The loud growl of Rosalindes belly made him laugh.

Henderik on the other hand did not find this very funny, neither did the princess' personal maid, Adellei.

"Why did you have to provoke him, your highness?"

Adellei could not bring herself to speak casually to Rosalinde, despite his wishes. Henderik himself had trouble with it as well.

In the privacy of the princess' chambers he wore pants, borrowed from Henderik, too large, held by string at his waist, a large, loose shirt, also borrowed hung off his shoulders. His still wet hair made parts of it translucent, and both the plump maid and the knight felt things unbecoming of servants at the sight, despite having seen what was under the clothes many times.

The bright, toothy smile creasing Rosalindes brown face told them enough.

"With all due respect, you must hold your tounge in those situations."

Henderik begun brushing his masters hair, as Adellei scolded him. His long fingers brushing against the slender neck, lingering against the warmth.

He knew Rosalinde did not mind, he knew he saw no motive in his touch.

Or perhaps he knew and simply didn't care.

Either way, Henderik enjoyed every bit of contact between them.

Adellei was just about done with her lecture.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I shall go and get you something to eat, your highness. Wich I wouldn't have to do had you just been civil with your brother."

Rosalinde blew Adellei a kiss.

"What would I do without you."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

The maid left, huffing and puffing, unable to hide the red on her cheeks.

The princess threw himself back, against Henderiks chest, warm, wet hair making him acutely aware of their closeness.

Rosalindes eyes were closed, his brows furrowed.

"Do you know why father called me to dinner tonight?"

The scent of peaches.

"I do not."

"He told me, before telling me to not eat I mean, that he has chosen a husband for me."

Silence, Henderik let the words sink in. The wet warmth against his chest suddenly felt cold.

"Some prince on another continent, he clearly wants to get rid of me."

He didn' t know what to say. Of course he knew that one day Rosalinde would marry, he'd just hoped to remain by his side as a knight. But if he'd have to leave the continent...

The wet hair on his chest moved, and two slender but calloused hands were weighty on his thighs.

The princess had turned to face him, propping himself up to meet his eyes.

"Well?"

"Well?"

"What do you say?"

"Do I...get to say something?"

He was so very aware of their proximity, of the breath on his neck. Things that came so easily to Rosalinde, who took pleasure in seducing high and mighty nobles, did not come easily to him, as he'd never shared more than a kiss with anyone.

"You are my friend, no?"

"I am."

"Then say what you think."

"I don't want you to leave."

"Why?"

"Because I don't think his majesty will let me follow. I am my families only son."

"That is all?"

I dont want you to marry.

But he couldn't say that. Well he could, but he didn't dare.

He couldn't hold Rosalindes gaze anymore, the orange eyes threatened to suck him in, make him forget himself.

"I guess that's true. They do want you to sire an heir."

The princess moved away, to sit by his side, and the spots where his hands rested suddenly felt painfully cold.

"I don't want to be a wife. I'd rather die than carry a child. I have no use for this womb."

"I don't want to be a father either."

He did not say this to please, he meant it. Henderik couldn't see himself as a father.

Rosalinde laughed.

"It's too bad, don't you think? Do you think I would make a good wife, if I were a woman?"

"You would make a good husband."

Before he could say anything further the door opened.

Adellei returned, her blue eyes twinkling in her pretty, round face.

"Your highness, today is your lucky day!"

And with a dramatic tadaa she unwrapped a few lovely pieces of cake.

Around midnight Maia threw her pillow at him.

Her roommate just kept tossing, turning and sighing, and she's had enough.

"What?!"

When Henderik turned to her, he had the most pitiful expression she'd ever seen.

"Oh come on, you knew he'd get married eventually."