The music swelling as they began to dance, Valentin feeling certain that this moment, which he’d hoped for, prayed for,survivedfor, was the most precious gift heaven could have bestowed.
Estelle, so stunningly beautiful, staring into his eyes and he, into hers, all else but the two of them falling away as he took care to spin her gently forfear that she might still suffer some pain.
“I’m fine, Valentin, truly,” she murmured, reading his concern without him speaking a single word. She smiled up at him with such faith, such trust, such love…
He could not wait another moment, certain that he would burst from long pent-up emotion if he didn’t announce at once that Estelle was the woman he intended to marry.
Gradually, he slowed themto a halt at the very heart of the room as once more, the musicians stilled their playing.
All eyes were focused upon them, Estelle’s widened gaze fixed upon his face as Valentin raised his voice so all could hear.
“Citizens of Bratavia, on this night of my coronation, I proclaim to all of you that I have asked Miss Estelle Easton to become my wife and she has happily agreed!”
