Page 47 of Kingdom of Lies

But she is more than a work of art; she is the embodiment of beauty and grace. My perfectly imperfect mate, every curve and flaw and line a masterpiece to behold.

I guide her to a secluded alcove, framed by an abundance of fragrant blossoms that she loves so dearly. The soft petals brush against our skin as we enter this private haven. Trembling with nerves, my heart racing in anticipation, I sink to one knee before her.

My perfectly imperfect mate.

Her eyes go wide, hands rising to her mouth in surprise. Heart pounding, I present the velvet ring box.

“Kathleen," I begin, voice husky with emotion, "From the first moment I saw you, some deeper instinct told me our fates were meant to entwine. At the time, I thought it was bad, let's be honest you were a mess..."

She laughs and playfully hits me. "But somehow you showed this old warhorse that he did in fact have a heart... along with the capacity to love and all the rest..."

I cradle her small human frame against mine. "Though the path has been difficult, my love and devotion have only grown."

Kathleen's eyes glisten with tears in the soft glow. I press on, her hands in mine, my heart racing with excitement and love. I gaze into her bright, beautiful eyes and ask the question that will bind us together in the human tradition: "To honor you, and celebrate the blessing you are in my life, Kathleen, will you marry me?"

Tears of pure happiness well up in her eyes like sparkling jewels, threatening to spill over as she nods eagerly, unable to contain her overwhelming joy. "Yes!" she exclaims, the word bursting from her lips with such force it seems to echo through the night. She pulls me into a fierce embrace, her arms wrapping tightly around me as if she never wants to let go. "A thousand times yes!"

All around us, the world melts away and colors seem more vibrant in the moon and starlight.

Our kiss is a perfect moment.

She completes me in ways I never even thought possible.

And for her, I want to start the rest of life together right.

Anything for her.

My love.

My true mate.

27

KATHLEEN

Two weeks.

Only fourteen days until the day of our human wedding, and yet it feels like a lifetime away. The time is flying by in a whirlwind of preparations and excitement. My mind can hardly process the fact that this is actually happening… despite my humble beginnings, I am suddenly thrust into a world of luxury and opulence. Every moment is filled with primping and pampering fit for royalty. Draknir, my beloved groom, spares no expense in ensuring that our wedding will be nothing short of perfection.

Anticipating the wedding, Draknir assigned me an entire entourage of lovely elven ladies to help me prepare, effectively doubling the handmaidens at my service. Though initially feeling out of place with such pampering, I soon found myself embraced as a sister by the kind elf maidservants. The sweet elf maidservants treat me as one of their own.

Finally, I have female friends to whisper and giggle with!

We are like carefree girls again, laughing and gossiping endlessly about dream weddings, handsome men, and the latest fashion trends as they help me prepare for each day. I can hardly recognize myself in the mirror, transformed from a mud-stained peasant to a radiant bride. Each day brings new excitement as the wedding draws nearer.

From dress fittings that make me feel like a princess to indulging in menu samplings and attending music rehearsals, I am able to make all of the decisions. Me, the forgotten dripir girl now living out this fairy tale with every breath I take.

At first I felt out of place, a mere peasant girl suddenly living a princess's fairy tale. But Lena, Rona and the other girls welcomed me warmly, swiftly helping me learn the ways of the higher caste of society.

At times, I have to pinch myself to make sure it's not just a dream. But the genuine smiles and warm embraces from my dear friends reassure me - I have finally found my place in this world. My impossible fantasy has become a reality, all thanks to unwavering love.

We pass endless hours giggling over gown sketches, sampling cakes, debating floral arrangements. With their doting help, I feel myself transform from a cautious wallflower into a radiantly confident bride.

"Oh Miss Kat, you look simply beautiful!" Lena gushes during one final dress fitting. We all tear up, hugging tightly.

In just two days' time, I will walk down the aisle to the love of my life. Surrounded by loved ones, I know this is exactly where I belong.

"Oh Miss Kat, this lacework on your gown is just exquisite!" exclaims Lena, one of my elf handmaidens, as she assists with my dress fitting.

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