Author's Note: I used Miku Hatsune's Magical Mirai outfit (without the gloves and hat and the jacket doesn't have those coattail things on the back) as a visual aid for Devon's special outfit in this arc, so feel free to check that out if you want a more concrete idea of what it looks like.

"Trying to earn the apple of your eye's favor?" Sam pitched after the group had reentered the Mystery Shop to load up on anything Sam had that would ensure their success this time. "Want to guarantee an "I do" when you pop the question? Well, you're in luck. It just so happens that I've got a whole plethora of goods to win over your one and only!" He paused before shooting Crowley a smirk. "Or at least I did until you bought out my entire stock. I appreciate the business, headmaster!"

Crowley heaved a dramatic sigh as he muttered under his breath about how much his pocketbook was hurting, earning an eye roll and an unamused look from Devon and Grim, respectively. Though she wasn't going with the group for the purpose of proposing (not that she wouldn't have given it a shot if there was any indication that the ghost was interested in women), Sam felt it was important for Devon to dress up as well. Along with outfits for the boys, he found her a blue pleated dress with white trim around the hem and neckline and some white knee-high low-heeled boots with light purple bows and blue toes. The dress itself was strapless, but Sam had also found a darker blue short-sleeved jacket that fell just above her waist to go with it. Devon was sure her being dressed up was as crucial to the mission as Sam had made it sound, but she wasn't about to turn down a new outfit…or a chance to hit Crowley in the wallet.

"Hey, hey, don't look so glum," Sam said to Crowley. "You're getting what you pay for, after all. And my stock is guaranteed to win the bride over!" He nodded toward the closed door leading to the storage area at the back of the store, where the boys were getting ready. "Take the snazzy tuxes our groom hopefuls are changing into as we speak."

"Hey, does anyone know what I'm supposed to do with this boutonniere thing?" they heard Epel ask from behind the door.

"It's meant to go on your lapel," Riddle answered. "Here, allow me."

Ace's voice came next. "How do I know if I got all this stuff on right? There's way more parts than I expected."

"Not to worry, Monsieur Heart," Rook assured him, "your Albert chain and rosette are perfect."

"Come on out when you're ready, guys!" Ortho called.

Riddle was the first to emerge, his suit's long red jacket nearly matching his hair and accentuated by the black and champagne colors throughout the rest of the suit. He looked right at home in his outfit which shouldn't have come as a surprise, given his upbringing. "Well…here I am."

"You look so very gallant, Roi de Roses!" Rook exclaimed as he stepped out next. His suit jacket and pants were a blue that nearly matched Devon's dress and his vest was white with lighter blue vertical stripes. There were also small touches of red sprinkled throughout his ensemble, namely in the bowtie around his neck. "Magnifique! Tres magnifique!"

Riddle gave Rook a satisfied smile. "Thank you. I appreciate that. And I must say, you look rather nice as well. Very mature and put together."

"Merci!" Rook replied, beaming.

Ace was the next to show himself. His suit was red and black with a plaid pattern and his bangs had been pinned back out of his face. "Sure, the dorm leader and Rook look fine and all, but I'm not used to these kindsa duds. I feel like I'm waffling between "This is so cool and new" and "This is so stuffy and uncomfortable", y'know?"

"I know what you mean," Epel agreed as he finally stepped out. He was wearing a fairly simple yet snappy white suit jacket with black pants, but his light purple vest with red, blue, and white plaid accents added a nice pop of color. He also had a white rose pinned to his lapel-the boutonniere that Riddle had helped him with. He spread his arms out to look himself over. "Do I look weird in this getup? I feel like I look weird."

"Trust me, you don't," Devon replied. She looked each of them over approvingly, but found that she was having a hard time looking away from Ace for too long. "All of you look incredible."

"Yes, there's no need to worry," Rook agreed. "You suit highlights your natural charms and adds a nice debonair flair" He smiled between Epel and Ace. "Naturally, that goes for both you."

"Well I dunno about Epel, but I have a hard time taking Rook's compliments at face value," Ace said as he sidled over to Devon. "You're not one to sugarcoat stuff, New York, so what do you think? Am I nailing the look?"

Devon studied Ace for a moment before answering. She'd always known that he was handsome, but seeing him in formalwear just took him to a whole other level. A plaid suit wasn't a conventional choice, but then Ace had always done things his own way, so the suit was perfect for him in that respect. Maybe it was because she didn't see him in this sort of outfit very often or maybe it was how adorable she thought he looked as he watched her with an eager but nervous expression that was both very unlike him and so like him, but she couldn't stop herself from wondering what it would have been like if he'd been around to go with her to one of her school's dances back home. 'He'd easily be the best-lookin' guy there and I know we'd have a blast together. We always do.'

Ace started to shuffle his feet nervously at Devon's lack of response. He knew the plaid was a risk, but the colors matched his dorm uniform so he was confident he could make them work. Devon had always commented that Heartslabyul's dorm uniform looked like it was made for him, so he was hoping a suit with those colors would give him that mature look that she seemed to like. He'd never be as effortlessly rugged as Leona or as stupidly pretty as Jamil, but dang it, he could clean up pretty good when he wanted to. He hoped she'd feel the same way. He rubbed the back of his head, trying to play off his nervousness. "H-Heh… C'mon now, don't leave me in suspense here."

His words seemed to snap Devon out of her thoughts if her confused blink was any indication. "Sorry about that," she apologized with a sheepish smile, her cheeks warming at being caught staring. "I just got lost in how amazing you look. I think this is the first time I've ever seen someone look hot in plaid. This is a good look for you."

All of Ace's apprehension melted away immediately as his cheeks flushed a light pink and a flustered smile spread over his face. "Y-You really think so?"

Devon nodded. "Of course I do. Honestly, everyone's looks are on point tonight, but I think yours is my favorite."

Ace had to look away to hide his growing blush. "Well I guess I have to believe it now." He looked back at Devon, finally taking in her new outfit. He would have liked it be red so they'd match, but there was no denying that blue really was her color-not that he didn't think she looked great in everything. Plus, the way the darker blue of her jacket matched her curls looked absolutely adorable to him. "You look amazing too, by the way." He gently took one of Devon's curls and rubbed it between his thumb and index finger, unknowingly flustering Devon even further. "That bride's got nothin' on you."

Epel rolled his eyes and smirked playfully at his two friends. It wasn't uncommon to see Ace simping for Devon anymore, but it was a rare treat to see Devon returning the favor. He had noticed that it had been happening more often lately, though Ace didn't seem to realize it and none of the other freshmen in their squad were about to tell him-the guy didn't need the ego boost.

"Those suits you boys are wearing have been imbued with ancient magic," Sam explained. "The way I heard it, they make the wearers especially attractive to ghosts. And as a special bonus for the purchase of the suits," Sam snapped his fingers and a bouquet materialized in each of their hands, "you also get these Consolation Bouquets!"

"Ooh la la!" Rook exclaimed as he examined his bouquet. "Just look at these masterpieces! They're as colorful as they are lovely!"

"Needless to say, these aren't your average bouquets. They feed off of negative emotions," Sam supplied. "They can absorb sorrows, grudges-basically everything that gives ghosts their staying power. You can present them as gifts or just whack the ghosts with them. I think that's all the bases covered for you imps."

"That bride's heart's as good as mine!" Ace declared confidently.

"I'm starting to think I might actually have a chance," Epel said.

"Don't underestimate the power of drip!" Sam told them. "Just remember one thing: the Severance Ring is the only thing that can actually send the Ghost Bride to the afterlife. You can only call this operation a success once that ring is on her finger."

"I'm sure her retainers will be on even higher alert with the ceremony so close at hand," Crowley added. "I doubt you'll even be allowed through the door if you can't prove yourselves to be perfect suitors."

"A non-issue, headmaster. I plan to use what time we have to prepare wisely," Riddle assured him. "I shall be the picture of a perfect prince!"

"I, too, shall do my utmost to convey my love and affection!" Rook promised. "So long as my words are sincere enough, there will be no doubt as to how much I care."

"I'll win her heart, I know it!" Epel said with a determined look on his face.

"No worries. I'll bang out a proposal and have this whole thing wrapped up in no time," Ace added nonchalantly.

Devon smiled at their enthusiasm. "You've got this, guys!"

"Yeah! We're gonna send that bride packin' and bring home the tuna!" Grim cheered.

After taking a short break so each of the potential suitors could gather their thoughts and come up with a swoon-worthy proposal (and so Devon could fill a concerned Kalim and Silver in on what was happening via two very apologetic phone calls from both boys), five of the six members of Operation Proposal's C team had gathered near the gates of the main school building. Dominic had yet to check back in with Devon, but she knew DJ wasn't about to let him use his blessing again if he thought it was too much strain on Dom.

"Where in the world is Epel?" Riddle asked, looking around for any sign of the Pomefiore freshman. "It's nearly time to go."

"You think he got cold feet?" Ace asked.

"Nah, you saw how pumped he was for this," Devon replied. "There's no way he'd skip out at the last minute."

"Indeed. Monsieur Crabapple would never do something so cowardly," Rook agreed emphatically. "He's sure to turn up any moment-"

"Hey guys!" Epel's voice called out.

"Way to come in right before the-huh?" Ace began as he turned to face the direction Epel's voice had come from, only to cut himself off when he saw a giant dust cloud head straight for them.

"What is that thing?! It's chargin' right at us!" Grim exclaimed.

It was then that they heard the thunder of galloping hooves and Devon's stomach immediately dropped. 'Oh, you've got to be kidding me!' she though as she subtly moved hide behind Ace, peeking out over his shoulder as Epel quite literally rode up on a white horse.

"Sorry I'm late!" Epel said as he slowed the horse to a stop. "It took a little time to get everything ready."

"So are you gonna explain the horse or…?" Ace let the question hang.

"What do you mean? I heard that princes were supposed to ride up on horseback to whisk their partner away," Epel reasoned.

"Yeah, back in the olden days!" Ace exclaimed. "I don't know of any modern princes that would do something like that!" He looked to Riddle and Rook for support. "Back me up here, guys."

"Epel," Rook began, looking at Epel sternly for a moment before breaking into a bright smile. "Your level of ingenuity, hard work, and determination are just what I'd expect from a Pomefiore student! Tres bien!"

"And you're riding the most ornery horse in the Equestrian Club's stables, yet she's on her best behavior," Riddle added. "Seems you have quite a way with horses."

"Heheh. Thanks, you guys," Epel replied, blushing lightly at the praise.

"Man, talk about dressin' for the job you want…," Ace mumbled before looking over his shoulder at Devon. "You alright, New York? I know horses aren't really your thing."

"I'll be fine as long as it doesn't come near me," Devon replied. "Kinda surprised you haven't made some sort of comment, actually. This is sorta thing you live for, right?"

"Yeah, but there's a time and place for it. If you get too worked up before we even get in the building, there won't be anyone left to direct the Wisps. I mean, we both know they won't listen to anyone but you," Ace told her. The real reason he hadn't taken the chance to tease her like he normally would was because he was trying to ignore the fluttering feeling in his chest from realizing that Devon's first instinct when faced with something that genuinely scared her was to rely on him for protection. Not only that, but the fact that he found himself wanting this independent, crafty, and (reasonably) self-sufficient girl who could stare down an Overblot and insist she'd seen scarier faces on the subway to turn to him whenever she found herself afraid surprised him too. He winked and sent her his usual troublemaking smirk, hoping to make her feel better. "Don't worry, I'll get back to makin' fun of ya once this is done if ya miss it that much."

Devon smiled and rolled her eyes before pushing at his back gently.

"Not to interrupt," Riddle interjected, "but we don't have all night, you two."

"There are three hours until the wedding. I'm afraid we must save the banter for later," Rook agreed.

"Yeah, yeah, we get it," Ace grumbled.

"Guess we'd better get things started, then," Epel said before facing the gates and calling out, "HELLO!"

The shout caught the attention of one of the ghostly guards patrolling the outside of the building who then came over to see what the commotion was about. "Hmm? Who goes there?"

"Good evening, Monsieur," Rook greeted. "We come seeking the lovely bride's hand in marriage."

"More suitors, eh?" the guard replied. "The princess is quite fed up with the parade of insolent louts that coming knocking on our door. I have standing orders to let no one pass, so I must ask you to remove yourselves at once!"

"Are you sure you want me to leave?" Epel challenged. "You'll regret it if you do."

"Well, don't we sound sure of ourselves?" the guard remarked. "If you're so confident, then surely you won't mind if I put you to the test." His eyes landed on Devon. "You there! The young lady with the lovely curls. Come here."

Devon exchanged a look with Ace before doing as she was told, taking care not to get too close to the horse as she walked over to the ghost.

The guard looked her over. "Hmm… Yes, I suppose you'll do as a stand-in." He turned to the boys. "Pretend your companion here is the princess and propose to her! If you can convince me that you're serious, I might be willing to let you through."

If one listened carefully, one could probably hear the record scratch going off in Ace's brain. His mind began racing. "Oh no. Oh no no no no. This can't happen. Even if it's not real, I can't propose to Devon, of all people! I mean, I haven't even told her Io-' His eyes widened as he caught himself, 'l-like her! Like her! Yeah, that's what I meant! Definitely not at the big l-word just yet-' He jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned to see Riddle watching him.

"Just calm down, Ace," Riddle said. "I know how you must feel right now, but our only choice is to do as the guard says. If we try using force and end up getting beaten back, the mission will end in failure and Idia will lose his life."

Ace heaved a sigh, but he knew his dorm leader was right. "Yeah, okay. Let's get this done so we can move on, then."

"Please allow me to go first," Epel volunteered as he got off his horse and handed the reins off to Riddle.

The guard look at him with confusion. "What's the point of bringing a horse if you aren't going to-"

"It's because of me," Devon interjected. "I've been afraid of horses since I was little."

"Right. I fully intend to propose to the princess on horseback," Epel explained, "and though I know Devon would endure it if she had to, I'm not about to upset my friend if it's not necessary. I hope you understand."

"Hmm, quite a thoughtful young man. A fine quality in a suitor," the guard commented, nodding approvingly. "Very well. Show me your most heartfelt proposal!"

Epel stepped up to Devon, smiling at her gently. "I promise to always make you happy. I swear to be the one to gallop in on horseback to rescue whenever you're in distress! No matter the troubles we might face, I'll never give up or walk away. I'll protect you from all harm and I'll dedicate my eternity to prove that I'm a prince worthy of you, my princess! So please…will you marry me?"

He looked at Devon questioningly after he'd finished, silently asking her if his proposal sounded alright. He could tell from the look in her eyes that she'd been fighting to keep a straight face the entire time, not out of disrespect for him, but because she was well-aware of how much he hated sugary, sappy displays like the one he'd just spouted to her. They both knew that if he were actually proposing to someone, it would sound nothing like the word vomit he'd just spewed, but this seemed to be the type of thing the Ghost Bride went for. As such, he was beyond relieved to see Devon give him a subtle, encouraging nod.

"My, what an earnest gaze!" the guard commented. "I can only imagine how utterly princely you'll look with the horse!"

"Okay, so they seem pretty into the whole horse thing," Ace commented. "Maybe Epel was onto something, after all."

"And you there, orange-haired fellow?" the guard asked Ace. "The prince's retainer, perhaps?"

"Me?! A retainer to Epel?!" Ace exclaimed indignantly. "Don't make me laugh. I'm nothin' like these other plebes."

"Oh, so you're another suitor, then," the guard deduced. "Very well. You can go next."

"Fine. I'll prove I'm the best prince here!" Ace declared as he stepped up to Devon next, his wounded pride taking precedence over his nervousness. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "If you marry me-" Unfortunately it was at this point that Ace opened his eyes…and forgot everything he'd planned to say as soon as they met Devon's. He wracked his brain trying to remember even a little of the proposal he'd thought up, but he kept coming up empty. 'Okay, get it together, Trappola!' Ace scolded himself, his racing heartbeat practically deafening him as Devon gave him that concerned look he'd come to adore. 'This isn't the first time you've had to think on your feet. Just say the first thing that comes to mind and roll with it.' He looked at Devon again as he thought back on all they'd done together and how close they'd become. As much as recalling how he'd treated her when they first met made him cringe (not that he'd ever admit it), he knew he wouldn't have changed it even if he could. After all, that was what led them to fighting that monster in the mine, which led to the start of their friendship and Devon officially becoming an NRC student. He was never really one to enjoy school before, but now he found himself looking forward to class since he knew she'd be with him all day and each day he silently thanked whatever it was that brought her to Twisted Wonderland-to him-in the first place.

Before he realized what he was doing, he'd reached out to take one of her hands in both of his as he gazed at her with more warmth and affection than he'd ever known he was capable of.

"If you marry me," he started again, "I'll make sure every day is a blast. And sure, when two people are together long enough, they're bound to have some arguments, but promise to always apologize when we do. You'll always be able to count on me pull you in for some snuggles and put a smile on your face when things get tough. I'm the right prince for you, Princess. So please…," He reached one hand up to gently cradle Devon's cheek, his other hand bringing hers to his lips, "don't bother lookin' at any other guys. Marry me!"

It wasn't often that Devon was stunned speechless, but her brain had pretty much short-circuited from the moment he restarted his proposal. The sweet sincerity in his voice would've been enough on its own to throw her for a loop, but the loving way he looked at her and how gently he was holding her hand and cheek had her own heart racing as well. She could feel her cheeks getting warm again and she tried to get her scrambled thoughts back together, but one thing kept playing on repeat in her mind: 'Wait…do I have feelings for him?'

As if he could sense she needed something to ground her, Ace inched closer and touched his forehead to Devon's. She smiled as her brown eyes met his red ones and for a moment, it was just the two of them.

…And then the moment ended.

"My word! What a genuinely loving display!" the guard exclaimed, causing Ace and Devon to take a step back from each other with flustered expressions. "I could sense how much you want to make your partner happy. I do beg your pardon for suggesting that you were a mere retainer before, young man."

"H-Heh… Uh…yeah," Ace stammered as he rejoined the other potential suitors, rubbing the back of his head and refusing to make eye contact with them or with Devon as he tried to calm the blush on his cheeks. 'Ugh, I can't believe I said something so stupid to her! And in front of everyone else, too!'

""Genuinely loving" is right," Riddle commented to Ace with a knowing smirk. "That was a rather sweet proposal."

"Forget what you just saw!" Ace whispered back. "That wasn't real, anyway-I was just fakin' it and makin' it!"

"Denial isn't a good look, Ace," Riddle replied. "It's obvious that you were speaking from the heart and equally obvious that you were speaking to Devon and not the Ghost Bride."

"Myahahaha!" Grim cackled. "Lookit Ace, gettin' all in his feelings!"

"Shut up, Grim!" Ace said with a roll of his eyes.

"That proposal was very you, Ace, in a good way," Riddle told him encouragingly. "It's a pity that the princess will be choosing me once all's said and done."

"I take it you want to go next, then?" the ghost guard asked Riddle as he stepped up to Devon. "Alright, let's hear it!"

Riddle closed his eyes and took a breath before looking Devon in the eyes. "I swear my loyalty to you! No matter what challenges we face, I promise that I will never doubt you or hurt you. I will do anything in my power to ensure your happiness." He offered her a small smile, looking every bit the gallant prince he was dressed as, his confidence bolstered by Devon's subtle thumbs-up. "Would you allow me the honor of your hand in marriage?"

The guard nodded approvingly. "Very convincing. No words were minced but it was still more than enough to stir one's heart."

"Dang, that was cool," Epel commented.

"You seem pretty earnest yourself there, dorm leader," Ace added with a smirk of his own.

Riddle cleared his throat as he made his way back over to them. "Th-That's quite enough of that, you two."

"All three of you made such wonderful proposals!" Rook complimented. "And now I do believe it's my turn."

"You've got some tough acts to follow, young man," the guard warned. "I hope you're prepared to step up."

"Indeed. I shall strive to deliver a proposal every bit as heart-stopping as my companions'," Rook promise with confidence before sending Devon a disarming smile. "I implore you, mon tresor, please allow me to be your eternally devoted love. I am aware that you've spent centuries in solitude, so I have prepared a poem in your honor: Ill-fated princess of yore… Lo, how you make my heart soar. Oh, your cold face streaked with tears. Vibrant warmth, I'd share for years. Eyes of azure, misty, yet strong. You'll find I'll dry them ere long. Once I've caught your clear-eyed gaze… Undying love, yours always."

Devon and the guard could only stare for a moment before Devon finally uttered a "Wow…"

"I thought I was gonna blush just listening to that!" Ace added.

Riddle was silent for a moment as he took in Rook's poem. His eyes suddenly widened as he caught onto something the prose. "Ah! Everyone, try putting the first letter of each line together!"

"The first letters?" Epel repeated, confused.

"You don't actually think I memorized that whole thing, do ya?" Grim asked dryly.

Riddle shook his head. "I should have thought to write it down! What an oversight! Well, no matter; I can still do it for you. When you put the first letters of each line together… They spell out "I love you"!"

"What?!" everyone but Riddle and Rook exclaimed.

"Dang… I didn't even realize," Devon said before smiling over at Rook. "Pretty slick, Rook!"

Rook smiled back. "Thank you, Mademoiselle Trickster! And thank you, Roi de Roses, for your discerning eye."

"I happen to be an expert at crossword puzzles," Riddle replied, looking pleased with himself.

"What does that have to do with anything?!" Ace demanded.

"So are all guys from Pomefiore weirdos or what?" Grim asked.

"Hey now, take it easy with the "all" stuff!" Epel protested.

Rook turned his attention back to the guard. "If my last poem was not sufficient proof, I would be more than happy to offer you another: Alas, in my chest's a hole. Left from when my heart you stole. Would that I could turn back time… And escape this love sublime. Yet there is no other way…Save going further astray…"

"Okay, okay, enough!" the guard interjected. "You've made your feelings perfectly clear!" He brushed some nonexistent dirt off of his tattered uniform before urging Devon back to the rest of the group. She made her way over-making sure to keep clear of Epel's horse-and stood next to Ace, the pair awkwardly avoiding eye contact despite standing close enough that their arms brushed together. The guard cleared his throat before he continued, "I'll grant that the four of you are nothing like the oafs that came before you."

"So we've passed your test then?" Riddle asked. "Wonderful. I trust that means you'll let us through?"

"It's just that there's one small matter that needs to be addressed first," the guard replied.

"And that would be…?" Riddle pressed.

"It's you," the guard told Riddle bluntly. "You're too short."

Once again, a deadly silence fell over the area. Riddle stared at the guard for a moment, caught off-guard by the statement, but his eyes narrowed into a fierce glare as the words sunk in.

"O-Okay, just try to stay cool, dorm leader,' Ace urged gently, trying to stop the fire before it started.

"You…," Riddle growled at the ghost, the single syllable trembling with rage.

"This guy just doesn't understand what a great catch you are!" Ace continued quickly. "Talk about a rube, am I right?" He laughed nervously, nudging Devon in the ribs to get her to play along.

"S-Seriously," Devon agreed, looking just as nervous as Ace. Between Crowley and Floyd, Riddle had already had his buttons pushed too many times today. It seemed a meltdown was all but inevitable now. "The guy needs to get his eyes checked or somethin'."

Unfortunately, it appeared that Riddle wasn't able to hear them-the comments about his height drowned out any sort of attempt to calm him down and his gaze stayed laser-focused on the offending ghost. "How dare you…" There was barely time to blink before Riddle's face was as red as his hair again. "How dare you speak to me that way! [Off With Your Head]!"

"Pardon?!" the ghost exclaimed, barely having any time to react as Riddle's magic-sealing collar clicked into place.

"I shall see you burned for this, you insolent fool!" Riddle continued to rant, casting a fire spell with barely a wave of his magical pen.

"My word, that's hot!" the ghost shouted as the flames hit him. Unable to retaliate thanks to Riddle Unique Magic, he retreated back into the building.

"My, what magnificent flames! Did you see how they engulfed the ghost?!" Rook marveled at Riddle's attack.

"How long must I continue to endure these comments about my height?!" Riddle groused as the red left his face. "It's a scientific fact that men grow well into their 20s! I've still got time left!"

"Sounds like you've clearly done your research," Ace commented. "Does it really bother you that much?"

"O-Of course not! What bothers me is people who judge others solely by their appearance!" Riddle deflected.

"I get where you're coming from Riddle," Epel sympathized, "but if you use loud, flashy magic like that-"

"What's this I hear about a commotion at the gates?!" shouted another ghost as a new contingent of guards suddenly appeared before them.

"That's what I was afraid of. Looks like we've got more retainers incoming!" Epel reported.

"Are they the cause of the disturbance?" a second guard asked. "We must capture any interlopers forthwith!" Without further ado, he sent a blast of void magic hurtling toward them.

"For real?! The ghosts are pullin' out the magic attacks already!" Grim shouted, leaping backward as Devon used her staff to deflect the blast with Nyx's own void magic.

"Well, I guess proposing on horseback is outta the question now," Epel sighed. He turned to his horse and gave it a pat. "You should hurry and get back to the stables before things really get messy."

The horse whinnied before galloping off in the direction of the stables and Devon heaved a barely audible sigh of relief.

"The horse is the least of our problems!" Ace shouted before rounding on Riddle. "You do realize that you just sent Operation Propose up in literal flames, don't you?!"

"Look, I'm sorry," Riddle apologized, having the decency to look sheepish. "I was already feeling pressured because of the time limit, so when I got angry, I just…"

"You've gotta be the worst suitor out of all of us!" Ace exclaimed.

Riddle wanted to argue, but he couldn't deny that Ace had a point. Thanks to his short temper, they might not even be able to get into the building now, let alone stop the wedding and save Idia. "What have I done…?"

Rook laid a comforting hand on Riddle's shoulder. "Do not worry, Roi de Roses. The way you bristle like a hedgehog when angered is quite lovely in its own right. I'm sure even the ghost caught up in your flames is giving you a standing ovation as we speak!"

"No way!' Ace disagreed.

"Y'all," Devon called out to them as Zephyr's wind magic blew another attack from the ghosts off course, "I love banter as much as the next person, but can we save it for when we don't have a horde of sycophantic retainers comin' at us?"

"Princess Eliza's wedding is upon us! We won't allow anyone to ruin it!" declared another guard as the ghosts began to bear down on them again.

"Ugh, fine! If that's how it's gonna be," Ace readied the magical bouquet he got from Sam, "I guess we're doin' this the hard way!"

Ending Notes: Hopefully I delivered on the Ace content in this chapter. He and Devon can be such little toots but I think they've also got the potential to be a really sweet couple once Dev takes her romance blinders off and Ace stops with the bravado for a few seconds-though I guess that one goes for all of her potential love interests except for Malleus. Compared to Devon and her LIs, Idia and Dom are a walk in the park since the only thing that's really keeping them from being together is them being stuck in separate worlds. Neither of them are in denial about how they feel about each other (it's not quite love yet since they're still learning about each other, but it definitely runs deeper than a friendship) and the only thing that kept either of them from pestering Devon about what the other likes and dislikes was revealing that they'd been talking to each other in secret. But now that the secret's out…

Thank you all so much for reading! As always, feedback and constructive criticism are welcome. Geekinthepink, out!