“Princess, it’s time to get up”

  Rozalin, sprawled under her sheet, rolled onto her side away from the voice and pulled sheets over her head.

  “Young woman, get out of that bed before I dump you out.” Edith spoke firmly. Slowly, the princess pushed the sheets off her body and sat up. She rubbed her eyes, yawning.

  “What is my schedule for today?”

  Rozalin finally opened her eyes to see the older woman helping Sofia open blinds so sunlight could stream into the room.

  “You’ll have to ask your guardian, the king wants him to take over that function.”

  Still in the bed, the princess shook her head. “What? I didn’t sleep well at all, and my thoughts aren’t in order.”

  Her governess nodded. “I suspect so, after the stressful day you had yesterday. Your guardian, that forest boy. He should have your schedule, and is waiting in your foyer for you. You should bathe first; I ordered breakfast to be brought to you today.”

  The young woman watched Edith move around her room for a moment, processing what she’d just been told. Then her brain clicked, and she remembered the day before. Her face burned as she remembered the evening, and she immediately flopped backwards into her pillows.

  “How long has he been waiting?” she managed to say from under the pillows.

  “Oh, not long.” Her handmaid commented. “He told me that you have time to wash up after I asked him.”

  “Oh my god, why would you ask that?!” the princess exclaimed, sitting back up and hopping off the bed. She tore her pajamas off as quickly as she could, unused to the extra buttons being done. “Is there warm water in the tub?”

  “No, but we could have it ready for you later in the day.” Edith said. The princess grimaced, certain she heard mockery in the old woman’s tone. She opened door to her personal wash room, finding the tub full of cold water. She took off her under garments and sat on her wash stool. Rozalin grabbed the wooden bin and filled it with cold water, dumping it over her head and shivering. Now wet, she soaped her body down with her lavender soap. Body covered in suds, she got yet more cold water with the bin and dumped it over herself in a more controlled fashion to get rid of all the soap.

  Washed and rinsed, the princess put her hair into a towel, wrapping a second one around her body and leaving the washroom. Her governess sat in her favorite chair, working on her needlework.

  “Where’s Sofia?”

  “Entertaining your guardian while we wait for you to get ready.” The old woman answered.

  “She’s what?!” the princess exclaimed. Rozalin rushed to her closet. She pulled some trousers and a blouse out, tossing them onto her bed as she went deeper for undergarments. Coming out of her closet, she took her towel and put it on its drying rack in the sunlight before pulling the trousers she’d selected on, and rushing into her top. The towel drying her hair made it difficult, but eventually she got it on.

  The princess unwrapped her hair and sat down at her dressing table, staring at her mess of blond hair in the mirror.

  “I could just put it into a ponytail” she commented out loud to no one in particular.

  “No, you could not. Brush it out.” Edith answered. “You will look and act as befits your station, regardless of how attracted you are to your guardian.”

  “I’m not… he’s not handsome.” Rozalin stuttered as she grabbed the brush and started to take out the tangles. Despite feeling a need to rush, she took her time. Like music, brushing her hair was a moment of peace in what could turn into chaotic day. When she finished, she did tie it up into a much neater looking ponytail than it could have been.

  The princess stood up and turned to the governess. “Acceptable?”

  Her governess looked the young woman up and down, noticing the green tunic and brown pants. “It is.”

  Sighing with relief, the young woman finally when out to her foyer.

  “I would love to try some of your stew” Sofia was saying, until both people noticed the princess. They both stood up immediately, the handmaid patting her skirts free of nonexistent dust. Her guardian stood at attention.

  “Good morning, Princess. Would you like me to tell you your schedule for the day?” he said stiffly.

  A knock at the door interrupted Rozalin from answering as a kitchen servant walked in. The man had a tray of breakfast.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, princess.”

  The blond woman motioned towards the table in the middle of the room. “Its fine, put the tray on the table and leave.”

  The man nodded, quickly set the tray down and left. The princess sat down and looked at cut fruit and plain oatmeal next to a glass of milk.

  “Yes, I want to know what I’m doing today.” She answered the guardian, ignoring how stiff and formal he was while she ate.

  “Of course. You’ll start the day with party and event planning. I understand you are doing most of the work for your birthday ball. After that you’ll have a lesson on diplomacy. I was told to tell you that now that you are of age, you may soon replace your brother as envoy, and to take your studies seriously. Then we’ll have lunch. After that will be horse riding. Then you’ll have the evening free, other than dinner. Your father would like to dine with you in private.”

  Rozalin nodded. It was a familiar schedule. “I assume you will be with me all day?”

  The guardian somehow stood straighter. “I will not. During your time arranging your birthday ball, I am to take instruction from your father’s guardian. Now that I am your protector, he’ll be instructing me on specific etiquette for my duties, as well as maintaining my martial training.”

  Taking this in while she finished her meal, the princess bobbed her head up and down absently. She set down her spoon in the empty bowl and stood up.

  “Well, let’s go. Please take care of this.” She directed to the handmaid.

  “Ah well…” Sofia mumbled, “I was instructed to follow the two of you until you made it to your first lesson.”

  The princess pursed her lips. “Is that so. And who told you to do that?”

  “Your governess, princess.”

  “Well, I’m overruling her. Take my tray back to the kitchen. Please.” she remembering the girl was her friend as well.

  “As you wish.” The handmaid said, getting the tray and leaving the room. The princess saw the guardian relax visibly. He sat in one of the chairs.

  “Did you really have to do that?” he asked.

  The princess raised an eyebrow at her guardian. “Who gave you permission to sit in the crown princess’s presence?”

  “Is that right? You’re the crown princess, are you?” the boy challenged. “I thought you were just some girl lost in the woods in need of a friend.”

  “Come along, William, I have class to attend.” The woman said, hiding a grimace. She rose, and her guardian followed as they left the foyer. Once outside, the princess sighed. “I am sorry. Please, forgive me. But my governess can hear everything that goes in on there from my room and hers. She will probably yell at me later for sending Sofia off. Please, don’t change how you treat me, at least in private.”

  “As you wish, princess.” He said stiffly. “We should head to your lesson.”

  Rozalin gave him a pained look until she turned, seeing several of her father’s advisor’s walking down the hallway. They stopped and raised their fists to their hearts.

  “Good morning, princess. Do you know if your father is out of bed and available yet?” one asked.

  “I do not, but I assume his knight would know.” She responded, smiling inside at the trait she shared with her father.

  They nodded and left, continuing down the hall to the king’s rooms. They ignored the guardian boy behind her. She turned to say something to companion, but he shook his head stiffly. Then he motioned for her to lead the way.

  Rozalin walked down hallways and a set of stairs, getting to the room where she spent many hours already working on the party. A guardsman was there waiting.

  “Good morning princess. The planner is ready for you.” He spoke. Then he turned to the guardian. “Guardian, we have her under our watch, you may go about your own duties.”

  The princess watched as William left her, until he turned down a hallway out of his sight. Once he was gone, she opened the door and entered the large room.

  ~

  The young man knocked once before entering a small room. It had a single window for light, several combat dummies, and a few chairs. The kings dedicated knight, now senior guardian, sat at a desk pouring over documents.

  “Sit, boy, sit. Relax. My policy, and so should yours be, is informality in private. I deal with rules and regulations enough, having to stand in the king’s shadow.” The older man said. Despite this, he still wore a chain mail hauberk and his sword and shield were within easy reach.

  The younger man sat at the chair before the desk, back stiff.

  “Well, how was she?” Benno asked, not looking up from his report.

  “The princess? She was fine?” William answered cautiously.

  At the cautious answer, the knight looked up. “I see it’ll take some effort to get you to relax. Are you enjoying castle life? I imagine its very different from your father’s cabin in the woods.”

  The young guardian nodded. “You could fit his entire house in the princess’ suite with room to spare. It is unnerving; that and knowing who I need to salute or not, which nobles to avoid. My father tried to teach me, but I didn’t realize it would be for more than if I ever needed to send his reports to the castle. I admit, I was not as diligent as I should have been.”

  “I imagine so. I know when I was your age, I had a hard time with people. But let me tell you, other than the royal family, we outrank everyone in this castle. Your father, he had to take care as a peasant, not to offend anyone or step out of line. You, in theory you could get away with murder, if it was to protect the princess.” The old man looked at him sternly. “Don’t try it though.” He winked after a moment. The young man smiled, feeling slightly more comfortable in the space. His father had made jokes like that about the royal animals.

  The knight went back to his report. “This is a report from your father. I’ve been studying it closely. It details all your training. You’re an excellent tracker; he also rates you highly for stealth. However, you’ve only been trained to use a long knife, and only for defending yourself against wild beasts. Your archery skills are also better than the average peasants. But the knife skills, that won’t do. Starting today, I’ll be personally training you on the sword. I’ll forgo the sword and shield style, because I suspect you rely on your agility more than your strength.”

  “That’s right.” The boy said. He was excited to learn the sword, it was not something many peasants got to do.

  “Very well. Pick up that training blade, and follow me outside.” Benno said, standing.

  “Your party is shaping up to be quite the ball.” The planner commented as their time came to a close. “You’ve done well; I think you could plan that next royal function without me.”

  “Thank you.” Rozalin said. “But I’d rather have your help. It is a lot to deal with.”

  The older woman smiled. “Yes, it is. I don’t relish your life after your brother takes over.”

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Why not?” the young woman asked.

  “Well, I’ll have retired by then. You’ll be planning everything on your own. And there are a lot of functions to plan in a king’s early rule.”

  “Or,” the princess commented and put her hands together to point at the planner, “or, we can talk to the court wizard, and make you immortal?”

  Her instructor and guide laughed. “Your mother said much the same when I taught her. Oh, that reminds me, she’ll be returning from the summer estate for your birthday.”

  “What?!” Rozalin exclaimed. “She is? I thought she would be gone until early winter.” She stood up and started to pace.

  “I’m sorry, princess. We just received word yesterday. She wants to celebrate it with you on time this year.”

  “More like lecture me about wearing trousers and running through the woods.” The young woman grumbled. “Assign more guards everywhere so I can’t leave.”

  There was a knock at the door.

  “Enter.” The princess said offhandedly after she noticed the look the planner was giving her.

  Her guardian opened the door. His shoulder length hair was tied back from his face.

  “Princess, it is time for your next lesson.” He said, standing by the door.

  “We’re finished” the planner told him. Rozalin walked to the door, not looking at her friend. He shut the door behind them, but the princess was already walking down the hall. She heard him catch up.

  “Is everything alright?” he asked.

  The princess considered not telling him. “My mother is returning for my birthday.” She finally said.

  “Ah. Well, I wouldn't worry about it.” He said nonchalantly.

  “Not worry about it?” Rozalin said, a little louder than needed. “She will put more restrictions on what I can do, “to help you act like a proper princess”” she quoted.

  They reached door to the lecture room, and the princess reached for the handle. William grabbed her wrist and turned her towards him, her back against the door. He was very close to her, and he had a serious look in his eyes. Rozalin felt her heart beat pick up speed.

  “You have a guardian now, so you can go anywhere you please in safety.” He spoke. “And I have permission to teach you how to defend yourself, so you’ll be even safer. Do not let your mothers return bother you.”

  The princess stood like that, her wrist firmly but not painfully in his grip. He had grown in the last few years; he used to be shorter than her, now he was a few inches taller. His lips were so close to hers; she could lean forward with ease to kiss him.

  Then she felt blood rush to her face, and she turned away.

  “I’ll keep that in mind, but you haven't met my mother yet.” She said as she opened the door. They walked into the classroom, and the princess watched as the guardian took a position near the door, but out of the way.

  “Ah, you’re only a little bit late.” Her instructor commented, bringing her attention to him. “Take a seat, princess, so I can teach you more of what is happening in the world.”

  ~

  “Young lady.” Her governess spoke harshly when the two went back to the princess’s rooms before lunch. “While you are in this castle, you will not be left alone with your guardian. It’s inappropriate.”

  Rozalin held her head high, though she knew she deserved it. William was in the foyer, hopefully not hearing the lecture she would be getting.

  “While you may technically outrank me, for another two years you will do as I order with regard to your propriety, do you understand? It would not do well for rumors to spread about you and him.”

  “Rumors? What rumors?” the princess retorted.

  “Thats right. There are none now, and there won’t be as long as I’m your governess. Now, get dressed for horse riding while I talk to your guardian.”

  “It wasn’t his fault; I told Sophia to leave us.” Rozalin said, trying to stop her watcher.

  “Oh, don’t worry, I know who’s at fault. But that doesn't mean he won’t be informed of the rules.”

  The princess felt her stomach get queasy as the older woman left her in her room and entered the foyer. She started to pace, getting more and more worried as the time dragged on. Finally, she went into her closet and pulled her riding clothes from their designated spot. She got out of her blouse and trousers, and put on the sturdier clothing. Her handmaid came in to grab her worn clothes.

  “What’s happening out there?” Rozalin asked.

  “Out where?” Sophia counter asked.

  “In the foyer. Does my guardian still have all his fingers?”

  The handmaid giggled. “Yes, he’s fine. Now that you’re dressed, you should go out there, lunch was served a few minutes ago.”

  Frowning, the princess left her room and found the guardian sitting in the chair he’d fallen into earlier with a cup of tea in his hands. Edith was just drinking hers. As soon as she entered, he stood up, nearly spilling the drink.

  “Sit down boy. While I appreciate the gesture, you’re going to spill that tea everywhere.”

  Rozalin gaped at them. Her governess never shared her tea with anyone.

  “You too, princess. The food is getting cold.”

  The young woman did as instructed. She noticed her cup had milk in it, no tea. The food, a salad, was well made, though the princess didn't taste anything in the leafy mix while she worried about what had happened.

  When the food was finished, Sophia once more took it back down to the kitchens. They sat in silence. Rozalin felt tense, though her governess and guardian seemed to be at ease.

  When the Sophia returned, Edith stood. “Well, enjoy your time in the horse field.”

  She went into her room, leaving the Sophia, Rozalin, and William together alone. Immediately the boy stood. The princess noticed that while his hair was tied back, he also wore a sword at his hip.

  “I thought you only knew how to fight with a long knife?” the princess asked, standing as well. Her handmaid followed her lead as they left the foyer and went into the castle.

  “Your father’s guardian is training me. As your protector, I’ll need to be able to fight off more than momma bears in the woods.”

  She could almost hear his wink at the reference. “I suppose I should worry about bandits, if I’m going to be traveling.”

  The trio made it to the stable, where the stable and horse master waited for them. Sophia bowed and took her leave.

  “So, you’re the new guardian I’ve been hearing about. They don’t invite me to those fancy gatherings, on account of I can’t get the smell of horse off me. Offends their noses, those nobles.” The man said. He was tall and stood bow legged as though he spent all of his time on the animals. “Not our princess though. She’s a good rider.”

  The princess bowed her head, accepting the praise. “Not as good as you, Master Jeremy.”

  “Well, nobody can be as good as me, I practically live on horses. Fallen asleep more than I care to count on them, but they’ll keep a watch out for you.” He carried on. “Now, I wasn't told if you had any horse experience, guardian. Can you enlighten me?”

  Feeling more at ease with the casualness of the horse master, the guardian commented “Sadly, only a priest can give you enlightenment. As to my horse-riding skills, I have none. Too loud and awkward in the woods when you’re moving along rabbit trails.”

  The horse master smiled wide. “I like you boy. And don't worry about not having experience, that just means you don’t have any bad habits I have to break. Not like those noble boys. Think they know their way around a horse. Ha. Well, let me find a horse you can handle with no experience. Princess, you know the drill.”

  Rozalin nodded, happy that her friend wasn't stiff as her bed posts around one of her favorite people. Leaving her guardian, she went to her horse. She was a beautiful brown animal, sweet tempered. The princess pet her nose, offering an apple, which the horse took happily. As the horse crunched on the fruit, the young woman hefted the heavy saddle onto its back. She belted the straps, and remembering her accident last time, slapped her horses’ stomach. She huffed out her held breath so the princess could tie it a little tighter.

  “I know you don’t like it, Pepper, but it keeps us both safe.” She told the horse. “I’ll give you another apple when I take it off.”

  Pepper shook her mane. The princess didn't like using a bridle, so she didn't. She opened the horses stall and guided her animal out into the stable, hand on its neck.

  “Fast as always, princess. Of course, that’s cause I taught you everything I know.”

  Rozalin smirked. “And made me do it hundreds of times.”

  Jeremy laughed. “Muscle memory is best! Isn't that right boy?”

  The young man sat astride an older horse, that the princess knew was the calmest animal in the entire stable. His back was straight and stiff. He’d look good, she thought, once he got used to riding.

  “You’re right about that.”

  “I’ll expect the same of you, young man. When you’ve got free time, you’re to spend it in here until I’m satisfied. Now, let’s go take your horses for a run around the track.”

  “A run?” William said, obviously concerned.

  ~

  Rozalin couldn't keep the smile off of her face as they left the stables. Sophia had met them when they brought the animals back, and together the three of them reentered the castle. Her guardian still walked funny, despite his efforts to move normally.

  “Did you have an enjoyable time, William?” the pink haired girl asked.

  “Oh yes. Real fun time, trying not to get bucked off an animal.” He responded through gritted teeth.

  “Oh, it wasn’t that bad.” The princess commented. “You only fell off a couple times.”

  She looked back to see him grimacing behind her.

  “If you’re sore, I could give you a massage” Sophia said. “Edith taught me how to rub the muscles so that they heal faster.”

  “You know, that might be nice. I imagine I’m going to be very sore tomorrow.” The young man commented easily.

  The princess looked ahead as they went walked through castle halls, pursing her lips. Her handmaid and guardian chatted easily as they traveled to her rooms. Once there she entered her rooms alone, instructing her handmaid to clean up the foyer so she could eat with her father; if he wanted to dine with her, they could do it in her suite. While her guardian changed his attire in his room, she stripped out of the sweat and horse smelling clothes. She spent some time in the washroom, washing and rinsing the smell of animal and leather from her body.

  Rozalin wrapped a towel around her body and left the washroom to flop onto her bed. While she lay on the bed staring at the ceiling, her governess walked through her door, not bothering to knock.

  “Is that what you’re wearing to eat with your father?” she asked.

  “No, but I haven't sent Sophia to tell him we’re eating in my foyer. Also, I have plenty of time. My evening is free until then, and I wanted to stare at nothing for a few minutes.” She spoke.

  The old woman sat on the bed next to her. The silence stretched.

  “You should write in your journal. A lot has happened the past couple of days.” She finally said.

  “I do, every night before bed.” Rozalin said. “It helps me sleep.”