"Jacob?"

"Mmm, what's up, Greenie?" Jacob replied, not looking up from his book. It was one of the rare occasions where he was actually engrossed in something other than a fight.

Henry felt his nerves tighten. He'd practised this moment over and over, yet now that it was time, the anxiety was suffocating. It wasn't like him to be this nervous.

"Jacob, I… uh, wanted to ask you something," Henry stammered.

Jacob finally glanced up, noticing Henry's unusual unease. With a raised eyebrow, he stood, giving Henry a curious look. "Alright, out with it, Greenie. Can't be that bad."

Henry took a deep breath, reaching into his pocket for a small box. His hand was steady, but inside he felt like his stomach might twist in knots. He opened the box carefully, revealing the ring inside—simple yet elegant, exactly what he knew would suit Evie. The platinum band was unadorned apart from a single round-cut diamond that shone with a quiet brilliance, much like the woman he loved—strong, graceful, and never flashy.

Jacob's eyes widened, then a grin spread across his face. "Oh, Greenie! You romantic fool! I accept!" he teased, pretending to wipe a tear from his eye.

The joke only made Henry more flustered, his words failing him as he stammered and struggled to respond.

Jacob laughed heartily, giving Henry a firm slap on the shoulder that nearly caused him to drop the box. Noticing the gravity of the moment for once, Jacob's smile softened. "Alright, alright. What is it you wanted to ask me?"

Henry took another deep breath, composing himself. "Jacob, you know I care deeply for Evie. She means the world to me. I love her, and I want to spend the rest of my life with her. So, I'm here to ask for your blessing to ask for her hand in marriage."

Silence.

Henry's heart pounded. This wasn't a good sign from Jacob—was he mad? Refusing? Did he disapprove?

Then, something unexpected happened. Jacob, the reckless and impulsive Frye twin, who had fought Templars and made London tremble, began to tear up.

Swallowing hard, Jacob nodded. "Henry, I know Evie doesn't need anyone's permission—she's her own woman. But it means a lot that you'd come to me for this." His voice cracked slightly, but he pulled Henry into a tight, brotherly hug.

"Of course you have my blessing, Greenie."


Evie had received a single dahlia with a note attached: "Meet me at our spot on top of St Paul's – Henry."

Her heart fluttered as she read the note, a soft smile playing on her lips. Dahlias had always been her favourite flower, and since Henry had introduced her to floriography, she knew that they symbolised a lasting bond.

She wondered what the occasion could be.

"How sweet!" came Jacob's voice, startling Evie out of her thoughts.

"Don't sneak up on me like that!" she snapped, regaining her composure.

"Sorry, sister dearest," he said teasingly. "But Greenie, honestly, what a romantic."

Evie rolled her eyes and threw a knife at him. The blade whizzed past Jacob's ear and embedded itself in the wooden panel of the train carriage. She never missed. He knew it was a warning.


Later that day, as Evie climbed to the top of St Paul's, the familiar skyline of London greeted her, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. When she reached the peak platform, she found Henry sitting on a blanket, a picnic basket beside him. An array of delectable food was spread out, and the sight immediately put her at ease.

Henry stood up with a teasing grin and gave a mock bow. "Miss Frye," he said, gesturing with a flourish.

Evie chuckled, giving him a playful curtsy in return. "Mister Green."

"Please, take a seat," Henry said, gently taking her hand and leading her to the blanket as though she were royalty.

They spent the evening talking, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. It was effortless, as it always had been between them.

As the sky turned a dazzling array of orange and red, Henry grew increasingly nervous. This was it. The moment.

From the picnic basket, he pulled out a small music box—one similar to the ones used to enter Michel Reuge's vault. He wound it, and a soft melody filled the air.

Standing up, he extended his hand toward Evie. "Care to dance?" he asked with a slight smile.

Evie raised an eyebrow but couldn't help laughing. The idea of dancing atop St Paul's seemed a little ridiculous, but she accepted his hand without hesitation.

He twirled her around, dipped her low, and, while gazing into her eyes, produced a small bouquet of flowers seemingly out of nowhere. "For you," he said softly.

Evie took the bouquet, recognising the coded message behind the flowers. "A message of hope… perfection," she murmured, reading the bouquet as Henry had taught her. "But a red tulip?"

"A declaration of love," Henry responded, his voice quieter now.

She stared at him, caught off-guard by the depth of his words. The look on her face shifted from curiosity to realisation as his intention became clear.

Henry, feeling the weight of the moment, stumbled slightly over his words. "Miss Frye, I… you know I hold you in the highest esteem and regard… I was wondering if you would do me the honour of… giving me your hand… in matrimony?"

Evie couldn't help the wide smile that spread across her face, her heart racing. "Yes," she replied, her voice steady but brimming with joy.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small ring box, opening it to reveal a beautiful ring.

"Oh, Jay…" she sighed lovingly. "It's absolutely gorgeous."

"As are you," Henry whispered, sliding the ring onto her finger. Evie cupped his face in her hands, gazing into his eyes. "It's beautiful, this whole evening has been perfect. I love you," she said, her voice filled with warmth.

Henry smiled and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face and leaned in closer. "And I love you, Evie," he whispered. "More than I can put into words. You've changed my life in ways I never thought possible."

They kissed deeply, the world around them fading as they basked in the moment.


They sat in each other's arms, watching the stars begin to dot the night sky, the bustling city of London far below them.

A thought crossed Evie's mind, and she smirked playfully. "You asked Jacob, didn't you?"

Henry blinked, slightly confused at the sudden change in topic.

"You asked Jacob for his blessing," she clarified, still smiling.

Henry chuckled. "Look, I know you don't need anyone's permission, but yes, I did."

Evie's felt herself falling even more in love with the man in front of her. It wasn't about permission, and they both knew that. It was about respect—for her and for her twin. She kissed Henry on the cheek. "Thank you. That means a lot—to me, and to Jacob."

As they sat together, the weight of their future felt both thrilling and calming at the same time. Whatever the future held, they would face it side by side.