Chapter 72

“Get used to it,” Oscar replied, his words succinct but full of affection, as he savored the feeling of his bride in his arms. Neither of them paid any mind to the shocked citizens all around them. The king of Farsas had chosen this awkward woman to be his partner in life. His wish was that she would always be smiling; his hope was that her loneliness would abate. He would cherish her more than anything and walk through life at her side. Oscar was confident that he would never meet anyone better to spend his days with. Tinasha wriggled free and floated up into the air to keep from being crushed to death in Oscar’s embrace. She pressed her palms to her cheeks, which were still flushed pink. “I ran off to come help you, so I need to be getting back. I had one of the spirits impersonate me, but people will probably figure that out before long.” “A queen shouldn’t be sneaking out,” Oscar scolded. “You of all people do not get to say that! You put yourself on your own survey team!” she cried. She was about to teleport away when Oscar grabbed her hand. “Once I get back to Farsas Castle, I’m going to send you an official messenger and letter.” “Oh? Do you mean you want to go public with our engagement?” “Of course. Or maybe I should go harass those seven countries,” he said arrogantly. Frowning, Tinasha replied, “Don’t.” Lowering herself a little, she placed a hand on Oscar’s shoulder. “You better not tell me you assumed I’d definitely say yes.” “I didn’t think that. You’re completely unpredictable, after all.” “Hmph.” Tinasha stuck out her lower lip. It doesn’t feel real yet. For her, Oscar was someone who was accessible, in a sense, but also someone she could never dare to stand beside. All this time, Tinasha had believed he had no interest in her and so left her feelings about him alone. Now that she knew she was wrong, she wanted to bury herself in a hole for how strangely embarrassing it all felt. His gaze and hands on her made it difficult to relax. Would she really get used to it someday? Oscar reached for Tinasha’s cheek and laid a gentle hand along it. He seemed reluctant to part. “Come see me anytime.” “I will take you up on that,” Tinasha answered with a pleased smile, and then she vanished. Oscar smiled wryly as he mulled over the many ways she would make for an unprecedented queen of Farsas. While they couldn’t marry for another year, there were preparations to be done now. First, Oscar needed to propose to her formally. As he drew up a list in his head of all the things he needed to do, Oscar turned around and stepped into the transportation array that took him and his attendants back home. Something like a hunch told him that within what he believed to be luck, there were many overlapping memories.