💕 💕 💕
THE rest of the week dragged on for an eternity, but the weekend finally arrived, and Elizabeth with it. She traveled discreetly, but that only meant that her carriage didn’t bear the la Montlivere crest. Anyone with half an eye would still identify her visit, but given recent events, we felt no need to announce it so openly.
“It has been some time, Prince Vincent. Thank you for your most courteous invitation.”
Elizabeth dipped into an exquisite curtsy. It was only a simple one—a mere bending of the knees and bowing of the head to show deference. Her dress was likewise charming and sported the latest design, but was by no means a formal gown. She was thus demonstrating that this was a private meeting, not an official function.
I smiled warmly. “Thank you for coming. I’m afraid I wanted to see you so badly, I couldn’t help myself.”
“We don’t see each other often at the Academy, do we?”
No, we don’t, and that should honestly be illegal!
She must have been every bit as lonely as I was. In a heartbeat, my broken spirit was mended, and I swore rose petals fluttered through the air behind her. If not for that infernal novel, we would be much closer by now. I didn’t want to spoil the mood with such an unpleasant topic, however, and instead changed the subject.
“Our studies have perplexed me lately. I heard that you and your friends were holding study groups, and I hoped that you might be willing to teach me,” I said.
“Oh, I don’t imagine I could teach you much of anything! I must admit that working together with you sounds quite fun, however.”
Both of our grades were quite high, and from the playful look in her eyes, she knew my explanation was merely pretext. All I wanted was to enjoy my time in her company, and with any luck, she would think more highly of me, perhaps even see me as a partner instead of a stiff, distant fiancé.
I escorted her out into the garden. Just as I’d hoped, it was sunny and clear, without even the slightest breeze. The wind wouldn’t whisk away our papers as we studied. In the gazebo by the pond, the table and refreshments I had ordered were already prearranged, and thanks to the landscapers’ efforts, the flowerbeds were in full bloom. Elizabeth stopped occasionally to appreciate them, sliding her hand beneath their heavy heads so that she could breathe in their aromas.
Ah, what an angel!
At the gazebo, we sat down and opened our notebooks, but Elizabeth’s gaze wasn’t on her notes. Rather, she was fixated on the cake stand laden with sweets. I smiled and had a maid prepare tea for us. Elizabeth had an incorrigible sweet tooth, which was the one thing that made her seem her age. As such, I made it a point to always have cakes, cookies, or macarons prepared for her visits.
“I-Isn’t it a little early for tea?” she asked, blushing with embarrassment, but she didn’t try to stop me.
Studying was always just an excuse, after all—and somehow, gathering to study but getting no work done felt only natural as a student. We chatted about school as we snacked.
When the conversation dipped into a natural lull, I asked what was really on my mind. “By the way, Edward hasn’t approached you lately, has he?”
“Lord Edward? You mean Count Norden’s son? I’m afraid he hasn’t. Why do you ask?”
He hasn’t? I’d thought for sure he would’ve reported her friends’ “misdeeds” to her. Perhaps he has more tact than I gave him credit for.
“In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever met him in person,” Elizabeth added after a moment’s thought.
“Ah. Well, he happened to see the picture of you I keep in my pocket watch.” I glanced up to see if her expression changed. “He mentioned wanting to meet you.”
Elizabeth seemed utterly unfazed, just as I expected. “Oh, I see! Perhaps I should have a word with him, then.”
“Don’t bother; it’s fine.”
Elizabeth started in surprise, her macaron slipping between her fingers and hitting her plate.
Drat…was that a tad too direct? She’s cute when she’s startled, though…
I cleared my throat, saying the first thing that came to mind to explain myself. “H-He’s a bit of an odd one, to be frank. I’ve no idea what he might do if you approached him out of the blue.”
“Is he? I’m sorry; I’ll be careful, then. I wouldn’t want to worry you.”
Of course! I knew you’d say that!
Her airheadedness was her greatest defense and, to me, her deadliest weapon.
I shook my head. “No, I should apologize for being overprotective. I’m simply worried about what might happen if he realized how extraordinarily beautiful you are.”
“Oh, my! I’m flattered that you think so highly of me. I think you’re one of the loveliest people I’ve ever met.”
She gave me a smile so pure and sweet that I was certain I’d get cavities.
Mgh… I’m glad she likes me so much, but now I feel even worse for hiding the truth.
I hurriedly changed the subject again, knowing full well I’d fare no better on my next topic. “S-So, three months at the Academy already… Time flies, doesn’t it?”
“It does!”
“At the end of the year, we’ll be adults, and after graduation we’ll be wed.”
She nodded, unfazed. “My, we don’t have much time left, do we? I’d best start preparing myself.”
I suppose we have been engaged for eight years now… It’s hardly news. I’m grateful that she wants to be ready for it, but I wish she’d pay less attention to the formal trappings and a little more to me.
“About that.” I cleared my throat awkwardly. “Perhaps it’s time we take the next step in our relationship?”
“The next step?” she echoed endearingly, her amethyst eyes pouring into mine.
My expression hardened and I solemnly nodded. I’d been mentally preparing for this moment all last night. The time had come.
I met her gaze with every ounce of elegance and nobility I could muster. “May I call you Liza? Only when we’re alone, of course.”
I’d chosen a table for this exact purpose—not so large that she couldn’t see my face well, and not so small that it would feel overly intimate. Every minute detail was precisely coordinated for this moment.
“Of course!” she beamed, oblivious to my emotional eruption. “Do you mind if I call you Prince Vince, then?”
The sheer innocent bliss of her smile made me flush. Both the symbolic relevance of our becoming closer and the impact of having special nicknames for each other seemed hopelessly lost on her. Nonetheless, her smile was like a summer squall on the desert of my heart, and I felt alive once more.
I hurriedly stood up to put some distance between us. “O-Of course… Liza.”
Elizabeth—no, Liza—looked up at me with a bashful smile.
“Thank you, Prince Vince.”
Ah, I can’t take it! I’m going to marry her! Er, wait, I really am.
Harold’s piteous gaze pierced my back, but nothing he could do would dampen my mood. I was the happiest man in the world.
I’ll do whatever it takes to neutralize those who would oppose our love… Whatever it takes.