“Sorry I’m late.”
I heard the door open, and Eric stepped inside. He emanated an air of dignity and confidence, despite his frayed nerves. In fact, I didn’t think he looked any different than usual. We all rose to greet him.
“Eric…” I hesitated. “Shall I make some tea?”
“Hey! It’s my turn!” Lingsha cut in.
Even upon further examination, Eric did not look nervous at all. He looked peaceful, even.
“No thanks, I don’t have time for tea. Hmm? Leia, is there something on my face?”
“N-no, it’s nothing.”
I strode over to him, gazed into his eyes, and smiled softly. In the past, I could never relax when he looked at me like this, but over time, I found his gaze became quite soothing—filling me with the conviction that this was a man who would always be there for me.
“All right… Well, just to review, I am going to formally introduce you to my father. I’m going to tell him you’re the woman I love.”
“Yes, and I will tell His Majesty loud and clear that I adore you,” I said softly and squeezed his hand.
Eric lay his other hand on top of mine and said, “Then let’s go. Are you ready, Leia?”
“Of course I am, Eric,” I nodded.
And then, hand in hand, we went to the king’s audience chamber.
“Leia…”
“Is something the matter, Eric?”
“No, it’s just, well…you’re so strong. Your strength inspired me to grab hold of happiness on my own terms. I’m…eternally grateful.” Eric’s voice was soft as we walked down the hallway.
He didn’t have to go out of his way to tell me that. And I could say the same of him.
“Eric, you’re every bit as strong. I was thinking the very same of you.”
“Hah. I think that when we’re together, no obstacle can stand in our way.”
We kept talking. I knew without looking that the man I loved had eyes that were brimming with confidence right now.
“Yes. I know we will be all right.”
“We will,” Eric answered firmly in reply.
When I heard his voice, I thought to myself, I am truly blessed that I found this man…and that I earned his love.
At last, we reached the audience chamber.
“Prince Eric, Lady Leia, His Majesty awaits. Please enter.”
Two guards standing at attention greeted us at the door. They were members of the king’s royal guard.
“Good. Indeed. Um, Leia…are you sure you’re all right?”
“Yes. I’m ready.” As the words left my lips, I was shocked to realize that I was completely calm.
I nodded to Eric, and he opened the door.
The audience chamber was as majestic as ever. The king sat upon his throne deep within the chamber and watched us as we entered.