Chapter 3: Routine
1013 A.D
It had been six years since Rosalina disappeared. The next six years were quite uneventful in the kingdom. Things were more uneventful for what's left of the royal family.
Prince Leonard, now 16 years old, was in the middle of his royal lessons. When Rosalina was still around, his lessons weren't intense as hers. But since she's gone, that left Leo as the only heir, so his education had increased dramatically and he hated it. It's not like he didn't want to be king, he just doesn't like the learning process of it.
Leo was daydreaming when his tutor, an older female toad, smacked her ruler on his desk.
"Prince Leonard!" his tutor said, "What did I tell you about daydreaming during lessons?"
"I wasn't daydreaming ma'am," Leo lied.
"Alright, then answer this question. Who is the Mushroom Kingdom's closest ally?" the tutor said.
"Sarasaland," Leo quickly replied.
"That is correct," the tutor sighed. "And I think we shall conclude your lessons for the day. You may go your highness. But try to pay more attention next time please."
"Yes, ma'am," Leo stood up and left the room. While he knew that his tutor is nice, she's just a little strict when it comes to teaching.
Leo roamed the halls of the castle. Servants and guards that had passed by gave him a quick bow to him. Leo entered the dining hall for lunch, where his father is unable to attend.
The relationship between Leo and his father had changed since Rosalina left. They were close, but at the same time, rather distant. Leo, despite not telling his father why Rosalina left, still believed that she will one day come back. King Roman, on the other hand, believed that Rosalina most likely wasn't. Since she disappeared, Roman rather become overprotective of Leo. Whenever Leo wanted to leave the castle, either to explore Toad Town, or even go in the castle garden, he would always be accompanied either by his father, guard, or even a castle staff member. This went on until Leo turned 15 when he finally convinced his father to let him go out on his own.
After lunch, Leo went to Toad Town. The citizens were always friendly to him and he returned that gesture. One of his favorite thing to do was just simply mingling with them. His mother, when she was alive, often did the same thing. She believed that to become a great ruler, is to treat everyone equally no matter what social class they are. She treated the citizens as if they were her closest friends. Leo wanted to continue that legacy.
When nightfall arrived, Leo would stargaze in the same spot his sister used to before she left. He knew somewhere in space she was out there exploring and caring for the luma she found. He would often wonder if Rosalina is still looking for the luma's mother. There have been times where thought up worst case scenarios, but deep down, he knew that she was still safe.
He would then return to have dinner with his father. They would often talk about kingdom business since in a matter of years Leo will have to become king.
"Your tutor told me that you're doing exceptionally well on your studies," Leo's father said.
"Oh, she has?" Leo said.
"Yes. She also told me that you need cut back your daydreaming as well," the King joked, in which Leo slightly blushed.
"But it is good that you're doing well with your learning. Once my time will end, this kingdom will need a bright intelligent leader like you."
As much it was true, Leo hated the thought of his father dying. Leo would often think what he would do without his father's guidance. For a man who lost his wife and daughter, he had never brought himself down. However, Leo knew that each day since Rosalina left, his father had died a little on the inside.
Aside from the talks about the kingdom and Leo's studies, there was also the occasional topic of Leo finding a wife as well since he is close to the age where he is eligible to marry. Leo thoughts on marriage were always the same. He often said he wasn't comfortable talking about that topic and that he would worry about it whenever he feels settled in as king, to which his father understands.
After dinner, they bid each other goodnight before heading to their chambers. Leo was reading his favorite book, as he always has before going to sleep. After reading, he went out on his balcony to look at the stars in the sky to do the same thing he's been doing every night for 6 years.
"Goodnight Rosie. Hope you're still safe out there, somewhere."
Leo then walked back inside and closed the door.
6 years have past and seems like some things have changed.
Sorry If i haven't been updating this story much. I've been busy with my Legend of Zelda fanfic, Destiny, and I just finished my semester at college. I'm also sorry if these chapters seem short. I'm trying to give this story similar format that Rosalina's Storybook had.
