It was a beautiful evening. The palace of Euphrania had perhaps never seen such happiness as it did that night, such shining eyes, such joyful smiles. Two couples, beforehand separated by what had seemed insurmountable circumstances, were together at last with the ones they loved. All seemed well with the world that night. For how could they, wrapped in their love and happiness, have foreseen the raging storm of misery just before them?
Perhaps it was not entirely unexpected, for John and Caroline, in their concern for their friends, both sensed a subtle air of tension. Nervous glances from the king and queen. Whispered remarks between the chancellors. But Edward and Cinderella were blissfully ignorant of all this for they had eyes only for each other.
The night was summer-warm and the moon rose full. In the starlit garden, the roses were in full bloom and the soft breezes gently stirred the branches. Together, the two young couples walked in the garden. Edward and Cinderella heartily believed that all troubles were behind them now and, in the beauty of the glorious evening, John and Caroline forgot their worries. Lighthearted chatter and merry laughter filled the little garden that night and, for a few hours at least, fate smiled kindly on them. A kind, though rather insincere smile for it would not be long now before fate once again turned cruel and twisted loving hearts in its cold hands.
"Do you remember," John said to Caroline as they stood on the cobbled path, "That day I gave you the rose?"
"How could I forget it?" she laughed happily. "That rose has lain on the table beside my bed all these years."
"I don't suppose you noticed the petal you dropped that day," he grinned. "It fell from the rose just as you went back inside. I still have that as well."
"And the sonnet," Caroline added. "Remember the sonnet? Love… is an ever-fixed mark…"
"That looks on tempests and is never shaken," John finished for her. "To this day that's about the only literature I know. But I know it by heart. Every word." He reached out and, taking another rose from the bush, placed it in her hands.
"This marks the renewal of the silent promise I made that day." Caroline looked up at him, happy tears again filling her eyes. "I promised," he continued, "To love you forever and always, even if I was doomed to be separated from you forever. And how glad I am that we are together at last."
"Such a miracle." Caroline murmured as he pulled her close. "God has blessed us beyond measure."
The two couples had separated for a few moments but now Edward and Cinderella rejoined them.
"Caroline," cried she, eagerly. "I have a favor to ask of you." She hesitated and glanced at Edward. He was smiling at her. She was a timid little creature, in spite of her inner strength, and seemed always to be drawing courage from him. Even if it was not a difficult request she had to make.
"Anything," Caroline replied, just as eagerly.
"At our wedding… I would be so pleased if you would be my maid of honor."
"It would be an honor," Caroline put her arms around her new friend. How wonderful life was! In just two days had she gained the one she loved… and a delightful and dear friend!