Worth Loving

Chapter 3: A Royal Welcome

"Going somewhere this morning, Harry?" Queen Alexandria asked her nephew.

"It's my hunting day," Harry answered.

"But we have visitors today."

"Good for them. Give them my regards." Harry put his hunter-green cloak on and proceeded towards the city within the walls.

****

"We're here, your highness," the coachman announced to a sleepy Hermione.

"Good. Stop here. We'll walk the rest of the way. I don't want to make a scandal," Hermione commanded. Fleur looked at her, horrified, as they stood in front of the Trojan gates.

"That's miles."

"Oh Fleur, don't exaggerate. Besides, exercise will do us good." Hermione got down from the carriage, her sister behind her. She sighed. She was in for a long day.

The gates of Troy opened, and Hermione walked through them. The city was crowded but undeniably beautiful.

"Stay close to me," she ordered Fleur, "You're bound to get lost."

Her stepsister nodded silently, making Hermione look backwards for her answer.

Suddenly, a gasp escaped her mouth: she had tripped over a cloak, her body clashing against a man's embrace.

"I beg you pardon," Hermione stood up, although the man still had her by her waist.

"No. It was completely my fault. I should watch where I'm going. My apologies," Harry looked up to catch the damsel's gaze.

She had the most beautiful chestnut eyes he had ever seen. Their glances locked for a single second as Hermione stared into Harry's emerald pools.

"Quite all right then. We'll continue our way," Fleur announced, taking Hermione's hand.

"Well, where are you headed?" Harry intervened.

"We're on our way to the palace," Fleur answered.

"Well, I'm going there myself. I'll get my coachman and take you," Harry offered.

"No, that really isn't necessary," Hermione assured the stranger, flinching as Fleur hit her arm. It was clear that her stepsister didn't enjoy a good walk every now and then.

"I insist. It's the least I can do," Harry smiled thinly.

****

"Where are you from? I have not seen you here before," Harry chased Hermione's glance from across his seat.

"I'm not from around here," Hermione replied.

Before Harry could proceed with his questioning, the carriage came to a halt. He leapt down then helped Hermione and Fleur step out. Before they knew it, they were entering the palace.

"Thank you," Hermione expressed gratefully.

"You're welcome," Harry answered as he tried to make his way into his room. He didn't get very far however, for a soldier tripped over him.

"Sorry Paris," he apologised, making Harry's face glow with anger.

"It's Harry," he corrected.

"It's the same. You both look alike," the soldier scoffed.

"Actually I beg to differ," Hermione cut in, leaving Harry thunderstruck.

"I beg your pardon ma'am?" the soldier asked.

"Wasn't Paris light brown haired with mahogany eyes and tanned skin?" Hermione's description of Paris was quite accurate, leaving even Fleur in a surprised state. Harry was amused. Who was this damsel?

"Hermione?" Oliver's voice echoed through the hall.

"Oliver!" Hermione ran towards him, hugging him and leaving Harry thunderstruck once more. Wasn't 'Hermione' the name of Helen's daughter?

"So, Menelaus finally sent you?"

"What do you mean, finally? I didn't want to come."

"Well, he told father that he would send you here, so I was expecting you," Oliver smiled.

"How noble of you," Hermione laughed as Fleur came forward and cleared her throat, poking Hermione's shoulder.

"Oh, Oliver, this is Fleur, my stepsister. Fleur, this is Oliver, prince of Ithaca."

"Enchanted," Oliver smiled, kissing Fleur's hand.

"Indeed," Fleur bowed her head.

"Could you tell me where to find Prince Harry? From what I understand, he's the sole heir to the throne," Hermione stated.

"Certainly. Aren't you in luck? Here he is now. Harry, come here!" Oliver called his black-haired friend as Hermione's eyes opened wide.

"What?" From his tone, Oliver could tell that Harry's mood wasn't the best at the moment. No surprise there, though.

"This fair lady here requests your presence. Hermione, this is prince Harry of Troy, Harry, princess Hermione of Sparta."

Harry took a deep breath as he leaned down to kiss the hand of the daughter of Helen.