Heart Over Sword-Chapter 271: Useful Proposal (2)

"What!?" Conrad shot up from his chair. "You agreed to give the gem to me-"

"Did I?" King Nuvian smirked. "Hmmm... I do not recall promising you the gem. I also do not see an army of the dead or all of Hatherland’s armies at my disposal... You are a PRINCE. NOT the king of Hatherland."

"I will be the emperor!" Conrad snapped, and the table lifted and was thrown against the icy walls. Dishes and food clattered on the ground, and all that remained were people sitting on chairs staring at Conrad.

Evanna bit the inside of her cheek to stop her from smirking at Conrad’s reaction. Besides, the king has not confirmed or given the gem to them yet. She had to play this right.

Still, she couldn’t help herself from squeezing Arawn’s hand back. It felt surreal that they’d announced their engagement to the hall without discussing it with each other. That made her love him even more, though.

Arawn possessed a deep understanding of Evanna, unlike anyone she had ever known. He felt like the missing piece that completed her, the other half of her soul.

"I would like you to confirm it for me, King Nuvian," Evanna said calmly, ignoring Conrad, who still seethed, standing with his chest heaving, hands curled into fists.

"Nuvian," the king amended but couldn’t finish his sentence before the Queen cut in, standing to be by the king’s side, resting her hand on his shoulder. Nuvian’s wings shifted slightly.

"Are you two truly engaged?" Queen Iolena asked after glaring at Conrad.

"Yes," Arawn and Evanna replied in unison. They had yet to tell King Thalinal and her father, King Osian. But they would resolve any rising issues as they come.

"Very well." The king grinned and formed vines growing with small leaves towards Evanna, and just before her face popped out a white flower, it opened and there in its glory was the gem. It twinkled back at her; the orb of light thrummed through it, bouncing on the corners gently.

Tears sprung to her eyes, but she forced them away. She could not show weakness or reveal how important it was to her. If the king and queen were normal, they might have sensed that curing her mother was important.

"Let us put it in writing," the king said, rising up from his chair. "Oh, and Prince Conrad, I do believe you should leave. Your services are not required, nor do we appreciate our belongings being broken. If you were one of us, your head would be gone from your shoulders, demon energy or not. Be glad we are still acting kind."

Evanna followed the king’s gaze, feeling her chest tighten from the way Conrad’s golden eyes burned, and he turned that glare onto her. "This isn’t over." She heard his whisper beside her ear as though he stood right beside her. A chill spread through her body from the dark magic she felt from it.

Nobody else could hear what he said. Instead, Conrad abruptly turned away, marching through the hall until he slammed open one of the doors. His men followed swiftly behind him.

"I think a celebration is in order!" King Nuvian announced once the king’s, queen’s, Evanna’s and Arawn’s signatures were on a parchment stating their alliance and negotiation.

"Tonight," Queen Iolena added. "Evanna cannot wear something so simple for her engagement party."

Evanna glanced at her clothing. She’d returned to her usual attire now that she’d bathed and her garments were clean. "Tonight sounds great," Arawn responded instead, taking Evanna’s hand and leading her and their group back to Evanna’s chambers.

Everyone stared at the pair from the sofas in the living space adjoined Evanna’s quarters. Evanna was not paying them attention, though; she stared in shock at the glowing gem in her fingertips. This journey almost felt never-ending, and here she was, finally holding the gem again.

Until she returned to the palace, she would hold onto something so sacred. Arawn’s hand squeezed Evanna’s, and she realised then somebody had spoken to her. She lowered the gem from her face. "Huh?" She replied, uncaring for her manners.

Evanna was surrounded by those she now felt the most comfortable around. That included Garrett. Though, looking back at them now, she saw the growing grins, and pink cheeks, eyes alight in excitement.

"Come here, you two!" Axel was the first to charge towards them and lifted Evanna and Arawn up in a bear hug, squeezing tightly.

Arawn cleared his throat, but that icy façade did not work as his lips grew into a smile that dazzled Axel and Ronan momentarily. Garrett stepped forward next, patting Arawn and nodding at Evanna, congratulating them. Ronan looked sheepish, scratching the back of his neck nervously as he came towards Evanna.

"I’m happy for ya, Raven," he grinned and turned his gaze to the icy prince. "Congrats, your highness."

Arawn arched an eyebrow. "You may call me Arawn."

Evanna’s eyes widened along with the others. Their closeness, the way the group congratulated them, and the gem now in her hands made tears pool in her eyes, escaping to trickle down her cheeks.

Evanna stared at Arawn.

Her fiancé.

Feeling her gaze, Arawn turned to Evanna and instantly reached out to cup her cheek, his thumb wiping away the tears. "I think we need some time to ourselves. Can you stay out of trouble until tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?" Ronan asked, shifting on his feet.

"We will be leaving after tonight’s celebrations. Let us hope there is nothing up their sleeves-"

"We don’t need to stay," Evanna interrupted, her hand covering Arawn’s on her face, finding comfort from his warmth. But hearing his anxiousness matched hers. "We have the gem. We could go now. I don’t want anything to mess this up."

Arawn held her gaze, feeling conflicted by Evanna’s words. He could see how scared she was. She wanted to return to her mother’s side and felt the weight of the gem in her hands. These elves were slippery, but he believed King Nuvian had a soft spot for his granddaughter. It was surprising but something they used to their advantage.

"That is not possible," Garrett said. He was the one to act as the unrelenting wall on this. "You must know from being raised as a princess in Dunhurst. But we entered Lyvaria and this palace like envoys. You must follow their etiquette. It is only one more night."

Garrett said it smoothly, mostly to Evanna, his voice much gentler than it used to be. But he glared at the men in turn. A silent warning. Axel followed his glare to Ronan and nodded as though he was confirming he would watch over Ronan.

Evanna nodded, feeling herself suddenly fatigued. Arawn’s arms wrapped around her, pulling her into an embrace. She snuggled her head inside his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart and the way she felt safe in his arms. Arawn rested his chin on her head and raised his eyebrows, silently commanding the others to leave them.

Axel followed Ronan out of the room, his eyes on the couple behind him. He couldn’t help the smile growing on his lips. Watching them at dinner had been something of a romantic scene from a play. He did not doubt their love or how perfect they seemed for each other.

His gaze moved back to Ronan’s back, and the smile slid off his face.

"I’m fine," Ronan said, keeping his head facing forwards. "I’ll stay off the drinks and women.. One would be nice at least, though."

Axel smacked the back of his head. An action Garrett rolled his eyes at as he closed the doors behind him and returned to his post.

Inside Evanna’s room, she remained in Arawn’s arms, sighing into him. "How are you feeling, my flower?" He asked sweetly, moving to look at her buried face.

Evanna nodded. "Emotional. Overwhelmed. We... are... going to get married..." She slowly raised her head to search his eyes. Those emerald green eyes were wide with wonder and curiosity. "Are you sure, Arawn?"

It was as if the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them in a mesmerising gaze. In those eyes, Arawn saw a universe of emotions, like verdant meadows reflecting the morning sun, inviting him to explore the depths of her soul. Everything within his being knew without a doubt that Evanna was the woman he wanted to marry.

"You doubt me now?" He grinned and caressed her cheek. "It’s a bit late for that. I am in love with you, Evanna Goodrich. Nothing and no one is going to stop me from pursuing what I want. I want you as my wife. Do I have your consent, my princess?"

Evanna couldn’t help the smile that bloomed on her lips as his words washed over her like a gentle wave. His touch on her cheek sent shivers of warmth down her spine, and she couldn’t deny the fluttering in her heart at his heartfelt confession.

"You are a force of nature, and I find myself drawn to you in ways I never imagined. My heart has chosen, and it chose you. I did not agree to the engagement simply to save my mother. I had your answer the moment you asked me to be your wife," Evanna whispered, her shy demeanour growing stronger the more she spoke. "You will always be my yes. I only wish it had been more romantic."

Arawn lowered his forehead to hers. "It does not matter. You will always be my undoing no matter where or what we are doing."

As Arawn gazed into Evanna’s eyes, she saw his grin widen, a mixture of joy and relief. He leaned in, capturing her lips with his, sealing their love in a tender, passionate kiss. At that moment, time seemed to stand still, and the world around them faded away, leaving only their love and the promise of a future together.

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