For a moment, the room fell on silence. Eleanor's eyes blinked as she felt her heart skipped a beat.
"Y-You, what?" Eleanor stammered.
Prince Adrian turned his gaze to her. His deep blue eyes locking onto hers. "'Yes, Lady Eleanor. I'm here to formally ask your parents for their blessing. I would like to marry you."
Eleanor felt her chest tightened, her mind was spinning in thoughts. Lady Mariel was right of her assumption. She should be happy, but now that Prince Adrian was directly telling it to her, it felt sureal.
"Your Highness," Duke Elias broke the silence slowly enveloping the room again. "This is… quite the declaration," he lied. "Have you both spoken about this beforehand?"
"No, Duke Elias," Prince Adrian admitted. "I understand this might seem sudden, but I've had time to reflect on my feelings. Lady Eleanor has shown courage, kindness, and grace—qualities I deeply admire. I believe she would make a wonderful partner and queen."