Rising

Chapter 5

When I woke up in my comfortable bed, I lay there staring at the cream-colored ceiling for a few minutes, wondering if I had dreamt or even imagined everything, but then I found him. He was sitting cross-legged on my armchair covered in red velvet, his face wearing a rather amused expression. He blended well in the old palace setting despite his modern attire; he continued to look like a man from another era. He was tapping his fingers on the smooth white wooden armrest while supporting his face with his other hand. 

"I didn't think my declarations could have this effect," I tried not to look at him, feeling embarrassed. What an awkward situation I had created! I felt exactly like Mr. Abram when he had lost a button in front of everyone; I wanted to bury myself under the covers and not come out until he had left. He stood up, heading towards my bed and lightly, gracefully settled upon it, leaning over me and planting a kiss on my forehead. 

"Can you sit up?"I nodded yes, pushing myself up with weak arms, trying to regain the lost balance. I leaned against the wall; it was cold and rough, and his touch gave me goosebumps. The palace stood where the alliance with the stars had been sealed, but over the centuries, it had been periodically renovated. I thought that the next renovations weren't far off; the walls really needed a checkup. I hadn't fainted in front of murderers, thieves, ill-intentioned people, serious injuries, but it had just happened upon hearing a sentence composed of three words and a question mark—unbelievable! I shifted my gaze to Deimos; with one arm, he supported his weight on the bed, his defined and tense muscles were visible through his short-sleeved shirt, he was genuinely attractive. I lightly brushed his hand to make sure I wasn't dreaming; he kept smiling at me, his eyes were lively and more vivid than ever, and he still held the small box in his free hand. If he had asked me again, I would have died—perhaps that's why his father was against it! A silly squeak escaped me at that thought. When Deimos noticed I wasn't speaking, his demeanor turned serious and tense again.

"I'll try again," he began, looking at me with his eyes full of love. "You mustn't faint," he teased me, and I started repeating that mentally incessantly. 

"Lianne Brightdawn would marry a miserable, foolish, and selfish governor  with no combat skills or refined self-defense, someone as elegant and refined as her? She'd spend her life between sword and love, and to her great misfortune, all eternity by my side, a courageous lady?" His tone was both playful and serious, as if he were imitating a speech from some grand duke of the past.I gave him a fleeting glance; his face was still joyful and carefree, his mouth spread into a broad smile, creating two small dimples at the sides, but I could sense some agitation in his movements. 

He nervously turned the box in his hands, probably fearing I'd say no or faint again. I burst out laughing, and he seemed relieved. I wasn't sure about what I was about to do, but something drew me to him without giving me a choice. When I finally composed myself, I whispered with a voice as sweet and uncertain as I could hardly recognize as my own.

"Of course, handsome governor like the moon."

He opened the box, finally ending its torture, and slid a small white gold ring onto my finger. It was adorned with a half-moon inside a sun; it was so delicate and beautiful that it took my breath away. He looked at me, still smiling for a moment, pulled me close, and kissed me. We remained embraced for what didn't seem like enough time to satisfy my overwhelming need for him. My room had transformed from a golden prison into the most beautiful place in the world in a couple of hours. I felt at peace with the universe, and for once, luck seemed to be on my side.