Jerome Philipp Borovic part 3.

Officially, he couldn't even attend the closing banquet, because then Ariana would realize everything… So he could only admire the beautiful girl from the shadows as she entered the room… as each man's breath catches her sight… as she dances with a smile in another man's arms…

Jealousy slowly made him grind his teeth… he could not bear the tought, that his angel is the bride of another man… even if he knew that the next day the rival family would break up the engagement. Young Marcus's eyes shone with happiness… it was clear that he was in love with Ariana.

"How dare that little nobody look at my Ariana like that… I'd rather cut off his dirty hands…"

He muttered to himself, finally deciding it was better to leave the event soon… before he even made a mistake.

A few days later, Jerome went to war. He lay down every night thinking of the girl… always holding the handkerchief and the sword tassel as a lucky amulet.

The Hertian kingdom was a mediterranean country compared to them… so when they fought in the barren, cold mountains it was mainly Predin who won… However, the King of Hertian, who was just then enthroned at the age of 21 was a great tactician. He could have successfully won with his plan to squeeze Predin's warriors into a valley, and cut them off from any supply, then slaughter them nicely… if Jerome hadn't seduced the young queen…

Constanze, the wife of King Hertian, Gideon, had ancestors from Predin had … and, as might be expected in a book like this, she had been deadly in love with the protagonist since she was a little girl… and at the cost of betraying her own country, she rushed to Jerome's help, by sharing important information , to save him from Gideon's cruel tactics.

Although Jerome wasn't exactly proud of this act, taking advantage of Constanze was the key what brought him success.

When he finally returned to the capital, the people were flooding ont he streets to celebrate the great hero. Jerome was happy, for after such a long time he could finally see the girl… although the maid sometimes sent a letter from which he knew about the main events of her life, and the fact that his father kept his promise and did not allow anyone to enter into an engagement with the girl in his absence, this was nowhere near seeing her smile in person, hearing her voice…

There was finally a festive ball as well, when he was able to reveal his true identity, he excitedly walked into the ballroom where the beautiful Ariana was handed hand to hand by the men ont he dancefloor.

His stomach clenched… consciousness… the sight… that someone else was touching what belongs to him, made him crazy.

'I have to stop this ugly horde from getting near her… She's just mine! '

A few minutes later, Ariana left to the terrace, and Jerome immediately followed her. As he slowly approached, he listened with a smile to her sweet pout.

"I would be a good wife!"

"I'm sure of that, Miss."

He finally addressed her. At this, Ariana turned with a smile… and finally… the certain smile that was just for her dissolved the cramp of jealousy in her stomach.

"Prince Charming! Are you back safe and sound? "

"Yes Miss. The tassel brought good luck. "

At that time, even the shadow of the pillar of the terrace covered his princely attire.

"I'm very happy about it!"

"If I may say so, you are a really grown to be a beautiful woman."

"Oh thank you."

As she blushed at the praise, the man's heart trembled.

"I hope no one has hurt your beautiful face. It would be a real pity of it. "

"I don't have a cut."

Then he stepped out of the shadows so she could check his untouched face, then the light shone on the fancy dress.

"That way, it will no longer be a problem to marry into a good family! What a pity that there has barely been left maidens from higher ranked families. "

"There's one more."

Then she finally looked into his eyes, he could be submerged in the beautiful violet eyes again… but the girl's gaze disappeared into deep thought as the horn sounded. By this time Ariana was already looking at him in despair… But Jerome couldn't see that anymore. He purposefully moved to the throne .. to the king .. who will soon give him the girl .. whom he loves… whom he has always loved and wanted… and who will soon be his fiancé and then his wife.

Ariana also joined her parents in the room, as Jerome reached the position intended for the hero.

"Jerome Philipp Borovic, I, as the King of the Kingdom of Predin, reward you with your wishes for your heroic deeds of war. Tell me, what do you want, son? "

"You Majesty, I wish to ask for the hand of Ariana Tia Vanderberg."

As this sentence left the prince's mouth, he felt that he was the happiest man in the world… since now nothing and no one could stop him from chaining her to himself forever. He turned proudly toward the guests, but the smile soon froze from his face as he heard a csream, and Ariana's body fell unconsciously on the cobblestones of the ballroom.