Once he had completed his duties for the day, Landon made his way back to Miss Evangeline's side. She had plagued his thoughts since he left her side this morning. No words could describe the myriad of thoughts coursing through his brain as anything other than a fool of a man in love. Standing outside the door, he smiled. Of course he planned to tell her what her name was, it was only right. But what was slightly bothering him was the need to keep her memory secret. Opening the door, he walked in, his eyes finding her where she rested against the cot.
"Milord, she is unscathed, but she will not wake. I have tried many things, but still she sleeps." The Physician said bowing. "My apologies. I can no longer think of anything else to do."
"Very well. Leave us." Landon ordered, walking over to her. "Have the head chef prepare something that would be easy for her to eat."
"Yes, Milord." The Physician bowed and left the room.
Lifting a lock of her hair, he allowed it to slip through his fingers where it fell back against her body. Her eyes seemed to shutter at the movement. The hand that was lying at her side suddenly moved and lifted to her head. Evangeline's face twisted in pain, but she tried to rise to a sitting position while keeping her eyes closed.
"Easy, Miss Evangeline Azure. You fell from the sky, so you probably have a bad headache." Landon said placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "My name is Landon Bryson. I'm the one who caught you."
Slowly, as if testing her head's response, she lifted her eyelids before meeting his gaze. This made him freeze, his mouth agape. Not only was her hair unusual, her eyes were a gorgeous shade of ice blue. Feeling like a moron for staring, but unable to tear his eyes from hers, Landon clamped his mouth shut. Evangeline seemed to be trying to think of what she should say. He simply waited patiently, and after but a moment, her soft voice threw him for yet another loop. It was melodic in its tone, albeit questioning.
"My name is Evangeline Azure?" She replied carefully, as he helped her sit up to lean against the wall. "And you're Landon Bryson? I apologize, I cannot seem to remember you."
Sure, Landon COULD be underhanded and play the card of concerned fiancé, but he wanted her trust and love the right way. He would only tell as much as the letter had told him to. For now, she was in his care and completely safe. Doing his best to put on a charming smile, he bowed slightly at the waist while taking her hand in his. Planting his lips against the soft flesh of it's back, Landon looked up and smiled wide.
~~~~~Evangeline~~~~~
The man holding her hand held her gaze carefully, his hazel eyes seeming to sparkle. The setting sun was catching his chestnut brown hair in ways that seemed to make him shine. Evangeline could swear that even if she did have her memory, she never would have forgotten a man as good looking as him. Smiling softly, she watched as he seemed to freeze before he sat himself on the cot next to her. Unable to help herself, she thought of what to say or ask since he seemed to know her name at the very least.
"Um. Where am I?" She asked, hoping to get some answers. "Who am I?"
"You are in the Palace of the Kingdom of Rel." Landon replied with a nod of his head. "I am the Crowned Prince, and as for you...you had a letter tucked in your clothes addressed to the person that found you from you. Seeing as I'm the one that did, I read it and have followed it's instruction."
"What...was the instruction?" Evangeline knew he was hiding stuff from her, and part of her did not like it. "The letter was from me? Wait! I'm so sorry, I had no idea you were the Prince...I've been so rude, Milord."
"Yes. It asked that I tell you your name, but keep the other details of the letter from you. It also asked that I burn it once I had read it." Was his reply, making her heart drop as she bowed to him. "I'm sorry, but you really seemed to want to protect yourself. And think nothing of it. I should like you to call me Landon, not Milord or Crowned Prince."
"I...I see..." She felt a little hesitant under his gaze, and feeling shy, looked to the floor, a blush staining her cheeks. "Um...L-Landon then. Uh, what happens now?"
"For now, I've ordered food for you that would not upset your stomach, which our Court Doctor will be bringing. You are under my protection for the time being." Landon's gaze softened as she rose her head to meet his eyes. "Is there anything you would like?"
"Oh...I couldn't possibly..." Evangeline stuttered, her words becoming locked in her throat.
"Think nothing of it, Evangeline. A tailor will be in tomorrow to get you fitted in the finest clothing in our Kingdom. I've never seen the attire your wearing before, so I'm afraid no one would know how to make it here." His voice softened slightly as he spoke, clearly hoping to put her at ease. "You are my most honored guest here in the Palace. If there is anything you need or want, please do not hesitate to ask."
~~~~~Landon~~~~~
Try as he might, he could not maintain a straight face. Evangeline was awake and talking to him, her soft voice stirring up passions he thought had long burnt out. The way her eyes sparkled when she talked about something she loved made him feel a fullness he never had before. A knock broke the spell cast by being in her presence.
"You may enter." Landon adopted a formal tone, as he was unsure who was there. "She has woken."
The Physician opened the door, with Landon's parents and brothers in tow, and almost dropped the tray of food when he met Evangeline's eyes before dropping his gaze to the floor. Walking forward slowly, he held the tray out to her with a bow. Landon's family could only stare in shock at the blonde woman with shock in their eyes. He, himself, had been shocked when he first met her eyes. Their icy blue color had never been seen before.
"This is Miss Evangeline Azure. Evangeline, these are my parents, King Liam and Queen Ella of Rel, and my four brothers." Landon spoke, helping her stand by taking her hand. "She is the woman I rescued today."
"I...see." His mother spoke hesitantly, finding her voice. "Welcome to our Kingdom, Miss Azure. We hope our son has been kind."
"Of course he has, Milady." Evangeline said with an elegant bow. "Thank you, your Highness's for granting me aid."
"Please, no need to be so formal." The King said with a kind smile. "Landon mentioned you have amnesia? You are most welcome to stay in the Palace to keep him company. After all, he was the one who saved you."
"You were not joking about her beauty, Brother. Hello Miss, my name is Adrian Bryson, the Second Prince." Adrian walked closer, his eyes taking on a gleam Landon was very familiar with, he noticed her tense. "I could show you the best view in the Palace if you like..."
"Adrian..." Landon's tone was warning as he stood between Evangeline and Adrian. "Stop making her feel uncomfortable."
"Our elder brother is quite possessive. Hi, Miss Evangeline! My name is Aaron Bryson and I am the Third Prince." Aaron said, carefully keeping his space. "We are so glad you did not obtain any injuries in your fall. I was in the tower when Landon took off on his horse to catch you."
"We're the twins!" They said in unison, walking over and offering their hands to her in welcome. "He's Jayden and he's Jorden."
Evangeline raised her eyebrows at that but shot them a smile as she took their hands. The twins froze, their mouths agape at the friendly smile on her face. Looking between the two, she turned to look at Landon, whose own heart was racing out of his chest. He smiled softly at her questioning look and nodded to the brothers.
"You guys should be clear. Evangeline is not used to this, clearly." Landon said jokingly. "I wonder if she has any siblings..."
"Oh quite the contrary, your brothers seem fun! Let's see if I can guess which is which." Her cheerful voice surprised everyone in the room. "Let us see...the one on my left is Jayden, and right is Jorden."
The twins exchanged a look in their shock before nodding. Now how did she do that? Most people had difficulty telling the two apart, even their own parents had trouble from time to time. With a smile as bright as the sun, Evangeline turned her sun bright smile on him. Landon could tell her presence in his life was going to make some major changes.