Arranged To Him #Wattys2017

Four

A/N: this chapter will make you both, love and hate Harry!!! Happy reading!

Harry's POV

I trailed into the castle after Eliana had stormed off, with my hands in my pockets. I was furious. Who the hell did she think she was to tell me that I was a lowly man who only used women for pleasure. I mean, yeah it was true, but I didn't need to hear it from her. Of all people, I mean, really? Plus, she didn't even know the reason as to why I was closed off. If I had told her about Valerie, which I won't, she wouldn't be saying the things she did.

That being said though, that doesn't mean that what she said didn't hurt a little bit. It did and I have no idea why. I guess it was because I kind of figured that I'd be getting a little bit of respect from this girl seeing as she was going to be marrying me but what she said surprised me completely. This girl was naive, no doubt. However, she also was determined to keep her confidence and her dignity and although I had already begun to tell that this girl would be a hassle to even live with, I had to admit that I respected and admired that one quality about her. She didn't let anybody put her down, and if she was put down she sure as hell didn't show it.

"Harry?" my mother's voice knocked me out of my thoughts. I jumped a bit and turned to where the voice came from and was met with Gemma, my parents and Eliana's parents looking at me with questioning and worried looks.

"Yes," I asked, stepping forward towards them.

"What did you say to Eliana," my mother asked, "she ran through here with tears in her eyes."

"I'm not sure, mum," I replied, feigning concern, "is she okay? Our walk went well, but she suddenly just took off for the castle. I came back here to go check on her and see if she's alright."

"Oh, well go check on her please," mother urged, "in just two months, she'll become your companion and your responsibility. It shall be for your benefit for you to start to care for her early into this relationship."

I sighed and turned around, rolling my eyes before walking away towards the kitchens. The kitchens was actually the one place I could get some peace and quiet. Not because none of my family ever came down there, but because of the friendships I had formed with the help there. Grumbling over mother's insistence, I entered the kitchens and almost all of the help stopped whatever jolly conversation they were having and looked to the door. Obviously, they were expecting my father or something because as soon as they took in my reaction, they relaxed and all smiled, bowing slightly to greet me.

The staff in the kitchens were probably the only people in the castle that I enjoyed talking to. I used to come down here quite a bit when I was younger for food and whatnot, and I slowly began forming a bond with all of the workers here.

The main cook was Rita; an old lady, small and plump. She knew my history with Valerie and understood why I was the way I was. She wasn't necessarily proud of it, but she let it be. She had white curly hair, kind eyes and a cheerful smile. (A/N: I imagine her as Betty White) Then there was Ronald. He was a burly man, tall and well-built, but kind nonetheless. He dealt with the meat of the kitchen, chopping, gutting and whatever else was involved. After came Lucile, Freddie, James and-

"Uncle Harry!" a child's voice screamed. I smiled at the sound of it and turned around to see little Peter running towards me on his little six year old's feet. Peter was the son of Lucile and Freddie and he helped his parents out in the kitchens whenever he could. I never necessarily liked children but I made an exception when it came to Peter. His blue eyes and brown curls were something that you could never say no to, despite how hard you tried.