Hello darlings! My God, I'm so sorry to leave you all for so long. I had a lot of major changes IRL for the longest time, and now that I'm settled again, I give you the gift of a long awaited chapter! It all started with a move, and then a job, and then going to college, then another move, and a different job. Finally, I'm back. For those who reviewed and guessed, I thank you all for the responses. It made my day! But, there was only one or two people who guessed correctly, and I am so sorry that I didn't get the promised glimpse of the chapter to you. I will make it up to you loves another way. But, right now, I'm going to leave you all be with this new chapter, and I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. Don't forget to leave me a review with your thoughts!
~DA2014
Let Your Heart Lead The Way
Chapter 12
"Ekaterina? Is that you?" The shock was evident in Dimitri's voice, as it trickled out onto the moonlit wind.
"Yes, young one. And, oh, how you've grown! I remember when you were just a young tike, toddling around behind your mother's skirts as she worked her days away." Ekaterina's response was just as surprised.
A small smile skittered to the older woman's lips, as she sat tall, straight, and poised.
"How are you here?" Dimitri inquired.
"That is not what you want to hear. What are YOU doing here?"
Dimitri felt that Ekaterina should already know. The entire world had been made aware of Princess Rosemarie's Selection. How did she not know?
"I am one of the Selected." was Dimitri's only response.
Ekaterina only turned to look out over the gardens again, before answering.
"I suppose the time has come then." She answered cryptically.
Dimitri remained standing, waiting for permission before he took a seat next to the older woman. They sat in silence for many moments, with little bits and pieces to break it up and prevent it from becoming awkward. Dimitri learned of Ekaterina's travels, and how she had left after Queen Janine's death, to go and teach other young royals and diplomats around the world. She spoke of the pains that would wake her in the middle of the night, and the screams that she could hear echoing in her dreams. Dimitri would never know what that truly meant, but he listened to her all the same. He went on to tell her of his mother's retirement, his family and his many positions. Eventually, the time had passed, and a guard came to return Dimitri to his room.
The following morning, Lady Ekaterina's words continued to bounce in Dimitri's brain. What did she mean when she said the time had come? And, most importantly, what was coming?
The questions plagued Dimtiri throughout breakfast. The other men made idle conversation, some even trying to include Dimitri, but he was far too caught up in his own mind trying to solve this puzzle. Even if he was making no progress.
"Dimitri, are you alright? You seem quiet this morning." Christian questioned.
Just as Dimitri had formulated and answer, and was in the beginning stages of delivering it to Christian, he was interrupted.
"Is it possible for him to be anymore quiet? He hardly speaks as it is Christian." Adrian's biting words rang through the dining hall where breakfast had been served that morning.
King Ibrahim, sitting at the forefront of the room on the raised platform set for the royal family, heard Adrian's comment as it rang through the room. As it settled in his ears, he turned to his daughter and gave a menacing chuckle. He spoke of how he approved of Adrian, and Rose bit that it was too soon to tell though she didn't care much for him. The few words they exchanged during their first meeting left an impression on the Princess, and it was not a favorable one. Rose then excused herself to make her announcement.
"Gentlemen, may I have your attention please?" Rose's authoritative voice rang out through the dining hall.
With their interest peaked, hearing the Princess's voice, all of the suitors turned and gave her every bit of attention they could collectively muster.
"I want to announce an exciting turn of events to you, personally. Starting next week, all of the suitors and myself will be taking little trips, outside of the palace walls. We will be going to visit the people of this nation. The purpose of these trips is to see how the general public responds to you, and how you react to them. I don't think we need a rebellion on our hands, now do we?" Rose ended the small speech with a silent chuckle and smirk on her lips.
The men went to murmur amongst themselves. This was a new and exciting turn of events.
"Now, do not think this will get you out of classes, because it will not. Those will still occur, and you will still have to attend, no matter what. I need to know that the future King, and my future husband, is well informed on all affairs of this country and it's history. I have been told that you are all well aware of mannerisms, and etiquette, so those classes will be replaced with others that will impact your every decision in the future... Should you be the Selected King."
A collective groan rose in the dining hall.
Dimitri sat and watched with rapt attention. The Princess deserved no less. He could hear the other men holding a silent conversation, but none of it rang in his ears.
"And, furthermore, these field trips should help you to decide on the propositions for philanthropy projects you will present on a future episode of The Dhampir Report. My King will do what he must to help his people, because without there support, can he really be called a king? I look forward to what you gentlemen can think of. Thank you." Rose finished.
The suitors could not show more surprise than what was written on their faces in that moment. But, Dimitri knew what his project was going to be in that moment. Now, all he had to do was find a way to execute it. So, finishing his meal quickly and excusing himself, Dimitri turned away from the other suitors and exited the dining hall. He swiftly made his way to the classroom where the suitors met every day for lessons. This morning, they just so happened to be beginning with the history of the caste system, and a smile fell on Dimitri's lips. This was the perfect timing!
There it is loves! Don't forget to leave your thoughts with me!
~DA2014