Duke Mark looked upset when he said those words, but Sir Léon was not afraid, and he replied: "Is there any objection?"
The ministers whispered among themselves again, then Duke Francois addressed me, "Your majesty, do you consent to this marriage?"
"I do consent to it." I answered, he looked down briefly before looking up at me and said: "Congratulations, your majesty." The rest of the ministers also said, "Longevity to you, King and Queen." The rest of the meeting was them discussing the marriage date.
It was obvious no one dared to say a last name, and I expected it. I saw it coming, who would dare, it should be a degree, four pages written by me on why one last name should be used over the other.
When I looked up, I realized that Sir Léon was looking in my direction with a soft smile. I felt like it was time for me to realize that there is now a person really standing by my side, and I wasn't risking losing him anymore; I wasn't alone.
A week after my engagement was announced publicly, we had guests: my sister and her beloved husband, the Crown Prince Karl of Valdir. Their arrival was anything but a surprise. That day, Léon came to my room in secret with a bouquet in his hands, "Evelyne," he said, entering my bedroom. "Léon," I put down the book I was reading and looked at him. He walked up to me and handed me the bouquet.
He sat down and then spoke again, "Are you not going to greet your sister?"
"I was going to, but now, I feel too lazy to do so," I replied.
"Come on, don't be like this." He tried to persuade me, "We should go greet them together," and he stood and pulled me up with him.
"I don't—" He cut me off before I could finish my sentence.
"I know Prince Karl is far from a saint, but what he felt is much the same as what you feel. You and your sister have, in a sense, practically exchanged destinies. You hate it, condemn it— imagine how he felt having his fianceé switced overnight." He cupped my face, squishing my cheeks.
"That's not an excuse for what could be defined as assault; however, you do make a fair point. We shall go meet and welcome them."
He pulled me into a hug, "I shall thank your highness for your kind understanding."
We walked together to the garden, and when I saw my sister, I let go of Léon and hurried my steps to her.
"Slow down," Esther said as she stood up. "Greetings to you, Prince Karl, Princess Esther," Sir Léon greeted them.
I got to my sister, I held her hand. "I missed you so much." I hugged her,