The Prince's Rose (H.S.)

6

Harry’s POV

We didn’t stop running until our horses were almost too exhausted to continue. We came upon a farm and thankfully the owners were kind enough to let us sleep in their barn for the night because they didn’t have room in their home. We made beds up in the hayloft and I could tell Rose was still having trouble with what she saw back at the village and what she did, because she sat away from the rest of us and peered out the small window. I sighed softly and walked over to her, sitting down across from her so our legs were touching. In the dim lighting I could see tears in her eyes and it broke my heart.

“All of those people… their homes destroyed… lives lost… it's all my fault.” She whispered, voice cracking with sadness.

“Hey, it's not your fault. Isaac is a psychopath who doesn't care about anyone but himself. He's the one who murdered all of those people. If anything think about how you saved those girls.” I said as I put my hand in her knees and scooted closer to her.

“But I killed that man, Harry! I felt the knife go into his flesh and he’s dead. I-I can't…”

It broke my heart as she choked out a sob and I  immediately pulled her into my arms, leaning back against the wall as I allowed her to cry into my arms for what felt like the hundredth time. This poor girl has been through so much already and I knew it would only get worse from here on out. It was obvious that Isaac would burn through every village in his way so our best bet was to keep moving until we made it to Paris so we could explain to her parents what was going on.

Rosie’s POV

We had been traveling for a couple days already and by the time we made it to the channel I was exhausted. We still had a long road ahead of us, but at least we were one step closer to being safe. Once in French territory we could find soldiers to bring us home, though I knew it would be hard to trust anyone now. Especially since Isaac was once such a trusted man in my family.

The boys secured us safe passage on a cargo ship so once everything was packed up we set sail and began the day long journey across the channel. I mostly stayed in the cabin I was sharing with Harry but as night time arrived and most of the men were sleeping I wandered up onto the deck to find Harry awake as he leaned over the edge of the ship. The moonlight was the only thing lighting us apart from a couple lanterns scattered along the ship, but the moon gave enough light so I could see fairly well once my eyes adjusted.

“Couldn't sleep either?” I asked softly as I walked up to him.

He turned to look back at me and I saw a soft smile form on his lips.

“No, not really. I assume you didn't get much rest while you were in the cabin?” He questioned.

“No. I'm too nervous. I don't remember my family or anything about Paris so how am I supposed to live there if they make me stay?” I sighed softly and stood next to him as I grabbed onto his arm. “I want to stay with you.”

He shifted to face me and brought his hand up to cup my cheek.

“I won't leave you with them if you don't want to stay there… but for now it's the best chance we have at keeping you safe. I hope your parents will not be like mine and that they will believe Isaac is the man behind your disappearance. If they don't believe us then you and I will run away together. We will find some place safe… start a life together. I'm not leaving you ever again.” He promised.

I smiled softly up at him, feeling my heart flutter at his words. I was so hopelessly in love with this man and I knew now more than ever that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him by my side. My hands move to his chest as I hold onto his shirt, pulling myself up slightly so I could place a kiss on his soft lips. His arms wrapped around my waist to keep weight off my tip toes as we both got lost in the kiss. His tongue swiped over my bottom lip to ask for entrance which I happily granted and welcomed the feeling of his tongue dancing with mine.