The Proposal

34 - Exes

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It was finally the new year.

Elisabeth threw a royal ball in the palace to celebrate the new year. It was a grand ball. Elisabeth really was good at managing such things.

Alma and the stylist were with me in Nicholas's bedroom, getting me ready for the event that was scheduled for the evening.

The stylist, as usual, presented me with a very gorgeous dress. An emerald green long gown, stylishly designed and decorated with diamonds at the top part of the dress. This time, the gown was pretty simple and light, unlike the previous elaborate ball gowns she got for me.

I loved it.

When I was fully dressed with my hair and make-up all done, I stood in front of the mirror and admired myself.

"You are so beautiful, your majesty," the stylist complimented.

"As always," Alma added, and I smiled at their compliments.

While still staring at my reflection, the door opened, and in came Nicholas. He paused for a moment the second he laid eyes on me. His eyes raked my body up and down before he started walking up to me.

"You are breathtaking," he complimented, making my cheeks instantly heat up. He reached down to grab my hand, brought it up to his lips, and kissed the back of my palm.

"I could marry you all over again," he said, making my heart flutter.  He dropped my hand and then snaked his arm around my waist, pulling me gently to him. I bit my lip, trying to hide the fact that I was blushing so much.

He placed a small kiss on my lips and stared straight into my eyes. I felt somewhat shy suddenly, probably because Alma and the stylist were still there, probably smiling at both of us.

"We would take our leave now," I heard Alma's voice before I saw both of them walk out the door. Nicholas wasn't even the least bit bothered by their presence in the first place.

"You..." I reached up to the collar of his suit, slightly adjusting it, "...look so handsome, as usual," I complimented.  He was wearing a black suit with an inner button-up shirt that was the same colour as my gown.

I then kissed him again and smiled at him.

"Time to go, the ball is just beginning," he said and took my hand, entwining our fingers together.

He led me out of the room, down the stairs and into the very crowded ballroom. I wasn't surprised by the number of people present because Nicholas had made it clear that everyone was invited to the ball.

As we walked in, everyone started making their way in the middle, bowing down and curtsying as we passed through until we got to the end of the room.

Nicholas gave a little speech and then wished everyone a happy new year. He also told them to enjoy the food and wine, which there was certainly more than enough of.

After that, we went to the side and found our special table with a lot of food on it. My mouth started watering at the sight of it.

"I will get you a chair. You shouldn't be standing," Nicholas suggested.

"Oh no, I'm fine," I told him.