Into The Woods - Harry Styles

24.

I was gathering my few belongings together that I had in Harry's hut. I folded the dress that I wore when I arrived here and put it in the bottom of an old leather bag Harry gave me. I picked up my tiara that I haven't wore in what felt like years, but really has only been a few short weeks. I placed the crown gently on top of the dress before grasping the ripped piece of red fabric that I had picked up after that awful creature took my mother.

I button the bag, no longer wanting to be reminded of that day. I take one last look around the room before heading out the door, knowing I will probably never be back.

As I am walking towards the entrance of Death Valley, I spot Mathias standing off to the side looking my way. I walk over to him, knowing I must bid him goodbye even after he blabbed about what I told him. I approached him, and smile, knowing a small part of me will miss him a lot more then I am willing to let on.

"I was starting to believe you weren't going to tell me goodbye after all I've done for you." He acts fake hurt at me, which just makes me laugh.

"You're lucky I even considered seeing you before I left after you blabbed to Harry." He cracks a smile and nods his head in agreement.

"You're right. I am so very, very sorry your highness." He bows his head to me. I roll my eyes, knowing that is very unnecessary, but allow him anyway. There's no way I could leave on a bad note with him, he was there for me too many times to count when I needed someone most.

"I guess I accept your apology." I look away, rolling my eyes, as if it was really that hard to forgive him. It's going to be odd not having him around, or any of the other village people. I've wanted to go home for so long now, but it feels wrong leaving these people behind. I wish there was some way they could join us, but I know that would be much too dangerous to try and take all these men and women along with us to the safe house then the castle, it would be too great of a risk.

"I'm going to miss you, Mathias." I admit, shyly, looking away. He tilts my chin up and begins to smile,

"I knew you had a soft spot for me." He pulls me into his arms, hugging my body tight until I can't feel my sides. I break away and give him one last look before I say,

"I wish you the best of life in the woods and if you ever want to come to the kingdom, we will find a way to get you there." I say, knowing there must be a way get him to Castle Hill if he ever chose to come.

Before Mathias can answer Oliver comes running up to us. I turn towards him and pull the young boy into a huge. Even though we didn't get to spend much time together I still enjoyed having him around. "Have a safe trip, Rose." He says and I nod. After telling me goodbye he runs off and I turn back towards Matt.

"That is a very kind offer, but as of right now, Death Valley will always be my home." I nod and give him one last hug before telling him goodbye and heading towards the center of camp where Harry and the guards are at. I know the guards are waiting on me, they wanted to leave right at sun up, even though we were only a few hours of walking distance from the safe house, I don't blame them though, these woods are dangerous and they have every right to worry about nightfall.

"Miss, Rosalie we've been waiting." One of the Knights says to me, his name is David Goodmen. I found that out last night, he has been working at the castle since I was three months old. He is one of my father's most trusted guards.

"I'm sorry, I was just telling a friend goodbye before I left." I explain, knowing he will understand. He nods his head then says,

"Would you like to speak with Harry before we head out?" He asked. It never occurred to me that Harry wouldn't be joining us. I hadn't prepared myself to never see Harry again. I know deep down he would never come to the castle like I had hoped Mathias would.