#chapter18

"Awe! That will be so much fun, Lex!" Alice's smile lit up feeling a sense of happiness for Alexa. "It's such a beautiful place and I am sure that you two will have an amazing time there."

Alexa swivelled around on her chair to turn and face her flatmate. "I hope so. Well more so that his friends like me. I have only met one really since we have been seeing each other." She displayed a nervous smile as she fidgeted with her hands.

"Are you kidding me? They are going to love you girl! What's not to love about you?" Alice tried to offer some encouragement to her friend. "Are you also a bit nervous that things are getting more serious between Harry and you?"

Alexa's head lifted slowly as she nodded. "Yeah..." She paused and took in a deep breath. "That's part of it. I mean we have been in a relationship officially for a few months now and we tried to take things slow like I have wanted to, but I feel I have done the exact opposite. I am not saying I want to pump the brakes a bit because Harry and I are in such a good place right now. It's more my head games that doubt things more than anything at this point." Alexa confessed and explained to Alice what was going on in her mind. "It will be good to see him, but I cancelled my plans with Eugenie this weekend to do it..." She bit down on her bottom lip nervously.

"Oh..." Alice was a bit shocked. "You two still aren't getting along are you?" Her friend probed.

"It's not like we aren't getting along, Alice." Alexa frowned slightly, wondering how to explain the situation. "After that night that Harry had come back to London unannounced and we all had that big row.... Things changed." The blonde offered a weak soft smile. "I still love her to bits and she's still my best friend, but I am trying to find a balance between Harry and Eugenie. Harry has spoken to her and apologized to Eugenie over what he said that night and took the high road without even me asking him which says a lot about him. But, Eugenie tried to fight with him when he did and he said he had to walk away from her." Alexa breathed out deeply.

"It must be difficult on you then to see Harry willing to try for you, but Eugenie is still acting like a stuck up bitch, Alexa. I wouldn't blame you..." Alice giggled lightly.

"It is difficult because... I am falling in love with Harry." A beaming smile formed on Alexa's lips as she admitted it to her friend, Alice. Her green eyes were sparkling with happiness at the thought of it all.

"Aweeeeeeeee!" Alice clasped her hands together and was in near tears of happiness for her friend. "I could tell when you were falling so hard for him that night we had the girls over to introduce Harry to them. It was so evident that you two care a lot about each other."

"Really?" Alexa shyly laughed.

"Of course! You don't see the way he literally stares at you when you aren't looking. He is totally falling hard for you, believe me." Alexa's friend was quick to assure her. An alert sounded on Alexa's phone as she grabbed it off the vanity. "Harry's a few minutes away. I need to finish putting on my make up and getting Peanut's things ready."

"Are you wanting to take Peanut with you, you could always leave her here with me this weekend. I don't want to be all by my lonesome." Alice suggested hopefully as she petted the sleeping pup lying on Alexa's bed.

"Yeah, I mean that would be great. Harry said I could bring her because I wasn't sure what your plans were this weekend, but she can definitely stay and keep you company." Alexa watched Peanut crawl into Alice's lap and fall back asleep.

"Right, I will take pup and leave you to finish getting ready. I can let Harry in when he arrives." Alice nodded lightly. "Are you taking the train up there?" She curiously asked on her way out.

"No, Harry thought it was best for him to drive me. Still trying to keep under the radar despite the media's interest in me still." Alexa sighed before seeing a concerned expression on Alice.

But that expression quickly morphed into a smile. "Have a great weekend, Lex. Just relax and have some fun with your boy."

"Thanks, Alice. I will."

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"You are driving us?" Alexa stood there with a questioned look as she watched her boyfriend open the boot to place her suitcase in beside his own.

"Yes, love." He chuckled lightly. "They do let me drive my own vehicle every now and then."

"No, I think it's great." Her boyfriend turned back towards Alexa glancing down at her from under his cap. "We can have our first official road trip together!" The excitement was evidently planted all over Alexa's face.

Harry stood there watching Alexa's smile appear on her lips at the mere thought of it all. He walked up to his girlfriend and without a word, leant down and captured her lips in a sweet lingering kiss. "Henry..." Alexa broke their lips apart as she tried to scold him for his reckless behaviour. "You shouldn't kiss me in public like this." She regretted the moment she tore his lips off of Harry's, but they still had to be cautious.

"I can't help it when you get all adorable and excited about things like that." He grasped her hand and pulled her around to the passengers side. "Shall we get our first road trip together started?" Harry winked at Alexa displaying a cheeky grin while opening the door for Alexa.

"I thought you would never ask!" She exaggerated with a beaming smile. "Thank you, love."

Alexa's hand was grasping Harry's tightly as she scrolled through his phone finding the next song for them to listen to. Her head was bobbing to the beat of the music silently enjoying their road trip on the way to the Lake District. This gave Harry a moment to take her all in. Sitting there next to him was this beautiful woman who he was falling in love with on their way to meet his closest friends. He could not believe it himself half the time that he had found someone like Alexa.

"You look very pretty today, Lex." He watched a smile grow on her lips before lifting her head to beam up at him. "I like that suit thing on you."

"Thanks, love. It's a romper not a suit." Alexa leaned in and placed a sweet kiss to his lips. "But, eyes on the road darling." She giggled and turned his head towards the road in front of them.

"Well, whatever the hell it's called you should wear it more often. It fits you very well." He continued his flirting despite keeping his eyes glued to the road.

"Mmmm, I will keep that in mind. But, you will have to wait and see what else I have packed for this weekend." A mischievous grin was plastered on her lips knowing that Harry would have a difficult time keeping his hands off of her this weekend. "I went out and bought a few new things."

Harry's smile slowly faded at her comment. "Alexa, you didn't need to buy new things. What you wear is completely fine." The prince knew for a fact that she did not buy expensive clothes very often and hoped that she did not do this purely to try and impress his friends.

"I know... but I wanted to make a good first impression." She confessed exactly what Harry was worried about. Alexa turned her attention back to the prince when he did not reply and witnessed a furrowed brow forming on his forehead. "What?"

The prince sighed heavily. He did not reply because he simply did not want this to turn into an argument. "I don't want you to ever feel that you need to change who you are or what you wear to fit into any part of my life." He pulled her hand towards him and placed his lips softly to her fingers in a sweet gesture. "I don't want you to ever change who you are."

Alexa sat there quietly gathering her thoughts and really hearing her boyfriend's genuine words. This was the difference between Reese and Harry. Harry accepted Alexa for exactly who she was and did not want her to change anything about her. He did not want Alexa to change to fit into his world, she was in his world because of who she was. Reese on the other hand wanted Alexa to change everything about her in order to fit into his world. He had liked the idea of Alexa more than who she really was. Her head lowered as she shook it lightly. "I am such an idiot." Alexa muttered softly, but her boyfriend was able to hear what she had spoken.

"Alexa Grey, you are not an idiot." He leaned over and placed a kiss on her temple.

"No I am!" She lifted her head and tossed her arms up in the air. "All I wanted was to fit into your world because I care so much about you." Her head turned to look directly in his eyes. "I want your friends to like me and I just had this fear that I am going to be judged like I was with Reese's aristo friends..." Alexa dragged off and took in a heavy sigh becoming quiet. "That was when we started to have problems, after I met some of his friends...." She hinted at her fears in a quiet whisper. "I don't want this to happen to us..."

Harry closed his eyes hearing her quiet confession. Her voice was laced with doubt and uncertainty, causing an ache in Harry's heart. He knew that there would be times of Alexa struggling to find herself in similar situations like this due to her past relationship with Reese Kellington and all he could do was try to make her feel that she was enough for him.

He sighed and steered the car to the side of the road, breaking to slow down the vehicle to a stop. Harry turned off the engine and opened his door. "Get out..." He softly requested Alexa to do the same.

"Henry... what are you doing?" Alexa unclicked her seatbelt and left the vehicle as she walked over to the driver's side to find Harry leaning up against the car.

"You need my full attention right now and I cannot give that to you and focus on driving." The prince admitted. "Plus, I cannot hug you properly in that car so come here." He opened his arms and waited for Alexa to saunter over to him. Wrapping his arms around her he gently squeezed her small frame, enveloping her in a tight embrace. "That won't happen to us, I promise." He whispered into her ear and felt her body relax into him.

"You always give the best hugs." Her voice muffled as Alexa buried her face into his chest. Harry held her there on the side of the road waiting for her to speak again, but the simple comfort tugged at Alexa's heartstrings. His hand started to rub the small of her back in a subtle gesture of reassurance.

"Meeting my friends is going to change our relationship, Alexa. But, for the better. I have kept you hidden and away from them only because I wanted to see where this was going. I don't introduce just any girl to them, only the important ones. You mean the world to me and I want them to know you for who you are. For the woman I am falling in love with." He lifted up her chin making his girlfriend look into his mesmerizing blue eyes. "I am falling in love with you still."

"This means alot to you, doesn't it?" She tilted her head while gazing up at him and analyzing his silent response while he nodded.

"My friends are very loyal to me, Alexa. I only keep them around if they are. It's hard to find genuine friends like the ones you will meet because of who I am. So introducing you to them is a big step for me, but one I want." The prince calmly confessed.

Alexa smiled softly before standing as tall as she could to reach the prince's lips and capture them in a slow deliberate kiss. "Let's go meet them then."

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"I seriously cannot wait to meet her." Melissa Percy voiced her excited thoughts towards the group of Harry's friends who had already arrived at the lake cottage in Cumbira on the Lake District. Melissa Percy was Harry's friend, Thomas Van Straubenzee's, longtime girlfriend.

"He has been really hush hush about this one, hasn't he?" Lara added her two sense in the matter. "I hope she is a real gem. Harry needs a good one after what happened with Chelsy. No offence, Mel." Lara gave her friend Mel a sympathetic look.

Melissa Percy and Harry's ex, Chelsy Davy, were and still are best of friends. The two had become close friends while their significant others, Tom and Harry were long time friends. It was natural that the two of them had grown so close and even after Harry and Chelsy parted ways they remained friends. It was difficult at first for Mel and Tom, feeling like they had to split their loyalties between them. Mel had to admit that she was excited to meet this new girl of Harry's, but she still was not entirely sure how she would handle seeing Harry with someone else other than Chelsy.

"No, no offence taken Lara." Mel simply shrugged her shoulders. "It is going to be hard seeing Harry with someone who isn't Chelsy. They were together for so long... I think he is still in love with Chelsy and I am a bit scared this girl may be just a rebound for him." She spoke her mind, making the group feel uncomfortable.

Zoe Stewart, Harry's friend Jake's girlfriend stood up for the woman. "I highly doubt that she is a re-bound for Harry. Do you really think that he would bring her here this weekend if she were? Let's not jump to conclusions shall we? Besides, he is over Chelsy Davy." She turned her head and narrowed her eyes at Mel, giving her a warning to behave.

"You have met her before Adam, right?" Jake Warren pipped into the conversation and turned the group's attention to his friend Adam Bidwell hoping to bring some sort of information to light about Harry's girl. To be honest, Jake and Harry had spoken a lot lately even meeting up for some drinks at a low key pub and the prince spoke freely about Alexa. Only Zoe knew about this information and they kept it out of the group's knowledge for a reason.

Adam took a sip of his drink and nodded slowly. "I have once." He admitted casually. "Not going to give you any deets until you meet her." He knew this comment would turn the women mad as they literally had talked about Harry's new girl the whole train ride up, wondering what she was like and what she did. Harry had already confided in his friend about Alexa before about how to introduce her to the rest of their friends. Adam suggested a casual weekend getaway with a chill relaxing environment would be the best option. He knew how protective of her Harry had become. But, when Adam suggested using his father's cottage in the Lake District where there was nothing but water and hills in the surrounding area, it was the perfect place to privately introduce them.

"Oh come on Bidwell!" Melissa pushed him further for any tidbit of information. He shook his head no and brushed her off.

"You can make up your own mind. Haz messaged me a bit ago and said they were about thirty minutes away so you shouldn't wait too long." Adam informed the group of the couple's imminent arrival.

Tom eyed his girlfriend Mel and leaned in to rest his chin on her shoulder. "You better behave. No talk of Chelsy or making her feel uncomfortable, ok?" He warned his girlfriend to watch her tongue this weekend. "Don't ruin this for Harry."

"I don't have a clue what you mean, love..." Mel giggled lightly before sipping on her drink.

The group of friends did a quick tidy up of their lunch while the girls started to mix a few drinks before Harry and Alexa's arrival. Zoe peered out of the window and saw a convoy of vehicles pull in. She recognized Harry''s Audi and could see the outline of two people in the front.

"They are here!" She hollered loudly for everyone in the house to hear. Everyone started rushing to the front door to see. "Let's not bombard the poor girl now! Give them a minute to get out, they just had a long drive!" Zoe did her best to attempt to give the couple a little space.

Harry put the car in park and glanced over to see his anxious girlfriend fiddling with a ring on her finger as she sat there quietly in the passenger seat. He reached over and gently grasped her hand, interlocking their fingers as he gained her attention. She looked up at him with those deep green eyes of hers and held their gaze steady. "Just be yourself and they will adore you." He tried his best to reassure the nervous blonde before leaning in and kissing her soft lips in a sweet embrace. "Shall we get out of the car or do you want one more minute?" Harry rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb soothingly as an attempt to calm her budding fears.

"One more minute..." Alexa looked down at their conjoined hands as she whispered her reply.

Mel was peering through the curtains of the big bay windows of the lounge area with Lara beside her while the rest of the group were waiting patiently inside for them. "Oh my god! Harry just kissed her I think." She alerted the rest of the group to which Tom shook his head at his nosy girlfriend. "What is taking them so long to get out of the car, like come on already Harry! We want to see your girl!"

"He is probably telling her how crazy you and Lara are right now!" Skippy rolled his eyes.

"Oh wait, Harry got out." Lara was giving them a play by play now.

The prince rounded the vehicle from the front as Alexa opened the passenger side door and climbed out of the car. Harry gently closed the door and turned around to fall into step beside his girlfriend. A beaming smile graced his lips that was clearly evident even from far away as he reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers and walked side by side towards the cottage.

"She's gorgeous!" Lara's mouth literally dropped open. "Awe, look at his smile! He's so happy."

This was when the rest of the group thought it was best to go outside and meet them. The guys exited the front door with their girlfriends in tow and slowly walked towards the new couple with welcoming smiles ready to meet them.

"Harry!" Tom tossed his arms up in the air and waved at his pal. The prince waved back happily, grinning from ear to ear for the rest of his friends to see. But, his gaze fell back down towards his girlfriend and muttered something in her ear, most likely a word of encouragement.

"Hey mate!" Tom and his girlfriend Melissa were the first to reach Harry and his new girlfriend as the rest of the group hung back a bit to give them space. Harry leaned for a quick friendly hug with Tom while still holding on tightly to Alexa's hand. "It's good to see you man!"

Harry chuckled, "I know, it's been a bit too long." The prince stepped out of the hug and exchanged kisses on the cheek with Mel, greeting her warmly.

Mel locked eyes with Alexa and was captured by her deep green eyes and natural beauty, but the shy expression on her face was clearly evident and her uncertainty was a target for Mel. Harry had stepped back in line with Alexa and glanced down at her briefly before starting to begin the introductions.

"Tom, Mel. This is my girlfriend, Alexa." A fond smile stretched his lips as he finally spoke those words. "Alexa... these are my friends, Tom and Mel."

Tom nearly cut in front of Mel and leaned in to place a kiss on her cheek when Alexa stretched out her arms for a hug. "Sorry, Tom. I am more of a hugger if that is ok." He nodded warmly and wrapped his arms around her small frame.

Melissa immediately took Alexa into a friendly hug. "It's so nice to meet you, Alexa. I can't believe Harry has been hiding you away from us all this time." She looked towards the prince expecting a snide remark, but she was shocked to see that he hardly even acknowledged her comment as his eyes were steady on Alexa. A gesture that brought about a bit of anger within her at Harry's complete infatuation with the blonde.

"I know." She giggled and peaked up at him with a smile. "It's so good to finally meet you though. Harry has spoken a lot about the both of you." Alexa informed them with a soft smile.

The prince placed his hand on the small of her back and gave it a gentle rub. "Shall we continue the introductions, quite a few others to meet?" Harry softly pushed her forward towards the rest of his friends waiting further down as Tom and Mel trailed in behind them.

Alexa was introduced to Lara Hughes-Young and Harry's close mate, Tom Inskip. She was welcomed with open arms and friendly hugs learning that Tom was often called 'Skippy' in his close knit group of friends. Lara happily commented on Alexa's romper and thought that they had similar styles, further discussing a potential shopping date together in the future.

Alexa was beaming at the couple with a tilted head. "It's lovely to meet you both. Thanks for inviting me here this weekend with Harry." The two of them were silently gushing about how sweet Alexa was and could not believe that Harry had snagged this beautiful woman.

"It will be a blast. We have so much fun things planned." Skippy informed Alexa before leaning in. "This does include getting your man completely wasted so I hope that is alright with you?"

"That is perfectly fine, Skippy. I need to show Henry that I can drink him under the table. He still does not believe me that I can." Alexa barked a laugh at his expense. Thankfully Harry was chatting beside her to Adam and did not hear a thing.

"Awe!" Lara clasped her hands together. "That is so sweet that you call him Henry..."

"What's so sweet?" Harry came back into the conversation and wrapped his arms around Alexa from behind. "My girl? I already know that." He placed a gentle kiss to her forehead unafraid to show some PDA in front of his friends. "Come on. We have to keep moving down the line."

Before they could take another step, Alexa stepped beside Harry towards Adam and he engulfed her into a quick hug. "Welcome to the Lake District. Glad you could make it Lexi."

"Hi, Adam!" Alexa squeezed his frame back and stepped out of the hug releasing a deep sigh. "Thanks so much for the invite. It was really kind of you." She leaned her head down against Harry's shoulder with a kind smile.

"You are welcome here anytime." Adam was acting very sweet towards Alexa, wanting to make her feel at home and comfortable here amongst Harry's friends. He looked down at Alexa who remained quietly taking a break while Adam continued to talk away. This gave Harry a moment to check in with his girlfriend and make sure she was doing alright. A gentle rub of her back made Alexa look up at him as he mouthed. "Are you ok?" She flashed him a sweet smile and nodded silently.

"If anyone is giving you any trouble come find me and I will sort them out." Adam kindly offered.

"Thank you, Adam. I think I will manage ok." She rubbed the side of his arm in a sweet gesture before being whisked back away to meet the last remaining couple, Zoe Stewart and Jake Warren.

Jake and Harry had been friends for the longest in the group, while Tom and Skippy trailed closely in behind him. Harry was more nervous for this introduction more than anything. He trusted Jake's judgment and often sought out his advice on relationship matters so he was very keen for Alexa and him to get along well. The prince knew for a fact that Zoe and Alexa would become best of friends in a short time.

"This is the last intro, I promise." Harry chuckled lightly as he ran his fingers through his ginger hair. "Then we can get settled in and have some fun."

"Good." Alexa giggled alongside him. "I saw that fireplace in front. Maybe we can have a camp fire one night?" She looked up at Harry to see what he thought.

"Yeah, that would be fun! I will mention it to the guys later and see. I know Adam has a few things planned already, but I am sure we could do it one night." He nodded with a smile then picked his head up to see Jake and Zoe stand up from the bench by the front door. "Sorry to keep you two waiting!" Harry smirked at his friend Jake who was eying up Alexa.

"It's alright, mate. You saved the best for last!" Jake pulled Harry into a big hug and leaned in to whisper in his ear. "Well done, Hazza."

"Thanks, Jake." He quietly muttered displaying a proud smirk before he saw Zoe greeting Alexa out of the corner of his eye.

"Hi, Alexa. I'm Zoe." Zoe engulfed Alexa into a warm friendly hug and rubbed Alexa's back in a comforting manner. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you." She broke out of the hug and found herself staring into the depths of Alexa's deep green eyes. "It's so wonderful that you two could come out this weekend and give us a chance to get to know you better."

Alexa tucked a stray piece of her hair out of the way and smiled politely back. "It really is kind of everyone to invite us out here. It's such a gorgeous place and I am quite looking forward to meeting everyone. Hoping to get to know all of you more too." She paused and glanced up at her boyfriend. "And, hopefully telling me stories of Harry's debaucherous adventures."

Jake and Zoe dissolved into a fit of laughter at Alexa's remark and Harry's reaction. "I told you while driving up here already, love. I am a saint and my friends are very loyal to me." He slowly turned his head and locked eyes with Jake giving him a look.

"Don't worry we will fill you in. I know you will fit right in in no time. Just stick around me if you need. I am sure we will get along very well." Zoe was so kind and reassuring to Alexa, it even put her mind at ease about her worries of getting along with everyone. Alexa already knew she liked Zoe and could see herself getting along well like she spoke of.

"Oh and this is my boyfriend, Jake." She pulled him into the conversation and introduced her partner to Harry's girlfriend.

"Hi, Alexa. It's great to finally meet Harry's girlfriend." Jake leaned in and placed two quick kisses on her cheek in a friendly greeting.

"It's great to meet Zoe's boyfriend." Alexa teased back, starting to feel more comfortable and dive into her witty side."Oh, god I am so sorry that just came out." She started to become embarrassed and apologized. Zoe nearly died laughing at Alexa's quick comeback and how cute and shy she had become.

"You will do just fine here amongst our group with that witty banter." Jake nodded and eyed Harry. "You got a fiesty one on your hands."

"Believe me...I know, but she's a keeper." Harry tossed his head back in laughter and glanced around to see the rest of his friends behind him chatting in a circle. He turned his head back to Jake and Zoe. "Where are we staying? I think Alexa and I are going to get settled and then see what the plans are?" He curiously asked Jake.

Mel came skipping up behind the couple with Tom having overheard the conversation. "We were so very kind of saving the master bedroom for you two with the only private ensuite bathroom." Melissa proudly alerted the couple with a smile. "We figured it would give you a bit more privacy that way." There was a hint of annoyance laced in her tone at the fact that they were getting the bigger bedroom.

"You guys didn't have to...we would be comfortable staying wherever." Alexa commented, not wanting to seem needy and selfish taking the largest room and being the last to arrive. "We are happy to switch if anyone wants too." She kindly offered, but Harry was quick to shut down the offer. "Noope! We will take it!"

Zoe narrowed her eyes at Mel's tone and gave her a subtle nudge in the side. "It's what we decided as a group. No need to worry at all, Alexa. Besides, you two will be across from Jake and I. It was also across from the room where Harry's security is staying. It made perfect sense." Zoe gently grabbed Alexa's arm. "Come, let me show you the room while Harry grabs your luggage."

Harry watched as Alexa was dragged into the house by Zoe. He sighed briefly knowing that she was in good hands with Jake's girlfriend. "Let's go get your bags, mate. I will help you." Jake followed his mate back to the car. Harry popped open the back and saw Jake standing there casually.

"Are you actually going to help or are you just going to stand there?" The prince teased his friend.

"God, you should have heard all the girls on the train this morning literally trying to figure out what Alexa would be like." Jake laughed as the prince shook his head in response. "Then, just before you got here they were literally hounding Adam for any piece of information about her. Then there was Mel's comment..." Jake felt it was best for Harry to be aware of what his ex's best friend was saying.

Harry suddenly became stiff before dropping Alexa's bag on the ground and crossing his arms with a frown. "What was Mel saying?" He had been hoping that Mel wouldn't be an issue for him, but turns out he would have to keep an eye on her when Alexa was around.

Jake sighed knowing for a fact that Harry was going to be mad over it. "She said...'It is going to be hard seeing Harry with someone who isn't Chelsy. They were together for so long.' She also thinks you are still in love with Chelsy and that Alexa is only a rebound." His friend glanced up at Harry and saw a flash of anger circle in his blue eyes.

"That bitch... who does she think she is?! I am honestly so tired of her games lately. If she says anything at all about Chelsy and I this weekend in front of Alexa, I swear to god I will lose my shit on her." Harry's jaw clenched tightly. This was his one fear, that Mel would have a problem seeing Harry moving on from Chelsy and voice her unwanted opinion on the matter in front of Alexa. The prince slammed the car door shut in a release of his fury and made Jake jump.

"Haz... does Alexa know that Mel and Chelsy are best friends?" He was trying to help his friend out.

"No, I don't think so mate." Harry shrugged his shoulders. "Quite frankly I don't give a flying fuck about Mel and her opinions right now. Alexa and I are finally back in a good place after Eugenie pulled some bullshit and I won't let Mel cause further doubt in Alexa about our relationship."

"You should tell Alexa and give her a heads up...it will be worse if she finds out and you know Mel is going to say something to her at some point this weekend. It's better if Alexa knows before she does." Jake's calming voice brought a sense of reason to Harry as he saw his friend nod with understanding.

"Jake, I know where you are coming from." Harry looked him directly in the eye. "I can't do this to her though mate. She is having a hard time right now despite the brave face she is putting on. I only want her to have a fun chilled weekend with my mates." He explained the reason why, hoping that for now nothing would be brought up.

"This place is so amazing." Alexa walked towards the big beautiful windows of the master bedroom. "The view is absolutely stunning!" She could not believe that Harry and her were going to be waking up to this view in the mornings.

        "I couldn't agree more." A familiar deep husky voice responded before Zoe could get a word in. Alexa turned on her heel to find Harry setting down her bag.

"Isn't it amazing?" Alexa slowly took in the room as she adorably became excited. Harry quietly chuckled at his girlfriend and briefly locked eyes with Zoe who was loving how adorable Alexa was at that moment.

Zoe stood up from the edge of the bed and walked towards Harry. She patted the front of his shoulder and whispered. "I will let you two get settled in. I like we are going for a boat ride this afternoon on the lake. What does Alexa like to drink? I will make sure some are packed."

"Thanks Zoe." Harry paused for a moment. "Vodka cran or any coolers or cocktail drinks."

"Heineken for you?" She checked quickly as the prince nodded his reply. " See you in a bit."

The prince walked towards his girlfriend who was now peering out of the window with an impressive view of the lake and the nature that they found themselves surrounded in. He wrapped his arms around his girl from behind and leant down to place a soft kiss to her cheek.

Alexa lightly grasped his forearms and smiled while he kissed her sweetly. She gently rubbed down his arms and released a heavy sigh. "I needed this getaway, love." Lexi quietly confided in the prince. "Thank you for this."

Harry was now resting his chin on the crown of Alexa's head while holding her tightly in his arms. "I know things haven't been easy for you lately, but I want you to know that I am here for you and that I have got you." He squeezed her frame a little tighter. "I wanted you to meet my friends to have other people to confide in who know more about my life. They know what it is like and how to handle certain situations that your friends or family may not."

Alexa swivelled her body around to face him. "Has anyone told you how incredibly sweet and thoughtful you are?" She looked up at Harry in amazement. "You have been my rock, Henry." Alexa confessed quietly.

She stood on her tippy toes and captured his lips into a passionate kiss. Her lips broke off in reluctance as he felt her hot breath float across his lip breathlessly. "You are an incredible boyfriend to me and I don't know if I tell you that enough." She pressed her lips on more time to the prince's lips as if to seal her words.

Opening her eyes she found Harry staring down at her with a desire filled gaze. She reached up and stroked his cheek until he closed his eyes with a flutter and relished her simple touch in silence. "I know you are worried and stressed about me... just relax love." Alexa continued to softly caress his cheek until she saw his features soften and his tense body relax. "Better?" Her quiet voice coaxed his eyes open as he nodded his head slowly. She smiled endearingly before pressing her lips against his forehead in a lingering kiss like he had always done. "Stop stressing, love. Let's have some fun this weekend. I think we really need it."

"Let's go get a drink then. See what the crew is up to." Harry led Alexa out of the bedroom to find the rest of the group.

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Harry had one foot on the dock and the other in the boat while helping the girls climb into the swaying boat. Alexa was the last one needing help to step inside. The prince flashed his girl a charming smile before offering her his hand to hold her steady as she made the transition into the boat.

"Steady, love." He gripped her hand tighter than the previous women.

She took a step forward into the boat as a wave hit it causing it to rock. Alexa nearly flew into Harry's body, but he grabbed her and brought Alexa securely close to him. "I got you." He pushed his foot off of the dock and walked onto the boat with Alexa. "Start it up mate!" The prince hollered at Adam to get the engine going.

The group had decided to take the boat out on the lake for an afternoon cruise and have a chill afternoon. Harry sat down in the middle of the boat as Alexa joined him in the space beside. He lifted his arm and Alexa innately moved closer into him.

"What do you want Alexa?" Lara opened a packed ice cooler full of alcoholic drinks and started passing them around. "We have some pink lemonade vodka coolers, Heinekein, cider and soft drinks as well." Lara handed Skippy a beer while waiting for Alexa's reply.

"The pink lemonade cooler sounds good!" Alexa reached forward and grasped the frozen can. "Thanks, Lara." She sat back in the cushioned seat of the boat and glanced up to Harry feeling his eyes on her. "What do you want? Want to try mine?" The blonde had no idea that the group was watching her interaction with Harry.

Alexa brought the open can to his mouth as he took a sip while his eyes remained locked into her green eyes, smiling down at her while licking his lips. "That's good." They shared what they thought was a silent moment together, but Harry turned his head away sensing that people were suddenly watching his exchange with his girlfriend. Alexa followed his gaze and found everyone innocently staring at them with wide brimmed smiles. Her cheeks flushed with a crimson red, suddenly becoming embarrassed.

Harry turned his attention away from them. "Lara, can you toss me a Heineken please?" The prince caught a cold beer being tossed at him. "What are the plans for the weekend?" He tried to divert the stares off of him and Alexa as she squirmed silently beside him.

Everyone knew what Harry was doing, and they were not going to let the couple off that easy. "Bombarding you two with questions!" Mel tossed her head back in a devious laughter. "Why don't you tell us how you two met?" She was genuinely intrigued, but also had another intention on her mind.

The prince smirked and looked to Alexa to answer this one. "We met at Eugenie's engagement party. Eugenie and I have been pretty close friends since we were young." Alexa paused and peaked up at her boyfriend before continuing. "I was hanging out with Zara when I caught Harry eying me from across the bar." Everyone caught the beaming smile that grew on her lips as she continued to tell them how Harry and her met. "He came over and we chatted for a bit. We ended up dancing for most of the night together and I guess he won me over with his amazing dance moves." The group erupted in laughter at Harry's expense knowing for a fact that he loved to dance, but he often lacked any rhythm.

"I do like how sweet you are to Harry, but love we all know that Harry's dance moves are not a way to a woman's heart." Jake commented with a giggle.

"What do you do for work, Alexa?" Zoe got in the next question before Mel could.

Alexa was asked the question mid drink and took a minute to swallow. "I'm a social worker for a domestic violence and sexual assault shelter called Guardian." To be fair, Alexa really did not enjoy talking about her work so she decided to keep her explanation short.

Harry smiled down proudly at her. "She's leaving out another part she probably wouldn't tell you, but Lex also volunteers with SORRT." The prince was excited to share anything about Alexa and wanted his friends to see how amazing this woman was. "It's a program with the police where social workers go to at risk communities and find at risk youth, mainly homeless ones to try and find them housing , jobs  and educational services or even get them mental health help and addictions counselling."

"That must be really tough though. Do you find it hard sometimes?" Lara was genuinely interested.

"It has its days for sure, but I couldn't see myself doing anything else to be honest. The good moments definitely outweigh the bad moments." Alexa was quick to respond.

"Wait..." Mel spoke up and gained everyone's eyes on her. She looked towards Alexa with a tilted head and confused expression on her face. "Isn't Kate, your sister in law, Harry... a patron of Guardian?" Melissa angled her head and a flash of a mischievous glint circled in her eyes, one that Harry had caught. Everyone on the boat knew what Mel was referring to. That Alexa's company got the patronage from Kate because of her relationship with Harry or even Eugenie.

Harry glared at Mel as his jaw clenched and his body stiffened. "Come on Mel..." His tone was angry and low. A deafening silence fell amongst the group while Harry and Mel stared down each other. It was a soft voice that intervened and lifted the silence.

"What I think you are asking Mel, is if Harry had anything to do with Kate becoming patron of where I work." Alexa's hand settled on Harry's thigh and gave it a gentle rub to attempt to calm him down. Harry watched Mel's eyes floating down to his girlfriend beside him with a glare, but Alexa did not back down.

"Kate came to Guardian and I did give her a tour of the place. She fell in love with it like I have and wanted to help us out. I had never met Kate prior to that day and she doesn't know who I am. Harry or Eugenie had nothing to do with arranging any of it." Alexa smiled politely and killed the debate with a simple kind explanation. A proud smirk graced Harry's lips at how Alexa handled the situation before her. He locked eyes with Jake and he gave a simple nod of approval.

Zoe diverted the conversation off of Alexa and discussed what the weekend plans would be. Alexa listened in quietly as the excitement in her built at how amazing the weekend sounded so far. The guys wanted to head out fishing for an afternoon while the ladies would be treated to some relaxing spa time with the evening ending with a five star chef cooking them a five course meal at the cottage. There were even suggestions of hikes along with the obvious drinking games and time spent on the boat. Harry leaned in and asked if she still wanted to do a campfire and she locked eyes with him and gave a small nod.

"Could we have a campfire one night? We could do a simpler meal over the fire and some drinks and snacks?" The prince questioned and everyone was happily in agreement.

--------------------------------

"Love?" Harry wandered into the bathroom to find Alexa in her underwear putting on some make up. They had spent a relaxing morning having breakfast and tea out on the lake before the girls had come back to get ready for the spa afternoon. The men were going to go out drinking and fishing instead.

A cheeky smirk formed on his lips as the prince walked behind Alexa and checked out her ass. "What are you looking for Henry?" Alexa stood up straighter and glanced back behind her.

"My sunnies." He put his hands on his hips. As he breathed out, the ridges of his muscles accentuated them and caused Alexa to release a tiny moan. Seeing Harry topless in only his shorts caused lust to build within her. "Do not make that noise while dressed like that or I will take you right here." The prince warned her with a suggestively raised eyebrow.

*Mature

Alexa bit down on her bottom lip and gave the prince a playful expression before moaning one more time and egging him on. "I warned you..." He closed in the distance between them and bent down grabbing at the back of her thighs and lifted Alexa up onto the bathroom counter.

"I know... but you look too sexy right now and I want you in me." His girlfriend looked up at him with a primal need of desire, her green eyes begging Harry to not wait a minute longer.

"Fuck, love." Harry was too turned on to deny Alexa. He bent down and captured her soft lips while grasping the silk material of her knickers and pulled them off quickly to get to his intended target.

A few minutes later there was loud knocking at the door. "Harry! Alexa?! Are you guys coming?!"

The prince steadied himself with his hand beside Alexa's head on the bathroom wall while he drove his hips into her harder and harder. Her moans filled the air as their bodies collided while her fingernails dug into the muscles of his back. His brow furrowed, annoyed at the disturbance and interruption into his love making with Alexa.

"Few more minutes!" He yelled back and mouthed them to fuck off quietly making Alexa giggle at him.

He felt a set of gentle hands turn his head and make him look down at Alexa. "Cum for me Henry." He would give anything to those deep green eyes that begged him to. "I can't hold on." The prince felt Alexa clench tightly around him signalling the start of her climax while her toes curled and pushed her heels into the back of Harry's ass, pushing him deeper into her.

Alexa gasped at the new depth while her body started to tremble. It had sent her over the edge. Harry made slow deep deliberate thrusts, crashing through her orgasm that brought forth a series of endless moans from the blonde beneath him. This caused the prince to succumb and give into his own climax.

*End Mature

Harry had slipped on a shirt and helped Alexa gather some of her things knowing that they were beyond late leaving. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. "Lex, here." Harry handed her his credit card. "Don't say no and argue with me. Take it and treat yourself to whatever you want at the spa. Don't worry about the cost?"

He sensed a feeling of hesitancy as Alexa debated accepting the card from Harry. A simple nod and a grateful smile floated across her lips. "I should have sex with you more often if I get paid for spa days like this." Alexa cheekily replied.

The couple nearly flew down the stairs knowing that they would get a bollocking for being late. "What took you so long?" Melissa was the first to question, popping her hip out with some attitude.

Harry ignored her question and looked to Zoe. "Can you take Lexi in your car?" He shared a look of understanding.

He could hear Lara whispering to Melissa behind them. "They were clearly fucking, Mel. They are both literally glowing." Harry closed his eyes and turned back around to glance at Lara, letting her know full well he could hear her.

"Alright, let's go Alexa! Spa day for us bitches!" Zoe giggled lightly and made the girls head out the door before turning back to see a worried Harry watching with concern as they left. " I got your girl, Haz. Go have fun!"

The prince sighed and nodded knowing full well that he could trust Zoe.

--------------------------

Alexa sipped on her glass of champagne while feeling her toes get a well needed pedicure. She was laughing away at Lara and enjoying her afternoon at the spa getting to know Harry's friends.

"Where was the last place you went on holiday, Alexa?" Lara was awfully sweet and did her best to include Alexa into the conversation amongst the girls.

"Wow, it's been a long time really." She took a sip. "I think it was Spain in January to be honest. I really need to go on more holidays." The blonde sighed and relaxed into her comfy massage chair. "Or do more of these spa days! I am loving this."

Alexa had already gotten a facial and massage thanks to Harry. She was capping herself at those three treatments, not wanting to take full advantage of Harry and his generous offer to pay for her spa day. The other girls had also planned on getting a manicure, but Alexa decided against it stating that her nails never seem to last long thanks to her puppy and work.

Zoe was in full relaxation mode, loving the calm soothing music. "We have to do this in London again. While the boys hang out. Let's be honest, we all know that they are getting piss drunk and won't come back with any fish whatsoever for tonight's camp fire." Alexa erupted in laughter along with the rest of the girls knowing full well that it was probably true.

"I am surprised, Alexa, that Harry hasn't taken you on a holiday yet!" Mel pipped in and changed the subject. She locked eyes with Alexa and laughed. "I mean, Harry always takes all of his love interests on a trip to Botswana. It's like the Safari right of passage into Harry's bed!" She tossed her head back in laughter, but she was the only one that found it funny.

Alexa was starting to feel uncomfortable wondering why Mel was constantly commenting about her relationship with Harry like that. "Well, maybe it's just because that was Harry and Chelsy's place." Alexa lifted her head and locked eyes with Melissa hearing Harry's ex's name. "I am pretty sure that is where he told her he loved her." Mel added fuel to the fire and was fully intent on making Alexa feel upset and hurt.

"Mel!" Zoe sat up straight and a look of anger Alexa did not think was possible for Zoe, formed on her face. "Stop it. That is utterly rude to say that." Zoe scolded her friend while Alexa sat there quietly not wanting to cause a scene, but she would be lying if she said Mel's words did not sting and made her question her relationship with Harry.

"What? It's the truth, Zoe!" Mel tossed her arms up in the air. "We all know that Harry is still in love with Chelsy!"

Silence. A deafening silence fell across the room.

Zoe slowly turned her head and saw a teary eyed Alexa sitting there quietly almost afraid to respond. Those words cut through Alexa's heart like a knife, wounding her from within. She sat there afraid to say anything as she found herself doubting her relationship with Harry in a matter of seconds. But, those words were coming from someone who knew Harry better than she did. Alexa did not want to make matters worse and start a fight with Melissa so she kept quietly sitting there until she no longer could take it anymore.

A stray tear trickled down her cheek, betraying her and showing the hurt that was building up inside of her. Her gaze found Zoe staring at her apologetically. "Do you think you could take me back to the cottage? I am not feeling so well." Alexa's voice broke nearly making Zoe crumble into tears for her.

"Of course, hun. Let's go." Zoe stood up and told Alexa she would wait for her at the reception area while she got changed.

Jake's girlfriend took a step forward then turned back quickly on her heel. "Mel, you really are a class act bitch. All we have ever wanted was for Harry to be happy and to find someone for the rest of his life and you know what? It wasn't Chelsy. They were not meant to be. What you just said to Alexa hurt her and I swear to god I am telling Harry every last word you said to that poor girl. I know for a fact that he will be furious, because he loves that girl, anyone can see it being around them for a mere second that he adores her." Zoe had raised her voice at the end, becoming furious with her friend. "I hope he finally puts you in your place like you deserve.

A few minutes later, Alexa came out of the changing area digging through her bag to find Harry's card. "No, worries. I paid for it all!" Zoe forced a happy smile for Alexa.

"Zoe, you didn't have too..." Alexa trailed off as she followed her out towards the car.

"It was my treat, I had it planned all along."

--------------------------

"Ah mate you got a bite!" Adam slurred his words and reached for Harry's fishing pole that was rested on the side of the boat. The prince turned around in a flash and grasped it to start reeling it in. The guys had spent the afternoon getting well on their way to being drunk on the lake. Harry was having an amazing time catching up with his mates and falling into some good old banter with the guys.

They had a good conversation about Alexa and Harry gained some insights from his friends about his new girlfriend. All of which were very encouraging and positive. The guys all seemed to think the couple were a good fit and wanted to support Harry and Alexa's relationship going forward.

"Mates, I think I actually got one!" Harry tugged on the fishing pole as the rest of his buds cheered him on.

"Come on Hazza! We can't go back to the birds empty handed!" Skippy yelled just as Harry reeled in a decent size fish.

"Yaaaaaa! They all jumped up and down on the boat making it sway and causing them to have sea legs and fall down into a heap of drunken laughter. The guys spent another hour on the lake attempting to sober up and called it in early. They wanted to get the campfire set up for the ladies when they returned.

When Harry was closer to the shore his phone started going off with missed calls and messages from Zoe. He did not have any service out on the lake and saw the time stamped messages from nearly two hours ago. His brow furrowed reading one message from Zoe that said, 'H come back in. Alexa needs you.'

Harry quickly sent a reply back. 'What happened, is she ok?' He waited impatiently for her reply, watching the three little dots at the bottom of the screen as Zoe typed her reply.

'Mel happened.'

Immediate rage coursed through him. "Bidwell fucking step on it back to the cottage!" The prince's tone made everyone nearly jump. They knew full well that the prince was furious by one simple look at the anger painted over his face.

Adam went full throttle and they sped back to the cottage.

"Harry what's going on?" Tom asked with an annoyed look. "Why do we have to rush back?"

Harry's head snapped towards him as his blue eyes narrowed at Melissa's boyfriend, Tom. "Your bird is what happened, Tom. I don't know what she did or said to Alexa, but I swear to god I will put her in her place."

Tom released a heavy sigh knowing how his girlfriend can be. "Jesus Chirst, Mel. What did you do?" He muttered while shaking his head.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Harry quite literally leapt off of the boat and ran full tilt towards the cottage. He made it to the private back garden and there was no sign of Zoe or Alexa. He searched inside on the main floor with no luck. The prince ran upstairs and pushed open the door to their room and heard the sobs from the entrance. He paused for a moment and closed his eyes, taking a breath to calm himself down. Alexa did not need him angry at this moment, he would save that for when he confronted Mel later.

He slowly stepped around the corner to find Alexa curled up in a fetal position lying in bed with her head rested in Zoe's lap. Zoe was trying to comfort her by stroking her hair, but she stopped when she heard footsteps approaching. The prince and Zoe locked eyes with one another and shared a silent conversation. "I will be right back." Alexa was so trapped in her mind that she did not even notice Harry's presence as Zoe slipped out from under her.

Zoe motioned for Harry to follow her towards their bathroom. Harry closed the door lightly behind them and turned his attention on Zoe, but eager to get to Alexa. "What happened with Mel?" He did not waste any time getting to the point.

The blonde shook her head. "We were having an amazing afternoon at the spa, we really were and then all of a sudden Mel asks Alexa about the last holiday she had went on. Then Mel said she was surprised you hadn't taken her somewhere and brought up how you take all your girlfriends to Botswana." Zoe took in a deep breath before continuing. "How it is a right of passage into your bed....but, then she said." Zoe swallowed a lump in her throat knowing the next thing she spoke would set the prince off.

"Tell me." Harry demanded Zoe with a low chilling voice.

"Mel said that you didn't take Alexa there because it was your and Chelsy's place now. And that is where you told Chelsy that you loved her." Harry could tell by the look in Zoe's eyes that there was one more thing. "I told her off then she said 'we all know that Harry is still in love with Chelsy'."

Harry was silent with fury, he could not even speak a word.

"Alexa was in tears and asked me to take her back to the cottage. She hasn't stopped crying since we left. I think that comment destroyed her, Harry." Zoe voiced her opinion. "I don't know where her head is at. She hasn't really spoken, but she's hurting."

Those last words tore at his heartstrings making his heart fall from his chest. "Thank you Zoe for looking after her. I can take it from here. Do you mind telling everyone we want a bit of time alone?"

"I am sorry, Harry." Zoe could see the hurt in his eyes growing.

"It's nothing you did. You looked after my girl." He thanked her before she took her leave.

The prince quietly walked over towards the bed where Alexa was laying motionless. He climbed onto the bed and the shifting of his weight caused Alexa to lift her head. Harry was stopped by the wounded expression that was formed on her face. Her eyes were puffy and bloodshot from crying as tear stains marked her cheeks. But that look of pure pain and hurt was something he would never be able to forget.

"Hey love." His voice was quiet and calming as he watched Alexa push herself up into a sitting position and cross her legs.

She sniffled and wiped away a stray tear with the fabric of her sweater that was balled up in her fists. "Did Zoe tell you to come?" Her green eyes fluttered up at him with a shy avoiding glance.

The prince nodded slowly, keeping a careful eye on his girlfriend. "She told me what Mel said to you at the spa." Harry confessed and witnessed the immediate tears start to stream down her face in a flood. Alexa buried her face in the palm of her hands as her body shook and sobbed uncontrollably.

"Tell me it isn't true, Henry." Alexa's voice broke in a quiet whisper. "Tell me that you don't love Chelsy still..." Her hands fell down slowly, and all that greeted him was those deep green eyes silently pleading for the truth. "I can't bear it if it's true..."

"Alexandria." He spoke her full name as her begging eyes morphed into a look of fear, afraid of what his next words would be. Her body tensed up, as if it was defending itself from a blow. "I do not love Chelsy anymore, I promise you that." He breathed out and let the words sink in. Alexa sat there quietly, not responding but searching past his blue eyes into the depths of his soul for any hint of a lie or signs of doubt. But, she could find none. The blonde woman needed to hear the words from Harry himself to believe him.

"What Mel said to you was a lie to hurt you. I should have told you this sooner, but Chelsy and her were best friends and still are. She took Chelsy's side when we broke up and it's clear that she does not have good intentions." The prince tried his best to explain. "I would have never started a relationship like this with you if I still held feelings for my ex. Like I told you on our first date I am completely done with Chelsy." He let the words sink in, hoping that she would believe his honesty.

"I'm sorry." Alexa's body started to tremble as she broke down right there in front of Harry feeling an insurmountable amount of guilt for even doubting him and believing Mel. "I doubted you... I doubted us." She cried out between strangled breaths. "It just hurt too much to hear her truly believe it. She was so convincing... and I didn't trust you... I'm so sorry Henry."

Harry quickly moved to Alexa and pulled her shaking body into his arms, engulfing her into a tight embrace. "It's ok love." He felt Alexa clutch at the fabric of his shirt as she cried into his chest, soaking through the material with her endless tears. "Shhh....it's ok. I'm here now." He whispered softly into her ear. "I've got you."

"Come here." The prince laid back onto the bed and Alexa followed finding a space beside him. She nestled into his comforting touch feeling safe wrapped up in his arms. "Why don't we just relax here for a bit. Have some cuddles? Maybe take a little nap. I am a tad drunk." Harry admitted and felt Alexa pick her head off of his chest and look up at him.

"Ok, love. I'd like that." She crawled up to him to capture his lips in a loving kiss. "Thank you for being here. I'm sorry for crying." Alexa snuggled back into Harry and rested her head on his chest feeling her eyelids become heavy from the exhaustion of her breakdown.

"Mmm. You are welcome, love. It's alright to cry babe, but Mel is going to pay for making you." He placed a gentle kiss on her temple. "Now close your eyes and sleep." His hand started to stroke through Alexa's blonde hair in a soothing manner until she fell asleep with her head on Harry's chest.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Harry and Alexa had taken a late afternoon nap and a well needed break together. The prince looked out through the window of their room and saw the guys chopping some wood in preparation for their campfire tonight.

The sun had started to set over the lake giving a spectacular view that Harry was admiring when he felt a pair of soft hands feel their way around his torso from the back and settled on his abs. He lifted his arm and Alexa stepped in beside him to admire the view with him. "It's so beautiful here." Alexa sighed deeply. "I think I want a place on the lake or at least somewhere in the English countryside as a getaway like this. Nothing too big or extravagant, but homey and cozy."

A smile stretched across the prince's lips listening to Alexa speak of her future. "I can give you that..." He spoke and looked down at Alexa staring up at him fondly. "I can give you everything, Alexa. You mean the world to me right now and nothing is going to change that." The words fell softly off of his lips.

"You mean... you will give me your cozy hoodie for tonight?" Alexa's lips pulled into a playful smirk.

"God, I was actually being serious for a moment and you are playing with me." Harry shook his head and pulled Alexa into a bone crushing hug.

"Fine! You can give me a country house where our three kids can go running around while our two dogs chase them in the gardens and you attempt to keep up with them." Alexa giggled happily at the thought of it all.

"Three kids? Four... at least." Harry made it very clear to her that he wanted at least a rugby team. His eyes could not stray from Alexa while hearing her speak about a potential future with him.

"Ok, four kids then!" Alexa giggled as she agreed to the prince's request.

A comfortable silence fell between the couple as they stood there in a close embrace. Alexa breathed out a deep sigh, relishing in the comfort of being in the prince's arms. She felt his big hand cup her soft cheek and rub the flesh beneath his thumb. "Are you feeling better?"

Alexa slowly nodded her head while a soft smile formed on her lips. "I am... thanks for being there for me today." Her arms squeezed Harry tighter to show her appreciation. "I'm sorry I overreacted... I just -"

"No, stop. None of this is your fault. You were hurt by what Mel said." The prince clenched his jaw. "I will always be here for you, though. I would have come sooner, but I didn't have service that far out on the lake." Harry reassured Alexa of this. "Shall we go outside and help get the fire ready? I need to speak with Mel..."

His girlfriend's body tensed up knowing that this would end in a massive fight. "Please don't..." Alexa grabbed Harry's arms and pushed them off of her as she took a few steps back away from him. "Don't fight with Mel." Her pleading green eyes begged of him. "I don't want you to start anything in front of your friends or cause a rift between everyone because of me."

"Alexa, she willingly hurt you. She said those things to you to hurt you and put a wedge between you and I. I won't let her get away without confronting her." Harry was adamant in his decision. "I won't start a big fight.... I promise, but I need to speak with Mel and deal with her. She needs to know that she cannot treat my girlfriend that way without repercussions." The prince convinced Alexa to be ok with Harry speaking with Mel about what she said, but a part of Alexa knew that his protective side would come about if he was pushed further by the blonde friend and this would cause a massive argument.

"Come on, let's go." Harry grasped his hand and led a quiet Alexa out of their bedroom, through the house and out to the back garden.

"Hey! There you two are!" Adam turned around from the fire pit and walked towards the couple. Harry looked past Adam and noticed that Tom was sitting beside Mel around the fire pit as Jake and Zoe were still trying to get the fire going.

Adam approached Alexa and noticed her quiet demeanor. He had seen the rage on Harry's face on the boat when he got the text from Zoe. He smiled down at her kindly and did his best to make her feel comfortable amongst the group again after what had transpired. "Can I get you two a drink?"

Harry's gaze was lingering on Mel with a clenched jaw and hard pressed lips. He momentarily locked eyes with Adam. "Biddie, can you get Lex a drink and take her for a walk along the beach."

Alexa lifted her head up at Harry knowing full well that he wanted Alexa far away from him when he confronted Mel. She squeezed his hand and brought his blue eyes down to look at her shaking head, refusing his demand. "Lex, go with Adam." His features softened for a brief moment while he stared down at his girlfriend. "I don't want you around for this..." He confessed quietly.

"Henry...No." She stood up for herself. "I am not leaving." Her stubborn side came on display.

The prince pinched the bridge of his nose and released a deep sigh. "Love, no." Harry was adamant that Alexa should be far away as possible when he spoke to Mel. He could not have this woman say something else that would inflict more pain and hurt onto Alexa. He understood why Alexa wanted to stay with him, to show a united front but he simply could not allow her to do this.

"I know you want to show her that we are together. But, I don't want you near this fight." His piercing blue eyes glanced down at her pleading to understand him. "Please let me do this on my own and go with Adam."

Alexa's gaze strayed towards a silent Adam. He offered Alexa a kind warm smile and motioned his head for him to follow him. "Come on, let's go for a walk. I need to pick up some snacks for tonight's fire."

Harry's friend started to walk away from the couple, but Alexa lingered there for a moment longer. She turned to look back at Harry and locked in his gaze, staring deeply into those blue eyes his mother had given him. "Don't lose a friend because of me... try to work it out." Alexa took a step away from him while squeezing his hand tight. Her fingers slipped out of Harry's grasp as she walked away from Harry to catch up to Adam.

Adam put his arm around Alexa and led her away. But, she turned to look back over her shoulder at Harry who was still watching her, waiting until she was completely gone before he went to speak with Mel.

The prince slowly walked over towards Mel and Tom sitting by the fire. Jake had nudged Zoe and pulled her away having seen Harry making his way towards the couple. Mel was smiling and laughing away at something Tom had said as Harry approached them. He sat down opposite of Melissa and narrowed his eyes at her.

Tom was clearly uncomfortable with the awkward silence that had fallen between them as he sat there fidgeting in his seat knowing by a simple glance towards Harry, that his friend was indeed furious at his bird.

"Mel... we need to talk." Harry's voice was cold and spine chilling.

Mel lifted her head and nodded slowly knowing that when Zoe had taken an upset Alexa home early from the spa that Harry would be furious with her. She had been waiting all afternoon for this fight.

"Come on, Harry." Tom attempted to stand up for his girlfriend. "Let's just forget about all of this and move on. She's sorry."

This made Harry snap instantly.

"FORGET ABOUT IT?" Harry's anger was on full display now for everyone to see. "ARE YOU MAD? OR JUST DELUSIONAL TOM?" Harry's voice rose as his body stiffened while the fury inside him was building. "It's fucking hilarious that you want me to move on when Mel clearly hasn't and is trying to fuck with my relationship because she can't see me with anyone but Chelsy."

"I WASN'T TRYING TOO!" Mel broke her silence and tried to defend herself. "I WAS ONLY TRYING TO TELL ALEXA THE GOD DAMN TRUTH HARRY. YOU STILL LOVE CHESLY WE ALL KNOW YOU DO!"

"OH FUCK OFF MEL." Harry was livid. "How many times do you need to hear me say that I am completely done and over Chelsy Davy. I know it's hard for you to see that I can actually be happy with someone else other than her. That part of my life is over and I have moved on with Alexa. She is the one that has made me happy as of late and now I hear that you were trying to fuck my relationship with her over some goddamn lies!!!" The prince was clearly furious and not backing down.

"You hurt someone I care about today and yet you sit there trying to justify it." He continued to spew his anger as the image of Alexa's wounded expression came to the forefront of his mind and added more fuel to the burning rage. "I brought Alexa here this weekend to meet my mates and now I had to spend the afternoon convincing her that I am not in love with my ex. She was so hurt by what you said to her Mel. I have been up there all afternoon holding her while she was sobbing in my arms." Harry was nowhere near done. "The look on her face when she asked me..." The prince dropped his head hanging it low wanting to banish the memory out of his mind. He lifted it slowly and locked in Melissa's gaze showing her how it pained Harry to see Alexa that way.

His voice grew quiet. "She needed this weekend away to relax from all the shite she has to deal with in London right now and that is ruined for her. You ruined it for her." Harry lifted his head slowly to lock in Mel's gaze, but she stayed silently sitting there. "You hurt her because you wanted to, simple as that. You hurt my girl and if you don't make it up to her somehow we are fucking through. I cannot be friends with someone like you."

"I don't think she is right for you!!" Mel tossed her arms up in the air. "There I said it! Happy now Harry? I don't think you two are good for each other."

"You are the only one here who thinks that Mel." Zoe's voice cut through their argument. She had wandered over towards them and wanted to add her two sense in. Jake had closely followed in behind his girlfriend, trying to pull her back away. "You are so naive and blind if you cannot see how happy Harry is right now. We can all see how relaxed and settled Harry is around her, he has clearly fallen for Alexa and you need to just... shut the fuck up." Harry leaned back and eyed Jake. Zoe never swore at anyone, but he subtly liked how she was standing up for Alexa.

An awkward silence fell amongst the group.

Harry's eyes remained fixed on Mel, watching her every subtle movement. It was clear that Mel was on the war path with Alexa and she had no intention of making it any better for his girlfriend.

"Mel, it is clear that you are not willing to apologize or make things right. So, do not speak to Alexa, do not go within five feet or her and do not even bloody look at her the wrong way or I am completely done with you. Got it?" The prince threatened the slowly nodding blonde. "Funny thing is she begged me not to yell at you. Despite all the hurt that you caused her today, Alexa would have forgiven you in a heartbeat. But, I will not allow someone like you to be around someone like her. She is way better than you could ever strive to be." Harry stood up from the growing fire and walked towards the beach to find Alexa and Adam.

---------------

Alexa's laughter bellowed out as she dissolved into a fit of giggles listening to Jake tell a story around the fire. The prince was quietly sitting beside Alexa and watched her expression light up while the embers of the fire reflected in her eyes amongst the dark night. She naturally leaned into Harry and gently gave his knee a rub before her hand settled on his thigh.

He loved how Alexa was not afraid to show subtle public affection towards him. She would often give him a sweet peck on the lips or a reassuring touch that she was nearby him. The couple was always connected to each other by some sort of physical touch.

Harry sat there quietly next to her listening to her talk and contribute to the conversation around the fire. If there was one thing he had learned this weekend it was this. Alexa was fitting perfectly into his group of friends and into his life. He had longed to feel this way again with someone, after having spent so much time and effort into his previous relationship with Chelsy. He had lost hope that he would ever be able to find someone to fall in love with again, but Alexa brought him back that hope.

Alexa beamed out of her laughter and peaked up to find the prince staring down at her fondly with a set of soft blue eyes. Her lips stretched into a wider grin while she allowed herself to get lost into the depths of those crystal blues. Unknown to the couple, but everyone's eyes had fallen on to them watching their silent conversation play out. If it was not evident before that the couple were falling in love with each other, it was now on full display for Harry's friends by the mere way Harry and Alexa were looking at each other in that moment.

The prince leaned in and pressed his lips against Alexa's,capturing her lips in a sweet embrace in front of all of his friends. He cupped the side of her neck and felt her pulse racing as he continued to kiss her slow and deliberately for a few more seconds. Harry could hear her breath hitch as she became breathless from their embrace and reluctantly tore his lips off of Alexa's.

Alexa turned her head back to the group when she saw they were all looking at Harry and her in silence with beaming smiles lighting up their faces, well all except for one. " Oh...sorry." Alexa's cheeks became instantly flushed as the embarrassment of everyone seeing Harry and her mini makeout session left her growing shy. She glanced up at her boyfriend seeing him displaying a proud smirk knowing that everyone had just seen him kiss Alexa quite passionately.

A small moan from Alexa caused the prince to look down at her clearly embarrassed expression while her green eyes silently pleaded for some sort of comfort from him. He lifted his arm up and giggled at her. "It's fine, love. Don't get embarrassed." Alexa buried her head into his shoulder and moaned again.

This only made the group fall in love with her even more. She sought refuge in Harry when she became uncomfortable and she clearly wasn't about boasting her relationship with him for everyone to see. It only made it clearer that Alexa was genuine in her intentions with the prince.

"You are two cute when you get all embarrassed like that." Harry's deep voice broke the silence around the fire and made the group laugh at Alexa's expense. But, the blonde quickly fell into laughter with them.

"Why don't we make some of these smores?" Alexa changed the subject off of Harry and herself.

"So we can watch you feed Harry it?" Jake pipped up and teased Alexa even further while having the whole group in near tears.

Alexa welcomed the banter, she was not afraid of it. It meant that they were comfortable enough with her to tease her and it made her feel like she was a part of the group.

"Here, Henry let me help you." Alexa grabbed some graham wafer crackers and slid the melting marshmallow off of the stick, sandwiching it together with a chocolate to make a delicious smore. She gave it to Harry and beamed knowing that he had never had one before.

"Want me to roast a marshmallow for you, Lex?" Harry pulled out a marshmallow out of the bag and slid it onto the roasting stick.

"Can I do it?" Alexa stretched her hand out for the stick. "Then you can enjoy your smore. You have to eat it while it is hot." Harry didn't hesitate for a second and handed Alexa the marshmallow to roast.

The blonde quickly pulled out her phone and captured the moment Harry took his first bite out of the smore. The flash caught his eyes and he looked up to see a proud smile beaming from behind her phone. He rolled his eyes at Alexa and sighed. "Did you have to take a picture of me eating the messiest snack in the world?" Harry laughed as sticky gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate was all over the place.

"Yes... as a matter of fact I did." Alexa was displaying the same proud smile on her lips as she started roasting her marshmallow.

"What is with that smile?" Harry watched Alexa leaned back into the chair and lowered her head. Her smile morphed into an uncertain one while she shrugged her shoulders lightly.

"Love, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." Harry had quickly realized the change in her demeanour.

"You didn't really..." She glanced up at Harry before continuing. "I just don't know if I should tell you this..." Alexa's uncertain green eyes gave her away. But, Harry was a bit unsure by what she was alluding to.

"Alexa, I'm not following you." He reached out and grasped her hand giving it a re-assuring touch. "Tell me." Alexa took in a deep breath and sighed. She took her stick out of the fire and made her smore with Harry's help. This gave her a few extra seconds to figure out how to tell him.

She settled back into her chair and dug out her phone from her pocket while nervously tucking her loose strands of blonde hair behind her ear. Indicating to the prince that she was indeed nervous about what she was about to tell him.

Alexa moved herself closer into Harry's space and clicked on a locked album in her phone labelled. 'H'

He leaned in towards her to get a better view and placed his hand on the small of her back, feeling her breath out deeply again. He saw about ten pictures Alexa had taken of him without his knowledge and saved into her phone.

"I have been taking pictures of your 'firsts' Alexa found the courage to tell him." She gently handed her phone over to Harry while he started to scroll through the pictures. "The firsts that you have experienced with me..." She trailed off. "Like the time we went to the drive-in theatre and your first ferris wheel ride... now your first smore."

An adoring smile stretched across the prince's lips as he was huddled next to Alexa slowly going through the pictures he had no idea were taken of him by Alexa. He had forgotten how talented a photographer she was, something that she rarely brought up around him. That was when he understood where her nerves had come from and her uncertainty in showing Harry the pictures.

He turned to stare into those uncertain green eyes of his girlfriend and wanted to take that feeling away from her. "Lex, I love that you have done this for me." He watched as the uncertainty in her eyes slowly faded. "I didn't realize how much you have helped me experience the simple firsts in life until now. Please don't stop taking these."

Once again, Harry was completely taken back from Alexa. He had thought he had gotten to know her so well at this point that nothing could surprise him. But, she continually did.

"I won't then."

Harry wrapped his arm around Alexa and nearly pulled her onto his lap while she pecked away at her smore. He glanced around the fire at all of his friends and reminisced of what an amazing weekend they had together. But, most importantly he felt his connection with Alexa had deepened as their relationship continued to progress forward into a serious one.

All through the day, I am occupied with sales and bargaining. Talking with tenants and people who need my attention. Normally my father would handle most of this while I stand beside him. This year, Father is busy dancing with nearly every female in Everdeen, from my mother down to Sae, leaving the bulk of the real work to me. It is heartening to see him so happy, waving away Dr. Aurelius’ concerns and insisting that he has never felt better.

When I mention this to Peeta, who has not left my side all day, he smiles. “Katniss, he is handing Everdeen to you. You have kept it running nearly an entire year. This festival is all due to you. It is your harvest.”

I am not certain how to feel about that and loop my arm through Peeta’s as we watch the festivities. My foot taps to the beat, but I know better than to ask Peeta for a dance, despite my longing to join. I do not wish to cause him discomfort, no matter that I could never feel shame or embarrassment when partnered with him.

As the night winds down, I find that I am exhausted. Once I am changed for sleep and laid out on the sofa in our room, my head resting on Peeta’s thighs as he reads through correspondence he left neglected today. His fingers comb through my hair, mine trace absent patterns on his knee, yet I can tell that something bothers him.

“What news, husband?”

“A friend. From the infantry. He has returned home to troubles. His brother passed, leaving the land to him. It took some time for him to return home and in the absence of a landlord, a large number of the tenants left. He’s in need of hands to help harvest or his wheat crop will be left to die in the fields.”

I pause in my aimless drawing on his knee and consider this. The answer is evident, and I know Peeta has already reached the same conclusion, much as we both dislike it. “How far?”

“The southern half of East Panem. With a hard day of riding Cicero, I could be there in a day.”

“You should go,” I say quietly.

“And miss the festival? Katniss, I do not wish to leave you.” I sit up then, to face him, maintaining as much of a stoic expression as I can manage.

“Nor do I wish you to leave. However,” I say before he can argue. “We will be quite fine here. The Harvest Festival is perhaps the easiest part of running Everdeen, and you will regret not going to his aid if you remain.”

Peeta tilts his head as he examines me and I smile, overcome with affection for my husband. I trace the scars on his face and then lean forward to kiss the edge of them, down along his jaw. “You never told me how you came by these marks.”

“Musket fired too close to the ground while I was seeing to a wounded drummer. Had to move us both to safety before I could continue, and you know what burning clothes stuck to skin can cause.”

“Hm,” I kiss down his throat, already plotting how to persuade him to take me to bed. “When will you leave to help your friend?”

“Tomorrow, I should think,” he says, the anguish in his voice a mirror of the pain in my heart. “He sounds in desperate need.”

“You should offer additional work and pay to several of our tenants. Take extra hands with you.”

“If that is alright with you.”

“Ask for volunteers. How long will you be gone?”

“I will not be gone longer than two weeks, I should think.”

“Then I shall see you back here before the end of the festival.”

“Yes,” he gasps as I shift to straddle him and press my body into his to feel how aroused he is already.

“Is that a promise, husband?”

“It is a promise, wife.”

“Promise me you will dance with me when you return? Just once, Peeta. It can be a slow tune.”

“Katniss,” he groans as I sink my teeth into his shoulder. He curses and promises me a dance.

My mind grasps onto the thought that now would be the perfect time to say it. To tell Peeta of my thoughts just this morning. Three such simple words that he uttered in the dark as though they were no more heavy than an exhale. But did he? Or did I dream the soft sigh of his love against my brow? I do not know, I was barely awake. I bite my tongue and kiss him instead, wild and uninhibited.

Peeta gathers me in his arms then, holding me close to his chest as he heaves us off the sofa and carries me across the room to our bed. I whine slightly, perturbed at being moved, but as he lays me on our mattress, I grasp hold of him and make demands.

As always, he readily gives me what I want. What I need. Clothes and wooden leg discarded on the floor. Whispered words and pleas, and a dance in the darkness. For what is intercourse but a series of bodily movements in harmony…a dance. I demand that he give me more and the creaking of our bed gives evidence to the desperate meeting of our bodies, almost violent in our need.

His hand clenches in my hair, twisting it around his fist, pulling tight against my scalp and bending my body. His moans roll over my skin as he plunges into me again and again. The short bursts of pain cause strange ripples of pleasure that overwhelm and steal my breath. He is holding back, waiting for me to succumb first. It is this knowledge combined with the sound of my name on his lips, a desperate breath of utter longing, that tips me over the edge into blissful, rapturous oblivion.

The rest of the world falls away to nothing as I revel in my release, in the feel of Peeta’s triumphant shout against my neck before he begins to thrust madly. I wonder for one second if we might break the bed and then he stops, his back arched and his head thrown back in exquisite relief, his abdomen clenching and his fingers tight in my hair.

The way he holds me after provides such an exquisite contrast. So perfectly gentle and soothing. His whispers are more effective in drawing me down into deep slumber than a lullaby, and yet…and yet…

My dreams that night are wild and reckless. A man cloaked in shadows and moonlight illuminating only part of his face, unending pleasure stemming from his touch. He takes pleasure from me like an animal, on all fours with his fingers digging into soft flesh, mine holding tight to bed linens and my throat dry with screams of pleasure I cannot voice for fear of waking the whole house. Whatever he takes from me, he gives back tenfold. The crazed thrusting of uncontrollable lust reaching deep inside me to places I’d never known a man could touch.

Then he takes me with his mouth, my legs splayed wide, immodest and desperate, pinned to our bed beneath his strong hands. The delicate scrape of his tongue on me, marking me. Branding me as his as I shatter again and again. And again. It is as though he is determined to ensure that I cannot forget him in his absence.

I am certain my legs have become useless until he settles me on top of him and I become the one crazed and desperate in motion. I long to tell him that I could never forget him. He has rooted himself in my heart, seared himself beneath my skin where I could no more remove my love for him than I can my own scars. But speech proves impossible for me.

Yet, in the moments when I am coherent enough to recognise the blue eyes watching me as I dance over his body with abandon, I capture the words he moans to me in his ecstasy and hold them close to my heart.

Yours.

I’m yours, Katniss.

Yours, yours, yours.

Everything I am is yours.

Always.

And…

I love you.

… I love you so…desperately…deeply…

I reach a final, tremendous peak with those words floating in the sultry air around us and then dreams yield their hold to the dark, blissful oblivion of restful, dreamless slumber.

In the morning, I am alone. The window shut against a driving autumn rain, and a single orange flower left for me atop of Peeta’s sketchbook, tied to it with a green ribbon. I haven’t the heart to look at the drawing he left me just yet, knowing that there will be no more for some time.

Then the evidence that my dreams last night were far more real than they were imagined begins to accumulate. My wild hair and the nearly wrecked state of the linens on our bed. The teeth and suction marks on my shoulders and breasts and even the back of my neck, the throbbing ache between my thighs. The ten round bruises on my hips where Peeta would have grasped hold of me as he loved me from behind, savage and wild and beautiful. Another set on my thighs where he would have held my legs secure to the bed while he made love to me with his mouth, again and again. My knees weaken at the very thought of it.

Worst of all, though, is the hollow feeling in my breast as I rise and move to the window and know. Peeta’s gone. He left before I could tell him that I love him too. How stupid of me not to reciprocate the words when he spoke them last night.

I rest my forehead on the cool glass, holding the sheet from our bed wrapped around me, my shoulders and my feet bare, hair a wild tangle down my back until Mary finds me like that.

“Mrs. Mellark?” she says my name like a question and I lift my chin. I am not some sniveling, weak willed, lovesick schoolgirl. And I will not act like one.

Peeta will return within the fortnight. I can tell him then. He promised me he would, and if I know one thing about my husband it is that he can be trusted to keep his promises.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“This is good,” I say as my eyes skim over the written out history. It is far more thorough than I could have hoped. “Could she have returned to any of these places?”

“It is unlikely. She seems to have stayed for as long as she could,” Haymitch says and taps one line near the bottom. My cheeks burn as I realise what he is trying to tell me without saying it.

“Oh no. The poor thing.” I glance up at my uncle as he fixes me in place with a penetrating gaze.

“You are not appalled?”

“I am only appalled at the lengths women must sometimes go to in order to feed and house both themselves and the ones they love,” I say as I fold the pages of parchment together. “There are three years missing yet in your history for her.”

“I have some leads to fill that hole. I shall keep looking…unless you wish to stop. We may only find worse things than this”

“No,” I say and glance briefly over the crowd that has gathered for the afternoon games. The rain did not last long enough to force a cancellation of the festivities. The muddy fields have in fact drawn more people, it seems. Those eager for the fresh air and the tempting scents of meat pies on the cool autumn breeze. Children play, ignoring parental sighs that they will need another bath if they are not careful.

“No,” I repeat to Haymitch. “I want to find her, if she still lives. And the child.”

Haymitch scoffs at this and I scowl at him. “You think that wise?”

“You think Peeta would want to leave his half sister to suffer in an orphanage somewhere? Or worse?”

“There is no knowing who the child’s father is, nor what she has grown to become. She would be nearly seven by now.”

“I am aware of that.”

“It is also possible that your husband already knows of her existence and chose to do nothing…”

My neck heats as I consider the possibility but then I shake my head. “No. He would not. If he knows, then he has been searching for her as well. Which leads me to believe he does not know.”

“You will not be able to keep your search secret from him much longer if you are determined to save both,” Haymitch says with uncharacteristic gentleness.

“Perhaps combining our efforts will produce faster results then. When he returns, can you provide him with your contacts?” Haymitch grunts, but he nods in agreement.

I wonder how on earth I am supposed to explain to Peeta that he has a sister, and that I already plan on adopting her, if possible. She belongs with her family, and if she has none now, then her family is here at Everdeen. And how am I to explain the existence of the child without shattering his heart? How to tell him that his mother was reduced to prostitution for a number of years. My heart aches at the thought of it and it is the only reason that I hope he already found this piece of his mother’s journey, so that I will not be the one breaking his heart.

The child will be easier to locate than the mother, it seems, and so I tell Haymitch to focus on that for now. “But we are not conceding defeat on finding Nancy, do you understand?”

“I understand completely,” Haymitch tells me with a strange look in his eyes. Before I can summon a retort, my sister calls for me.

“Katniss, I need to speak with you.”

“Can it wait?” I ask as I notice the massive hay bales being rolled in for the next contest. I am meant to judge who is able to secure and lift their bale the fastest. It occurs to me that it is a shame Peeta is missing this particular contest. With the strength in his arms, he would excel at a contest such as this.

“No it cannot wait,” Prim insists.

I sigh and motion for her to speak. I am developing a headache. Peeta has been gone four days already with no word from him, Haymitch has brought me both good news and complications in our search, and Maysilee is recovering from a slight fever. While the festival at least is a resounding success, it still leaves me drained. At the end of the day, I toss and turn, unable to find sleep despite my fatigue. The empty space in my bed taunts me with unspoken words and fears I cannot explain. The drawing he left me was of me as I slept, the words along the bottom of the page nearly bringing tears to my eyes.

Leaving you is near impossible, and so I go while you still sleep. Had you opened your eyes before I left, and looked at me as you have done these past days, I might never muster the will to depart. Yours always, ~ P ~

“I’ve had a letter from Rory,” Prim’s words intrude on my musings.

“Are we on a given name basis with him now then?” I ask, a little testy. She frowns at me and then I notice her quivering lip.

“I do not know anymore. I told him of your plans to take me to Capitol for a season and now I fear he is withdrawing his interest!”

“Mother and Father agreed to the season as well. Pester them about this,” I mutter and she huffs angrily.

“They only agreed because you insisted! It’s not my fault you regret how your husband hunt turned out. Do you know what Rory said to me about this whole season and more suitors for me fiasco?”

“I haven’t the faintest idea.”

“Perhaps that is for the best,” she says and I nod.

“If he cannot handle the competition for your hand then his affections are not strong enough to last.” The competitors for the game have taken their places and I give the signal to begin.

Prim chokes on a sob. “I don’t want to him to have competition! I want to marry him! And you’ve frightened him off!”

“Prim,” I say as I turn to her and her watery eyes slice through me. I cannot stand to see her in pain. Perhaps this season idea was a poor decision, but she agreed to it, seemed eager even until now.

“All because you’re not in love with your husband! That does not mean that I will be miserable with my choice, nor do you need to make me miserable with mine! He was going to propose on his next visit, I am sure of it, and now he won’t!” She spins on her heel then, headed straight for the floor as bales of hay slowly rise.

“Prim!” I shout after her but she does not respond.

There’s a shout of warning and then one of the bales descends, the rope sliding through grasping hands and more yells fill the air. I run for her but I am too far away. Joe reaches her first, shoving Prim out of the way of the hay before it crashes to the ground. It disintegrates in a fragrant cloud. Several hands grasp hold of the rope at the same time and heave. With no weight, the hook swings free and wild.

A warning lodges in my throat as it flies up towards Joe and slices him straight up his spine.

He shouts and falls to the ground beside Prim as pandemonium breaks loose. Prim reaches for Joe, crying out apologies and attempting to see to his wound. Joe begins to screech.

“Hands off, witch! Devil take you and your herbs! I’ll not let you drag me to hell!”

Prim retreats as I glower at the man’s display. Everyone steps back from him as he holds his torn jacket and shirt together and waves a bloody hand at us to keep us distant. He raves about witches and sorcery. We are all too stunned to know what to do.

Madge pushes her way through the crowd and slaps Joe across the face. “Cease, man! I am no witch. Come with me and stop making a fuss!”

She grabs Joe by the arm and drags him away. He goes, surprisingly docile. I hurry to Prim’s side, although Mother and Father are already with her.

“I am fine,” she insists, taking their help to stand. The crowd around us whispers and wavers in shock and uncertainty. “But Joe…”

I squeeze Prim’s hand. “I will assist Madge.”

I scurry to follow them, leaving Prim with Father and Mother seeing to her. I pass by Haymitch as he tries to calm a near hysterical Effie and I leave him to it. Assured of Prim’s well being, I care for nothing but my husband’s injured friend — a friend who just saved my sister’s life, although I am certain he despises me.

I am able to follow their trail, a handprint left here and there that leads me to the house, to the bathing room. I fetch Mother’s healing kit along the way and enter the room, gasping and nearly dropping the basket as I take in the sight before me.

“Oh wonderful. Kitten has decided to join us,” Joe snarls as I stare at him…or rather… her…

Torn, bloody bindings and clothes litter the floor. Joe sits on the bench beside the tub, facing me, stripped bare to the waist. Madge bends over her back, her eyes wide as she stares at me.

“Katniss… shut the door,” she says in a wavering voice. I do so, too shocked to do differently. I lock it for good measure and gape, my mind grasping at connections and hints that line up with dizzying speed.

“You… you…”

“I have breasts,” Joe states. “Quite nice ones, too.” She fondles them for a second and smirks at me. “I can understand you gaping at them. I have all of the other baggage that comes with being a woman in this world as well. Would you care to see?”

“I…” I have no idea what to say.

“I could use your help, Katniss.” Madge’s words bring me to my senses. “I’m quite good at sewing but have never sewn human flesh and… I do not know what herbs we will need.”

“Are you certain your patient will accept such witchcraft?” I ask and Joe gasps with pain and shuts her eyes for a moment before leveling me with a fierce look.

“I meant no insult to your sister. She has been nothing but kind to me. And I will… I will apologize to her later. But I could not let them discover me in such a public manner.”

“You had better apologize. You caused a shameful scene,” Madge scolds and Joe turns slightly to glare at her.

“And you slapped me, your highness!”

“I needed to get you out of there before you revealed yourself!”

“You knew?” I ask Madge and she sighs.

“Katniss, please,” she says again instead of responding to my accusation. “I will explain later. Right now I truly need your help. I am quite out of my depth here.”

I move to Madge’s side and help her clean the wound, taking too much pleasure in Joe’s muffled grunts as we warn her of the coming pain before we pour the spirits to kill infections on her opened skin. She releases a string of colourful curses that has both Madge and I sharing a glance.

“For shame, Mr. Mason! Such foul language in front of ladies,” I say in my most scandalized tone. Joe hangs her head and shakes it.

“Ladies,” she sneers and then laughs. It is precisely the reaction I was hoping for, distracting Joe from the pain as Madge carefully stitches her ragged flesh back together. “Neither of you count as ladies by any conventional definition and well you both know it. Your highness with your scandalous affair before your late departed husband was even cold in his grave. And you Kitten, with your insatiable lust, pouncing on your poor husband at every turn, demanding he tussle you in the stables, out in meadows—“

“It was by a lake,” I interject and she scoffs. “If you are going to accuse me, at least ensure that your accusations are correct.”

“As I said… Neither of you are truly ladies, only masquerading as one of them.”

Madge and I share another look, colour rising in both of our cheeks. The way Johanna says the word ladies makes it sound like it would be more of an insult to actually be a lady in her eyes. Madge looks away first when Joe releases another string of curse words.

“Here,” I say, offering my hand to Joe to hold through the pain. She bats it away and I return it to assisting Madge. “So then I assume your given name is not really Joseph…”

“Johanna,” she gasps and then releases more curse words. “My name is Johanna. Jo still works for short. That way, when someone tries to call me Joseph the way her majesty here did, I can tell them no one calls me Joseph. Explains why I don’t readily respond to it, and it’s not a lie.”

Madge’s face reveals nothing. She purses her lips and concentrates on her stitches.

“What is your story then, Jo?” I ask gently. “What leads you to dress as a man and fool everyone around you?”

She laughs sardonically and another stream of expletives makes me blush hot. For a moment, I think perhaps she will not share but then she takes a deep breath and speaks. “Same thing what makes the two of you hide your true natures. Disapproval. My father thought to marry me off to a rector. A man four times my age with two wives already dead in the ground and a belief that there is no ill that cannot be solved by a decent whipping. My dear Mama agreed. She  thought the influence of the church was the only —“ More curse words echo off the stone walls and Madge halts her sewing for a moment until Johanna regains some composure. “—The only way to cure me of my evil nature.”

“What makes you so evil? I’ve seen no signs of devil worship about,” I say with a great deal of doubt in my voice. She turns her head to peer at me over one creamy, perfectly shaped shoulder and a sickening feeling fills me as I realise that she is in fact rather beautiful, even with her cropped short hair. A collection of pixie features I took for a boy’s in truth belonging to a lovely young woman perhaps four or five years my senior. She smiles at me and it brings me no comfort.

“My parents discovered that I have as great a thirst for a juicy cunt as I do for a big fat cock.” My face flames with her words but I allow myself no other visible reaction. Her words are meant to shock me. I will not give her the satisfaction. “I never saw the reason why my father and brothers could be so freely promiscuous, could fuck whatever they wanted… women, men, goats… without repercussions, but I was forbidden a single loving affair with a girl I loved.”

“Really, Johanna,” Madge admonishes.

“Allow me some fun, your highness. My back is shredded, I shall have yet another ugly scar, and unless Kitten here takes pity on me, I might be out of a home within the hour.”

“You are not exactly endearing yourself to her with that kind of talk,” Madge says and then an awful thought occurs to me.

“Does Peeta know?”

“Does Peeta know?” Johanna sneers again and my stomach feels as though I had just jumped from a great height.

I think of his words… one night of reckless abandon because he felt sorry for himself… surely he wouldn’t then travel with that person as a companion.

Madge says her name in a warning tone but Johanna fixes me with glittering brown eyes, her gaze unwavering as though she knows the precise direction of my thoughts.

“Of course Peeta knows. He’s been helping me maintain my ruse for years now. In fact, this is about how he found out. I refused my betrothal and when my dearest parents tried to have me sent to an asylum, I ran away.” She hisses and her next words begin strained then even out.

“I ran away, cut my hair, dressed myself as a boy, and enlisted in the infantry. I was a drummer for them. You know, the ones that beat the cadence to send commands across the fields. I was shot in the leg, and that would not have been a problem, but I panicked. Then some crazed loon took a bayonet to my side while I was attempting to drag myself from the field. I cut the lout’s throat but the damage was done.” More curse words and she smacks her hand on the stone bench.

“Nearly done,” Madge soothes and Johanna takes a few more deep breaths.

“Peeta found me. I told him I’d rather die right there on the field, knowing what he’d discover as soon as he started tending to me… God love the man, he tended to me anyways and barely even blinked. Not even with musket fire around us… a brush fire. An enemy soldier attacking him. He just… sliced the man the way you slaughter a pig then went back to sewing me together enough to move me. He even yelled at another medic who tried to help, sent him to assist the others wounded nearby instead. He stitched me up, and then lied to the doctors. Said the leg wound was the only one. He stopped by the field hospital every day after and saw to the wound on my side himself. When I was healed enough to rejoin the field, another drummer had already taken my place. Peeta convinced the commander to make me a part of the medical team instead.”

“Driving the cart to move the wounded and the dead,” I supply.

Johanna nods, lifts her arm then, and points to a long jagged scar over her ribs, curling beneath her breast. Exceptionally close to the orb. “This is the one Peeta stitched back together.”

I drop my eyes and watch as Madge finishes her stitching.

“He never asked me why. Why would a girl hide as a man and join the infantry. When I asked him why he never asked… he said he assumed I must have a damn good reason and it was none of his business. He trusted that I would tell him if and when I was ready to trust him. No one would willingly subject themselves to such a life unless they were desperate, had no choice, or wished death upon themselves, he said. It is quite cute when he is so naive.”

I wipe my hands clean with a rag and set myself to the task of crushing herbs.

“So then when he took that sword to his leg…”

“I couldn’t let him die,” Johanna whispers, turning her head just enough for me to see her profile but not enough to look me in the eyes. “I wanted to because then the only person who could betray my secret and see me returned to my family would take my secret to the grave. I would be safe without having to trust in a man. But… I couldn’t. He saved my life, so I saved his.”

“And did you and he…Were you one of the women he…” I trail off, unable to voice the despicable fear choking my throat closed.

“No, Kitten,” Jo says and finally meets my eyes. “I told you he’s a right gentleman. I offered, several times in fact, but he always refused. Said it wasn’t right to take advantage like that when he knew my secret. He saw that knowledge for what it was, something a lesser person would use to control me and so he refused to give even the impression of such control. The damn righteous bastard said he wouldn’t sleep with someone who felt they owed him a debt like that, and that the only reason I was offering was because I felt I owed him. Not because I loved him.”

My spine grows stiffer and my motions as I grind the herbs more forceful with every word she speaks. It sounds like something Peeta would say, but I don’t know if I can believe Johanna.

“Don’t tell him I said it… but he was right to refuse me. He’s been the only real friend I’ve had in years and I am glad he wouldn’t allow me to ruin that,” Johanna says and then she grins. “But he wasn’t above listening to me every night I got drunk and a little too talkative about all the reasons my father thought I needed divine intervention. All the maids and local girls. The boys I let beneath my skirts. My favorite though was a dairy maid named Portia. Ah she was a sweet treat indeed. And you’ve reaped the benefits of my big mouth, haven’t you, Kitten?”

I mix the herbs with the cream despite the burning on my cheeks. I am at least appeased that I am not healing one of my husband’s former lovers, but the fact that Peeta apparently learned much about pleasing a woman simply by listening to this one aggravates me. I smack the cream onto her back and she startles, once more cursing and glaring at me.

“Is that why you hate me then? Because I have been intimate with him while you were not.”

“That would be too simple, Mrs. Mellark. Give me some credit for having more depth of emotions than a jealous harpy. I despise you because the two of you are free to love one another openly and no one will question or recoil from you for it. No one will accuse you of being unnatural, sinful, or an abomination for having that tussle in the stables or by the lake and wherever else on this green earth the two of you have been when you cannot control yourselves. I despise you because you have a real and extraordinary love right in front of you, and you are too much of a coward to admit it.” I blink at her and she scoffs.

“I am not a coward.” Madge stares at me as I spread the cream along the stitched seam of Johanna’s back. “But I won’t admit it to you before I say it to him.”

Johanna’s eyes widen, astonished and so feminine in that moment that I wonder how I did not see it before. The curtsies, the things she’s said to me, the way Peeta reminded her on the day we met that a rough serving man cannot just grab a lady and pull her from the mud without her permission…

I turn to Madge to keep Johanna from questioning what I just confessed to her. “You have been awful quiet during all of these revelations. How long have you known?”

“Since the day after your father awakened.”

I am taken back to that day. The stables. The tea.

“The tea for the monthlies was for Johanna,” I say and Madge nods.

“I did not like keeping it from you, Katniss, but I thought it best at the time. Even though Johanna insisted she and Peeta had never been intimate, I feared the truth coming to light just then might ruin what was growing betwixt the two of you.”

“Which begs the question, Kitten…what will you do now?”

I look between the two women and consider the options, all of what has been revealed to me tonight.

Pulling long strips from the healing kit at my feet, I meet Johanna’s gaze. “Now I will bandage your back. When I am done, you shall return to your dwelling, drink every drop of the tea I am sending with you. You will sleep on your stomach and not disturb or scratch at the bandages. In the morning, Madge and I will tend to your wound. You will only admit either her or myself to see to your care. While I do not believe that my parents would turn you out should they learn the truth, I will not take that risk without your blessing. And once you are healed, you will stop teaching Maysilee to jump side saddle and teach her how to do the thing right. Safely astride. I’ll not see her break her neck over something so foolish as propriety.”

Johanna squints her eyes at me as I speak and then laughs when I am done. “Now I see it, Kitten. I know why he’s so hopelessly in love with you!”

I ignore this and bandage her back, but I have the strangest sense that I have somehow acquired a new ally.

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