CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 7

[Prince Felipe]

She accepted, thank God! I heave a sigh of relief and smile in her direction as we walk with our arms entwined back to my father's office.

"Are you ready to go back in there? If you need more time, we can wait out here for a few more minutes until you're ready to deliver the news to everyone," I say, holding her hands in mine as we stop in front of the heavy doors that will seal our future from here on.

"No need, it's alright. I'm prepared to face any challenge. Peace for our people and our land depends on this decision," Luz responds, displaying a confidence that isn't entirely real, but I admire her strength and courage in the face of such a challenge.

"Your hands are trembling," I comment with a sympathetic and understanding smile. "There's nothing to fear, I assure you. You have my word. I'll be by your side the whole time, trust me," I affirm, bringing her gloved fingers toward my lips and planting a kiss on them.

"I believe you, Your Highness," Luz replies with a wavering voice, her large green eyes slightly widened, and her cheeks flushed by the gesture.

"Just Felipe, please. We've already made an agreement about that, remember?" I inquire with a playful tone, and she nods, looking away, visibly embarrassed.

"Don't be shy with me, Luz, and don't keep averting your gaze every time we talk. I like to admire those two beautiful emeralds when we're together," I say as I place a hand under her chin and gently turn it in my direction. "Have I ever told you how your eyes resemble two emeralds, Luz? So green and so precious."

"You haven't, and I don't think this is the ideal moment for such compliments," she interrupts, clearly embarrassed by the simple praise, and I suppress a laugh. "You have more important news to announce to your family now, right?"

Her hands break contact with mine as she swiftly changes the subject.

"We both do, dear bride," I retort playfully as I place her small palm on my forearm, leaving her ready to respond to something, but I'm quicker and push the door, making both of us enter the royal office, where my brothers and my father await us with distinct and curious expressions.

"I'd like to inform everyone in this room that Miss Luz has just accepted my marriage proposal. She said yes to my request and yes to helping this family in crisis," I declare as I open my mouth, and I can see that the information seems to bring some relief to my father, who lets out a discreet sigh through his lips and relaxes his tense shoulders on the chair.

"But of course, she accepted," Frederick comments sarcastically, and I narrow my eyes in disapproval of his attitude.

"What did you say?" Luz asks, puzzled at my side, and I quickly change the subject before confusion ensues.

"Aren't we going to receive congratulations, dear family?" I jest, and suddenly a whirlwind of blonde hair rushes, throwing herself at me, squeezing her tiny arms tightly around me in a tight hug.

"Congratulations, brother! I'm so happy for you. I wish with all my heart that you'll be extremely happy," Francesca celebrates, euphoric as I lift her off the ground, her feet dangling in the air.

"Congratulations to you too, dear sister! Welcome to this family of lunatics," Francesca says, disentangling herself from me and moving on to give my now-fiancée a second hug, who widens her green eyes, probably taken aback by my little sister's impulsiveness.

"Starting with you, isn't that right, Francesca?" I comment ironically as she rolls her eyes but laughs.

"Especially," she adds as she steps away from Luz and takes a step to the side.

"Miss Luz, I want to express my sincerest words of gratitude for what you are willing to do today," my father approaches, and I see Luz swallowing nervously as the king gets closer.

I squeeze her hand, silently conveying confidence, but I don't say anything to intervene. This is a moment that doesn't concern me, but rather Luz. This is her moment of introduction to our social circle, royalty... our family, which will soon be officially hers as well.

"It's not necessary, Your Majesty. I should be honored to serve the Kingdom," she replies, and my father offers her a gentle smile, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I won't debate the importance of this matter with the young lady; however, I still express my gratitude. And know that you and your family will be duly ensured of all the benefits agreed upon in this contract, provided that the confidentiality must be maintained by all."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Luz nods affirmatively on the topic that had been discussed by me a while ago. "You have my word and full cooperation."

"I'm counting on it," he replies, offering her a handshake, to which she responds timidly.

"Well, well... Felipe, my dear brother! What great news!" Frederick says, stopping in front of us. "Congratulations to the newest couple."

He pulls me into a hug after the strange and suddenly cheerful congratulations, and delivers two strong pats on my back with an open hand.

"Thank you, Frederick," I say as we separate again, not knowing how to react to his suspicious change of attitude.

Had Frederick finally changed his mind and started to accept my decision?

"Congratulations to the young lady too," he turns to Luz, who offers her hand in greeting, which my brother deliberately ignores.

"How formal, Luz! Can I call you Luz, can't I? Since from now on, we'll be part of the same family, we'll be like siblings," Frederick questions with a smile that's too big for his face, which is uncommon for his typically serious personality. He doesn't even allow the young lady to respond before continuing. "And as you can see, in this family, siblings greet each other with hugs. Come here, my newest little sister."

Luz doesn't even have time to process what's happening when my brother practically engulfs her delicate figure, compared to his large arms and towering height, and he wraps his arms around her narrow shoulders in an out-of-context hug.

I grimace disapprovingly when I notice, upon closer inspection, the moment when Frederick whispers something discreetly in Luz's ear so that no one else notices.

But I notice. Clearly.

I clench my fists in discontent and irritation when I catch the strange look they exchange, before she takes a step back, trying to establish some distance between them.