Samantha listened quietly as Rosella spoke, her voice soft and unsure.
"I don't know what makes me happy," Rosella admitted, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her gown.
"Figure it out yourself," Samantha said gently, offering a small smile. "You're the only one who knows."
Rosella's lips curved upwards, a genuine smile lighting up her face. "Okay. I'll do so," she said, nodding firmly. A small gasp escaped her as she remembered. "Let's go downstairs to meet the family. They must be settled by now."
Samantha rose to her feet, brushing invisible dust from her dress. "I guess so," she murmured, a faint flicker of anxiety crossing her face. "I hope so."
---
The grand dining hall buzzed with soft conversations and the clinking of silverware as they entered. At the head of the table, Prince Lucas stood up, his expression earnest.
"I'm sorry about the way I behaved earlier," Lucas began, his voice clear and steady. "I apologize for my insolence. I ask for your forgiveness, Mother, Father, Queen Alexandra, Rosella." he paused briefly, glancing at Samantha and Martha, "and to you as well."
Queen Alexandra arched an eyebrow, her lips twitching in amusement as Lucas knelt on his right knee in a show of humility. "Hmm. Princes kneeling nowadays?" she mused aloud, making a few members of the table chuckle. "It's alright, Lucas. You're forgiven." She waved her hand dismissively. "But the person you owe the biggest apology to is your bride—Rosella"
At the mention of her name, Rosella looked down shyly, her cheeks tinged with pink.
Turning towards her, Lucas smiled warmly. "My lady," he said softly, "can I be forgiven?"
Laughter rippled around the table, easing the heavy air. Even Queen Alexandra chuckled under her breath.
George, Lucas's father, leaned back in his chair and grinned. "Now everything's back in one piece," he declared. "I always said you take after your father, Lucas."
Everyone laughed again, even the usually reserved Queen.
Sally, piped up teasingly, "Is that so? But you wouldn't have had him if I hadn't accepted your proposal of love first!"
George clutched at his chest dramatically. "Oh my, you keep clutching my heart in your sweet clutches of love!" he cried, earning more laughter.
From her place at the far end of the table, Samantha watched the scene unfold. Their easy laughter, the teasing, the affection—it stirred a bittersweet ache in her chest. Oh, how she longed to have a family like this. A surge of emotion rose within her, making her throat tighten. For a moment, she thought she might cry, but she quickly swallowed it down. This wasn't her moment. She wouldn't ruin it.
Surely, there's no place like home... she thought sadly.
Suddenly, Prince Lucas rose again and gently tapped the sides of his glass to catch everyone's attention. The room grew silent, expectant.
"I would like to say a word before this meeting ends," Lucas announced, his tone serious. "About my marriage with Rosella. I would like you all to give me some time to think about it... because I don't think I'm ready."
The laughter died. Silence fell over the table like a heavy curtain, and all eyes turned to Rosella, whose shy smile slowly faded.