WILL YOU MARRY ME

Third POV

Harper gently turned her neck from side to side, feeling the tension ease from her muscles. She shrugged off her work overalls, revealing a simple yet elegant dress underneath. She had a date with Sofia tonight, and she didn't want to keep her waiting.

She dashed towards the meeting point, hoping to catch a glimpse of Sofia's radiant smile. But when she arrived, she found no one there. Harper checked her watch, furrowing her brows at the numbers; they had already passed the agreed-upon time.

"Weird, Mom's never late," Harper murmured as she moved on, heading towards Sofia’s workplace. Lost in her thoughts, she failed to notice the figure in front of her until she bumped into a solid chest.

"Ow," Harper rubbed her nose and looked up to see Wyatt gazing down at her with a smirk.

"Fancy meeting you here, Puppy."

"Wyatt? What are you doing here?"

Wyatt raised an eyebrow. "Someone was taking forever to see me, so I decided to track her down."

"Sorry," Harper said somewhat sheepishly, "It's not like I didn't want to come see you. It's just that, you know, Sofia mentioned she wanted to have as much girl talk as possible."

"I know," Wyatt sighed in mock sadness, "I was just worried you'd forgotten all about me."

Harper felt a rush of heat on her cheeks, a mixture of shyness and amusement filling her. She looped her arm around Wyatt's and chuckled, "Getting jealous of my mom, huh?"

Wyatt pulled her into an affectionate embrace, his tone tender. "Well, maybe just a little. I want your attention all to myself."

Harper's blush deepened, her heart fluttering at his admission. "Silly, you've always had my attention."

With a satisfied smile, Wyatt pushed forward, "There's something important I need to tell you."

"What is it?"

"The peace negotiations between witches and werewolves were finally over." Wyatt began, his voice steady, "A new era is dawning on this continent."

Nervousness tinged Harper's voice as she inquired, "And my mother?"

"Don't worry," a gentle gleam appeared in Wyatt's eyes as he reassured her, "Sofia left to convey the news to her people. She wanted me to tell you that she's sorry she's missing today, but she'll be back soon."

Harper nodded knowingly. A joyful cheer escaped her lips, her happiness bubbling over.

"So, puppy," Wyatt continued, ruffling Harper's hair, "your time is mine tonight."

His hand found Harper’s, their fingers intertwining as he guided her toward his car.

"Where are we headed?" Harper's curiosity danced in her eyes.

Wyatt's voice held a mysterious note. "It's a surprise."

_______

Harper let herself be carried away by the anticipation of the unknown as Wyatt blindfolded her and guided her out of the car.

She had no idea where they were headed, but she had complete trust in him. Despite the temporary deprivation of sight, Wyatt's warm hand dispelled any hint of panic, making her more attuned to the world around her. The wind tousling her hair, the earth beneath her feet, and the aroma of the air all heightened her senses.

When they came to a stop, Harper sensed a shift in the atmosphere. The air was crisper, the sounds were amplified, and there was a faint hint of salt in the air. Her heart quickened, sensing that she was standing in a place she had eagerly anticipated.

With a gentle touch, Wyatt removed the blindfold and whispered in her ear, "Open your eyes."

Harper gasped as she saw the most breathtaking sight of her life.

A vast expanse of blue stretched before her, glistening under the sun. Soft, white sand lay beneath her feet, while the salty breeze tenderly brushed her face. Gentle waves rhythmically lapped at the pristine beach, creating a soothing melody.

It was a scene Harper had always dreamed of, but never experienced.

"Thank you, Wyatt," Harper said, turning to hug Wyatt, only to find he wasn't there.

Confused, she scanned her surroundings and noticed the beach adorned in great detail. Lanterns swayed from palm trees, vases held vibrant flowers, and candles flickered along the shoreline.

Directly ahead, a trail of petals meandered, beckoning her onward. Feeling like a character in a fairy tale, Harper picked up the orchid wreath and walked along the path with a sense of expectation.

Upon reaching its end, she halted. There stood Wyatt, positioned against the horizon. The sea breeze played with his white shirt, and though his back was to the setting sun, his eyes gleamed with affection.

He extended his hand, and Harper rushed to him, embraced by his warmth. Cupping her chin, he peered into her eyes with an expression that quickened her heartbeat.

"Harper," Wyatt said cherishingly, "will you marry me?"

A wave of emotion surged over Harper. She nodded fervently, tears welling up in her eyes, "Yes, Wyatt, a thousand times yes."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with fiery hues, they shared a kiss. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, and nothing else mattered except their love.

They had overcome many obstacles and challenges to get here, but they were certain – they were meant for each other.

_______

The first rays of dawn painted the bedroom in a pale gold hue, casting a soft glow upon Wyatt and Harper.

"Feeling nervous?" Harper stood before Wyatt, carefully assisting him in adjusting the flashy, dignified gown he was wearing.

Wyatt's gaze fell upon the delicate and exquisite diamond ring twinkling on Harper's finger, his lips curving into a smile. "With you by my side? Never. Besides, I'm about to announce our engagement to the world, so my excitement outweighs any nerves."

A soft blush ran down Harper's cheeks as she looked up. Tapping him on the shoulder, she shot Wyatt a glare."Be serious. This is your first public speech as king."

Chuckling, Wyatt took hold of her hand, bringing it to his lips."I am serious. You're the reason I feel invincible."

With a shared smile, they set forth, the sun kissing their steps as they headed toward the central square.

Just as they were about to step onto the grand terrace of the castle, an unexpected figure emerged, moving with haste.

Wyatt's brows furrowed as he observed Steven's hurried approach. "What's going on?"

"Your Majesty," Steven began, his tone a blend of urgency and hesitance, "there might be a need to postpone your speech."

Wyatt's expression shifted from confusion to concern. "Postpone it? Why?"

"Because..." Steven paused for a moment, his gaze shifting briefly to Harper, uncertainty in his eyes.

"Because of what? Spit it out!" Wyatt's voice carried a stern tone.

Steven bowed his head, "Miss Harper's true identity... has been revealed."