Fiyero was aware that his parents would be expecting him to return with his mystery girl as soon as he managed to find her, but at that moment, he was in no mood to drag Elphaba to the palace and make her stress about meeting the royal couple. There were certainly things he wanted to do before that.
Upon seeing him emerge from the house, hand in hand with Elphaba, most of his entourage did not manage to suppress appalled gasps, but one cutting look from the prince was enough to command immediate silence. Without saying a word, he led Elphaba past the gate, knowing perfectly well where they were headed and guessing that she knew it as well. He had most likely been right, judging by how unfazed she was once they reached the quiet clearing overgrown with crimson poppies. She watched him apprehensively when he let go of her hand for a moment, and let out a soft chuckle as he stuck one of the flowers behind her ear, gently brushing his knuckles against her cheek. Her eyes began to well up and Fiyero, overwhelmed by a sudden wave of feelings, gathered her into his arms, hearing her gasp in surprise as he lifted her up in the air and spun her around; his heart singing with joy.
"Fae… Elphaba," he said, setting her down on the ground, but still holding her as close as he could without losing sight of her face; marveling at how naturally the shape of her waist seemed to fit under his palms. "I know it's not easy for you to let people in. But I need you to know… You must know… I am completely, utterly, hopelessly in love with you. Nothing would make me happier than to have you beside me as my future queen, but I don't want to force that decision on you so quickly. I want to give you all the time and all the freedom you want and deserve. I only need to know one thing. I need to know if you can see yourself ever loving me back. That is all. If there is a chance you might one day love me back – that is enough for me."
She watched him silently for an excruciatingly long while, and with every second, his hope dwindled – until he felt her shaking hands cup his face with the affection and tenderness he had never even imagined before.
"No words I could possibly say would do justice to how I feel about you," she whispered hoarsely, fighting the joyful tears that filled her eyes. "To speak of love seems outrageously insufficient, and yet I can't find any better word. You must forgive me for merely giving you a plain, inadequate I love you."
The prince could not wait for a moment longer. He lifted up her chin and leaned down, very slowly, careful not to startle her, making sure she did not object, before capturing her lips in a sweet, gentle kiss that sent his head spinning. Hesitant at first, Elphaba slid her arms around the back of his neck and shyly kissed him back; and as he smiled against her lips, Fiyero had no doubt that from now on, each and every one of his dreams would forever taste like emeralds.