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"Your father chose well," she murmured.
"Yes, he did," Bernard agreed, his voice laced with a gravity that drew her eyes back to him.
There, beneath the intricate lattice of the gazebo, Bernard lowered himself to one knee. From within his jacket, he produced a small, velvet box—a relic of timeless promise—and Eloise's breath caught in her throat.
"Eloise," he began, his voice steady despite the tremors in his hands, "the love that blossomed here years ago between my parents has guided me to this very day." He opened the box to reveal a ring, its stones catching the sun's rays. "Will you honor me, not just with your hand, but with your heart, your laughter, and your indomitable spirit? Will you marry me?"
Eloise's eyes danced over the ring, then met Bernard's expectant gaze. So many emotions were rushing through her. "Yes," she whispered, a word as simple as it was profound. "A thousand times, yes."
The bench bore witness to their union as they embraced. Their kiss was a seal of their engagement, a union that would hopefully stop all the unrest between their countries.
In the seclusion of the gazebo, Eloise and Bernard shared laughter and whispers.
The late afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the palace as Bernard's car swept through the wrought-iron gates. Eloise’s heart felt buoyant, her hand fluttering to the diamond nestled against her collarbone—a physical reminder of the promise just made beneath the ancient gazebo. Bernard caught her gesture and his smile widened with unabashed delight.
"Ready to share our news?" he quipped, the playful lilt in his voice echoing the mirth dancing in his eyes.
"Only if you're prepared for an outpouring of royal excitement," she teased back, her spirits soaring as they alighted from the vehicle, hand in hand.
As they entered the grand foyer, the sound of their footsteps on the marble floor was swallowed by the vastness of the space. But it wasn't long before their presence caught the attention of Bernard’s family.
"Everyone," Bernard announced, "we have splendid news."
His aunt and uncle, the King and Queen, rose like twin monarchs of old, anticipation etched into their regal bearing. The courtiers and staff, sensing the gravity of the moment, inched closer, their expressions a tapestry of curiosity and eagerness.
Eloise felt a flutter in her chest. With a flourish, Bernard presented her left hand, the ring glinting, a silent herald of their commitment.
"Your blessing would complete our happiness," Bernard declared.
A collective gasp rippled through the room, followed swiftly by exclamations of delight. The king stepped forward, his usually stoic face softened by a genuine smile, and enveloped them both in a bear hug that managed to convey his approval and affection without the need for a single word.
"That’s brilliant, my boy!" the king boomed, his eyes twinkling with pride. "And Eloise, welcome to our family!"
Laughter filled the room, light and effervescent, as the queen, with tears glistening in her eyes like morning dew, took Eloise's hands in hers and whispered heartfelt congratulations.
"Now, we go to Theron and break the news there," Bernard said.
With their belongings hastily packed and farewells warmly given, Bernard and Eloise embarked on the journey back to Theron.
"MOTHER, FATHER," ELOISE began, "I have agreed to be Bernard’s wife."
Her parents had expressions of unbridled joy. Her mother clasped her hands over her mouth, while her father blinked rapidly, his usual composure gone.
"Engaged? Truly?" her mother exclaimed, rushing forward to enfold Eloise in an embrace that conveyed volumes of maternal love and excitement.
"Bernard, you’ve rendered us speechless," her father said, extending a firm handshake. "Welcome to the family, officially."
The palace erupted into jubilation, servants and nobles alike sharing in the infectious happiness that seemed to permeate every stone of the palace. Eloise and Bernard stood at the heart of it all, their laughter mingling with the chorus of congratulations.
Later, Eloise swept into the sunlit drawing-room, where Queen Beatrice along with Eloise’s sisters-in-law, Amanda and Nicole, were already gathered around an antique mahogany table.
"Darling, come see these peonies," Queen Beatrice enthused. "Wouldn't they be perfect lining the aisle?"
"Exquisite," Eloise agreed, leaning in to admire the blooms, their soft petals the embodiment of romance. She traced her finger over the image, imagining the chapel decorated with them.
"Only the finest for our Eloise," Amanda chimed in, her voice melodious and warm. She slid a binder brimming with designs across the polished wood toward Eloise. "Now, dresses. We must consider silhouettes that complement you."
Nicole nodded sagely. "And time is of the essence. A month is but a whisper in the wind when it comes to royal nuptials."
