The Harvest || h.s.

Chapter 8

VIII. HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS

Harry

Lena was quietly sitting by the side of the polo field of the castle, reading one of Harry's private collection's books. So far, the library was Lena's favorite place in the castle, in spite of the wonders that could be found in any random corner of the palace if one paid close attention. She spent almost all day reading Harry's books, getting caught between the pages, lingering on the little notes Harry had left written in the books.

He had found Lena asleep in the library one day, around midnight. He was heading to the master bedroom to get some sleep. She was sprawled out on the floor, surrounded by open books. As Harry could see, she was doing some research.

She has been reading about the history of the castle in which she lived in, the biographies of the previous Kings and Queens, and keeping note of every single detail or fun fact she found about the castle, the furniture, the rooms, and garden. Everything had a special meaning.

Niall and Harry, on the other hand, were ridding on the back of their most beloved horses through the field, playing one-on-one polo. So far Niall was beating Harry, and Harry couldn't be more pissed.

He has been very competitive, ever since he was a child. So Harry couldn't let Niall win, especially so that he could impress Lena.

The game finished, both of them exhausted. They got back down from their horses and took them to the stables.

"That was an insult, Niall. You know I can't, and I won't, lose a polo match."

"Well, you just did my friend." Niall laughed as he groomed his horse. "So how's it going with Lena?" He asked casually after a while.

Harry stopped grooming his horse and looked over at Lena, peacefully sitting on the other side of the field, as she continued reading her book.

"It's been okay. It's not going the way I planned, but it's okay at the moment." He sighed. "She is different, you know? I'm not used to girls like her. They usually just throw themselves at me. She doesn't do that, and that's what I like about her." He glanced at her again.

"Why don't you try to do something nice to her? Try to impress her. Win her heart."

"And how am I supposed to do that Niall?" Harry growled. "You know me. You know me well. I'm not good at these things. I don't open up to people that quickly and I don't expect them to either."

"I can."

"Yeah, and?"

"I can open up to people, and they can open up to me."

"Yeah, and?" Harry repeated, getting slightly impatient with his friend.

"You don't understand it, do you?" Niall questioned. He received a confused look from Harry. "I could open up to Lena, and she to me. I can find out what she thinks about you, what she likes, or expects you to do. That way you can impress her and win her heart."

"Are you sure about this?" Harry questioned, giving deep thought to his best friend's proposal.

"Yeah. I mean, she's my friend now too, so it would be just like opening up to a friend. You know, things friends do."

"In that case, I'd love that. Inform me about everything, please. Every detail. I'd like to make her feel special and happy here, and I won't be able to do it without your help. So thanks, Niall."

The lads finished with their horses, and they changed into their usual clothing. They left the stables together but parted ways a few feet later. Niall returned to the castle, and Harry walked toward where Lena was.