I paused for a second, slowly processing what he said. There were no balconies or candles, no starry night or sunset, no beautiful gown or gold ring, no flowers… just a man and a woman in a dimly lit bed chamber. His eyes never left mine, his hands never slipped from mine, and the sincerity in his eyes and smile both never felt more real. I felt a fire within me, a fire slowly turning this into a dream. I looked at him, and he locked eyes with me. I finally broke the silence in the room, the silence so patiently anticipating my response. I helped him up, our eyes never leaving each other, "You have always been a man worthy of dignity." He stood tall before me. I looked up at his towering figure, and I continued, "Yes, I would love to be your wife."
"Is this what it feels like to be in love and loved? To be sure of your partner's intent towards you?"
The following morning felt unreal, I felt strange, I felt different. I didn't even… I couldn't even admit the subtle relationship that was going on between us, yet he asked for my hand in marriage. True, I have made it very clear, my parents weren't among the people I favored, but one thing about them gave me a subtle joy, a smile; that was the love they shared. I admired that in them, how they would care for each other, how they wouldn't spend a day without mentioning the other in some manner. For years, I believed I did not deserve that attention; well, my mother would never show me any, and as king, my father was very busy, at least too busy to see how I was doing. No, I am not ignoring it, I still do remember the incident last year, but today I could only remember heart-warming events, perhaps that was because I was happy, and wished to stay in that state. Just yesterday, I was confused, I was troubled, yet I realized I had gained more than a friend; I had gained a half.
When I turned my head and saw the pearl necklace, the very same fire pearl necklace I was holding when Léon appeared last night. "Oh" I extended my hands to it. I held it; I felt a heat, a warm heat, on my fingers. It was warmer than last night, as if… As if it was reflecting my emotions. That rare pearl, the gift my sister called dear, I was to call it dear as well, it was… unique, I can hardly describe it, but I know I will cherish it. From now on, I will wear it every day.
Just then, I realized I was alone in the bedchamber. I sat up and looked around, no traces of Sir Léon but the crisped bed sheets left crumpled after him. "Sir Léon?" I called, and there was a short silence before he stepped out of the bathing chamber. "Good morning, my queen," he greeted me with a soft smile, as I looked up at him, my eyes following his every movement.