“But you’re here!” William Minna laughed. “Relax, my lord. The queen won’t fall into the water.”
Her smile was carefree, a side of her Albert had never seen before. The girl he remembered was always serious and reserved, but now she was showing her unguarded side.
“Willy, look, there’s a pair of red-billed cranes,” he said.
William Minna turned her head to follow his pointing finger. A white bird had just disappeared into the reeds.
“What a pity…” she said as she turned back.
Her gaze fell on a deep blue velvet ring box. Inside was a diamond ring.
William Minna understood its significance. She covered her mouth in surprise, staring at the smiling Albert, unable to speak.
Tender emotions overflowed from Albert’s amber eyes. He took a deep breath and spoke: “Don’t laugh at my redundancy, William Minna. I mustered my courage. The previous proposal had terrible timing and atmosphere; I didn’t even bring a ring. You said it was one of the worst proposals, and I agree.”
Tenderness spread across William Minna’s face, and she couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, my Albert. Actually, I think a proposal without a ring is a tradition in our family.”
My great-grandfather proposed to my great-grandmother without a ring on the battlefield.”
“Thank you, Willy.” Her explanation helped Albert relax. “This is a family heirloom ring. It was given to my great-grandmother by my great-grandfather after he became the Imperial Marshal. This ring accompanied them through forty-seven years of life. When my mother asked why you didn’t wear an engagement ring, I realized my finger was bare.”
“Anyway, I feel this ring is extraordinary and hope it can bring us the blessings of our ancestors.”
After speaking, Albert knelt on one knee in the boat.
William Minna could hear her heart racing as if her lungs struggled to expand.
“You are the queen, William Minna. According to the rules, I’m not qualified to propose to you. But now we are just a man and a woman, under the gaze of the gods.”
Albert gazed at William Minna and asked, “William Minna, will you marry me?”
When these words reached her ears, William Minna felt air rushing into her lungs. Her heart was still racing, but she could finally breathe deeply.
A smile spread across her lips. “Yes, I will.”
