Melinda pressed the ice pack against her jaw and winced. Already she could feel a bruise beginning to form. Then there was the bloody scrape at her temple and knees and her throbbing shoulders and head. For their credit, the security team really knew how to take someone down quickly and effectively though, admittedly, she hadn't put up much resistance either. The cold felt good leeching into her skin, easing the sting of the gash and the low throbbing pain of her bruised jaw.<br/><br/>When the taxi had first rolled up outside a palace and deposited her in front of the gates, she was sure there must have been some mistake. But she checked the address three times and after repeatedly questioning the driver, he had booted her from his cab with an exasperated expression and assurances that yes, this was the correct address. Then, when the guards kept denying her entrance and the camera crew had come rushing to the scene, she was sure this was some sort of massive joke. Had her sister called one of those prank TV shows? Had the letter announcing her engagement all been a part of the act?<br/><br/>But Amelia had walked across the grounds and through the walls of this castle as if she knew it well. She had a certain authority about her when speaking with the guards and ushering her across the lawn. Clearly there was much more to this story than a simple engagement...<br/><br/>Mindy glanced up as she heard footsteps approaching, thinking it was the return of her sister with an alcohol pad and a bandaid in tow. Instead, a young man walked into the room, his smile charming and his green eyes glimmering with mischief. She wasn't sure what to make of the smarmy charisma oozing out of his pores or the entitled, confident set to his shoulders. She rolled her eyes and leaned back against the pillows. "Yes, well, I get the feeling a lot of people were laughing at my expense," she said drily. There had been plenty of people crowded around her even though she hadn't been<i>trying</i>to make a scene. She could recall now several snickers and cell phone cameras aimed at her as she went down against the pavement.<br/><br/>She sighed heavily and pressed the ice against her face once more, cracking open one eye to peer at the man in front of her. "Sorry... who are you? Honestly, I didn't even know my sister was dating anybody until I got the save the date in the mail. Clearly I'm the only confused one here, though." Mindy couldn't help but wonder how much her parents knew of this situation. Supposedly, they were already here with her sister, had gotten in two days prior to Melinda's arrival. "Oh, right," she sat up a little straighter as if remembering her manners, "I'm, ah, Melinda Scott, Amelia's sister. And... I'm sorry did you already say who you were? My head is pounding. I'm afraid I can't think very straight right now."