Aisle... Be Free (COMPLETED)

Chapter 9: A Twist of Fate

The grand banquet hall of the palace buzzed with laughter and music, the air thick with the rich scents of roasted meats and sweet pastries. I stood near the edge of the dance floor, a glass of sparkling wine in hand, trying to absorb the festivities swirling around me. Dressed in a gown that shimmered like starlight, I wanted to enjoy the evening, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Rowan and our last conversation.

"Maybe I should just forget about him and enjoy the evening," I muttered to myself, taking a sip of my drink. Just as I set the glass down, my gaze landed on Marquis Remiel across the room. He stood with an easy confidence, scanning the crowd, and a shiver of excitement rippled through me.

As if he sensed my gaze, he turned and flashed a charming, disarming smile that made my heart race. The commotion of the banquet faded away as he made his way toward me, cutting through the crowd with ease.

"Elowen!" he called, his voice warm and inviting.

"Remiel!" I replied, trying to sound more composed than I felt. "What a surprise to see you here!"

"Surprise? I've been making quite the effort to attend more of these gatherings," he said, leaning casually against the wall beside me. "Especially since they've become so... entertaining."

"I'll take that as a compliment," I quipped, feeling my mood brighten. We exchanged playful banter, and for a moment, it felt like the world around us had faded into a pleasant blur.But just as I began to relax, the music shifted to a grander melody, and I noticed a ripple of excitement among the guests.

"Everyone, may I have your attention?" the host announced, stepping forward with a flourish.My stomach twisted. "What now?" I whispered, peering around the room.

Before I could process what was happening, Remiel straightened, cleared his throat dramatically, and turned to face the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice ringing out with unexpected gravitas. "Tonight, I have a very important question to ask."

My heart plummeted. "No, no, no. This can't be happening," I thought, feeling my cheeks flush.With the entire hall watching, Remiel stepped closer to me, his expression a mix of seriousness and playfulness. "Elowen Virelle," he continued, "you've captivated me from the moment we met. Your strength, your humor, and your ability to navigate life with grace despite the chaos—"

"Okay, this is definitely not happening," I muttered under my breath, wide-eyed."—and so, I stand before you tonight, not just as a Marquis but as a man who is completely smitten. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

A collective gasp echoed through the banquet hall. My heart raced, and my mouth went dry. "What?! I thought he said he was willing to wait!" I thought, shock rendering me speechless.

As laughter erupted from the crowd, I managed to choke out, "Wait! Are you serious?"

Remiel grinned, clearly enjoying the spectacle he had created. "As serious as a heart attack!"The audience erupted into cheers and applause, clearly reveling in the drama. My mind raced. "This is a nightmare! I can't believe this is happening!"