Epilogue

He's going to kill me, Henrick signs as we get to the car.

I roll my eyes. Why would he? I sign back. Both Henrick and Astrid learned sign language as a birthday present, and I almost cried when they showed me.

Now, he loves signing when people are around.

"I promised him I wouldn't take too much of your time and I'd have you home by four sharp." This time, he speaks, he's still learning the ASL.

Henrick is now looking around for universities for next year. He came to spend time with me today at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, and he chatted with my professor a little longer than planned.

"Don't worry. Four or four thirty, it's not the end of the world." But I can't help remembering how I noticed that Alexander was quite tense this morning, and I can't help but wonder what is stressing him.

As soon as we walk through the doors of the palace, Henrick vanishes, and I'm left in the corridor facing Hank.

He and I have a truce now, and dare I say, the man has started to respect me.

"Miss Caldwell." He bows his head. "The king is waiting for you in your dance studio."

"My studio?"

Hank nods. "Yes, miss."

Rushing toward the studio, my mind races with thoughts of our passionate history, wondering if Alexander is planning a repeat performance of our Vegas encounter. We have not spent a night apart for the past six months, and the sex is still as exciting as it was on day one, and I suspect it will always be the same.

Entering, I find Alexander unexpectedly startled, quickly hiding something behind his back. His surprise at my arrival sparks curiosity. "Nessa! You're here."

His reaction draws a playful smile from me. "You wanted me here, didn't you?"

Stammering slightly, he nods toward the mirror. "Can you look at the mirror for me?" he asks, a hint of nervous excitement in his voice.

I turn, curious, and watch as the lights dim, revealing a cartoon on the screen that remarkably resembles Alexander. A story unfolds in animated text and imagery. Once upon a time, a young prince set off to explore the world, only to encounter the most enchanting woman in all the lands. A cartoon version of me appears, and I can't suppress a smile at our digital likenesses. The young woman must have been a sorceress, for she cast an immediate spell on the prince. Initially, he perceived this enchantment as a curse, for she had taken his peace. Yet, she was not a curse but a blessing, bringing happiness he never knew possible. Now that the prince has become a king, he devised a plan to ensure this enchantress remains by his side forever… ‘Turn around, little witch' are the last words on the screen."

As I turn around, the sight before me stills my breath—a fusion of reality and fairy tale. Alexander kneels, his posture the epitome of vulnerability and hope. In his outstretched hand, a ring box cradles a treasure—a white gold ring, its centerpiece a magnificent sapphire flanked by diamonds.

"Vanessa," he begins, his voice steady but laced with emotion, "in the story of us, you've become my everything. You've turned my world from monochrome to dazzling color, showing me the true power of love. This ring"—he lifts the box slightly—"is a symbol of my ancestors' love stories, and now I hope it will become part of ours. Will you marry me, making every day a chapter in our own fairy tale?"

The sincerity in his eyes. The depth of his proposal resonates within me, igniting a flame of joy and love. "Yes," I breathe out, the word barely a whisper but laden with all the promise and excitement of our shared future. "Yes, Alexander, a thousand times yes."

He slides the ring onto my finger, its weight a comforting, solid affirmation of the commitment we've just made to each other. Standing, he pulls me into his arms, and our kiss is a deep well of passion and promise, sealing our vow in the quiet sanctity of my dance studio, now a witness to the most significant moment of our lives.

This ring, this proposal, isn't just about the joining of two hearts; it's about embracing each other's worlds with all the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. As we break the kiss, our smiles reflect a future bright with possibilities, our love the guiding light through whatever comes our way.

For Immediate Release

Royal Palace of Denmark Announces Engagement

Copenhagen, Denmark

The Royal Palace is delighted to announce the engagement of His Majesty King Alexander III to Miss Vanessa Caldwell. This joyous occasion marks the union of His Majesty with a woman of grace, intelligence, and compassion.

Miss Caldwell, who hails from the United States, has endeared herself to His Majesty and the Danish people through her vibrant spirit and dedicated advocacy. Her work spans several charitable causes, with a particular focus on spreading awareness and support for deaf children and promoting the well-being of those with invisible disabilities. Her passion aligns with the king's vision for a compassionate, inclusive society.

King Alexander III, who ascended to the throne following the revered reign of his father, has shown exemplary dedication to the people of Denmark, embracing his responsibilities with a deep sense of duty and an innovative vision for the future. Miss Caldwell, an accomplished dancer and advocate for the arts and accessibility, shares His Majesty's commitment to public service and the betterment of society.

No date has been set yet for the royal wedding, with further details to be announced. The ceremony promises to be a momentous celebration, reflecting both the royal heritage and the couple's contemporary values.

His Majesty King Alexander III and Miss Vanessa Caldwell kindly ask for privacy during this joyous but personal occasion. They are profoundly grateful for the well-wishes and support from both the people of Denmark and the international community.

This union marks a new chapter in the storied history of the Danish monarchy, embracing love, modernity, and the promise of a bright future together.

End of Release

For further information, please contact the Royal Palace Press Office.