The Royal Mark-Chapter 219: Permission

Prince Drake immediately went to Elsa’s room and found Arla there.

"Drake, I am pumping breastmilk, can your concern wait until later?" Elsa, who was on the other side of the divider with Rylie said.

"It will just be quick. Andruis already agreed to push with your plan but we will pretend that it’s only you and your mages that will go. We will head northeast, to make Father and Milda believe that we will get more resources before leaving in five days. But we will meet you down south. Andrius is currently making preparations now," Drake informed Elsa.

"I see. Thank you for taking my side. So we are still not going to trust Aunt Milda?" Elsa clarified.

"Yes, we still need to be careful until she proves her loyalty not only to her family here but also to the people of Zemaria," Drake answered.

"Got it. Thanks so much, Drake. Rylie will inform the guys. I will not give orders to Arla today, in case you want to spend time with her because I’ve heard..." Elsa and Rylie giggled, causing Arla and Drake to blush and glance at each other.

"Thank you, Elsa. So it means I can take her now from you right?" Drake smirked and winked at Arla who blushed harder.

"Yes, go ahead. I am almost done and I go to Grandpa and Grandma anyway after this. Enjoy you two!" Elsa mentioned.

Drake quickly grabbed Arla’s arm gently dragging her out of Elsa’s room.

"Where are we going?" Arla asked when Drake didn’t stop walking after leaving the room.

"We will ask permission from my Father," he replied.

"Permission for what?"

"You’ll see..."

Arla didn’t ask anymore since they were almost in the King’s room. Ever since Irina got exiled, King Allister moved back to his room together with Valeria.

When the two arrived in the King’s room, many servants were there, unpacking the trunks of the king and mistress from their journey to Qiryn. That also includes Lady Constance, the mother of Arla.

"What brings you here Drake?" King Allister inquired.

"I have two things to discuss. Everyone, leave, except for Lady Constance," Drake ordered the servants, and waited for them to leave the room before continuing.

"First, you don’t have to talk to Elsa, I have already convinced her that we will leave Zemaria after five days. But she still wanted to head south early because she wanted to train with Dasher and the other air mages," Drake explained.

"Alright, I think that’s fair enough. And what’s the second thing that you wanted to discuss?"

"The second thing would involve Lady Constance..." Drake uttered while scratching the back of his neck.

Lady Constance’s attention shifted to Drake when she heard her name, "Me? Did I do something wrong, Your Highness?"

The mention of Arla’s mother made her really nervous. Lady Constance is not yet aware of her relationship with Prince Drake. She is not sure what will her reaction be once she finds out.

"Lady Constance, I want to inform you that I love your daughter so dearly. But my past is so complicated and I wanted to be honest with you. The King is not my father... I am an illegitimate son of my mother.

However, if you will accept my shameful past, I want to marry your daughter Arla. I may not be able to give her the life of a princess she deserves but I will be able to give her a comfortable life as a soldier in the King’s army. I would respect whatever decision you will have," Drake stated straightforwardly.

Lady Constance was speechless, she was not expecting that. She first looked at Arla, she looked tense and so pale. So she guessed that her daughter was also not aware of the Prince’s plan.

She then looked at Mistress Valeria and King Allister who smiled and nodded at her. She took both the hands of Prince Drake and said.

"Your Highness, I am thankful for your honesty. I don’t care what your new status will be. I have known you since you were born, I know how good of a person you are. I am honored that you love my daughter and want to marry her. I have nothing against your relationship. You have my blessing," Lady Constance said.

King Allister cleared his throat, "Erhm... Just for the record, you are not illegitimate, Drake, I told you you are my son regardless of your origin. You grew up as my son and you will die as my son. If you marry Arla, of course, she will be a princess and live here with us, unless you want to take one of our mansions as your house.

But first, I think you have to ask the lady. I think she doesn’t know yet that you are planning to marry her, she looked so pale and shocked!" King Allister exclaimed, causing Lady Constance and Mistress Valeria to laugh.

"Oh! Yes, of course!" Drake hurriedly answered, suddenly panicking.

He was planning to propose before they leave Zemaria but Elsa’s change of plan made him change his plans too. It actually ruined all the preparations that he had in mind.

With shaking hands, he took a velvet box from his pocket and faced Arla. Like many men proposing, he did it traditionally, by kneeling on one knee.

"Yes! I will marry you!" Arla exclaimed even before Drake could utter a single word, causing another round of laughter from their elders.

Upon realizing the reaction of everyone, Arla covered her mouth, "Oops! I’m sorry. I was just too excited and also expecting this. Go ahead, ask me..."

Drake chuckled as he shook his head. He opened the box and presented it to Arla.

"Will you marry me? A–" Drake was cut off by Arla again with her hug.

She immediately embraced Drake, causing him to almost lose his balance as she replied, "Yes! Absolutely yes!"

She excitedly handed her hand to Drake who is now also laughing and so she did.

Drake gently placed the diamond ring on Arla’s finger before staring into her eyes with true happiness that he hadn’t felt for a long time.