Leon took Oriana to the Noble’s Cemetery where Aparctias nobles were buried and her eyes widened upon seeing her mother and father’s name carved to two of the gravestones. So that’s why she couldn’t find her parent’s corpses in the Atherton grave because they were buried in the Noble’s Cemetery.
“Mom… Dad…” Oriana whispered, holding back her tears. “I missed you… so much.”
Leon knelt in front of them and placed two bouquets of white lilies. He smiled and put another bouquet to his father’s grave beside them.
“Dad, look. She’s my beautiful girlfriend and the future mistress of House Norton.” He said proudly, making Oriana flushed. She quickly wiped her tears away and Leon then looked at the Athertons.
“I’m sorry for putting your precious daughter in harm's way.” He said and brushed their names with his palm.
“C-Colonel, you don’t have to apologize. It’s my job after all.” She stuttered.
“I’m not talking to you.”
“Sorry.”
Leon cleared his throat. “But I just want to thank you… for giving birth to someone as special as her.”
Oriana’s eyes trembled especially when Leon glanced at her and smiled. “She’s the most special woman to me now. Well, the Ruler's an exemption. “ He chuckled and took her hand before planting a swift kiss.
“Can you please wait for me in the villa? I just want to stay for a while.” He said.
“But I want to stay for a little while more, Colonel. I always wanted to see their graves.”
Leon smiled. “I know. But we will visit again. For now, follow what I say.”
Oriana sighed. “Fine. See you there.”
Leon nodded and planted another kiss on her hand before she left. After some time, Leon’s visitor came. It was Elias.
“What’s the matter, boy?” He asked with his hands inside his pocket. Leon quickly tossed him his phone, which he caught easily.
“What’s this?”
“Play it.”
Elias frowned but did as he was told. And as soon as the recording played, tears slowly formed at the corner of his eyes. It was the same recording Ashriel gave to Oriana.
“Look here, man. Your parents are here.” Said Leon, pointing at the two graves. Seeing their names, Elias knelt down and smiled at his parents.
“Yo, Dad… Mom… I’m here. I finally got to see you, eh? How come you hide so well?” He laughed, brushing their names.
“Thank you for letting us see their graves. Her Highness decided to bury them here, I suppose?”
Leon nodded. “She broke down a little when they saw them. I’m pertaining to Oriana.”
Elias laughed. “I see. I’m not shocked at all since I’ll do the same if you’re not here.”
Leon laughed as well and knelt beside Elias. “One more thing… I’m planning on taking care of her for the rest of our lives.”
“Was that perhaps the main reason why you brought me here?”
Leon smirked. “You're sharp.”
“Of course I am.”
“She’s very precious to me as well. That’s why I want to show respect to you by formally asking for her hand.” He transferred his gaze from the grave to Elias. “But of course. Even if you don’t permit it, I will forcely take her hand.”
“Punk. Why would I refuse? Even when you will not forcely take her hand, she will always stay by your side, so I can’t do anything about that.”
He laughed and stood up, so did Leon.
“All her life I want her to be happy. But because of our older brother, she experienced pain and hardships. I don’t hold such power against Luis so I couldn’t do anything other than to let her escape… I’m glad it is you whom she bumped into.”
Elias reached out his hand for a handshake and Leon responded. “Take care of her or else… I don’t have to be a threat. I know you will.”
Leon asked the Cadre to help him propose to Oriana, which everyone agreed excitedly. The plan was Ashriel and Nathan would celebrate their first wedding anniversary in advance - just a show, at the Grand Hall and every High Members were required to wear gowns and tuxedos.
Olive stretched her body and neck after reviewing countless paperworks but stopped when her phone rang.
“Yes, Boss?” She answered.
“Your twin asked us for help to propose to Oriana tonight.” Ashriel started and explained the plan. “Fix yourself now and the makeup artists will bang at your door any moment.”
Olive suddenly perked. “Noted, Boss! So, she’ll officially be my sister-in-law!” She exclaimed and did what she was told.
The proposal night came and the whole Grand Hall was filled with flowers and various decorations. Olive gaped, thinking it was extra grand for an abrupt preparation.
“Ash, I wanted to tell you something.” Nathan said, holding his wife’s hand.
“What is it?”
He looked directly at her dazzling eyes and smiled. “I just want you to know I can never forget the day of our wedding. Aside from knowing that you’ll be my bride, of course. That’s an exemption.” He chuckled and so did Ashriel.
“You were so beautiful that I had a hard time looking straight into your eyes but at the same time, you’re captivating that the moment I laid my eyes on you, I didn't have the strength to take it off.” He took her hand and planted a swift kiss at the back of her hand.
Ashriel smiled and leaned forwards to kiss him. “I won’t use flowery words, but I want you to know you were, and you will always be the most handsome man in my life. Cherubim’s an exemption though.” She chuckled and they kissed before entering the hall.
Everyone greeted them in advance, a little confused why they celebrated early. Their twins together with Nile and Jasper also hugged them.
“Advance Happy Anniversary, Your Highness. More happy years to come.” Oriana greeted and hugged her.
“Thank you. Same goes with you. Congratulations in advance.”
Oriana’s brows met each other with her words and suddenly, the whole crowd became silent. Ashriel smiled and held her shoulders before turning her back.
Oriana’s eyes widened when she saw Leon, kneeling a meter away from her, holding the Norton Heirloom ring. Oriana covered her mouth with her two palms and removed them before smiling widely.
“Will you marry me?”
With that, the whole hall roared and cheered. But it became louder when Oriana said,
“Of course I will.”
Leon smiled from ear to ear and stood up, pulling Oriana’s hand but then he stopped.
“Let us wait for someone before I put this on your finger.”
With his words, the whole room turned dark. The crowd gasped but suddenly, the whole room was filled with music.
Olive gasped when a strong hand pulled her and her lips were captured and kissed deeply. She didn’t protest since she knew his smell and only one man could and would do that to her. She tried to touch his hair but was shocked to not be able to touch his long hair.
Then the lights were on, revealing Xieaniel with short hair, and Olive in his arms. Everyone cheered and Olive was stunned in disbelief. Xieaniel was more, more handsome than he was a year before.
Now she realized why only the two of them were wearing bridal gowns.
Xieaniel then laughed and said, “I won’t propose. Because I know you’ll marry me tonight.”
Leon slipped the Norton heirloom ring to Oriana’s ring finger and Xieaniel slipped the Ruby Ring to Olive’s ring finger. Finally, the Norton Twins were married that night.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: That's it, dear readers! I want you to know how thankful I am to all of you who supported my story despite my late uploads. Hoping you enjoyed it and by the way, for those who are asking, this is my first story so if you didn’t like how I wrote it, don’t worry, I’m on the road of improvement. Also, I am planning on writing Book 2 that focuses on their children and the aftermath of the Last War. GOD bless us all!