Disclaimer on Prologue... enjoy!
Chapter 4: Family Reunion
By: Koumiko
"I am so sorry!" Angel stammered while regaining her balance and dusting her gown.
"It's ok." A hand picked up Angel's chin (for the second time – how annoying it must be!) and she found herself looking at the most handsome face she had ever seen. She was too perplexed to talk. He had blue eyes that looked like the clearest water, and his long blonde hair was tied in a low ponytail, revealing his angel-carved face.
"What's your name?"
"Angelina, but just call me Angel though. It's less formal." Angel spoke quietly.
"I am Andrew." The man said, holding Angel's hand and kissing it. "Pleased to meet you, Angel."
"Aren't you the Prince Andrew?" Angel blurted out.
"Why yes, but I just prefer to be called Andrew, if you please," Andrew said. "Where do you live, Angel? I found you sleeping next to the road, but I don't think you belong there."
"Actually, yes I do." Angel said quickly, trying to keep her disguise. The prince changed the subject.
"What do you like to do? I'll tour you around the palace, there are lots of things you can do here."
"Um... I've always wanted to try archery. Or Horseback riding and I just like relaxing really." Angel said. She was their Kingdom's master archer and she had gone horse back riding before. She didn't want to sound in any way wealthy, but she didn't want to look stupid trying something unfamiliar, so she had to lie.
"Then let's!" The prince took Angel's hand and spent the remaining nine days of Angel's probationary period doing just that. Angel quickly learned to master the bow and arrow and out scored Andrew in target practices. They grew to love each other. On the last day of her trial, Angel requested from the Queen if she could invite her family to meet Andrew. The Queen obliged and sent a letter.
On the day Angel's family was to arrive, Andrew asked if he could talk to Angel privately.
"I don't know how I should say this, Angel," Andrew fumbled. "I don't know about you, but I loved you since I picked you up from the road side." Angel looked at Andrew's blue eyes.
"Really?" She whispered.
"Truly. I'm not sure how my parents would react but Angel," Andrew knelt down and held Angel's hand. He slipped on a ring with an odd symbol Angel has never seen before. "Will you marry me?"
Angel nearly fainted.
"Andrew, I need to tell you something first." Angel said gathering up her strength. "Don't worry about your parent's reaction – I am royalty. My name is Princess Angelina of Light and my father sent me to find a prince who would love me for me. Andrew, you were the only person who accepted me and loved me. Fortunately for you, I love you too, and yes I will marry you!" Angel said, and Andrew picked her up and spun her around.
"Just one question," Angel interrupted, making him put her back down. "Where did you get this symbol?"
"I got it from you. It was glowing on your forehead when I found you. Then it stopped glowing when I took you in my arms. I have it too, and my parents said it glows when you are in need, but it stops when you are around those you love." Andrew explained. He took Angel in his arms and they shared their first kiss. Suddenly a neigh of horses outside indicated that Angel's parents have arrived.
"Angelina, my darling!" Galadriel walked to Angel with open arms. Her father came up to Andrew and Andrew bowed.
"Your highness." Andrew said in respect.
"Mother." Angel hugged her mother.
"Galadriel!" Andrew's mother walked briskly to meet Angel's mother. They hugged. Angel and Andrew were confused.
"I knew it. You looked too much like your mother, Angel." The Queen said. "Oh, welcome to our family, Angel." She said as she found the ring Andrew had given her.
"Where's father?"
"I am here." A man older than Angel's father walked up. He shook hands with Angel's father and congratulated Andrew and Angel.
"If you were wondering, your mother and I were old friends." Galadriel explained to the couple.
"So was I with your father." Andrew's father added, looking at Angel.
"Whoa." Andrew and Angel said flatly.