Chapter Four: Sacrifice

Rose

Lady Tatiana Ivashkov was like a second mother, or so she liked to consider herself. Every once in a while, she would come visit me, and we would have tea and talk meaningless pleasantries. She would ask me about my studies, both school and queen related. Kirova was my governess and taught me everything from mathematics to etiquette. She had an impressive resume, and I imagined Lady Tatiana wouldn't have suggested a person with anything less than outstanding knowledge. I always thought Kirova was more like a spy shaping me to be the type of wife Tatiana Ivashkov wanted for Adrian. Instead of bringing that to my mother's attention, I made sure to be extra difficult during my lessons. I had to learn to pick my battles. Like today, I wasn't in the mood for Tatiana not when my lungs still couldn't get enough air.

Being so close to Dimitri, multiple times today and it wasn't even noon, made me feel lightheaded. I longed to be back in his arms and get lost in his eyes. I wanted him to tell me everything about himself like last night. His past was tragic, but I knew there was more to it, and I wanted to satisfy my curiosity. I had to admit this friendship, or whatever it was, had turned into something more. I wasn't just searching for assassins; I wanted to genuinely know who Dimitri Belikov was, so I could dream of a world where we could be together without my crown or his status getting in the way. Without the looming possibility that he was involved in the death of my grandfather.

I couldn't tell Tatiana to go away and return when my body wasn't on fire, despite being soaked to the bone, when my mind wasn't troubled with thoughts of murder and fantasies about a Russian stranger. Who I was didn't allow me to offend her or let her in on my darkest secrets. I had to be the epitome of grace with Lady Tatiana because whether I liked it or not we were practically family, or we would be. Besides, it was entertaining to see how uncomfortable Tatiana felt with Dimitri by my side. She couldn't bear to see other men pursuing me.

Her smile as Dimitri kissed her hand didn't reach her eyes. I could tell she was stiff with tension, and she kept looking at my hand gripping Dimitri's arm. However, Tatiana said nothing. She knew she also had to play nice and offending the representative of a powerful country would make the king very angry. We all knew how to play the politics game.

"Dimitri Belikov," Lady Tatiana repeated his name slowly and frowned as if deep in thought. I tensed as I waited for her sharp tongue to hurl insults disguised as compliments. "I always thought Stan Alto was the ambassador of Russia. I met him several times; he is a very capable and pleasant man."

"He was my mentor," Dimitri placed his hand over mine gripping his arm so tightly I might leave marks. Feeling his touch, I relaxed a bit but remained alert to steer the conversation back into safe territory.

"And he has allowed you to take on this mission on your own? Strengthening the friendship between two mighty countries such as Turkey and Russia is no easy task." Tatiana looked Dimitri up and down her eyes narrowing on his hand on mine. I almost thought she would rip his hand off. Instead she smiled tightly. "How old are you?"

"I turned twenty this past winter; however, don't let my youth deceive you, Lady Tatiana. I have traveled to twenty different countries with Stan Alto guiding me, and ten on my own. I know a thing or two about diplomacy." Dimitri paused and frowned. "Isn't Lord Adrian Ivashkov your relative? He's rather young as well to be representative of Turkey."

"My nephew, Adrian, has been groomed since infancy for this very purpose. As for you, I assume your upbringing was different. And yet, you already possess an impressive resume." Tatiana said with a smirk on her lips and removing her gloves. "And at such a young age. You are correct, Mr. Belikov. Appearances are deceiving. Age does not equal experience or wisdom, but surely the mighty czar and Mr. Alto would not have entrusted you with such an important role if you were not capable."

"I certainly hope to do them proud," he turned to look at me. "More importantly, I hope the friendship between our countries is everlasting."

"And it shall," Tatiana said standing taller and looking straight at Dimitri. "A drift between our countries could be disastrous. There must be a common understanding that failure on both parts is unacceptable. There are rules of decorum and diplomacy we must follow for the sake of our countries and its people."

"I could not agree more," I said cheerfully moving away from Dimitri and instead moving closer to Tatiana. "That is why Mr. Belikov is staying with us for a while. He and Christian are honored guests and will attend my birthday ball. Father truly appreciates Mr. Belikov's sign of good faith, so our Russian friends are and will always be welcome in our home."

At the last part, I turned to Tatiana and looked directly into her eyes. I couldn't stand her insulting Dimitri any longer. She had already insulted his upbringing and abilities as ambassador, and I knew she was simply warming up. Dimitri wouldn't dare retaliate, though he certainly kept up with the charade of pleasant conversation. He was a gentleman, and his job was to make friends not enemies. But I knew if this conversation carried on, Tatiana might be the one to destroy the little bit of peace we had so far. Besides, I felt the urge to protect Dimitri. He didn't need protection. He showed me what he was capable of by taking on my best guards without breaking a sweat. Somehow, he was knowledgeable in combat and sword fight, and perhaps more. But this wasn't a fight, at least not physical. This was a battle of wits and even rank. Dimitri couldn't get away with insulting the great Lady Tatiana Ivashkov. I could maybe get away with it a little bit being the crown princess. I didn't like pulling rank but sometimes it was necessary.

"Of course," Tatiana said taking my hand and interlacing it through her arm. "I sincerely hope Mr. Belikov and Mr. Ozera enjoy their stay in Turkey and the beautiful palace."

"We are," Dimitri bowed. "The King and Queen are very gracious hosts. The company of the princess and Lady Dragomir has been delightful as well."

"I am glad to hear that," Tatiana nodded and turned away from Dimitri to look at me, and I knew she was done with him for now. I was the focus of her calculating and greedy eyes. I wouldn't be getting away with sticking up for Dimitri it seemed. "I came to meet with the queen, but she is currently a bit preoccupied. I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time, Your Highness?"

"Certainly, Lady Tatiana," I turned to Dimitri. "If you excuse me, Mr. Belikov I can meet you later. You and Mr. Ozera are welcome to breakfast and do not need to wait for me."

"We will wait, Your Highness. Take as much time as you need. As I told you, I'm at your disposal." He bowed low to me. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Tatiana. I look forward to working with you in the future."

Dimitri and Christian excused themselves leaving me with Tatiana, my guards, and Lissa. I sent Lissa to fetch tea for Tatiana and me. Mason was instructed to go change out of his wet uniform while Eddie and Grant followed Lady Ivashkov and me back to my room. As we walked, Tatiana continued with her polite conversation about my birthday ball and how excited she was to attend. I hardly listened and was able to simply nod and smile without having much input as she carried on about the famous designer she hired to make her dress.

Eventually, the conversation steered towards me and my choice of dresses for the evening. I recited the designers in charge of my attire and how I was so excited for the evening as well. I wasn't sure if I sounded sincere. A small part of me was excited for the ball because I was still a girl and dresses, and magical nights with a handsome and noble prince were what sweet dreams were made of. Except my dreams were reality. I was lucky to be born a princess. I would never lack anything. My basic needs of food, shelter and clothing were met. Luxuries were a common thing. But I was often lonely growing up with my grandfather as my only companion. When he was busy, I had my governess. Mason was taken away from me and sent to train to be my guardian, and Adrian was always away at some boarding school. Lissa came along like a fervent prayer answered. She was an orphan as her family was killed in a car crash leaving her as the sole survivor. I saw her jade green eyes that night full of despair and loneliness, I saw myself in them, and I knew she would be my sister. The sister I had always wanted, and the companion to wander through the empty halls.

But what did all the gold in the world compare to freedom? To never have to carry an entire country on my shoulders. To travel all over the world without cameras focused on my every move. To marry for love. If given the chance, would I trade it all, the riches, the comfortable bed, the beautiful dresses, and the crown for freedom? The answer was no. I didn't have the courage then to run away no matter how many nights Lissa and I stayed up drawing escape plans in the stars and whispering our dreams to the wind.

"I could leave with him when he goes back to Russia," Lissa whispered as her index finger traced Christian's name in the constellations last night after the dinner.

"You don't even know him," I told her. I was the voice of reason this time only because I heard it in her voice. She would do it. "He and Dimitri could be responsible for the death of my grandfather. They could be here to finish off the family."

"Maybe he'll spare me," Lissa sighed and moved away from the window after I successfully burst her fantasy bubble. I didn't just do it for her; I was jealous of her freedom and afraid of being left alone again.

"Are you in love?" I hugged a pillow to my chest.

"I don't know," Lissa said smiling dreamily. "I haven't felt this way about anyone."

"That's what you said about Aaron."

"No, but this is different," she twirled around the room. "I count the seconds to be with him. I close my eyes and see his. I can't stop thinking about his lips…"

"Did you kiss him?" I asked curious.

"Not yet," she giggled. "But I will."

If love meant counting down every second to see him again, did that mean I was in love with Dimitri Belikov? I shook my head and kept my doubts to myself. If I was the one to burst bubbles, Lissa fed my fantasies. She would have said to find out. She would have told me to have a fling with Dimitri since he was going back to Russia one day. But I couldn't imagine giving my virtue to a man I hardly knew and worse would one day leave. What if I did fall in love? I couldn't imagine what heartbreak awaited me when he returned to his home and forgot all about me.

I was afraid. I was just like my grandfather letting fear rule my heart no matter how hard I tried not to let it. I wanted to accept my fate and destiny. I had to. One day, I would be queen, and I had to be at peace with myself, so I could rule fearlessly. I had to stifle my fantasies once and for all, but Dimitri made it hard when his very scent lingered on me even as I sprayed my perfume. His touch warmed my skin better than sitting by the fireplace. And his smiles and voice stole my breath. I couldn't help the thoughts of running away with him to Russia or some distant country where we would never be found.

"Adrian has postponed all his duties to be here for you," Lady Tatiana said pulling me out of my thoughts. She pushed Lissa away and began to brush my hair all the while smiling at me through the mirror. "He is determined not to miss another important event of yours, Your Highness. Oh, you should have heard how devastated he was about dear King Idris' passing and could not be here for you. Your grandfather was very fond of Adrian. Every time I spoke with the king, he would ask me about Adrian's well being and how his schooling was going. Your grandfather knew how important it was to groom Adrian to be the perfect man for you."

"Perfect," I repeated almost numb. This was what Tatiana wanted to talk to me about. I knew from the beginning she had ulterior motives, and I assumed it was simply to satiate her curiosity about the Russian Ambassador and perhaps to make sure there was nothing going on between us. Her visit was clear now. She was here to secure my hand in marriage and rub it in my face.

"I know," Tatiana sighed. "Adrian is still a work in progress, but he is young. Boys will be boys, but you need not worry. Once the engagement is official, he will cease his partying ways and settle down for you." She began to tie my hair up in a ponytail and finished it with a bow. She leaned close and rested her chin on my shoulder smiling widely. "I have no doubt in my mind that the two of you will do great things together. Queen Rosemarie and King Adrian will go down in history."

"You assume my father will agree," I said once she began to gather her things to leave. Her mission had been accomplished by clipping my wings and crushing any hope I had that marriage would be a thing of the distant future. "He says I have much to learn by his side."

"Of course," Tatiana nodded slipping her hands back in her pristine white gloves. "You two will not be getting married soon. As I said, Adrian is not quite ready, and you do have much to learn, Your Highness. But the engagement is set in stone. You do not need to worry about your father. The queen and I will take care of all arrangements."

"What if Adrian doesn't want this?" What if I don't want this? I thought to myself. "He has to have an opinion on the matter, even if I don't."

"Adrian knows what is expected of him," Tatiana sat down next to me and caressed my cheek. "And he is very fond of you. I would dare say he loves you, and I know you do too."

"He's like my brother," I protested.

"But he is not," Tatiana said through her teeth as if she was getting tired of playing the kind mother figure, and I was the spoiled child who wouldn't see reason. "Adrian is a man of noble blood with a highly admired name."

"Marriage is not about names and blood," I stood up and paced. "It's about love. I love Adrian, and I know he loves me, but that love is purely platonic. I have no doubt in my mind he will be a kind and wonderful husband. But he won't be mine. I cannot allow forcing him to give up his life and his freedom for me."

"You are under the illusion that you and Adrian have a choice," Tatiana didn't stand up, but she looked into my eyes, and I saw the anger in them along with something else. A fleeting spark of gold in her dark green eyes, but just as it appeared it was gone. "This union between Mazur and Ivashkov was written in the stars and long overdue. Two powerful bloodlines will unite whether you or Adrian or anyone else likes it or not. Do not be fooled my dear, this is not just about you. This is about the future of the country. The people want a strong leader, and the fruit your union with my nephew bears will be just that. Now, I must go; the Queen must be waiting. Thank you for your time, Your Highness. It was lovely catching up with you." She curtsied and made her way out making sure she had the last word. It was classic Tatiana.

"Bitch," Lissa whispered and touched my shoulder. "I'm sorry, Rose. I wouldn't put too much thought into the words of that hateful hag."

"Sure," I struggled to control my breathing and attempted to smile reassuringly at Lissa, but in the mirror I saw it was a grimace.

My eyes twinkled with unshed tears and my lips trembled. I knew this was coming. I've known it all along. An arranged marriage was common in our household, but I hoped with the changing times, the tradition would be a thing of the past. Considering how much my grandfather shielded me from royal duties and supported my independence, I thought he wouldn't allow this. With him gone my only ally was my father. He didn't like Adrian very much, but as Tatiana said, my mother would take care of parties and marriages.

"It could be worse," I sighed recalling what Adrian said last night about me being better off marrying him. "If it's not Adrian, it could be some old fart with no moral compass. But I do want to find out how much of what Tatiana said is true. Find Mia. Tell her to bring tea to the Queen and Lady Tatiana. Tell her I want the best service for our distinguished councilwoman, and I want her to listen closely."

"Yes, Your Highness," Lisa clumsily curtsied and hurried off to do as told.

Once alone, I allowed a single tear to roll down my cheek, but once I gave freedom to my tears, they couldn't be stopped. They flowed freely like rain against my window. I cried for Adrian, and his free spirit which would soon be tied down to me. I wondered who would suffer most. Him or me? He had the chance to fly, to taste some freedom and see fractions of the world. After that, could he be satisfied with the power of the crown? Would he resent me for taking away what little happiness he had? And would I be happy with a man I did not love and may never love? I prayed silently for a miracle so that Adrian and I would be free of this arrangement for the sake of our friendship. If freedom wasn't possible, then I prayed we would fall in love and be happy.

"Your Highness?" Eddie extended his hand out to me giving me a handkerchief to dry my tears. He said nothing else and averted his eyes as I took it.

"Thank you, Eddie," I sniffled and wiped my cheeks pushing deep inside the hopelessness and helplessness.

Eddie bowed and stepped back into place by the door without a word. That was Eddie always silent, always watching, and always protecting me in a way he could. I didn't know much about him except he was a very skilled fighter. He came from Edirne, another coastal city here in Turkey. His mother gave him up to authorities when he was just a baby and was raised in a home for boys. At age sixteen, he enlisted in the royal guard. At first, his duties were to patrol the palace grounds but when my father saw him train with the others, he liked what he saw and appointed Eddie as my personal guard. I liked Eddie; he gave me more space than Mason and Grant, but I trusted him just the same.

"Can you keep this between us?" I wiped my eyes and nose sitting down in front of the mirror to apply makeup. I usually didn't do this on my own. I had people for this, but it meant letting them in on my pain. I couldn't show vulnerability, so I had to cover it with blush and mascara. "I don't want anyone to know about my weakness."

"I wouldn't call it weakness, Your Highness," Eddie didn't look at me as he spoke. I figured he was shy, so I averted my eyes as he continued. He didn't speak very often. "Any other person would have shattered under the pressure long ago. Your strength to accept your duty and fate without complaint is astounding."

"I wouldn't admire my compliance if I were you," I slipped on my heels. "It's not the example I'd like to set for young women. I don't want them to accept their fate without a fight."

"Which is why you do what you do," Eddie continued. "How do you expect to change the fate of future princess and women if you don't take the throne? How will you take the throne without a husband? They will never allow it. It's not obedience, Your Highness. I call that sacrifice, and not many have the strength to sacrifice one's life for the greater good. You will be a magnificent queen, and I only hope to be there to witness your rule."

"Thanks, Eddie," I swallowed the knot forming in my throat at his words. I never knew how he felt about me, and to hear his faith in me gave me a boost of confidence that marriage was the least of my problems. I still had to find the assassin. "I appreciate your kind words. I certainly feel better, but I still feel like my skin is crawling. Will you be kind enough to find Mason and arrange an outing? I'd like to go into the city for breakfast with our guests. I can't stand another minute in the palace."

"As you wish, Your Highness," he bowed and left the room. As soon as he was out, Grant walked in and took Eddie's place by the door.

Grant said nothing and simply bowed letting me finish getting ready for the day. Satisfied that my face showed no signs of tears, I stood in front of the floor length mirror and appraised my attire. I still wore black for the mourning of my grandfather, but this dress had hand sewn red flowers on the left side of my torso. It fell down to my knees in a flare. The neckline was round and the sleeves were long and laced. As I admired my ensemble, I wondered if Dimitri would like it. I wondered if he would be upset if he heard I was engaged, or would be soon. No. He wouldn't care. I meant nothing to him. I was simply an acquaintance, a mission.

To befriend me meant he had higher chances of being in the king's good graces which would bring peace to his country and mine. Perhaps I should act like a spoiled brat, so he would stay longer trying to be my friend. But what would be the purpose? To find if he had a hand in the death of my grandfather. I wouldn't find out anything about Dimitri if I didn't befriend him. Last night, he let me into his tragic past, or some of it. While I felt sorry for him and wished ill on the man who inflicts pain on women and children, I had to know more about Dimitri Belikov. I couldn't wait until Adrian came back with information, if he remembered to find out for me. I had to do something otherwise I had nothing else but worry about things out of my control.

"Rose," Lissa burst into the room and took a moment to catch her breath. "Mia is in the drawing room with the Queen and Lady Tatiana."

"Good," I headed towards the door. "Hopefully we'll find out what they're talking about when we return."

"I heard some things in the kitchen," Lissa bit her lip and hesitated. She watched me closely, and I knew no matter how much make up I put on, I couldn't hide from my best friend. But she didn't ask, and for that I loved her. "I don't know if I should tell you."

"It can't get any worse trust me," I rolled my eyes and stepped out of my room with Lissa and Grant following closely.

"I think it could," Lissa paused then threw her hands up in defeat. She couldn't keep secrets from me for very long. "You'll find out anyway. Your engagement might be sooner than Lady Tatiana proclaimed. I heard the maids say the Queen requested the family jewels be brought into the drawing room."

I stopped in my tracks and turned to Lissa. She watched me not with pity but concern for my sanity no doubt. There were few occasions when the family jewels were brought out: birthdays, engagements, and weddings.

"She must be getting a tiara made for my birthday ball," I reasoned as I resumed my walking. "I am making my first official appearance. I'm sure she wants to make sure we impress the world."

"You already have a tiara," Lissa caught up with me. "Though I'm sure you'll have more than one…"

"Of course," I smiled trying to reassure her and myself. "She'll want to put on a good show. And Lady Tatiana always wants to be part of things. Since we're going to be family, she must feel she's more entitled than ever. We dare not insult the councilwoman."

"Yes, Your Highness. I'm sure that's what it is. They're definitely not picking out the diamond or ruby or emerald for your engagement ring." Lissa blurted out all without taking a breath.

"No," I waved my hand in the air to dismiss her words and focused on my walking. I couldn't despair again. Marriage wasn't the worst thing in my world. It couldn't be. "Tatiana would have been sure to rub it in my face."

"You're right," Lissa sighed. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to make you anxious."

"You're my friend, Lissa. I know you never mean to harm me in any way." I took her hand and held it in mine. "Besides, I'm fine with marrying Adrian. I have to be."

Before Lissa could say anything, Mason and Eddie arrived with details for our outing. All that was left was to get approval from the Queen. Considering how I was a little upset she was working behind my back on my engagement, I decided I would go behind her back on this. I ordered Mason to arrange our departure with the guards saying I was taking Dimitri to see the King. In fact, I would pay a visit to father maybe I could catch Adrian and remind him to gather information on Dimitri. Once that was taken care of, I sent for our Russian friends.

As I waited for them, I paced the foyer unable to sit still. The walls around me felt like they were trembling as if about to come crumbling over my head. I needed to get out from the plotting and murder. From the betrayal of my own family. I wished my parents had come to me with the news that the union between Adrian and me had been sealed. I hated finding out from Tatiana, who showed no remorse for destroying the small freedom her nephew had. I had no doubt in my mind she did not care for how this arrangement affected me. As she said, the union between our families was long overdue. I knew she was bitter she wasn't the Queen of Turkey, but I didn't realize how much she wanted the revenge. No. It wasn't just revenge. It was for the power. With Adrian as King, the Ivashkovs would have more say in the government. I wasn't going to be Queen. I was going to be her pawn.

"Your Highness," Dimitri bowed and startled me out of my reverie. "You look stunning."

"Thank you," I cleared my throat and closed my eyes willing the dark thoughts in my mind to go away, at least for now. Dimitri couldn't know of the battle raging on behind the scenes. The world couldn't know how unstable our rule was. The Mazur kingdom was on the verge of dissolving like a sand castle under the crashing waves. "I was thinking we could go into the city for breakfast instead. It's better than going in circles in the palace."

"As you wish," he observed me closely, and I feared he could see the truth in my eyes. His next words did little to reassure me I could keep the truth from him. "Something is troubling you. Did Lady Tatiana say something to upset you?"

I inhaled and held my breath considering what I should tell him. News of my engagement would break soon. At first, it would be rumors until eventually a ring was placed on my finger, and I couldn't hide it any longer. But did I owe Dimitri honesty? I hardly knew him, and yet I felt drawn to him. I felt like I could bare my soul to him, and he would say something wise to comfort me or simply by looking at me I would fool myself into thinking everything would be alright.

It wouldn't be alright, and nothing Dimitri, or anyone, said or did would make it so. This was a fight I had to win on my own. It was the never ending internal struggle of accepting or cursing my fate because of my duty to my family and country. I could accept the crown and the responsibility of leading a country if only I could pick my partner. I dreamt of love and passion. I dreamt of caresses that set my blood on fire and made me feel like my heart was going to burst out of my chest. And more than anything, I wished I could spare Adrian an unhappy life. He wasn't ready to settle down. He was perfectly happy traveling all over the world meeting interesting people during the day and partying all night. I couldn't rob him of his life.

Why would I tell Dimitri all this? What outcome did I expect? I expected a fantasy in which he would take me away to a distant land. I couldn't run away though. My family and country needed me more than ever. My grandfather had been slowly poisoned and eventually passed away. All because he refused to take a side in the ongoing battle between witches and humans. He told me a few times, it wasn't up to him to dictate how people lived. As long as no one was hurt, he didn't care what the witches did. But he stayed silent still when reports of witch hunts all over Turkey reached our ears. My father wanted to bring all those accused of witchcraft and put them on trial before putting them to death. It was no different from what witch hunters were doing. This time, witch hunts would have been sanctioned by government and even the church. My father had priests attempt to sway my grandfather into action. He remained stubborn and firm in his decision to do nothing.

I couldn't imagine being so afraid that doing nothing was the best course of action. I admired my grandfather greatly, and I missed him, but I knew his fear had been the death of him. Still, I had to find the culprits and show them the Mazurs would rule for centuries. The council would never take the throne from us no matter how hard they tried. They would have to kill my father as well in order to try again because once he claimed the throne there was no law that could remove him. For me, it was a race against time. I had to bring the murderers to justice preferably before they tried to assassinate my father. Dimitri couldn't know all that, but I didn't want to lie to him either.

"Same thing as always," I sighed and began walking towards the cars waiting outside. "Politics and etiquette wear me out. I just need to get away for a while."

"So this is for you not me," Dimitri joked opening the car door for me.

"You have caught me. I'm not who you think I am, Dimitri." I said resting my hands on my lap as the others loaded in the other car. Mason got behind the wheel with Eddie in the passenger seat with me. In the other car was Lissa, Christian, Grant and another guard.

"I knew that, Rose," Dimitri turned to me. "I'm wise enough to know you're hiding something, but I understand you can't trust me. We've known each other just a few hours, and while I feel very comfortable around you, I don't expect to know all your secrets by the end of the day."

"If I tell you my secrets, then they're not secrets anymore. They become common knowledge." I looked out the window as we moved further away from the palace. I ignored the way his words made me feel because this time the fantasy had to stop. I couldn't let it go on. I was promised to another and thinking of Dimitri and his exotic accent making my knees weak was a form of unfaithfulness.

"As you wish," he nodded looking out the other window. "I understand the need for secrets and will not pressure you to let me in on yours."

"I wouldn't call them secrets," I hesitated. I could have left it like that. Dimitri was very understanding and knew when not to push, but I hated the way we began to drift apart before we even got close. Besides, I didn't want him to seal away his own secrets. "They're more like dreams. Things I can never do. Like leave the palace without an entourage following me."

"It's for your protection, Rose."

"I know," I shrugged as we stopped and waited for the gate to open. "I need protection because of who I am, and I wished I wasn't."

"You have more opportunities than other girls your age," Dimitri continued as we took the road to the city. "My sister Viktoria would love your dresses. My sisters Sonya and Karolina would love your education. We all have obstacles in life. Some of us are luckier than others. As for me, I wouldn't be here with you if I wasn't who I was though sometimes I wonder what it would be like to do something else. I could have been a farmer and stayed home with my family."

"You're talking about choice," I whispered. "I don't have a choice. I was born into this life and though I am very grateful at how fortunate I am, I secretly wish I had a choice in the matter."

"Perhaps you don't have a choice, but you do have a voice," Dimitri looked into my eyes. "I don't mean to hurt you or make your struggle seem like it's nothing. I hear what you're trying to say, but maybe the reason you were born a princess was so you could change the world. One day, you'll be queen and surely you will have a daughter or granddaughter…" He paused and looked away from me for a second instead looked over my shoulder at the greenery blurring as we drove past it. "You can change their world so that they do have a choice."

"Sacrifice," I said looking over at Eddie in the passenger seat.

"It's not fair, I know."

"Life is not fair," I nodded settling into my seat.

We spoke no more the rest of the way both of us lost in the conversation that transpired. Many people had reminded me of the power I had in my hands. The power for change not just for me but for the future generations. I could change the life of future princess, but I could also make meaningful change in the lives of the people we rule. I couldn't be selfish any longer. I looked over at Dimitri, who looked out his window. His hair was loose, and I remembered he gave me his hair tie, and I didn't want to give it back because the way his hair looked around him like the purest of silk, I wanted to tangle my fingers in it. His hand rested on his lap, and I wanted to reach out and hold it knowing warmth and calmness awaited me from his simple touch. I would never know what this feeling I felt looking at him meant. Being his friend would have to suffice.

As soon as we hit the city, people began to rush forward seeing the royal flag on the car. They clamored to wave and shout their love for my family. I hoped our trip would be this pleasant, and we wouldn't run into people who didn't like us very much. As we pulled up to the Marbella Restaurant, people gathered around the car waving incessantly. I smiled and waved back as I waited for Mason and Eddie to make a path for us. Dimitri was out with them and opened my door helping me out of the car. Lissa, Christian and Grant pushed their way to us as we made the slow ascent up the steps of the restaurant.

"We love you, Princess!" The people chanted over and over outside.

"Your Highness," the restaurant owner rushed forward and bowed low. "What an honor. Please, follow me to the best table we have."

"Thank you," I followed him up some stairs to the terrace where we could see the ocean.

"I have cleared the terrace so you and your guests can enjoy your meal, Your Highness," the man pulled a chair for me. "Please. If you or your esteemed companions need anything do let me know. I will bring our best wine."

"Water please," I sat down on the table and the owner quickly rushed to bring back pitchers of water for our table.

Lunch was delicious with different assortments of food such as grilled sea bass, lamb kebab, mushroom steak and for dessert chocolate soufflé. Conversation flowed between Lissa and Christian as always. Mason had refused to sit and eat. Eddie and Grant followed their leader and stood spread out throughout the terrace keeping an eye on me. I picked at my soufflé as I was full and couldn't fit another bite.

"You definitely like to eat, Your Highness," Dimitri smirked pointing at the last remaining bite of my dessert.

"Are you calling me fat?" I asked in feigned outrage.

"Never," Dimitri amended quickly probably thinking he offended me.

"I'm only joking," I sighed setting the fork down. "Food is one of the only things I'm not restricted on," I said a little too bitterly. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't complain."

"About what I said in the car," Dimitri leaned forward. "I was out of line. I was simply trying to comfort you and never meant to offend you or make you think you can't express your feelings. I'm not usually like this blurting out the first thing that comes to mind, but with you sometimes I forget etiquette."

"I know," I met his gaze getting lost in the warm pools of his brown orbs. "I saw it on our first day meeting. I saw how you struggled to stay calm and collected. I recognized that internal battle because it's one I have daily too. I say and do the wrong things. It's amazing how I've made it this far in life. If I wasn't a princess, I would have my head mounted on a spike somewhere. Besides, oddly enough your words did comfort me."

He watched me silently for a few seconds. If my revelation that I saw his inner struggle surprised him, he didn't show it. "I think you would be someone important anyway. You have too much passion inside of you to let people silence you."

"No, that's not me," I averted his eyes. I didn't want to see how much he believed in me. He made me sound like a fighter when I was simply going with the flow. "I allow people to make choices for me. I let them tell me how to dress, how to speak, when to speak and who to marry."

"But you fight it," he said after a few seconds of thought. It was like he struggled to find the words to comfort me. "The little things you do to rebel against the rules and etiquette are small steps toward real change. Don't give up."

"I would have to go against tradition, family and duty," I arched my eyebrow. "Would you go against your own duty? Against the very things drilled inside you? What makes you, well, you." When he said nothing, I nodded taking his silence as answer. "I thought so. Change is nice in theory, but it's not easy."

"Or fair," Dimitri added. "As you said, life isn't fair."

"It certainly isn't," I sighed and chuckled. "What a terribly depressing conversation. Let's talk more about you, Dimitri. Tell me, do you have a special someone waiting for you at home?"

Dimitri took a sip of his water and almost choked at my question. "What makes you think I would?"

I shrugged. "A man like you, very accomplished and capable most likely has a significant other." I made sure to bite my tongue before I said he was handsome. Clearly, I did have some self control.

"You give me too much credit, Rose," he chuckled. "I don't have much time for love."

"You should find time for it," I reached out for his hand and thought better of it. Not in public, Rose, I told myself. Not ever again.

Following that depressing and awkward conversation, I decided it was time to move on to activities that didn't require speaking on personal matters. I could tell Dimitri was uncomfortable as he avoided my eyes. He must have realized that I could easily read his emotions in them. I had yet to determine if that was good or bad.

Everywhere we went, people followed to shake hands, to bring me flowers, or ask for hugs. The press showed up too with their cameras clicking away. They knew after I turned eighteen, I was fair game. Still, the attention made me uncomfortable and my companions could tell. Our guards did their best to push us as fast as possible through the crowds. Dimitri seemed tense, and I saw his eyes darting everywhere searching for enemies in the crowd. He kept my hand tightly on his arm and didn't seem to be paying attention to the things I pointed out to him. Realizing we were wasting time, we headed back to the cars still fighting our way through the crowd. I let out a giant sigh of relief that our adventure went smoothly until we arrived at the car.

The front windshield was covered in thick dark blood, and the word 'mortem' scrawled on the door with more blood. Lissa shrieked at the sight as Christian pulled her into his arms. The crowd around us dispersed some of them whispering prayers. The press was having a field day taking photos of the car and me. I was frozen in shock at the sight. Where did so much blood come from? Who did this? Witches? Enemies of the crown? Mason and Dimitri began to pull me away from the scene.

"- Parliament building," Mason said sounding far away. "His Majesty will be there."

"No!" I pulled away reacting to the panic of my father finding out about this. "He can't know…"

"He will, Rose," Dimitri grasped my face with both of his hands. There was fear in his eyes and despair in his voice. "Half the city saw this. We need to take you somewhere safe. The Parliament building will be crawling with guards. You'll be safe there, and we can't hide this from your father."

"He'll be forced to make a choice," I protested.

"We have to get you away from here," Dimitri pleaded pulling me into his arms and dragging me away. I couldn't fight him. He was too strong.

The Parliament building was a few blocks from where we left the bloodied car. I didn't realize when we arrived. My ears were ringing and heard very little when people started asking me questions. I saw everything through blurry eyes and slow motion. Lissa was still in Christian's arms crying. Dimitri stayed by my side, his arm securely around me.

"Rose!" My father's roar brought me back to the present. "My dearest."

"Father," I stood up numb and allowed him to wrap his arms around me. "I am fine. No need to worry."

"You are certainly not fine," my father stepped back to look at me. "You are shivering and have tears on your cheeks. Do not fret, love, I will punish them all."

"It's nothing…"

"It was the witches making a statement. Adrian is coming to make sure you get home safely. You will have an escort." He turned to Dimitri. "Mr. Belikov, I would like to speak to you."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Dimitri bowed low. "May I say goodbye to the princess?"

"Of course," my father kissed my forehead. "I will see you home later. Get some rest."

Before I could protest and plead he doesn't act out of anger, he was gone with his own entourage following him closely. I was more afraid for him than for myself. Dimitri touched my shoulder gently demanding my attention. He sighed and shrugged his duster off throwing it over me wrapping me in his warmth and scent. It was like a safety blanket, and I felt untouchable. He gave me a small smile meant to be reassuring, but I saw it didn't reach his eyes. He was worried, and as he opened his mouth to say so, I heard my name being called once more.

"Rose," Adrian pushed his way through the crowd. His eyes were wide as he looked me over no doubt making sure I wasn't harmed in any way. "I heard what happened… Are you okay, Little Princess? Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine, Adrian," I wrapped the duster tighter around me and turned to Dimitri. "Thank you for this. I will look after it until I can return it safely to its owner."

"Keep it," Dimitri smiled though his body was stiff. "It looks good on you."

"Thanks for being there, Mr. Belikov." Adrian put his arm tightly around me. I had never seen Adrian act so territorial. I didn't expect him to mess with Dimitri at a time like this. Perhaps he already knew of our engagement and was simply playing the part. I would have to deal with that later. There was already too much on my mind. "I will make sure she gets home. His Majesty is waiting."

"Of course," he bowed to me. "Excuse me, Your Highness."

I watched him walk away until I couldn't see him anymore and wished he had stayed with me. Even with his duster on me, I missed him. Adrian pulled me away to another car unmarked and with black windows. It was the car my family and I rode in during my father's funeral. The press was still outside waiting for more material for their newspapers, but I was surrounded by an army. Adrian opened the car door for me and shut it behind him.

"Where's Lissa?" I asked looking behind me.

"She's in the car behind us. That other pretty boy, Christian, is with her. Don't worry. Liss is safe too. I had two guards ride with her along with Grant." Adrian explained putting his arm around me. "You're safe now."

But as we pulled into the palace grounds, I wondered if I was truly safe. If I would be safe any time soon. Our enemies found their way into my home and murdered my grandfather. Nowhere was safe any longer. Perhaps my father wasn't their next target but me. As Dimitri kept saying, I was the voice of change, and people didn't like change. With me out of the way, the Mazur bloodline would end a lot sooner than I thought.