The Crown Prince Bride

CHAPTER FIVE

Evnoia was enthralled by the beauty hidden behind the gates. It was a flower garden, the largest and most beautiful she had

seen. It was a rich and diverse collection of healthy, well maintained plants, including colorful flowers, lush foliage, trees and shrubs. The garden's design demonstrated a sense of balance, proportion and harmony. The lush and vibrant plant life covered a massive sparse of land and went as far as the eyes could see, like an unending ocean.

Evnoia looked around, jaw dropped. "This is so beautiful." she exclaimed.

It will be a shame to leave such pristine without taking pictures of it. she thought taking out her phone from her blazer pocket. With an exicted smile on her face, Evnoia began her little exploration of the garden.

Evnoia had walked around for quite some time taking pictures here and there of almost every little plant or flower she saw. She even took a few selfies. She had completely forgotten that she was suppose to be at the Academy's auditorium with her fellow first year students.

Squatting beside a rose bush, she was examing the dandelions before her. Plucking a flower, she stood up, blowing on the pappus. She watched with a smile as the puffballs flew with the the wind. Following the movement of the flying pappus, her gaze fell on someone who she could only describe as an angel. He stood a few feet away from Evnoia, with his back facing her, his hands clasped behind his back, his stance majestic.

His silky silver hair fluttered, following the movement of the wind. He wore a white suit, which added to his angelic charm. Evnoia was captivated by the sight before her, her mouth slightly agap. It looked like an image taken out of a painting;the combination of the lush plant life, the gentle movement of the wind, the beautiful, bright blue sky and the angelic being.

Click.

her camera went off. The sound killing the mood. He heard it too because he turned, meeting her eyes and that was when she realized she made a huge mistake. He was no angel. She saw his hand move swiftly, then the sound of breaking glass followed. It came from below her. Looking down slowly, Evnoia felt her blood drain. Her phone, which she held up above her breast had been stabbed through with a pen knife. The tip of the knife dangerously close to her heart. Evnoia tossed her phone in fear and looked up in shock only to be met with blazing hazel eyes. The murderous look in them directed at her.

H-h-how did he get so close? she asked herself in shock. she could feel the murderous aura emanating from him and she shivered in fear,breaking into a cold sweat. Was he going to kill her? He had never cared about the consequences of his actions so finishing her off was nothing to him.

He was the infamous crown prince of Georgia and although he was the definition of beauty itself and looked like an angel,he was anything but that. The stories she had heard about him were horrendous.

Taking a step back to get away she was pricked on the ankle by the thorn from the rose bush behind her. The pain made her trip,and she feel backwards. With her eyes closed, Evnoia prepared her self mentally for the fall and the pain. At least this was better than getting killed by him. But she didn't fall instead she felt strong hands on her shoulders that steadied her and prevented the fall. He turned her so that her back was against a tree then withdrew his hands.

Did he just save her? she opened her eyes slowly, surprise written on her face.

"Are you a spy, an assassin or a delinquent who lacks home training?" He asked. His voice was rather calm although the look in his face wasn't. But his eyes didn't spell blood anymore instead it was a look she was familiar with. She had seen it on her father's face when he had to listen to a member of his council whom he considered incompetent. Impatience mixed with irritation.

"Huh?" she replied confused. He didn't answer instead the look on his face intensified and Evnoia knew she needed to start talking.

She glanced at her broken phone on the floor then at him and that was when she understood his question. He thought she was taking pictures of him that was why he made such assumptions. His anger was justified. He was next in line to the throne of Georgia, taking secret photos of him could lead to serious accusations and if proved she could end up like her phone. Dead.

Removing her school Identification card which hung around her neck she extended it to him, saying "I am a student of the Academy."

"Isn't that obvious."He said, not sparing her ID a glance. It was more of a statement than a question and he was right her identity as a student was not enough to get her out of this mess. If she had just gone straight to the Academy's auditorium where her presence was very much needed, she wouldn't be in this life and death situation. Since he needed a solid explanation she was going to give him one. Withdrawing her hand, she began.

" I am a first year student, Evnoia, princess of Dolphineye. I was on my way to the Academy's auditorium when I heard the whistling of birds. It was so melodious that I had to find out where it came from so I followed the sounds and it lead me to this beautiful garden. I couldn't help myself and took pictures, I even took some selfies. I was blowing on a dandelion when I saw you... well your back, and that was when I thought I saw an angel. You looked so beautiful from behind that I was momentarily captivated. The click of the camera earlier was a mistake. I didn't intend to do it and I didn't know it was you. I really thought it was an angel." Evnoia ended, trailing off at the last part. she knew her so called explanation was anything but convincing. No one was going to believe that. she sounded like she was recounting a scene from a novel, where the female lead met the male lead.

She looked down at her hands which held her Identification card, wondering what judgement would be passed on her.

Surprisingly, he didn't say or do anything to her instead he walked to where her phone lay on the ground, picked it up and neatly withdrew the pen knife. He walked back to where she stood and handed the stabbed phone to her.

"T-t-thank you." she said surprised. He had retrieved her phone and handed it to her. she wasn't expecting that. He wasn't acting up to his reputation.

"Your story was believable up to the point where you said you thought I was an angel. I am not an angel, wandering princess. Don't make that mistake next time." He said in a calm but firm voice, his face devoid of any emotion.

"Yes I won't. Thanks for saving me from the fall earlier." Evnoia replied as she slowly walked past him, then dashed to the direction of the exit. She stopped running when she was safely inside the elevator, heading to the floor of the school's auditorium.

Placing her hand on her chest, where her heart was beating erratically, she slumped against the elevator wall, breathing heavily. she recounted her ecounter with prince Alian, although he surprised her with some of his actions, she was still terrified. He had said he wasn't an angel which meant he acknowledged himself as a demon, literally. Thinking about this, she shuddered. she was going to avoid him the best she could.