Color of Roses

Engagement

Chapter 37

Tonight was the engagement ceremony and I was both excited and nervous. Giles had asked both Alyn and I figure out what we wanted to say to the guests during our announcement. I sat down all day in the study writing down ideas. My mind was in such a tizzy ever since telling Alyn I was pregnant and it was hard to concentrate on anything but him and our baby.

I glance up as the study's door creaks open and feel butterflies when Alyn peaks his head inside. "This is where you've been hiding?" He closes the door behind him and his eyes lower to the paper on the desk. "What's that?"

I grab the paper and shove it into my dress. "Nothing you need to see!"

His lip spread into a sly smile as he steps closer and leans against the edge of the desk. "Oh, really; now I'm curious." He reaches down but I cross my hands over my chest. "That's no fair," he says playfully. He grabs my wrists and gently lifts me out of the chair and pulls me closer. Our eyes our level as he sits atop the desk causing our heights to equal. He wraps his arms around my waist and gives me a soft kiss.

When he pulls away there's a smirk planting on his face. He lifts up his hand to reveal the piece of paper. "I win," he says smoothly.

"How did you-" I start to say as I reach for the paper but he playfully moves it away. "You cheated," I say with a pout.

With a smile still planted on his face he opens the paper and begins reading its contents. His eyes narrow and his smile widens. "You really wanted to say all of this?"

"Well now I can't because it won't be a surprise," I say looking away.

Alyn frowns and hands the paper back. "I shouldn't have looked. I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it. Just means I'll have to come up with something better," I shrug. He smiles once again and pulls me in for a kiss. "It's nearly time to start preparing for the ceremony. You should get back," he says after giving me another quick kiss.

"I know, but I'm having so much fun here. We should just skip the ceremony and spend time together."

"Someone's feeling frisky," he purrs.

"I can't help it. I love you," I whisper softly. His hands caress my hips and his legs encircle me and pull me closer. I clasp his jaw between my hands. His lips leave soft kisses across my breastbone and up to my neck. I let myself be enveloped by him and smile at the ceiling while his warm breath travels to my ear.

"Save it for after the ceremony, you two," someone says coughing.

Alyn's hands quickly release me and I step back to see Giles standing at the doorway with a displeased expression. "Aria, your maids are waiting for you back in your chamber. Please make haste," he says holding the door open. I take a quick glance at Alyn who refuses to look Giles in the eye.

Once I'm out of the room, Giles closes the door and I'm left heading to my room curious as to what those two would talk about.

"You look just like a queen," one of my maids says adding the finishing touches to my pinned up hair. A few loose curls hang down in the back and tickle my exposed skin. A soft pink dress lines my body and it sparkles as I move about in front of my mirror.

"Are you nervous?" Another asks me.

"I'm terrified but excited at the same time. I've always dreamed of getting married but I never thought it would be as a princess."

The maids eye me over once more and nod in approval. "You look absolutely stunning," the head maid confirms. "Alyn is a lucky man."

My face burns and I look away from the mirror too embarrassed to see my reflection. "Thank you," I mumble. I absentmindedly place a hand to my abdomen.

The head maid dismisses the other maids and we're left alone in my room. "Have you told him?"

"Yesterday," I say quietly. I look at the mirror and you can hardly see any swelling through the dress.

"How did he handle the news?"

"Better than I thought. He was happy," I say rubbing my thumb over my belly before removing it. "I still can't believe this is happening."

"You'll make a great mother and queen. You've got a great man at your side every step of the way. You won't be alone," she says patting me softly on the shoulder. "They're waiting for us."

All eyes are upon me once I set foot into the Grand Hall. Men and women both stare fascinated as I make my way towards Alyn as he stands at the base of the stage. He's conversing with a few people and as they look my way, so does he. His crimson eyes watch me as I inch closer with each step. He holds out his hand and I take it and stand beside him.

"You look beautiful," he whispers into my ear. His hot breath causes my body to shiver with excitement; my cheeks burn at his compliment. "You're mine tonight after this," he says; his lips brushing the tip of my ear.

He introduces me to a few of the men around us as friends of his while he was a knight. We move from crowd to crowd as people congratulate us on our engagement. It was nearing time for our announcements when the room becomes silent and all eyes are on the entrance. A frail old man walks slowly inside the room and many gasp at the sight. I hardly recognize the man to be the king.

Many people begin to bow as Giles announces his presence. A servant assists him and he climbs the stage and sits upon the main chair. Giles steps up beside him. "May I have you attention please? As you're all well aware, tonight is in celebration of our beloved princess and prince's engagement." He gestures to Alyn and I and we both make our ascent to the stage.

"Now's the time to say what I told you," Giles says in a hushed tone before walking off the stage.

"I'll go first," Alyn says swiftly. He grabs my hands and his hands are soft and warm. "Aria, the moment I saw you I knew there was something unique about you. I was drawn to you from the start and the more I got to see your true self the more I fell in love with you. I wanted to be by your side ever second and to protect you with my life no matter what. I am honored and happy to spend my life beside you as king and your husband." Alyn reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box. He kneels down and remains holding my left hand. He opens the box and slides a diamond ring on my finger. "Will you make me the happiest man on earth?"

Tears well up in my eyes and I blink them back. "Yes!" I say and throw my arms around his neck. He holds me close and tight and he gives me a soft kiss. "I love you," he says.

"I'd be more than happy to spend my life with you, Alyn!" The crowd cheers and applauds at our embrace and I feel myself floating on cloud nine. The applauding slowly dissipates and the king stands from his chair.

"I'd like to say something," the king says.

We both turn to face him and he leans against a wooden cane. He holds out his hand and gestures for both of us to kneel. Alyn squeezes my hand in his protectively.

"I've only recently got to know Aria personally for a short while but I can already tell she will be more than perfect watching over our great country of Wysteria. As for Sir Alyn, I've known him since he was just a young boy. He's grown into such a wonderful man and I am overjoyed to see him taking my place upon the throne as your next king. Alyn Crawford, I bestow upon you my blessing that you will fulfill your duty as king as well as loving husband to Aria. Do you accept?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Alyn says in a firm voice. "I will not disappoint you."

"Then I, the king of Wysteria, hereby declare Alyn Crawford to be the next heir to the throne upon my death," the king says tapping his cane on both of Alyn's shoulders. "You may rise now and enjoy the festivities."

Alyn stands and intertwines his fingers with mine. We both smile at each other curious to what the future holds for both of us.