Chapter 152 - Grateful
Chapter 152 – Grateful
Hugo told me he had an important thing to do. That was why he couldn't accompany me earlier. I didn't pry like usual because it truly seemed very important. Moreover, he would rather spend more time with me unless he really had to.
But, I didn't expect that important matter he needed to settle himself was this. I stood in the open corridor connecting the main castle to another, eyes on the garden. Everyone was busy setting up lanterns and decorations; almost as if they were running out of time.
Everyone was helping — warriors and servants alike. My eyes, however, focused more on a specific direction. While everyone was busy doing final touches in the garden, Hugo was throwing a huge fit. Around him were the twins, Kieran and Cyran, Winter, Mitch, and Nathan.
"This is…?" I tilted my head to the side, glancing at the three with me with a raised brow.
"Well, it is what it looks like, Luna." Ivo scratched his temple with his index, setting his eyes at Hugo and the rest. "I thought we prepared already, but Alpha is becoming pickier every passing second. He just wants to make everything perfect and now, the surprise is not a surprise anymore."
I blinked twice, peeling my eyes away from Ivo to Hugo in the distance.
"Ughh! I'll break this instrument! Why is it out of tune?" Hugo complained irritably. "Did you buy a defective one?!"
"Alpha! Why are you blaming the instrument?! You're the one who is out of tune!" Kieran gasped in horror while Cyran was tugging his earlobe.
"Alpha, why are you insisting that you lead the serenade? You just have to smile and use your handsome face to bewitch our Luna! Just let us be your orchestra!" Nathan, who was usually composed, was also in distress, voicing out his dismay. "Our Luna will arrive soon! Why are you doing this to us?!"
"The bouquet! Where's the bouquet?!" Nana's voice suddenly resonated in the air, running and looking around in a hurry.
"Ah! Alpha, where's the ring?" When Nana passed by their small circle, Winter clapped while bobbing his face at Hugo to examine him. "I didn't see the ring since this afternoon. Alpha, did you bring it with you?"
"Of course! It's in here…" Hugo grope his pocket and slowly dread resurfaced on his face. Seeing the change in his reaction, panic also appeared on the others' faces.
"…"
After recovering the lamb's memories, my ears had also been keen. That was why I could hear their conversation clearly — only if I wanted to, though. The more I listened and watch this chaotic scene unfolding right in front of my eyes, the side of my lips curled up into a smile.
"Ivo, if I agreed to come with you, what time are we going back?" I asked, eyes still on Hugo, who was rushing back to find the ring.
"Uh… I don't know? Maybe an hour will do."
"So this is the preparation he was talking about, huh?" — and also, the question he wanted to ask me after the inspection. Hugo didn't need to make this grand preparation because he already knew my answer, but this made my heart all tingly.
I peeled my eyes away from the beautiful chaos to Ivo and Reks. "I think I need to buy something. Will you help me out? It's really important."
"Luna…" Reks almost teared up as he chewed his lower lips.
Ivo sighed helplessly. "Is it really that important, Luna?"
"Yes. It's very important my life is on the line." My smile remained, darting my eyes to Ivo and Reks, then at Tito, who was now carrying Toby on the side. "Will you escort me?"
"Of course. The pleasure is ours." Ivo smiled subtly as he let out a deep exhale.
I didn't want to ruin their preparation. Everyone was helping and coming in in the middle of their preparations would ruin it. It was a surprise, so catching them all red-handed would simply make them feel awkward.
I didn't have the heart to do that. So, I pretended I didn't see a thing and went along with Ivo and Reks to stall them some more time. With Tito and Toby, the five of us went to the heart of Belcoot. When we returned to the castle, it was already nighttime.
Like any other day, everyone in the castle was acting normal. Aside from the constant expectant gazes they would give me when I wasn't looking, there was nothing amiss.
"Welcome back, Your Grace." Cuthbert, the head butler, bowed with his palm across his chest. "Did you have a great time outside?"
"Yes. Thanks to Ivo and Reks, they helped me buy something in the town."
Cuthbert smiled, casting the men behind me with a quick look. "I see. Your Grace, His Grace told me to assist you to him once you arrive. He said it is something important."
"Sure. Lead the way." I nodded with a smile, watching Cuthbert motion his arm to follow him.
I followed Cuthbert, noticing the glances from the servants. I could see the excitement in their eyes, anticipating my reaction.
'I'm glad I didn't spoil the fun,' I told myself and I couldn't help but smile. Although I already knew what was about to happen, I still felt nervous. Not having an idea was actually better because I would be surprised. But knowing brought this anxiety and anticipation and all other emotions fighting for dominance.
"Your Grace, we've arrived."
I snapped my eyes, coming back to reality. I raised my head ever so slowly, and that very second… the very moment the soft melody of vihuela caressed my ears. The warm light from the lantern around the garden graced my eyes. Candlelight on the side of the gravel path, showing me the way to that dashing man holding a bouquet on the end.
An emotion in my heart finally stood victorious.
I was… grateful.
I was thankful for his existence. If there was another lifetime, I would choose him again, I would meet him again, and love him just as deeply and intensely again.
"Hugh," I whispered softly, and before I knew it, a tear already leaked from my eyes.