Chapter 14

DPOV

I was so bored. I glared angrily at the mountain of paperwork that filled my new desk. This paperwork was the only thing that kept me from going out and visiting my new home. Almost as soon as I'd arrived my new employees had ushered me to my office and informed me that this paperwork needed immediate attention as they hadn't had a suitable master in months. Much of this paperwork was about deaths that had occurred, taxes that needed to be paid, and most irritatingly, warrants for arrests and punishments and deaths. I was learning that the administration of Winchester was going to be slightly blander than the administration in Russia. In Russia we would see requests for fabulous buildings with bright colours, now I was looking at a request that a Mr John Kippling would be burned for heresy. A slight difference.

Maybe I could employ a helper, to help me execute these orders. I mused thoughtfully. Hmm... Yes, I think I should commence with interviews immediately. It will help give some poor sod some money to help him feed him family. That settled; I called in my manservant Henry. The poor man was shaking like a leaf. I honestly dreaded the thought of what my predecessor had been like.

"Henry, I need you to find me a suitable assistant who must be literate and who is honest. Tell them that work will commence immediately and they will be paid 6 gold Florins a week. That is more than suitable pay and I expect to see you giving a fair interview to each potential candidate. I want to see them by sunset today." The man looked stunned at the amount of money I was offering to this peasant. Personally I didn't understand. I had liked the story of the legendary Robin Hood who had robbed from the rich and given to the poor and I wanted to help the poor of Hampshire. A more modern, and aristocratic Robin I smiled to myself. Rose would like that. Inspired, I put down Mr Kipling's warrant, and grabbing some fresh parchment I began to write to my love.

My dearest Rose,

I have arrived in Winchester, (No that's stupid Dimitri. She knows you are in Winchester!), and whilst I know I am nearer to you from here than Russia, I still would rather that I was not here but in your arms at London. Alas, I remain here whilst you continue with your duties.

I hope that you are well, and are not giving her Majesty too hard a time, whilst I understand that you also feel the pain of our parting, (Though what if she isn't? What if Adrian's successfully seduced her? No... No she wouldn't fall for him...) and will vent your anger on those who are unfortunate enough to fall into your bad graces. Remember, just because you are a princess of England, you remain a woman, and live in a treacherous time with enemies constantly looking for any advantage. (Now I'm talking down to her. She's going to kill me.)

I remain hopeful that your father will deem me to be a suitable husband for you, and that God Willing, we shall see each other again soon.

All of my love,

Dimitri

Lord of Winchester

Frowning, I put down my quill and read through what I had written. Short, honest... and patronising. Wonderful. Still, it would have to do and with that, I added my new seal to the parchment and set it to one side. My new assistant's first job would be to deliver this to the Princess Rosemarie and her hands alone.

Now... it was time to return to the necessary, yet tedious administration of the county.

RPOV
Sir Wickonby was smirking at me. Wonderful. Just met an old friend, well an old friend now corrupted, so close to freedom and doughnuts to be caught.

"Yes Sir?" I spoke up, perhaps ignorance could help me in this situation.

"Might I enquire on your lack of a suitable escort?" Bastard even had a smug tone.

"You might, may I introduce you to the honourable gentleman Ambrose of Newcastle?" Honourable! Hah! If he fell for this then I was a doughnut.

"I do not believe we have been introduced sir, my lady says you are an honourable gentleman? Do tell of your credentials?" I knew it. Still... no need to embarrass Ambrose.

"Um... I... feel most inexperienced next to your expertise sir." Ambrose finally stuttered out. His cheeks had darkened slightly with embarrassment.

"Oh Sir, please do not play the modest gentleman, I only wish to enquire on your capability of caring for the Princess." Wickonby smirked. "Though it does interest me to see you are dressed as a servant? Perhaps the Princess misjudged your character?"

I saw red. "Thank you Sir Wickonby, but I thank you to keep your opinion to yourself!" I exclaimed. Oh... soon... I was going to blow... and then the witch would write to my mother complaining about my unladylike behaviour.

He bowed to me. "My apologies my Lady, I assure you I meant no offence."

"Be that as it may, you have done so, and I kindly request that you remove yourself from my presence immediately." There was nothing kind in my tone. I sounded like the bitch I was famous for being.

"Ma'am. I shall send a suitable escort for you immediately." He withdrew, and I heard his shouting for someone called Ralph. I sighed.

"I suddenly feel reluctant to do much right now. It is little fun to abide by the rules. Sorry Ambrose. I shouldn't have dropped you in it like that." I apologized.

He laughed. "Ah no worries, you never know, it might happen one day yeah?" and he winked at me. Internally I flinched. My friend was gone. Replaced by one of the power hungry tossers at court.

Reluctantly, I gave a small life. I could almost hear my mother saying "manners Rosemarie, Manners". I gritted my teeth.

"Excuse me." I nodded as he gave a shoddy bow.

"See you around Rose." He winked again. One more time and you'll see how un-princessy I can be mate.

Ralph was standing there when I turned around. "Excuse me Sir, I am going to retire now."

He bowed, "Of course milady, though I feel should tell you, you have a visitor." Curiosity now piqued, I looked up at him.

"Oh, and who might this be?" He smirked, and gestured for me to proceed upwards.

"Why don't you go and look?" He grinned as if he expected this to be the greatest treat ever.

Could it be...? No... Mother would never allow Dimitri to visit me here... then who...?

Quickly, I scampered up the steps. Carrying on towards the parlour I heard voices. Familiar Russian voices...

I turned the corner and was faced with

"Oh my sweetheart! Come to your love!"

Adrian.

I am so sorry for the delay! I can blame my very hectic and painful A2 exams, but the truth is I lost motivation for a while and it still isn't completely back. Sorry!

I will try and update more frequently.

Thanks to all my reviewers! :D I am so grateful for every one I receive.

Seeing as it's my 18th Birthday is exactly 7 days... send me some love? ;)

Cheers,

DarkRomanceAddict