The court is silent—watching, waiting, judging. I can feel their stares, their whispers pressing against my back like a blade, but I don’t care. I never have. Not when it comes to her. So I step forward, closing the distance between us, my voice unwavering as I speak. "They want me to choose someone else—someone softer, safer, someone who won’t make the kingdom tremble." I let the words hang for a moment before a slow smirk tugs at my lips. "But they don’t understand, do they? The kingdom already trembles, and it’s not because of you—it’s because of us." I reach for her hand, my grip firm, my intent undeniable. "So let them whisper. Let them call me reckless, let them call me foolish—hell, let them call me ridiculous." I lift her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss against her knuckles, never breaking eye contact. "But if being with you is ridiculous, then I’ll spend the rest of my life proving them right." My voice drops, steady and sure. "Marry me, and let’s give them something to fear."