I never want to stop,
Making memories with you.
—Pierre Jeanty
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"Yes, ah."
He grinned. "So you have heard of me."
Eva tilted her face and shook it, looking at him. "I have no clue."
The man called Lysander scoffed, looking offended as he crossed his arms across his chest but the muscles weren't as good as Theodore's, Eva remembered with a depressed sigh.
"How is it possible that you don't know who I am? Everyone knows who I am!" he cried and Eva couldn't help but giggle at the cute look that betook his face.
"You should tell me who you are then." she spoke and he muttered something under his breath that sounded something like, 'Can't believe this.'
"Have you heard about the Kingdom of Lorvil?" he asked and Eva nodded, remembering how her sister had taught her in detail about every Kingdom and its geography. His name was starting to feel familiar now but she couldn't put her finger on why.
"Have you heard about King Lysander?"
Eva nodded her head thoughtfully once more before her pace slowed down as realization dawned upon her. Quickly sitting up, she bowed her head biting her lips in frustration.
"Forgive me for not recognizing you." she apologized and looked up when she heard him laugh.
It was a nice sound but not as good as Theodore's, she thought to herself and internally facepalmed.
"After seeing your almost drenched condition, I don't think it matters. I would prefer if you treat me as a friend who ended up saving you. Call me Lysander. Though any nickname would do." he spoke, beaming as his eyes sparkled under the Sun's light.
Eva instantly felt comfortable with him and replied with a smile, "Sure. How about Anders?"
She laughed out loud when he scrunched his nose, making a horrible face.
"Ok, fine. Sandy? Zander?"
"Oh!" he exclaimed, his eyes widening. "Zander, That's a pretty cool name."
She smiled in return and nodded. "Lysander. Zander, it's nice to make your acquaintance."
"It is my pleasure," he said, still watching her. "Shall I guess who you are?"
"Oh yes—entertain yourself," she said, taking out her handkerchief to wipe her face which had nearly dried because of the Sun's heat that hit them directly.
Lysander looked serious for a moment and tapped his full lips with his finger. "Hmm. I think you are the Mortal of Sexual Frustration."
Eva barked laughter. "Really?"
"Did I say sexual frustration? I meant Theo's sexual frustration."
Just as the words were out of his mouth, the man was thrown back. His body made the ground shake beneath her as he landed, tossing up dirt and rock.
Eva stood up despite the pain in her arm and turned to find Theo. He stood, towering over her in his sharp, black suit. His eyes were dark and angry.
"Why did you do that?" she demanded.
"You're trying my patience Birdie," he said.
"So you are a Bird!" Lysander sounded confused and rose from the rubble unscathed.
Eva ignored him, her eyes shooting daggers at the King.
"He will never touch you again or he will find himself in Hell."
Lysander brushed dirt and rock from his arms and chest.
"You know, Theo, not everything has to be a threat. You could try asking once in a while—just like you could have asked me to step away from your Bird here instead of throwing me halfway across the garden."
"I'm not his Bird! And you—" Eva looked at Theodore. Lysander's brows rose, and he looked very amused. She struggled to balance herself on her feet. "You could be nicer to him. He did save me from your fountain!"
A wave of nausea hit her and she closed her eyes for a minute before composing herself.
"You wouldn't have to be saved if you had been careful!" he answered back, the anger in his eyes not leaving but he placed his arm around her for balance and maybe, comfort. At once, Eva felt better than a second before and breathed out.
"Well, you were busy," she replied, not looking at his face.
"All you had to do was call me."
Eva rolled her eyes and Lysander laughed. Theo turned on him immediately, "Why are you still here?"
"I'm enjoying the show," he spoke and Theo glared at him in full force.
"How many times do I have to tell you to not give me a surprise visit?"
"Too many times," Lysander mumbled but excitement was visible in his posture as he looked from him to her one by one.
"So who is she?" he asked, looking keenly at Eva and she returned his gaze with the same emotion, wondering what relationship he had with the King. They seemed close considering that Theo hadn't chopped off his head right away.
"I'll tell you later, I need to take her back first," he replied with a nod but Eva backed away from his arm that rested on her waist.
"I'll be fine on my own. My dress isn't wet and I only have to clean my hair," she spoke and watched Lysander curiously stare at her and Theo.
"No, I need to check if you got hurt or not."
"It's okay," she whispered. "I'm okay."
Then Lysander said, "She got bruised near her shoulder I think, when falling." He put up both his hands in surrender when Eva glared at him through her lashes, her lips forming a pout.
When she met Theo's gaze, she was surprised to see he looked worried. There was nothing she could do to calm him in front of this new man, so she agreed to let him check her for any injuries.
A gasp escaped her lips when he bent down and placed an arm under her thighs picking her up in both his arms as if she weighed nothing. Eva didn't know where to place her hands and so she settled them on his shoulders for balance.
She could see Lysander smirking as she looked back and stuck out her tongue in reply.
"See you later, Birdie!" he exclaimed and Theo turned around to glare at him.
"Shut up."