Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 52 ==Proposal==

"My Muse!"

I froze.

My eyes widened as I looked down from the balcony, only to see Kian—half-hidden by the trees in the royal garden, bathed in the pale glow of the moonlight. He wore a simple black shirt, brown pants, and a weathered brown cloak that billowed slightly in the wind. His face was calm, but his eyes were fixed on me like I was the only person in the world.

"What are you doing here?" I whispered down to him, my voice low, careful not to draw attention. This was not the place for a scene.

He stepped out of the shadows, slowly revealing himself beneath the moonlit branches.

"I came to check on you," he said plainly, "To see if the King really proposed... like you said he would."

I sighed and shook my head with a small smile. He's such a child sometimes.

"You snuck into a royal ball—risking your life—just to see if I got a proposal?" I asked, trying to sound stern, but I couldn't hide the teasing tone in my voice.

"I'd risk anything... if it's for you."

His words made my heart skip a beat.

We stared at each other for a long, still moment. Neither of us said a word, but so much was being spoken in silence. Then—he smiled, just a little.

"Lady Alyssa?"

My heart jumped as I turned around quickly. Standing right behind me was the King.

"Your Majesty," I said with a soft curtsy, trying to hide how flustered I felt. I quickly looked back down, but Kian was already gone.

Just like that. No explanation. No warning. Only the quiet words he mouthed before disappearing: "I'm sorry."

I didn't know what he meant... but something about it left a weight in my chest.

"May I join you?" the King asked gently, walking over and resting his arms on the edge of the balcony beside me.

"Of course, Your Majesty," I replied politely, but I took a small step away, needing just a little space to breathe.

"Did the party bore you?" he asked as he gazed up at the stars.

I let out a light laugh. "Yes, honestly. I don't understand how other ladies find these events exciting."

"I agree. It's a bit dull," he said with a chuckle.

"You're returning to the Northern Kingdom tomorrow, aren't you?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

He nodded. "Half a year passed in a blink. It's been a long time since I last stood in my own palace."

"Do you love your kingdom, Your Majesty?"

"I do. With all my heart. I would give everything for it—even my life, if it meant protecting my people."

His voice was firm, full of devotion. It was the kind of answer I respected. And it reminded me...

I let out a small chuckle, though it was hollow. "You remind me of someone."

"Someone special?" he asked gently.

My lips twitched, my gaze falling to the marble beneath my feet. "He was... someone I loved. A long time ago. He was willing to sacrifice everything too. And in the end... he did."

The King's expression shifted. "Was he your lover?"

I hesitated. In this world, being a young unmarried lady with a past love could destroy your reputation—but somehow, I didn't want to lie to him.

"Yes," I said, my voice soft. "He was my first love. And... he died."

"And do you still love him?" he asked again, piercing through me with another unexpected question.

I faltered.

"I loved him," I emphasized. "In the past. That love no longer has a place in this world."

I didn't know why I was opening up so easily. Maybe I just needed someone to listen tonight.

"But—"

"I wonder if things will become easier once you return to the North," I interrupted. "It's been... complicated with you here."

"Complicated?" His brows furrowed.

"People talk. You, Prince Benjamin, even the Marquis... Everyone's eyes are on me. I know about your affections, Your Majesty. And it's exhausting."

He fell silent.

"So you know I love you," he said softly.

I laughed dryly. "Didn't you already declare to the entire kingdom that you wanted me to be your queen? I'm fairly certain the Southern Empire knows too, thanks to gossipers with nothing better to do."

"Then let me ask you properly," he said, turning toward me fully. "Would you accept me? Will you be my queen?"

I froze again.

"Can I ask you one question before I answer?"

"Of course. Anything."

"Why me?" I asked, locking eyes with him. "You could have picked my sister—she's smarter, more graceful, everything a future queen should be. So why me?"

He knelt before me then, gently taking my hand. His sky-blue eyes stared straight into mine, his voice soft but sure.

"Because I love you. I don't have a list of reasons. I just do. I've always loved you, Alyssa."

My breath caught in my throat. Then, he pulled out a small velvet box and opened it, revealing a beautiful ring.

"I'll ask you again: Will you be my Queen?"

I hesitated.

Then I smiled. "Give me a reason to say yes."

He closed the box slowly and looked back at me, this time with a strange glint in his eye.

"Because you have loved me."

I blinked. "What...?"

"I've missed you, my Red," he said, his voice suddenly softer, more familiar. "And like I said—I've always loved you. And from your words tonight... you still love me too. Come with me. Let's leave this all behind. Just us. Just like before."

My eyes widened.

"Wait... Lex?!"

He smiled—genuinely smiled—and nodded.

"So you do remember me. I've missed you, my little Red."

And just like that, he slipped the ring onto my finger and pulled me into a warm embrace. His arms felt... familiar. Too familiar.

"I've wanted to hold you since the moment I saw you again," he whispered.

But my mind was racing.

How? How could he be Lex? I was certain Kian was Lex. Kian knew things only Lex would know.

So how could the King be saying this? How could he say it with such confidence?

Who's lying to me?

Is it... the King?

Or Kian?

My heart thudded in my chest as confusion clawed at me. I didn't know who to believe. My world, once again, was tilting beneath my feet.

And all I could think was:

Who is Lex... really?

_____

Shock by the plot twist?!?!

So my question is, who is the real Lex?

Is it Kian? Or is it King Frederick?

I'm quite excited to the future chapters it's getting more and more fun!!!

See you soon Guys💕