Niall's POV

"I don't think I can do it, Niall," Greg said, resting his head in his hands.

"Of course you can. You're the bravest person I know and if anyone can lead this country, it's you." I responded, walking further into the room.

"I can't lead a whole country like this!" He stood and began pacing around the room. "The only reason I somewhat know what I'm doing is because Dad trained me what to do and what to say. Now that he's gone I feel like I don't know anything. Not to mention the woman I loved never even loved me back and is now in prison for murdering my parents!"

"And you've kept it together wonderfully! That's what the kingdom needs!"

He paused and turned to look at me. "Yeah, right. The kingdom needs a mentally unstable 25-year-old who feels as though they're going to break under any more pressure. That sounds wonderful."

I rolled my eyes and walked closer to him. "Look, Greg, I know you can do it. But if you feel like you can't, I can take over your role. But you should sleep on it before making any rash decisions."

"I have been sleeping on it! It's been 2 months since the funeral. The time to make the decision is now—the coronation is this week—and my decision is not to rule. If I'm king, this place will go down in flames. Niall, you're the one who needs to be king."

I took a deep breath, my anger rising by the minute. "If your decision is final, then I will take over."

"It's final."

I clenched my fists as I left the room, muttering under my breath.

"What's wrong?" Grace said as I walked into her room, her brows furrowed with concern.

"It's no use. Greg won't budge," I sighed and collapsed onto the couch next to her.

She wrapped her arms around me. "I know you're nervous, but I personally think you're going to be a way better king anyways." She said softly.

"You're just saying that because you're my girlfriend,"

"No! It's the truth!" She playfully punched my shoulder. "Let's see. Who's the man who never once skipped his leadership meetings? You. Who's the man who's currently running this entire palace and making sure everything's in order? Pretty sure not Greg! And lastly, who's the most compassionate, trusting, and kind man I know? Again, you. You've taught me so much and I think that's exactly what this place needs."

"But—"

"Hey, no buts. I know your mom and dad would be so proud. And, I know that if Queen Kaitlyn had to choose anyone to rule after her, it would be you. She told me herself!"

"She did not!"

"I'll quote her," She cleared her throat and promptly sat up straight, waved her hand, and spoke in her most 'queenly' voice. "'It's a shame Greg is older than Niall because Niall would run the country so much better. The thought of Greg running the country is the only thing keeping me from dying.'"

I laughed as Grace cracked a smile. "What on earth was that!"

"That was my Kaitlyn impression!"

"Spot on. Couldn't tell a difference."

She smiled as she laid her head on my shoulder, squeezing my hand. "I know you'll be the best king, Niall,"

And you'd be the best queen.

~~~

I straightened my suit jacket one last time before heading out the door. My heart was thumping out of my chest for a million different reasons. The obvious one was that I was about to take major responsibility over millions of people.

The, hopefully, not so apparent reason, is the fact I have a diamond ring in my pocket, ready to give to my future queen.

And there she was, grinning brightly, looking like an angel. She ran towards me, her heels clicking against the floor.

"You look beautiful," I breathed, taking her hand and spinning her around. Her sparkling silver gown twirled around with her.

"You don't look too bad yourself," She winked before fixing my tie. "Are you ready?"

I let out a shaky breath. "I guess so,"

"Hey, don't be nervous! It'll be alright," She said, squeezing my hand. "If you get nervous, I'll be right by your side."

"Thank you," I whispered. "I love you."

"And I love you."

We took one last look at each other before pushing open the grand hall doors.

Grace's POV

The crowd before us was like none other I had seen before. Everyone turned their heads to look at the two of us. There were thousands of rows of seats, and every single one of them was filled. I looked up at Niall; he wore a grave expression with a hint of fear. If I had been in the crowd, I never would've guessed he was nervous. He did a good job at hiding it.

I squeezed his hand before letting go once we reached the raised podium in the front of the room. I took a seat next to Greg on one of the thrones and looked out at the vast audience. In the first row, Joy, Chana, Brooke, and Reeja were waving their hands excitedly while their boyfriends cheered Niall, proud of their long-time friend.

I could barely focus on the words that were spoken; all I could do was focus on Niall. I noticed the glint in his eye, the waves in his hair, and his slight grin. My heart swelled with pride for the man standing before me.

A crown was placed on his head and it was official. The crowd cheered; the boys jumped up and down, throwing their hands into the air. Niall turned around to face me, wearing his usual childish grin.

He offered his hand and twirled me in for a kiss, his hand gripping my waist.

"Is the king trying to flirt with me?" I smirked, messing up his crown.

"Shamelessly." He smirked before dipping me for another kiss.

~ ~ ~

"Let's get away from here," Niall whispered before taking my hand and running through the crowd. We passed the many unfamiliar faces celebrating Niall's coronation.

"Where are you taking us?" I laughed as I attempted to catch up with him.

"It's a surprise!" He laughed. "C'mon, run faster!"

I stopped to take off my heels, using Niall's shoulder for balance. I continued running barefoot by his side. He led me through the same hallway we ran through during the Christmas ball.

He led me through the gardens and finally stopped at the flowered gazebo. I smiled at the sight before me: the sun was setting, but there were fairy lights strewn across the railings, illuminating the area. There was soft piano music playing through the CD player on the side.

"May I have this dance?" He whispered, taking my hand.

I nodded, putting my hand on his arm. I stared into his eyes, content in the perfect moment. Blush crept on his face and his breath grew shaky.

He cleared his throat before speaking softly. "Grace,"

"Yes?" I breathed.

"I just want to say I love you." He said before I nuzzled my head on his shoulder, whispering 'I love you'. "I mean, I can't live without you. That month without you made me realize I won't ever be whole if I don't have you by my side."

I lifted my head and looked back into his eyes, putting a hand on his cheek. "I couldn't live without you either, Niall,"

"I couldn't help but think about what my life would be like without you, and I don't like it. I have always imagined you by my side since the moment I met you. I like that image much better,"

He let out a shaky breath before pulling out a shining ring from his suit pocket, taking both my hands in his as he got down on one knee. "Gracey Anne, I desperately want you to be the woman by my side. Darling, marry me. Please, be my queen."

His tear-filled eyes met mine as I crouched down in front of him, tackling him with kisses. "Yes, yes I'll marry you," I cried, catching his lips with mine. "I want nothing more than to be yours."

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a/n

lmao if you want a more rom-com ending to this story, listen to crazier by taylor swift while reading the proposal it's actually perfect. if you want a romantic novel ending as was intended, listen to can't help falling in love by Christian leave ehe :)

YOU GUYS I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS THE LAST CHAPTER! don't leave yet tho, I have an epilogue coming within this next week :) (hopefully by tonight or anytime before Friday so I can enter it into the watty's) 

LIKE JHHHJKAFIHUFE I'M SO GLAD THEY GOT THEIR HAPPY ENDING. I'M NGL I ALMOST KILLED OFF GRACE FR WHEN SHE GOT SHOT BY VIC LMAOO 

well thank you all for taking the time to read this it means soooo much to me! continue to be amazing ;) ilyyy