Chapter Seven
The Proposal
When I woke up, memories flooded back into my mind, and just as I recollected my thoughts, the queen burst into the room and rushed to my side.
"Dear child, I have heard all about your courage and endurance from Kieren!" The Queen shouted with joy, "And I will be honored to have you as a daughter in law."
I wasn't sure I had heard the queen right, so I stayed silent.
"Mother!" Kieren rushed into the room and blushed from head to toe. Then, he knelt at my side.
"You were amazing in the forest," Kieren said. "You were-I scarcely believe how lucky I am. Growing up, I tried to imagine whom I would come to love, and I'd think, I hope she's clever, I hope we would have things to say to each other, and I wouldn't cry if she was a beauty as well. But I never imagined that I could meet a girl who had all those things! You're what I, and the kingdom, needs the most."
My stomach tingled pleasantly, "Am I really?"
"You're everything and more, Arabella."
"I'd like to be." I answered truthfully.
"Then," Kieren asked in an anxious tone, "will you have me?"
"Yes," I smiled and laughed.
The queen smiled, "Welcome to the family, daughter."
I grinned, and I felt as though I had finally found a place where I belonged.