They sat in each other's arms, staring at the night sky, both lost in their thoughts. He turned his head ever so slightly, bringing the edge of her face into the corner of his vision. Her raven tresses glowed in the moonlight, her soft, delicate skin soaking up its pale, mysterious beams.
He thought of the moment he had first laid his eyes on her. That day in the woods, rescuing both she and Snow White from her sister's pet winged simian. He recounted the many arguments and unkind words and low blows tossed back and forth as both struggled with their feelings-hers for her lost son, his for her.
Now, here he sat, taking in her natural beauty and glory, calling it his own. She either didn't notice or didn't care when he placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. She was too lost in her own little world.
He put his hand in his pocket, just to make sure it was still there. He rubbed the soft velvet of the tiny box a few times, as if doing so would give him some sort of luck in what was to come. Finally, he cleared his throat and turned her so she was facing him. She was quite startled by his sudden movement but quickly covered her surprise with curiosity.
"I have something to tell you."
"So tell me."
He took a deep breath. He'd been rehearsing this moment for weeks, trying to make sure everything was perfect. He'd even memorized a speech detailing how much he loved and adored her. Now that the moment was finally here, he decided to wing it.
"I didn't plan on falling in love with you, and I doubt if you planned on falling in love with me. But once we met, it was clear that neither of us could control what was happening to us."
She eyed him suspiciously. "Where are you going with this?"
He pulled the box out of his pocket and opened it, holding it out for her to take and see. She gasped in shock as she pulled the simple yet elegant ring out of its hold, tears beginning to form in the corners of her eyes.
"You meet thousands of people and none of them really touch you. And then you meet one person and your life is changed forever. You make me happier than I ever thought I could be, and if you let me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way. Will you marry me?"
She stared at him, disbelief shining in her eyes like the sun shines upon the earth. He knew she wouldn't believe him at first, and why should she? She's been treated like someone's plaything under the pretense of marriage, her emotions and body toyed with like they had no worth. But he was going to make sure this time was different. He was going to love her like his very soul depended on it.
"Love, I meant every word I just said. Whatever our souls are made of, yours and mine are the same."
She smiled at him as her tears ran down her face. She placed a soft, gentle hand on his cheek and looked into his, letting out a soft laugh as she looked at him.
"I would be the world's biggest idiot if I didn't say yes."
"What?"
"Yes."