Falling Hard

1354 Words
Prince Landon was currently heading down the steps of his family castle towards the court stables where his horse was waiting because he needed to get away from the annoying prattle of his retainers and take a break. Landon shook his head in frustration, before letting out an inaudible sigh. As he turned his head from the grounds to the sky, he noticed something swathed in red attire falling quickly. Throwing himself into his saddle, he spurring the horse forward into a full run, hoping to catch what he assumed looked like a human before they died. Right before the human-looking figure could hit the ground, Landon caught them in his arms. It had been a split second decision he almost regretted as his horse started panicking. Fingers tightened as he pulled on the reins to slow the horse, he finally looked at the person he had saved. Much to his surprise, it was an extremely beautiful woman, with sandy yellow hair, perfectly pouty lips, and a dainty nose. From her clothing, the finest of silks; she was - at the very least - of noble blood. Turning back to the castle, he sunk into thought. Ignoring the stares of his subjects, who eyed the woman curiously, he made his way back in a slow trot so as to not jostle his bundle. It was almost unthinkable that a human could survive a fall from the sky. ‘Just who is this woman I saved?’ Landon wondered as his retainers approached his steed and took the woman from his arms. ‘I shall see to it the Court Physician makes sure she is well.’ “Thank you, Chris. Call the Court Doctor and get her treated. I do not know of a human who could live after falling like that.” He spoke as he took the woman back. “She appears to be of nobility.” “Milord, are you sure she is safe to take into the Castle?” His retainer questioned. “Though she may be the most beautiful woman I have ever beheld, she might be a spy from a foreign kingdom.” “Spy or no, she landed in our kingdom. We must do what is right to those that come here, else they become an enemy.” Landon replied as they walked to the health ward. “She has done nothing but fall here. If she is of noble birth, perhaps I shall take her as my bride.” “MILORD?!?!” Chris’s shout in surprise startled a few of the nearby servants who dropped their linens. “You never spoke of taking a bride before. What of your concubines?!” “I shall have them dismissed. If she’ll accept me, I would love to have the most beautiful woman in the world.” He looked down at the woman in his arms as a servant opened the door to the ward. “I feel she’s not the only one to fall today.” Chris froze on the spot just outside the door while Landon laid the mysterious woman on the bed. It was then that he spotted a piece of paper just inside the folds of her odd attire. Gently, he lifted the paper from her and opened it. Turning to the doctor first, he imparted some orders to insure her the best of care. He looked back down at the paper to run his eyes across the words spread there, then frowned in disbelief. ‘My name is Evangeline Azure, Crowned Princess of the Sky Kingdom. Because of some issues within the court of my kingdom, my Father had my memory wiped and sent me here. The memory wipe will remove everything from me, and the prospect scares me. When I wake up, I beg of you, please at least tell me my name. Do not tell me anything else, for my Father will come for me when the matter settles. Please, burn this letter. Signed, Crowned Princess Evangeline Azure.’ It was short and to the point, but the elegant flow of the letters across the page almost made him regret to burn it. With a sad sigh, he walked over to a candle, he held it out over the flame and watched as the words burned away. As Landon looked back at Evangeline, he placed his thumb on his chin in consideration. No matter how he thought of it, he would have to settle matters with his concubines before he could take a wife, and he had always been a playboy. ‘Can I really win her heart?’ He thought before shrugging and walking to the door. “Check her for any injuries immediately. See that no harm becomes of her.” Landon ordered the doctor, who was currently staring in shock at the beautiful woman. “I will return shortly. I have some matters I need to discuss with my Father and Mother. Call for me immediately if she wakes up.” “Yes, Milord.” The Physician replied with a bow. “I shall treat her as a Princess.” As he made his way to the sitting room where his parents spent their free time, Landon thought hard about how to broach this topic with them. Not only was he wanting to see all of his concubines released from their duties to him, he was also certain that Miss Evangeline would be his Queen. He had never considered taking a wife, but as soon as he saw her, his heart rate had quickened. Standing outside the door, he knocked sharply. That reaction, the one he had to her, was foreign. No woman ever had him ready to prostrate himself for her before. Though he knew it was foolish to love a woman he just caught, he found himself hopeless. Somehow, he felt she was his Queen. There would be no other. He waited patiently for them to call for him, hoping he was not interrupting an important discussion. His parents likely wouldn’t appreciate a love-sick fool approaching them when they have a Kingdom’s worth of troubles to manage. “You may enter.” His father’s commanding tone belied his actual care of his son. “You normally do not seek us out unless it is something important, Landon.” “I wish to put an end to my concubines. I found a suitable bride for myself.” Landon said, causing his mother to raise her hand to her face in shock. “Would that be acceptable to you, Mother and Father?” They both sat there quietly, staring at him in unconcealed shock. Unable to bear the silence any longer, Landon walked around the room, looking at the various paintings that lined the walls. He had been in here many times, but the artwork always fascinated him. It was very detailed, painted by the best artists in the kingdom. Finally, after a long pause, his parents seemed to overcome their shock, his mother being the first to speak. “Is it that woman you saved when she fell from the sky?” She asked, though the shock was still apparent in her eyes. “I heard rumors she was extremely beautiful. You do not even know her, my son.” “You are correct, Mother, I have been meaning to put an end to the concubines, anyway. I rarely visit with them now that I have more duties for the Kingdom. I should only need one woman, a Wife. Even if she disagrees, this is for the best.” He spoke his thoughts clearly and concisely. “If she agrees, then all the better. I only consider of the future for Rel Kingdom. What is best, a loyally married husband for a King, or a Philanderer King?” “This is an appreciable change in you, my boy. I shall order it. We will release your concubines from their duty.” His father said as he looked over at one of his retainers, who nodded. “You are truly acting as one would expect of the Crowned Prince. I am proud.”
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