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“...You came,” she spoke without much enthusiasm as his smile met her gaze, dressed in nice attire. Her surprise was expected by him, after all, he hadn’t seen her in a while. Being next in line for the duchy, Rui had been busy for a long time this social season and didn’t bother attending many events, but he always had time for his most beloved Nene. Childhood friends who grew up attending etiquette lessons together and stepping on one another's shoes during dance practice, it was expected that Rui knew Nene quite well. That was also why he knew that she would act less than pleased to see him here, but that deep down she was rather happy, evident by her glancing off to the side. It was her 16th birthday party and her debut. Rui had been planning to attend from the beginning, after all, he couldn’t let anyone else here think they were a contender to marry her. This was years in the making, and he wouldn’t be bested now.
“Of course, I came, my schedule was cleared for this day since you mentioned it to me,” he noted, that glare she shot his way always entertaining him.
“You didn’t reply to my letter though- I figured that you didn’t have time…” she mumbled, watching as he walked around her, analyzing her attire. His prying gaze felt quite unwelcome, her expression filled with uncertainty as he continued, stopping before her once more.
“It looks perfect on you, Nene. Ivory suits your hair perfectly…” he commented, sliding his hand up and under a few strands, startling her once more. The ever-graceful Nene was only ever like this around him, and that was something he adored about her. His way of thinking could sometimes be called a bit strange, as plenty of people did, but none of that mattered to him. After all, all this time had passed and she was still by his side.
“You think so…?” she asked, meeting his gaze. He smiled, nodding slightly.
“I could never miss this, Nene. I wanted to be here for such a big event- it is your debut after all,” he commented, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly. Now that she had debuted, he could finally do what he had been waiting for all these years.
“So you’ll come to see the duchy with me, right? I mean, I did make time for your big day…” he asked cheekily, her eyes widening slightly.
“The duchy? But that’s all the way in the north- you want me to just…come with you? There’s no way I could, especially at a time like this-” she tried to reason with him, a smile coming across his face. Of course, she meant that this time was crucial for her. After a noble lady debuts, it is important for her to continue making appearances while the social season is still at its height, making a name for herself until she can find a suitor.
“Oh, but there’s every way you could,” he glanced around, the room filled with prying eyes. He motioned towards the balcony, a surefire sign that he wanted to talk in private. She paused and sighed softly as she walked towards the glass doors, Rui following suit.
The cool night air was chilly against her skin, causing her to wrap her arms around herself. The two leaned against the balcony railing, gazing out at the illuminated garden.
“Rui…why did you really come here? If you needed my parents’ help with something, I’m sure they would’ve been more than happy to…” she mumbled, his eyes following the way her hand slid across the stone railing, resting against it. He shook his head, turning to her.
“I didn’t come here for something like that, Nene. I meant every word I said earlier, about you being important to me…about having taken the time to clear everything, all for your sake,” he explained, Nene listening, her eyes glistening in the moonlight as she stared at him.
“There is only one thing alone that I need from your parents,” he spoke softly, placing a hand atop her own as he gazed at her. Her slightly flushed cheeks, that innocent expression, and the beautiful ivory color she wore made her look like an angel.
“I’ve waited a long time for this, after all, I had to be worthy to ask for such a commitment of you, to ask for your parent's permission to do this,” he spoke softly, getting down on one knee before her. Her moment of uncertainty as she glanced around was something that he adored too.
“You always have my undivided attention when we’re together, and if we aren’t, then my mind is always preoccupied with you. That’s why I wanted to ask you…” he paused, reaching into his left pocket to pull out the velveted black box which encased something so small, yet filled with so much emotion. As he opened the box, the silver glimmer from the moonlight illuminated the ring's beauty.
“I know the duchy is far from here, and it might be unfair to ask you to go such a long way for my sake. But, Nene…I want you to be right there with me, and I’ll be there for you. I want to give you everything your heart desires- to be the one you depend on, so please,” he began, taking a deep breath before looking up at her. Every memory he held close to his heart, everything that pushed him to work hard and grasp a position worthy of her, they were all there, in the reflection of her eyes.
“Please, marry me. I promise I will love you more than either of us know possible,” he declared, staring straight into her eyes. She couldn’t help but stay silent, fearing she’d cry if she opened her mouth to answer.
“What do you mean, worthy…? You have always been worthy…” she mumbled, kneeling in front of him, getting on his level.
“Yes, of course,” she gave her answer, shutting her eyes as he slipped the ring on her finger. He stood up quickly, pulling her up with him.
“Come now, you won’t undermine my achievements, will you?” he teased, her gaze falling on him once more.
“...It’s cold in the north, so you better not leave my side,” she mumbled her last snarky remark before turning to hold her hand up to the moon, admiring the pretty ring.