“Of course, Mistress Rosine!” It took a few minutes, but she brought me my brush, even brushed my hair for me. “Have you seen your new bodyguard yet, Mistress Rosine?” Fiorella asked and I blinked, making eye contact with her through the mirror before I responded. 

“... No, Fiorella, what do they look like?” I asked, and Fiorella giggled before responding in a low, conspiratorial tone.

“Well, Mistress Rosine, he’s quite a hunk. I’d estimate about 190cm, 193cm? Muscular, curly ginger hair that frames his face perfectly, gorgeous emerald green eyes… Freckles dotting his skin like stars, and he’s respectful! I’d say he’s probably about 20? Only 2 or 3 years older than you, Mistress!” I huffed, crossing my arms, though I was grateful for the information.

“He’s more than 30cm taller than me…? I hope he doesn’t let that go to his head. The bodyguards Father usually gets never stay long anyways, so I don’t see the point in getting attached.” Fiorella’s gaze softened as she retied my bow in my hair.

“I’m sure everything will be fine, Mistress Rosine. Now then, I brought you a ruby broach to go with your red eyes. Would you like to wear it, my lady?” I hesitated, glancing at the broach, then I huffed.

“... Fine. The red of the ruby and the silver of the broach itself will match the pink and white in my dress and bow anyways.” Fiorella nodded in agreement, then clipped it onto my collar. I hesitated, glancing in the mirror again as I tried to tug the skirt a little lower, wishing I could loosen the fabric around the waist a little more. Fiorella’s voice startled me a little when she spoke once more, and I turned to look at her.

“My lady, you are beautiful just as you are. You know that we all love you as you are.” I held myself back from scoffing, but I nodded a little. People don’t say that if the person they’re talking to is actually beautiful. I know she’s trying to cheer me up, but she could be a little more honest with me. 

Then… I entered the room and saw my bodyguard for the first time. The first thing I noticed was the smell. He smelled like garbage and sweat, caked on with mud, and like it had been stuck to him for over a decade. I couldn’t help but scrunch up my nose in disgust at the smell and cover my nose with my hand. He needs a shower… I thought to myself, then I followed the smell with my eyes before I saw him. He was much like Fiorella described, only he’s so covered in muck and grime that it was difficult to see him properly. He noticed me as well and stood, though I couldn’t help but stumble back in surprise. He was taller than I expected, or just… wider. I wasn’t sure which it was that surprised me, but I shook myself out of my stupor to speak. “... I’m Rosine Lamar, and I’m 18, almost 19. Once you introduce yourself, you are going to take a shower, then we’ll get you fitted for a new outfit.” The man looked at me carefully for a moment, then nodded.

“Yes, Princess. My name is Seren Griffin, I’m 21. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity.” My expression soured immediately at the tone and nickname, and I scoffed.

“Why ‘Princess’? What’s with the nickname?” The corner of Seren’s mouth twitched and I caught a glimpse of his mouth, my stomach churning when I saw how his teeth looked. It looked like he hadn’t ever brushed his teeth before, and I couldn’t help but back up, imagining what his breath must smell like. I heard him chuckle and I could practically feel my blood boiling. Is he laughing at me?! Why is he laughing at me?!

“Well, Princess, you are the Princess of the Lamar mafia family. Plus, if you were the princess, I’d be your knight.” I scoffed and rolled my eyes.

“More like a guard dog.” He snorted at that and I scowled at the way it made my heart swell with pride. “... Come on, I’ll show you your room. It’ll be right next to mine. You need a shower, you smell like Merda.” Seren nodded a little and I led him to his room. 

It was about 55.7m² with deep, midnight blue walls, blood red bedspread, wall trim, and bookshelves with books lining every shelf, and silver accents, such as the doorknobs and light fixtures. Fantasy novels, romance novels, historical fiction, science, history, or math textbooks, even a few medical textbooks. Seren looked around, seemingly in amazement. I nodded, proud of myself, then I pointed to the bathroom. “Go take a shower now. I’ll get the tailor, Akito, and he’ll make you a new wardrobe.” Seren paused, looking at me in what seems to be… possibly confusion.

“... Why are you doing this, Princess?” I rolled my eyes, but leaned against the doorway as I looked at him.

“You are one of my people. If you look or smell bad, that reflects badly on myself and my father. Plus, you’re going to be around me a lot. I don’t want to smell Merda all day.” Seren just looked at me for a few more moments, then he nodded and went into the bathroom. I waved a little, then left the room, going down the hall to Akito’s room. 

Akito was a young man with platinum blond hair, dark blue eyes, and pale skin, about my height, and a very rebellious personality. He only dressed the way he did in order to anger the more… conservative people in town. “Akito, hun. I got a guy I need you to make a wardrobe for. He’s currently showering because he smelled horrible.” Akito looked over and smiled a little as he nodded.

“Of course I’ll do it. You guys always pay well, and besides, I bet he’s quite the eye candy.” I rolled my eyes playfully, but shrugged and led him back to Seren’s room, after Akito got his sketchbook, measuring tape, and pencils so he could take Seren’s measurements so he could sew Seren’s wardrobe.

“Whatever, Akito. So, don’t stare too much, he’ll be uncomfortable.” Then I left the room, leaning against the wall as I waited. After about 15 minutes, Akito walked out, his face beet red as he nodded, giving me a thumbs up as he walked away. “... Oh dear.” I mumbled, then I peaked inside and Seren looked a little annoyed, a sheet wrapped around his body. “... Are you okay?” Seren paused, then nodded a little.

“... Yeah, but… it was a bit uncomfortable to be checked out so… obviously. I um… I haven’t had that happen before.” I paused as well, looking at him for a moment.

“... I guess it can be uncomfortable at first… However, you eventually get used to people staring at you. Uh… Unfortunately. But… I’ll tell Akito to tone down the staring. He won’t actually touch you though, he’s more respectful than that. Once you have some clothes, we can start our day. For now, you can use some of the off-the-rack clothes we have. They might be a bit tight, and they won’t be as comfortable, but it’ll be better than bein’ naked.” Seren snorted a little and nodded, tilting his head to the side slightly.

“Sounds great. What are we doing?” I thought for a moment before speaking again.

“Well, first I’m going to change my clothes. Second, we’re going to the store to grab blankets and clothes. Then we’re going downtown to pick someone up, who will tell us what food we need. Then, once we have the food and water, we’re going to go back downtown and start working.” Seren looked confused, but I didn’t respond. Instead, first told Fiorella Seren needed clothes, then I went to my room to change my clothes, out of my favorite pink dress with white lace, to a paint stained T-shirt, overalls, boots, and I put my hair into a ponytail, then I grabbed a hat and a bottle of sunscreen. Just as I was about to leave my room, I remembered… Seren’s also pretty pale. And he’s a ginger. People with ginger hair often get sunburns easily. I should grab extra sunscreen. By the time I walked back into the hall next to Seren’s room, he was dressed, in a similar outfit, a dark green T-shirt, jeans, boots, and a pair of work gloves in his pocket. I nodded and gestured for him to follow me. “Let’s go and get this show on the road.”