Its been three weeks since Liliane woke up, and her life in the palace has never been busier. Everyone busied themselves with the upcoming wedding, including the bride herself. She had wedding dress fittings to attend to, and different shades of white to choose for things ranging from napkins to the curtains in the hall. Fortunately the prosthetics the craftsman made were exceptionally done. They were made from solid gold and magic stones, but they functioned almost perfectly. If the mana flow was controlled properly, she could walk and write normally as she did before. She would have awkward movements from time to time, but otherwise, Liliane had been adjusting to the change pretty well. for things ranging from napkins to the curtains in the hall.
As for the person she was soon to marry, he had gone back to Aquamerria the day Liliane woke up. Ren had to prepare his side of the marriage and his brother's coronation, as well as taking care of his ailing father. He sent Liliane letters every few days, but the contents were filled with nothing but small talk.
After a dozen days of preparation of both sides, it was already the night before the wedding. Ren hadn't shown his face since Liliane woke up, but his letters have become more frequent since the week prior. Small talk was replaced with more meaningful substance; it seems things on his side were calming down a little more. His brother's coronation was to take place shortly after the wedding, so they had many things to plan. His father's hasn't gotten worse, but it hasn't gotten better either. Even in his letters Ren seemed stressed. It appears neither of them are quite ready for this marriage.
Even so, the wedding will still take place whether they like it or not. That's what both of the kingdoms decided, after all. As Ren was marrying into the royal family of Floria, the ceremony was going to take place in Floria's palace. He arrived this afternoon, and stayed in his room resting since then.
. . .
A knock sounded at the door. Liliane looked at the clock on the wall; it was too late for it to be Emma. She picked up her shawl and wrapped it around her shoulders. Slowly cracking the door open, she saw Ren.
"I'm—I'm wondering if it's too late to talk." he said. His eyelids looked heavy, and his shoulders were a little hunched downwards; different from his usual princely posture.
"I suppose I can make an exception." Liliane said. She left her door slightly ajar as she went out into the hallway. "What brings you here so late at night, Ren?"
"I...just wanted to talk with you before tomorrow. I..." he struggled with his words. "I wanted to apologize." .
"For what exactly?"
"For not being there for you. I mean it in a sense of the incident at the academy, and the past month. I haven't been the best fiancé, let alone a friend."
Silence followed. Liliane didn't know how to respond.
"I know you must be angry with me, disappointed, even. You probably don't want to marry me anymore. I understand. You have every right to. I don't deserve you."
"Are you asking for forgiveness?"
His face suddenly flashes in embarrassment, perhaps even shame.
"I.." words don't follow through. He shuts his mouth tightly, as if he's determined to never open it again. The atmosphere is awkward and tense, something Liliane wasn't used to when she was with Ren.
"What am I supposed to do, then?" her voice trembled involuntarily.
Ren stared at the floor. Liliane took a deep breath, and let out a long sigh.
"Just...Next time, tell me beforehand you want to be with someone else. You can even bring her to the pala-"
"There won't be a next time." his voice echoed in the empty hallway.
"It's not like you can see the future."
"I just need you. No one else."
"Are you sure?" Liliane scoffed. She saw a flash of anger in his eyes. "One day, you're going to wake up and realize I'm not the one for you." "Maybe you already have." she whispered.
"That's not true, I—"
"That's what happened." She could see the guilt and pain all over his face. Another sigh escaped her lips. "Your mind became foggy, right?"
"How did you..."
"Almost feels like you're watching your own life unfold in front of you without your control."
"How..."
She leaned against the wall.
"It happened to me during the attack too. I lost a lot control over my own body."
"Why did that happen to us?"
"Who knows. Maybe it was just a sick twist of fate." she continued,
"What happened or didn't happen with Clara wasn't your fault. It wasn't anyone's."
"If you think so, why did you say I could bring someone else to the palace? I love you, Liliane. I don't need anyone else."
"It's because it wasn't anyone's fault. We don't have a way to stop whatever might happen in the future. You'll probably find someone else, or Clara might come find you again. If that's going to happen, I might as well accept my fate now."
Ren stepped closer. He carefully took Liliane's hand.
"I'm right here. I'm not leaving you again. I promise."
Liliane stared into his eyes.
"Why are you so convinced I'm going to leave you?"
Her eyes glazed over, and tears welled in her eyes.
"I'm not person that's supposed to stand by your side."
"Why are you deciding that for me?"
It was Liliane's turn to stare at her feet.
"All the choices we've made and the paths we've taken led us to this moment one way or another. Even that sick twist of fate brought us here. I choose you, Liliane. And I'll continue to do so. If my destiny is to love someone else, I don't want it. I'll make my own, with you.
If you'll have me, of course."
Time stood still for what felt like an eternity. His hands were warm, just like the day they met. Liliane looked up.
"You might regret this in the future."
"I'll work hard not to."
"You might find someone else you love."
"Impossible."
Liliane opened and closed her mouth a couple more times, thinking of other possible scenarios.
"What if I stop being myself?"
Ren tilted his head in confusion, but answered.
"I'll learn to love that side of you too."
A smile tug on the corners of Liliane's lips.
"Liliane, do you remember the engagement ball a couple years ago where I gave you that ring?" he interrupted.
Liliane looked at her ring.
"Of course. You sneakily took my hand and put the ring on my finger without saying a word."
"I was shy."
"Oh, were you? I didn't notice."
Ren laughed.
"Can I redo the proposal?" he said.
"The ceremony is tomorrow."
"I know."
Liliane raised her eyebrow, but took off her ring and handed it to him nonetheless. Before she could retreat her hand, Ren took it gently.
"Lili, years ago when we first met, I thought you were going to be someone I would come to hate. Fiancées weren't people I came to like at that age, and I thought whoever I would become engaged to me would think the same.
Surprisingly, you welcomed me with open arms and quickly became my best friend. I could never imagine a life without you in it, as a lover and as a friend. I'm ashamed that I've hurt you in so many ways, but I promise to do better.
Whatever may come in the future, I promise to love, care, and protect you from any danger that will harm you."
He dropped onto one knee, and held up the ring.
"Liliane Mary Acton, will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Ren looked up expectantly into her rosewood eyes, unconsciously gripping her hand a little tighter. A smile crept up on Liliane's lips.
"Yes, I will."