Dimitri Belikov from Shadow Kiss is an ill-fated romantic interest for Rose. They are both slated to be guardians for Lissa, but he is also Rose's private tutor. Rose has been absent from the academy for almost two years, so it is his job to bring her back up to speed in her training. They begin to fall for one another, something that is used against them both during various battles. Because of the differences in their ages, and the fact that he is her teacher, they keep each other at arm's length for as long as they can, and when in a moment of weakness they consumate their relationship, they vow to find a way to be together. These hopes are dashed when he is captured and turned into Strigoi.
