"Lacey?" Harry shakes my shoulder to pluck me out of my daydream. "Lacey, come on, everything will be alright."
"W-what's going on?" I sputter as I rub my eyes.
"You fainted," Harry explains, his brows furrowed together.
"I really have to stop doing that," I mumble, mostly to myself but I know Harry hears it, as a chuckle escaped his pink lips. I sit up until we are face to face, only a few inches apart. "Harry, why are we at this castle?"
"Trust me, I would rather if we were not, but sadly it is time you see what I do for work," he sighs, making intense eye contact.
"You work here?" I raise my eyebrows and he hesitantly nods and sits back in his normal position. "As what exactly?" I quiz him with similar questions until the door is opened by someone on the outside.
"A butler." I am caught off guard by his response, what kind of salary does that entail? Obviously quite a nice one based off his house alone. Harry leads me out of the carriage and I stand in awe at the structure in front of me. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Harry looking at me taking it all in and blush in embarrassment.
"Sorry, it's just a bit much," I laugh. "Don't let me hold you up." A group of guards come up to us and escort us to the top of the stairs. With each step, I am able to see more and more of the immense beauty that surrounds me. My eyes scan the gardens filled with roses, the crystal clear sky, the city, and Harry with his emerald green eyes, concentrated on not missing a step.
Once we are at the top, Harry stops abruptly in his tracks and grabs my shoulders, looking me powerfully in the eyes. His strong grip holds tight and keeps me in my place. "Lacey, this is the time if any to really put on the best mask you possibly can. I know that it is a lot, but you are going to be coming inside with me, I can't risk leaving you alone." I gulp and nod, before he starts walking again with me by his side. He winks at me as we pause at the door, waiting for the guards to open it. I nervously smile at him and look ahead at what awaits me.
It is as grand as can be. Elegant chandeliers, rugs, tapestries, and furniture line the great hallway that exists before us. Paintings of many generations of royal figures stand tall and display themselves with great pride. At the very end of the hallway is the greatest painting of them all, large and glorious, an image of a beautiful lady, a faint smile gracing her lips. I wonder who it is, but decide to keep quiet.
"This is crazy," I whisper to Harry, who gives me an urgent glance, my signal to shut up and just keep walking. At the end of the hallway, the guards leave us and go back to the door, leaving Harry and I alone to wander the palace.
"Alright, we have an hour before I must be somewhere, so I shall show you around a bit." I really can't believe this is happening. The paintings, the details, the people. Well, one person in particular, for sure. He looks ethereal, god-like. Natural light pours onto his gripping features everytime we pass a window or other light source. Despite our location, all I can focus on is him and his beauty. "Lacey?"
"Oh, yes, of course," I smile and feel butterflies as he takes my hand. I love it when he does that.
I quickly realise I need to stop fonding over this man and stop myself before I can think any further. Sure, he is beautiful, but he is literally dead to me, and would never even consider feelings for me, that is for sure. I sigh and set my shoulders back, collecting my thoughts and focusing on my surroundings again.
"Once I am done showing you around, I must attend a meeting and you will not be able to come with me, so I will have Liam bring you home."
"Why did you bring me here then, if I just have to leave?" His face grows a look of surprise, which morphs into one of sadness.
