Chapter 3: Happiness At Last

It's been taking me a hot minute to update these chapters, so I apologize! I just kinda vomit words onto the page as they come to me, and it's been a bit of a slower process recently! Anyway, here's another chapter for anyone who stumbles upon this! 3

Kara awoke to the sun beaming in on her face and Caesar planting kisses along her cheek, neck, and collarbone as he bid her a good morning and told her he was getting up to start his work for the day. It felt like she had blinked and six months had gone by since she had returned home with Caesar and made a home with him. She still thought, as Caesar had gently woke her up, that she would never get used to being this happy or feeling this safe all the time; waking up with Caesar was like a dream, one she was incredibly glad was real life. It turned out, however, that running a city was no joke, as Kara expected; Caesar was incredibly busy running such a large city, and while she joined in where she could, Caesar often bore the brunt of it, letting her rest as much as she wanted. She wasn't used to how he treated her like royalty, yet he was always going on about how much she deserved it. Still, Kara was concerned-she didn't want Caesar overworking himself and burning out. They were going to visit Faria soon, and Kara couldn't help but feel like the peaceful atmosphere of the nation would do him some good. He had been working very hard lately, even departing into the Flandar Trail alone without telling her why. She knew he was more than capable of handling himself, but she couldn't help but worry a little bit. Although they still had some diplomatic business to do there, Kara thought about how nice it would be to see Miu and Father Yggdra once again. Still, she couldn't help but feel a pang of concern again-perhaps he just didn't want to burden her, but he was being very secretive about one of the diplomatic errands he had to do once they arrived in Faria. It wasn't really like Caesar to keep anything from her.

Shaking herself from her thoughts, Kara figured she would get out of bed for the day so she could start preparations for their trip to Faria. After she got dressed, she headed out of the bedroom to find Caesar in his office, head hunched over paperwork, as usual. She came around the desk behind him and put her arms around him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. He kissed her hand in return and squeezed it in a gesture of affection. Raising his head from his paperwork, Caesar looked up at Kara and asked, "are you excited for our trip?" "Absolutely," she replied, "It will be nice to be back in Faria again for a bit and see everyone." He hummed in agreement and stroked her hand as the steward came in and brought Kara a letter. She took it, and instantly recognized Yulie's handwriting, eager to hear from her dear friend. Upon inspection, Kara chuckled as she noticed Yulie had playfully addressed the letter to "Mrs. Drisdall," a bit she had been doing since Kara had moved in with Caesar. Now, however, it felt like less of a joke; she knew such a big city was prone to gossip and she and Caesar were the most notable individuals in it, but whispers and speculation of when Kara would, in fact, become "Mrs. Drisdall" had begun to pick up steam. She had to admit, even though Yulie meant it in jest, she rather liked how it looked on paper.

Still, Kara didn't show Caesar Yulie's letter and let him in on this joke she was on; he would likely be amused and chuckle at her antics, but she didn't want to risk potentially making him frazzled. She would, of course, say yes in a heartbeat if he proposed to her, but she didn't want him to think she was putting any pressure or expectation on him; he already had a city full of people doing that. No, she wanted him to propose, but she wanted it to be on his own terms, in his own time. Plus, she was already concerned about the amount of stress he was under as ruler of this grand city-she certainly didn't want to add to it. So, she read Yulie's latest letter and tried to cast the thought aside. So far, the letter met Kara's expectations: not much was new in Parma (hardly surprising), so Yulie had been very glad to receive Kara's letters. Yulie always was eager to hear about Kara's life in Greede with Caesar, and there usually was something to write about in such a busy city. Kara wondered if Yulie ever got sick of Parma, but she seemed to like it there. Kara just knew she would get bored there.

As she finished reading Yulie's letter, Caesar broke her from her thoughts by asking her what was new with Yulie. "Oh you know, Parma is Parma. Nothing really changes there," she responded. "Mmhmm," Caesar hummed in agreement before adding, "Maybe we should have her visit soon. After our trip to Faria, of course." Kara lit up at the prospect. She really did miss Yulie. The two had become quite close friends during their adventures together, Kara's past mistakes aside.

As Kara was daydreaming about plans for when Yulie could visit next, Caesar put down his pen and rose from his desk. Approaching Kara, he took the letter from her hands to set it down on the desk, but not before he saw the playful addressing of it to "Mrs. Drisdall." Panicking for a moment, Kara was not sure how he would react, until she saw him stare at it for a second and chuckle, yet there was a glint in his eye Kara couldn't quite pin down. Before she could think about it too much, Caesar put the letter down on the desk and offered his arm to her. "Shall we?" He said with his trademark cute smirk. She couldn't help but smile at that face, as she took his arm and they departed for Faria.

The trip to Faria felt especially long to Kara, especially with the feeling she had that something would happen. Sure enough, her gut proved her right in the best way when she and Caesar were greeted by Miu and Yulie upon their arrival. Kara released her hand from Caesar's to go embrace her friends. It turned out Yulie was already visiting Miu and wanted to surprise Caesar and Kara when they arrived. Miu had promised to catch up with them later, as she and Caesar had some business with Father Yggdra. What it was exactly, Kara had no clue. Before she knew it, however, she was being whisked away by Yulie to go catch up. She and Yulie found themselves on a bench by the docks, one of the most peaceful spots in a land already full of beauty. Naturally, Yulie promptly examined her empty left hand and asked, "What, no rock yet? What is taking Caesar so long?" Kara just chuckled and shrugged, replying with "You sound like most of the people in Greede, gossiping about how long it will take him to propose. You could probably get in on some of the bets if you're that invested." Kara then continued to explain to Yulie how she absolutely wanted Caesar to propose, but for him to do it on his own terms and in his own time, not because he caved under pressure. She doubted Caesar really listened to the local gossip anyway. For Kara, it took some getting used to, although she knew full well what she was signing up for when she agreed to move in with Caesar.

Yulie accepted Kara's explanation, seeming to be content that her friends were happy for now. "I'm still going to continue the 'Mrs. Drisdall' bit in my letters," Yulie said lightheartedly. "I'd expect nothing less," Kara said, laughing. The two friends talked and caught up for what was apparently a good while, as they noticed the sun starting to set. "Maybe we should go find Caesar," Kara said, with a hint of concern in her voice. She was shocked he hadn't come to join them yet, and she wondered what could be taking him so long. Yulie agreed, and the two made their way to the Numenshrine. Kara had been wanting to visit Father Yggdra anyway, so the trip was going to be made at some point.

As they approached the Numenshrine, Kara and Yulie were greeted with the pleasant surprise of Leonard and Eldore waiting for them. Kara excitedly greeted her friends, wondering just how many more surprises today would hold. "We heard from Yulie that you and Caesar would be visiting," Eldore explained with a smile, "we wanted to get in on the surprise." Kara raised an eyebrow as both he and Leonard had coy smirks on their faces when they suggested they make their way to see Father Yggdra-almost as if they knew something she didn't. With a chuckle, she took the arms that Leonard and Eldore offered her on either side as they made their way into the Numenshrine.

When they entered, Kara gasped; the entire path to Father Yggdra was lined with lanterns emitting a warm light and cherry blossom flower petals. It made the place even more gorgeous, and as Leonard, Eldore, and Yulie smiled at her, Kara had a feeling she wasn't walking into any ordinary moment. As they approached the ancient tree, Leonard and Eldore released her arms as she stepped forward to talk to the ancient tree that had given her so much-a second chance at life, a life with the man she loves. "Ah Lady Kara, it is a delight to see you again," he said in greeting. "Likewise, Father Yggdra," she replied, "I hope you have been taking care of yourself." "I'm doing quite well, for an ancient tree," he said with a smile in his voice, "but enough about me, I am rather curious to know how your new life is going, Kara."

Kara suddenly felt a heat rise in her cheeks. She didn't want to risk gushing about Caesar to the ancient entity that brought her back to life, but she also wanted to thank him for giving her a life with the man she was in love with. "I'm living in Greede now," she began, "with Caesar." "Ah yes, the young Count Caesar was here earlier. He thanked me quite profusely for bringing you back to him. He cares for you very deeply, I can tell."

Kara felt herself further blushing at this sentiment and imagining that interaction between Caesar and Father Yggdra; she knew Caesar had jokingly said he needed to give Father Yggdra a tree hug when they were reunited, but she imagined that was an emotional conversation for Caesar. Father Yggdra shook her from her thoughts by continuing, "But tell me, Lady Kara, are you happy in your new life?" Without a moment's hesitation, she said, "Absolutely. To get a second chance at life is one thing, but to get to spend it with your best friend and the love of your life is a happiness I never thought I deserved," Kara said, shocked at her outpouring declaration of her feelings.

"It appears you two were always meant to find your way back to each other," Father Yggdra mused in a knowing tone. "Following your heart really suits you, Lady Kara." "Thank you," was all Kara could softly bring herself to say. She was starting to get choked up at Father Yggdra's sentiments. Before the moment could continue, Kara heard footsteps approaching behind her. "Now, Lady Kara, I have one question for you," Father Yggdra continued, "Will you continue to follow your heart?"

Kara's expression became one of confusion as she stared at the ancient tree, before she heard the footsteps approach right behind her. Kara turned around to find Caesar standing right in front of her, doe-eyed and nervous looking. Caesar was rarely ever nervous, and her look changed from confusion to concern as she stared at him. Before she had a chance to wonder why he was so nervous, however, she got her answer, as she watched Caesar take her hands in his and get down on one knee. "Oh my gods," Kara gasped, as she was processing what was happening in front of her and taking this moment in. She was already starting to cry, but from overwhelming happiness and how perfect this moment was.

Seeing Caesar starting to tear up too, he took a moment before he spoke. "Kara," he started so softly that only she heard him, before he continued, "When I first met you, I was completely drawn to you. It felt like I had known you my whole life-and it turned out that I had," he said with a small chuckle. "I fell in love with you in an instant, and I knew that feeling was never going away, Kara. Even when we couldn't be together, I just wanted to be with you, to know you." Unable to control his tears, he started actually crying now, before he said, "When I thought I lost you forever, Kara, it was the absolute worst pain. I didn't want to be in a world without you, because, well, you're my entire world." She squeezed his hand comfortingly at this sentiment, now unable to contain her own tears. "When you were brought back to me," he continued, trying to maintain some composure in this moment, "my entire world lit up again. And I knew that it was our chance at what I wanted more than anything in the world: a life with my best friend and the love of my life. A life I promised myself I would never take for granted for one second."

"Caesar…" Kara said softly, at a loss for words. He squeezed her hand now, as if it were a comforting gesture to her and a stabilizing gesture for him before he exhaled sharply and continued, "Kara, I love you more than I can even put into words. I want to be by your side forever, and to forever be the one to give you that beautiful smile that your breathtakingly beautiful face deserves, if you'll let me." "Kara," he started, before reaching behind him to pull out a stunning ring with a decent diamond in the middle bookended by two smaller-cut fire stones. Kara gasped at the sight of it. It was absolutely beautiful, and she was overwhelmed taking in this perfect moment. "Will you marry me?" He asked softly. "Yes, absolutely I will," she said, without a moment's hesitation. She had never seen Caesar smile so happily as he did in that moment as he put the ring on her finger. As he stood up, Kara grabbed his face and pulled him in for a deep, loving kiss that conveyed all her happiness. Caesar quickly responded, and returned her kiss in full as he squeezed her and lifted her off the ground.

When he put Kara back on the ground and the couple broke from their kiss, Caesar took her hand and they both gazed at the ring on her finger. "Do you like it?" He asked, before adding, "Fire stones brought my parents together, and the ones in the Goddess of Lépanne were technically what caused us to find each other too, so I figured it was fitting." He got rather quiet before adding, "I made it myself." Kara gasped and stared at him in amazement, as it all clicked together. His strange and vague behavior before was because he was making her engagement ring and was putting in every effort to surprise her. And it had worked, Caesar Drisdall sure knew how to make a moment special and unforgettable. She supposed she shouldn't have been surprised, as Caesar was able to craft the fake Goddess statue for his late father. Still, the sheer effort he put into crafting this incredible token of affection made it even more meaningful for her. She kissed him briefly again before responding with an "it's absolutely beautiful, I love it. And I love you. So very much."

They shared another embrace before being reminded of where they were, and that their friends were there with them as they came up to congratulate the happy couple. Yulie, now joined by Miu, ran up to Kara, and grabbed her hand to admire her ring before squealing excitedly and wrapping her friend in a hug. "Well, I guess I can't jokingly call you Mrs. Drisdall anymore. I'm so happy for you two," Yulie said in her ear, "if anyone deserves to be this happy and in love together, it's you and Caesar." "Thank you, Yulie." Kara said, pulling away from the hug to give her friend an appreciative glance before Miu approached her and pulled her into a hug. "Congratulations, Kara. I know you and Caesar will continue being very happy, and you will make a fantastic Countess. Our nations will continue to prosper together." At that moment, it had fully dawned on Kara that she would soon become Countess of Greede. The massive city would officially become her responsibility as well as Caesar's, and they would rule it as a team. It was an overwhelming prospect, but also an exciting one, and Kara knew that with Caesar by her side she would be okay.

Shaking her from her reverie, Eldore and Leonard, who had been congratulating Caesar, approached her and pulled her into a congratulatory hug. "Well, can we start calling you Countess Drisdall yet?" Leonard asked with a smile. "Well, Yulie has been jokingly addressing me as Mrs. Drisdall for months" Kara said with a laugh. "Wait a second," she said, noting the looks on their faces, "You were in on it, you knew this was going to happen, didn't you?" "Guilty as charged," Eldore said with a chuckle. "We helped Caesar set this up, and we knew it was best to keep Leonard occupied because he totally would have found a way to spill the beans if he had been allowed to spend time with you today," Eldore added. "Hey! We all know that…probably would have happened," Leonard said as he rubbed the back of his head embarrassedly. Kara and Eldore laughed at him as Caesar appeared at her side and put his arm around her waist. "What's so funny?" "We were just laughing at the fact that you needed something to keep Leonard occupied so he didn't spoil the surprise with me," Kara answered. "Oh yeah, and I also know how sharp you are, Kara. You would have known something was up and been able to get it out of Leonard because he's a total pushover." "True," Kara agreed with Caesar. Leonard shook his head as everyone shared a laugh at his expense.

Kara couldn't remember a time when she felt lighter, or her heart felt this full. Here she was, in the most beautiful place, surrounded by her dear friends, engaged to the man she loves. As she and her friends and fiancé spent the night sitting together, sharing stories, enjoying each other's presence, and laughing like old times, Kara stopped to take the moments in. Caesar, who was sitting next to her with his arm around her, leaned his head in and said softly, "My favorite thing in the world is seeing you this happy, my dear." "You brought me this happiness," she replied earnestly. And she meant it. Caesar made her happier than she ever thought possible. Caesar smiled, and she turned her head and caught his lips in a gentle kiss.

"Geez, get a room, you two," Yulie jokingly said with a wink. Kara and Caesar just looked at each other and laughed as Kara felt her face getting as red as Caesar's shirt. "Sorry," Caesar said lightly with a laugh. "Although I think my teasing is worth it for the rare sight of seeing Kara that flustered," Yulie said, and Caesar wholeheartedly agreed. "Hey!" Kara exclaimed, as she lightly nudged him in the side with an amused chuckle. Caesar wrapped his arm back around her before saying, "I'm kidding, darling. But it is cute seeing you all flustered." Kara just blushed profusely again as Leonard just threw in, "That's payback for your amusement at my expense earlier." As everyone laughed, it wasn't hard for Kara to find herself laughing again, too. As Kara continued to laugh the night away with her friends by Caesar's side, she couldn't help but think about how right Father Yggdra was earlier-following her heart really did look good on her.

And there she is, another chapter in the books! I think I might do one or two more, I haven't quite decided yet. But hopefully I update sooner than this chapter took! Peace out, my lovelies! 3