''Flying''

Perhaps

Talking through the conditions of a new alliance is always boring, but something necessary so both Kingdoms can get what they need and want, without taking unfair advantage of their new ally. And even though they are necessary, it doesn't mean they are enjoyable.

Henry is sitting across from Josh in his study, discussing the terms and conditions of this new possible alliance, when a messenger enters with news for Josh. A new Rogue attack happened just this morning, against a village just an hour away from the Castle.

-"This is the sixth attack in as many weeks. And they are getting closer to the Castle." - Josh rakes a hand over his hair and lets out a breath.

-"Is there anything I can help with?"

-"Well, I would love to know how you managed to get rid of every single Rogue in your Kingdom. These bastards have become more active in recent years and I'm struggling to end them."

-"How do you think I got my reputation? You need to find a different way." - Henry's eyes avoid Josh's for a moment.

-"I understand. I have soldiers looking for their base camp, but it's been proving difficult to find."

-"Search in areas that have easy access to natural caves and bodies of water. That's how I found them the first time."

-"Thanks. That actually helps. There aren't a lot of places that fit that description." - Josh writes down the information and sends his valet to deliver it to Jared.

They resume their meeting, and for the next few minutes, Henry's mind goes back and forth between the alliance and the threat that the Rogues pose. He will help Josh in any way he can to get rid of them, alliance or not.

***

Henry leaves the meeting a few minutes later and makes his way to the stables, two of his men following close behind. Talking about the Rogues brought back memories that should've stayed buried.

While still in the Castle, he runs into Mackenzie.

-"Mackenzie."

-"Henry. Did you really need to belittle the work Bella did for your Ball?"

-"I had no idea Lady Arabella was the one that organized it, and maybe I could've phrase it better, however, my opinion still stands when it comes to Balls."

-"You need to clean up your act with Bella, if your going to stand any chance at courting her."

-"Someone already told me that last night."

-"And do you have any intention to listen to them?"

-"Perhaps."

Henry smirks before walking away.

He hates to admit it, but what Alexis said the night before hasn't left his mind. Henry knows that she is right and that he needs to clean up his act as Mackenzie put it, he just doesn't know exactly how.

Henry knows that he needs to show Arabella that his intentions towards her are serious, but it's hard to do so when the only way they can communicate is through sarcasm and mockery.

He reaches the stables and gets his horse, thinking that he needs to find a way to make Arabella see that he's not the bad guy everyone thinks he is. That, despite his reputation, he truly sees her for who she is and not what she thinks he wants her to be.

Mounting his horse, he makes his way to the back gates. He knows that it won't be easy, but if he can show Arabella that the man that she has known for the last fourteen years isn't the one that is trying to court her, maybe he might just have a chance.

Henry shakes his head and leads his horse out of the back gates, his men on their horses following him, ready to leave all thoughts of Court and courting behind.