‘And you’re going to have to learn to stop being so suspicious and start giving people the benefit of the doubt,’ she interrupted passionately. ‘To realise it’s not the end of the world if sometimes you wear your heart on your sleeve—because your people will respect a king who isn’t afraid of being in touch with his own feelings, rather than someone buttoned-up and inflexible.’
‘Am I buttoned-up and inflexible?’ he questioned gravely.
‘Sometimes. But I can show you how to change. We can help each other grow, can’t we?’
‘Is that a yes to my proposal?’ he questioned wryly.
‘It is,’ she agreed, looking suddenly shy as he reached into his pocket and produced a small box before withdrawing a ring of radiant brilliance—the incandescent diamond flashing like an explosion of white fire within the tiny room.
‘Oh, Corso,’ she said as he got down onto one knee before her.
‘You’re going to tell me that you’ve changed your mind about big diamonds after all?’
She shook her head. ‘I’m going to tell you that I love you,’ she whispered as he slid the mighty rock onto her finger. ‘I love you more than words can ever say.’