A/N: So this is the original story and in my honest opinion it's so much better! Thank you for taking the time to read. This is unedited so all mistakes are mine. Brownie points to whoever spot the quotes from The Tudors.
~Prologue, December 25~ (30 years after her death)
Snow was covering what once used to be the Russian Royal Court.
Virgin white snow that brought back memories from a different age. An age of kings and queens, of conspiracies and lies that were buried between the walls of this palace so none could ever find them. The history of a passionate love that was destined to turn into hate and pain and cause the birth of one of the most powerful Queens. The young woman stood by the window she spend most of her days by. Her gaze fixed to the beautiful view that once used to be hers.
But that was years ago!
She felt something nag her hand and her eyes lowered to meet Sasha's beautiful blue eyes. The large feline licked her palm urging her to move away from the window. The rumours were enough to last a life time; they didn't need more to be added. The whispered stories about the ghost that belong to one of the greatest monarchs Russia had known were the peoples favourite pass time. "I know sweetheart." They had their own code since she had saved the white tiger and he on his part stayed loyal to her forever even in death. Rose trailed towards the door that led to the ballroom, if she stayed still she could still listen to the music and the noisy they used to make. So many happy memories laced with bitter ones.
She regretted nothing though. She did was she needed to do in order to lead her people towards a better future. And a better future it was! Three decades of hard work and Russia's most fruitful years. She had re-written history with her own pen erasing all the black stains her husband's reign left behind. She twirled round and round, her favourite crimson gown moved along with her as she danced on the sound of a silent tune playing inside her head. A tune he had composed for her when they first met. She knew what was the reason she could not move beyond the veil.
Her dress was red just like the blood she had on her hands…
~Anne Boleyn~
She had been feeling unwell for the past few weeks but she didn't want to concern him with childish things. Her husband had more important things to deal with. Vasilissa and Sydney insisted though that she had to consult the palace physician just to be sure everything was alright. What she found out was actually more than alright; this was one of the best moments in her life.
Rose felt her heart soar as the words left the physician's lips. She was with child again, she would finally give Dimitri what he wanted most. A male heir to succeed him on the Russian throne and made both of them proud. Her prayers came true and Rose couldn't help but thank God with all her might for granting her the happiness to be a mother again.
They fell in love at first sight; the moment their eyes met she knew he was the one. He courted her for months and following her aunt's advices she made him work for it. She kept sending back his presents and told him that she would never be his mistress. Back then he was still betrothed to another Lady. She made it very clear that she would join his bed only as his wife and nothing else.
No answer came after her last letter until three months later when an official marriage proposal arrived for her. The king was impressed by how mature and level headed she was but she suspected that it had a lot to do with her refusing to bed him. She was just a child when they got married only eighteen but it was the best decision her father ever made. How could he refuse after all? The great Tsar Dimitri Belikov, Emperor of all Russia wanted his precious only daughter as his Queen. Her family couldn't be happier about the life that was ahead of Rose and of course the opportunities that marriage opened for them. Their people loved her and she loved them, she was devoted on making sure they were happy. Her days were spend settling matters while her night were spend in her loving husband's arms.
Ten years of marriage and counting. Ten years of ruling by his side silently helping her dear husband take one hard decision after the other. Be by him when he was overly stressed and give him many, many children to offer him joy. Though it took them a while to conceive God granted them a beautiful baby girl. On the day of their three year anniversary little Aleksandra Olena Belikova joined her parents and became the apple of her father's eyes but Rose could see that it was not enough for him. As much as he loved Aleksandra, Dimitri craved a little boy and so they tried on. After another five years of trying she would be able to have the son both desired so much.
Usually she wouldn't bother him when he was working but Rose couldn't wait until the time he would join her for dinner. The oak doors opened for her and she slithered inside his office soundlessly. She felt warmth spread inside her at the sight before her, Dimitri was playing with their five year old daughter. They were sitting on the floor surrounded by dolls and Aleksandra was bubbling on and on while he watched and listened carefully.
"Mind if I join you?" She smiled widely as her daughter got on her feet throwing her arms around Rose's legs.
"Mommy!" She squealed as Rose picked her up kissing her cheek softly. She was a perfect mixture of both her parents and Rose knew that her little girl someday would make a man very happy. She secretly hopped that man would be Lissa's little boy, Rose wanted nothing more than to join the two houses.
"Hello Princess, you look beautiful today!" The little girl in her arms giggled and wrapped her arms around her mother's neck, burying her head on Rose's neck.
"Thank you mommy." She sighed and Rose's heart swelled from love. "You look pretty too. Daddy? Isn't mommy pretty?" Dimitri moved towards them wrapping his arms around both of them. A stunning smile gracing his lips and Rose's heartbeat picked up.
"Yes, she is your Grace." Dimitri murmured kissing her forehead lovingly, his eyes never leaving Rose's face. "Very pretty."
"Do you mind leaving me and daddy alone for a while?" Aleksandra pouted at Rose's words. Rose knew her daughter was like her, she didn't like to follow orders no matter how nice someone asked her to. "Mia can play with you outside!" She added quickly and their princess's face light up at the prospect of playing on the palace gardens.
"Yes!" She exclaimed as Mia took her from her mother's arms and left the royal couple alone. Rose took a seat by the window gazing the beautiful view before her thinking of how to let Dimitri know.
"Is there something wrong love?" His voice was laced with concern as he joined her. "Do you want to discuss something?" Rose took another deep breath and turned to face him smiling cheerfully.
"I'm with child!" She announced and watched him closely. Before she could register what happened Dimitri's arms were around her and his lips collided with her in a deep and passionate kiss.
~Anne Boleyn~
"We should be more careful my Lord! Someone might see us!" Rose giggled as he pushed her gently through the door of her bed chambers. They had left the ball in a hurry when she told him that she skipped wearing her underclothes tonight. Rose came to know that one naughty word and her husband was ready to go. He had spend all of his nights in her bed for the past four months and as her bump grew so did Dimitri's desire to have her. He had become insatiable and Rose was more than happy to comply with his wises. She did enjoyed herself after all, she wouldn't lie he never ceased to take care of her by bringing her as much pleasure as possible.
"I pay no mind to them Milady and nor should you." He mumbled as his lips kissed a path from her neck down to her breasts giving them all his attention. Pushing the fabric down his lips wrapped around a stiff nipple and Rose gave him a low heady moan. With the pregnancy they had become sensitive and even the slightest touch from Dimitri could send thrills through her whole body and he knew that.
"Yes!" She gasped as Dimitri sucked lightly on the soft flesh making Rose arch her back in pleasure. His hands trailed up her legs pulling the skirt of her dress with them as he pressed her against the cold stone of the wall. His pelvis grounded against hers and another moan slipped from between her lips. "Please!" She begged as he switched breasts.
"Please what love? Ask and you shall receive." He chuckled huskily as two fingers slipped inside her. Rose whimpered as he set her body alight once more in a way only he knew. Her fingers grabbed his shoulders for dear life as he increased his rhythm making her gasp and sigh in bliss.
"Please take me to our bed!" She gasped as her muscles tighten around his fingers. His hands cupped her bottom and he picked her up she felt her body flush even more at the show of strength he showed. Even something so small could make her yearning for him even more.
"I love you." He murmured as he slid inside her warm and soft body completing her once more.
"I love you too." She sighed and let herself get lost in him.
~Anne Boleyn~
Sasha purred contently laying at her feet as Rose kept her eyes on her needlework. She had the tiger since he was a cub. He was freezing to death when she found him on the side of the road as she was returning home. Quite unusual to have a beast as pet but he was more than that. Sasha was Rose's guardian, he was a part of her and she kept him close. It was always so bizarre to others how the wild animal obeyed her like he was just a kitty. Not once in his fifteen years did he misbehaved. Rose raised and trained him to be calm and collected unless she ordered him otherwise.
Aleksandra was playing quietly a few feet away happily talking to her dolls. The last few months were a blissful heaven and she thanked God every night before going to bed for what he gave her. She finally had the loving family she desired so much. A gasp escaped her lips and instantly three pair of eyes were trained on her.
"What's wrong Tsarina?" Rose smiled at the concern that coloured Mia's voice. Her sweet Ladies were all so worried about her. They cared for her like she was the most precious thing in the world.
"He moved." The other three women let out a breath they didn't know they held and the worried expressions were replaced with smiles mirroring hers.
"Really? Can I feel it?" Rose chuckled at Mia's eagerness and shook her head. The girl was young and innocent, only seventeen. Barely a woman really and all this was knew to her. It was only a few months ago that she joined Rose's Ladies after she was betrothed to Lissa's brother. She hadn't been there for Aleksandra's birth nor the months during and after the pregnancy.
"Sadly love, not yet. I'm the only one that can feel him for now." She caressed her stomach fondly the smile never leaving her lips. Sasha tensed at her feet and hissed lowly at the door. That was enough for Rose to know that someone the tiger didn't liked was approaching. Just as she finished her thought Adrian walked in dressed in warm wools and furs. "Cousin, to what do I own the pleasure? Here to see Lady Sydney again?" She teased and giggled as her eyes met Sydney's golden ones and the young woman blushed.
Adrian was Rose's cousin from her mother's side and the big brother she never had. He always took care of her and made sure she was happy. He and her mother were the only two that were opposed to her marriage to Dimitri but she didn't understand why. All the arguments ceased as her father gave his blessing. Adrian moved in the palace to keep an eye on her and secure that everything was to her better interest. It seemed though that since she got married Adrian matured too. He used to be a ladies' man, always chasing after skirts but for the last three years that changed. He had set his eyes on Sydney and as much as Rose forbid it he wanted her all the more.
Knowing him well and knowing how good he was with sweet talking maidens to give him their innocence Rose made sure to describe to him what was to happen to his precious lower half if he ever deflowered Sydney. Rose had strict orders from the girl's father to be pure until her wedding day. While it was normal for women among the Court to not keep their innocence she was obligated to follow Lord Sage's wishes. Something had changed with Adrian after that talk though, Rose couldn't work out what it was but her cousin seemed to behave himself. He even courted her Lady making all of them very happy.
"Sadly no." He gave them a charming smile and took a seat opposite her. Sasha moved closer to her restlessly and with only a wave from her the feline settle down again. "I have something I wish to discuss with you." From his tone Rose understood that Adrian had something important to tell her. "Alone." He added hastily and she waved to her Ladies letting them know they needed to leave taking Aleksandra with them.
"I'm listening." Rose settled back as Adrian told her everything. She refused to believe the rumours though. "That's silly Adrian and you know it. Dimitri would never cheat on me and much less with Natasha." She huffed. Natasha was very loyal to her and had proved it time and time again.
"I'm not saying he did it. I just want you to be careful Rose. That's all I'm asking for." He leaned forward and took her hands in his. "Just take care of yourself and the little one." He smiled warmly and she knew he meant well.
"I will." She smiled back but his words kept repeating inside her head. Dimitri would never betray her that way. He would never cheat on her, especially not now that she was ready to give them a son.
~Anne Boleyn~
A bad feeling was set in the pit of her stomach and Rose couldn't shake it off. She wrapped her hands securely over her bump soothing her restless son with caresses. Her physician had confirmed what she was praying since after their daughter was born. She was finally going to give her husband and their people a son. The heir they desperately wanted. Her happiness was so great she send her Ladies to prepare a celebration as she went to inform her Lord Husband of the joyous news. They already had a beautiful baby girl but a son was different. A son meant a ruler no one would ever doubt, especially if he was like his father.
He made very clear to her however that she needed rest, as much as she could get. She had suffered two other miscarriages and he didn't want to risk anything again. But still something kept bothering her. Dimitri seemed distant the last few weeks and even though he spend his nights in her bed he never moved past a few innocent kisses. Add to that the fact that everyone behaved weirdly around her and that didn't ease her fears either. Adrian's words kept coming back hunting her mercilessly and she prayed her cousin was wrong.
Rose pushed the door open and her breath caught in her throat. She felt bile rise in her throat as her eyes fell on her husband with Natasha Ozera on his lap. Adrian's voice rang in her head as her eyes couldn't move from the sight in front of her. The upper part of Natasha's dress was unlaced leaving her breast bare to her husband's hungry gaze as his hands wonder up and down her body. The same hands that a few hours ago touched her skin like this. A scream ragged from her lips as she closed the door forcefully and the unholy couple broke apart. "What is this?" Her eyes met his and the only thing she could see was his tainted passion for the other woman. "What is this?" Anger rose inside her and she made her way to him. Natasha had made herself descent and stood at the far corner of the room smirking at her irking Rose more.
Rose knew that Natasha had feelings for Dimitri but she thought they were in the past. She would never imagine that the woman was so vile as to sleep with a married man. Her hand came hard down on his cheek leaving a red print on his flesh. "What do you think you are doing?"
"Sweetheart it's not what-"
"Why are you doing this? Was I not enough for you? Was I not an obeyeing wife? Wise beyond my years!" She faintly register that her voice was raised but she didn't care. Her hand clutched her stomach as a sharp pain tore through her. "No, no, no." She whimpered identifying the signs of what was happening. Rose had felt that pain twice already in the past few years and she knew what it meant. She felt strong arms wrapping around her and soothing words were been whispered in her ear as Dimitri tried to calm her, massaging slowly her stomach.
"Shh Roza, it's going to be fine." She felt herself leaning against him. "Deep breaths love, relax." Breath in, breath out, she repeated the pattern in her head trying to follow his advice. She barely registered Dimitri carrying her to her rooms or her Ladies fussing over her. Before she knew it she was tucked into bed after having to drink a calming draft to help her sleep for the baby's benefit.
~Anne Boleyn~
"Do you think we should check on her?" Vasilissa looked up from her book her jade blue eyes locking with Sydney's golden ones. They had spent the last few hours trying to calm Rose down enough so she could go to sleep. Guilty was eating her insides as Lissa watched her friend crying her heart out because of the Tsar's disloyalty. Rose was only but a girl –only eighteen- when they brought her here and assisted Lissa as her maid of honour. Over the years they had become something more than just good friends, they became sisters in everything but blood. She always kept Rose's better interest in her mind. To be honest she knew about the Tsar's affair with Natasha, it wasn't like her sister-in-law tried to keep it a secret, and was surprised that Rose had no idea what was going on. Or at least that's what she thought.
Christian tried many times to discipline Natasha but the woman paid no mind. Natasha had great ambitions; she foolishly thought that she could trick the Tsar into divorcing Rose and taking her as his queen. Lissa knew though that he only wanted to play with something now that Rose was not able to perform her duties as a wife the way she could before she became with child. In another place and time Lissa would have told Rose everything and let her deal with the problem at hand as she pleased. But Rose was pregnant and very fragile, her physician told them to be careful and to not stress her. Now all that seemed to be in vain as Rose found out in the worst possible way. "No let her rest. She had a hard day." A scream coming from Rose's rooms startled them and it took them a moment to move again.
What she found on the bedroom made her heart break into million pieces. Rose was covered in blood clutching her stomach. Sasha walked around the bed distressed by her mistress's pain; Lissa had never seen the beast that way before. Tears were streaming down Rose's eyes and her screams could be heard through the whole palace. What everyone was afraid of had happened and Lissa could do nothing to stop it. "My boy!" Rose whimpered as Lissa rushed to her side. "My little boy!" She cried as pain burned her whole body.
"Go get help!" Lissa shouted but the other Ladies seemed frozen on their places. "Now!" She roared like no time before and that brought them out of their haze. Sydney was the first to react speeding to action. Comforting words left Lissa's lips but they seemed to make no difference. Tsarina was too lost in her pain to listen to anyone. The next few hours were a blur for all of them as the physicians cleaned and check Rose. The heir they all waited was never going to see his kingdom.
~Anne Boleyn~
Her screams were tearing her throat apart but she didn't care. Sasha was laid beside her whimpering as if feeling Rose's hurt. No one could take away the pain that wench brought her. She was going to pay, Rose swore that to herself. Natasha Ozera was going to die a slow painful death and she would be there watching every second of it. As for her husband his punishment would be much worse, no she wouldn't grand him an easy death. He would suffer alongside with her knowing that he was responsible for her lost boy. All she wanted was to please him, give him what he desired most and that was how he paid her back. By deceiving and hurting her. Her Lady Mother had warned her what kind of man Dimitri Belikov was, he might be good looking and a master in sweet talking women but he had two more wives before her. They were both executed when they had nothing more to offer him; foolishly she thought he loved her.
But no, he loved no one but himself. The white tiger tensed beside her ready to pounce with just a word from his mistress. The door slammed open but her eyes never left the covers of her bed. All that luxury meant nothing to her now, their money could not bring back the precious little life she lost. He stood at the foot of her bed; his eyes hard and cold looked decisively at her like she was the one responsible for the tragedy. "What did you do?" She clenched her teeth breathing hard. Her temper was getting the better of her. "What did you do to kill my boy?" His boy?
"You vile man! How dare you?" She spat. "Accusing me of killing my own child? No one wanted him more than me! All I wanted was to please you. It was not in my fault! You have no one to blame but yourself for this!" She screamed her pain out. "I was distressed to see you with that wench," Venom was dripping from her voice; her hate overcame the love for him at that moment. "Because the love I bear you is so great. It broke my heart to see you love her!" Her cries turned to sobs of grief. Grief for that small person that only hours ago was resting safely inside her but was doomed to pay his father's sins. She saw guilt swimming in his eyes but now was a little to late for that.
"Get out!" She whispered softly, drained from her grief. "Get out of my sight, I can't look at you right now!" For once he did something right by following her wishes and left her alone. She let herself fall back on her soft sheets as a new wave of fresh tears poured out of her eyes. Her loss was too great for words to be any comfort!
~Anne Boleyn~
Two months had passed since that dreadful night and Rose refused to leave her chambers. She was in no mood for dances when she had lost someone so important. What did cheer her a little was the love her people showed her, she would get letters every day from them telling her how they prayed for her to be well soon. Nothing could heal the pain she felt though, she was empty. Sometimes she wondered what the point of living was anyway. Her first miscarriage was something she didn't thought much as she had no idea she was with child then. But now having spent the best part of five months decorating the nursery and making plans for her little boy, now it was different. She had felt him move inside her, she had dreamt of a little boy with brown hair and chocolate coloured eyes like his father. But he took it all away from her. The only things that kept her up was her precious little girl and the need of vengeance.
"Vasilissa?" The blonde young woman looked up from her book. The only true friend she had was Lissa. She had stood beside her like a sister through all her grief.
"Who am I living for?" The question lingered in the air for a while. "I have worked so hard to help him build a nation. When I came here the country was a mess, I am the one that made him work for his people to have a future. So I'm asking, for who did I went through all this?" Lissa thought about it for a minute.
"For yourself Tsarina, and your daughter. God might not grant you a son yet but even if he doesn't you still gave us a beautiful princess to rule this country when you are gone. And if she is anything like her mother she will do a fine job with it!" Her smile was like balsam to Rose's open wounds.
"Tsarina?" Rose turned to face Mia one of her most trusted and loyal Ladies. "Lord Dashkov is here to see you. Shall I let him in?" She was expecting a visit sooner or later. It was better that Victor was the one to come; he was always so wise having solutions for everything.
"Of course Mia." Not even a moment later her Lord Uncle crossed the threshold and Rose threw herself in his arms; the need for a comforting embrace too great. Victor hugged her tight whispering soothing words to her. There in her Uncle's arms she felt like she was a child again, safe and protected from all the tragedies in her life.
"It's all right child, everything is all right now!" She pulled away and wiped her tears away. She took a deep breath and schooled herself again to look a lot more like the queen she was.
"What brings you here Uncle?" Her voice was a broken whisper as her warm brown eyes met his cold grey ones. Victor might had a soft spot for Rose but he could be very harsh with people that didn't' treat him with the respect he deserved. He served as the King's Hand for her father for as long as she remembered and he was a fair and just man. He had made very clear from the start what his opinion was about the Tsar and now Rose was sure he felt offended by the Tsar's actions. Even though not many knew what caused her to lose the baby her Father and Uncle found out somehow. And they were not happy at all!
"I came to see you child. We need to talk." His smiled warmly but she knew that this was not the reason. Pleasantries and visits just to check on her was not something usual for him.
"Ladies, leave us alone." Rose ordered and they all hurried to empty the room. Lissa lingered by the door for a moment but Rose gave her a reassuring smile letting her know that there was no danger. "What do you have for me Uncle?" She took a seat and motioned for him to do the same.
"Tatiana is sending this for you." He placed a small vial full of clear liquor in front of her along with a letter. "She told me you would know what to do with it." She smiled sweetly but it was anything but that. She had send the letter only a few weeks ago and her Lady Aunt had already something for her.
"What is it?" She asked curiously examining the crystal bottle carefully pretending ignorance. Her Lady Aunt was well known for her knowledge in poisons. Could that be what she thought it was?
"I know nothing child. I'm just the messenger and nothing more." His smile mirrored hers. If the house of Mazur knew something well that was revenge.
~Anne Boleyn~
Tatiana was very clear in her letter with what she had to do. Her Lady Aunt had expressed her sadness with comforting words only she could offer and guided her on her next moves. She understood her niece's grief but it was time to move on because while she stayed locked up in her rooms Natasha was trying her hardest to seduce the Tsar and if Rose didn't do anything soon she would succeed.
First she had to ease herself back to social life in Court. The first time she joined her husband for dinner again the surprise was evidenced in his handsome face. They did not exchange a word as they ate until she broke the silence asking for a small ball in honour of their little princess's upcoming birthday. That was a week ago, she thought as Lissa brushed her hair letting them fall down to her back I waves. Just like her Lord Husband liked them. Tatiana's orders were strict she was to return to his bed immediately if she valued the position she held.
Rose watched her Ladies as they fussed around over her hair and make-up. Her corset pushed her breast a bit more than necessary and the ladies had laced the dress a little tighter then needed. She wouldn't complain though as she looked herself in the mirror, she was stunning. "How do I look?" She swirled around and her dress flutter around her.
"Stunning as always Tsarina." Lissa smiled. It was the first time in a long while since Rose felt remotely happy. Her pain was softened by her need for revenge and if her plan was going as she wished that revenge wouldn't be long.
~Anne Boleyn~
"Her Majesty, Tsarina Rosemarie Belikova." The man's voice rang through the walls of the ballroom as the heave oak doors opened to reveal her. Every person in the room turned to look at her as she walked with her head held high. Dimitri moved swiftly towards her and took her hand in his. "My Queen." He whispered bowing slightly.
"Your Grace." She bowed back an angelic smile resting upon her face. Though he knew there was nothing angelic in her anymore. Long gone was the innocent girl she once was. The girl that thought her husband loved her and was loyal to her and their vows. She followed him on the dance floor for the first dance of the night. Slowly the rest of their guests joined them too.
"How are you feeling?" Rose held back a laugh at his concern. For her, not longer matter if he was worried of her whereabouts or not. He showed that by sleeping around while she was trying to give him an heir.
"Much better, thank you for your concern your Majesty." The smile never left her as they swirled round and round. His arms tighten around her possessively and she rested her head on his chest as if nothing had happened. For someone that knew nothing about their personal life they seemed like the perfect happy couple. She took a deep breath and put the first part of her plan in action. "Will you visit my bedchamber tonight?" Her voice was so soft, almost a whisper as her gaze met his. He looked surprised for a few seconds as he looked deep in her brown eyes.
"Is that what you wish?" He asked and he sounded almost sincere. What Dimitri kept ignoring is that Rose was loved by his people and there were many of their peers that would die for her if she asked them to. It was not a problem for her to find out what he did. According to Lord Ivashkov he did not take another mistress after what happened. He must have gone insane if that was true.
"Yes." She murmured kissing his jaw. "I missed you. My bed is to cold without you, husband." She giggled pressing herself closer to his body. He growled as he crushed his lips against hers. Rose smiled inwardly, checkmate, she thought to herself.
~Anne Boleyn~
Her eyes caught Lissa's in the mirror as the blonde brushed her hair gently. Something seemed to bother her and Rose couldn't help but ask. Lissa's answer stunned her. "Are you sure you are ready for this M'Lady?" It was indeed a good question. Rose didn't have time to answer though as the door to her rooms opened and her Lord Husband walked inside.
"Leave us Ladies!" She ordered and the room cleared leaving them alone. She would have to admit it that her husband was a handsome man. Tall and strong, a true man any woman would wish to have. Before she knew what was happening his arms were around her and he was caring her to her bed. She allowed herself to get lost in the kisses she once loved so much.
"I missed you." He murmured huskily trailing kisses down her neck. "I missed you so much, my wife." He pushed the fabric of her nightgown away freeing her perfect breast and praising them with kisses and love bites. A small moan was torn from her throat as he pushed his pelvis against hers.
"I missed you too." She lied whimpering as his lips wrapped around a pink nipple. Her fingers laced in his soft hair as she arched her back in search of more. Mixed feelings were raging inside of her, pain, grief, love, hurt, hate. "More." She moaned as he rid her off of her clothes leaving her bare to the cool air of the room. She shivered as his lips traveled down her body towards the sensitive flesh between her legs. A small cry left her lips as his tongue slide inside her.
"God, you taste divine." He groaned placing a soft kiss on her inner thigh. She whimpered in response as he went back to kissing and licking bringing her closer to a wonderful climax. Rose pulled at his hair roughly and her back arched off of the bed as sweet ecstasy rushed through her veins. His lips found hers again in a searing kiss taking Rose to a trip down memory lane back to when she was happy. Back to the nights that he would make love to her until she could no more.
"I want you." She murmured against his lips. "Now Dimitri!" That was all he needed as he slipped inside her for the first time after two months. She whimpered as he stretched her to her limits. The world ceased to exist as he moved within her earning soft moans from her. She hated him for all the pain he caused her, she really did but he was the only one that could take her to those kind of heights.
"Roza!" He groaned capturing her lips into a breathtaking kiss. She could feel him, he was close and she wasn't far behind. Her legs wrapped tighter around his waist as her hips raised to meet his. Rose clawed at his back letting all her rage out by letting her nails bite into the flesh of his back.
"Harder, my Lord!" She moaned and he grunted in response. "Harder Dimitri, don't hold back." She urged him on whispering huskily in his ear. "Give us another son." That was all he needed as he gave on last thrust and emptied himself inside her leaving Rose smiling. She was one step closer to get her revenge.
~Anne Boleyn~
Her Ladies followed her as she crossed the court towards were Natasha Ozera was staying. Rose had a heartbreaking expression as if grieving for how unwell Lady Natasha was. In everyone's eyes the vile woman was Rose's favourite Lady the one she trusted the most after Lissa. Though now she knew that her trust was betrayed in the worst way possible. The woman she loved as a sister deceived her because she wanted Rose's throne. The doors opened wide and as she stepped in her eyes laid on the tired form of Christian. A pang of guilt pierced her heart at the pain she put her dear friend through but soon was gone. Natasha got what she deserved.
"Your Majesty!" Christian kneeled before her in a display of respect. She knew how loyal he was to her and her family, one of the few people that truly wanted her on Dimitri's side as a Queen.
"Christian! I told you before, there is no need to do that." She pulled him on his feet lacing her hand with his. "I'm so sorry for your sister my friend." She whispered her voice even hitching a little bit as if holding back a sob. "Can I see her?" Her voice was a small whisper laced with pain that was anything but that.
"Of course." Christian stepped aside letting her walk into Tasha's room. She motioned for her Ladies to not follow her as she took a sit beside Natasha's bed. The satisfaction that ran through her veins could not be described as her eyes fell upon the motionless form of the wench that took her son's life. Rose gave her a smile as Natasha's head rolled to the side, ocean blue eyes meeting chocolate brown ones.
"Hello Natasha." Rose could see the fear in the other woman's eyes and a mask of serenity settled on her face. It was a victory smile, Natasha knew Rose was the one responsible for her sickness. They should all know it's better to have Mazurs as friends than as enemies.
~Anne Boleyn~
She watched as they took the wench's body away. There was a dark, cruel part of her that was overjoyed to see the woman responsible for her little boy's death punished. A while after her miscarriage and her talk with her Uncle, Rose took matters to her own hands. She wasn't going to stand back and let a whore steal her husband. With careful moves and planning day by day she had a loyal maid slip the poison Tatiana send her into Natasha's food and drinks. The changes weren't visible, at first it looked like she was unlucky enough to caught a fever that could not be cured. No one could blame Rose for killing her even though they all knew Natasha went by Rose's hand. Not that anyone cared, their love for Rose was greater than the likeness they felt towards Lady Ozera. As far as everyone was concern the poor woman died from fever. What pleased her the most though was the fact that Rose was the one to feed her the last of it, she got to watch the life leaving Natasha's body and she had never felt better.
Now that Natasha Ozera was finally out of their lives that only left her dear Lord and Master to be chastised too. The door of her rooms burst open and she took a deep breath preparing herself for what was to come. She recognised his footsteps as he stepped into her chamber. Rose's face was hard and her eyes cold, his betrayal made her see the world a little clearer. He stopped a few feet away from her but she never turned to face him.
"Kneel before me." He commanded coldly.
"I kneel before no one but God." She spoke softly finally turning around. "But of course you think you are God himself." Sarcasm was dripping from her words and she could see that her words were getting to him. "Leave us alone." She ordered her Ladies and the young women left the room hastily. "To what do I own the honour to be in your presence my King?"
"Did you really have to kill her?" Was that guilt in his voice? To bad because she felt not even remotely guilty for the life she took.
"I have no idea who you referring to, my Lord Husband." Her smirked let him know what her words didn't. "However I have to remind you that every rose has its thorns. You should be careful with how you treat them or they might hurt you." The message was clear one more misstep and he was next in line. She dared him to take another mistress, to try and tarnish her good name once more. She loved him with all her heart, she really did but she would not let him ruin her life. She refused to be another lifeless body to add to his long list.
"Do you dare threaten me?" He growled taking a few steps closer to where she stood. They were face to face now but she refused to lower her eyes as she would have done under other circumstances.
"Who spoke of threats, my Lord? Surely I didn't!" She sneered challenging him with her eyes. She was beyond angry with him; he had sworn that he would never lay with another woman after they were married. She had given him her best years only to be betrayed like that. Her heart was broken and it was his fault, he would have to pay for it. "But I beg you, do not forget my words again. Next time something bad might happen." She turned away from him and took her place by the window again, bussing herself with her needlecraft. He stood there for a few minutes and when Rose didn't pay him any mind he stormed out of her rooms.
~Anne Boleyn~
The months after Natasha's death passed slowly with all of them trying to adjust to their new way of life. Her relationship with Dimitri was falling apart with every passing second and she had no way to save it. He had visited her bed many times and it always led them to the same thing, laying with each other in anger, trying to tear each other apart. She was feeling hopeless and it wasn't until Vasilissa suggested it that Rose took the decision. Dimitri had to die! They already had a child capable of ruling and even though Aleksandra was still young and a girl there wasn't a good reason to deny her the crowed. So Tatiana send her a new vile of poison with instructions on how to use. It would take months to kill him and it would cause him great pain. Natasha's death might have been short and painless but he was going to suffer. For that Rose would make sure!
So that's what got her through the next fourteen months of her life as she slipped the poison drop by drop in his meals. None suspected a thing when their king fell gravely ill nor did they questioned Rose's presence by his side after what he did. She stayed beside him, putting on a show better than the best actors they had seen in the treater. And when his last breath left his body she wept and wept and wept until there was no tears left. She wept for everything she lost, her son, his love, her family, for the weight that rested upon her shoulders now. But there was no other way!
That was her last thought as she walked down the aisle after her coronation, head held hight, ready to become the ruler her husband never was!
~Anne Boleyn~
~Epilogue, December 25~ (30 years after her death)
Her eyes met his as he stood at the end of the long hallway. He looked exactly like her did so many years ago when she first met him. "Roza." Her cold and hollow heart jumped at the mention of the pet name. She was finally ready to move on to the other side but she couldn't do it alone. Rose watched her daughter follow on her steps after she took the throne, Aleksandra Belikova was just as loved as her mother by their people and one of the most charismatic queens Russia ever had. Just as Rose wished her little girl married Lissa's son and together they led their people to great wealth. She couldn't be happier!
"Dimka." She whispered moving towards him. She could see the sadness and the pain in his eyes. The years that passed had helped him see his mistakes, the hurt he caused, she could see that he regretted it. Their lips met in a hard kiss, two ghosts swirling around, her hands wrapped around him.
"I'm sorry." He breathed as they pulled apart, foreheads touching. "I'm so sorry for what I did to you, to us!" She shook her head and tighten her arms around him.
"It's in the past." She mumbled as they faded away. It was time for them to rest peacefully, away from all the hurt and the pain, to a small heaven just for them. They were no longer needed in this world.
~The End~
A/N: In case you are wondering Rose and Dimitri are ghosts so yeah! Drop me a review to let me know what you think!