Chapter 5 - Marriage

Flori stared at Fred in shock, unable to believe what she had just heard. His words were completely beyond anything she had expected.

“Marry me,” Fred repeated. He smiled sweetly, but Flori wasn’t swayed.

“What... what are you talking about? Don’t you understand the situation? With everything that’s going on, how could I possibly get married?” she asked, bewildered.

“You're the one who doesn’t understand. The new king? Of course other kingdoms won’t accept him. He’s not of royal blood. Sooner or later, Roseman will be taken over by another kingdom. But if you marry me, I might be able to return Roseman to you,” Fred explained.

“So this is a business marriage? Then what do you want?” asked Flori.

“Hmm... maybe information about the treasure chest? Or maybe you could share it with me. After all, we’ll be husband and wife.”

Flori looked at Fred. So he was after Roseman’s treasure too. If I can take advantage of this, maybe he can help me reclaim the throne. This marriage might not be such a bad idea.

“So? Do we have a deal?”

Fred extended his hand. Flori shook it. “Alright, as long as you promise to always protect me and never betray me.”

Fred smiled. “DEAL.”

With that, Flori made up her mind. This was her chance. She didn’t want to give up.

I just need to get the key back. With Fred’s support and protection, I can return to Roseman. No one knows about the royal treasure. If I succeed, I’ll use it for myself. I won’t let it fall into the wrong hands.

–

Flori gazed at her reflection in the mirror. She was in the bridal waiting room. The wedding ceremony would begin shortly, but she couldn’t bring herself to smile. Instead, her heart ached. She thought of her family. That day had been her 18th birthday...

“Happy birthday, my dear daughter,” said Queen Selly, kissing Flori on the cheek. That morning, the family had been having breakfast together.

“Thank you, Mother,” Flori replied.

“Sis, here’s a present for you.” Melvern handed her a box. Flori opened it and found a stunning blue diamond necklace. Moved, she hugged her younger brother. “Thank you, Melvern.”

“Ahem... have you chosen a partner for tonight’s ball?” asked King Habel.

“A partner?” Flori hadn’t thought about it. Usually, Melvern was her partner.

“Of course! I’ll be your partner!” Melvern said enthusiastically.

“It’s time for you to start thinking about a potential husband,” King Habel said.

“Husband?” Flori was shocked. She never imagined her father would bring up marriage so soon.

“Flori, we’re not asking you to marry right away. But you need to meet some young men, so you can choose a good future husband,” Queen Selly explained.

“There are some proposal letters from other nations. After breakfast, come to my office and pick one,” King Habel instructed.

“No! Sis shouldn’t marry so soon! I don’t agree!” shouted Melvern.

“Melvern! Watch your manners! You are the crown prince!” King Habel scolded.

“But Father, I just don’t want Sis to marry the wrong person,” Melvern said softly, a bit afraid.

“I’m sorry, Father. I will decline all the proposals. For now, I’ll choose Diego as my partner. But I’ll interact with the visiting princes,” Flori answered. She didn’t want to partner with someone she barely knew. At least Diego was someone she was close to besides her family.

“Alright, if that’s what you want. But next year, make sure to choose the best!” King Habel said.

“Sis, before you choose anyone, you have to introduce him to me first, okay?” Melvern pleaded.

Flori smiled and ruffled his hair. “Don’t worry, Melvern. I’ll introduce him to you first. If you approve, then I’ll marry him,” she said, reassuringly.

“Take your time, my daughter. Your happiness is the most important thing,” Queen Selly said, smiling.

“Of course, he has to pass my screening first. Then, and only then, you may marry,” King Habel added.

Flori understood her parents’ intentions. At her age, she was starting to take interest in the opposite gender. They were just concerned she might choose the wrong person.

“Father, Mother, Melvern—don’t worry. When I get married, you’ll see me in the most beautiful wedding gown. I promise I’ll marry happily,” Flori said.

Flori sighed deeply. Back then I made that promise... but now? You’re not even here on my wedding day. How can I be happy?

"Knock knock knock"

There was a knock at the door.

“Your Majesty, it’s Diego. May I come in?” he asked.

“Yes, come in,” Flori said.

Diego entered and approached her, kneeling before her.

“Your Majesty, are you sure about this decision?” he asked. Flori had sent him a letter announcing her marriage. Diego came immediately upon receiving it.

“Please, Your Majesty. I beg you to reconsider!” Diego pleaded, nearly in tears.

Flori shook her head. “I have to do this. King Fred has the key. If I marry him, he promised to return it to me.”

“So, King Fred is the one who took the key?” Diego now understood. Flori had sacrificed herself for Roseman.

He took her hand. “Your Majesty, I may not be worthy of you, but I’d regret it forever if I didn’t say this now.”

“I love you, Your Majesty—no, I love you, Flori.” Diego suddenly dropped the formal tone.

Flori’s heart ached. I love you too, Diego. She admitted it, even though she had tried to hide her feelings all this time.

With Diego, she felt safe and happy. He was always there—comforting, protecting, and even gently advising her when she broke the rules. I should be happy to hear his love confession… but why does it hurt so much?

Diego had always kept his distance from Flori, treating her formally like a soldier with his superior. She never expected that he loved her too. But why now? If only I had known earlier… if only I had tried harder… would things be different now?

“What if we forget everything and run away? Let’s live together in another kingdom. Just the two of us!” Diego proposed. I want that too. I want to forget everything and live happily with you. But...

“Whatever happens, you must protect the royal key!”

Flori remembered her father’s last words. She also recalled her family’s death.

Flori closed her eyes. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

“I’m sorry, Diego,” she whispered with regret. I can’t be selfish. I can’t let their sacrifices go to waste.

“I will return and reclaim the throne. When that day comes, let’s live together,” Flori promised.

If she could find and use the royal treasure, everything could change. When that day comes, she would divorce Fred and be with Diego.

“Very well, I will follow all of Your Majesty’s orders. I only hope for your happiness,” Diego said, wiping her tears.

“But don’t forget, I will always be on your side!” he promised, kissing the back of her hand.

Flori smiled. “Thank you, Diego.”

–

The wedding happened quickly. Flori barely had time to think before everything was set. It was as if Fred had planned it all in advance—from the dress to the decorations and the food—everything was ready in a day. In the blink of an eye, Flori was already at the altar.

“With that, you are now husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!”

Flori grew nervous as Fred leaned closer. Her eyes drifted to Diego, standing far behind. He looked at her with sorrow in his eyes. Flori could feel his pain. She felt it too. I’m sorry, Diego. I have to do this. Flori closed her eyes.

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