FFamran was already dreading the day. He was seven years old, and being dragged to the Dalmascan palace. And, worse yet, he was expected to spend time with the four year old princess. A drooly messy child, no less.

"But Dad," Ffamran whined as they were escorted down the hallway. "She's a baby. I don't want to have to play dolls or have a tea party."

"Ffamran!" His father scolded. "I do not wish to hear you speak in such a way! Princess Ashelia is to be treated with utmost respect."

The young brunette scowled but hid it quickly. "Yes, Father."

Bowing his head in what would seem to be embarrassment, the young Archadian gentleman followed silently behind his father, who was muttering to himself about something.

The two men escorting them stopped outside a doorway. "The Princess is in here. Young man," one of the men spoke. "If you would follow me please. Cidoulfus, you are expected by the king in an hour's time. Until then, Vossler will show you to the sitting room."

The younger escort nodded and led Ffamran's father off, leaving him with the other man and the looming sense of dread.

The man leading him opened the door and ushered him in.

"Hello! Are you here to play?" A bubbly little voice asked as a girl came into view.

The princess was a pudgy little child, with short pale hair and grey blue eyes. She took one of his hands and pulled him into the room. "Don't be shy! Come meet my best friend, Marchioness Argas. She's my governess!"

"Have fun," his escort said with a laugh as he left the room.

Ffamran glared at him and stuck out his tongue. That young blonde man sure seemed to find his torture a fun subject.

"So," He said a bit roughly. "What do you want to do?"

"Play pretend!" The little girl laughed with a smile. "You can be the hero!"

He let a little bit of a smile show on his face. Pretend? Well, it was better than dolls. And hero? Even he liked the sound of that. "Sure kid. Why not?"

He then changed tones. "Fair lady, dear princess! Do not fret! The leading man is here to save the day!"

He gave an over dramatic bow, and princess Ashelia grinned and giggled.

"You are such a brave knight!" Her face was a wide grin, and Ffamran couldn't help but let himself get caught up in her happiness. "Can you save me from the dragon? Oh no! Look out, it's right behind you!"

He pulled out and imaginary sword. "I've got you princess! No need to worry!"

"Oh do hurry! It scares me!" Her face actually was so believable that he had to pause and make sure there really wasn't anything there.

"Take this foul beast!" The seven year old swung his 'sword' at the air, forgetting that he was supposed to be upset that he was playing with her.

Ashelia broke into a joyous expression. "Oh how can I repay you good sir? You have saved me!"

He knelt down in front of her and looked her in those sparkling eyes. "No need to repay, Princess. It's my job as leading man."

"Well, how about a kiss?" The four year old left a drooly kiss on his cheek.

But, instead of being mad and wiping it off, Ffamran laughed. "That'll do just fine."

Because he had realized that maybe he was just a bit too serious for someone his age. He had realized not everything had to be about what he liked. And because he had realized even this "drooly, messy, baby" could be an interesting companion. And he honestly wouldn't mind next time his father was sent to speak here.

As long as he got to be the hero, that is.