324 The Gathering (1)

Ares was putting the finishing touches on the party preparations when Ephraim arrived, exuding elegance in his carefully selected attire.

"Do you need help?" He offered.

"No. We're almost done."

"Is King Richard coming?"

Ares flashed a knowing smile. "I believe you're more interested in whether his daughter is attending."

Ephraim returned the smirk. "True, but I have a need for the father as well," he confessed, settling comfortably into a seat. "I plan on proposing tonight. I'd like to get his permission first."

Ares abruptly turned to him, his interest piqued. "Indeed? Have you planned something special for the occasion?"

"I..." Ephraim hesitated, then shook his head. "Nothing much."

Ares chuckled warmly. "I promise, I won't laugh."

Taking a deep breath, Ephraim began, "I intended to show her the future I …. built for us."

Ares raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Ah... you mean, you've built everything in your future?"