So sorry about the slow update! But here it is, The Last Chapter before the Epilogue, enjoy x
Rose
Slowly grown conscious, I could feel light kisses tracing their way up from the base of my spine. Not moving an inch I kept my eyes closed as the kisses slowly woke me up. The bed shifted slightly as I think he got up on his elbow, gently brushing my hair off of my shoulder, his lips following suit.
A smile grew on my lips as I knew he was aware I was awake. His warm hand traced up the side of my stomach, sending a tickling sensation and I couldn't help but giggling pulling away from his light touch. His arms tightened around me as he moved so I fell onto my back, he was half hovering above me. Wearing a big grin on his face I couldn't help but mirror him.
"Good Morning" He said warmly. Pulling the sheets close around my body suddenly feeling very aware of my nakedness.
"Good Morning" I said blushing. An amused look played all over his face as one of his hands moved the sheets off of my legs, tracing his way slowly upwards. I was trying hard not to laugh. As his hand reached my hip he leaned in placing his lush lips on mine moaning "Mmm" as he did. Closing my eyes I got lost in his kiss.
He was distracting me, I could feel his other sneakily trying to pull the quilt down and I giggled against in his trying to pull away as he chuckled trying to kiss me again.
"Stop" I shrieked holding onto the quilt.
Chuckling warmly he kissed my neck, "Why so shy my love?" he murmured as he nuzzled his face into my neck, "You have nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to hide"
Snickering as he buried in fact in my neck I said, "I'm not ashamed, I'm just conscious"
"Conscious?" he frowned, "Conscious of how gorgeous you are? Conscious of how much I just want to ravish you over and over again? How I think I've gotten addicted to your body? Conscious of how-"
"Alright alright" I giggled, "I see what you're trying to say" I relaxed slowly releasing my grip of the sheets. A mischievous grin spread on his face and I laughed as he ceased the moment pulling the quilt off of me. Hissing at the cold air I bit my lower lip trying not to whine to get the sheets back.
Looking up at him I could see his licking his lips before winking at me before taking me fully in his arms. Giggling he spun us around so I was now lying on his chest. Smiling I propped myself up so I could see his face, he said "Did I tell you, your body feels so good against mine"
Breathing laughter I was shaking my head because he was acting like a lovestruck fool, "I'm quite certain you told me that on several occasions last night"
His hands were massaging my thighs as he chuckled at my reply, "You were driving me mad last night at the ball" he said not ashamed at all. Biting my lower lip I grinned, "I could tell, you couldn't keep your eyes away"
"Can I ever?" He winked lifting one of my hands to his lips kissing it. "Now you have two options" he said continued, "Option One, We can get some breakfast" As if one queue my stomach growled causing Dimitri to laughed.
"Option Two?" I snickered.
As his hand moved towards my bum I instantly knew what option two was, "I see" I said narrowing my eyes at him. "See I always thought you were a real gentleman Dimitri, you're even a bit of a prude" He chuckled as I said that, "And now you've turned into this beast who I'm quite sure if I never told you know you would chain me right here"
A slightly growl came from deep in his throat as he got up on his elbows close to my face, "Don't tempt me" he challenged playfully.
Biting my lip seductively I said, "Try me"
"You'll be the death of me Rose"
Snickering I said, "Just keeping you on your toes" Giving him one more kiss I got off of him getting out of bed.
"Where are you going?" He asked, his eyes glued to me.
"Breakfast" I said simply winking to him over my shoulder before I reached for his white shirt, it was huge on me, but it smelled just like him. Putting it on I rolled up the sleeves, as I turned towards him he was already out of bed wearing only this trousers. Coming up to me he cupped my face, leaning in he kissed me slowly, taking his time, letting his lips linger.
"I will have someone bring breakfast to us" he said before kissing me once more. I smiled as a reply as he opened the door telling one of the maids walking past to send us breakfast.
Opening the doors to the small balcony adjoining my room, a fresh breeze hit me. Only wearing his shirt, the sun hit my bare legs. Resting against the railing I was looking down over the back gardens.
A year ago I was down there dismissing Jessie, thank god for that! Smiling I was happy to know how much things can change over a year.
Coming up behind me, Dimitri moved his arms around my waist, resting his head on my shoulder, kissing my cheek. "Penny for your thoughts?"
Smiling I placed my hands on top of his, "I'm just very, very happy"
His smile grew as he kissed my shoulder, "I know the feeling"
Hearing a knock on the door Dimitri quickly disappeared to then reappear with a trolley filled with food, orange juice and tea. Smiling I leaned my back against the railing.
"Didn't anybody think it's strange that you go around shirtless ordering breakfast from the princess suite?"
Pouring me a cuppa he grinned, "Probably, But to be very honest I couldn't care less"
Smiling I took the cup from him. "And why is that?"
Putting this cup down on the wide railing he took me in his arms and said, "Because now that I have you I know I have nothing to worry about"
"You're truly a romantic" I teased.
Chuckling he nodded, "It's the truth" Running a hand through his hair he continued, "I actually have something I wanted ask you"
"I'm all ears" I said sipping on my tea. He chuckled shaking his head, why did he suddenly seem a bit nervous?
Taking the cup from my hand he put it down next to his, "First you must turn around"
Frowning I was just about to ask why when he said, "Trust me" with a big smile on his lips. Shooting him a suspicious look he chuckled as I slowly obeyed. Coming up behind me he placed his hands on either side of me, his body pressed up against mine as his lips came close to my ear.
"You know I love you" he stated simply. Smiling I nodded slowly, waiting for him to continue.
"Do you know what the first thing I thought was when I first saw you? I already thought I had seen the most beautiful woman in the world, then I laid eyes on your Rose. Everything about you left a mark inside my head. You were the first thing I saw when I woke up and the last thing I saw when I feel asleep. I knew that If I was ever going to truly be happy It had to be with you"
His lips traced kisses down my neck, his lips lingering along my shoulder, "I thought I couldn't be happier calling you my girlfriend"
Smiling to myself I felt warm all over, hearing all these beautiful and amazing words leave his lips.
"But I know one way you can make me even happier Rose"
I felt his hand move, his lips kissed the edge of my jaw before he murmured, "Look down"
Not sure when my eyes had closed I opened my eyes looking down at the railing. Right between our hands sat a little dark wooden box.
I gasped as I felt my heart stop.
"Open it" he said moving his hands to my hips.
My hands were frozen at first. Exhaling slowly I lifted my hands to slowly pick up the box. I felt my hands shaking slightly as I took a firm grip of the top and slowly opened the box.
Gasping again I felt a lump build up in my throat. Tears started stinging my eyes as I felt myself leaning into Dimitri for support. Placing one hand on my chest I could feel my heart pounding inside my chest a single tear rolling down my cheek.
The ring that was sitting inside was absolutely beautiful. It was a big Emerald, set in yellow gold with small diamonds forming a halo around it, also trailing down the split band holding the stone. It reminded me of my mothers engagement ring.
Engagement ring.
Taking my free hand, as my other was still holding the box I felt Dimitri squeeze it tight before he slowly spun me around to face him. Meeting him, his face was serious as his eyes found mine.
"I Love you so much Rose" he said, his voice full of emotion, "More than I think you can ever imagine" Taking the ring out of my hand, he slowly slid down on one knee. My now free hand instantly flew up over my mouth as I couldn't help myself from sobbing. I'm not sure if I was crying from amazement, what he just said, but I know they were tears of joy.
"What I wanted to ask is" Squeezing my hand in his he held up the ring to me, "Will you do be the incredible honour Rosemarie Mazur, of becoming my wife?"
Before I could even think or control myself, I threw my arms around his neck as tears were now streaming down my face. Taken aback he had to steady himself so we wouldn't fall over. Chuckling at my reaction he straightened us up before looking down at me, "Is that a yes?" he asked wearing one of the proudest smiles I had ever seen.
Nodding while drying my wet cheeks I had a equally ridiculous smile on my lips, "Yes! Thousand times yes!"
Laughing he took me in his arms, and just like when I first came to Russia, He lifted me up and spun us around as he said loud and proud, "She said yes!"
As we both laughed out loud, I hugged him tight against me until we came to a stop. Taking the ring out of the box he popped the box into his pocket. Meeting my gaze he smiled before taking my left hand in his, holding the ring just an inch away, he said "Will you Marry me Rose?"
"I'd marry you today if I could" I chuckled still shedding happy tears.
Placing the ring onto my fingers, he then cupped my face meeting my lips in a deep passionate kiss. Pressing myself agains this naked chest I felt more at home than I had in so long.
"What's going on up there?"
Papa's voice came from below us. I laughed against Dimitri's lips, kissing him once more before resting my forehead against his chest.
Dimitri kissed the top of my hair and murmured, "Go tell them"
I felt like a child at christmas, running to the railing I looked down seeing both Papa and Oscar looking confused. With a ridiculous smile on my lips I looked at them both, "You never thought this day would come did you?" I said cryptically.
"What are you talking about?" Papa said confused.
"I think she might have gone delusional" Oscar teased next to him. "And what on earth are you wearing?"
Dimitri appeared behind me, shirtless, you could see the pieces fitting together in Oscar head.
Holding up my hand so they could see the amazing ting on my ringer, "I'm engaged!" I shrieked happily jumping up and down. Dimitri was laughing behind me holding onto me, probably afraid I would fall over the edge in excitement.
A big smile spread on papa's face, "It's about damn time he asked, I thought he would do it last night"
Oscar chuckled, "Come on down so we can have a celebratory drink!"
"Get dressed first will you? And don't think I don't know Dimitri spent the night in your room young lady!" Papa said giving me a stern look.
I was in too much of a bliss to care, I just blew him a kiss before turning to Dimitri, taking in him my arms again I gave him a kiss. I could have stayed on the balcony all day, just being in his arms, being surrounded by him and his smell. But I knew for a fact that if we didn't go down papa would come up stairs, and I wanted to avoid that.
AS we reached the garden, trying to get dressed but it all turned into kissing instead, Papa and Oscar already had champagne ready. Holding his arms wide taking me in his arms, papa laughed lifting me up before putting me down. "Congratulations my darling" he said, happiness was shining in his eyes as the smile on his face grew wide.
"Thank you Papa" I grinned looking down at my beautiful ring, "Have you seen how it resembles mama's?" I said excited before sighing in content "It's so beautiful"
"Not as Beautiful as you" Dimitri said kissing the side of my head.
"Smooth talker" I snickered meeting his shining proud eyes.
"Congratulations Dimitri, she said yes" Oscar joked, "God knows how you did it!"
"Hush you" I said shooting him a playful glare.
"Rose did you know you weren't the only one crying the first time you saw your ring?" Dimitri said then. I looked over at him and the mischievous look on his face.
"Oh come on" Oscar groaned, "Do we have to talk about this?"
Walking over to Ivan I cupped his face, "You've always been very emotional haven't you?"
His eyes narrowed as he was waiting for me to continue to make fun of him. "Did you cry more than me?"
"Should I be the one to mention that you and Dimitri left the ball early yesterday, and from the rumours between the maids, Dimitri didn't sleep in his room last night" He challenged with an amused look on his face as I shot him glares before crossing my arms over my chest.
"Yes why don't we speak about that"
Turning around, Papas eyes were on me raising his brows waiting for my reply. Rolling my eyes at the drama Oscar was trying to create, "You both already know I'm no saint, it's not like the way we got together was very traditional"
I could feel both older men were sending me looks but I just ignored them. The Pop of a bottle almost made me jump, turning Dimitri was pouring four flutes with Champagne.
Passing Oscar and Papa one each he walked over to me, smiling, passing me a glass before lifting my free hand and kissing it he said, "To my beautiful Wife to be"
"You will be a beautiful Bride Rose" Oscar said, "And good luck to you Dimitri, she will soon no longer be our problem"
"Cheers to that" Papa laughed clinking his glass together with Oscars. Dimitri laughed with them and I shot them all glares.
Kissing the top of my head Dimitri chuckled and said, "I'm more than happy to take you on, My life will never be boring again"
"That's for sure" Oscar said meaning for papa only to hear but clearly said it loud enough for me to hear.
Papa grinned before raising his glass "All joking aside, you know that the two of us love you more than life, we couldn't be happier you finally have one another and I can't wait to go to a wedding were I hope to god you won't end up getting shot"
Snickering we raised our glasses with papa, "To Love" he smiled.
"To Love"
Sitting in the library with Papa we were both reading. The rain was pouring down outside, I loved the sound it made as it was hitting the window. Dimitri and Oscar were going over something, I didn't really pay attention when they left earlier.
It felt very good being able to just sit with Papa again. We hadn't had a moment like this for quite a while. Closing my book I was looking down at my ring and a smile instantly found it's way to my lips.
I loved it. It was absolutely stunning. Dimitri told me that it was his Grandmama's ring, but he also chose it because he knew that my mother's ring use to be green and it had always been her signature colour. It was also her emerald earrings I wore the first time we met. The amount of thought he had put in still amazed me. It also proved to me that nobody loved me like he did. I would have still said yes even if he didn't have a ring, but the way he explained it was that when ever I look down at my ring, he wants me to smile. He wants me to remember my mother, he wants me to think of him and what we have. He definitely succeeded.
Another thought that hadn't left my mind since the night of the Military ball was Lord Devereux's question on what we would do once we were married. What would we do?
I was next in line for a major Monarchy as was Dimitri. We couldn't merge the two countries together, nor would I rule a country alone and only see my husband to be a few times a year. There was no chance I'd ever agree to that.
Would he move here? Or if I agreed to come to Russia what would happen once Papa's gone?
"You look like you're thinking very hard about something"
Papas voice brought me back to reality. Giving him a brief smile I took a deep breath, "I guess I am a bit preoccupied"
"It has to be something important making that frown appear on your face" He said looking at me knowingly. "The last time I saw that frown was when you were wedding planning with Mason, and we both know that was a very stressful time for you. So please, what's on your mind my darling?"
Sighing I sat up more putting my book down beside me. "I cannot seem to stop thinking of what Lord Devereux said at the ball"
Slowly nodding Papa said "I had a feeling it might be that. So what do you think of it?"
"What I do know is that I cannot rule a country alone, having Dimitri stay in Russia and only see him so many times a year?" Shaking my head no I continued, "I couldn't bare that"
Papa was nodding along in agreement I continued, "And I know that it wouldn't be possible to merge the counties together, It a delirious thought" Licking my lips I started playing with my dress, "I could move there, but what would happen here?" I looked over at Papa, "What would happen when you're not here anymore? Can I leave my people in somebody else hands? Would Dimitri even consider moving here? He already has such a great part in the way Russia is running so I couldn't ask him to do that-"
Papas hand landed on top of mine, stopping me, "Breathe darling" he said with a small smile on his lips. Turning he asked one of the maids who had recently entered for tea before he continued, "I know it is a lot to think about, you know as well as I that all I want is for you to be happy. Seeing the smile on your face after Dimitri asked you to marry him was like gold to me" he said warmth radiating off of him. "Whatever you decide to do you don't have to worry about what will happen here, I am a smart man after all"
Smiling through my worry I nodded, "So what would happen? If I were to leave I mean"
Pursing his lips he thought, "Well, the role would be passed on to the next one in line, which would be one of your cousins. I also have a choice in letting someone in parliament or the council to be trained to take my place, if that were to be the case"
Biting the inside of my cheek I nodded. It did comfort me to some extent knowing that Papa had some sort of back up. The next question is, Can I leave my people?
I have grown up here, I see them often. I might not know every single person, that would never be possible, but can I leave who I have been prepared to rule with and for? If I were to go to Russia would I be able to get use to the way they run their country. Of course there would be changes once Dimitri and I would take the lead, but could I do that? Even I know you cannot just start ruling a country and just change all their rules and traditions, I wasn't that delusional and selfish.
"I can hear the wheels spinning in your head" Papa chuckled as tea arrived.
"There is just a lot" I said. "It calms me knowing you have a back up plan, but can I leave my people? If I were to leave, could I get use to Russia? Can I learn their ways or would it clash with what you've taught me? There are so many questions I need to ask but I have no idea who has the answer"
"Only you do my love" Papa said simply passing me a cuppa. Sighing I said, "I hope you wouldn't say that"
Smiling Papa took my hand again, "No matter where you rule you will always face challenges. It will be easier facing them together, but there will always be questions nobody can answer except for you. Your first year no matter where you are will be tough. The only advice I can give is make sure you think of what would make you happy, think of your options. Then speak to Dimitri, hear his thoughts, I know that once you're married it will also be a challenge thinking as one, what will be the best for the both of you. Compromise will also be something hard to deal with" Squeezing my hand his smile grew, "What I do know is that I know that whatever you decide is that you will be a wonderful and loved Queen, I have trained you well, you have your mothers kind soul but also her sense of what's right and wrong"
"And your stubbornness" I teased.
"That too" Papa chuckled. "Take some time alone, think through what would work for you, speak to Dimitri and then make your mind up together"
Nodding I agreed, it sounded like the most reasonable thing to do.
The rain was still dripping, I left papa in the library as I grabbed a shawl from my room before I scurried through the rain to the Glass Gazebo towards the back of our gardens.
It was over looking the pond, the smell of rain and wet greens filled the air, and it was truly one of my favourite smells.
Sitting down facing the endless fields I rested my chin against my closed fist. There was truly only two ways to go. Either I move to Russia, that will be a challenge on it's own. His sisters barely liked me, but hopefully that would change once I spent more time with them. Then there was the council, i presume I didn't really make the best first impression on either of them.
Meeting the people I could truly see myself loving them. They showed kindness, I believe that with small changes I might even be able to do things in their favour. I do love a challenge and the repayment to be a happier country would definitely be something I could see myself doing, I could even see myself growing to love that role.
But then it is hard to leave the country you have grown up in. I'm not sure what would happen if Dimitri were to leave to come here. I know he will be a great king, he will be one for the story books! Knowing him I even had a feeling that if I asked he would consider the idea of moving here. The selfish part of me wanted to ask, I wanted to make that happen.
Yet the more sensible part, I think the I've spent too much time with Dimitri, Sensible part knew I couldn't do that to him. I could never live with myself if I knew he had given up something he had worked so hard for, something he is right in the middle of. I know Papa and Oscar would definitely make the effort to come over as often as they could.
"There you are"
Jumping, Dimitri suddenly appeared as he must have been hurrying through the rain. Turning towards him I smiled. He always brought this calm air with him whenever he was around.
Running hand through his damp hair he came closer sitting down next to me, moving his arm arm around me he gave me a quick peck before exhaling in contempt. "What are you doing out here?" He asked as I laced my hand with his.
Resting my head Against his shoulder I sighed as well, "Thinking"
Burying his nose in my hair I could tell he was smelling my hair, he had this weird thing with my hair. He had loved it since day one. "About what if I may ask?"
Licking my lips, my eyes were glued to our interlocking hands, "I think I have made a decision on what I'd like to do once we've gotten married" I said. Silence fell for a few moments, I think he was giving me time to let what I had said sink in, I think I was doing the same to myself.
It felt good.
"Before I say my thoughts I'd love to hear what you're ideas are. You have clearly thought about it and I want to take your thoughts into account before we make a decision"
I could tell he was smiling by the sound of his voice, "I love hearing you say We"
Smiling I shook my head, "You are one lovestruck fool Dimitri Belikov"
"A proud one" he chuckled, "Well in my mind there are really only two options. Me coming here or you coming to Russia. There are different perks with both options, I know whatever we choose, wherever we decide to go, there will be a plan that will sort whatever happens for whom ever leaves. That's what I'm sure of so far" Inhaling slowly I knew he was thinking of what to say next, "I'm not going to hide the fact that I of course want you to come with me to Russia. From a selfish point of view but also because I know that you could do many great things to my country. We are two different people with different views and I believe if we use what we are best at to both of our advantages we can make a better life for us and for our people"
"Have you always been this wise?" I asked, teasing him.
"My mother tells me I was born with an old soul" He chuckled. Smiling I could definitely see why she would say that.
"If you would ask me to come here, I would. I would never chose to be away from you, I honestly don't think I could bare it. The same thing goes for here, I believe that I could bring something here as well, help you get better and strong and also learn lots about myself learning a new country and new traditions"
My heart was melting as the words left his mouth. He had a bigger heart than anyone I have ever known a part from my mother. I wanted to hear what he had to say and it only make it more clear to me what I wanted to do.
Sitting up I held his hand still in mine. Swallowing hard I met My Fiancees gaze as I mentally prepared for what I was going to say.
"I want to come to Russia with you and rule by your side"
There was no denying the surprise that was written all over this face. "Are-are you sure?" He said brows coming together.
Nodding I smiled, "It's what I want to do, I can already see myself loving your people and I want to help them and you to become better, but also learn and push myself to become even better. I can only do that with you Dimitri, nobody else have that amount of patience with me" I joked which made a grin come not his lips.
"I Love you, so very much, I only have two wishes that comes with me moving with me" I said surely.
"Anything" Dimitri said Squeezing my hand.
"We get Married here, in England. I want to have my father throw me a wedding where I actually Love the man I marry" I say with humour playing in my eyes, "It will also be his way of giving me away to you"
Smiling Dimitri nodded, "I think that sounds perfect. Second wish?"
Licking my lips I was taking moment to make sure I wasn't coming off rude or in the wrong way. "Once I take your side as Queen, I don't want to just be a side act that does the less important duties. I want to rule with you, I want to be apart of it all. Of course we cannot always be together and some of the boring stuff I'm more than happy to leave with you" I grinned. "But I want us to be one, I want it to be us making decisions" A Grin lit up his face as he nodded, I continued "I will want to make some changes, you will have to tell me when it doesn't work with your way of ruling, but then we will compromise. I don't want to come off as unreasonable or spoiled. But things will change either way we would do things. Is that ok? Do you have any objections?"
Bringing both my hands up to his lips he kissed them both, "I wouldn't want to have you anywhere else but beside me, I know you will shake us all up, it will take time to get use to but I know it will only be for the better. All I can say is Thank you. Thank you for loving me, thank you for being this warm caring, strong woman that you are. And Thank you for saying yes to the rest of our lives"
Placing my hand behind his neck I pulled him closer, "I would do it all over again, as long as I end up with you"
"Me too"
Our lips came together. I knew that I had made the right decision saying Yes to him. I had been Chasing him for so long, it was a challenge in keeping him but now that he's mine I never ever intend in letting him go. He is mine and I am his.
Forever
What's on your mind right now?
Let me know xxx