A/N: Shrek 2 is never clear of Harold's past, so in my story he's a prince and Lilian is a common girl. The Fairy Godmother's deal with Harold isn't clear either, so this is just my interpretation of it all.

Chapter One: Done for the Day

Through the echoing, vast room came the commanding voice of the prince's father.

"Again!" That sternness in his voice was something the prince never dared defy, for he was a bit too fearful for what his consequence would be if he did so. Thus, he went about his sword technique again. The lightning fake-out jab to then pursue his true goal: the head. His ultimate opponent defended himself, counter attacking and catching his son off guard. The prince's footwork became lost and his stumble transformed into his downfall on the tile floor.

The sword came to his shoulder, but the prince was reluctant to glance up to his father. However, the blade had a different idea. His eyes slowly came to meet his father's...Prince Harold was surprised to see what he did at that moment. His father, the king of Far Far Away, gave him a warm glance. It was clear his son was exhausted.

"Get up, Harold," the king said. "We're done for the day. Your footwork could use some work, but your technique is improving drastically over this past week. Good for today Son."

Harold rose to his feet, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He thought this would never end. The king walked out and Harold found himself a luxurious shower followed by a quick snack. He was dressed in a rather neutral outfit after his training. He had plans to walk the kingdom of Far Far Away today, thinking fresh air and conversation with the people would do him some good.

He closed the refrigerator, holding an apple and a dish of carmel, and he sat down at the table.

"Oh, Harold," a gentle voice came into the kitchen. It was his mother, the queen of Far Far Away. "Done for today?"

"Yes," the prince replied. "You know, Dad has me gasping for air after the first couple of hours." She chuckled, sitting down across from her son, watching him eat his apple, which was occasionally dipped into the dish of carmel. That had been his favorite snack since his was young.

"Well, you look certainly casual this afternoon. Just going to hang about?" she asked.

"Actually," Harold contradicted politely. "I was thinking about walking around the kingdom today." His mother's face lit up slightly, but Harold still couldn't fathom whether that was surprise or agreement.

"That sounds like a great idea," his mother said. "After all, you are their future king. Befriend the people dear, just don't play favorites." Harold sighed, for that's the phrase his mother always told him before he walked into town.

"I know, I know," he sighed. "Before you ask, my room is in complete order and the crown is in perfect condition..." Harold stood again to put the dish in the sink. He preferred to make the chefs and maids less work, so he did a little extra whenever he had the time to do so.

The queen laughed again, seeing her son going that extra step and how it seemed he grew up so fast. "Alright, well you have fun. But come back at a decent hour okay? Not like last time with your friend Arthur and Doc. I swear Arthur is nothing but trouble, and stay away from James Hook today please."

Harold smiled at her last comment. "I will, Mother. Goodbye for now."

"Bye dear," she replied. She just wanted to warn him. She knew that at Harold's age of 17 and all, the world wasn't nice, but she also knew that if he was to run this kingdom one day, he had to face the world itself.