Obey Me: Little Random Scenes And Thoughts

Backstory: Raphael and Ester Part 2 (Final)

**A few years after Part 1**

Ester had been in the Celestial City, aiding at the infirmary. She had spent years training to become a nurse like her sisters. Today was the day that she became an official certified healer. She couldn't have been happier. The amount of studying, exams, and stress she had endured were finally over and today, she got to return home for a long-needed break and after, she would be in and out of the infirmary every few weeks.

Raphael had finished his training and was now a full-fledged guardian and seraphim. He had come an extremely long way from the little rebellious boy. He had been a patient in the infirmary under the sisters' care several times due to injuries that occurred during his training. He was also a very eligible bachelor, one that Michael was hoping would take one of his daughter's hands in marriage, specifically Angelica or Cordelia. Either one would be lucky to have Raphael as a husband and they knew it. Raphael was cordial toward both of them and things were looking good.

Raphael was tasked to escort the girls back home for their break. "Good afternoon, ladies. Are you ready to return home?" He asked. "Oh, yes. I am excited to get some rest. It's been exhausting." Angelica answered. "I wish I could have accomplished more before it was time to go, but it will be nice to go home and get some stuff done there." Cordelia added. Ester seemed quiet. She didn't say much, but she did look pretty tired. "What about you? Are you ready to go home?" Raphael asked as they walked to the palace. She had fallen behind a little and Raphael joined her while the older sisters talked. "Hm, oh yeah... I'm exhausted." She replied. "I'm sure you are. I've heard you've been working very hard." Raphael smiled.

Ester had been working hard to get her certification. She didn't pick up on things as well as her sisters, but she was determined. There were a lot of late nights and long weekends, but she did it and she was proud. "What do you plan on doing while you're home?" Raphael asked. "Sleep." He couldn't help but chuckle at that answer. "Anything else?" He was curious. "Hm, I'd love to read a book, a good one! Not a medical book, not a study guide. Maybe I'll read a romance novel." She hummed. "Ooh, feeling saucy, are we?" Raphael joked. It made Ester smile. It reminded them both of when they were younger. They still tried to remain friends, even while creating their own path.

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Raphael had been in and out of the palace while the princesses were home. He had a lot of meetings with Michael and he was friends with Michael's sons as well. One day when he was walking passed the gardens he came across Ester, who had fallen asleep under a tree with a book clutched in her hands. She looked so peaceful and he couldn't help but stare. She was so cute and innocent, but he realized that she was not a little girl anymore. She had grown up gracefully and beautifully. "Princess... Ester, wake up." He lightly shook her awake. He didn't want the sun to burn her. "Hmm... Oh my goodness! I-I can't believe I fell asleep!" She gasped. "Thank you for waking me Raphy. Oh, I mean... Raphael." She blushed.

Raphael's cheeks also became flush from his old friend calling him by his childhood nickname. They had come a long way since then but he was glad that she was comfortable around him still. "W-what are you reading?" He asked. "Oh, I'm reading a novel about a princess that falls in love with a knight in her father' court. She wants to marry him, but her father doesn't approve and so she runs away with him." He listened as she explained the book to him and noticed several similarity between the knight and his feelings toward the princess. He had to talk with Michael. He knew what he wanted in life and Michael was the key to it all.

"I would like to ask you a very serious question, Michael." Raphael asked as he was escorted by the guards into the throne room. "What about?" Michael asked. "It's about one of your daughters" Michael realized what was happening and listened intently. He had always hoped Raphael would join his family. "W-well, I-I would like to ask for Ester's hand in marriage". He admitted. "Ester!?" Michael blurted in surprise. Raphael looks disheartened. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound so surprised. I just expected Angelica or Cordelia to suit you better. Don't get my wrong. I love Ester and she is a wonderful girl. I just wasn't sure she would be your first choice, given that she is a little naive and still young." Raphael deflated a little at Michael's reaction. "But she has grown into an amazing woman and I can see her spirit is kind and gentle. That's what I love about her. I'm sorry if I have offended you or your elder daughters." Raphael spoke softly. "Nonsense, Raphael. You are already like a son to me. I accept your request. You have my blessing to marry Ester if she agrees." Michael smiled warmly, embracing Raphael.

Ester and her sisters sat under the big willow tree in the infirmaries courtyard. Their break at home was over, and it was back to work as usual. They were eating their lunch when Raphael and Michael arrived unexpectedly. "Father, Raphael... What are you doing here?" Angelica asked. Cordelia and Ester looked up as the men approached. "Raphael has a very important question he would like to ask." The girls perked up, specifically Angelica and Cordelia. They had heard rumors that one of them had caught Raphael's eye and both knew how wonderful it would be to be wed by him.

"Ester...?" -"Yes, Raphael?" Ester responded. She assumed he was going to send her away so she could talk to one of her sisters, but she hoped that maybe... just maybe he wanted her instead. She loved him very much, but she felt that she wasn't serious or smart enough for him. She realized that she would probably have to watch the love of her life marry one of her sisters instead. That she would have to deal with that pain her entire life. "May I speak with you i-in private, please?" He shifted slightly, looking down at the ground. It was rare to see Raphael look so shy. The other two sisters showed a small sign of disappointment and shock, although they tried their best to keep their composure. "Ester, did you hear Raphael? He'd like to speak with you." Angelica spoke up and nudged her frozen sister forward. Although she was disappointed that Raphael did not choose her, there was another angel that truly held her heart. Marrying Raphael would have been more of a great duty to her family than for love.

Ester slowly walked toward Raphael who gestured toward a smaller, private garden. "Raphael, what is it?" Ester asked shyly. "You and I have known each other for a very long time... Through that time, you have grown into a beautiful and kindhearted young angel. You are the sun on a gray day, in the infirmary, you are the hope for the hopeless. You make everyone see the positive around them. You make everyone feel joy. I, as well, feel very touched by your presence in my life and I would like to ask for your hand in marriage. Would you do me the honor of becoming my bride?" Raphael asked with no hesitation.

Ester thought she was going to faint. She slowly lowered herself onto a nearby bench. Raphael was by her side to steady her. "Are you alright?" He whispered. He was nervous to hear her answer. "I-I'm alright. I just... I thought you were going to ask one of my sisters this question, not me. I-I love you, Raphael. I would love to be your bride." She gained her confidence to tell him her true feelings and smiled at him. He let out a sigh of relief and pulled her in to a warm hug. "I'm so happy! Thank you." The couple became engaged and the family decided to through and engagement party to celebrated with them.