Red & White

twenty five.

I'm so sorry for such a late chapter, hopefully this will make up for it. Please vote!

The carriage arrived at the military camp soon after the usual supper time at the palace. Upon arrival, when the wheels and horse hooves noisily trotted against the pebbled ground, soldiers were immediately stopping the vehical for identification.

Once proving that the carriage indeed contained members of the Royal family that were ordered to travel down here under a tight schedule, the officers granted access inside the military camp.

Harry kept a close eye on Leah as she scanned the surroundings when their feet touched ground. He had helped her out, grasping tightly to her small hand.

It was dark and gloomy. Granted, the remaining bits of sunshine were concealed behind the tall trees in the distance, but the grounds still gave off an eerie vibe. However, Leah didn't expect much lightness from a military camp anyway.

"I believe we're staying in the General's home. It's a large place, just over there with enough space to fill us," Harry whispered to Leah as his eyes traveled to Louis, who was unloading the luggage.

The girl nodded in response to his comment, keeping her mouth closed. Everything was incredibly silent around them. Even the trudge of leather to gravel from the valet's boots was relatively quiet to their ears.

"Will you stay with me?" She finally spoke up, craning her head up to find purchase in the Prince's gaze. He questioningly peered down at her plea. "I mean, like when we're staying in the General's home?"

Harry smiled at the insecure squeak of her voice. "Of course. I wouldn't dare let you sleep by yourself...I don't really trust this place. We're too close to the border of Wales."

Leah was confused at his wariness, but didn't strive to question him about it.

At that time, a burly man with a thick grey beard and stormy boots came marching up to the lot. Instantly, Prince Harry and King Robin straightened their posture and stiffly saluted the man.

"General Zaroff, good to see you," King Robin greeted with a particularly proper tone.

"I would like to say it's a pleasure to be in your company, Your Royal Highness, but unfortunately under these circumstances it is not."

Leah's brows furrowed from his choice of words. She was well aware that the urgency of this trip did not mean anything good, but this certainly didn't make it any brighter. Worry took over her, twisting her stomach.

The General then marched over to the lovers, only to shake Harry's hand with a nod.

"I thank you gentleman for joining us on such short notice, but as you know we are hosting a vital meeting, so if you would not mind, please follow me. I will have your luggage brought into my home in the meantime," the muscled man explained in a short voice.

He's leaving so soon?

Leah didn't wish to be alone all night, waiting for whenever this meeting would conclude and Harry could return to her.

"Of course, General," King Robin agreed, motioning for him to lead the way.

Harry took the chance of their diverted glances to hastily whip around and kiss Leah goodbye.

"I don't think I'll be long, I promise. Just stay in our bedroom, and don't let anyone in alright? Louis has to come with me of course, so unfortunately there's no one to keep you company so I do apologize. Just try to sleep. Okay?"

"Okay," she said in return, standing on her toes for one more quick kiss.

They parted like that, Louis trailing after Harry who marched back up to the General and the King, in the direction of the larger building on the grounds. That left her alone with the butler of the household. He greeted her at the front door, retrieving her and Harry's bags that Louis left standing upright by the building.