King Hermann von Hirschfeld sighed into his palm. It had been hard enough to find someone of high standing who had not yet heard of his daughters terrible reputation. This might just be her last chance to get married to serve the kingdom, but it seemed she was determined to squander even her last chance.

It was planned for her to meet her fiance in two months.

But would he be able to get her to cooperate until then? There were so many things that could lead to the prince to reject this marriage. First, he would have to make her forget that ridiculous idea of being a man, next, her temperament.

Goodness, this would prove difficult, he would have to increase her lessons in etiquette. If she had no time to cause trouble she might just get used to it.

Lost in though he barely noticed the commotion outside his office.

Only when the doors were roughly thrown open did he look up.

His brows furrowed when he saw his eldest, Rainer von Hirschfeld, storm into the room, covered in mud. A fat bruise on his cheek, blood on his brow.

His right hand held onto that of princess Rosalinde, whos white gloves were stained red. Behind them trailed several knights, guards and servants.

Rainer tossed the princess towards their father. He couldn't help but notice the red haired knights expression behind them. She was drenched.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"Father! This insolent child needs to be tamed! I can't do this much longer!"

Rosalinde spat on the ground, a hint of blood in the otherwise clear liquid. The princess too, had a bruise, although lighter.

"Rosalinde, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Hermann could guess what had happened, still, he wanted to hear what excuses his daughter would spew this time. This might be a valuable teaching moment.

"What do you think, father? My dearest brother seemed to struggle with respect, so I made sure to teach him some."

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"How dare you-"

The kings raised hand stopped Rainers protests, and Rosalinde continued.

"He threw tea at one of mine, when I returned the favour he seemed rather displeased, as you know he has quite the temper."

Rainer rolled his eyes, the princess smirked.

Hermann could only sigh again.

"So you assaulted your brother over a mere servant? Girl, when will you give it a rest, you exhaust me."

In mere seconds Rosalindes cocky demeanor changed. There was rage in the princess' eyes. Hermann knew his daughter to be hotheaded, there were frequent fights amongst the siblings because of that.

"So to you dare suggest that it is acceptable for a prince to assault a servant just because he happened to be born your son?"

Rosalindes voice was breaking as it got louder.

"Do not raise your voice at me child."

Rainer scoffed. A dangerous thing to do really, with the princess already so enraged. But luckily Rosalinde was occupied.

"Will you listen if I whisper? Shall I write it on a napkin? Should I sing it? Because I will sing it if that's what it takes. I did nothing wrong and I will not let this sniveling sack of dung disrespect the very people enabling his lifestyle in my presence!

And if you do not agree you are welcome to dismiss your servants and guards for a day and see how well you do, father."

Hermann had heard similar speeches from his child before. It was frustrating, having a child unable to grasp the importance of the social hierarchy. Years of peace had not come easy, a lesser king, one who did not know of his superiority, would not have been able to maintain it.

Of course, it didn't truly matter if his daughter could understand, as she was not to lead the kingdom in the future, but he would at least like to avoid these nuisances.

"Child."

His tone was gentle know, a little patronising.

"I am aware that you struggle with your role, but please, even you cannot be so daft as to not understand the difference between your brother, a prince, and a commoner. Surely your knight did something to offend, perhaps you just did not notice. Your brother did you a favour, correcting her for you."

The king gave the red haired knight a pointed look, she shrunk into herself.

Rosalinde however, had fists balles so tight that the gloves threatened to tear.

"How dare you-"

His daughter shook her head.

"If that is so, father, then you should praise me, as my dear brother made a mistake, and I corrected him. As the crown prince he should behave himself, don't you think."

"You little-"

Once again, Hermanns hand stopped his son.

What an obedient boy, he was raised well.

"I will have no more of this. Leave, you are to stay inside your room for the next seven days. You are not to go outside or have your servants bring you books or refreshments other than your scheduled meals, daughter.

As for you."

He nodded towards the red haired knight.

"You will be cleaning the stables for that time. And you will not repeat whatever mistake it was you made."

She bowed deeply in response.

Rainer smiled brightly.

"I thank you, father. I worry about my dear sister, but I am sure that she will become a fine lady yet with your guidance."

Rosalinde attempted to protest, but to no avail.