Sky Queen - Complete

Evening Stroll

~~~~~Evangeline~~~~~

Walking through one of the Palace gardens in the early evening, Evangeline found herself holding onto Landon's arm again. As the sun started to set, the mood in the garden changed to one of romance as he led her over to an intricately carved stone bench with a wonderful view of the sunset. The more she thought about it, the more nervous she became, to the point that she was stealing glances at his profile.

"I...uh...wanted to apologize for speaking out of turn earlier, Landon." She whispered looking away from him. "I am just an ordinary girl, staying here temporarily. You are the Crowned Prince and I stopped you from doing what you saw fit."

"Actually, I'm quite glad you stepped in, Evangeline. You may think you are not a Princess, but everyone treated you as such earlier when you asked for help." Landon replied, his hazel eyes watching the sky. "After all, the Crowned Prince treats you as a Princess."

"Oh...I...see. Well, I just assumed you were like this with all the Ladies. Prince Adrian mentioned you had concubines." Evangeline countered hesitantly, eyes watching his profile for any hint of anger. "I do not wish to be presumptuous."

"I had not visited them in some time. When you showed up yesterday, I did not view you as a potential concubine. I viewed you as a potential candidate, though I suppose that is rather forward of me." He continued, turning to look at her as the sun just touched the horizon. "After all, it may only be a day that we've known each other, but I would enjoy learning more of you."

"But..." She was hesitant because of her memory loss, because she did not know the real her. "I don't know who I truly am..."

"That may be so, however, I have the feeling the real you isn't that different." Landon smiled softly at her, as though reading her thoughts. "It may sound as though it is an afterthought, but I assume I would like either version."

His earnest words set her heart to racing and her cheeks aflame. Landon had this quiet confidence and kindness that drew her in like a moth, and she was more than willing to seek out that flame. Since she had woke up, he had been there, and though he did have an ulterior motive, he did not seem to force the issue either. Evangeline knew he very well could, since Prince Adrian did not seem to mind her flat rejection and still pursued her.

As they entered a comfortable silence, Evangeline let her mind wonder. She seemed to have all of this training, knowledge of politics, excellent etiquette, and literature. It would not be so odd for nobility to have that kind of training and experience, but she was pretty sure she was not nobility. One thing Landon had said stuck with her. 'You may think you are not a Princess...' and calling her Princess. It could simply be a term of endearment, but for some reason that word felt right to her.

"Evangeline?" He caught her gaze with a wide smile and she found herself frozen to the spot. "I merely wished to express my thoughts on your stay in the Palace. I am not like my brother Adrian. I simply enjoy your company."

"I appreciate that. I quite enjoy yours as well, Landon." Evangeline replied with a soft smile. "It's funny. I feel as though we've known each other for a long time."

"The first I saw you was the sky." Landon continued standing with his hand outstretched. "You look quite tired. Shall I take you to your new chambers?"

Taking his arm happily, she followed as he lead the way through the Palace. Once again, everyone they passed bowed before staring at her. Evangeline knew she was the only person with her hair and eye color in the entire Palace, but was the entire Kingdom that way? She felt as though that was slightly strange, but the Royal family here seemed to be the only ones with hazel eyes except for the Queen. In Royal families, sometimes they were the only ones with a specific trait.

Regardless of what her personal answer was, it would not stop the stares or the whispers. The people would talk due to her proximity to the Crowned Prince. She could only hope the gossip was not the jealous whispers of false relationships between her and the Princes. As they turned down another hallway, she froze at the richly decorated hall. This was clearly the side of the Palace that the Royal family stayed in.

"This is..." She hesitated, turning her eyes to Landon. "Is this not where your family resides and the most private part of the Palace?"

"Your chambers have been placed right next to mine." He replied with a smile. "Most of the castle knows I am already planning to court you."

"But..."

"I understand your feelings, but when your memories do return, odds are you remember the time you spent with me during your stay. If nothing else, we will be good friends in the future." Landon interrupted her as they stopped outside one of the rooms. "A few pieces of your new attire is in there. If something needs cleaning, let the servants know, and they will see it done immediately."

Before Evangeline could respond, he opened the door and ushered her in. The chambers held a lit fireplace in the center with red pillows laid around it to sit on. To the right of it was a doorway that probably led to the en suite bathing room and toilet. On the right, there sat a massive four posted bed, sheer red drapes giving it an alcove appearance. There were solid wooden pieces, a vanity with makeup prepared, and a floor length mirror standing next to a door that led to what appeared to be a closet with the sparse attire she had picked out of the tailor's premade items today.

"Landon, I am not a part of the Royal family..." She murmured softly, her eyes sweeping over the room. "This may be a little too much for one of my status."

"Actually," He replied bowing before her to place a kiss on the back of her hand. "This is not enough for the woman who I wish to court."