Princess Rosalinde von Hirschfeld stood before the gates of Hirschfeld castle. The last time he'd seen the large serpent coil around the antlers forming the pompous metal gates to the buildings he once called home was 3 years ago.

Back then he was nothing more than the shameful youngest daughter of a king who wished for nothing more than a child that would not tarnish the family name. Now he was just a man.

And behind him stood those that chose to follow that very man, ready to lay down their lives for his cause.

Our cause.

He thought to himself.

A large hand found his right. Henderik.

Their fingers intertwined, they raised their fists.

And the sea of mercenaries behind them parted, revealing the slain serpent amongst their midst. It's massive head, once a source of terror and fear for those who would oppose the king, now a lifeless, dead eyed prop.

Rosalindes chin was up, he knew his father was watching. He could feel his gaze, his disgust at his little princess.

The second prince, Leonard, stood atop the wall, harsh eyes turned downward.

The princess cleared his throat, he would not falter, his voice would carry.

"Father, brothers, this will be your last chance. surrender now, and you shall be shown mercy.

Fight, and you will meet the same fate as the beast you display so proudly on your breast."

His voice was steady, Henderiks thumb brushed over his Palm.

Soothing.

And Rosalindes resolve did not falter.

4 years earlier

Henderik Winter swung his blade down in one swift motion. His sparring partner, Maia Raier just barely managed to jump out of reach. The swords they trained with were dull, but they would still hurt.

Hendrik didn't relent, he stepped into Maias range and swung from below.

He put special attention into his form, aware of his princess, watching, judging.

He couldn't help but peek at him.

Princess Rosalinde, his princess. He sat on the edge of the training area, drinking tea with his servants while watching the knights train.

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He came here often.

The blade coming towards his face forced his attention back to Maia.

Right, there was no impressing Rosalinde if he got defeated because of a careless mistake.

Maia had overstepped and lost balance, Henderik took advantage, and kicked her supporting leg away, sending her to the ground.

The fight was over, and he could hear clapping behind him when Henderik helped her up.

Rosalinde and his servants.

Henderik smiled, a bit of heat in his cheek when his princess rose from his seat.

Other Knights on the fields made way for him.

"May I?"

Rosalindes gloved hand reached toward Maia, who did not bow.

Instead she handed her sword to the princess.

"Henderik, will you do me the honour?"

Rosalinde had to look up to see Henderiks handsome face, flushed red from the exercise, or perhaps that was what he told himself.

"The honour is all mine."

The princess was not held back by his dress, it was heavy, but the petticoat was the flexible kind, and his corsage was not too tight.

He could move.

Still, Henderik felt it was unfair, his princess was burdened by the kingdoms conventions, while he could fight comfortably.

Rosalinde knew him well enough, and freed him of his worries with a first, powerful stab.

The larger man barely dodged, feeling the air move next to his thigh, and now he too raised his sword.

They exchanged fast, controlled blows.

The knights had stopped their fighting to watch, the princess, while smaller than most of the other men and women, both in height and in width, had a cool calm about him.

It was clear that he was no novice, and, where he allowed to train as frequently as his brothers, he could surely achieve great mastery of the sword. Although Henderik could see even more talent in him with the spear.

But as of this moment he was no match for one of the best knights in their devision.

Still, he managed to hit the mans leg before Henderik could take him down.

With a thump the two of them fell onto the sand of the arena. Princess Rosalindes peach braid unravelling in the process. The knights dared to cheer, knowing Rosalinde would take no offense.

Quickly his knight scrambled to his feet and pulled the princess up with him.

Frantic he tried to dust of the expensive dress on his masters body, who only laughed.

Henderik believed the sound of Rosalindes laughter could raise the dead, and he did not notice when the cheering stopped abruptly.

Only when a soft hand ripped his fingers off the stained silk did he look up, looking to confront whoever dared to ruin this moment.

But his resolve quickly faltered when he looked into the green eyes he knew belonged to Prince Leonard, second in line to the throne, and he quickly bowed his head.

Not out of respect, but to not disgrace his master.

"Who are you to touch my sister?"

His voice was sharp and high, different from Rosalindes stable, pleasant tone.

"Brother, my knight only helped me to my feet."

"And who made you fall in the first place."

"I believe it was this very pair of heels."

The princess lifted his skirts, exposing his legs, covered in peachy fuzz and sand, Henderik had seen them often, yet he could not keep his cheeks from burning.

"See? They are so very hard to walk on, will you not switch with me brother? I'm afraid I will fall again in these."

Leonard shook his head and flicked Henderiks hand away before looking around. The knights had averted their eyes, as to not look at the princess indecently, who still held the skirts high.

"Will you stop that!"

Rosalinde thought for a moment, and then dropped his skirts. Henderik was relieved, he did not want The princess to fight with Leonard, who stood higher than him in rank.

"Father wishes to see you at dinner tonight. You are not to skip again."

Rosalinde gave him a sweet smile.

"And please, stop this behaviour, you are much too old to play in the dirt with these common folk."

"I shall take note of that, dear brother."

"Good."

He turned to walk away. The tension in Henderiks body left. He lifted his head, but when he saw Rosalindes face his heart sank.

"I'll just play in the dirt with nobles then. Shall I start with your soon to be wife?"