Chapter 330 I do
"Where are we headed?" Darcy's voice held a hint of confusion as she turned her gaze to Ephraim.
"To my estate," he replied smoothly.
Her brow furrowed. "But my father... he's still here."
A cryptic smile danced upon Ephraim's lips. "I've already had a word with your father. He agreed you could spend some time away with me."
"Oh…" before she could utter another word, Ephraim transformed. His form shifted, revealing a majestic grey beast with a coat that shimmered like molten silver. Memories rushed back to her of that fateful day when fear had consumed her, her heart pounding as she ran, escaping the dragons. She had been sure they would catch her, punish her for trying to flee.
But instead, it had been Ephraim who had come to her rescue. She had mistaken him for an enemy, only to realize he was her protector. That moment had set her on a path of recovery and eventual happiness. With him.
With a gentle flap of his wing, he assisted her onto his back, securing her before taking to the skies. The world blurred beneath them until they landed gracefully before his grand mansion. As Ephraim reverted to his human form, he took her hand, leading her through the massive oak doors.
"You realize this place will be our home, don't you?" His voice held a hopeful note.
A radiant smile spread across her face. "Yes."
His eyes lit up. "So, you've envisioned a future with me?"
She chuckled softly. "Of course."
"Let me show you our quarters then," he proposed, excitement evident in his tone.
"Our quarters?"
"Yes. I've been designing them especially for us," he explained, leading her down a corridor. Initially, it was dim, but as they progressed, it gradually brightened. They turned a corner, revealing high arched windows no longer shrouded by heavy drapes. Sunlight bathed the hall, highlighting intricate carvings on the walls and making the marble floor gleam.
"I no longer wish to hide in the dark. I want to thrive in the light, with you by my side," he confessed.
Darcy squeezed his hand, her smile now radiant. Ephraim met her gaze, warmth and affection evident. "I am overjoyed," she whispered. "Wether in the light or shadows, we will be together."
Gently, he lifted her hand and pressed a soft kiss on her knuckles. As they approached a grand dining hall, he slowed, allowing them to soak in the grandeur.
The hall bore Ephraim's distinct touch: an air of timeless elegance blended with meticulous attention to detail. However, even with the unmistakable influence of his old-world charm, a refreshing change was evident. The walls, painted in a soft cream beige, provided a soothing backdrop to vibrant paintings and pastel-hued vases. Lush plants dotted the space, breathing vitality and warmth into the room.
Drawn to the elongated table at the center, Darcy trailed her fingers over the finely crafted chairs, their design speaking of Ephraim's craftsmanship. "You made these?" Her voice held a hint of both wonder and knowing.
He nodded with a hint of pride. "Yes. Do you think there's something you'd like to add to this hall?"
She paused, letting her gaze sweep over every meticulously chosen detail. What could she possibly contribute to this masterpiece? "No," she murmured, her voice filled with admiration, "Everything is just... perfect."
With a gesture, Ephraim ushered her to explore further: the opulent drawing rooms, the numerous halls adorned with ornate tapestries, and the expansive library that boasted of knowledge from every corner of the world. But what captured her heart the most was the intimate garden adjacent to their quarters, the one housing the melodious fountain. It was their sanctuary, a place laden with cherished memories.
Leading her into a cozy drawing room, the space felt more intimate, and the furniture was plush and inviting. A grand fireplace stood as the room's focal point, its mantel adorned with intricate carvings.
"I envisioned us here," Ephraim began, a dreamy quality to his voice. "twilight hours by the fireplace, glasses of rich wine in hand, engrossed in books or simply lost in each other's presence."
She felt a familiar flutter in her heart, the very idea warming her from within. The plush sofa near the fireplace, adorned with soft blankets and cushions, beckoned her. She could already visualize the two of them, wrapped in each other's embrace.
"You've given this so much thought," she observed, her voice tender.
Drawing her close, Ephraim's eyes shimmered with sincerity. "I've imagined our life together countless times, painting every possible moment."
She tilted her head, her gaze locked onto his. "Really?"
He nodded. "Every single detail."
"Then I'd love to hear all about it."
He smiled. "I might get you too excited."
Feeling the blush creep onto her cheeks, she leaned closer. "We have the time we need" she whispered, longing evident in her voice, having felt his absence deeply during their time apart.
The grey smoke in Ephraim's eyes seemed to shroud a simmering fire. Grasping her hand gently, he murmured, "Hmm… I was saving the best for last. Our bedroom."
Their bedroom? A thrill of anticipation sent Darcy's heart into a frenetic dance. As he guided her through the doorway, she was met with an ambiance that was the perfect blend of antique charm and romance. Golden candle sconces, with their flickering flames, cast a warm and inviting glow upon the walls, which were adorned with vintage tapestries.
Dominating the room was a majestic bed, its frame a testament to Ephraim's exceptional carpentry skills. Crafted from rich mahogany, the frame boasted elegant, swirling patterns that intertwined seamlessly, evoking images of two souls forever entwined. An opulent canopy, made of sheer, crimson fabric, hung gracefully above the bed, imparting an added touch of romance.
Beside the bed stood a dresser, its wood polished to a deep, lustrous sheen, with delicate, hand-carved motifs gracing its surface. On the dresser, a beautifully framed mirror reflected their images, a vision of a couple on the verge of a significant juncture in their journey together.
"You crafted everything here?" she marveled.
His nod was one of both pride and affirmation. "Every piece, with you in my thoughts."
Drawn irresistibly to the dresser, Darcy's fingers traced the fine detailing. She was interrupted by the sight of a petite wooden box adorned with meticulously carved floral patterns. Opening it gingerly, her breath caught as she beheld an emerald ring. Set within an intricate platinum band, the gemstone gleamed with an inner fire, its deep green hue reminiscent of enchanted forests, shimmering under the light.
Meeting Ephraim's gaze in the mirror, she queried, her voice tinged with awe, "What is this?"
"A ring," he replied, his smile playful yet intimate.
She shot him a mock-exasperated look. "I can see that."
Ephraim took the box and moved gracefully to stand in front of her. As he sank to one knee, Darcy felt a surge of emotion, the weight of the moment dawned upon her, and her heart seemed to echo the profound significance of his gesture.
"With this ring, I make a heartfelt plea,
Darcy, dearest, will you marry me?
In your eyes, I see a love so true,
Say "I do," and make my dreams come true."
"I do!" She said without hesitance, almost giddy, afraid she would fall from the weakness in her knees. He held out his hand, and she placed her hand in his. He slid the ring into her ring finger, and it fit just perfectly. With a face lit with joy, Ephraim lovingly held her hand adorned with the new ring, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. He took a deep breath, as if grounding himself in the joy of the moment, and then spoke. "With your 'I do', my universe rearranged,
A love deeper than oceans, forever unchained.
With this pledge, my devotion will forever accrue,
Darcy, my soul's keeper, I love you."
"I love you too," she whispered, choking on emotions as tears burned her eyes. She pulled him up to stand and then wrapped her arms around him to kiss him. They soon found themselves in bed, sharing their first intimate moment in their future bedroom.
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