The Baroness Misbehaves
Chapter 273: Reunion Of Hearts (The End)

Chapter 273: Reunion Of Hearts (The End)

[Music Recommendation: Dandelion by Ruth B]

The winter months had already gone by, making way for a balmy summer night as the couple took a leisurely stroll through the captivating royal garden, hand-in-hand. The aroma of blooming rose and Jasmine surrounded the vicinity, leaving a unique feeling of romance and intimacy lingering in the atmosphere. The moon shone brightly, casting a soft glow over the flowers and trees, while the gentle breeze rustled the leaves.

The silence that was shared as they quietly enjoyed the view of the royal garden, it felt like a dream. Madeline could hardly believe everything that was happening right now was not her hallucination tricking her mind. Her heart was racing, and in order to calm her nerves, she rested her hand on her baby bump, feeling her child move within her, whilst Cassian placed his hand on top of hers, surprising the woman who looked up to meet his Amber-brown eyes.

"Am I dreaming again?" The tone of her voice was pleasingly soft as she inquired from Cassian who averted his gaze from her brilliant eyes, and then they continued on their stroll as he gently swung their interlaced hand.

"You’re the one who’s like a dream, Maddie. The most beautiful dream I never wish to wake up from. Dream or not, I don’t care as long as I get to be with you in it." He replied before looking at her right on time to catch the young woman blushing to herself. With his other hand shoved in his pocket, he proceeded to explain what had happened after he fell off the cliff with Abbot.

"I never entertained the idea that I would survive the barrier spell with my condition. A lot of things happened in a flash while falling off the cliff and holding on to hope was meaningless at that time." He clicked his tongue, "I felt tested, it was a test with visible consequences and I didn’t mind giving everything up as long as you were safe Maddie." The tone of his voice drifted with the wind, and Cassian could still remember vaguely the whole scenario that took place after his fatal fall.

He could feel Madeline’s grip on his hand tighten, as if trying to seek comfort and offering him one as well. With her concerns evident, she asked. "But what really happened to you? Abbot told us you gave your body to that vile thing and–"

"I was about to, but I didn’t." He corrected, and Madeline’s eyes snapped wide. Aware of the question in her obsidian eyes, he nodded. "Elijah had taken my spot, how he fell or if he jumped himself, that I do not know, but one thing I’m sure of was that he saved my life, but in doing so, he lost his process."

"I only have a clear recollection of what happened after opening my eyes. I was hoping to see you but the environment I stayed in seemed local and different. The families who helped me said they had stepped out to do some fishing when they saw my body lying at the shore. They treated me for six months, and they said my condition had feared them since my chances of surviving were rather miniscule, but hey, I’m here now." He gestured by opening his arms out, showing his healthy self to Madeline who appeared more worried than happy.

All this time her husband was busy fighting for his life and she.. "you had to go through so much Cassian, all because of me and I’m..."

"No more with the self blames Maddie." He hushed her up before continuing with his story. "The villages were being terrorized during those Months, and it was crucial. I couldn’t abandon the families and villagers that helped me, nor could I stand those illiterate terrorists, so I decided to stay one more month to assist them. I was healing pretty fast as the days went by, and in the end, I and the villagers were able to chase them away, but not without a proper beating. You need to see the havoc they caused. But, the elders of the community sent for me, and when I made a proper introduction of who I was, Alaric showed up the next day."

Madeline listened attentively to his explanation, and she could hardly believe he experienced this much on his own. "Does that explain how he knows about your presence?"

Cassian nodded, "he brought Orson with him, and I was so..." he sighed, "it felt good seeing them again."

"What about Mother and Father, how did they know?"

"For some reason they were already at the Palace when I came."

Now that Cassian suddenly thought about it, it made sense. "I had enough time to wipe out a few corrupt officials, and the rest will be handled when I get titled as Duke."

"Duke?!" Madeline’s pupils dilated, and she had stopped walking. "When did--"

"You cleared my name for me, and the village I helped also opted my rank so... Aren’t you proud of your husband?"

"You had quite a journey."

"Quite? I had to make myself useful by doing things I’ve never done. Fetching water, catching fish, breaking logs of wood, I was forced to adapt to their lifestyle, but it wasn’t that bad when I got used to doing some. At first I assumed the world was punishing me but now I realize it was preparing me to come take care of you."

His voice romantically softened as he made her look at him, and then he dropped a kiss on her forehead, one that carried many emotions whilst Madeline had to close her eyes, and then he pulled back. "I missed you so freaking much during those long months. I kept thinking if you were alright, if you were fine. I’m more than relieved to see you’ve been taking care of yourself."

"I missed you too." Her voice was barely above a whisper, and Cassian smiled contentedly at her reciprocation.

They continued their walk, surrounded by the beauty of the garden. The moonlight danced on the face of Madeline, emphasizing her youthful radiance.

" You know...." Cassian began teasingly, "I couldn’t help but notice these flowers pale in comparison to your beauty. Did you get prettier without me?"

"Stop, I look anything but pretty while having to carry this."

"You’re carrying our child, what’s that statement supposed to mean?" He complained. "If anything, you look more beautiful, and more special. Of course, you have to look amazing, you’re carrying my child after all. Still can’t believe this, I’ve always made comments about being a Father but now that it’s happening, it makes me feel nervous in a good way."

Seeing the happiness radiating from his handsome face, Madeline couldn’t help but feel emotional, and she smiled. "I can’t wait to see our little one, and the amazing father you’ll become. What child do you wish to have?"

"Can’t I have both at once? It’s not impossible right?" He seriously teased, and without a doubt, her husband hasn’t changed in the slightest. "To be honest I don’t mind if it’s a boy or a girl, I’ll love them wholeheartedly." He said with utmost sincerity before holding her hand in his, "before the night passes us, I have something important I’d like to ask you. Come."

"Hmm?" Madeline stared unblinkingly as he led her to the secluded spot in the garden, and the place twinkled with fairy lights - it looked almost magical. Holding her hand and dropping a tender kiss on her knuckles, he suddenly dropped on one knee and brought out a beautiful diamond ring from his pocket.

Madeline’s eyes widened when she gazed into the eyes of Cassian that held hers with pure adoration, and he began. "Our marriage didn’t start off with any emotions attached and it was an absurd moment for the both of us. I may have been a bit wild with my decisions, but I couldn’t be more thankful to myself for marrying you that night. You deserve a real wedding my love, and I promised you I was going to give that to you, so.... Will you manage this gentleman and tolerate him for the rest of your life by accepting his proposal? Will you marry me?"

"Say yes!" Inna suddenly voiced out, startling Cassian and Madeline who turned to see her hiding behind one of the shrubs. When no one made a sound and she realized all gaze was fixed on her, she bit her lower lip in half embarrassment.

"oops."

"Do you have a control problem?" Asked Orson who also revealed himself behind the thick shrubs. "You’re ruining the moment, God it was getting to the good part."

To Cassian and Madeline’s surprise, everyone had been watching them. We’re they waiting here for him?

"Sorry, I’ve always wanted to say something like that, carry on."

Madeline, who shook her head at Inna’s unnecessary apology, returned her gaze to Cassian who was still waiting for her response. Smiling happily, she nodded her head

"Yes, I’ll marry you."

With his smile broadening, he slid the ring into her finger. Alaric also presented himself with his wife, and behind them stood servants holding refreshments. "This is a call for a celebration, don’t you think? Future Duke and Duchess, and now a wedding."

Inna was the first to nod her head before everyone stepped forward to receive their refreshments. Madeline was about to take one from the tray when Cassian stopped her with an admonishing stare. "Maddie, you can’t take everything that’s been offered, get her some orange juice instead."

He shooed away the servant, and Madeline couldn’t hold back a chuckle.

"Shall we dance?" He let out his hand for her.

"You wish to dance? With my baby bump?"

"Especially with your baby bump, I need to hold you close. You’ve given me a family, our family, and that is something I’m going to cherish forever."

"Finally, I can say I’m attending my best friend’s wedding. I need two glasses of this please, celebrations like this happen once in a red moon." He wanted to reach for the second wine on the tray, but frowned when Elian beat him to it.

"You’ll be attending his wedding, I’ll be attending as his best man." He quietly sipped his drink and nonchalantly walked past the raging Orson.

"I have all the time for you tonight, if I get my shoes on you." Taking off his shoe, he went after Elian, whilst everyone laughed when he chased the red-haired man around the garden.

*************

How should I say this? We’ve come to the end of Maddie and Cassian’s journey <333 ohmi! I don’t know if I should cry or not (don’t take me seriously xD!)

I want to thank everyone for reading and sticking with me to the end of our favorite couples, (Cas and Maddie) we appreciate the support of everyone from the start of the novel to the ending, and words cannot describe how your encouragements have helped me push through 😘

***Two bonus Chapters will be dropped later ♡♡♡

***If you wish to read more of my books, you can join me in my present ongoing book (Bride To His Darkness) search for the title and add to your library, or you can click on my profile and add the book from there. <333 Hope to see more of your endless supports there ♡♡