227: Egon's heartfelt proposal (part 2)

Egon's heartfelt proposal (part 2)

With feather-like brushes against her skin, Egon gently unfastened the bracelet on Adela's wrist. Carefully, he slid the ring off and placed it onto her ring finger.1

"A symbol of a new chapter," he said, locking eyes with her for the briefest moment before returning to his task. With a smile that mirrored the happiness in her heart, he secured the bracelet back on her wrist. "This stays here."

Her heart soared, a strange urge coming over her to jump up and down like a child. "I can't believe this is real," she whispered, shaking her head with a smile.

Egon wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as he replied, "It is real, my love. It's only the beginning of our journey together."

"My love," she repeated, hiding her face in his chest. Inhaling his masculine scent deeply, she felt his nose in her hair, and he inhaled deeply as well.

She looked up at him, a sudden concern etched in her eyes. "I won't be able to talk to Their Excellencies about this just yet. Father has been burdened with the responsibilities of running the kingdom without a king, and with the murderer still at large… I think we should wait a bit longer before making our announcement."

He nodded understandingly, "You're considerate and wise, always putting others first. What matters most to me is that you gave me your approval. We will wait until the time is right."

Egon tucked her hair behind her ear, feeling a rush of warmth as she leaned into his touch.

He sighed softly.

"Let's not wait too long, though," he said, rubbing his stubble with a shy smile. "I already got the wedding gown for you."

Adela couldn't contain her delight and giggled. Her heart felt light with happiness as she asked, "Does this mean that you knew my answer all along?"

Egon chuckled, his eyes sincere, "I truly didn't know your answer. But I would have spent a lifetime convincing you, until you said yes."

His honest words touched her deeply, and she found herself burying her face in his shirt again.

"That gown," he continued, his eyes darkening as he took her hand and kissed the ring on her finger, "Would you like to try it on?"

How could she deny him anything when he looked at her with such adoration? She smiled and nodded, and he returned the smile, his eyes a warm, melting gold under the sun.

"My stables are closer," he said, his tone playful.

Adela shook her head, "I need to change out of this dress before I can ride with you."

"I recall a time when you had to ride side saddle on my stallion, or have you already forgotten?"

Surprisingly, the memory of that perilous but thrilling ride brought a smile to her face. "You speak words of truth, My Lord. I shall ride with you," she replied with a hint of formality before breaking into a joyful grin.

Egon and Adela rode Xavier through the von Conradie's residence all the way to the eastern side of the forest, taking a path that she had not discovered before, and judging by how empty it had been, nobody else had. It was only natural since not any horse or rider could maneuver or memorize it.

Their path was dappled with light and wildflowers. None of them felt the need to rush, smiling at each other every time he looked down at her or she looked up at him.

As they approached Egon's house, Adela's heart quickened. Would her mother approve of this?

Inside the house, Egon took off his gloves and placed them in his pocket, then hand in hand, they made their way up to the second floor.

"Close your eyes," he said, but then wrapped his arms from behind her and closed them for her, setting the skin on her back aflame. She heard him mumbling something about not waiting for too long again before the door in front of her creaked open. He led her inside a couple of steps before uncovering her eyes.

The room she was inside, much like the rest of his house, was empty, except for one big chandelier, and the wedding gown he spoke to her about hung from it.

"…Egon… That's… Amazing."

"I know."

The gown was a masterpiece that seemed to belong to another era altogether. Its vintage, simple design a timeless one, making it both original and lovely. 

"It belonged to my grandmother, the last Empress."

Adela's eyes widened in awe at the news, observing the shimmering white silk that was unlike anything she had ever seen before with a renewed admiration.

"This dress has been in Andreas's manor in Kolhis for so long, it's made from a rare silk that's no longer available in our world."

"It's breathtaking," Adela whispered, drawing closer to the dress, her fingers hovering over the lace and embroidered patterns. "I can't believe I get to try it on."

"It's yours. And you are mine," he said, taking her hand and leading her into the dressing room behind one of the two doors inside the chamber. "I will be outside. I want to see it on you once you're done."

She shook her head with a grin, "You can't. It is a bad omen for the groom to see his bride in her wedding gown before the ceremony in Emoria."

He folded his hands across his chest, tugging her forward since her hand was still in his.

"Then let's get married today… I can help take it off." He smirked.

Adela blushed, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. "No, you can't."

She playfully pushed him behind, knowing that he was only playing along with her as he moved backward. Once they reached the door, he reluctantly left her hand and stepped outside, casting one last longing glance her way before giving her privacy.

As Adela was in the midst of slipping out of her current attire, the sound of knocking resonated through the walls of Egon's house. With a puzzled frown, she quickly retrieved the dress that had accidentally fallen to the ground by her summer shoes and hastily put it back on.

Who might have come to this place now of all times?

pqdm.com