The kingdom of Hirschfeld was a proper and dignified place, with plenty of deep rooted traditions.

Princess Rosalinde seemed to be on a mission to break as many of those as he could.

It was frowned upon for a woman to pick up a sword and it had only been legal for them to become knights for a few years. No thanks to the king, it was the princess who campaigned to allow women those rights.

Not out of self interest, as he was a man, even if his manhood was so frequently denied.

Currently, he was fighting his father over yet another topic he deemed unfair.

There were plenty of common folk plagued by monster attacks, famine and illness, all while those residing in the capitol had never faced a single such creature.

This was not due to a lack of resources, Hirschfeld had plenty of soldiers who did little else but decorate the castle halls.

It was a time of peace afterall, at least for the rich, neighbouring kingdoms had good relations with the Hirschfeld, and there was no threat of war.

Hermann von Hirschfeld, the ruling monarch, simply did not care for those who had no part in filling his fat pockets.

Sure, he protected the farmers, the merchants that directly benifitted him, perhaps even the odd tradesman or artist, but any more care than that would have been cause to call the royal physician.

And so once again the Royal Princess stood infront of his father, wrapped in lovely peach linen, matching his long and thick hair.

"A king who does not protect his people is no king at all!"

The heat in Rosalindes cheeks made him appear only lovelier.

At least Henderik thought so, standing dutiful beside his princess.

This would go on for quite a while, father and daughter shouted at each other frequently, surely king Hermann would raise his voice today too.

But he did not, he only sighed.

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"Daughter, I truly hope you will grow up once you are married."

How condescending, Henderik knew this tone would only rile him up more.

"I am 25, father."

He spit the term out. What a father he was.

"And I will not be married. I don't know how you found a man willing to wed someone as impure and horrible such as myself but I will certainly make him resent you for even trying to sell me to him."

"So you're aware of the shame you bring me."

"Evidently I don't bring you enough."

"Enough now, go and take her to her chambers, knight, I will not be wasting my time further."

Henderik held back his words. Rosalindes father had never spoken to him with respect, and his blatant disregard for his manhood was just one of the many things he used to belittle him.

Yet he knew he had to obey, but before Henderik could in any way force the princess out, he turned to leave on his own.

"You will regret this, father."

Silently they walked towards the princess' chambers.

But he did not feel like sulking in his ridiculously lavish rooms after critisizing his fathers way of life.

"Have you ever wanted something of mine?"

"Of yours, my princess?"

"Yes, anything."

Henderik could not say what he wanted. He knew that Rosalinde would give it to him, not because he wanted it, but because he felt guilt over his fathers actions.

He did this often, whenever he felt powerless, he would give his servants whatever they asked for, even if it was something he did not truly want to give.

Years ago, before he was forbidden from venturing outside the castle, Rosalinde used to just walk the streets, throwing jewels and coins, but nowadays his reckless generosity had to be confined within these walls.

"Is it something difficult to say?"

The princess had interpreted his silence correctly. Surely he knew that Henderik hesitated for a reason, but in this moment he was desperate to do something.

So Henderik sighed, not wanting someone else to take advantage of his princess, if he did not satisfy his desire to be helpful.

"It is, actually."

"If you do not dare say it, you may write it down."

"No, I will say it."

Henderik swallowed, scrambling to find something to ask for that would not scar their bond.

"As you know, I have been troubled with sleepless nights lately."

Rosalinde nodded, having noticed his deep eyebags earlier.

"And I am growing quite desperate, would you be willing to fullfill my request to help me find sleep tonight? But it might be too much to ask."

"Let me hear it first."

Rosalinde would not say no to whatever he would ask, he just said that to try and preserve some dignity.

"Would you perhaps read me to sleep tonight?"

The red on Henderiks cheeks spread to his ears, and he was glad Maia could not see him.

The princess seemed taken aback.

"Such a simple thing, that I can do whenever you wish. Are you sure that is all?"

Henderik nodded.

"Thank you, your highness. I am quite embarassed to ask for this, I believe Maia is staying with her parents tonight, otherwise I would not dare ask."

"I see, I guess she would be bothered if I read out loud in your room."

She wouldn't be, but she would tease Henderik to no end.

"Then, shall we choose a book?"

Rosalinde pointed towards the royal library.