The Blue Queen

Chapter 13

I tell father and Elizabeth that I mainly work with the Prince's usual seamstress when I visit him. I give them what I can but since I agreed to go I cannot back out. Its four days until the party and as always, Harry lifts me out of the carriage and spins us as he gives me a kiss. Harry likes privacy and therefore no one other than his staff are around to see us. I have actually met most of them; they all seem to enjoy being there as I do. Harry says they like me because I do many things for myself.

"Tell me about Ireland." Harry says as we walk amongst the lavender. "You haven't told me much about your life there."

"Well it is really not that interesting. After my aunt got married when I was eight we moved to Ireland. My father hired a housekeeper since I couldn't do much yet. Her name was Cara and he was my best friend for six years. She was the one who taught me how to keep house and cook. Before my father hired her she sold lavender, she took me to a lavender field one Sunday, it was the best day I ever had and it began my love for the plant. She taught me how to read and she taught me German. She was dismissed when I was fourteen, so I haven't seen her in years." I say with a sad sigh.

"Did you have anyone else, any other friends?" He asks as we sit on the swing he had put up on a tree for me.

"My father's best employee Abbán, he is the one who complimented me." I tell him.

"Did he love you?" He asks, not angrily, just wondering.

"He said he did. But he is married now, I overheard his wife is already pregnant." I tell him with a smile. "We love each other as if we were siblings." I add.

"But I assume you do not speak anymore." Harry says. I sigh and shrug slightly.

"No, but its okay. I know he will always be there for me and he knows I will always be there for him." I say and smile. Harry smiles and pushes some of my hair behind my ear.

"I'm glad you have had some good people in your life. I didn't have many here but always made some when I ran away. I didn't have to worry about my posture or which way my feet pointed when I stood. I could focus on the people." He says.

"Do you keep in touch with them?" I ask.

"Not really. Some couldn't read. Some didn't have addresses to send letters to and I couldn't go and see them unless I wanted to get in trouble for running away. I couldn't send a messenger without making it obvious that I was the Prince." He explains.

"But at your coronation everyone will know what you look like. That's why you said you couldn't go to the market after it." I say. Harry sighs and nods.

"I like being normal. That's why I like it when you call me Harry. People think I will be all high and mighty but I am a person. I like to think I am normal like everyone else." He says.

"You aren't normal Harry." I say. "You are too perfect." He laughs and I put my right hand in his hair. "You also have a lot of power, take what you know and help the common folk. People won't think you are so stuck up then." I smile.

"You had two friends in Ireland, what about here?" Harry asks, changing the subject.

"Well there are the people in your staff. They are very nice to me." I say teasingly. He laughs and plays with the ends of my hair.

"Anyone else?" He asks his beautiful green eyes bright and hopeful.

"Well. I have you, but I don't think you are my friend. I am too fond of you." I say honestly, biting my lip slightly. Harry smiles and his hand goes to my jaw.

"I agree. I could never just be friends with someone I am in love with." He says. My heart jumps as my jaw drops slightly. "Come on Anna, I spoke of marriage the night we met." He says, laughing at me slightly. I smile and laugh slightly as I look down and play with my dress.