Born in Russia, Dimitri Belikov is the fully trained dhampir guardian of Princess Lissa Dragomir. He leads the group of guardians to retrieve Lissa and Rose from Portland and bring them back to St Vladimir's Academy. To keep Rose from getting expelled he agrees to mentor her, training with her before and after classes each day. The two fall in love, which is considered taboo in their society and try to fight their feelings for each other for many months.