Frost (EDITING)

LOVE AT MIDNIGHT

It had been a two weeks since Hazel's visit to the Land of Oz. Days that had passed by in a jiffy, spent in rigorous training. The battle of Oz had exposed her own deficiency to her and she was determined to overcome it.

Even Hansel had been surprised by her effort and rate of learning.

"Hazel, I think you should take a break." he said.

Hazel was taken aback. "But we still have a long way to go."

Suddenly Hansel threw his dagger in her direction. She stopped it midway, before it could reach her.

Hansel smiled. "I think you will manage."

*****

Midnight struck. Another day had begun and Cindy had completed yet another year in the world.

It was unbelievable that her eighteenth birthday had arrived so fast. Cindy had not even realised that it was approaching.

She expected Ced any minute now ; he was always the first one to wish her. Instead, it was Nate who greeted her, as she stepped out of her tent.

He kissed her softly. " Happy Birthday , love." he said.

" Thank you." she smiled, " First to wish for the first time."

" It wont be the last." he said.

His champagne coloured eyes bore into her , the ones that she couldn't help but fall in love with, every time. " Do I have something on my face ?" she joked.

He nodded. " An awful witchy wart." he frowned.

" Well, Prince Charming, I guess you will have to make do with a warty princess, in that case." she smirked.

" With pleasure." he smiled. She took hold of his hand, pressing it in hers and leaning against him.

" Where is my birthday gift ?" she demanded.

He moved away. He looked nervous, almost queasy for some reason.

" I am unsure whether you will like it or not." he said, not meeting her gaze.

"What? I always love your presents." she said.

"Yes, but I'm not sure you will, this time around."

" Well , that is for me to decide." Cindy said . He did not remove his gaze from the ground, seemingly reading an invisible inscription written below.

" Are you feeling shy ?" she said , bewildered. Nate being shy ? She needed a minute to stomach that. He did not reply, but his face was flushed.

She laughed. Nate scowled at her with disapproval. " Will closing my eyes , help ?" she said.

" Perhaps." he nodded. She shut her eyes and put her hand forward.

"I can't tolerate suspense, Nate. You better hand it over, soon." she said. All of a sudden, she felt something placed in her palm. She closed her fingers around it, and felt the coolness of a gemstone in the centre. She moved her thumb around its smooth surface and opened her eyes in shock.

" A ring ?"

Nate had turned completely red. " Yes."  he said.

She looked at the ring. It had a beautiful gold band with a sapphire in the centre, surrounded by small, star like diamonds.  She recognised it as  his family ring, which he always wore on the little finger of his left hand. Was Nate ...

" I know that this is not how either of us would have seen this moment, but this small ring is all I can offer, along with my heart, which is filled with immense and unfathomable love for you." he said.

" Time is not our friend, Cindy. Death is always around the corner. But that is not what scares me. The idea of you not being the last thought on my mind, the last whisper on my breath and dying without you by my side, horrifies me."

The words seemed to be out of a romantic ballad, but knowing Nate , Cindy was well aware that they were his composition. They touched her heart and made her feel a whirlwind of emotions. "I..." she began, only to be interrupted.

"I know you just turned eighteen. Maybe we are too young to marry, but this is all I want. I have known you for years now. I have seen every facet of your personality. I love all of you, in your worst and best, ugly and beauty."

Cindy gave up trying to reply. She relished the words that filled her with excitement.

" So , Cindy , descendant of Cinderella , will you do me the honour of marrying me ?" he said.

Tears escaped her eyes . Nate looked perplexed. " I apologise, Cin. I knew it was a bad idea. I shouldn't have. There, I have ruined your birthday." he cursed himself.

She hit his head lightly. " No, you fool. It's just that I don't have a ring for you."

He wrapped her in a bear hug , crying and laughing at the same time.

" Doesn't matter, my warty princess."

*******

AUTHOR'S NOTE : 

Ahhhhhhh

Was this too cheesy? Blame Nate, not me😂

Bookworm