CHAPTER SIX

The marriage proposal

At the duke's palace. The maids are seen tidying up the hallways and the great hall. All were busy trying to usher in their guests. Everyone was "as busy as a bee" as no one was seen loitering around without involving himself or herself in one job or another.

The curtains were neatly arranged and the valances showed the worth of the Duke's family. Oliver ran into Ethan's room telling him to wear something nice and befitting.

"I wonder what your bride-to-be looks like"?. Oliver questioned him. Am sure she would look outstanding and beautiful befitting of a duke. have said those words. Oliver left to get prepared leaving Ethan half-naked on the bed. He got up and make his way into the balcony reflecting a more beautiful rear view of the palace .he smiles to himself and set to the task to welcome his guests.

Everything was set and ready as the Duke await the Sinclair family. Soon, the vintage came into sight while the Sinclair families got out to greet His Majesty.

Ava was filled with curiosity, as to how it would be to flow through these elaborately designed royal palaces as a welcome visitor in residence. She marvels at the coolness of marble and the sheer beauty of beautiful landscaping. She guess viewing a royal palace from the exterior would entice her to want to explore the inside. She thinks the turrets and patios would delight her senses. Ava imagine to gaze upon a palace would be to have a romantic fantasy and a medieval air that would flow across me like being transported to another realm in time. She think she would dream of majesty and jewel-rich color as she observed the outside of a royal palace. She would take in what she is viewing, and phthalide into a magical fantasy. All of this was going through her mind when suddenly she saw Ethan making his way toward her.

He had the kind of face that stopped her in her tracks. She guess he must get used to that, the sudden pause in a person's natural expression when they looked his way followed by overcompensating with a nonchalant gaze and a weak smile. Of course, the blush that accompanied it was a dead giveaway. It didn't help that he was so modest with it, it made the girls fall for him all the more. Despite all the opportunity that came his way he was a one-woman-man who prized genuineness and thoughtful conversation above lipstick and high heels. He was handsome alright, but inside he was gentle and kind. Ava was so lost in thought that she didn't know when he got near her and whispered in her ears, "Are you alright?" Ava came to her and " Yes...erm...erm." stammering a little.

Ava was so happy that he had this cool voice and he was welcome and she was at peace that all would be forgiven when they had the time to talk privately with themselves. They were ushered into the great hall where there were lots of delicacies for them to feast on. They sat around a big table and soon get into a serious conversation. 

Morgan's father faced Ava's father and they both converse about how they met during their travels. It was a beautiful experience." James said. "you should have seen some places in Japan when I went to order some shoes I was so surprised at how things are done over there. I would wish to go back with my family someday and have a tour of the place. where did we meet again?" James asked Morgan.

 "Mt Fuji, Yamanashi, stammered Morgan who couldn't pronounce the words correctly. As the men chat over the food and pantry, Ethan and Ava stole a glance at one another showing they both had one or two things to discuss between themselves. They soon finish the food and both parties set to the task for the day.

Morgan began "I barely have time to rule. Most decisions are taken by my son Ethan because I have been away for a long time trying to relax. and I believe he had been doing an excellent job, looking at Ethan. well, it's now time I start seeing my grandkids running around the great hall. I think I would want your daughter as a wife for my son but she needs to focus on my son because I could read about all her frivolous ways and how she doesn't seem satisfied with one man."

"You have to focus on my son because he is the regent Duke and I don't want him being in a scandalous act. since you both are about to get together I would urge you two to be on your best behavior and make sure you don't tarnish the family's images, especially my son's image." Ava looked up at the Duke and said "Yes your majesty." Lady Penelope who has been silent all this while talked about how to behave toward Ava and said "I will make sure she is on her best behavior and doesn't bother you, my king."

A date was agreed upon for the proper introduction. Ava was so much at ease because she could see that Ethan was really in love with her and his eyes have him away. Oliver stammered and said, "Father when am I getting married too?" when his eyebrow showed how serious he was with his words. Morgan answered and said, "Let's marry your brother off first."

Ethan stood up with the Duke's permission and said he wanted to show Ava a tour of the palace. They both gallantly stood up while their parents watch them as they walk hand in hand. immediately they were out of sight, they laughed and the Duke said, "I remember when I was to wed their mother, I couldn't sleep all through the night." he gave a sigh and drank another wine from his cup. "Do you want more pantry?" Lady Penelope asked the Duke. She nodded and immediately the Duke ordered more.

There was a little bit of silence as both Ava and Ethan walked through the hallway down to the beautiful and serene garden in the palace. Ava was surprised to see so many palace workers and guards. She looked up at Ethan and said "Do you pay them all," Ethan smiled and said "Yes we paid them all a substantial amount at that. "Do you plan to work for me in the palace my lady?" Ava smiled and said."not really, I have the money-making machine right here with me." hearing this Ethan burst into uncontrollable laughter and "You are right." They both walked round the palace and Ethan asked if she would love to see his room.

I would love that very much, replied Ava. Ethan held her hand and led her. The palace servants giggled and considered Ava lucky to be able to capture Ethan's heart. One of the servants Georgia said "Ava looks so pretty, her skin looks soft and I loved her curves of softness. With the muscle of a footballer and the blessed fat of a baby." All the servants giggled drawing Ava's attention to them.

Ethan immediately gave them a stern look and they disperse to their various offices. Ava completely forgot about her parent and wish she could stay with Ethan all day long but she fought hard not to make it known to him. Ethan led her up the stairs and thrust open the door.

Ava was mesmerized by what she was seeing in front of her, she couldn't see enough of everything. The room was fitted and decorated with attractive furniture, carpets, etc with everything placed in order. There was a small shelf showing a collection of books."Do you read?" Ava asked as she approached the mini shelf." "of course." answered Ethan who enjoyed watching her every move.

"You know," continued Ethan, "I've been meaning to say this since morning when I saw you walk past the main gate of the palace." Ava stopped what she was doing and steered into Ethan's face. she could see the seriousness on his face and wanted to hear what he has to as say. Ethan continued "My heart stopped when you walked in."

“When we met, I knew you were the most stunning woman I'd ever seen. You're so stunning that you take my breath away. Your eyes are seriously stunning. I don't think I've ever seen that before." Ava didn't know what to say as she walked toward Ethan and landed the most passionate kiss ever on his lips.

Ethan in return reciprocates the gesture and both make the most of the moment. he lifted her into his arm, Ava could feel his muscular arms pressing gently and softly against her firm breast. They were so overwhelmed with what was happening that they forgot that their parents were down the great hall waiting for them.

Ethan carefully placed Ava on the bed, he took off his shirt revealing some flesh, his hard nipples, and his manly Pack. Ava was slightly taken aback, she saw such a well build and handsome body figure. She couldn't wait to have him in her arms.

As Ethan drew closer to Ava, he lifted his head and started feeling dizzy, what seemed one became two, three, four and he could feel his head throbbing hard. Before he could reach Ava on the bed he landed on the bare floor hitting his head against the wooden furniture. 

Ava was scared. She ran towards him and screamed: "Help, somebody, help me." Oliver ran into the room and saw his brother lifeless on the floor. he called an ambulance right away. Both parents ran into the room only to find Ava sobbing with Ethan in her arms.

Lady Penelope was speeches looking at her husband James who also looked perplexed and couldn't understand what happened. Only Ava does but she was not in her right state of mind. the ambulances came and Ethan was ushered into the van. Oliver followed them while the duke asked the Sinclair to take their daughter home, saying he will get back to them.

The Sinclairs were worried and knew the duke was not telling them something, but what could that b

e? They had no clue as to what was going on.