Cantrell Chronicles RESET, Part One

Finding the Glass Slipper, a Cantrell Chronicles Reset update- Chapter Twenty-Four

“Sir, I have come to ask for your permission to marry your daughter.  I have my father’s permission, just to be sure.”
“W-what? Why would you put yourself through what this will bring, son? I view you in so many ways as the son I never had.”
“Let me marry your daughter, and I will, by law, be your son.”

“Hm,” Drake murmured. “Come to think about it, this will only strengthen our dynasty. You have my permission and my blessing.”
“Funny thing, my father said the same thing. Thank you. I’ll see you later at the grand ball?”
“That’s tonight?”
“Yes, sir, seven pm.  Ooh, look at the time, I’ve got to go!”

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

“Sir,” Alfred said as he assisted Erik into his ‘uniform’ for the evening ahead. “I’ve never seen you so nervous. This isn’t your first Grand Ball.”
“No, it isn’t, but it is by far a very special night even so.”
Smoothing out the shoulders of Erik’s black jacket, the valet, quickly patted them, too. “Best of luck, sir. And please, don’t get your foot stuck.”

Erik’s smile was broad after that remark. He laughed and pointed a finger at Alfred. “You are such a comedian, Alfred. Don’t get my foot stuck,” he chuckled as he made his way out of the bathroom.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

The family arrived at the La Vivace lounge. Erik took a moment to approach Kayleigh who looked splendid in a light blue gown with gold trimming on the sleeveless number, the skirt full. “Kayleigh, you look gorgeous. I love that color on you. Will you do me the honor of being my dance partner for the Grand Waltz tonight?”
“Yes.”

As the ballroom filled with guests, Erik took Kayleigh aside to publicly declare his love for her.  Kayleigh blushed and was obviously a bit uncomfortable by the attention cast in their direction. “Have you gone crazy?” she asked.
Smiling he said, “Maybe a little.”

Shortly thereafter, Erik went down on one knee, which drew the full attention of the gathering. Margrave Ermelinda came forward to get a better view and to hear clearly just what he was saying.  

“Kayleigh, I knew from the moment of our first meeting that you were the One. I wish to spend the entirety of my life with you. To grow old with you, for you to be the mother of my children. To be my queen. Will you do me the honor of becoming my bride?” With that he held up a very large, sparkling, clear diamond ring.

The Margrave gasped as she watched.

In another moment, Kayleigh took the ring from Erik.  “Yes, oh, yes, Erik, I will become your bride, she said, as she held the ring up, admiring it.
“Look at the size of that,” the Margrave uttered, in disbelief.

“It’s not the size,” Kayleigh said, with a slight frown, as she slipped it onto her left ring finger. “It’s the promise. Which in this case is huge.”

“Come with me, Child, we need to talk,” with that Ermelinda whisked Kayleigh away.

“May I have everyone’s attention,” King Joseph called out. “Please join us in a toast to the happy young, newly engaged couple. May God grant them many, many years!”

A moment later, Captain Drake Golden drew near, and King Joseph grasped his hand in a warm, friendly handshake. “It is done,” the monarch said quietly.

Afterwards, when the applause died down, the king announced the Grand Waltz, which was the final dance of the evening.  Erik grabbed his bride-to-be and the two took to the dance floor to amaze the guests as they proved masters of the dance.

All for now, thanks for reading!