''Flying''

Ready Or Not

For the last week, the Rogue threat has been increasing. Lords have been attacked when either coming or going to the Castle, villages have been plundered almost to the ground and the healers have had a hard time keeping up with the amount of injuries that result from the attacks.

Josh has dispatched more soldiers to search the woods near the Castle and the attacked villages for any traces of the Rogues presence, with a special focus on the areas that have caves and bodies of water, per Henry's suggestion, but with no success so far. Henry has even sent a few of his men to help with the searches, but to no avail.

Meanwhile, Henry has tried to spend some time with Arabella, but she keeps him at a distance, always coming up with a reason to stay as far from him as possible.

He knows that her opinion of him is very low, but he is still hopeful that he can change that, even if every time they talk, he seems to always get on her nerves, her sarcasm in full display.

As he rides with his men through the nearby woods by the lake, he can't help but think back on that morning's conversation. A conversation that is the reason why he is riding instead of in a meeting with Josh.

Flashback

Henry is on his way to see Josh when he runs into Arabella in the corridor near Josh's study.

-"Lady Arabella."

-"Your Majesty." - Her extreme politeness makes his wonder just how much does she dislike him.

-"How is your morning going, My Lady?" - A genuine smile graces his lips.

-"Fine. If you'll excuse me."

-"Do I upset you so much that you can't speak with me for a few minutes?" - A smirk replaces the smile.

-"You don't upset me at all, Your Majesty. For that to happen, I would have to care about what you have to say, which I don't."

-"If that's the case, then why did you storm out of the Ball after our little conversation?" - He smirks and raises an eyebrow at her. -"Maybe you care a lot more than you are willing to admit to yourself."

-"I don't." - She blushes.

-"If ignorance is bliss, you must be the happiest person alive, My Lady!"

-"With all due respect, Your Majesty, you're so full of shit you need a laxative just to get your words out."

Henry is left standing in the corridor, chuckling at her reaction and comeback, but wonders if they are ever going to be able to have a normal conversation. At least one that doesn't have sarcasm and mockery involved.

End of Flashback

Henry spurs his horse to go faster, his mind telling him that this was a bad idea and that he should cut his losses and just give up. He shakes the thought away, thinking that he isn't a quitter and that he will show Arabella that he is worth her taking a chance on.

He slows down and turns his horse around, heading back for the Castle, decided to have an honest conversation with her once he is back at the Castle, whether she is ready for it or not.