The Extra's Rise

The Astoria healing gardens in the early morning light were exactly as beautiful as I remembered from our first walk together—carefully cultivated medicinal plants arranged in patterns that created both aesthetic beauty and practical accessibility for someone dedicated to the healing arts. As I made final preparations for what would be the most delicate proposal of the entire series, I found myself reflecting on how much this relationship had evolved from its strategic origins.

"She deserves to be treated with the same respect and ceremony as the others," I murmured to myself as I checked the garden's peaceful atmosphere one final time. "Regardless of how our relationship began, she's agreed to become my wife, and that deserves to be honored properly."

The morning was perfect—warm enough to be comfortable among the healing plants, with a gentle breeze that carried the therapeutic scents of rare medicinal herbs throughout the space. I had spent considerable time ensuring that every detail reflected both Elara's interests and the dignity she deserved, because this proposal needed to transform what had started as a strategic arrangement into something that felt genuinely meaningful.

"Arthur?" came her soft voice from the garden entrance, carrying that note of curious warmth that had characterized our interactions from the beginning. "You said you wanted to show me something special in the healing gardens?"

I turned to see her approaching with the graceful confidence that had made her such a respected figure throughout the Empire, wearing a simple but elegant dress in pale blue that complemented both her golden hair and the garden's natural beauty. Her violet eyes held the kind of intelligent curiosity that had drawn me to her personality from our very first conversation.

"I did," I confirmed, moving toward her with the respectful familiarity that had developed between us over the months of courtship. "There's something I wanted to share with you in the place where we first really talked about your vision for the future."

Elara's expression grew more curious as she stepped deeper into the healing garden, her eyes taking in the careful arrangements I had made—additional rare medicinal plants positioned to create natural focal points, soft morning light that enhanced rather than overwhelmed the space's therapeutic atmosphere, and the small seating area where we could speak privately.

"You've been very thoughtful about the setting," she observed with obvious appreciation, moving deeper into the garden with the confident knowledge that characterized her behavior around healing plants. "This does feel like an appropriate place for important conversations."

"Very important," I agreed, watching how the healing plants seemed to respond to her presence with subtle shifts in their magical emanations. "Elara, do you remember what we discussed the first time we walked through these gardens together?"

Her violet eyes brightened with the memory, a genuine smile crossing her features as she recalled that pivotal conversation. "You asked about my ideas for applying healing principles to social problems," she said warmly. "You were the first person who took those theories seriously instead of dismissing them as impractical idealism."

"And you shared your vision for preventing conflicts before they escalate into violence," I replied, noting how her expression grew more thoughtful as she remembered the depth of that discussion. "You talked about addressing root causes rather than just treating symptoms."

"I still believe in those principles," Elara said with quiet conviction. "In fact, our recent conversations have helped me refine some of those ideas further. Your perspective on practical implementation has been invaluable."

'Six down, mission accomplished,' Luna's voice echoed in my mind with obvious satisfaction. 'Though I have to say, treating this final proposal with the same dignity as the romantic ones shows excellent understanding of what respect actually means.'

"Elara," I continued, taking her hands in mine with the careful respect that had characterized our entire relationship, "over the months since we first met, you've shown me what true wisdom looks like. Not just intelligence, but the kind of deep understanding that comes from genuinely caring about other people's wellbeing."

Her violet eyes grew wider as she recognized the direction this conversation was taking, though her expression held curiosity and appreciation rather than the overwhelming emotion that had characterized the other proposals.

"You've taught me that strength doesn't have to come from power over others," I said, studying her face as understanding began to dawn. "That the most important changes happen when people feel heard and respected rather than controlled or manipulated."

I released her hands and reached into my coat pocket, withdrawing the ring case that had been crafted with careful attention to both her preferences and the unique nature of our relationship. The case was made from pure white crystal that seemed to glow with its own internal light, creating a container that reflected both purity and strength.

"You've shown me what it means to approach problems with compassion rather than force," I continued, watching how her expression grew more amazed as she realized what was happening. "To seek solutions that heal rather than simply achieving victory."

The case opened to reveal a ring that represented weeks of careful design focused on honoring both Elara's healing abilities and the dignity she deserved as my future wife. The band was forged from pure white aetherite that had been shaped to resemble the delicate medical instruments she used in her healing work, creating a foundation that would enhance her natural abilities while symbolizing the important work she was meant to accomplish.

Accenting the white aetherite were delicate violet traces that seemed to flow through the band like veins of healing energy, their color chosen to match her eyes while representing the life force that she dedicated her abilities to protecting and nurturing.

The magical properties embedded within the design would allow Elara to channel her healing magic with unprecedented precision and effectiveness, while also providing protection against any magical attacks that might target her because of her connection to me. It was both a tool for the work she loved and a symbol of the protection I was promising to provide.

"Elara Astoria," I said, dropping to one knee in the center of the healing garden where we had first discovered our intellectual compatibility, surrounded by the medicinal plants that represented her life's passion, "would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Her reaction was measured but genuinely pleased, her violet eyes reflecting both the ring's beauty and obvious appreciation for the thoughtfulness that had gone into every detail. Unlike the overwhelming emotion that had characterized the other proposals, this moment held a quality of mutual respect and shared understanding.

"Arthur," she said softly, her voice carrying warm gratitude rather than passionate love, "it's absolutely beautiful. You've managed to create something that honors both my work and the dignity of what we're undertaking together."

"Because you deserve to be treated with the same respect and ceremony as anyone else who agrees to share my life," I replied, slipping the ring onto her finger and watching as the white aetherite immediately began to resonate with her natural healing energy. "Regardless of how our relationship began, you're choosing to become my wife, and that deserves to be honored properly."

The ring settled onto her finger as if it had been designed specifically for her, the white aetherite beginning to pulse with gentle light that seemed to enhance the healing properties of the plants around us. The violet accents caught the morning light and reflected it back in patterns that made her hand appear to be surrounded by therapeutic energy.

"Thank you," Elara said clearly, her voice carrying sincere appreciation for both the ring and the gesture it represented. "Not just for the proposal or the ring, though both are wonderful. Thank you for treating me like a real partner rather than just a political convenience."

She leaned forward and kissed me gently on the cheek, the gesture holding warmth and affection without the passionate intensity that characterized my relationships with the others. It was exactly right for what we were building together—a partnership based on mutual respect and shared goals rather than romantic love.

"I'm honored to accept," she continued with obvious sincerity. "Not just because of what this prevents, but because I genuinely believe we can build something meaningful together. Your support for my ideas, your willingness to listen to my perspectives—they've shown me what true partnership can look like."

"And I'm honored that you've agreed to take this journey with me," I replied with matching sincerity. "Your wisdom, your compassion, your vision for making the world better—they're exactly what I need to become the kind of person worthy of the responsibilities I'm taking on."

As we stood together in the healing garden, surrounded by plants dedicated to nurturing and protecting life, I felt the profound satisfaction that came from treating someone with the dignity they deserved regardless of the strategic necessities that had brought us together.

"When do we tell everyone?" Elara asked with practical curiosity rather than emotional urgency. "I imagine coordinating the announcement of six simultaneous engagements will require considerable diplomatic finesse."

"Very soon," I promised, appreciating how her mind immediately moved to the practical considerations involved. "Though I suspect the political ramifications are going to be interesting regardless of how carefully we manage the timing."

"Indeed," Elara replied with obvious thoughtfulness about the broader implications. "Six wives representing different continents and magical traditions... the alliance structure alone will reshape international politics for generations."

The sixth and final proposal was complete, and it had honored the dignity of someone who had agreed to share my life while maintaining the respectful partnership that made our unique relationship both meaningful and sustainable.

All six promises had been made. Now the real work of building our shared future could begin.