In the two weeks leading up to this moment, I'd gone from calmly planning everything to practically vibrating with nerves. Today was the day. No more pretending, no more skirting around what had been building inside me for so long.
Today, I was going to propose to Aeliana. Just the thought of it made my heart beat like a war drum, but for once, I wasn't afraid of what it meant.
I stood in front of the ornate mirror in my bedroom, staring at my reflection, trying to convince myself I was ready.
The tailored suit I'd commissioned fit me perfectly sleek, midnight black with subtle silver embroidery along the cuffs and collar, a nod to my heritage and, if I were honest, my own sense of drama.
My short white hair was carefully styled, swept back in a way that looked effortless, even though I'd spent an embarrassing amount of time making sure every strand was in place.
I wanted to look perfect for her. No, I wanted everything about this day to be perfect.
I took a deep breath, adjusting the cuffs of my jacket. "Alright, Ciara," I muttered to my reflection. "You've faced down armies, demons, and gods. You can do this."
Yet, no matter how many times I reminded myself of that, nothing seemed as intimidating as standing in front of Aeliana and baring my heart. I pulled the small velvet box out of my pocket and flipped it open.
The ring I'd chosen glimmered back at me, its red diamond catching the light in a way that seemed almost alive, like a tiny piece of fire that matched my own.
I'd had it set in a platinum band, simple yet elegant, with intricate designs etched around the sides. It had cost a fortune, sure, but nothing felt too extravagant when it came to her.
The ruby-red diamond was the same color as my own eyes, and I liked the thought that whenever she looked at it, she'd think of me. It was my silent promise to be by her side, in all my stubborn, grumpy glory. She deserved the world, and this ring was a start—a symbol of everything I was ready to give.
I snapped the box shut, tucking it securely into my pocket. The last thing I needed was to drop it somewhere on the way over.
I'd been meticulous about everything. I even double-checked the reservation at the hidden glade in the forest, a place I'd scouted that offered the privacy I wanted for this moment.
The flowers there were in full bloom, wild yet beautiful, much like Aeliana herself. And tonight, under the starlit sky, I'd finally tell her everything.
Taking a last look around my room, I forced myself to take another breath.
Every instinct in me wanted to teleport directly to her, to skip the whole lead-up and just get to the part where she was in front of me, but I knew that I wanted this to be done right. I wanted her to feel as special as she'd made me feel.
As I made my way to the castle garage, a sense of calm washed over me, almost like a lull before the storm.
Sure, my nerves were still there, but I'd come to terms with them, or so I told myself. I slipped into the sleek leather seat of my favorite Mercedes, a dark silver model with a smooth, elegant design and just the right amount of power.
The car was an indulgence, like most things in my life, but it felt fitting for the occasion.
The drive gave me time to collect myself, though every passing second made me a little more tense. I imagined every possible reaction Aeliana could have, every expression she might make.
But with each twist and turn in the road, I kept coming back to one thought: she was going to say yes. She had to. Not just because I wanted it, but because, deep down, I felt she wanted it too. I couldn't imagine anyone else at my side, and I didn't want to.
When I pulled up in front of her house, my breath caught as the front door opened. Aeliana stepped out, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. She looked… stunning. No, that didn't even begin to cover it.
Aeliana had chosen a dress of deep emerald green, a color that made her eyes practically glow. The gown was simple yet elegant, with delicate lace detailing along the neckline and a fitted waist that flowed out into soft layers, cascading down her figure in a way that seemed to embrace every curve.
Her dark hair was styled in loose waves, a few strands framing her face, and her lips were painted a soft shade of red.
She wore only the lightest touch of jewelry—a thin, silver necklace that caught the light and glittered faintly against her skin. There was a radiance to her that made her look almost ethereal, like she was made of moonlight and magic.
I was so lost in staring that I barely registered her smile, the warmth and excitement in her eyes as she stepped closer.
"Wow," I managed, probably sounding like an idiot. "You… you look beautiful."
Aeliana blushed, her smile widening as she took my arm. "You don't look so bad yourself, Ciara."
I felt a flicker of pride at that, though it quickly morphed into nervous energy as we climbed back into the car. I was hyper-aware of her presence beside me, her warmth, her scent—something soft and floral that seemed to fill the air.
Part of me wanted to reach over, take her hand, hold onto her just to steady myself, but I resisted. I needed to stay focused if I was going to get through this night without stumbling over my own words.
Our destination wasn't far, and soon we were seated in the secluded glade I'd arranged for us, a small table set under a canopy of trees with fairy lights casting a soft, magical glow over everything.
The staff brought out the first course—an assortment of appetizers, delicate and artfully arranged. I barely noticed what was on my plate, though. My attention was entirely on Aeliana.
She seemed delighted by everything, her eyes bright as she took in the surroundings. She reached for a small stuffed mushroom from her plate, her lips curving into a smile as she tasted it.
"This place is incredible, Ciara," she said, her gaze sweeping over the lights, the flowers, the subtle magic in the air. "I can't believe you arranged all of this."
"Well," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, "I wanted tonight to be special."
I watched her closely, noting the slight tilt of her head as she looked back at me, her green eyes filled with something warm and tender. For a moment, it felt like everything else disappeared, like there was only the two of us.
We moved onto the main course, each bite passing in a blur as I tried to savor the moment, even if my mind kept jumping ahead to what I was about to say, to the small velvet box weighing heavily in my pocket.
Every now and then, I'd catch myself staring at her, and I'd have to force myself to look away, to focus on anything but the question I was waiting to ask.
At some point, she noticed my fidgeting, raising an eyebrow with a knowing smile. "You're awfully quiet tonight, Ciara."
I swallowed, glancing down at my plate, then back up at her. "Just… thinking," I said, trying to sound casual.
"About?" she prompted, leaning forward slightly, her expression playful and curious.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. It was now or never.
"I have something to say."
I took a steadying breath, my fingers grazing the edge of the velvet box in my pocket as I looked into Aeliana's eyes.
She was everything I never knew I needed, every bright spark that had lit up the darker edges of my life. I'd built walls around myself for so long, pretending love was something I didn't need or want. But with Aeliana, everything was different.
"I've spent so much of my life running, not really caring if I left people behind. I was convinced I didn't need anyone. And then… you happened," I said, my voice catching as I spoke.
"You walked into my life, just being you—kind, patient, maddeningly good-hearted. You saw something in me that I didn't even see in myself. Every time I was with you, the world seemed a little brighter, like there was something worth slowing down for. Someone worth holding onto."
I reached across the table, taking her hands in mine. "I used to think that love would make me weak, that it was something I could just… play with and walk away from. But being with you, Aeliana, has shown me that it can make me stronger, better. You've made me realize that I don't want anyone else, and I don't want to keep hiding from what I feel. You're it for me, Aeliana. You always have been."
I took a shaky breath, my heart pounding as I finally pulled the small box from my pocket and opened it, revealing the ring that gleamed with a red diamond red like my eyes, like a piece of me, forever hers. "Aeliana… do you wanna marry me?"