JENNIE
Today was the day I would officially become the Duchess of Kim. In light of my father's passing, the queen had pushed the ceremony back until the summer. It had worked out for the best. Not only had I been able to work on my schooling some, but my friends were here. Patricia, Somi, and Bert were representing my family and sitting in the front row.
I could hear the large crowd gathered on the other side of the doors and looked at Lisa. I bit my lip and rubbed my hands together.
"You'll do fine. You can say the words in your sleep." She chuckled. "You do say them in your sleep."
I snorted and ran a hand over my gown. It was a floor-length, fitted dress, and every inch of it was covered in silver sparkles. I was wearing the deep green sash of the Kim family over my shoulder and the tiara with emeralds. Lisa picked up my hand and brought my fingers to her lips.
"Stop fidgeting. You're breathtaking."
"This tiara weighs eighty pounds." I reached up and touched it gently.
"You wear it very well." Her eyes ran over my body in appreciation. "You look like a queen."
"Please. Did you see your mother?" I patted my dress again. She was wearing a floor-length robe that trailed behind her, a sword tied around her waist, and a diadem that was older than the building we were standing in. "I'm so nervous. Where are you sitting? You never told me. Will you be up front with your mother?"
"Where would you like me to sit?" She flashed her mischievous smile.
"Where you're supposed to." I shook my head in exasperation.
"Now you sound like a queen."
"Lisa? You're being weird." I reached out and touched her cheek. "Are you okay? Are you nervous too?"
"A little." She ducked her head.
"You just have to sit there." I laughed.
"Yes, but I want to sit with your family." She looked up at me and my heart stuttered. Was she saying what I thought she was saying? She wanted to be family?
"They're pretty strict about that kind of stuff." I bit my lip. "Very formal occasions like this have a rule book."
"I know." Never taking her eyes from mine, Lisa moved to one knee in front of me. My heart beat so quickly I thought it would burst from my chest. There was something humbling but exciting to see her there, looking up at me. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a box. When she lifted the lid I thought I'd faint, but I didn't know how I'd get up off the floor in this dress, so I managed to stay upright.
"You want to sit with my family." My breathing had picked up so much that I started feeling dizzy. I knew Lisa loved me, knew that she saw this as our future, but never in my wildest dreams had I expected her to propose today.
"Jennie Ellen Frances, Duchess of Kim, will you be my wife and queen?" Her bright brown eyes stared up into mine. Love and devotion shone from them.
"Yes." My voice caught. "Yes, I will."
She slid the ring onto my finger before standing up and wrapping me in her arms. I kissed her like there was no one around. I didn't care who saw us or what the tabloids reported later. This was the happiest moment of my life and I was going to live it.