Pretending To Be Royal

Dimitri had left a note under Fiona's door, a simple request to meet him in the evening at the same park they went to the first time.

She was excited, a flutter of anticipation in her stomach, but still disturbed. 

Rose's words echoed in her mind, a nagging whisper of doubt. 

Just another Vanessa? Was he in love with Vanessa? 

Apparently, no one knew she was going to be a pretend princess, so Rose definitely must be referring to a relationship. 

Could that be the reason for his and Prince Eric's distance? 

She shook her head, trying to dispel the unsettling thoughts as she admired her beautiful dress, a soft, flowing gown in her favorite shade of blue.

She arrived at the park thirty minutes early, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. 

What if he doesn't come? What if this is all a dream? 

She paced nervously, her gaze scanning the empty park, the silence amplifying her apprehension.

"Hello, Angel," a warm voice whispered from behind her, sending a shiver down her spine. 

Fiona turned in surprise, her eyes widening as she met Dimitri's gaze. "Mr. Dimitri."

"You look beautiful," he murmured, his eyes lingering on her face, his gaze filled with admiration.

"Thank you," she replied, her cheeks flushing. "But may I ask why the park is empty today?"

"I rented the place. For just you and me."

"Why?" Fiona asked, her brow furrowed with confusion.

"For this!" He excitedly clapped his hands, and a gasp escaped Fiona's lips as millions of floating lanterns filled the sky, their warm glow illuminating the park.

The workers emerged, each holding a large letter that, when arranged, spelled out "HAPPY BIRTHDAY FIONA."

"Oh my god!" Fiona covered her mouth in surprise, tears welling up in her eyes. 

Overwhelmed with joy, she jumped into Dimitri's arms, holding him tight before realizing her impulsive action.

 "I'm so sorry, but thank you so much," she laughed, her cheeks burning. 

She tried to release him from her grip, but instead, he held her waist, drawing her closer to him.

"Fiona… I admit you were here for the princess. But I won't deny it, I've come to know you better, and I think I…" 

He paused, his gaze searching hers, his expression filled with sincerity.

Fiona searched his face with curiosity, her heart pounding against her ribs.

"What I want to say is… I think I like you, Fiona," he said, a sigh of relief escaping his lips, as if he were lifting a great burden.

Fiona's eyes grew wide, her breath catching in her throat. 

She had not expected his confession, her mind reeling with a mix of disbelief and joy. "I…"

"You don't have to say anything. I just wanted to let you know."

She nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. 

Overcome with emotion, she threw her arms around his neck, her fingers tangling in his hair. 

"Shall we dance?" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

"But there's no music?" He chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"I know." She winked, a playful smile gracing her lips. 

He held her waist, and they danced in silence, the soft glow of the lanterns creating a magical atmosphere.

"Mr. Dimitri, I wonder, do you like me because I remind you of Vanessa?" 

she asked after a while, the lingering doubt still gnawing at her.

He stopped dancing, his expression turning serious. 

Then, he laughed, a warm, genuine sound. "Of course not. Although when I was a child, fourteen, I think, I did have a crush on her. I would tease her a lot." 

Fiona giggled, the sound light and carefree.

"But I realized that she liked my brother, and he liked her too, so… I helped them get together. Yeah, I'm that kind of crazy." 

He was staring into Fiona's eyes, his gaze filled with sincerity.

"But I stopped loving her ever since. It's been seven years now. And I only see her as a sister… but now?"

"Now what?" Fiona whispered, her gaze fixed on his, her heart pounding against her ribs.

"Now I like someone else. Someone way better than all the ladies and all the angels combined." 

He smiled, his eyes sparkling with affection as he placed his forehead against hers.

"And who could that be?" She smiled, her cheeks flushed.

"Uh… you, birthday girl!" he chuckled, his face lit up with happiness. 

"And believe me, if you feel I like you because you have a few similarities to Vanessa, that's a big lie. It's even weird, because it'll be like I'm having feelings for my sister!"

Fiona laughed, a sound of pure joy. 

She tiptoed, her lips brushing against his ear. 

"Well, Mr. Dimitri, you're in luck, because I like you too," she whispered.

Dimitri fell silent, his eyes gazing into hers, then to her lips, and back to her eyes again.

She could feel her stomach flutter, her cheeks burning hot.

He lifted her chin, his touch gentle, and with the softness of a feather and the smoothness of silk. 

He took her lips in his, kissing her slowly, tenderly.

As she returned the kiss, a soft moan escaped her lips, and the intensity increased, her hands drawing him closer. 

His tongue played with hers, sending a wave of heat through her body, her mind exploding with a whirlwind of sensations.

She hadn't realized how much she wanted this until now, the longing a burning ache in her chest.

This has got to be the best birthday ever, she thought, her mind filled with a blissful haze.

….

Fiona breathed deeply, her shoulders finally relaxing, the lingering tension from the evening's events easing as she and Dimitri walked back towards the mansion. 

The cool night air brushed against her skin, a welcome contrast to the warmth of his hand in hers.

"You look flustered," he said, his voice a low chuckle as he bent to look at her face, his eyes twinkling in the moonlight.

She blushed, her cheeks warming even more as she smiled shyly. 

"I'm still surprised we actually did… you know what?" she whispered, her voice trailing off, her eyes darting away from his.

Dimitri couldn't help but laugh softly at her endearing shyness. 

He had to admit, even he hadn't expected the kiss to happen. 

But seeing her bathed in the soft glow of the lanterns, her eyes sparkling with joy, had taken his breath away. 

And when she confessed her feelings, he couldn't hold back any longer.

"I know. But I really enjoyed it," he said, his voice laced with satisfaction, his gaze lingering on her lips.

They held hands, their fingers intertwined, as they walked towards the front door of the mansion. 

Instead of ringing the bell, he stopped, his gaze fixed on her. 

He gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his touch lingering on her cheek.

He loved looking at her, loved watching her gaze up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of affection and wonder. 

To him, she looked nothing like Vanessa. 

She was different, completely different, her spirit shining through her eyes.

"I wish… I wish you hadn't agreed to act as the princess that night," Dimitri said, his gaze dropping to their intertwined hands, his voice laced with regret.

"But I had to. You've done so much for me, and I wanted to repay you. They mean a lot to you. And so, I'll make sure to play my part," she replied, her voice filled with determination. 

She gently brushed his hair to the side, though it was futile, as his wavy black hair fell back to his temple.

"After all, it's just for five months. Just until they find a solution," she continued slowly, her gaze fixed on his.

He drew closer, his eyes searching hers, his voice a low murmur. "Then you'll be with me?"

She nodded, a flicker of fear in her eyes, a fear that they could never be together openly, a master and his maid.

He smiled, a genuine smile that lit up his face. 

He lifted her chin, giving her a soft, fleeting kiss.

"I might get used to this," Fiona giggled, her cheeks flushed.

"Me too," he replied, his voice husky with emotion.

They walked into the house, their footsteps echoing through the silent hallway. 

After ensuring no one was around, they embraced tightly.

Dimitri kissing her cheek as he whispered in her ear, "Good night, Fiona."

"Good night, Mr. Dimitri," she smiled back, her heart filled with a warmth that spread through her entire body as she watched him disappear down the corridor.

She turned to walk back to her room, her mind filled with the sweet memories of the evening, but she froze as she saw Miss Rose standing quietly in the shadows, her eyes fixed on her.

"How long…" Fiona began, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Long enough to see you two cozy up to each other," Rose replied sharply, her voice laced with bitterness as she walked towards Fiona.

"You think you've hit the jackpot? Darling, it'll only be a moment until you're thrown under the carriage," she said, her voice surprisingly calm.

Her arms were folded across her chest, her breasts rising and falling with each breath, her low-cut nightgown hinting at the curves beneath. 

Was she trying to seduce Dimitri? Fiona wondered, a flicker of unease settling in her stomach.

"I guess I'd just have to be prepared then," Fiona replied, her voice firm, her gaze unwavering.

"Don't you dare! Don't you dare talk back at me!" Rose exclaimed, her eyes flashing with anger, her voice rising.

"Besides, I am only just looking out for you," she said, her voice softening, her expression turning concerned.

 "I hope you will be ready when he denies you in front of the whole world." 

Why was she so concerned? Was this concern, or a veiled threat?

She turned and walked away, a smirk playing on her lips, leaving Fiona standing in the hallway, her mind filled with confusion and doubt. 

Just what was Rose trying to do?