The Harvest || h.s.

Chapter 17

XVII. TIARA

Lena

Everything was going according to the plan.

There was a carriage waiting at the back of the castle, ready to take little Jack to his loving new home; Louis had gone to the village to gather all of Jack's necessities, new clothes, a brand new hat, shoes that could fit his little feet, and new toys. During his time at the castle, Jack could only entertain himself with the wooden train toy Lena had found during her first few days staying in the castle.

In exactly twenty minutes, the carriage was supposed to take off with Jack, accompanied by Betty, who was helping Lena in making sure everything and everyone stuck to the plan, and doing without Harry noticing.

"Lena?" Harry asked, walking down the stairs and approaching her where she stood in the lobby. "What are you doing?"

She turned around, her cheeks heating up in fear of getting caught, "Um, nothing. I'm just- I'm looking for Louis. He- um, he..." She looked up at him and finally processed what her eyes took in.

She had to hold herself back from drooling right then and there. Harry had been looking by far more attractive in Lena's eyes during the last couple of days, especially after the steamy kiss he and Lena shared the day before, so it was not a surprise for her that he looked so fine in his suit.

"Okay. Just hurry up. We are going to be late. Betty should be waiting for you in your room to help you get ready." He commanded, returning to walking up the marble stairs.

"Shit."

"What was that?" He turned around again.

"Nothing. I'm sorry. What time was the dinner again?"

"We must leave in an hour. But I assume putting on your corset and dress takes a long time, doesn't it? So please, I need you to hurry up. And besides, the Camden Kingdom is a few miles away, so we are already running late."

"Okay, sir. I'll be right up." Lena nodded, and waited for the Prince to disappear up the stairs.

As soon as she saw him get lost between the walls of the halls, she picked up her dress and sprinted towards the back of the castle.

"Miss Lena?"

She shut her eyes, cursing in her head, and turned around. "Yes, sir?"

"I have strict instructions to not let you leave your room. If you could please go back and get ready for the dinner you must attend." The guard said, escorting Lena back inside the castle.

"But-"

"No buts."

"I'm just looking for Betty, she is supposed to help me get ready." Lena argued.

"Betty is already waiting for you room, along with the other maids and seamstresses. Now let me walk you to your room."

Lena huffed, but followed the broad-shouldered guard down the halls and upstairs to her room.

The guard opened the door for her and she stepped in. Inside her room, nearly half a dozen women stopped their actions and looked up at her, smiling courteously and greeting her.