Elizan POV
I made my way back toward the ceremony and examined the crowd of dancers.
I want to do it today. This may not be the perfect time but I think everything will work itself out.
Verayah's parents were dancing toward the side and I walked closer to them. Her father spotted me and spoke something to his wife. They both walked toward me and I clenched and unclenched my hands.
"Elizan, how is Ray doing?" Mr. Foster asked.
"She's fine. I took her to the gardens."
Rayah's mother frowned, "Are you sure? With finding out that she's supposed to be a savior. I wouldn't be surprised if she were to run away or something."
I smiled, "I promise. She's taking the news well. But right now, we just wanted to focus on the celebration."
They both nodded, "That would make sense."
"I-uh actually wanted to ask you both something."
Her father asked, "What is it?"
"I would like to-uhm. . .," I paused and closed my eyes.
I took in a deep breath and looked into Mr. and Mrs. Foster's eyes, "Would you grant me the permission of asking for your daughter's hand, tonight?"
Both of their eyes widened as they stared at me. Was it too soon?
I added, "It wasn't my plan to ask this tonight but it just feels right."
I know I am arranged to marry her but they could still say that I am not strong enough, handsome enough, or good enough. I could not be worthy enough for an amazing wife like her.
Rayah's mother looked up at her husband and placed her hand onto his forearm. They both stared into each other's eyes, silently communicating in a language that only they could understand.
I wanted a love like that. To be able to communicate with my wife without having to say anything. I wanted the type of connection that was so intertwined, that we were almost one person.
They both looked at me and Rayah's father spoke, "Well, of course."
My lips spread into a smile, "T-Thank you."
Rayah's mother added, "I don't even know why you asked. We could clearly see that you are in love with our daughter. We know that you will take good care of her."
My ears grew warm, "Thank you, again. I will be back."
Both parents waved me off as I turned away from them. I walked toward the gardens as my heart raced at the anticipation of asking Verayah to be my wife. I put my hand into my right pants pocket, feeling the small rounded box. It's still there.
"Elizan, wait."
I heard my Grandfather call out my name. I stopped and glanced behind me. My grandfather made his way to me and I turned toward him.
"Yes? What is it?" I asked.
"Elizan, are you really about to propose today?" My grandfather's mouth held a steady line.
"Yes, Verayah has expressed her feelings for me and I want to reciprocate those feelings now. I don't want to waste any time for doubt with her," I explained.
My grandfather sighed, "I understand, but this is not the right time. Verayah is the savior, and she doesn't need any distractions right now."
"I wouldn't be a distraction. If anything, I'm going to help her."
Out of all the people in my life, I wouldn't have thought my own grandfather would try to persuade me to not marry Verayah. He knows how much I care for her and that I wouldn't do anything to hinder her even if she is the savior.
"I didn't mean it in that way. There are so many responsibilities that are involved in a marriage. If you were to propose now, Verayah would not only have to focus on saving the world but also loving you."
"But I wouldn't-,"
"You shouldn't put that type of burden onto her. If you truly love her, then you will hold off on your proposal."
He frowned and added, "This is bigger than you. This is about saving the village and the world. You will not propose, do you understand me?"
I clenched my jaw as I stared into my grandfather's eyes, "I understand."
My grandfather nodded his head, "Good. When you two are done, bring Verayah to me, we have a lot to discuss," he turned and walked away from me.
Why did this have to happen now?
I turned back toward the garden trail and walked toward it.
What am I supposed to tell her? That I left for no reason?
I tighten my hand around the box in my pocket.
Maybe instead of proposing I could tell her how much I loved her instead.
I looked down at the flower bushes and started breaking a few flowers off at the stem.
Then tell her I wanted to find some flowers for her. It's not really a lie, right?
I placed a few colorful flowers in my hand and walked back toward the opening where I had left Verayah. My jaw tightened as I didn't see anyone in the opening of the garden. I stepped in the middle of the space and examined around.
"Rayah?" I called but there was no answer.
I called out her name again but the only thing that could be heard was the music from the ceremony. My heart raced as I began looking through the bushes and behind the trees.
If she had left, I would have seen her at the ceremony. And she wouldn't be hiding, would she?
My eye caught something on the ground, and I walked toward it.
Don't tell me it's what I think it is.
I bent down and picked up a gold hairpin with dark hair still stuck between the clips. I bit down on my tongue.
Why would this be on the ground?