Red & White

six.

Harry's life was boring, yet eventful. At least, that's what he thought. And it made perfect sense to him. He did the usual, day by day. He saw the same people. Whether that be the guards, or the footmen, or butlers, or his valets.

He was patiently waiting for some sort of bright light to flash before his eyes, bringing excitement into his dreary world. He needed it. He wanted it.

But what form would this excitement come in? He didn't know the answer, but he was hoping it was right around the corner.

"Your highness, shall I bring in Louis to help you dress for dinner?" One of the maids timidly asked, setting the tray with a glass of water he requested seconds ago. They were very quick and nimble.

"Yes, please. I'm having trouble with this tie." He bit his lip in concentration through the clear mirror.

The young woman, possibly in her thirties, nodded and left the vast room. The carpet was a solid, pure color and the decor was relatively plain. For Prince Harry never wanted to showcase his fortune. Though in times it came in handy to prove to his acquaintances that he was the richer, therefore better, one. Royals of foreign countries were secretly competitive.

Distracted in his brawl with the stubborn tie, the prince didn't notice the door opening with his valet and friend strutting in.

"Harry?"

Louis seemed to be one of the only non-family people in this world to refer to him as only, 'Harry.'

The prince turned around, sticking out the tie with a frown.

"Help, Lou." He was on a first-name basis as well.

Louis chuckled, stalking forward to assist his friend. His fringe was swept up with what appeared to be gel. It was usually down, covering his forehead. It reminded him of his own hair..

"Copier," he accused with a smirk. Louis glanced up to him, cheeks flushing before ducking his head again. His fingers paused from working on the tie.

"Not accurate, Harold. Many people are now styling their hair this way, not just you."

Which was a lie. Not everyone could afford it and water stayed put for all of one minute. All in all, it was obvious that Louis got his inspiration from Harry.

"Hmm, okay," the prince chuckled, rolling his eyes.

The tie was snapped back to his neck.

"Ow."

"That's what you get."

Harry checked his reflection one more time, ruffling his hair and making sure there wasn't anything caught in his teeth. His father would give him a hard time about that. The two men left the bedroom, closing the door behind and respectfully nodding to the guards stationed outside.

"So, has Prince Charming found his princess yet?" Louis grinned, voice quieter now that they were in the corridor.

"Shut the fuck up, Lou," Harry warned, but with a hint of laughter. "I hear that from my mother far too often. Don't you start up."

"Your mother calls you Prince Charming? Huh."

Harry swatted his arm.

That was one thing Harry did admire about Louis. From day one of his time working in the palace Harry knew off the bat that Louis wasn't going to befriend him because one day he would rule the throne. He treated him like any other mate in the dreary pubs.

The tall, lean doors leading into the dining room were opened when the two men reached it after walking through the long corridors. Louis said goodbye to Harry, leaving to the servants hall for his own supper.

The dining room table was nicely set up as per usual when he entered. The candles scattered over the tablecloth were flickering back and forth. His parents were already sat on the two ends. He sat down in the middle on one side, his chair being pushed in by a butler, along with the napkin being opened and set on his lap. Harry thanked him, adjusting the sleeves of his suit jacket to push up his arms.

"Harold, you're a little late, son," the king commented, cutting his piece of steak.

"Sorry, father. Louis had to help me with my tie."

The meat was delicious when Harry took a bite. The chefs here never failed to produce such mouth-watering dishes. No wonder they worked for the royal family.

"There's another thing to inform Mrs. Carmichael about," King Robin muttered under his breath, taking a sip of red wine.

Though meant to be discrete, Harry caught what his father said about him.

"Why would you need to tell Mrs. Carmichael about my tie?"

Mrs. Carmichael was Harry's teacher that he went to every three days. His mother tried to enforce going every day, but he needed a break from this strict woman. She was professional; proper. He personally never saw her smile.

"Because, Harold. You need to be able to tie a simple tie. It's truly unfortunate that you are not able to already. She will teach you tomorrow." An exasperated sigh left his father's mouth at the end. He really was a good dad and an even better king. He loved his land. But there were days when it seemed like King Robin was disappointed in his son.

"Oh! Speaking of Mrs. Carmichael," the queen spoke up, and the two lifted their heads to her, "her daughter, Poppy will be visiting and attending dinner with us and her mother tomorrow. Won't that be lovely? Harry, I'd like you to privately talk to Poppy. She's a year younger than you and very pretty. Maybe a possible wife for you. And your birthday ball is coming up. I'd appreciate it if you invited her as your date."

And there it was. He knew she was going to say something soon. Harry tried his best to not lose his temper and dent the silver fork and knife he was tightly gripping to.

"Mother, I'm begging you, please stop throwing these women at me! They deserve someone who will love them and I genuinely won't. It's not fair to me or them," Harry argued.

"But you can learn to love them!" She fought with a soft voice. The queen learned never to raise her voice. In her world, an 'outside voice' didn't exist.

"I don't want to, though. Do you not understand that I want to find someone by myself, at my leisure?" There was a tint of a whine clipped to his tone.

"Harold, now you know there is an appropriate time to get married for men in our family and you have already exceeded that range," his father cut in, "your mother is left with no choice but to find suitable women for you."

He was panicking now.

Harry could not end up making Poppy Carmichael his bride. Sure, she was pretty but he could never love her. She was preppy and chirpy and reminded him of the annoying birds that don't shut up. Not to mention she sucked up to everyone. That is, in Harry's opinion.

"I will find someone in a weeks time, okay? Trust me," he pleaded, not even believing his own words.

There was no one he could think of. He knew they had to be rich and pretty and youthful. Harry wasn't friends with any girls like that. He was doomed.

But then one girl, checking off two of the three characteristics popped into his mind. She was indeed pretty and young. Rich, absolutely not.

But she was his last hope.

i am so excited for this story, you guys have no idea.

hello kiddos! please vote and comment much loveee

if it helps, vote if you want Harry to get a hair cut.

k byee