226: Egon's heartfelt proposal (part 1)

Egon's heartfelt proposal (part 1)

The sun hung high in the sky, spilling a warm glow over the sunflower meadow that lay between the two estates. The tall sunflowers, with their golden petals stretching towards the sun, brushed against each other gently in the summer breeze, filling the air with special sweetness.2

A man deep in love stood in the middle, his scars calm, his heart pounding. Egon smiled, sensing that his beloved was coming his way.

***

Lady Adelaide de Lanark had been smiling since the moment she opened her eyes that day, only realizing it when her cheeks started to ache from the constant joy.

Calm down, heart!

With flutters of excitement jolting her every now and then, she carefully selected her dress for this special occasion. While he often admired her in black, it didn't suit the time of day and season. So, she settled on a light-blue dress that harmonized with the clear summer sky. Her long, platinum hair cascaded over her shoulders in waves, and she opted not to wear any of her jewelry, ensuring his attention would remain drawn to the promise ring she proudly wore.

Before stepping out of her chambers, she carefully unfolded the letter he had passed to her through his handkerchief, which now rested safely inside her jewelry box. For the hundredth time since the night before, she read his words, savoring each sentiment as if it were the first time.

/Meet me in the sunflower meadow tomorrow, and bring the poem parts along with you./

With Larissa and the Baroness providing cover for her, Adela discreetly made her way through the Archduchess's splendid garden and then the rest of her father's estate, feeling immune to any negative glances from the knights she encountered along the way. The summer sun kissed her skin, the butterflies flitted around, and the soft grass beneath her feet felt warm and comforting.

While she knew that her father would eventually be informed of her whereabouts, she was prepared to deal with whatever came her way. Nothing would deter her from meeting Egon and hearing the conclusion of his poem.

As she approached the meadow, her eyes widened in awe. During her time in mandatory confinement, the sunflowers stretched as far as the eye could see, creating a golden sea that swayed in unison.

She gasped when he turned around and looked her way.

In the center of the meadow stood Egon, dressed in a loose white shirt that contrasted wonderfully with his bronze skin and accentuated his deep, brown eyes. His soft smile grew wider as he watched Adela approach.

The sight of him took her breath away.

His eyes were pulling her, the mate bond was pulling her, and contrary to his firm opinions, a bond that her heart had formed with Egon a long time ago was pushing her to him.

When she finally reached him, he extended his hand to her with chivalrous charm. She took his hand, and they exchanged a tender look that spoke louder than empty curtsies and polite greetings.

Happiness...

"Did you bring the letters with you?" he asked playfully, but there was a hint of rare anticipation in his voice.

"Oh, I'm afraid I didn't. Should I have?" Adela replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Well, it would have been quite a romantic gesture, but I suppose I can forgive you," he said, his eyes on the arm bag that she was opening as he spoke.

With a smile on her face, Adela carefully placed all the letters on the ground, ensuring they were steady with rocks so they wouldn't fly away in the gentle breeze. "There you go, My Lord. All safe and sound."

Egon chuckled, appreciating her playful spirit. Then, he took a step closer, looking deep into her eyes. "I have lived this moment countless times in my mind. But now that it's actually happening, it feels surreal." He said then handed her the final piece of the poem.

He took a deep breath, reciting the last parts of it to her with his deep voice.

"I fear not a road, I fear not a night…" He held her hand in his, his eyes reaching all the way to her soul. "With a heart beside me, so kind and bright… For you, my light, are my life's guide… In shadows' depths… Will you be my bride?"

As he stood there, searching every aspect of her face and every motion in her eyes, a slow, wide grin stretched across her face, adding to the burning sensation in her cheeks.

"I have imagined this moment too, but never like this…" she said, pressing her free hand to her burning cheeks, feeling a sudden wave of shyness wash over her. But she pushed that aside, gathering all of her resolve to respond to him the way he deserved. "With all of my heart, yes," she replied softly, "I will be your bride."

Egon couldn't resist the infectious joy that filled his heart. With a loving glint in his eyes, he scooped Adela up by the waist, lifting her into his arms. She squealed with delight as he spun her around, her laughter ringing out in the meadow.

With a final twirl, he set her gently back on her feet, and they both giggled like children. 

"You've made me the happiest man in all of Emoria," a radiant smile spread across his face as he took her hand in his, their fingers intertwining as if they were destined to fit together perfectly. He pulled her into his warm embrace, and she closed her eyes, feeling the rapid rhythm of his heart against her chest.

It was all for her.

"I know how much Lanark means to you," he whispered softly, his warm breath caressing her ear. "But this right here, my chest is your home now."

"It has been ever since we first met," she responded with her eyes still closed.

"Adela," he continued, his voice still shaking with emotion, "Will you be with me, not only on the good days but also on the bad days?"

Without hesitation, she looked up into his eyes, her own filled with devotion. "I will be with you in the good days and the bad days. Through every moment life brings our way, I will be by your side."

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