When Ling was growing up he always had guards his father had hired, scary men who were only capable of scowls. It wasn't until he had reached the double digits that he was introduced to his new guard: a warrior that would be assigned to him for life. Lan Fan was a fierce, cute, and quiet girl. Her hair was only halfway to her shoulders, but otherwise kept in a short ponytail. Her dark eyes watched Ling intently, no matter where he went. Especially around the yard, where he attempted to make her play with him. For around a year, she kept her mouth shut, not one single vowel spoken to the young prince. But when he was nearly snatched by an older sibling, Ling finally heard her loathing voice as she attacked the older prince.
After that she began to talk, but only when spoken to by Ling. The servants never got a reply to any accommodations they offered her, the chefs never got her favorite food choice. Ling was the only one who ever heard Lan Fan's beautiful voice. That was probably around the time he fell in a childish love for her. Of course, he never really said so, but it was clear to anyone who looked long enough. Lan Fan saved him from harsh looking adults who cared nothing about him. Lan Fan was his best friend growing up, Lan Fan was his best friend now.