Royal Engagements (closed!)

writingmom89

Really Experienced
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Jun 6, 2014
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124
Evelyn wiped her brow as sweat beaded up on it. The kitchen of the small house she shared with her family was exceptionally hot that afternoon as the sun beat in one of the few windows in the room, and the oven created even more heat as bread baked. But the smell coming from that oven was enough to make her mouth water. It was the first time she had had fresh baked bread in months.

Her father, a mill worker, had come across a little extra side work helping on a nearby farm, and they had actually been able to afford more food than usual, which was a blessing for the usually poor family.

Evelyn checked the bread again, and noticed the wood was getting low beside the oven. Sighing she decided she would have to go gather more. She stepped outside, swishing the bottom of her modest calico dress to move some air beneath her skirts, in order to try and cool off a little bit. She then gathered up a bucket she could use to haul wood, and walked slowly into the welcoming shade of the woods.

Without the sun beating down upon her, the temperature wasn't quite so suffocating and Evelyn sighed softly. It felt much better.

Her long, dark brown hair was pulled up at the nape of her neck, but loose tendrils framed her pretty heart shaped face and showcased her bright green eyes, even as a smudge of flour ran across her cheek and sweat dampened the roots of her hair.

She heard the trickle of water coming from the nearby stream and decided to make a detour. Quickly she scooped up a handful of water and drank thirstily before allowing some to drip down her neck and chest, cooling her instantly. Sighing softly she lingered, not wanting to leave the cool, shaded area where the stream ran clear and swift.
 
Prince Adrian entered the forest for a fun day of hunting. Finally he had been able to give his guards the slip and he was dressed in a simple leather hunting outfit. His close cropped brown hair framed his handsome face and allowed his brown eyes free reign to scan all around him. His hairstyle was a result of his military training. While his younger brothers still had their long curly locks he had trimmed his short so his Helmet fit neatly on his head. He was devastated at first but now he had gotten used to it and actually appreciated not having to brush his hair as much.

He rode his horse further into the forest looking for large game. The gamekeeper at the castle had been talking about a creature that had been seen in these woods terrorizing the game and his foresters. Adrian had taken it upon himself to hunt it down and kill the beast. He was tired of defeating the local guards and militia and needed a challenge. he was armed with his sword, a bow and arrows and a long spear.

The sun had been beating down and the coolness of the forest was very welcome but so far he had spotted no sign of the beast he had been hunting. He decided his best bet was to find a good source of water and set up a small hide and wait for the beast to come to him. He had been riding for a little while when he heard the trickle of running water. He headed towards it and found a small running stream. Turning to follow it to it's source he moved through the peaceful woods until he approached a shaded area and saw a vision kneeling beside the stream. The woman was a Brown haired beauty that seemed to be out gathering firewood if the bucket filled with a few branches was any indication.

He stopped his horse to gaze at her beauty and smiled. Why was it that he had to ride into the woods to see such beauty. Wasn't the Castle supposed to be overflowing with women such as this?
 
Evelyn drank a little more water, and then reluctantly stood. She shouldn't dawdle for too long, she had to keep an eye on the bread back home, even though it probably had a lot of time yet before it would be done... and besides, her mama was around, so she would watch it too... but still... there were chores to be done as always.

Turning from the enticing stream, she gasped softly. Mere feet from her was a huge, proud horse, with a gorgeous, lethal looking man setting astride it. How had she not heard these two approach her? Was she that unobservant?

"Oh my" she said softly. "I'm sorry, I was not aware of your approach..." she hesitated. "I... I was just about to get back on my way". Her beautiful green eyes took in the bow and arrow, the spear, the leather. It was obvious he was on the hunt for something. She could only pray it wasnt young women like her.

Quickly, she stooped and picked up her bucket with wood, and flashing another glance his way, couldn't help but appreciate the raw masculine beauty that he was.
 
When she looked up at him he was captivated by her stunning green eyes. They seemed to draw him in and capture his heart right away. It was like receiving a blow to the helmet with a sword it was that powerful. He could feel a silly grin appearing on his face as he gazed down at her from his saddle.

"Oh my" she said softly. "I'm sorry, I was not aware of your approach..." she hesitated. "I... I was just about to get back on my way".

He watched as she picked up her bucket and started to walk away. Suddenly he saw movement out of the corner of his eye and dived off his horse and tackled her to the ground. A grey streak flew over them and bounded into the woods on the other side. looking down he realized he had one hand firmly on her breast while the other was wrapped around her. He blushed and quickly took his hand away. "Sorry lady but that was a dire wolf. You better get behind me quickly. Now that it has started to attack it won't stop." He got up and helped her to her feet putting her between himself and the horse. It was battle trained and would attack if attacked itself.

He readied his spear and scanned the woods. Quickly he drew his sword and jammed it into the soil in front of him. It would make getting to it easier later. He was glad the girl had the sense to keep quiet as he listened for any trace of the beast. A slight rustling was the only warning he got as it launched itself at them again from his left, bounding over the small stream and leaping for his throat. He managed to get his spear up just in time but was not able to aim it properly and instead of the chest he was only able to get it in the shoulder. It's own momentum drove the point in deep and then the shaft broke leaving the wide bladed head buried deep in it's front leg. It snarled and snapped at the wound and bounded to the other end of the clearing but favoured the leg now. It growled at him and raised it's head and howled it's anger.

He quickly threw the broken shaft away and drew his sword and his small dagger. Now the true battle would begin. The beast would not run now.
 
Evelyn was just turning to head back towards her home when suddenly movement seemed to erupt from all around. The next thing she knew, she was flat on her back underneath of the man she had just seen, his hand upon her breast. Her breath hitched in her chest and her heart beat rapidly. Was he going to harm her after all?

"Sorry lady but that was a dire wolf. You better get behind me quickly. Now that it has started to attack it won't stop."

Evelyn's eyes widened and she quickly stood up and moved behind him. She had heard about dire wolves before. They were relentless in their attacks, going to all lengths to hunt down their pray. Apparently this one considered them pray. She trembled slightly and stayed as close as she could to the stranger before her, without hindering his ability to move.

The man was ready, as suddenly she saw the lethal creature come flying from within the woods, the movement was so fast it was but a blur, but when the creature leaped away from them, she saw blood flowing from its shoulder. The howl the animal let out was one of pain and extreme rage. Evelyn couldn't help but to gasp.

She looked around for anything she could use to help, but saw nothing. Not even a large branch or blunt object. She would have to rely on the handsome man who was using his own body to shield her from the wolf. She remained silent, and prayed as hard as she could that neither of them would be hurt... or worse... in this encounter.
 
The wolf was wary now. It had been hurt, something that had not happened to it in a long time and it recognized the long sharp object in the creatures hand. it was something that could hurt it as well, but it was fast and hungry and there were two little meat creatures and a big one that would keep it fed for a long time. It howled again and started towards the dangerous one.

Adrian watched as the wolf started to approach him. It looked like no wild creature he had ever seen before. No jerky movements, no slinking but it actually moved with intelligence as it stalked him. It favored it's right front leg but still moved very well. He waited and then the dire wolf rushed in raking at him with it's front claws and snapping at him with it's jaws before rushing back out. He was able to fend off it's paws and even slice it's leg a little and dodge out the way but it was still lightning fast. He was going to have to find some way to end the fight quickly.

As they eyed each other off he made sure to keep himself between it and the girl. With her defenseless he could not let it get passed him and to her. He risked running at it and swiping with his sword but it easily dodged and flowed around to his side trying to flank him. Adrian smiled as this was actually part of his plan. As the wolf darted in he swapped the weapons in his hands and stabbed down with the dagger burying it in the wolves neck and then darting back. Unfortunately he was not quick enough and he was raked across his upper thigh by the wolf's claws. The wound was not deep but it was bleeding a lot. He would need to end the fight before he lost too much blood.

The wolf was dazed as well and hampered by both the spear head and his dagger now. Adrian decided to risk it all on one attack. Rushing headlong at the beast he took his sword in a two handed grip and made as if to run it through. The dire wolf again spun to it's left and then tried to dart back in but Adrian had guessed it's move. He had jumped right himself and was swinging his sword down in an executioners strike, aiming for the wolf's neck or head. It tried to shy away but his dagger that was stuck in it's neck stopped it's movement and it couldn't and his sword cut cleanly through it from one shoulder to the bottom of the other, opening a grisly wound. The wolf tried to howl but blood just bubbled forth and it collapsed at his feet and died.

He turned to make sure the girl was alright but took two steps towards her and promptly fell over onto the ground himself. Damn looks like the blood loss had caught up to him after all.
 
Evelyn was frozen in place as she watched the man and the wolf try to overcome one another. A bizarre thought crossed her mind... it was as if these two were in some sort of dance together. The way they moved back and forth, trying to gain the upper edge over the other... a dance of life or death.

Blood spilled first from the wolf, and then, to her dismay, from the man's leg, but neither relented. Evelyn made sure to stay well away from fatal choreography playing out before her eyes.

Finally, in a last exchange of blows, the man got the upper hand and managed to kill the beast that had fought so valiantly to try and, not only save his life, but to take their own as well.

Evelyn's hands trembled, as well as her legs, as she watched the beast laying so still now.

Then the man who had just saved her life collapsed. She gasped and darted to his side, forgetting all about the wolf behind her, oozing blood onto the ground. The man's horse shifted nervously to their right and nickered.

Evelyn quickly could see that he was losing too much blood. Without thinking, she ripped off the bottom portion of her dress, tying it tightly around his upper thigh where the blood oozed.

"Sir, can you walk?" she asked, her voice a little shaky but firm at the same time. "At least to your horse? Lord, but I don't know how I'll get you up on there" she mumbled to herself. It wasn't far back to her home...

"Sir... I don't know how to get you up on your horse... can you do it? Or should I go back and get help?" She prayed he was coherent enough to answer her.
 
Adrian could see the concern in her eyes and was touched. Already he was feeling better because she had bandaged the wound and his life's blood was no longer leaking out onto the ground. What he needed now was probably just some water and some rest and he would be as good as new in a little while.

Smiling up at her he tried to put her at ease. "It is fine dear lady, I am just feeling a little faint because of the blood loss. Allow me to rest here a moment or two and I will be able to get back on my horse in a little while. Have no fear of other predators. That one would have eaten or driven away any others. Dire Wolves are strange that way. They actually go after whatever they perceive to be the biggest threat to them at the time. I only hope it is male and not female. A lone female at this time of year means cubs and I will have to come back to hunt for them. We can't have them running around in these woods."

He looked at her again and smiled at her. "Now just what would a lovely girl like you be doing out in the woods on a hot day like today, all on her own? Not that I'm complaining mind you, saving my life does put you kind of high in my good book so to speak."
 
Evelyn listened raptly as the man on the ground explained that he would be just fine. It sent relief flowing throughout her veins and she felt herself relax slightly. She sank to the ground beside him and tucked her legs beneath her modestly.

"I was out collecting wood for our stove" she said, her voice soft, and tender as she gazed at him in admiration. "And good sir, may I remind you that all I did was put a bandage on your leg... you were the one who did the real saving today. I never would have been able to fend that creature off on my own".

A shiver ran through her body at the thought of facing that beast alone. She would have surely perished.

"I've never run across something like that in these woods before," she explained. "You, however, seemed to come prepared". She studied him quietly for a moment. "What were you out hunting for today?... Oh, where are my manners? I apologize. I failed to say thank you for what you did today" she said belatedly, blushing at how rude she must have seemed for not thanking him sooner.
 
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Adrian realized how he must look to the lady. Coming out into the woods, dressed all in leathers armed to the teeth. He was either a Bandit or someone from somewhere important. "I was out hunting the beast actually. The problem was I didn't know what it was exactly so hat is why I have all these different weapons. We had been told there was something taking livestock and destroying buildings near these woods and a few of us have been dispatched to see if we could find out what it was, Kill it ourselves or track it back to it's lair and then call in the rest of the lads and kill it later."

Looking at the corpse he grimaced. "Guess I was the lucky one to find out exactly what was doing all the damage then." He looked down at the makeshift bandage and realized the blood patch had not expanded in the last five minutes. Clucking his tongue his horse walked over and with her and the horses help he managed to stand and walk to the streams edge. He undid the bandage and rinsed it off, Then cleaned the wound with a few muffled curses and revealed four straight lines on his upper thigh through his trousers. he knew they would have to be cleaned thoroughly and to do that he would have tp drop his pants and reveal himself to the woman. He would not be able to clean and hold himself up. He would have to lean against his horse while she did it.

"I hate to ask this of you seeing as how we have just met, but I am afraid I must. My wound needs a proper cleaning and I can not do it and remain standing. I am afraid I will have to drop my trousers and you will have to clean the wounds of anything you can see, then rinse your cloth out and wrap it up again. I will lean against the horse and try not to faint and think about something a lot more pleasant. They say that helps."

He looked into her bright green eyes. "Well, would you please help me," he asked.
 
Evelyn felt her face flame to a bright red shade when the man asked her to help him clean his wounds. The picture he painted of how they would do it seemed desperately inappropriate.. And yet how could she refuse him? He had just saved her life, after all. She looked up at him and when he asked if she would please help him, she could do nothing but nod in agreement. "I will help you" she assured him.

She glanced up into his eyes yet again, they were captivating. "Um, so if you go ahead and... um.. disrobe... I will use the water to clean your thigh" she said. It was obvious she was nervous. She had never before seen a man without his trousers. It was indecent and improper. But she knew if they didn't thoroughly clean the wound it could become infected and he could die. She couldn't let them happen because of a little modesty. Besides, who would know?

She turned her back a little and waited quietly, listening as he undid his trousers and she heard them drop to the ground. Then, averting her eyes as much as possible, she knelt down and scooped some water into her hands, bring it up to the ugly cuts marring his skin. It looked extremely painful and she winced. Her stomach churned a little as she let the water run over the cuts and it ran away pink, back to the ground.

"I'm sorry" she said softly, I know it must hurt terribly," she murmured.
 
Adrien had his eyes clenched in anticipation of the pain but nothing really happened. He felt a small trickle of water on his thigh and it stung a little but it was not the extreme pain he was expecting. He looked down and found out why. The poor girl was trying so hard to avert her eyes that she was scooping water up above the cuts and letting it trickle through the wounds.
It would clean them but at the rate she was doing it he would be home in a month.

"My Lady it will not bite you and I can assure you that right now that is the furthest thing from my mind, so please look at where you are placing the water and perhaps use the cloth as well. Believe me I will let you know if it is getting too painful for me. I find if I concentrate on something pleasant the pain lessens somewhat."
 
Evelyn blushed furiously and nodded when the man asked her to use the cloth and really clean the wound. Grimacing, she picked up the cloth and rinsed it out in the clear stream water, letting all of the blood from earlier wash away first. Then she took the now wet cloth and began to really clean the wound on the man's thigh. She still kept her gaze focused solely upon his thigh, and nowhere else.

She pressed down upon the wound, making sure to get any dirt and crusted blood off of it, trying to clean it and get rid of anything that could potentially cause an infection. The wounds were red around the edges and angry looking. The fluttery feeling in her stomach returned but she focused on studying the wound for anymore dirt.

Her fingers brushed his bare thigh occasionally as she worked and she couldn't help but think about how different his thighs were compared to her own. They were tight with muscle, sprinkled with hair that matched that on his head, much larger than hers.

Finally, she was satisfied that the wound was clear of as much dirt as possible, so she soaked the rag yet again, and replaced it around his leg to stem the bleeding that had once again began - although lightly - when she had cleaned it off.

"I think its done" she said in a soft, embarrassed voice.
 
~Last post for the night~

Adrian was holding himself up and had not cried out through sheer will power alone. He had seen some of what the girl had been doing and after a slow start she had done her job remarkably well. He could still feel the heat coming off the wound and assumed that a Dire Wolves claws were not going to be the healthiest places in all of God's creation. He just hoped his bodies natural defenses were enough to defeat whatever toxins remained in his body.

He grinned down into those gorgeous green eyes of hers and shook his head at her. "There is no need to be embarrassed my dear. You have done a remarkable job. Why with the special salve we are given I think I will be left with only four small lines on my leg instead of it maybe having to have to come off." He went to bend down to get his trousers but almost fell face first into the dirt. "I am sorry but I may need help getting on my horse, oh and getting dressed," he said looking down at himself. "Mustn't let anyone see me like this," he said gyrating his hips a little and laughing.
 
Evelyn couldn't help but giggle a little at his joke about nobody seeing him like that. She had been prepared to reach out and catch him if he was going to fall. Instead she tentatively reached out and grasped his trousers in her hands, pulling them slowly up and over the nasty wound. As she raised them up she came eye level with places on a man she had never seen before.

Her face flamed even more red and she quickly tried to pull the pants up the rest of the way. Once up she allowed him to fasten them. Then she contemplated how to get him on the horse. She glanced inquisitively over at him.

"How shall we do this?" she asked him in her quiet, soft voice.
 
He had seen her cheeks flame red and assumed she had never seen that part of a man before and could not help teasing her a little after she had asked her question.

"Well normally a fellow goes the other way and gets his trousers off before taking the maiden fair but I seem to have done it backwards. Never was one for doing things the conventional way, " He smiled at her.

"No no this is the easy part. Old Thunder here is the smartest horse in the land. If you would be so kind as to hand me my sword." he re sheathed his sword after carefully wiping it on his arm then whistled Thunder over. Gesturing him down the war horse knelt and he climbed on carefully. Then it stood up and although he swayed he stayed seated. "I would offer you a ride My Lady but I fear I must get back to my home before I pass out again and get some Medical attention. Do not worry they have some excellent doctors there I will be fine. Until we meet again."

He nudged Thunder and the horse took off knowing it's way home. He fell forward and clutched his neck determined not to fall off until he reached the castle. His whole mind now consumed with that one task, he paid no heed to his surroundings.
 
Evelyn watched in awe as the horse came over when the man called it, and knelt down, as if it knew exactly what was expected of it. The man managed to climb on top, although swaying slightly. It made Evelyn catch her breath in anxiousness. Would he make it home? He promised he would so she nodded slightly... and then he was gone.

Evelyn glanced over at the world laying on the ground and shuddered violently, remembering how the man had said it may not be the only one. Quickly she gathered the wood she had been collecting and made her way out of the woods... Much faster than she had entered.

Her mother was in the house, cleaning and cooking. she saw the dirt all over Evelyn and gasped. "WHAT happened to you child?" She said and Evelyn quickly explained. Her mother tsked and helped her clean up, then set about finishing supper while Evelyn went out to finish up some household chores.

Soon enough her father returned home from work and they sat down for dinner. Idle chitchat was made.

"I heard there is to be a celebration coming soon..." Her father explained. "A parade with the royalty and everything".
 
Adrian didn't remember much of his ride back to the castle or of his arrival. His next coherent memory was of waking up in his bed with his leg wrapped and a dull ache coming from it. He groaned and eased himself up, looking around as he did so. His dirty clothes were piled in a corner and he was happy to see the strip of cloth from the girls dress among them. He remembered her face and her beautiful eyes and smiled. Once he was better he would have to go and thank her properly, after all she should be easy to find. A woman that beautiful with a name ... He sat bolt upright. He didn't know her name. In fact he didn't even know where she lived. He had been hunting the beast all morning and had traveled all over the woods. He didn't have a clue besides that it was near a stream, but considering there were over thirty or so streams in those woods it could be anywhere. Why hadn't he gotten her name when he had the chance, now he would probably never see her again.

He groaned and sank back into his pillows. Of coarse that was when Jenkins chose to waltz into his room and pull the big curtains away from his windows. "Good morning Prince Adrian. Had a little adventure yesterday did we? Well your leg has been treated by Master Gregory and he says that whoever got to it before him did a splendid job. A day or so of taking it easy and it will be good as new. Speaking of which I believe you will need a new dagger. Your father is having one made. Can't have you not looking your best during the parade now can we?

Adrian groaned. The silly parade. He hated the pomp and ceremony that came with being a royal. Everyone knew that his older brother Caspian was going to succeed his father so why could they not just leave him to be a soldier and let his younger brothers and sisters play at being spoilt brats. Oh well he would do it but only because his parents asked it of him. After all it was only one day and he still had another day to recover.
 
Evelyn slept in fits that evening. She kept awaking from dreams of that damn dire wolf, and her brave rescuer.. the man .. she didn't even know his name. He had saved her life and she had absolutely no idea who he was. It was shameful.

Finally, dawn broke and Evelyn hopped from bed, wide awake for the past hour, after a particularly gruesome dream that had woken her up in a cold sweat. She began the quick chore of cooking breakfast for her family... simply eggs, as they didn't have much else except for their bread that had been baked yesterday.

She spent the day doing chores, as every other day. The next day was to be the royal parade, in celebration of their nation's independence. Everyone would be there to watch the royal family, on their carriages and horses, riding through town, waving their nation's flags, and also to attend the festival that day, that was to be followed by a dance that night, put on by the royal family.

Evelyn didn't have a date for the dance. No man in town had thought to ask her. She was a bit disappointed... but she would go anyway. She loved music and wouldn't miss a chance to listen to it all night, whether she had a date or not.

With those thoughts in mind, she finished her daily chores, and then went to bed early that night. She wanted to be well rested for all of the fun tomorrow would bring.
 
Adrian had spent the day mostly sitting down. It pained him to do so but if he was to ride Thunder tomorrow Gregory had insisted that he rest as much as possible. His hair was cut and he shaved. After that he sat in the chair out on his balcony and watched his troops train in the courtyard. Every few hours Gregory came and changed his bandages slavering his wound in a foul smelling unguent, but each time he did it looked much better.

By the time his dinner was brought to him the wound was nothing but four red lines on his thigh that still caused him some discomfort but no longer pained him. As he finished his meal Gregory visited him for the last time. "I will bandage this for the last time your lordship. By tomorrow morning it should be fine for you to ride in the parade. Just remember to not overexert yourself too much."

"And what am I going to do that will cause me too exert myself Gregory? I have to ride through the town looking pretty, then dance with my sister at the ball tomorrow night before standing around before I can sneak off. See nothing over exhausting at all."

"What of all the ladies that will want to dance with you my Lord?"

Adrian laughed. "Gregory, I am the second son, the military son. All the ladies know what that means and stay away. Well the ones old enough to matter anyway. I am always the darling of the children of course as my little sisters will tell you. I suppose I will have no end of dance partners there," he chuckled.

He headed to bed early that night deciding he might as well be well rested for his fathers sake. Ahh tomorrow was going to be hell.
 
Evelyn awoke early again the next morning. She had slept much better that night, nightmares of the dire wolf finally fading from her mind. She felt well rested and perky as she hopped from bed and quickly began doing the absolutely necessary stuff around the house such as caring for their few chickens and their lone cow. Then it was time to get ready for the parade and celebrations.

Evelyn took care to dress in her finest dress- still one made of plain wool, but one with barely any wear, and in a flattering green color that brought out the brilliant shade of green in her eyes.

She spent what seemed like forever brushing her hair until it shown, and using clean water to rinse off her face and body. Finally she spritzed one spray of the tiny bottle of perfume they kept for rare occasions- it had once been a present given to her mother from an old boss.

Soon enough, Evelyn, her mother, father and two younger brothers all climbed aboard their wagon and went into town. The parade would start very soon and Evelyn was excited to see the royalty as they rode through, decked out in all of their finest clothes and jewels. She and her family made sure to get a front row spot, and waited impatiently for the celebrations to begin.
 
Adrian had awoken early and had taken off his latest bandage to find the wound had faded to four white scar lines. He did several light warm up exercises and felt no pain or discomfort. Gregory's potions and salves really were amazing and he reminded himself to find the perfect gift for the elderly man.

He spent the morning being fussed over by servants. His hair had to be washed and combed just so. The new uniform that had been commissioned for him in the royal colors was tried on him for the final time and checked.He had to admit it was a nice uniform done in the white black and red of the Royal army, and he did look good in it, but he had stood still for seven different fittings for the damn thing. Next was the jewelry. He had to wear the sunburst pendant signifying he was of royal blood, his signet ring, the second in line to the throne pin, his war medals, several other baubles he didn't have a clue about. Then their concession to him. He had insisted on being armed so they had made a fancy hilted monstrosity. Adrian had stripped it to a gold plated basket hilt sword with a few jewels. He had paired it with an ornate jewel encrusted dagger. That satisfied everyone. Finally he was ready and he descended to the courtyard where Thunder was waiting for him. He had been washed and groomed until he shone. He grinned and mounted up. His parents would be in and open coach as would most of his siblings. Only his older brother, and a younger sister would ride with him. His sister was 13 and had been riding since she was 5. You could not get her off the silly things. In fact Em was his closest sister being a bit of a tom boy she was always bugging him to learn swordplay and fighting skills. He had been secretly teaching her for a year and she was getting very good.

Finally everything was ready and they started to move out and down to the town. Adrian hoped this day would be over soon. He doubted anything would happen today to lighten his mood.
 
"Here they come! I see them! Look at the guards with them!

The crowd down the street erupted in excited shouts and people crowded forwards, trying to get a better view. The royal family was finally approaching. Evelyn and her family were jostled from behind, and Evelyn found herself in front of everyone else. She pressed backwards to keep from being shoved onto the streets. Finally the crowd seemed satisfied and everyone quit moving.

Evelyn took a deep breath and looked sideways, seeing guards walking in front of everyone. Jesters followed, entertaining the crowds. Several mounted guards followed.

Then, flanked on either side by a mounted guard was the youngest of the royal children. She rode astride a gorgeous White horse with pink saddlery, adorned with gorgeous gems on every inch. The princess waved politely as she went by. Next was one of the princes, astride a beautiful chestnut horse with a white blaze... Once again decked out in jewels, and flanked by guards.

Then came another prince... Evelyn watched as he approached and was surprised no guards rode on either side of him. Then suddenly, her heart momentarily stopped beating and her breath caught in her throat.

The horse. She recognized that horse. Her eyes darted to the man sitting on top of it. Jewel encrested weapons, royal clothing... But it was him. The man from the woods. HE was the PRINCE.

Evelyn stood rooted in place, surely her jaw was agape. She was in complete disbelief.

The man who had saved her life was none other than the prince of their country.
 
Adrian had been riding along scarcely paying attention. Every now and again he remembered to wave but more often than not he just watched his sister having fun ahead of him. He also watched the guards assigned to her and his brother. They looked alert and were scanning the crowd appropriately. He sighed. They were only a quarter of the way through the town and already he was bored. Up ahead the crowd surged forward and a woman in green was left standing slightly ahead of the others. He noted the guards paying her the appropriate attention. Assassins came in all shapes these days. However his sister and brother passed uneventfully so he gave her a curious glance as he rode up.

As he saw her he almost stopped Thunder then and there. It was the girl from the woods, the one he thought he would never see again. He couldn't stop though how was he supposed to get to see her. Looking around he spotted cadet Michael's walking behind him as part of the honor guard. Gesturing him forward the boy quickly complied. "I have a very important job for you boy. Back there is a woman in a green dress with the most stunning green eyes you will ever see. Go invite her to the royal ball as my guest and quickly now before she disappears."
The boy saluted and was off like a shot. Adrian smiled to himself and st taller in the saddle and actually started to wave to the crowd. Maybe today would not be a total loss after all.
 
Evelyn's mother leaned forward spoke into her ear. "Are you alright, child?" the woman asked in concern. Evelyn quickly nodded. She had told her mother about the episode in the woods, of course... but how could she explain it had been the PRINCE? But truly... what did it matter anyway? She would hardly ever see him again... not in a personal sense.

At least she now knew that the man from the woods was safe. She had worried over him for the past two nights. She stood there pretending to watch the parade carefully, when from the opposite direction can a cadet who stopped directly in front of her. Her eyes widened almost comically and she heard several people around them mumble curiously.

"Ma'am?" the Cadet asked, and Evelyn had the sense to nod. "On behalf of Prince Adrian, himself, I formally invite you to tonight's ball as his guest of honor. Do you accept his request?"

Evelyn gaped at the man. "Ma'am?" the man prodded gently.

Evelyn blinked and came out of her stupor. "I... I accept" she said quickly and a small cheer went up around her. The cadet nodded, and turned and left.

Evelyn's family surrounded her.

"Care to explain what that was about?" he mother asked and Evelyn quickly told them.
 
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