Chapter 201 - Will You Marry Me?

Great news? Yelena was curious yet flustered. What could possibly be the great news that Felix said?!

"I receive a call from the Prime Minister of my country." Felix started while Yelena raised a brow.

"Prime Minister?"

The Prince nodded. "After our marriage, the military authorities want you to join our Army Forces if you are willing." He said, observing her reaction.

Yelena was in a daze! Did she hear it right? The Edeladon Army wanted her to join them?! Was that even possible?!

When the Prince noticed her zoning out, he didn't know what to do. Didn't she like the idea? However, the final decision was solely on her.

"You don't like it?" He asked when she still remained silent. Was he wrong?

Aroused from her stupor, Yelena dumbfoundedly looked at the Prince. "Is that possible? I'm not from Belden or other countries but Silveren. It's already hard for the people to accept a Silveren soldier." She muttered.

That's the case? Felix smiled in relief. He was feeling quite troubled, thinking what was on her mind. "Don't you know? The people accept you now. They even said that they are lucky to have someone like you for a future Crown Princess and even Queen. If you indeed serve in our army, they will be more than happy."

Yelena observed the Prince and asked, "Won't that make you uneasy and worried?"

Felix smiled and gently touched her face. "I won't lie. It's true that I'm wary of your job. It's very dangerous. However... " He paused and planted a kiss on her forehead. "It's what you love. Besides, we can still be together as there will be no long-distance between us anymore. I want you to do what you love and be happy."

Yelena finally smiled but her concern was still evident on her face. "I'm not sure if I can do it. I'm not familiar with your country, let alone your military forces. I wasn't trained there and I have no knowledge. You know, skills are nothing without knowledge."

"I understand but it's unlike you to be so pessimistic. Think about it, Lexus is also there. He already returned to the forces. He can help you out if you need." Felix paused and glanced at the rank of a Major on her shoulder. "If you are willing to do this, you can join with your current rank. That's what they say. They will also talk to the military authorities of your country on your behalf." 

He slightly smiled when he saw her troubled face. "Don't worry. You can take your time to make a decision. Whatever you decide, I will accept."

"As I said before, our royal family has more freedom compared to other royals around the world. We can work and choose a career which we want. For royal and noblemen, it's compulsory to serve in the army for at least two years but not women. If you do this, you will make history by becoming the first." Felix glanced at her with pride.

Yelena nodded with a smile. "I will talk with my family and think about it." Then she realized one thing. "What about your family?"

"You don't have to worry about them. They are proud of you and..." His voice trailed off and his lips curved into a playful smile. "They can't wait to see you officially join the royal family."

Yelena chuckled. "Then we should grant their wish soon."

Felix nodded. "Your mother will continue to receive treatment at home, right?"

"She said she is bored of the hospital. She will be home by now."

"Then let's hurry. We need to have dinner with them." Felix said and ushered her inside her car.

"Are you going to drive my car?" She mused.

Felix simply nodded. "Your car really suits you. It's been a while since I want to try driving." He sat in the driver seat and drove towards the Arista Mansion.

*

When the couple entered the house, Yelena was perplexed. Not just her mother but her father and grandfather were also home.

When she saw her grandfather, she somewhat felt guilty. She was so busy these days that she never talked to him. While she was thinking of this, her grandfather was already making his way to her.

"Grandpa, I'm so caught up in the trial and the aftermath these days. I'm sorry." She muttered.

Much to her surprise, the General closed the gap between them and hugged her. "I'm so proud of you, my granddaughter." Logan Arista muttered, gently patting her on the back. "I shouldn't have gotten angry at you that day while knowing how hard it was for you. It's my fault."

"You're not wrong, Grandpa. You deserve to know everything but I was so convinced that it's better to keep you in the dark. I thought it was for the best but..." She paused, struggling for words. "I'm sorry." She finally muttered again.

General Logan Arista pulled back and observed his granddaughter with pride. "I know you are capable of this and even greater. You became the youngest Major ever. I'm proud of you not only as your grandfather but also as the General of Silveren Army."

"Hearing that from you always give me courage," Yelena remarked and glanced at her father who was now standing beside her grandfather.

"I'm also proud of you, Yelena." Major General Ethan Arista said. "I'm sorry for everything. I'm your father but I was never reliable. I was too firm in what I think was right and never thought about how it would hurt you. I hope you can forgive your unworthy father."

Yelena took a step towards her father and for the first time, she hugged him which made the father's eyes flickered. "I know you want the best for me. Forgive me for realizing it too late. It's your way of protecting me but... I was convinced that you don't love me. I'm sorry, Father."

Feeling the warm hug of his only daughter, Major General Ethan shut his eyes. "If Marvin was still here... we lose so many years arguing and giving a cold shoulder to each other. I regret it so much, Yelena." He muttered.

"I know, Father. From now on, let us not do anything which we will regret." Yelena calmly said.

The father opened his eyes and looked at Felix. Then he pulled back and put the couple's hands together. "You suffered enough. It's time for you two to live happily."

Glancing at Felix with a little smile, Ethan Arista said, "Love and cherish my daughter for a lifetime. After leaving our side, you will be all she has."

"Rest assured, Father. I can swear that I will fulfil what you said." The Prince said with an assuring smile.

"Enough of the solemn atmosphere. It's a happy occasion, so we should have dinner to celebrate." Vanessa Arista who was sitting on a wheelchair a few steps away said and lightly chuckled.

Everyone nodded and glanced at each other with a genuine smile on their faces. The warmth. The love. The family. This was the epitome of a happy family, a home filled with love.

*

After having dinner and desserts under a warm and light atmosphere, Yelena was told to go to a small garden in the backyard of the mansion.

She walked out of the house and entered the garden which was filled with mesmerizing lights of different colours. She was instantly reminded of the time Felix asked her to be his fiancee on the rooftop of her family mansion. She smiled at the thought of the remarkable memory.

Felix was there, surrounded by the lights again. On one tree behind him, many roses which were placed together to form the shape of a heart was hanged. This made the Major slightly chuckled. Her fiancee truly loved to play fancy!

She slowly made her way to him with a genuine smile on her face and Felix took a few steps forward.

"Did this remind you of something?" Felix said and stood right before her. "But this time, there's a difference."

"Difference?" She raised a brow and glanced around.

"It's not noticeable but there is two difference in comparison to that night on the rooftop," Felix said, tilting his head to the side. It only made Yelena more confused and he slightly chuckled.

"First," Felix said, glancing around their surroundings. "Your father and grandfather helped me prepared these in the afternoon when the ceremony was over. We were quite busy and lost." He let out a laughter, recalling the rare experience.

Yelena rapidly blinked. "My father and grandfather do that? You came here in the afternoon?"

Felix only nodded with a smile.

"You are amazing, Your Highness," Yelena remarked, gently shaking her head. It's unique how he won over her family! "Then what's the second one?" She asked.

"The second one is..." His voice trailed off and make a deliberate pause. "Last time, it was for an engagement but this time..." He paused again and slightly smiled. "I don't prepare anything this time as we already have our engagement ring. However, I still want to do this."

He gets down on one knee and looked up at her. "I know I'm different from other men as I'm a royal. As such, you have to make many sacrifices just to love me. I'll always be grateful to you for that."

"For the rest of our lives, we will have to spend our time balancing our love and our duty. That's our destiny. So, I will be greedy this time and ask you this."

"Yelena Arista, will you accept me and all the duties that came along with it? No matter what, I promise that I will never neglect you and I will always love you." He made a deliberate pause before he offered his hand to her and finally said, "Will you marry me?"

Yelena narrowed her eyes at her lover who was offering his hand to her. If she accepts it, it will be for a lifetime and... that's what she wanted! Losing no time, she holds his hand. "Yes, I will marry you." She muttered with a smile.

The Prince smile grew wide than ever and he quickly stood up. "I love you." He muttered.

"I love you too."

Pulling her close, he leaned down and gently captured her lips under the brightness of the magnificent moon and the mesmerizing lights that surrounded them.....