The Harvest || h.s.

Chapter 4

IV. PRINCE OF IRELAND

Lena

Lena was finishing her breakfast, all alone in the dining room. The Prince came that morning to knock on her door, signaling it was time for Lena to wake up, but then left the castle, going God knows where.

Betty cleaned up after she finished eating, Lena secretly helping her to do the dishes and clearing up the table. It was their little secret.

Lena knew what it felt like to be in Betty's shoes, being a peasant herself, so she helped Betty do her chores anytime she could.

A man was waiting for Lena in the garden of the castle. She recognized him as the guard that forcefully dragged her to the front line.

The man introduced himself as Laird and shook Lena's hand.

"I apologize for being rude yesterday afternoon; I hope I caused no damage." Laird apologized sympathetically.

"Do not worry; you haven't," Lena reassured him, discreetly bringing her left hand to cover the bruise on her right arm.

"Shall we go? There's someone who wants to meet you."

They both walked through the vast and confusing maze-looking garden of the castle until they reached the stables.

"Here is where Prince Harry keeps his beloved horses. He will let you choose one and instruct you to ride himself. He wants you to enjoy his amusements as much as he does."

They entered the stables, where dozens of majestic creatures were forced to live in their narrow stalls. His stallions were the most beautiful horses Lena has seen in her entire life.

They stopped in front of an open stall, and Laird turned to Lena.

"Here is where I leave you. Have a great rest of the day." Laird smiled and left the stables.

"So we finally meet." A sudden voice startled Lena. She gasped and turned around to the open stall where a handsome blonde man dismounted a stallion from the left side. The man took Lena's hand and bowed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Lena." He kissed Lena's hand.

"Um, Lady?"

"Of course," he said it like it was obvious. "The name's Niall. Prince of Ireland. Soon-to-be king." The man introduced himself proudly. Lena's eyes widened in shock, and as soon as she heard those words leave Niall's lips, she took a bow.

"I-I'm so sorry, your Majesty. It's a pleasure." Lena apologized for her previous behavior.

"Don't worry, love. The pleasure's all mine." He smiled at Lena.

"What a breathtaking smile, and that strong, charming Irish accent." Lena thought to herself.

Niall checked Lena out, from the bottom to the top. "Harry does have the best taste in women; there's no doubt in that." The foreign Prince smiled, causing Lena's cheeks to tint themselves a bright crimson color.

She murmured a shy and quiet, "Thank you" and smiled back at him.

"Let me show you the rest of the castle, yeah?" Lena nodded. "What would you like to see first, the library, or-"

"The library sounds nice." Lena interrupted Prince Niall.

He chuckled and nodded, nodding toward the inside castle. As soon as they walked in the enormous library, Lena felt as she would faint. It had endless rows of books on the walls, as well as various bookcases throughout.