Dreamwalker's Bride - Chapter 137

Chapter 137: Unorthodox proposal
Sapphira’s face reddened, and Trace suppressed a grin. Ben seemed absolutely perfect for her, but of course he couldn’t say so without embarrassing the princess.

“Obviously you have conquered the nervousness which seemed to hinder you when you entered,” Sapphira said sharply.

“I was reminded that I do not actually stand a chance, Your Highness,” Ben shrugged. “And so, I have little to lose. I do not desire the power or status that marriage to you represents, and there is no benefit you could derive from marrying me that I can think of. Although you intrigue me greatly, you still seem to like me very little, if at all. And so, what reason do I have for nervousness? If I dared to imagine you were actually interested in choosing me, perhaps my demeanor might be a great deal different.”

The princess eyed him for several moments. “And what if I informed you that I fully intend on choosing you for my husband?”

“How cruel you are, to make fun of me so.” Ben smiled and shook his head, but Sapphira did not flinch. His grin wavered and faded from his face. “You’re… Surely, you’re not serious?”

“I’m afraid you are, indeed, the least objectionable of my choices.” She pursed her lips. “Please do contain your disappointment over the imminent royal decree ordering you to marry me. You’ll hurt my feelings if you don’t.”

“You’re teasing me, aren’t you?” His voice was far less confident than before, and he turned to look at Trace, “Please, have mercy on me and tell me the truth, for she toys with me now like a cat with a mouse.”

“You’re accusing me of lying.” Sapphira pointed out. “Hardly a fitting way for an intended groom to treat a bride.”

“I–” Ben stuttered, then clamped his mouth shut, darting a desperate glance at Trace.

“She’s not lying,” The bodyguard finally put in. “Congratulations.”

“I’m—but why?” Ben shook his head in disbelief. “I must be hallucinating. This isn’t possible.”

“Your doom is all but sealed,” Sapphira sympathized ironically. “A lifetime bound to me would make anyone miserable indeed.”

Trace almost chuckled at how Sapphira’s pride manifested as sarcastic self-deprecation. Or was the opposite true? Was she actually incredibly self-conscious and wore a mantle of aggrandizing herself to mask her true feelings?

“Your Highness,” Ben heaved a sigh, “My shock is no excuse to behave this way, please give me a moment to absorb the fact that my life is… not going to be what I imagined it would.”

“I will grant you a moment,” Sapphira waved her hand with an overdone air of graciousness and paused dramatically. “I’m sure you’re searching for the proper words to convince me that my decision is foolish so that you can make your escape.”

“Not at all,” Ben sighed. “I apologize that my wit has left me entirely. I will drop all my pride and speak plainly for a moment.”

Sapphira’s brow furrowed, and her demeanor slipped. “I’m listening.”

“I still cannot bring myself to believe, at least not entirely, that you would choose me,” Ben’s smile was unsteady, “but… if you are indeed serious, if this is actually happening and my life is about to change forever…” He paused and swallowed.

Ben took a deep breath and looked into the princess’s eyes.

“You are beautiful, as I said before. You are a bit haughty, but that minor fault is likely a product of your station more than your heart. My words from our last meeting, I meant them, and I think you long for community and belonging. I’m not convinced I would make a good husband for you, but if that is my destiny, then I will do my best to fulfill it well. I would stand beside you, and beside this kingdom, through triumph and through hardship.

“I have treated you lightly, but I would not do so, as your husband. You deserve more than flippancy. We have met, now, twice, as I did not dare to ask for a dance at your ball. I cannot honestly proclaim that I love you. Even if I could, you would find such a declaration cliche and insincere, I’m certain. I can say, however, that if you were not a princess, if you were closer to my station, I believe I would have pursued your acquaintance with all sincerity.”

The princess blinked several times, and turned away her face for a moment. Trace thought she might be trying to collect herself. She spoke again before turning her face back.

“How presumptuous,” She pursed her lips.

“That I believe I would have found you intriguing enough to get to know, without your wealth and station?” Ben asked. “I suppose we will never find out if that is true.”

There was silence for a time, and Sapphira took a shaky breath. “You may go, Ben. Our engagement announcement should be proclaimed later today. You will be given instructions… that is something you should be prepared for. Constant instructions will rule your life from now forward, at least until my Father’s death.”

“And then, I assume, one of your brothers will be crowned and give us orders for the rest of our lives,” Ben closed his eyes for a moment. “I understand. Will we be made to live in the palace or… I suppose the rest of my questions can wait.”

Trace watched as compassion flashed across Sapphira’s face.

“I’m sorry, Ben.” She said as she looked away, and he blinked in confusion and stared at her.

“Sorry? For choosing me from the lowest echelons of nobility to be the consort of a princess? Not just a princess, but one as beautiful and engaging as yourself? What an odd thing to apologize for. Though it is a heavy responsibility, it is by far the greatest honor I will ever have.” He smiled. “I cannot thank you enough for bestowing it on me.”

“Don’t thank me, please,” Sapphira frowned. “I don’t like that.”

“Thank you for telling me your preference so that I may abide by it better,” His smile twitched, and Sapphira’s frown turned into a slow smile. As he bowed and left, her eyes lingered on his back.

Then Denholm appeared in the doorway.