My head was spinning. What the hell was going on? I had so many questions and I needed answers desperately.

I looked around to find my parents, dressed beautifully entering the hall, getting a warm welcome by the King and Queen where the King hugged my father and my mother was smiling and talking with the Queen. What the hell was going on?

"And finally. It's time for engagement ceremony!" Announced the Personal Secretary. Everyone took their seats while I sat in the last row. (That was the only seat I found)

"I would like to invite His Highness! Prince Ashwin!" She announced and with that, we all could see Arham, wearing the uniform having the emblem of Ashwagadh Kingdom and people cheering for him.

And there it striked me! Arham was the Prince!!!

He waved at everyone and bowed in front of the guests while everyone hailed him. He hugged his father and my father and then sat on the first row between my parents and his parents. He turned around. His eyes were roaming around the crowd. Maybe searching for me. I decided to stay to be seated at the back.

"We would love to invite our newest family member, the future Queen of the state, please give a warm welcome to Her Highness, the future Queen, Princess Zeel!!"

And the hall was filled with thundering noise of claps! People were looking everywhere. Must be wondering where was the bride. However the announcer had discovered that I was sitting at the back so she directed someone to put a spotlight at me. Everyone looked behind. I was on the spot light.

The Queen and the King gestured me to come forward. But I was way too nervous. Already my head was spinning with the latest facts coming forward. I looked at my parents. They were simply smiling.

Then I saw Arham, I mean Ashwin coming towards me. My breath was hitched. I was literally getting the goosebumps.

"Care to join me your highness?" He grinned and asked in order to tease me (in the same fashion that he used to..in order to tease me during the days when we used to fight)

I gave him my hand, still confused where everything was heading towards.

I followed him on the stage. We both stood in front of public, in the middle of the stage.

I looked at my parents and the Queen and The King. They all were smiling kindly at me.

Suddenly people started cheering. I looked towards them only to realise that Ashwin was sitting on his one knee.

Oh my God! He was proposing me!

"Zeel, I know we have been through some complications. You gave me a few shocks and I have been returning you the favour. (He grins)

(Then with a Sincere smile)

But do you know something? you make me a simple and humble man. You invoke the child within in me. You make me realise how beautiful the life is! Hours spent with you seems like minutes! I treasure those moments.

So Zeel, will you be my partner in exploring the treasures of life? I promise such moments would be more precious than gold, silver or stones. I want your invaluable company for the entire life. Will you say yes?"

I was emotional from his speech. Agreed that I was mad at him for lying to me about his identity. But again I did the same thing to him.

I just looked at my parents and then smiled at him. And then nodded. He put the ring on my finger (the same EMRALD one that he seemed to have found during the treasure search on the third floor)

The crowd went crazy when he got up and kissed my nose. I had yet not given him permission to kiss my lips.

Soon I met my parents. "I am very happy for you daughter. We love your choice of the life partner . However We need to talk" Said my father. I was sure that I was going to be grounded later at my home for being reckless.

I was greeted by all the guests to whom I was introduced. Arham (sorry I mean Ashwin) stood with me till the end, introducing me his family relatives and friends.

Slowly the dancing round started where people danced in couples. The Queen and the King were busy chatting with my parents.

And I had been finally freed from the long round of introductions. Since a everything happened so fast, I wanted a breath of fresh night air and some time to digest the things that have taken turn around me.

While Ashwin was busy talking to his friends, I went to the balcony located at the end of the hall. No one was there. I started taking deep breaths by standing at the railing of the balcony.

Suddenly I heard the footsteps. And then I was caged in his arms. I had no where to go.

"You look so beautiful" muttered the Prince while he kissed the nape of my neck.

"Mmmmm" I gave out involuntary moan.

His hands travelled my waist and he held me by my waist as I turned around faced him.

"Care to explain me what is going around here?" I asked.

"Ya But first let me kiss you" he smirked and covered my lips with his. His lips started sucking my lower lip and bit my upper lip very playfully.

I never knew that kissing could be such intimate activity. His one hand played with my hair while his other hand was fixed at my waist. Not letting me go.