“I love him,” Elara’s voice trembled, a single tear cutting through her porcelain makeup. “That is enough.”
Lady Agatha’s lip curled in disgust. Behind her, two silk-clad heiresses stifled cruel giggles. “Marrying a pauper disgraces us!” Agatha spat, her four-tiered pearl necklace trembling with indignation. “You bring filth into this sanctuary.”
Before Elara could crumble, the cathedral’s massive double doors exploded inward with a thunderous crash. The sunlight fractured, instantly silencing the mocking crowd.
Footsteps echoed—heavy, measured, and terrifying.
It was Arthur. But not the penniless laborer Elara knew. He strode forward in a midnight-black military tunic blazing with gold embroidery, a crimson sash, and a chest full of royal medals. Flanked by two towering Royal Guards in tall black hats, his eyes were cold steel as they locked onto Agatha.
“Enough!” his voice boomed, shattering the tension like glass.
Agatha’s silver-headed cane clattered to the marble floor. The color drained from her haughty face, her knees buckling as she staggered back. “Your… Your Highness?” she gasped, her voice shrinking into a pathetic squeak.
Elara spun around, wide-eyed and breathless. She stared at the man she loved, bewildered by the absolute power radiating from him. “Why does she call you that?” she asked, her voice shaking.
Arthur’s icy glare melted into profound tenderness. “To see if you would love me without a crown.”
The congregation inhaled a collective, stunned breath as Arthur closed the distance. He reached up and gently touched the “costume” tiara on Elara’s head. With a flick of his thumb, he peeled back a clever layer of dull, protective resin covering the center stone. Instantly, the glass transformed, blinding the room with the fire of flawless diamonds. It wasn’t fake. It was the Sovereign’s Diadem.
“Seize Lady Agatha’s estate for insulting the Crown,” Arthur commanded without looking back. As guards moved on the shrieking matriarch, Arthur swept Elara off her feet, lifting her triumphantly into his arms.
“Now,” he smiled. “You will be my princess.”