The Engagement Proposal
The morning was clear and vibrant, with the sky painted in shades of light blue, only dotted by white clouds as soft as cotton. A gentle breeze carried the scent of wildflowers that adorned the fields around them. Aurora Ritz and Prince Friedrich had left behind the golden walls and grand halls of the Ritz to enjoy a moment of simplicity, but even in its apparent casualness, everything that day was infused with beauty and meaning.
Friedrich, ever meticulous, had planned every detail of the picnic to perfection. The carriage that had brought them to the location was drawn by four majestic white horses, their manes carefully braided with golden ribbons that shimmered in the sunlight. The carriage, a deep navy blue with golden detailing, looked as if it had come from a Renaissance painting. Its wheels, delicately adorned with carved flowers, moved silently along the dirt path.
They had arrived at a vast grassy field by the side of a winding river. The grass was a vivid green, almost unreal in its brightness, dotted with wildflowers in shades of yellow, lilac, and white. The river, narrow but crystal-clear, reflected the sun's rays like a silver ribbon meandering through the landscape. In the distance, soft hills rose, and behind them, tall and leafy trees provided shade and mystery to the scene.
At the centre of the field, Friedrich had arranged a space for the picnic. A fine cloth, pure white with golden embroidery, was laid out on the grass. On top of it rested an impeccable collection of wicker baskets, porcelain plates, crystal glasses, and gleaming silverware. Small arrangements of fresh flowers decorated the area, each one carefully placed to look casual, yet clearly planned.
Aurora and Friedrich: The Elegant Protagonists
Aurora, as always, was stunning. For the occasion, she wore a cream linen dress with golden embroidered details that accentuated her slender figure. The light fabric danced around her legs in the soft breeze, while the puffed sleeves and square neckline added a touch of classical elegance. A fine golden belt cinched her waist. Her golden hair was loose, falling in wide curls over her shoulders. Some strands were pinned back with small pearl clips that sparkled subtly in the sunlight.
Friedrich too was impeccable. He wore a white linen shirt with a navy velvet waistcoat matching the carriage. His light beige trousers were perfectly tailored, and polished black leather boots completed the outfit. His cane, more decorative than functional today, had a dark wood handle carved with gold details and a small sapphire stone at the top. His long moustache was carefully trimmed, and his posture was that of a man who dominated any space he entered, even in the simplicity of an open field.
The Picnic
They sat side by side on the white cloth. Aurora delicately held a crystal glass, while Friedrich poured her a chilled white wine from a vintage brought from an exclusive vineyard. The meal, like everything involving Aurora and Friedrich, was a work of art: an array of fine cheeses, fresh fruits — strawberries, grapes, and figs — warm rustic bread, and a selection of French pastries, such as colourful macarons and lemon tarts.
The conversation flowed naturally between them, filled with soft laughter and deeper reflections. Friedrich, however, seemed slightly more serious than usual, though he tried to disguise it. His eyes rarely left hers, and there was something in his expression that Aurora couldn't fully decipher.
The Defining Moment
After some time, Friedrich suggested they take a walk along the riverbank. Aurora, intrigued, agreed. He extended his hand to help her rise, and together they walked to a point where the river ran gently, reflecting the sun's rays like liquid diamonds.
It was then that Friedrich stopped. He turned to Aurora, and the seriousness on his face was unmistakable.
— Aurora, there is something I must say — he began, his voice low and firm.
Aurora furrowed her brow slightly, surprised by the intensity in his expression. Before she could respond, Friedrich dropped to one knee, resting his cane to the side. He pulled a small velvet box from the inner pocket of his waistcoat.
When he opened the box, a breathtaking ring was revealed. It was a piece to behold: a large diamond, cut in a teardrop shape, surrounded by smaller diamonds and set on a white gold band. The jewel sparkled as though it had captured the light of all the stars in the sky.
Aurora raised her hands to her mouth, her eyes wide in surprise and emotion.
— Aurora Ritz — Friedrich said, his voice heavy with emotion — from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were unlike anyone I have ever known. Your strength, your intelligence, your grace… everything about you inspires me. I cannot imagine my life without you by my side. Will you be my fiancée, my companion, my queen?
Aurora felt tears well up in her eyes, but they did not fall. Instead, she smiled — a smile as radiant as the sun above them. With trembling hands, she responded:
— Yes, Friedrich. Yes, I will.
He slid the ring onto her delicate finger, and then, holding her hand, rose with graceful movement. Before Aurora could say anything else, he pulled her into an embrace, strong yet tender.
The Celebration to Come
As they parted, Friedrich held Aurora's hands and looked directly into her eyes.
— Now that you've accepted, I want the world to know. I wish to announce our engagement in grand style, as you deserve. I want everyone to see the incredible woman who will be my wife.
Aurora laughed softly, still absorbing the euphoria of the moment.
— And how do you plan to do that, Your Highness?
Friedrich smiled, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
— At my family's castle. It will be the event of the year, perhaps of the decade. Picture the halls, the lights, the celebrations… all for you.
Aurora, always modest despite her position, tilted her head slightly, still smiling.
— It will be an honour, Friedrich.
The moment seemed magical, almost unreal. In the distance, the white horses waited patiently by the carriage, while the river continued its quiet course. The soft wind caressed Aurora's hair, and the golden sunlight seemed even more radiant in that instant.
Friedrich and Aurora returned to the picnic, but now the world seemed different. They were no longer just two iconic figures in a picturesque setting; they were two intertwined souls, about to embark on a journey that would change their lives forever.
And as they settled once more on the white cloth, Aurora gazed toward the horizon, the ring sparkling on her finger, and thought of what lay ahead. The castle, the announcement, the life that awaited them… everything seemed perfect. Yet at the same time, she knew that perfection came at a cost.
A New Journey Begins
And so, in the midst of a breathtaking landscape, with the soft sound of the river and the golden light of the sun enveloping them, Friedrich and Aurora's future was sealed.
But as they toasted to their engagement, one question lingered quietly in Aurora's mind: Was she ready to relinquish her independence and face the challenges of being the fiancée — and, one day, the wife — of a man as powerful as Friedrich?
The future promised both glory and uncertainty, and Aurora knew that, once again, her strength and grace would be tested.