Chapter Text
The next morning I get up and stretch out before realizing today is the ball. I look over to my dress longingly. My watch says 8 am, only 13 hours to go.
I go downstairs and make breakfast, ZAYN walking in after a few minutes, still in his pajamas.
“You excited?” I ask. He shrugs and leans against the counter, still waking up.
“I guess..” he says hesitantly. I have the feeling that he’s only going because his dad wants him to.
“Maybe you’ll meet a girl,” I suggest, looking over at him. He cocks his head to the side and stares at me.
“Maybe. Maybe you’ll meet a girl.” He says wiggling his eyebrows. I laugh and shake my head.
“Maybe I’ll meet a boy.” I say quietly. His head snaps in my direction surprised.
“Well… maybe.” He whispers. “But my dad…” he trails off looking at the ceiling. I nod getting what he means.
“I know he won’t like it, but I don’t care.” My shoulders straightening with confidence.
He shakes his head smiling. “See you at breakfast.” I nod and get back to cooking. After he leaves the kitchen I let out a sigh of relief.
I’ve never told anyone that before. I was worried he would reject me. Or even worse, tell his dad, but he didn’t. The last shred of my confidence is drained and it’s not even 9’oclock. I sigh.
Breakfast, as requested by my step father is special pastries. But we seem to be out of flour. I swear under my breath and grab my jacket.
I’ve used the coach before but never alone. I figure waking up my step father would just make him angry anyways so I’ll just have to be quick.
I hurry over and alert the coachman. He hurries to get the horses and we’re off in a few minutes. As the horses round the path we get closer to the market and I feel my breath return to my body. It seems here that I can just disappear into the crowd.
The coachman drops me off and I walk hurriedly to the bakery. My lace up boots are dirty and I’m wearing my apron still. I’m starting to get a little self conscious. I can’t seem to remember where the bakery is. My chest feels tight and I start panicking. I turn quickly and run right into someone.
“Oh my goodness I’m so sorry!” I say quickly backing up, the words dying in my throat as I look up directly at the Prince. His face is tight and his clothes pristine in the dirty market square. His jaw relaxes and his face softens as he looks at my panicked face.
“It’s alright,” he says in the most beautiful British accent. I almost melt on the spot, my mouth hangs open and I nod. He turns to keep walking, his guards looking menacingly at me, but before he can leave I grab his shoulder.
“Excuse me?” He turns with an annoyed look. I hesitate and his head turns to the side with curiosity.
“Do you happen to know where the bakery is?” I ask. One of his guards shakes his head exasperated. The corners of the princes mouth quirk up at the corners. He opens his mouth with an apologetic look before one of the guards pushes him backwards and responds.
“If you walk down this street and turn the corner, the bakery is the third store down.” I nod and she turns to keep walking, but the Prince stays behind staring at me.
“Figures you wouldn’t know where the bakery is,” I mumble looking up at the Prince. He frowns.
“What did you say?” He asks and I shake my head turning to leave. “Wait! I never got your name,” he says. I blush and take a step back, realizing how much time I’ve probably wasted talking to the Prince.
“Umm.. Louis.” I say taking another step back. “See you!” I say and spin around hurrying down the street.
“I’m Harry!” He yells and when I turn back his blue eyes are still fixed to mine. I roll my eyes and hurry down the street.
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“Oh my god” I say covering my face as I get back into the coach. What just happened? Did I just meet the prince? I can’t wait until Zayn hears about this.
When I get back to the house thank goodness my step father is still asleep and I hurry to get baking. When I bring out the dish of pastries and tea Niall is sitting at the table reading a book on horses.
“Good morning,” I say nodding curtly. He looks up and rubs his hands together smirking.
“Yesssss, these are my favorite!” He says and grabs a few off the tray.
“Thanks,” he says smiling through bites at me. I nod smiling back at him. This feels like progress between us.
Zayn comes downstairs next and I tell him as quietly as I can about meeting Prince Harry. His mouth hangs open throughout the whole story.
“You’re kidding” he says. “Was he cute?” He asks poking me in the side and I blush. He gasps
“I KNEW IT!” He says, then looks quickly at the doorway. “You totally like him,” he says quieter. “An instant spark.” He sighs and smiles at me.
I frown and look down at the teapot. What a pretentious man, doesn’t even know where the bakery is. I scowl and grab the teapot.