AVELINE I can't believe it. Did Xavier just... propose to me?

A tear slips down my cheek before I even realize it. My chest feels tight, not from pain but from an overwhelming rush of happiness. I nod, my voice catching as I whisper, "Yes." Then louder, with more certainty, "Yes."

Xavier rises from his knee and pulls me into his arms. His warmth surrounds me, and my heart races like it's trying to keep up with the moment.

"I love you, Aveline," he says, his voice trembling slightly, but the sincerity in his words is undeniable.

I press my hands to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart. "I love you too, Xavier," I reply softly, my words carrying all the emotions I've kept inside.

And then he kisses me—soft, tentative, and yet full of something so raw it leaves me breathless. My cheeks burn as I feel the heat rise to my face. Is this real? Am I truly living this moment?

In this life, I—a girl who once had nothing—am being proposed to by the Crown Prince.

"Aveline? Xavier?"

A familiar voice cuts through the stillness, jolting us both out of the moment. We turn, and standing there is Father—Duke Edric Lytheryss. His eyes narrow suspiciously, flicking between us like he's trying to piece together what's happening.

"What are you two doing here in the middle of the night?" he asks, his tone gruff but not unkind.

I can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips. "Xavier proposed to me," I say, still caught in the haze of the moment.

"What?" Father's expression shifts from surprise to something unreadable as he turns his full attention to Xavier.

"And I accepted his proposal," I add quickly, stepping slightly closer to Xavier, hoping to soften the blow.

Father's gaze locks onto Xavier, his voice low and sharp. "And how, exactly, did you get approval from her father?"

Xavier stands firm, meeting Father's intense gaze without hesitation. "I believe there's nothing about me to disapprove of," he replies, his tone calm but confident.

Father snorts, crossing his arms. "Really. You're a brat, you know that?" He steps forward, his icy demeanor breaking just enough to reveal a hint of grudging acceptance. "You'd better take good care of my daughter, or you'll have me to answer to."

Xavier smiles slightly, inclining his head. "You have my word."

I link my arm through Father's, tugging him gently. "Come on, Father, let's head back inside. It's late."

As Xavier turns to leave, heading back to the imperial castle, he pauses to glance over his shoulder. He sends me a playful flying kiss, and I can't help but laugh.

He really is something else.

****

XAVIER I'm back at the castle, but my mind isn't here.

I should be focusing on the night training session with the knights—it's been scheduled for weeks. But how can I think about anything else when she's now my fiancée? Just the thought of it makes me smile like an idiot.

Aveline. My fiancée.

The words feel so surreal, and yet, they fit perfectly. I can still feel the warmth of her hug and the way her voice trembled with happiness when she said "yes." My chest tightens at the memory, and for once, it's not from nerves.

I laugh to myself, shaking my head. There's no way I can concentrate tonight. I should just cancel the training session. I have more important things to think about—like planning a wedding.

I call for Veltron, my personal assistant, who arrives promptly, though his expression is laced with curiosity.

"Your Highness," he greets, bowing slightly.

"Veltron," I say, standing a little straighter, trying to sound composed despite the grin that keeps threatening to break through. "Tell the knights that I'm canceling the training tonight. Let them know they should take the evening to rest instead."

Veltron's eyes widen slightly, clearly caught off guard. "Ah... ha... um, yes, Your Highness," he stammers.

"Good. That's all," I say, waving him off.

He hesitates for a moment, then bows again, muttering, "As you wish," before scurrying off.

As soon as he's gone, I let the grin take over. My fiancée. The words replay in my head like a song I can't get out of my mind.

Maybe tomorrow I'll think about training. But tonight? Tonight, I'm going to let myself enjoy this moment. She said yes. She said yes.

***

VELTRON Is His Highness... alright?

I mean, I could swear I saw him smiling. Not the faint, polite kind of smile he gives during formal occasions, but an actual, genuine smile. His Highness can... smile?

I shake my head, trying to dismiss the absurd thought. "Ha, whatever," I mutter to myself as I make my way toward the training grounds. The knights need to be informed, and I'd rather not waste time pondering what kind of miracle might have caused that expression.

The knights are gathered, gearing up as usual, their chatter low and focused. I step forward, clearing my throat to catch their attention.

"His Highness has canceled tonight's training," I announce, my voice steady despite the ridiculousness of what I'm about to say next. "And His Highness wishes you all to have a good rest."

The silence that follows is deafening.

I glance around, meeting wide-eyed stares and slack jaws. One knight drops his helmet in shock, the clang of metal breaking the tension.

"What?" someone finally mutters.

"Did he just... cancel?"

"Wait, why? Is he sick? Injured?" another whispers, their voice tinged with concern.

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. "No, he's perfectly fine," I say, though the truth is, I have no idea. "But yes, he canceled. Take the rest as a blessing and don't question it."

The murmurs continue, but I can see the disbelief etched on every face.

"Has he gone insane?" one knight whispers under his breath, not quite low enough for me to miss.

"Honestly," I mutter to myself as I turn to leave, "I wouldn't blame them for thinking so."

Whatever the reason, His Highness is acting strange. I glance back toward the castle, my mind still on that smile. What in the world could have put him in such a mood?