The lovers lay in bed that evening, Rose snuggling contentedly into Kurda's chest. He stroked her hair gently and she sighed.
"I've missed you," she murmured. "Did you miss me?"
"Every second," Kurda replied. "I'm sorry I was gone so long."
"How's your campaign going?" Rose asked, sitting up so she could look at him.
"Ah..." he replied and smiled.
"You have stories don't you?" Rose grinned.
"Yes indeed I do," Kurda smirked.
"Oh come on, you annoying sod, tell me then!"
"Guess who was nominated to be a prince..."
"Surely not!"
"Now don't celebrate yet, it was only a nomination, I'm still waiting on the votes," Kurda said, quickly.
"Oh you'll do it, I know you will," Rose laughed and snuggled back into his chest. "Prince Kurda, catchy..."
Kurda laughed. Then there was a contented silence as the lovers just lay and held each other close. "You didn't have to wait for me," Kurda murmured, kissing Rose's head.
"I couldn't even think about another relationship after you left, I tried," Rose sighed, "Mum tried to set me up with some people but none of them were good enough, not when I thought about you every minute. She was furious with me, Mum I mean. She kept saying 'you're twenty four years old it's time you thought about at least finding a guy, let alone holding onto one'. But I just couldn't."
"I won't lie, that makes me feel very flattered," Kurda smiled. He let out a sad sigh and Rose looked up at him. He looked away. "I have to go again in three days, Rose."
"Can't you stay a little longer?" Rose pleaded.
"I have to go for council, all going well it'll be time to put my plan into motion, but I'll be back in a few months I promise, then I'll stay as long as you want me to, everything will be alright then."
"Stay forever?" Rose whispered.
"Yes, forever," Kurda promised. He stood up and Rose gazed after him, unable to hide the disappointment on her face as he left her alone in bed. But he only crossed the room, collected something from the pocket of his jacket, which was hung over a chair, and then returned. He knelt down by the side of the bed and Rose gasped as he took her hand and smiled at her, his deep blue eyes intense and sparkling.
"Rose Hodson," he said, clearly, "When I return from Vampire Mountain, will you do me the great honour of becoming my wife?"
"Oh my god..." Rose said, quietly, her eyes fixed on the sapphire ring that Kurda was holding out to her. "...oh my god..." She didn't know what to say, she was stunned. Overwhelmed tears leaked out of her eyes, Kurda watched her face anxiously until she finally managed to stutter her reply,
"... y...yes..."
Kurda was so happy he got to his feet and threw his arms around her with such force she fell back on the bed and he lay on top of her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and his hands held her waist and they kissed passionately, both laughing with happiness and relief.