instantly looked calmer which helped me, I hated seeing her tense of worried.

Ibrahim went through some of the visits, it was a few minor ceremonies that Rose would attend as a part of the Royal family, nothing fancy. It would be interesting seeing her in her forte. I know she would've different tasks compared to me, but like my mother pointed out, it's important to see the whole picture.

As we went down south towards the coast line for todays visit, I was quite impressed by how easy it was for her to start conversation. How she saw every person in a room, the way she carried herself, earning respect from everybody but never in a intimidating way.

She continuously introduced me as her boyfriend, I loved that glint in her eyes she got every time.

Through out the day she was talking to everybody, she was making sure to speak to everybody, it was like she knew them all. I don't think I heard her once not knowing what to say, or who was who. I mean at most events I just know the names of the main hosts and maybe a few others but I have to say I am impressed.

One our way home she was writing down a few bits in one of her books, studying her I was curious what was going through her mind, "What is that you're writing?"

She smiled finish to write what she was doing before she replied, "You're very nosy today" she snickered, "This is my book where when I have been for a visit or some sort of event and heard a few things that trouble them or memorable things they would like to change, I write them down to make sure I remember. It's an easy way to when I'm in a meeting with my father or the council I know what the people wants. It doesn't always work but sometimes"

She was looking down suddenly looking a bit nervous, "It's stupid to most people but yeah-"

Grinning I took her hand in mine bringing it to my lips, "Don't be embarrassed, to be honest it sounds like a very good idea! You have truly impressed me today Rose, how amazing you are talking to everybody, how well you remember peoples names and how you see every single person in a room. It might sound cheesy but I have quite a few things to learn from you"

Meeting my gaze, pride was shining in her eyes, "Well I have lots to learn from you too, I think that's what makes us work, we're opposites yet we have many thing in common"

I smiled in agreement before kissing her hand again. Tomorrow we were going to go through the plans for the military ball, everything from music choices, to the guest list. Making sure everything was in order.

Looking over at Rose again, she was writing in her book and I couldn't help but smile. She was so focused, brows together, stern look on her face. She always looks beautiful wether she's angry or laughing. Ever since our moment back in Russia I really feel like we're back at that honeymoon stage again. It's like I can't keep my hands to myself, I'm not afraid to kiss her anywhere, I want to show her off and scream to the world that I love her.

Judging by the smile growing on her face I could tell she knew I was watching her. She giggled, "Stop it"

I grinned, "Stop what?"

She met my gaze, "You're staring" A light blush was painting her cheeks. Grinning, I leaned closer trying to kiss her, but she was hiding her face playfully pulling away. Starting to laugh, I tried to grabbing her wrists to hold her still but she was shrieking with laughter by now trying to pull away. "Kiss me" I laughed.

"No" She giggled, "Not until you tell me why you were staring"

Stopping trying to wrestle her I had this massive grin on my face, "Do want to know why I'm staring?" She was nodding trying to hold back a smile but failed, "I can't keep my eyes off of you Rose" I said my eyes never wavering from hers, "And I can't to have you by my side at the Military ball tomorrow, because a year ago at that same event I saw the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. And I'm sure you will look even more amazing tomorrow, you constantly take my breath away"

Biting one of her nails she had a mind blowing smile on her lips, before she could say no to me I placed my lips on hers. She giggled before leaning into the kiss. I loved the way she felt, the way she tasted and just how I couldn't control myself around her.

I couldn't deny how many times I've been thinking about having her in every way possible to man, we haven't really spoken about it so don't want to push her. But I do find it ridiculously hard to control myself for much longer.

What I do have to worry about is the chat I need to have with her farther later. As we got back I kissed her before she was off to do a dress fitting with Tasha. I seized my moment and walked towards Ibrahim's office. Hearing voices on the inside I hoped it would be just Ibrahim and Oscar. Double checking my pocket to make sure the little box was still in there, I took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

A few seconds passed before Ibrahim appeared in the door way looking confused, looking around he said, "Dimitri? Is everything alright?"

"Yes, yes Rose and I just got back and I was hoping you'd have a moment?"

Narrowing his eyes trying to read me he opened the door winder, "Have a seat"

"Thank you" I said walking in, "I don't mean to interrupt"

Oscar got up showing me to where he was seated as he moves to sit next to Ibrahim on the other side of the desk.

Ibrahim looked surprisingly clam, "Nothing to apologise for, what can we do for you?"

Taking a deep breath I thought to myself, here we go!

"Firstly I want to say that I'm very thankful for you letting me into your home, I know you have found it difficult to trust me again, I don't blame you. But I want you to know, Ibrahim, that I have more respect for you as a man and a king then I ever had of my father. I will make sure you can trust me again and that you never doubt how much I love and care for your daughter"

His face didn't give any of his thoughts away, but I knew the wheels must be turning in his head, trying to figure where I was taking this.

"Over the last month I can assure you that she have taught me so many things about myself, she opens my eyes for new things and I know she will be an amazing Queen one day. The time we've had to get to know one another have truly been good for us and I know that we can conquer anything. I would never ask for anything of her but her love in return. That's all I want"

Licking my lips I tired to stay calm, my heartbeat picking up in my chest.

"But one thing that I'm sure of and never have doubted my love for Rose, she is the one for me. I knew that from the moment I saw her a year ago. That's why I wanted to ask you, because I know that the two of you are the most important people in her life, If I have your permission to Marry your daughter"

Silence fell.

I continued after a few moments. "I know your blessing means the world to her but it would mean a lot for me too. Although I know she would do what she pleases because she doesn't really listen to anyone anyway" I joked under my breath. Oscar chuckled which helped a little.

My heart was hammering in my chest. Looking between the two, Ibrahim didn't say a word for at least a minute or so. He only looked over meeting Oscars gaze. Oscar must have known what he wanted to say because he turned to me and asked "Do you have a ring?"

Reaching into my jacket pocket I placed the little wooden box in front of them, "I spoke to my grandmama and mama before we left to come here"

Ibrahim silently leaned forward giving me a look, silently asking if he could have a look. I nodded and urging him by saying "Please"

I spoke before he opened it, "My grandmama told me when I was young that when I found the One she would give me her ring. It brought her and Grandpapa fifty years worth of happiness before he passed away. I believe that whom ever I decide to give that ring to would be the love of my life. I never gave it to Meredith because I didn't have those feelings for her. But the moment I saw Rose I knew If i ever give that ring to anybody it would be her"

As Ibrahim opened the box I felt like I was about to have a heart attack, What is he hated it?

His eyes grew wide in surprise as he looked at what was inside.

Inside the dark wooden box was my grandmama Yeva's Engagement ring. It was a Four Carat emerald, surrounded by small diamonds. It was all set in Yellow gold with the band splitting on the shoulders holding the stone in place. Small diamonds traced down the side of the band, making the whole piece a statement of it's own. It was a master piece and the most beautiful ring I have ever laid eyes on.

"I know that her signature colour is Red, but knowing Rose she would appreciate more if she got something that was passed down, because of the sentiment, rather than having something made" Swallowing I was dreading to continue as I didn't want to upset Ibrahim but I wanted to say it. "I also know that Green was Janine's favourite colour, her signature. I first noticed that at the Military ball last year, she wore those emerald earrings that were her mothers, she looked absolutely breathtaking. I know that whenever Rose would look down at that ring, to be able to think of what we have, along side her mothers love, that would mean more than the ring itself"

Meeting Ibrahim's gaze straight on, I couldn't hide. His eyes never moved from mine. It wasn't until a sniffle broke the silence when my eyes darted over to where it came from.

Ibrahim groaned before burying his face in his hand before he looked over at Oscar, "Are you seriously crying right now?"

Oscar dried whatever was in his eye before he shot Ibrahim a glare "What? What he just said was very beautiful!"

Biting my lip I strangled a chuckle, Ibrahim was shaking his head as he sighed, Putting the ring down in front of him before leaning back in his seat.

Licking my lips I said, "You don't have to give me an answer today, but I will not do anything until I hear your answer" Getting our of my chair I continued, "I won't keep you any longer. Keep the ring for now"

As I was about to leave Oscar said my name making me turn back around. He came forward holding his hand out taking mine in his, "You definitely have my blessing son, the amount of thought and love you have put into that ring just shows me how much you love her" His smile was genuine as he patted my back, "I know you will make her very happy"

"Thank you" I smiled feeling slightly relieved. Oscar then turned to Ibrahim, "Now we just have to wait and see what the stubborn goat over there to see what he has to say" his tone of voice was teasing before he moved over to make himself another cup of tea.

Meeting Ibrahim's gaze one last time I gave him a nod. With a small smile I turned and opened the door, before I closed it I heard Ibrahim say "You will have a answer before the ball tomorrow night"

Smiling to myself I closed the door without another word. It's out of my hands now.


What do yo think he's gonna say? How will he do it if he is? Looove Oscar 3

xxx