Tension filled the canopy, electrifying the air as everyone held their breath. Prince Silverstein rose from his royal throne, his expression resolute. The young prince had a mind of his own, moving deliberately toward his chosen path. He didn't want to give anyone false hope or create confusion; he was determined to approach the one his heart had chosen.
Her. Alexandra.
As he stood before her, Alexandra felt her heart leap to her throat. Surprise, shock, and a thrill of disbelief washed over her. So, her heart had been right after all—he was indeed going to choose her.
Her gaze flickered toward her parents, who were seated nearby, their faces glowing with uncontainable happiness. Their joy calmed Alexandra's racing heart and spinning thoughts. She watched as Silverstein outstretched his hand, inviting her to take it. A smile broke across her face as she placed her delicate hand in his. He clasped it firmly and drew her close, her breath hitching as she looked up at him. He towered over her, and the golden orbs of his eyes shone with an intensity that rendered her mind blissfully foggy. Then, in a moment that felt both surreal and intoxicating, he leaned down and captured her soft, unblemished lips with his own.
What had begun as a simple gesture—a brief kiss—transformed in an instant. Silverstein had intended it to be fleeting, but the warmth and sweetness of her lips ignited something within him. He kissed her deeply, savoring the taste of her, his desire overwhelming him as he coaxed her lips open in invitation.
Around them, joy and celebration enveloped the room, yet one figure remained in the shadows, seething. Kiara glared at the two lost in their own world, frustration bubbling within her. She felt a primal urge to tear Alexandra away from her dream man but could only clench her fists tightly, nearly hurting her palms in her anger. Walking away would only serve to embarrass herself further.
In contrast, Cherish and Ashley radiated happiness. They had never wanted to be married, not because of the prince but because they felt they were still too young to be bound by such commitments. They were genuinely thrilled for Alexandra and Silverstein, content to let the lovebirds bask in their moment.
Cleo and Cloe were beside themselves with joy. Cleo had sensed from the beginning that the prince would gravitate toward her best friend. She wanted to rush out and embrace Alexandra, overwhelmed with happiness.
At last, the two lovebirds parted, breathless. Alexandra panted softly while Silverstein wore a satisfied smirk, gazing at his soon-to-be wife with an expression that seemed to promise countless adventures ahead.
Silverstein had not chosen Alexandra for her sword dancing or her exceptional cooking skills, though she was undeniably talented in both. He chose her because he desired her, having glimpsed something in her that transcended the superficial. Though he was uncertain of his feelings, he recognized a connection that was unlike any he had felt before.
"Did you like it, my wife?" Silverstein teased, lightly bumping his forehead against hers.
Alexandra's face turned a deep shade of crimson. It was her first kiss, and it had been bestowed by none other than the Crown Prince of Caestria. What was there not to like? But she couldn't voice those thoughts aloud. The way he referred to her as "my wife" echoed in her mind, sending tremors through her heart that left her utterly flustered. All she could manage was a shy nod in response.
"Good," he said with a smile. Still holding her hand, he turned to address the gathering crowd. "And to you all, I present my wife, the Crown Princess of Caestria, Alexandra Carmarthen Caestria!" His voice rang clear, filling the space, and cheers erupted from all around.
The host stepped forward to deliver the final statement: "The Crown Prince of Caestria, Silverstein Ashton Ivan Caestria, has chosen Alexandra Carmarthen as his bride and wife-to-be!" Applause thundered through the air, a wave of sound washing over the field.
"He really chose her!" "I knew it was going to be her; her skills are unparalleled!" "Gosh, I'm so jealous! They make a stunning couple!"
Silverstein turned to Alexandra, who was soaking in the jubilant atmosphere, her gaze unwavering. Remarkably, she didn't seem nervous, and he admired that quality in her—what he didn't realize was that he was the very reason she hadn't bolted in shyness.
Being considerate, Silverstein allowed Alexandra to join her friends for a moment, and they quickly retreated to her tent.
"I always knew you and the prince were a match made in heaven! Gosh, did you see the way he kissed her, Cloe?! Are you sure the prince isn't already in love with her?!" Cleo exclaimed, her voice echoing with excitement.
"I'm so happy for you, Alexandra, truly. I can't believe you're a married woman now," Cloe added, her laughter mingling with Cleo's exuberance.
"Oh please, don't say that, Cloe! I'm not married yet," Alexandra chuckled, still in disbelief at the whirlwind of events that had unfolded. She sighed, grappling with the reality that she was now engaged to the Crown Prince.
"My baby." Her mother's voice rang from the tent's entrance, and Alexandra leaped up to wrap her arms around her, pulling her into a warm embrace.
"Mama!" she exclaimed, squeezing tightly.
"I always knew you were going to be the one," Brione chuckled, beaming with joy. At that moment, she felt like the happiest mother on earth. "I'm so happy, honestly," she said, laughing again as she gently patted her daughter's head. "We'll have a week off before you officially enter Caestria Castle. I heard the king and his advisors discussing it."
"Really? That's wonderful!" Alexandra replied, pulling her mother closer. She felt a wave of emotion wash over her. After a week, she wouldn't be able to see her mother as often, and the thought made her heart ache. She didn't want to let go, not yet.