Ashes of the Past

Love's Grand Celebration

───── ❝ Chapter Thirty-Two ❞ ─────

Somehow time flew by faster than anyone could imagine. Edward's and Mary's courtship had ended, and the castle was lit with joy as the wedding day approached. However, no one could forget the day Edward had proposed...

Mary's heart fluttered as she walked through the gardens of Winter Palace. Edward had been acting strangely all day, and she couldn't help but wonder if today might be the day. She tried to temper her excitement, not wanting to be disappointed if she was reading too much into his behavior.

Meanwhile, Edward paced in his chambers, the small velvet box weighing heavily in his pocket. He rehearsed his speech one last time, hoping his voice wouldn't betray his nerves when the moment came. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out to meet Mary, ready to change both their lives forever.

In the enchanting gardens of Winter Palace, where the fragrance of blossoming Russian roses danced on the breeze and the gentle sound of a nearby river added to the tranquility of the moment. They strolled together hand in hand, surrounded by the lush greenery, the late afternoon sun casting a warm, golden hue over the landscape.

As they turned a corner, Mary paused to admire a particularly vibrant bed of red and white Russian roses. She plucked a delicate bloom and inhaled its sweet scent, her eyes softened by the beauty of their surroundings.

Edward, his heart pounding with anticipation, cleared his throat. "Mariya, there's something I've been wanting to ask you."

Mary turned to face him, her eyes filled with curiosity and affection. "What is it, Edward?"

Taking a deep breath, Edward's voice filled with sincerity. "Mariya, from the moment our paths crossed in the bustling streets of London, my life has been irrevocably changed. You've brought light and love into my world, and I can't envision a future without you beside me."

Mary's heart quickened as she listened, sensing the gravity of his words.

Edward gracefully knelt before her, producing a small velvet box from his pocket. With a gentle flick of his wrist, he revealed a resplendent diamond ring, its brilliance rivaling the beauty of the roses surrounding them.

"Mary Tudor," he began, his gaze locked onto hers, "will you do me the extraordinary honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me and share your life with me, through every triumph and tribulation, in happiness and sorrow, for all the days that lie ahead?"

Mary stood frozen, the red rose still held delicately between her fingers. Edward's words echoed in her mind, but the enormity of the moment made time seem to stand still.

"Lily?" Edward's voice was gentle, tinged with a hint of nervousness. "Are you alright?"

She blinked, suddenly aware of the tears welling in her eyes. A whirlwind of emotions coursed through her – joy, love, but also a tinge of fear. This was everything she had dreamed of, yet the reality of it was overwhelming.

"I... I need a moment," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Edward nodded, understanding in his eyes as he remained on one knee.