Red & White

fourteen.

Hunting.

That's what Prince Harry decided to do next with Leah. He grew worrisome that she may have been getting bored of staying in the castle during her daily visits. Commonly, they would stroll casually through the gardens, but their combined four legs never touched land outside the palace grounds.

For starters, Harry was not allowed to. His appearance would draw so much attention that it could be dangerous. And not to mention the Prince would be tagged along with a woman. Of course, Harry had been out of the castle before, but it was with his parents and dozens of guards surrounding them. And Prince Harry did not want guards trailing him and Leah's every footsteps.

Word had gotten out about the mystery girl. Guests from the birthday ball that occurred over a week ago had spilled details about her appearance. But still, no one knew her name. The palace never released any information and the Carmichael's never sold stories in fear of losing Mrs. Carmichael's job.

"I don't think this fits," a small, familiar voice spoke up. Leah stepped out from behind a shielded curtain wearing a tad oversized hunting clothing. Two maids emerged after, the ones that were ordered to help the lady dress.

They were in one of the many common sitting rooms. It was only them if you didn't count the guard stood behind the door, a footman in the corner, two female maids, one butler, and Louis. He was on an opposite couch, maintaining his own entertainment by shining a few champagne flutes with a white cloth.

"Yes, it definitely does not," the Prince laughed, watching in amusement as the petite girl stood in front of the mirror. The sleeves of the brown leather jacket were passed her wrist. The pants, thankfully, fit snug on her legs and bum. "Mary, go fetch a smaller jacket for Leah."

His order caused the middle-aged woman to shoot her head up at the mention of her name. Mary nodded and quickly skidded out of the elegant room.

While waiting for her return, Prince Harry stood from the rosy red loveseat and strode over to the peasant. He smiled at them in the mirror. She was much shorter than him, her head just barely crossing his shoulder.

They were not lovers. They had kissed that one day the previous week, but it wasn't much. The contact had scared them both.

Leah admired Harry. She liked the way his lips only curved up halfway when he was amused, but when he found something extraordinary, she would be met by his perfect teeth. She found it beautiful how caring and kind he could be.

Harry was confused. Every time she laughed, or giggled, or smiled, or opened up to him, he felt something deep inside. It was a yearn for a certain thing. And that certain thing was her.

But he couldn't have her in a genuine way. He knew that. Did he even really want her that way? Maybe those feelings were purely platonic. If he pursued something real what if he got attached?

Wasn't the point of singling out Leah just so he could marry her to please his mum? Wasn't his plan after that to end the relationship once they grew older, therefore making it inappropriate for the Prince to be on the market and looking for love again? Then he could be alone, just like he imagined.

But...what if that changed?

"Here you go, Your Royal Highness." Mary had returned with the jacket, this time it being a smaller size.

The article of clothing was passed from the servant's hands, to Harry's, and over to Leah.

"Thank you, Mary," Leah smiled with that smile. Harry had to look away.

When she shrugged off the oversized jumper, he was right there to take it from her grasp. He then handled it over to Mary who hurried off once again to bring it elsewhere.

"Much better," she quietly giggled. The eldest Bates child was more than blessed to be adorning an actual coat. It was a real coat and it was so, so warm.

"Louis, are the horses ready for us?" The Prince questioned, turning to the long couch where his assistant was sat.

"Yes, I had Edward feed them plenty and freshen them up this morning," the older lad answered, "I can bring you down to him if you wish."

"Why not. Thank you."

He nodded, rising from the seat and gathering the belongings he brought in the room.

"Ready?" Harry asked the girl.

"Mhm," she hummed in reply and he slid his arm around her waist. They said farewell to the maids who helped them and the footman at the door. The corridors were noiseless, their footsteps echoing around them.

It didn't take long to reach the stable in the back of the castle. The grounds were kept nice and tidied for the horses and their owners.

"Ooh, do I get to use a gun?" Leah excitedly laughed, gleaming up at the taller man. The two had just reached the stable doors, with Louis guiding the way a few meters ahead.

"Should I be trusting you with a rifle?" He teasingly pondered aloud. Harry loved interacting with her this way. It was fun and kept a smile on both their faces.

A playful pout creased her brow. "Is someone worried they'll be shot in the brain?"

"Well, now that you mention it-"

"Louis!" Leah called out and his head twisted around, "Can I please have a rifle?"

"What a peculiar question," he laughed, "But sure. I don't see why not."

While the valet was busy unlocking the stable doors, the peasant glanced up to the Prince with a victory grin.

"I see what you did there. That's cheating."

They continued to banter back and forth until the two stallions were trotting out of the barn. Her jaw was practically slammed down to the dusty ground. They were breathtaking. The manes were combed to perfection and the striking colors were so unique. She loved the sound of their hooves clicking as they walked in their direction.

"This one is mine," Harry commented, "Her name is Daisy."

Louis joined in, "Yours, Leah, is called Bluey. Want to take a guess at who named this one?"

The Prince glared at his friend, "I was six and a fan of the color blue."

The valet scoffed and Leah smiled at them

I'm not sure what happened there? It seems to me that the text was deleted, like a lot of the text with a big plot point. If this is confusing to anyone reading, I apologize. I'm going to try to see if I have the original text stored somewhere..