Chapter 20. One Love, One Lifetime

The next morning couldn't come quickly enough for Corinne. It took every ounce of self-control she could muster not to leap out of bed and rush to check on Louis. She jumped at Madame Hélène's offer to bring him breakfast. They all laughed at her over eagerness and gave her a tray of food, enough for her and Louis to eat together. She knocked lightly on his door before entering.

"Corinne!" His eyes lit up. "You're still here."

"Of course I am." She smiled sweetly. "You scared me when you just collapsed like that. I had to make sure you were all right."

"Well, I am." He grumbled.

"You don't sound like it."

He snorted. She set the tray on the bedside table and kissed him lightly.

"What's wrong, Louis."

"Philippe," he spat the other man's name. "How is it that my wretched cousin managed to escape our encounter unscathed while I'm stuck in bed, waylaid by one if his knives."

"Knives?" Corinne asked confused. "You and the Count fought with swords. I don't remember seeing any knives."

"That's the point. My cousin is a sneaky bastard."

"Oh."

"Indeed, ma chère." He too her hand. "Which reminds me, I owe you an explanation-"

"Actually, Aramina told me everything last night."

"Oh."

"Please don't be angry with her," Corinne pleaded. "She was just trying to help. And she cares about you."

"I'm beginning to realize that."

"Good." She tucked herself into his side. "Now, let's forget about all this for a little while and just enjoy breakfast."

Louis sighed. "All right. But there's one more thing I need you to do."

"What?"

"There's something in the pocket of my cloak that I need you to bring me."

Corinne slid off the bed and over to the chair his cloak was draped across. She searched for several minutes before producing a small, velvet box. She held it up for Louis to see.

"Perfect!" He exclaimed. "I thought it might have gotten lost in the confusion last night."

"What it is?" Corinne asked.

"Open it."

She did. A gasp escaped her lips. Inside was a ring. A lone diamond in the shape of the heart stood out from its center surrounded by smaller pink stones she didn't know the name for.

Louis' voice was distant in her ears. "I had a more elegant proposal planned, but-"

"Yes."

"Yes?"

"Yes!"

Corinne ran back to the bed and assaulted his entire face with kisses. He chuckled, slipping the ring onto her third finger. Its weight felt right. This was her ring. Her Louis. Her fiancé. She was getting married. A fresh round of more focused kisses followed. It was just starting to get good when a knock came from the door.

Louis groaned and pulled away from her lips. "What is it now?"

Madame Hélène peeked inside the room. "I thought you might like some tea with your breakfast."

"Do I have a choice?"

Corinne giggled. He was insufferable. Madame Hélène entered with a tray of tea, Aramina close at her mother's heels. Her green eyes immediately found the ring.

"I knew it!" She squealed. "I told you, didn't I, Mama?" The older woman nodded. "Oh, I'm so happy for you! We should celebrate!"

Corinne snuggled once more into Louis' side. Aramina and Madame Hélène joined their company. She rested her head against his chest, his heartbeat playing in her ear. Even now it still beat with the words: mine, mine, mine. In that moment nothing else mattered but Louis' arm around her shoulders and the steady beat of his heart.

...

I figured you guys deserved something nice after what I've put you through. I also tried so hard to avoid using All I Ask of You (because of it's heartbreaking implications for my poor Erik) but it just fits. So enjoy, and see you next week!