Three Peach Roses

Betrayal

Chapter 12

Marianne quickly became the most favoured woman at Dimitri's court. He showered her with gifts of jewelry, dresses and books. They spend every minute they could together, she was next to him at every meal, they danced together and in the afternoon they would sit and play chess or stroll in the gardens. Mariana was happier than she had ever been in her life. She had a constant glow of pleasure and a smile never left her lips. When she looked into Dimitri's deep brown eyes she knew she was falling madly in love with him. The only time Marianne became fearful was when she went back to her families room and she was reminded of her task. Thinking of Dimitri's death was becoming unbearable and imagining herself doing it was even worse, her escape for this dark feeling was Dimitri.

"My darling, what is wrong?" Dimitri asked as him and Marianne walked by the river.

"Nothing. I am glad to be with you." Marianne replied, smiling. Dimitri returned the smile then brought Marianne's hand up to his lips and kissed it. Marianne melted at his touch and she felt comforted- she knew that their growing love for each other would protect her. Then something caught her eye, a person staring at her from a distance, Marianne couldn't work out who it was. They turned quickly and walked to the Rose Garden.

"My love, I must go. There is business back at the palace. Will you come with me?" Dimitri asked. Marianne squinted at the person, trying to work out who it was. 

"No. No, my love, I will finish my walk." Marianne replied. The King nodded and kissed her, then turned to walk back to the Palace. Marianne began to get closer to the person and met them in the Rose garden.

"Olga?" Marianne asked uncertainly. Olga sat on the bench, her eyes cold and spiteful. She glared at Marianne.

"Traitor."

"I thought you had left." Marianne replied uncertainly. Olga laughed bitterly.

"Thought you'd got rid of me? No! I have come back. The King has pardoned me. Did he not tell you?" Olga asked spitefully.

"No he did not." Marianne whispered, she kept her eyes on her feet.

"I hear you have been keeping the King's bed warm for me." 

"No! That is not true, my Lady!" Marianne said desperately.

"I have been told by a reliable source. I cannot believe this! You have betrayed me after all I did for you!" Olga said. 

"I am sorry." Marianne replied, her voice just a whisper. Olga looked at her, disgusted. 

"No you aren't. You are a liar and you are guilty of betrayal and I will see you fall. Mark my words!" Olga said venomously. She got up and swept past Marianne, knocking her backwards. Tears began to leak down Marianne's cheeks, if Dimitri found out the truth it would all be over.

Mahogany and Harry were sat in the King's rooms, bickering quietly. They were arguing about very minor things like what the family could do with their royal crest when King Dimitri came in followed by his trusted adviser, Harold Chernov.

"That's him!" Mahogany whispered.

"That's who?" Harry asked, looking around the room. 

"The King's adviser, Chernov. I think we need him on our side." Mahogany mused. She had forgotten about Harold Chernov as he had only just returned from official business for the King abroad. She knew everything went past Harold Chernov and really, he had more power than the King. Mahogany straightened her back and smoothed her hair out of her face and smiled at the King.