Never Leave Me Alone

Chapter 3

Katniss

I allow my ladies to sit upon my bed, chatting and giggling as I read in the corner. I sigh and run my finger along the page. A work of Shakespeare's, the one of the so called star crossed lovers. I sigh as the two foolish children lay dying together and shake my head.

"You stupid fools," I say as I close the book. I throw it upon the desk and get up. I look out the window and notice the prince out upon the green. I open the window and take a breath. I must admit that the air is fresher here. I sit back upon the sill and pick up another book, thoroughly bored.

I was not all that entertained by the things the ladys are. Perhaps it is because I do not get to flirt and giggle about all the handsome lords here on the isle. I have but one choice. He is a kind, and I am sure loving choice, but since I am to only offer my affections to the Prince here. I'd be called a slut and whore if I even looked at another man in attraction.

He is appealing. An attrative young man, with blonde curls and blue eyes. He is tall, but sturdy and strong looking. A kind, soft face. Yes, I suppose that he is an attractive young man who gives me an unavoidable little flutter in my chest when he looks at me.

"Good morning, Your Highness!" I hear someone call and I look down to see the Prince standing below my window, looking up at me. "You are up early."

"I always am early to rise," I reply. "Better to go ahead and start the day. After all, it does take me a little while to get dressed for the day. What are you up to, may I ask, Your Grace?"

"I was thinking of going riding before the sun gets too warm," he says. "Perhaps you would like to join?"

"I am most grateful for your invitation," I reply. "As I have already exhausted my interest in these vile fairytales." I stand up and climb up onto the sill and swing onto the trellis.

"Just what do you suppose you are doing?" Peeta asks as I begin to climb down. My ladies gather in the window and giggle as the watch me climb down the old ivy support.

"Am I expected to spend half an hour walking through this maze of a palace to find my way out?" I ask. "I am just as capable of climbing down as I always was." I continue to climb down and feel my foot slip. There's a moment of panic, but I feel Peeta's hands clasp around my waist.

"I've got you. Just a couple steps more," he says.

"Thank you," I say as I stand on the ground. "I forgot about that crossboard you broke with the tennis racket."

"You shouldn't have climbed down it in the first place," he chides and I look at him.

"I will do as I please, Your Highness," I say straightening my marron satin. The bell sleeves of my gown allow me to feel the warm air. He shakes his head.

"Come," he offers his arm to me. "Let me meet this other Prince of the Aisle, who steals my promised's affections."

"To the stables then?" I ask and he smiles and leads me towards the tall stone building that holds the royal horses. I whistll and Mossy hangs his large black and white head over the door, nickering to me.

"A shire," Peeta says. "What a lovely specimen." He walks up and strokes the horse's neck. "I can see why you named him for me." I grimace.

"And I heard you were oh so modest," I say.

"I was only joking," he says with a crooked smile. "He is a lovely mount. A tribute to you, Katniss." I unlock the door and kiss the horses cheek.

"Mossy," I say softly before turning to Spanish, my kingdom's native lanuage. "Forward." He steps out of the stall and allows my grooms to shut it behind him. "Bow" He kneels, allowing the grooms to tack him. I am handed his reins and I lead him from the barn. I looks back. "Shall we then?" He nods and one of his horses is handed over to him. I get up onto Mossy's backand click to him. I reign him around and look at Peeta.