The two sides of the family were chatting in the living room which looked so majestic. The wooden chairs that supported the bodies of the users looked solidly clad in shiny lacquer.
"We are very happy that you and your family are coming, Your Highness."
"Yes, we are also very honored to have received this invitation, Your Highness."
"Because the war in that border region has put many things on delayed. So when we learned that the situation there had improved, we decided to invite you immediately." said the queen.
Princess Nicole and Prince George had been glancing at each other. As if they didn't care about the conversation between the two families. The princess and prince were busy with their own chatter. An invisible chatter.
"You're getting fat, Nicole!"
"Damn it! When you were little, I don't think your neck was that long."
"What exactly did your father invite us for?"
"I don't know! Aren't you happy to be here?"
"Of course Nicole! Aren't you happy to see me too?!"
During the conversation between His Majesty and Prince George's parents, Prince George asked for something. He couldn't wait to talk alone with princess Nicole.
"Your Majesty, if you will allow me, I would like to have a private conversation with the princess."
"Ah, of course! Of course I will allow you to speak with her, prince."
"Thank you, Your Highness. So, would it be alright if right now the princess and I talk in the backyard of the palace?"
Princess Nicole widened her eyes at the question, she did not expect Prince George was that crazy.
"What? Right now? Ah, well, go ahead, prince."
"Come on Nicole, go with Prince George!" said the Queen.
"Ah, okay mom!" the girl in the white dress got up from her chair. Along with Prince George. Both of them bowed politely to say goodbye.
Now they had stepped side by side into the large doorway there. When had to descend the stairs, Prince George's hand came up to receive Princess Nicole's hand. The man was about to guide the beautiful girl down the stairs.
"Thank you, George!"
"Hmm! Did you say I was crazy?"
"What?" Nicole's daughter pulled her face back to look at the man's face.
"Earlier, when I told your father that I wanted to talk to you now."
"Ah, right! You can hear it."
They were back together in the side corridor of the palace, about to head towards the courtyard on the back side.
"Did you not tell anyone all this time?"
"What George? Speak clearly!"
"About us being able to communicate in our hearts."
"Ah, of course I never told anyone."
"Hmm. After all, we can only communicate like that, when we're not too far away."
"I often tried it with some people I met. I wondering if I might meet someone who has the same ability as me. But, it never worked George."
The prince began to take his seat on the garden chair, as did princess Nicole who also sat beside him.
"Huh, I did that too, Nicole! I tried it starting with the people closest to me like my mom, dad, brother, cousins and to other people that I met, I tried it too. And you know that it didn't work either."
"That means it was just between the two of us?"
Prince George nodded, "Hmm! Doesn't that sound strange, Nicole?"
"It reminds me of when we first realized it."
"Yes! How could I forget that, Nicole!"
"Hahaha. In my heart, I said your legs are so short. And you...."
"I heard that. Then I got really annoyed with you and scolded you."
"Hmm. At that time, you suddenly said, "Why is it that my legs are short?" Hahaha. Then I was surprised and asked what you meant. And you said you could hear what I was saying in my heart."
"Hahaha. Time flies, Nicole. We're all grown up now. In fact, my legs are not short now, right? I have grown tall nicely. And if you can still remember my last words to myself, when Mom brought me home under the drizzle that afternoon...." then turned to daughter Nicole who interrupted him.
"I remember! I can still remember, George. Before getting into your carriage, you said you would come back later to marry me." the princess turned to Prince George.
Their gazes met, silent for seconds. Until one of them realized and ended his gaze.
"Ouch, why did I say that? I should have pretended to forget." her thoughts were unspoken.
"You regret saying that? Why should you pretend that you forgot? You can't lie to me when I'm around you, Nicole."
Princess Nicole sighed, "Alright George! I'm sorry."
"Now I want to keep my word. I want to marry you."
"Is it because of a word you said back then that you feel you have to keep it? Even you said it when you were nine years old!"
"No Nicole! That's not what I meant. I really like you, I'm in love with you. I feel like I'm suffering, when I'm away from you."
Princess Nicole blinked and her tears fell.
"Are you crying, Nicole? Did I hurt you?" Prince George panicked as he saw the girl beside him shedding tears.
Instead, Princess Nicole laughed and shook her head, while wiping away her tears.
"No! You didn't hurt me George. I... you really surprised me by your words earlier. Is it true that you suffer when you're away from me?" her tears this time flowing even more heavily as this time, her tears flowed even harder as she repeated the prince's words.
And that made Prince George use his fingers to wipe away her tears.
"Why are you so moved, Nicole?"
"I... I didn't expect that I would be so precious to someone."
"What are you saying, Nicole? You are so precious to me, to your parents, to everyone who knows you. You are so precious!"
"Thank you George! Thank you for telling me that. So, are you serious about marrying me?"

"Of course Nicole! Of course I'm not joking."
"Of course? I haven't asked you anything yet."
"But you have asked me in your heart, Nicole! And I answered it."
"Ah, yes. All right!"
"So, you want to marry me?"
"What am I supposed to answer George?" there was only a smile on the princess's lips.
"Of course you have to say yes!"
"Hahaha. We are very funny George. When we get married, we will know that one of us wants to start a fight. Then one of us avoids, and finally... Hahaha. I don't know what will happen George!"
"Did you say, when we get married? Does that mean you willing to marry me, Nicole?"
"Hmm! Of course! It will be very exciting to be your wife!" she replied confidently as she nodding her head.
And Prince George could only smile broadly, looking at Princess Nicole's face with his deepest gaze. A gaze that seemed to express the sincerity of his love for Princess Nicole.