So I'm playing the routes in bmp I never bought before and I'm on Edwards and honestly I would much rather be romancing Louis rn rather than Edward - he's just so sweet I love him
I had forgotten how much I loved the BMPP town system. It's so adorable. Also, I'd dance with you whenever you want, no matter how much I hate it, Claude.
I was feeling pissy for quite some time now with a lot of things. What add in the feeling today is my Redbubble and copyright So I'm sorry to say that I not going to do what I planning on doing because fearing copyright. But I will come up with pattens and designs. Anyway It been a long time I spend time with Louis~
Levaincois Photo Album Project WIP (Don't worry Louis would get really blush in front of a camera once it finish with this) anyway doing up to 20 of more photos if Medibang can hold it)
That was quite the short request. Without any directions I simply typed up what came to my mind. Hope you like some fluff!
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“Can you come home early tonight? We need to talk.”
Ever since Louis had gotten that text, he was on pins and needles. ‘We need to talk’ was never a good thing, he had figured from what he had heard from others and on the media. And when his beloved sent a text like this, he couldn’t help but worry.
“You are quite absent-minded today, my friend,” Prince Edward noticed, holding his cup up towards Louis who had the tea pot in his hands, but didn’t pour.
“I’m sorry, Your Highness, I’m –“ Lacking a proper explanation Louis filled the cup, head hanging low.
“It’s quite alright; I know you have a lot on your mind,” Edward assured him and motioned towards the pocket of Louis’ jacket. “I saw her this morning and her finger was still bare. I take you haven’t asked yet?”
Louis’ hand flew to his pocket where the small box waited for the right time. Unfortunately, it never seemed to be the perfect opportunity, at least it hadn’t presented itself within the last few weeks.
“I – I just want to do this right.” With flaming cheeks Louis avoided Edward’s gaze.
“I know. And I’m sure that she will be delighted, no matter which moment you’ll choose.” Edward finished his tea and sighed. “Well, I have to go back to work. Thank you for the refreshments; I needed this break. But I think I can manage on my own from here. How about you finish work early today?”
Edward’s words reminded Louis of the message his love had sent him before noon and his heart grew heavy. What if she didn’t feel the same anymore? What if she was tired of waiting? Of Louis’ irregular hours? Of having to share him with his duties?
“Thank you, Your Highness. I will take care of a few more things before I go home, though.” With a bow he excused himself and cleared away the cups and snacks he had brough for tea.
Home was still on the palace grounds, a small but cozy apartment with a bedroom, a living room and a kitchen and bathroom. Nothing too fancy. Maybe it wasn’t enough? After all, what had Louis to offer? Especially in comparison to the luxury they were surrounded by?
“Ma fleur? I’m back,” he called his greeting into the hallway and took off his shoes. When he entered the bedroom he found her sitting on the floor, surrounded by boxes.
“What is the meaning of this?” With wide eyes he stared at the piles of clothing. “Are – are you packing?”
She scrambled to her feet, stepping between him and the boxes. “Oh, hey… when I asked you to come earlier, I didn’t expect you to be this early.” Her eyes were rimmed in red and her cheeks flushed.
“Am I interrupting something?”
Restlessly she shifted from one foot to the other, avoiding his eyes. “No, I’m – I’m just –“ She sighed, a deep breath from the bottom of her soul that left her shoulders slumping. “Okay, fine, you caught me. I didn’t want you to find out like this, I had planned everything but the time never seemed right and I figured –“
“It is fine, my love. I think I know what’s going on.” His voice was small, sad, as was the smile he flashed her. “I should have seen this coming.”
“Well, we both should have,” she chuckled nervously. “It was just a matter of time, really.”
His eyes flitted to hers, wide and full of pain. “Is that what you think?” Had he been the only one of them thinking of a happily ever after? How foolish. The poor little orphan boy, dreaming of someone who would stay with him. His bottom lip trembled; he bit down on it to keep himself from crying.
“I – I thought you would be happy,” she mumbled, wringing her hands.
“Happy?” He almost chocked on his words. “Why should I be happy?”
“Because… we are having a baby? I thought you wanted –“ Tears welled up in her eyes, her arms wrapped around her middle.
“What?” He knew the meaning of her words, but couldn’t make any sense of them. “What – what baby?”
“Our baby? Louis, I’m pregnant. I wanted to tell you but –“
She couldn’t finish the sentence; he wrapped her in his arms, face buried against her neck. “We are having a baby?” He fluttered kisses all over her face and neck, his hands coming to rest on her waist. “I thought you wanted to break up with me.”
Laughter bubbled up inside of her, spilled from her lips and shone from her eyes. “Why would I break up with you? You are the sweetest human being alive. You are kind and attentive, supportive and so full of love. I want to spend my whole life with you.”
He squirmed in their embrace, shying away from being the focus of attention. “Can we go back to the point where you told me you’re pregnant, though?”
Her gaze softened and she took his hand to place it on her belly. “I took a test over a week ago. Yesterday I went to see a doctor; they said everything is going fine. I – I told my mom and she sent me some clothes from my cousin that might fit me during pregnancy.”
“The boxes…” He nodded slowly, his hand lightly resting over her belly button. “I can’t believe we made a baby.” His cheeks flushed and she giggled.
“Well, we should have talked about some things sooner, but I can’t find it in me to regret it. I hope you’re not angry…”
“Angry? I’m a bit shocked, I have to admit, but in a good way. The best way, I’d say. I – I didn’t expect us to… to become a family. Not like this.” The color drained from his face as his eyes widened. “This isn’t the right order, but – I have also something I wanted to talk to you about.” His hand trembled slightly as he pulled out the small box and dropped down to one knee. “I hope you don’t think it’s just because of the baby, I swear I wanted to ask you weeks ago already. I can’t imagine a life without you in it anymore, and I don’t want to. I want to wake up with you every morning and go to bed with you in my arms. I want us to have the same last name, and out baby, too. I want to be your home, like you are mine.” He took a deep breath. “Ma fleur, will you do me the honor and become my wife?”
She was crying again – later she would blame the hormones – but managed a choked up ‘yes’. For the rest of the night they talked about their dreams and hopes for the future of their small family.
We are on 3rd day on vacation on Orion Kingdom.🏰🏯🇯🇵 So we are continuing our vacation, Louis is with us. I believe he need this to and need a break for being butler. Even how much Edward just want to have alone time but he see this as fun too. I glad to see Louis enjoying himself.
Prince Edward's young cousin comes to stay at the palace. Her parents want her to marry a prince. Instead she falls in love with a butler. CLEAN FIC
Louis looked at himself in the mirror. How did he get himself into this mess? No, he knew exactly why he was in this situation and that's what troubled him.
It has been about a month since Prince Edward's cousin, Crystal, had come to the palace. It could easily be said that her parents were somewhat over protective. She had been homeschooled from the time she started kindergarten and received here college education from private tutors. Now, her parents had decided it was time to introduce her to wealthy society in the hopes that she would find and marry a proper husband. The fact she would find a suitable husband was beyond doubt for most people who had seen her. Like her cousin, Prince Edward, she had gorgeous white hair and purple eyes but she was far more petite than the prince. Louis had never quite understood Edward's obsession with fairies and other mythological creatures but the first time Louis laid eyes on Lady Crystal he was certain no earthly words could describe her beauty. If any criticism could be made of her character it would be that she was polite and shy to a fault and perhaps a bit too naive for her own good. In fact, it was this last trait that resulted in Louis's preset predicament.
Louis had been preparing tea for Edward and Crystal when the topic of Crystal's welcome party came up.
"I wish I didn't have to go alone," Crystal sighed wistfully. "The only person there I'll know is you and I'm sure you'll be busy most of the evening with other guests."
"That should not worry you, dear cousin," Edward replied in his usual cheerful tone. "The purpose of the party is to introduce you to society and I'm sure everyone there will be eager to meet you. You will be the most popular person there! More popular than myself I'm sure."
Louis, who was silently standing by knew this would be no comfort to Crystal. Prince Edward was outgoing and friendly. He seemed to have a gift of making friends and winning the hearts of everyone he met. During the short time Louis had known Crystal it was clear to him that, while she was every bit as kind as her cousin, she was terribly shy and hated drawing attention to herself. Louis was tempted to speak up on her behalf but Crystal saved him the trouble.
"I'm not used to social situations as you are, Edward." She explained. "And I'm not fond of attention from strangers... I wish I had someone to go with. Someone who could help explain things to me and help keep away unwanted attention."
Edward looked at her seriously as she spoke as if she had brought up an unpleasant but important topic.
"I'm sure I could arrange a date for you," he said at last. "One of the other princes or a young noble. I'm sure any young man would be honored to have you on his arm."
Crystal sighed at his suggestion. "Perhaps, but I would still be forced to spend the evening with a stranger. That would do little to calm my nerves."
It was then that she looked to Louis and their eyes met.
"Louis," she addressed him in a friendly tone, "I realize this is highly unorthodox but I wonder if you would be willing to escort me to the party."
It took Louis several moments to comprehend what she was asking and even then his mind couldn't accept it.
"Forgive me," he answered, "I fear I have misunderstood you... I took your question to mean you would like me to accompany you to the dance as..."
His words trailed off. Butler! She MUST be asking him to serve as her butler. He drew a breath of relief when the truth hit him but the ground soon fell out from under him again when she said one word: "partner."
Louis looked at her in shock. His face turned bright red and his mouth moved but no words came out.
Crystal looked away in embarrassment. She opened her mouth to apologize but Edward spoke before her words came out: "I think that's an excellent idea!" Crystal and Louis both looked at him in shock but he seemed not to notice their surprise. "Louis, was the one who taught me etiquette. He has the best manners of anyone I know and there's no one better to introduce you to everyone at the party."
With the Prince and Crystal both looking at him there was no way he could refuse.
It was later that day that Prince Edward took him aside and further explained the reason for his part of the request. "I know it is none of my business," Edward spoke a bit sadly, "Lady Crystal has every right to mingle and date as she sees fit... Still, I can't help but worry that... as much as I hate to suggest the princes and nobles would be capable of such a thing... I fear my dear cousin might be taken advantage of." Edward sighed and looked away. He was ashamed to admit he would have such doubts about others or that he would accuse his cousin of being too foolish to see through such a trick. "Therefore," he continued, "I would be forever grateful if you could keep an eye on her for me when I can't... I don't want to ruin her fun or isolate her from others but I also can't bear the thought of her getting hurt."
"I understand," Louis replied with a smile, putting the prince's mind at ease.
And so, that was how the Louis found himself wearing a white tuxedo and fixing his tie in preparation for the dance that evening where he was to act as escort to Lady Crystal.
Although he had never attended a party as a guest, Louis well understood the rules of etiquette and how he'd be expected to act. His role would be very straightforward. He was there so that Lady Crystal did not have to go alone but he was not important enough to frighten away her real suitors. No one would pay him much mind and there was nothing unusual for him to worry about. Despite that, he couldn't stop his heart from racing or his palms from sweating. He smiled in self-deprivation as he looked at himself in the mirror. He had done the best he could to look as handsome as possible that night. No matter how many times he told himself he had to look his best out if respect for the family he served, the truth was he wanted to look his best for Lady Crystal. Even if she was well beyond his reach the thought that she might look at him, even for a moment, and find him attractive filled his heart with joy. Lately his mind had been wandering, filled with foolish fantasies of her refusing suitors to stay with him. It was beyond silly and he worked hard to drive such thoughts from him mind. Still, his body wouldn't listen to reason as he walked down the halls of the palace to her room with his pulse racing.
In her room, Crystal looked herself over in the mirror and sighed in frustration. She has changed dresses 3 times and her jewelry countless more. However, it wasn't her introduction to society that had her so flustered. "This is ridiculous," she told herself. "Louis has seen me countless times since I arrived at the palace. He knows what I look like. He didn't even really want to go with me tonight. He's only doing it as a favor to Prince Edward and myself." Still, she could feel her heart racing in anticipation of his arrival.
When he finally knocked on her door, she flew to open it much more quickly than was entirely appropriate.
Crystal smiled as she opened the door in anticipation of seeing Louis, but her expression changed when she saw him looking more handsome than she had ever imagined in his white suit, holding a bouquet of flowers. Although it wasn’t a real date, he wanted to be a true gentleman to and to make everything as special and memorable as possible for Lady Crystal.
“Louis…” she gasped as her eyes ran over him. “Are… are those for me?”
It was a silly question but she couldn’t help herself.
“Of course,” Louis replied with a soft smile, feeling a touch of pride at how happy the flowers seemed to have made her. She was more breathtaking that Louis had imagined, but there was something so shy and genuine about her that reminded Louis she was the same girl he’d spent the past month with.
“Thank you,” Crystal gasped as she took the flowers with trembling hands. Louis noticed the tears forming in her eyes and he raced to help her.
“I can take them for you…” He offered, unsure of what else to do. He had no way of knowing that Crystal had never received flowers before, much less any as beautiful as those Louis had been permitted to pick from the royal garden for her.
He took the flowers and they both stood together a bit awkwardly, unsure of what to do.
“I’ll… I’ll get a vase,” Crystal suggested at last and between the two of them they managed to get the flowers into water and leave for the party.
Once they arrived at the party, Louis could sense her discomfort right away. Crystal had never been to a party before and everyone there seemed to want to get close to her. Louis considered himself rather savvy when it came to reading the motivations of others and able to drive away some of her more overbearing suitors. However in spite of this he could see that the lady was tiring quickly and no one else seemed to give much regard to her wellbeing. At last, Louis asked if she would care to retire to the gardens for some fresh air, an offer that Crystal happily accepted.
The pond was surrounded by purple and white flowered and everything was illuminated by soft colored lighting. There were even lights floating on the water giving everything a magical almost otherworldly appearance.
"These lights are solar powered," Louis explained. "They don't use electricity or batteries so they're perfectly safe to have in the water."
"It's so beautiful," Crystal sighed almost without thinking. "I can almost see how Prince Edward can believe in moon fairies when he's surrounded by sights as lovely as this."
“Indeed,” Louis agreed softly, although he was not looking at the pond or the flowers but at Crystal’s profile. The way the lights reflected off her silver hair, the sparkles on her dress and jewelry made her look, for all the world like some fanciful creature that should exist only in story books, yet here she was standing right beside him.
As if on cue, the weight from one of Crystal’s large diamond earrings finally overtook the clasp and it fell to the ground between them. Both Crystal and Louis noticed and bent to reach for it at the same time. When they did, their hands touched causing them both to look up at one another. Their faces were close… tantalizingly close. Their eyes locked and it was clear to both of them that they were thinking the exact same thing: that they would rather look at one another than all the flowers in Charles and, no matter how close they were they desired to be closer still. It was Crystal who finally leaned forward to close the distance between them and allow their lips to touch, ever so gently. This was the first kiss for both of them and, at first, their lips barely brushed against one another. They were both a little nervous and unsure how the other would react. Louis was first to pucker just a touch more, bringing their lips more firmly together. It only lasted a moment before he relaxed his mouth again bringing their lips further apart. The feel of Louis kissing her in earnest caused Crystal to moan without realizing it. She was too lost to notice and her body took over. She moved a touch closer to recapture the depth of the touch Louis had shown her. It was Louis’s turn to moan as her enthusiasm quite literally stole his breath away. He began to slowly move his lips against hers, eager to carefully map her lips with his own, exploring different pressures and angles. Forgetting himself and his station, he did the one thing he’d ached to do since he first laid eyes on the prince’s cousin: he carefully placed his hand on the back of her head, allowing his fingertips to caress her soft hair while they kissed. Their kisses became faster and more desperate as their bodies grew hotter and they both realized how much the other enjoyed this. Louis grew bolder, allowing himself to carefully bury his fingers in her hair. Somehow the hands that had touched ended up carefully clasped together while Crystal rested her free hand on Louis’s shoulder. In the back of his mind, Louis knew that he should stop, if for no other reason, it couldn’t possibly be polite to kiss a lady for so long. What must she think of him? Still, he couldn’t bring himself to stop. He did nothing more than gently and carefully kiss her, afraid to scare her away if he even so much as touched his tongue to her soft lips, which were growing hotter and hotter every second. He was so lost in her that he didn’t realize the hand on her head was slowly moving towards her face until his thumb brushed her smooth inflamed cheek.
“Louis!” She cried, throwing her head back and allowing the butler to see that she was panting and her face aflame. The sight kindled something hot and primitive inside the usually composed steward. He knew that, no matter what, he wanted to see her like that again. In truth, Louis had never seen a woman overcome with pleasure like that before, even over such a simple thing as kissing. Perhaps it was strange, but the steward had never considered how much a woman could enjoy things, which he knew to be both improper and indecent. And, to make matters worst, he realized there was nothing indecent about what they had done. He felt like whatever happened between them would be beautiful. Maybe it should feel dirty or wrong but it didn’t. Whatever this new sensation was that was spreading through his body, it was by far the greatest thing Louis had ever felt. Normally he would apologize for such behavior, but everything about her in that moment told him there was no reason to. He wouldn’t insult what just happened by pretending it was wrong and suggesting he didn’t know how much they both enjoyed it. He carefully reached out to touch her face. She
had her eyes closed and he wanted to look into them again.
When he saw her eyes, it was as if a hole Louis never knew existed had been filled in his heart. There was such a warm look not only of love but complete acceptance. He felt he had come home after searching his whole life for shelter. He felt safe and warm and loved. He did the only thing he could do in that moment and leaned forward to gently kiss Crystal again. He continued to hold her hand while his fingertips rested on her cheek. Together they moved their hands so that their fingertips laced together.
"Louis..." She breathed when their lips parted and it was as if she had given new life to him with her voice. Before it was just a name. He was just a person, an orphan, unimportant, but now, oh now he felt himself filled with a new sense of value all because she spoke that name HIS name with such love. He was loved, oh so dearly loved and, for once, he was proud of his name. Proud to be Louis, no longer just a butler, no longer just a person but someone who was loved. Someone who was priceless beyond measure because he meant the world to someone so dear to him.
His hands began to tremble and he was overcome with emotions he didn't understand. He couldn't look away from Crystal's eyes even as they filled with concern.
"Are you alright, Louis?" She asked with concern, reaching out to touch his face in turn.
He couldn't find a way to put his feelings into words so he nodded automatically while still looking into her eyes.
"I'm so... h-happy..." He whimpered as tears began to fall from his eyes.
Violet blushed an even deeper shade of red at his confession. Did she really have the power to bring him to tears so easily? Surely she was not worthy his strong yet genuine emotions... And yet... If he trusted her with his heart, if simply loving him could bring him so much joy, she swore to herself she would never hurt him. That she would live every day to be the woman Louis deserved. Without a second thought, she leaned forward and began to gently kiss the tears on his face.
Louis felt his heart would burst. For as long as he could remember, no one had been there to comfort him as he cried. Of course the caretakers at the orphanage had always been kind to him, but for as long as he could remember he struggled not to be a burden to others not to trouble them with his problems or emotions. Now, for the first time, he let the tears flow. Years of loneliness and isolation a spilled forth from his eyes and the whole time Crystal held him. She stroked his hair, rubbed his back, spoke softly to him and, when the tears stopped falling, it was as though all the years of pain were washed away with them and they lay together in silence until the dark sky grew lighter and the morning birds began to sing.
"We should go back," Louis said at last, touches if his formal tone creeping back into his speech. "I fear I have kept you out far too late."
"I have no regrets," Crystal replied. "I enjoyed my time with you and I pray I could comfort you and ease your heart, even in some small way."
"More than you will ever know," Louis answered with a smile and a gaze so intense Crystal looked away with a blush.
Once again, Louis touched her face to bring her attention back to him. He began to carefully trace her lips with his fingertips.
"I would very much like... to see you again," he spoke in a tone far more masculine and seductive than anyone would have believed the quiet butler possessed.
He moved his fingers to allow Crystal to speak and the answer came naturally before she even realized she was speaking: "Yes!"
It was several weeks later when Crystal’s parents arrived at the palace to check on their daughter. It was not an unequivocally happy reunion for Crystal. It meant that she and Louis had to be even more discrete in their rendezvous. She had suspected for some time that Prince Edward might know what was going on between them but that he was kind enough to turn a blind eye to it. Her parents, however, would not be so generous. They expected their daughter to marry a prince and would never dream of allowing her to spend her time dallying with a mere butler.
However, the threat of their wrath was not enough to deter Crystal and Louis. They were young and in love and their desire for one another could not be controlled. They would sneak off together every chance they had. More than once Crystal would hide in a deserted part of the palace and wait for Louis so that she could pull him into the closet and kiss his sweet lips. Sometimes she would take a walk in the garden at night when Crystal would tell her parents she was alone. They would slip into the secret rose garden together and discuss flowers or comics, watch the stars, and simply enjoy one another’s company. It was on a night such as this when they were discovered by Prince Edward.
Prince Edward was taking an evening stroll in the gardens. It was a lovely night and his thoughts were far away from his cousin and butler. Suddenly he heard soft violin music playing. It had to be Louis. Edward could recognize his butler’s music anywhere. Yet somehow it sounded happier than it had in the past. Without a second thought, Prince Edward followed the sound into the hidden rose garden however the music stopped shortly before he entered the private space. By the time he arrived he saw his cousin seated in Louis’s lap with their lips pressed firmly together. Louis’s violin sat carefully next to them on the bench where they sat.
Edward was surprised but not upset. He smiled at the lovers before quietly backing away so as not to disturb them.
“Louis,” he called to the butler the next day. “I need to have a word with you… I saw you with my cousin last night.”
Louis stiffened at these words. He felt as if the floor had dropped out from under him and he suddenly didn’t know what to do or say.
Edward noticed this and tried to put his friend at ease.
“I’m very happy for you, Louis,” Edward assured him. “I’m very happy for both of you. I love you both very much and I’m sure you will be quite happy together… That said, I’m sure you’re aware of the presence of her parents might make things rather difficult… They wish for their daughter to marry a prince…”
“I won’t allow it!” Louis declared in his usual calm manner but more firmly than usual. “I cannot allow Crystal to marry a man she doesn’t love whether he is a prince or not!”
Prince Edward regarded his long-time friend for a while and then smiled.
“You’ve changed, Louis,” he declared at last. “You have become quite courageous… If I can be of any help to the two of you, please let me know.”
Louis took a moment to let these words sink in before giving his master a warm smile and placing a hand on his chest.
“Thank you, your highness,” he smiled.
Despite his resolve, Louis knew his love was in danger. He also had to admit to himself that he found his love irresistible. He wanted her in every way and there was no doubt in his mind that he loved her. He rallied his courage and bought her a ring.
Although Louis did not want to admit to needing his master’s help, he decided to take the prince up on his offer. One night, Prince Wilfred invited his aunt and uncle out to dinner. The king and queen also accompanied them leaving Crystal alone with Louis for the entire evening.
Crystal was not surprised when Louis knocked on her door that evening but she was surprised to find that, instead of his usual butler uniform, he was wearing a brilliant white tuxedo, not unlike the one her cousin would wear to formal events.
“Will you join me for a walk in the garden, Lady Crystal?” Louis asked respectfully. He had never ceased to address her formally. He thought it was only respectful but he hoped that would change soon…
“I’d love to,” Crystal answered shyly. She took his offered arm and allowed him to lead her to the gardens. “But I fear I’m a bit underdressed.
“You look lovely as always,” Louis assured her as they walked. “I hope to be able to take you on more elegant places soon.” He was afraid to take her out for fear her parents would hear of it, still he did the best he could to make their secret meeting special for her and he wanted to make sure that tonight would be the most magical of all.
“This is quite alright,” Crystal replied with a smile. “I love coming here with you.”
“You’re too kind,” Louis smiled in return as he rubbed the fingers that held his arm.
Once they arrived at the secret garden, Louis asked Crystal to close her eyes. He then carefully led her to the private garden where they’d spent so much time together.
“You can open your eyes now,” Louis told her softly.
When Crystal opened her eyes, she saw that Louis had prepared an elegant candlelit supper for them. However, while she looked at the food and wine in awe, Louis was looking at her. He had looked forward to seeing the smile she showed him for some time and she did not disappoint. She was absolutely radiant.
“Louis, it’s gorgeous!” She declared as the candlelight danced off the flowers Louis had picked for her and the elegant dinnerware.
“I’m glad you like it,” Louis cooed as he rubbed her fingers again and led her over to taste the food he had prepared for them.
“It’s not as good as the chef’s I’m afraid, but I hope you will enjoy it anyway,” he told her a bit humbly. In truth, he wanted to do everything for her himself but now that he saw her here he was beginning to doubt his own skill.
“I would rather eat your cooking than that of any chef,” Crystal declared and it was the truth. She imagined Louis in the kitchen cooking for her and the vision warmed her heart and brought a smile to her lips.
After dinner, Louis offered her some of the cake he had made.
“May I,” he asked shyly as he held his fork up to her lips, offering her the first taste.
Crystal blushed but parted her lips. The delicious sweet and fruity taste of strawberries filed her mouth.
“It’s delicious!” She exclaimed happily. “And… perhaps… you would allow me…”
She offered his a slice of cake on her own fork. Louis immediately blushed all the way up to his ears. He was overcome with shyness but he too opened his mouth and took the cake from her. They continued on like this until they had finished their desert.
“Thank you so much, Louis,” Crystal said at last. “Tonight was absolutely perfect! And you look so handsome… I very much want to kiss you and hold you… In fact, it’s been hard for me to resist this whole time.”
Louis felt himself growing shy when he heard this confession (even more so than when she had fed him the cake).
“I feel much the same,” he replied forcing himself to look at her despite his bashfulness. “I want to hold you and kiss you forever… Therefore, I must ask you…”
Louis fell to his knees and took something from his pocket.
“Will you marry me?” He held his breath after he asked. He was afraid to even breath until she answered.
Crystal was shocked. This was unexpected and so sudden. She looked at the ring. It was simple yet elegant. Louis had looked at every ring in 10 different shops before deciding on the perfect one. Yes, the ring was very real and somehow looking at it brought home the reality of their situation.
“Yes…” she exclaimed tearfully. She practically fell from her chair to her knees so that she could embrace him. “Yes Louis… I love you so much.”
He hadn’t expected to cry but he was so overwhelmed by her response that he couldn’t stop the tears from falling. Everything he had ever dreamed of, everything he had been denied was finally right in his arms. He would have a family! He would have a loving wife and maybe children of his own one day. All the love songs and fairy tales he’d ever heard were suddenly real and right in his arms. Crystal cried too. She had never wanted or loved anyone as much as she loved Louis. She felt safe with him. He was the love and freedom she had always wanted and soon they could be together forever.
Of course Crystal couldn’t wear her ring in front of her parents. She kept it safely on a chain under the collar of her shirt until such a time that they could be together.
Weeks past and, as much as Louis hated to do it, he found that he needed to ask his friend, Prince Edward, for help once more in order to marry the girl of his dreams. To that end, Prince Edward brought Louis and Crystal with him on a trip to Noble Michael. He explained to Crystal’s parents that it was to be a meeting of the princes of the 6 kingdoms and that it would be an excellent opportunity for their daughter to meet her future husband. The first part of his story was true and the second was technically true as well. The plan was for Louis and Crystal to sneak out of the palace and find priest who was willing to perform the ceremony. That was the plan however something went wrong…
They had been apart for several days prior to their arrival at the palace. It seemed that every time Louis came to check on his lady she was with her parents and they could not find an opportunity to sneak away together. Therefore, as Crystal walked from her room to her cousin’s Louis happened to spot her and pulled her into a nearby room in the hopes of stealing a kiss. However, they were so enraptured in one another that they did not realize the room they had entered was occupied by none other than Lord Michael himself! The old man watched as the lovers kissed and embraced before he pulled them from their revere by laughing aloud.
“Oh ho!” He exclaimed. “It seems the princes are already too late and the fetching cousin of Prince Edward has already found her prince!”
The lovers quickly pulled apart and attempted to collect themselves.
“Forgive me, Lord Michael,” Louis begged as he bowed low. “It was all my fault. The young lady had nothing to do with it!”
Crystal bowed as well. She wanted to hide her face in shame. What if her parents were to find out and pull them apart?
“Oh you needn’t grovel,” Lord Michael assured them pleasantly. “I’m quite happy for you both. So this is love is it?”
“It is,” Louis answered without hesitation. “We are to be married.” He took Crystal’s hand and showed Lord Michael the ring he had purchased for her.
“My my. When’s the wedding? I would gladly offer to act as your officiate… Unless you already have a member of the clergy picked out, in which case please forgive my bold offer. Consider it nothing more than the mere folly of an old man.”
Louis and Crystal exchanged a glance.
“We have not chosen anyone,” Louis answered carefully.
“Oh but I can tell by your demeanor that there is something plaguing your young love,” Lord Michael observed. “Would you humor an old man by telling me what troubles you?”
They both fidgeted slightly before Crystal answered: “My parents do not approve,” she expelained. “They want me to marry a prince.”
“Oh but doesn’t love make Louis a prince in your eyes?” The old man asked.
Louis blushed at this.
“It does…” Crystal admitted shyly.
“Then perhaps you would allow humor an old man by allowing me to marry you,” Lord Michael suggested.
Louis and Crystal exchanged another glance.
“Forgive me, Lord Michael,” Louis spoke tentatively, “but I thought only the princess were allowed to be married at Nobel Michael.”
“Well,” the aged noble replied with a twinkle in his eye. “It’s nice to bend the rules every once in a while… but we could perform the ceremony in the gardens if you prefer. Then we would technically not be in the palace.”
“I think that would be very appropriate,” Crystal answered as she smiled up at Louis.
“I agree,” Louis replied as he stoked the hand holding his arm.
Once it was decided, Lord Michael arranged a small ceremony for the couple in the palace gardens. He even sent a personal invitation to Crystal’s parents. While they were devastated to learn that their daughter was going to marry a butler, they could not refuse Lord Michael or cause a scene in front of him. They watched coldly while the princes and butlers smiled happily at the gentle butler who was always kind and pleasant. They had always wished him well and were glad that he finally found happiness.
After the wedding, Lord Michael invited the couple to use one of his summer homes for their honeymoon. Louis surprised Crystal by lifting her up and carrying her into the sunny villa. Crystal cried out in surprise but then smiled, wrapping her arms around Louis’s neck as he walked happily with her into the house. He smiled softly at her and began to plant gentle kisses on her cheek and neck.
“Oh Louis…” Crystal sighed sensuously.
“I want you, Crystal,” Louis told her in a breathy voice as his face blushed deep red.
“Okay…” she replied with a smile as she took him into her arms and the consummated their love for the first of many pleasant times to come.
