CHAPTER 7

[Prince Philip]

She said yes, thank God! I pull a long breath of relief and smile toward you as we walk with our arms intertwined back to my father's office.

Are you ready to go back there? If we have to, we'll wait a few more minutes outside until you're ready to break the news to everyone. I say holding your hands between mine when we stop in front of the heavy doors that will sealed our future from now on.

It won't be necessary, all right. I'm prepared to face any challenge. Peace for our people and our land depends on this decision. -Luz responds by demonstrating a confidence that is not at all real, but I admire his strength and courage through such a challenge.

Your hands are shaking. -I comment with a sympathetic and understanding lip stretch. - There's nothing to be afraid of, I assure you. You have my word. I'll be by your side all the time, trust me. -I claim by taking your gloved fingers towards my mouth, where I put a kiss.

I believe you, Your Highness. -Light responds with a faltering voice, the big green eyes slightly wide and the cheekbones blushed before the act.

Just Felipe, please. We've already made a deal about this, don't you remember?

I question with the sy tone of voice as she sat by looking away visibly embarrassed.

-Don't have a pain in the ass with me, Luz, and don't look away all the time when we talk. I like to admire these two beautiful emeralds when we're together. - I say by fitting a hand on your little chin and turning it towards me gently. Did I ever tell you how your eyes resemble two emeralds, Luz? So green and so precious...

-I didn't say and I don't think this is the right time to make such comments. -she cuts me completely embarrassed with the simple compliment and I contain the laugh. - You have more important news to announce to your family now, right?

Your hands undo contact with mine during the sudden change of subject.

-We both have, dear bride. -I rebate fun while putting your little palm on my forearm, leaving it gaping ready to answer something, however I am faster and push the door causing us both to enter the royal gabite, where my brothers and my father await us with the distinct and curious countenances.

I'd like to inform everyone present in this room that Miss Luz has just accepted my marriage proposal. She said yes to my request, but to help this family in crisis. -is the first thing I say when I open my mouth, and I see that the information seems to bring some relief to my father, when he lets out a discreet sigh between his lips and the tense shoulders relax on the armchair.

But of course she did. Frederick comments sarcastically and I narrow my eyes in his direction disapproving of his attitude.

What did you say? -Luz asks ununderstood question beside me and I hurry soon to change the focus of the subject before the confusion begins.

- Aren't we going to get congratulated, dear family? -I play and soon a hurricane of blonde threads runs, and throwing himself at me, squeezes his kids arms around me in a tight embrace.

Congratulations, brother! I'm very happy for you. I wish with all my heart that you are extremely happy. Francesca celebrates euphoric as I spin her in the air as she removes her feet from the ground.

Congratulations too, dear sister! Welcome to this crazy family. -Francesca says she's getting away from me and heads for the second hug in my now-bride, who widens her green eyes, probably amazed by the impulsiveness of my little sister.

Starting from you, isn't it Francesca? -I comment ironically on what she turns her eyes on, but laughs.

Mostly. -it adds when letting go of Light and taking a step to the side.

Miss Luz, I want to express my deepest words of gratitude for what you are willing to do today. -my father approaches and I see when Luz moves his throat swallowing in nervous dry with the proximity of the king.

I squeeze your hand transmitting you security on a silent signal, but I say nothing to intervene. This is a moment that is not about me, but the Light. This is your moment of introduction to our social environment, royalty... our family, which very soon will also be officially yours.

It's not necessary, my king. I am the one who should be honored to be serving the kingdom. -she responds and my father offers her a suit smile by putting a hand on her shoulder.

I will not discuss the relevance of this matter with you, however, I still maintain my wishes for gratitude. And know that you and your family will be duly assured of all benefits agreed upon in this agreement, subject to the confidentiality that must be maintained by all.

Of course, Your Majesty. -Light nods positively with his head on the topic that moments ago had been addressed by me. You have my word and full cooperation.

I'm counting on it. -he responds by offering her a handshake to which she responds timidly.

Well, well... Philip, my dear brother! That's great news! Frederick says stopping in front of us. Congratulations to the newest couple.

He pulls me into a hug after the strange and suddenly joyous congratulatory congratulation, and pulls out two strong pats with his open hand on my back.

I appreciate it, Frederick. I mean by splitting up again without knowing how to react to his suspicious change in attitude.

Had Frederick finally changed his mind and begun to accept my decision?

Congratulations to you, too. -he turns to Light that offers him the hand in fulfillment that my brother makes a point of ignoring.

What a formality, Luz! I can call her Luz, can't I? Since from now on we will be part of the same family, we will be like brothers.

Frederick questions with a big smile too much on his face, which by far is something common to his serious personality. He doesn't even allow the girl to answer it by splicing it right away.

- And as you can see, in this family the brothers greet each other with hugs. Come here, my little sister.

Light doesn't even have time to process what's happening when my brother practically hides his delicate little figure, compared to the large arms he possesses and his large height, and he surrounds his narrow shoulders in an out-of-context embrace.

I sing my lips in a disgusted grimace when I notice as I pay a little more attention, the moment Frederick whispers something in Light's ear discreetly so that no one else notices.

But I get it. Clearly.

I clenche her hands in disgruntled and angry fist to catch the strange look that the two exchange, before she retreats a step back trying to impose some distance between the two.