Pretending To Be Royal

"Fiona..." Dimitri's voice, a low murmur, broke through the silence of the balcony.

Fiona's breath hitched. She quickly scrubbed at her wet cheeks, her hands trembling slightly, the backs of her eyes still stinging. 

She turned, her gaze fixed on the cobblestones beneath her feet. "I'm fine. You can go inside now." 

Her voice was tight, strained.

"Fiona, don't listen to Rose. She's drunk. None of what she said was true." His voice was gentle, a silken thread of reassurance.

Fiona nodded, her mind a whirlwind of doubt and confusion.

"Fiona, please." His voice, usually firm, was now soft, pleading. 

He moved towards her, his hand outstretched, but she instinctively stepped back.

"You should go meet Rose. She's waiting for you." Her voice was heavy with unshed tears.

"To hell with Rose! I came here for you!" His voice, usually controlled, held an edge of desperation. 

"Fiona, none of it was true. We never kissed. She tried to, but I stopped her. I've never kissed anyone before, not since..." He trailed off, his jaw tightening, a flicker of pain in his eyes.

"Why are you telling me all this? You don't owe me an explanation." Her voice was laced with a quiet sadness.

"Because I do. At least, I feel like I do." He took a step closer, his gaze searching hers. 

"I have this urge, this need, to make you trust me..." He reached out again, and this time, she didn't move away. 

He gently cupped her face, his thumbs brushing away the lingering tears.

"You're so much more than anyone could ever imagine. You're special... to me," he whispered, his voice husky with emotion.

"Mr Dimitri... I..." Her voice caught in her throat, a mix of hope and fear swirling within her.

He placed a finger on her lips, silencing her. His touch was feather-light, sending a shiver down her spine. 

"I've always wanted to do this again..." he murmured, his gaze fixed on her lips, a hint of longing in his eyes. 

She closed her eyes, her heart pounding against her ribs as he leaned closer.

But then, he noticed the fresh tears welling in her eyes. 

He gently pressed his lips to her cheek, kissing away the salty droplets.

He stepped back, his gaze tender. He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his touch lingering. 

"I don't want to see you sad, Fiona," he said, a slow smile gracing his lips.

She smiled back, her cheeks flushed, a warmth spreading through her chest. 

"Thank you..." she whispered.

"I'll give you some time alone," he said, a gentle bow accompanying his words. 

He turned and walked back into the house, leaving Fiona alone with her thoughts.

Fiona took a deep breath, her hands fluttering to her cheeks. 

What if he did like her? 

The thought sent a thrill through her, a flicker of hope igniting within her.

Later that night, the house was quiet, everyone asleep except for Fiona. 

She wandered into the dining area, intending to eat some leftovers, when Rose appeared.

"Fiona... I'm sorry," Rose began, her voice surprisingly sincere. 

"I guess I was just jealous and drunk. Definitely drunk." She gave a nervous chuckle.

"It's fine," Fiona replied, her voice flat. 

She sat down at the table, and Rose followed suit.

"Fiona, I'm going to be honest here. I don't think Dimitri is good for you," Rose said, her voice low and serious. "He's your master."

Fiona nodded, her gaze fixed on her hands, her heart sinking.

"What would society say?" Rose continued, her voice laced with concern. 

"I see the way you look at him. And the way he looks at you too. I can see you like him, but does he?" 

Her voice was gentle, almost maternal, making Fiona's eyes sting with tears.

"To him, you're just another Vanessa," Rose said, rising to her feet. 

She turned and walked away, leaving Fiona alone with her unsettling words.

Just another Vanessa? The phrase echoed in Fiona's mind, a cold dread creeping into her heart.