Page 42 of Framed in Florals (The Emerald Realm 3)

“I love you, Kalina.” He voiced the flower’s meaning as I looked up into his loving gaze. “Will you marry me?”

Joy swept through me as I pulled him into a tight embrace. My heart pounded in my chest as I pulled back to look into his smiling face, his lips only inches from mine.

“Is there a flower that means yes?” I whispered.

His face lit up in elation as he pulled me into a blissful kiss.

epilogue

“I’m sorry, Father.” Prince Conan kneeled at the base of the king’s jeweled throne, his eyes trained to the floor. “I should have disposed of the girl myself. I am solely to blame.”

The king peered down at his son with scornful eyes. “Is this how you get your blade dirty?” the king sneered. “You managed to put down a foolish old man, but you spare a measly child? I thought you had more spine than that.”

Prince Conan tensed. “Forgive me, Father, I was too greedy. I wanted the girl to die a more painful death than my blade could bring her. I never imagined she would survive, or become the Dranco’s queen, for that matter.” His teeth gritted as he spoke of the girl.

“Typical.” A prude laugh emitted from his father. “Fortunately, I knew your arrogance would lead to this outcome.”

The prince looked up at his father with puzzled eyes. “How could you have known?”

The king tilted his chin up, glaring down at his eldest son. “I have my ways…” he said belittlingly. “Perhaps if you earn my favor, I’ll show you my tricks.”

The prince rose fully to his feet, glaring ice at his father. “Have I not already earned your favor?” he growled. “Did I not slay a king for you? I may have muddied Ashbourne’s name in the process, but doesn’t that only showcase our strength? Those with power aren’t suited for hiding in the shadows.”

“Silence,” the king commanded sternly. The prince went quiet, but his dark eyes continued to pierce through his father. The king stiffened in his throne. “You speak too much. I am indeed pleased with your work. I would not have sent you if I didn’t wish for these events to unfold.”

The prince frowned. “If you’re pleased with my work, then why not announce me as your successor?”

The king smirked. “Now, now, Conan, have a little patience… You and Miron have both had a chance to prove yourselves, but what about my dear second eldest?”

The prince stepped forward with clenched fists. “Killian!? You cannot be serious, Father. That weakling could never be king! I am your firstborn and have already proven myself. Why waste your time testing the fool!?”

The king quieted his roars with a steel glare. “You once said the same of Miron,” he hissed. “Being born first bears no weight with me. My kingdom shall only be ruled by the strongest. You have proven to me that you’ll do what is necessary, but I think your respect could use a little improvement.”

“I refuse to respect those beneath me.”

“Then you had better be certain they are beneath you.” His tone could have crippled a warrior as he bore his dark glare into his son. Without another word, the king waved a hand at his son and dismissed him, leaving the king alone in the expansive room.

With another wave, he summoned a servant. He tapped his ringed fingers against the throne’s arm as the servant scurried in front of him and bowed low.

“Send in Prince Killian.”

The dress fit beautifully. Today was a day that the entire kingdom would celebrate, the day that I married the newly crowned king of Drancos. Affectionate warmth filled me at the realization that I would soon become Jasper’s bride. My brown eyes beamed back at me in the mirror with my elation. The wedding gown I adorned was nothing short of astonishing. Pure white silk hugged my torso before splaying out into a full skirt at my waist. The palace seamstresses had done a beautiful job embroidering the hem and bodice. All along the base of the skirt were delicate embroidered flowers, each one as vividly stunning as its live inspiration. My bodice and sleeves also contained a few flower stitchings, with a perfect white daisy crested in the center. It was everything I could have hoped for and more. I turned around in the mirror as my entourage awed in unison.

“You’re breathtaking, Kalina,” Yvette sobbed through puffy eyes. “You look just like your mother did at your age, but with your father’s eyes.”

My heart melted at the woman’s joyful cries, and I stepped away from the mirror to embrace her tenderly. Beatrice sniffed behind me, and for a moment, I thought I noticed a gloss in her eyes as well.

“You make a beautiful bride,” she said through choked words. “Your parents would have been so proud.” I could tell she was trying to withhold any waterworks, but a single tear slid down her cheek, and I wrapped her in the hug as well.

“I wish they could be here today,” I whispered to the women. “But I’m so thankful to have you both here in their place. I owe the world to you two. Thank you for being there for me when no one else was.”

Their embrace tightened as a soft knock sounded on the suite’s door. As I looked up, I saw two more cheery faces smiling back at me.

“What are we? Chopped liver?” Chester pouted with a slight grin tugging at his mouth.

“Face it, Chester,” Corliss added while shaking his head, “the ladies outdid us in the mothering department.”

I laughed at the two boys, then waved at them to join us. “I’m thankful for both of you, too. Now get over here and hug me!”

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