From the dark corner, he peeked through the curtains overlooking the festivities below. He knotted his lips to the side of his face and held tight to the fabric in his fist. All of this was for his honor and would last for days. It would be his last night to be a simple prince. Unlike everyone good spirits, He wanted nothing to do with all this and would have traded his position with any of the simple common persons eating, drinking and being merry.

So bothersome. Why do I have to host this? I don't… I do not want to do this.

Taking a few steps, he backed away and fad into the shadows. As he turns to leave, he bumps into something firm yet also soft. The curves and feel of the folds were familiar and that's when he sucks his teeth in annoyance.

“A little nervous your Highness?” her voiced peeped in that high pitched innocence he has long since learned to be fake. He stepped and guessed the spacing to walk around her and come into the view of the moonlight over the balcony.

He picked up the pace as he hears the clicking of her shoes. He didn't hear her before so obviously, she was intentionally annoying him. Little things like that, from the point of view of the guardian of his household, are minor. It's apparently difficult to find someone as devout and competent as her.

Tch, Competent! He whipped around to face her.

“Walk more quietly!” He ordered.

So irritated, he forgot to raise his line of sight and saw her mischievous smirk before she schooled her expression to an appropriate smile of a maid of the palace.

Why must she be taller?

His pride kept him from looking up, but his embarrassment filled his thoughts about his stature.

“Are you desiring something, your highness?”

He tilted his head up and looked straight at her eyes. Though her lips kept up the act, her eyes told the truth of how much she enjoys and will continue to deny him peace.

Remin calm. I am the Crown Prince who will be king tomorrow and a king should NOT allow a simple servant to bother him for petty things, stupid things, things that a REAL simple servant would know not to-

“Ah Prince Iteirti, please. We must go and dress you for the night.”

"And prepare for the morning."

Two other servants came and bow in front of him. He tried in vain to cover his redden cheeks and calm himself. He didn't realize until now that he had been trembling with frustration. He turned back to look at the cause of his bad mood, only to see that she had disappeared into the shadows…again.

Sigh, I know you're still here. You may be the best bodyguard, but the worst person I have ever met.

“Let us go and get ready for the party." Begrudgingly, the young prince following the two servants back to his dressing chambers.

With more effort than he wanted to admit, he walked with a dignity befitting a soon to be king, and not dragging his feet like a young child facing punishment.