this is one of my favorites! ^^
The Midwinter ballroom is hot and airless. The dress isn't helping, with the heavy linen shift and the wrapped, beaded overcoat. Kel isn't even sure why she wore the dress, except Shinko insisted.
She knows that she looks nice, and she has nothing against dressed, but a kimono would have been so much more comfortable. Silk breathes, and she could have had a bird print.
Dom unobtrusively grasps her elbow. "The gardens, shall we?"
"Oh yes," Kel sighs in relief. "Hopefully no one will miss us."
"I doubt it. I think you've made polite conversation with everyone there. Besides, my dear cousin and his charming wife managed to slip out hours ago."
The gardens are cool and ice-bitten. Soon they'll have to go back inside, but for now she relishes the air on her face and neck.
Dom looks solemn. He clears snow off a bench. "Kel, please sit."
"What's the matter?" she asks. "Is something wrong?"
"Not at all," he says, taking her left hand in his. "Kel, I'd like you to consider marrying me. I- I have a ring. It's in my pocket, but I'll get it out-"
She stands. "Of course I'll marry you! Of course I will."
He slips the ring onto her finger.