On our way back, I have to reevaluate a multitude of things: hypocritical relatives, outraged elves, and barbaric orcs. However, the most distressing realization is understanding the hardships my beloved had endured to reclaim his home and how difficult it was for him to maintain control.

This makes me contemplate the risks an ordinary person faces when they aren't cautious. Perhaps they may lose money or stability, but Alasdair has his own life and the lives of his loved ones hanging in the balance. Moreover, it appears that there are very few individuals whom he can truly trust.

As this notion sinks in, I begin to grasp why he might seek a stranger to marry. All the prospective brides in his realm either hold undesirable influence over him and his political endeavors, or they simply lack the necessary trustworthiness. However, as someone from another world, I lack any connections or vested interests here, making me someone he can place almost complete trust in. This trust is just as valuable, if not more so, than exceptional beauty, talent, or even fortune.

Still, I am truly worried about the things going on behind the scenes. There is certainly some commotion that Alasdair is unwilling to tell me about. I realize that by bringing me here, he has disrupted the plans of significant powers in Nightmaria, and it won't be easy for them to relinquish their positions.

However, I need a clearer picture of the situation. What I know for now is that this land is divided among multiple nations, and one side will not be pleased if the other gains more power. They appear to have achieved some balance by selecting a talented Boogeymen dynasty. However, things seem to have spiraled out of control when the previous king displayed weakness. Now, Alasdair has to work really hard to restore peace and project an image of unwavering power. He seemed to be successful in this endeavor before becoming attached to me. Nonetheless, these are only my assumptions, and I require objective sources to analyze the current situation and take appropriate actions. I must check the archives as soon as I arrive in Nightmaria.

While pondering all of this, I unexpectedly fall asleep and awaken in my room within Alasdair's palace. We have returned home.

I make up my mind to spend today immersed in the archives, ready to uncover the secrets hidden within. Just as I prepare to leave my room, a glimmer of blue light catches my attention. Alasdair's inviting me to the snow chamber. I can't help but wonder why he wants to meet there, but perhaps it's a chance to gather even more information. My plans will have to wait for now.

I follow the radiant light, allowing it to guide me to the chamber. As I step inside, a wave of enchantment washes over me. It's not the familiar sight of snow this time, but a breathtaking display of blooming flowers. The entire chamber is transformed into a paradise of vibrant colors and sweet fragrances. I'm captivated by its beauty, unable to tear my gaze away.

Alasdair approaches me with cautious steps, his presence exuding warmth and kindness. Despite the visible signs of new scars on his face, his smile remains genuine and comforting. Seeing him fills my heart with overwhelming joy and affection.

"Good day, Elle! How are you feeling? Did you manage to get some rest after our... adventurous journey?" he asks, concern lacing his words.

"Alasdair, I'm perfectly fine. But what about you? Your wounds..." My voice trails off, worry etching itself into my expression.

"I'm getting better, really. Please, try not to focus on it," Alasdair reassures me, his voice tinged with gratitude and vulnerability. He gives me a thoughtful look, his gaze searching mine.

"Elle, I wouldn't have wanted to intrude on your space, but I remember I gave you my word to discuss our plans upon our return. I just want to fulfill that promise, even if you've probably forgotten all about it," he explains, his tone gentle. "So, let me be straightforward with you. I love you, and it would make me the happiest person in the world if you were willing to spend your life with me. However," he hesitates, his voice faltering, "given everything you've been through, I don't expect you to want to be with me anymore. And I completely understand it."

Confusion swirls within me as his words sink in. "Alasdair, I don't understand. What are you talking about?" I ask, my voice quivering.

"I figured as much, Elle. But I wanted to let you know how I feel. Despite my love for you, I understand the weight of the past and how it might impact your decision. So here's another promise—I won't push you anymore. Please, enjoy your time here in Nightmaria however you wish. After a certain period, perhaps a month or bit longer, I'll give you the freedom to choose your path," he says, his eyes filled with sadness.

"Alasdair, I don't understand," I begin, my voice full of confusion. "I love you, and I want to be with you."

His eyes widen, a flicker of shock crossing his face. He seems unable to process my words for a moment before finally finding his voice.

"Elle, what are you saying? You don't have to comfort me," he stammers, his expression one of disbelief.

"Alasdair, if you don't want to marry me, just be honest with me," I reply, my voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "Is it Frida? Is that why you're hesitant? Well, I understand if that's the case. But I have one request—I'd like to stay in Nightmaria. Please, don't send me away..."

Before I can finish my sentence, he closes the distance between us, pressing his lips against mine in a passionate kiss. In that moment, I surrender to the intensity of our connection.

"Sorry, Elle," he murmurs against my lips, his breath warm against my skin. "I just couldn't believe what you've said. No one else matters to me. It's only you that I want... Will you... Oh," he interrupts himself, his eyes searching for something.

"Alasdair?" I ask, my heart pounding in my chest as I wait for his response, unsure of what he's searching for.

"Elle, I've just realised something, I was so certain that you would say you didn't want to see me again that I didn't even bother fetching a ring. Give me a moment."

He disappears into the darkness, leaving me chuckling at the situation. Within moments, he returns, kneeling before me with a glint of excitement in his eyes.

"Princess Elle," he says, his voice taking on an official tone, "will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

"Yes, I will, King Alasdair," I respond with a joyful laugh. I lean in to kiss him, feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness in that moment. As he slides the ring onto my finger, I notice its unique design, adorned with emeralds in the shape of a snake.

"This isn't my mother's ring," he says in a distant voice. "It wasn't a happy marriage for her anyway. But this ring was crafted based on my own design."

"It's beautiful," I reply, admiring the beautiful ring, shaped like a small snake.

"Elle, it's still sinking in, and it's hard to believe that you actually want to be with me. I can't comprehend how you could tolerate me after everything you now know."

"I love you even more now. We've both been through so much, and the scars on your soul won't just heal on their own. It's going to take a lot of effort for you to move past your memories, and I'm here for you every step of the way if you're willing to do the same for me," I say, a shy smile gracing my lips.

He pulls me into a warm embrace and reassures me, saying, "Our past won't get in the way of our future. I'll give it my all."

In response, I lean in and kiss him.

~.~

We're sitting on a bench, watching the vibrant fish splashing around in the pond.

"Alasdair, can you really see anything?" I ask curiously.

"I can see any place that I'm familiar with. For example, I can visualize the lake right now because I've been there. And not only that, I can also envision its surroundings based on what I know from the map. So, essentially, I can see any place as long as I have a way to locate it somehow. But of course, I can't see the inside of a castle room if I don't even know it exists," Alasdair explains.

A mischievous grin spreads across my face as I playfully inquire, "Can you see my room?"

Alasdair's expression softens, and he replies, "Oh, Elle. That's precisely why I never wanted to discuss it with you. Yes, I can see your room if I concentrate on its location, but I would never invade your privacy like that. I only checked a couple of times when you first arrived, just to ensure you were settling in okay. And nothing more. Over the years, having such abilities has taught me to respect other people's boundaries. And believe me, the thought of peeping at you never even crossed my mind. It goes against everything I stand for, I promise."

"Haha, okay. I trust you. Can you see the lake now? I mean, like, with normal vision?" I inquire, a hint of excitement in my voice.

"Yes, it's almost like seeing it with my eyes wide open. Though I do have to close my eyes to focus. I love exploring different landscapes in my mind's eye: mountains, rivers, even the vastness of the ocean," Alasdair replies, a sense of wonder in his words.

"Oh, Alasdair, you're so lucky! Right now, I wish I could see the ocean," I express, a touch of longing in my voice.

"Well, it's not too far away. We can plan a trip to the seaside whenever you like," he suggests warmly.

"Really?" I ask, my excitement growing.

"Of course! But maybe... it would be better to go after the wedding. There's so much to take care of these days," he says blushing.

I giggle at the thought. Indeed, wedding preparations can be quite overwhelming.

"We could go there for our honeymoon, if you'd like," he suggests, his words melting my heart as he plants a soft kiss on my cheek...