Rockford approached them, his eyes softening as they met hers. “May I steal Lora for a moment?” His voice was gentle yet filled with unspoken emotion.
Harriet grinned. “By all means.” She gave Lora an encouraging nod.
Once alone, Rockford led Lora to a quiet alcove adorned with fragrant blooms and softly glowing candles. The distant melody of the quartet played in the background. He turned to face her, taking both her hands in his.
“Lora, tonight wouldn’t have been possible without you. Your courage and brilliance shone brighter than any star.”
She met his gaze, her eyes reflecting the warm light. “We accomplished it together. I couldn’t have faced Hastings without you.”
He exhaled, his heart pounding. “These past weeks have shown me something undeniable, you are my anchor, the light that guides me home. Every moment with you is a gift.”
Emotion swirled in her eyes. “Rockford…” Her voice was a whisper, barely audible over the soft strains of music.
Lifting her hand, he pressed a tender kiss to her fingertips. “Lora, you are the love I never dared to dream of. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Tears welled in her eyes, and a radiant smile broke across her face. “Yes, Rockford. With all my heart, yes.”
Relief and joy filled his expression as he withdrew a small velvet box from his coat. “There’s something I wish to give you.”
She gasped softly as he opened it, revealing an exquisite necklace, a delicate chain holding an emerald pendant encircled by shimmering diamonds.
“This has been in my family for generations,” he murmured. “It was crafted by a medieval duke for the woman who held his heart, much as you hold mine. I want you to have it as a symbol of my love and devotion.”
Lora’s fingers brushed the pendant as she met his gaze. “It’s beautiful. I will treasure it always.”
He stepped behind her, fastening the necklace around her neck. The emerald settled just above her heart. “It pales in comparison to you.”
Turning to face him, her voice thick with emotion, she whispered, “Rockford, you’ve shown me a happiness I never imagined. I promise to love and cherish you, now and always.”
He cupped her face, his voice reverent. “I vow to honor and protect you, to stand by you through every sunrise and storm.”
Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the world around them disappeared. She leaned in, and their lips met in a tender kiss, a silent promise of the life they would build together.
When they parted, their foreheads rested softly against each other, their breaths mingling.
“Together, we’ll create a future filled with love and wonder,” she whispered.
He smiled, his gaze full of devotion. “Our adventure is just beginning.”
A sudden blast of trumpets sounded, signaling the King’s arrival. The guests rose from their seats, anticipation rippled through the air. Footmen swiftly opened the doors leading to the ballroom, guiding the attendees to where His Majesty would make his entrance.
Rockford offered his arm to Lora, a joyful twinkle in his eye. “It seems our special guest has arrived,” he said.
She took his arm, her fingers curling around his with newfound assurance. “I’m ready to face whatever comes next as long as we’re together.”
The grand doors opened, and with a regal presence, the king entered. His attire was magnificent, a deep velvet coat adorned with gold embroidery, and a crown that glittered under the chandeliers. His gaze swept the room with a kind yet commanding presence. It was the lady who accompanied him that had the assembly whispering.
Rockford and Lora stepped forward to greet him. Rockford bowed deeply. “Your Majesty, it is an honor to have you with us.” He turned to the woman. “And you, too, Lady Harriet.”
Lora curtsied gracefully. “Your Majesty.”
The king smiled warmly, his voice resonant and welcoming. “Good evening. I apologize for the late arrival. Matters of state, you understand.” He paused, his eyes twinkling with kindness as he regarded them. “As well as a little interruption. Lady Harriet has told me a great deal about this evening as well as the admirable cause it supports. But I suspect there’s more to celebrate.”
Rockford spoke confidently. “Your Majesty—”
The king held up his hand. He glanced at Lady Harriet, who handed him a letter. “I must tell you, Rockford, Lady Harriet made a delightful courier. She stopped my carriage and wouldn’tmove until I read the thing.” He shook his head. “She was very insistent. So, neither of you knew that Lord Fallsmith had made a request on your behalf. I find that very interesting and…romantic.”
“We would like your permission.” Rockford stood before His Majesty, composed and with a straight posture. “Lady Lora and I wish to announce our engagement.”
