Claim

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

He drew in a breath, spent a few seconds rethinking his plan, then reached into his pocket for the ring.

“This isn’t the way I imagined this happening,” he said.

Her mouth widened in surprise as he dropped to one knee.

“Kira Baranov Antonov, I have never gotten on my knees for anyone, but I would remain on them the rest of my life if it meant calling you my wife.” He sighed and shook his head. “No. Not just that. We did that once and it didn’t mean anything.” He started again. “I would gladly remain on my knees if it meant you would be my partner in all things. If it meant you would love me.”

“I do love you,” she said, her eyes shining. She laughed. “And we’re already married.”’

“Yes, but the first time wasn’t for us. It wasn’t real,” he said. “And I find that I very much want to know this is real. So will you marry me again, Kira? This time from your heart? This time for love?”

She bent to take his face in her hands. “I will marry you from my heart, Lyon Antonov. I will marry you for love.” She kissed him and pulled him to his feet, her hands still on his face as she looked up at him. “Now stand. You’re a king. You bow to no one, not even me.”

He pulled her into his arms and held her tight.

You’re wrong,he thought. I bow to you.

Only you.