Oi, here we go. I guess this could be considered a uh…spinoff, if you will, of my other fic "No Time For You". However, it could also work by itself. However, just read it in your own way, linked or unlinked. Enjoy. Legend of Dragoon belongs to its respective owner/producer.

…and this story is from Albert's POV.
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Pains and Duties of Royalty
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Chapter One: Pain
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"Your majesty? My goodness, it's late! Come one, up and at'em! Goodness me, how late…"

"Bardle, just five more minutes…"

"Absolutely not sir! You have cold breakfast waiting for you, not to mention your training among other things!"

"Please Bardle, I just—"

"Forgive me sir!" A stabbing cold assails my body, and my eyes pop open, only to see Bardle whipping away the last of sheets and the blanket that had been covering me just a moment before.

"Soa, Bardle! What is so wrong with five more minutes!"

"If you recall, your majesty, you specifically asked me to do anything to get you up this day."

"Did I? I don't remember such a thing. For what reason?"

"You have a recreational meeting with one of the sisters, my lord."

"I do? Which one?"

"What was her name…Miranda was it? Perhaps it was Melissa…no, I think it was Miranda. Yes, that was her name. Miranda." Ah, her. That beautiful blonde. Just as beautiful as she is deadly with her bow.

"And where is Emille?"

"She has already left for her daily walk, sir."

"Very well, I'm up." I swing my legs over the side of the bed, carefully making sure not to touch the cold tile, and to plant my feet on the carpet. Unfortunately, my morning grogginess impedes me, and one of my feet lands on a freezing surface. I grimace, but make no effort to move.

"Your slippers might help, sir." Bardle, my faithful friend, slides a pair of warm slippers over to me. He's not a butler or servant, but a friend. Nothing less of an equal person.

"Ah, thank you, Bardle." I slip into them, and stand up. Bardle is already trying to help me with my shirt.

"Soa, what's the rush?"

"It's almost eleven o' clock! The meeting is at two!"

"Is that all? That's plenty of time, my friend. No rush."

"I'm not so sure, sire. She's already on her way!"

"You can't be serious…?" So early? What is her rush?

"I'm afraid I am, sir. Come now, quit being argumentative, put this on, hurry up…" He tosses me a green shirt, and it slides over my head. Everything is just sort of mechanical. It's still a little early for me.

"Hurry now, into your leggings…" I climb into my pants, then Bardle attaches the armored leggings.

"Don't forget your top armor, majesty."

"I'm not, just give me some time…" I finish buttoning my pants, and grab a decorative armored vest from the wall above my bed. Before putting it on, I check the pouch inside. A marble-like object is in the pouch. Good. I lift it over my head, and try to let it fall on me. However, my arms get stuck.

"Uh, Bardle? Some help would be most appreciated…" he looks up from straightening the bed, and rushed to my side.

"Oh, apologies, sir!...No, no, your arm goes through there, sir. Now, snap that…yes, there you go, very good, sir." The vest slides into place, and Bardle makes a last minute inspection.

"Well? Is everything in place?"

"Indeed sir! Top notch! Now, hurry, to the hall, your breakfast is waiting!" He picks up any clothing left on the floor, and then pushes me out of the bedroom. He leaves me with some parting words.

"And don't come back until you've had your fill!...sir!"
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"Ah, greetings your majesty! Your seat is waiting, as is a special guest!"

"Ah, and who would that be?"

"I'm not quite sure, I haven't seen her before."

"Oh? A female?"

"Yes sir, and I must say, she is quite the looker." He laughs, and goes back to the kitchen. The cooks here are a motley crew, and add some much needed humor and good will in this castle.

I push the huge, oaken doors apart, and step through. I notice my breakfast on the table, and judging by the steam, still quite hot. But then, something else catches my attention. Something far more attractive.

"Albert! How nice to see you!"

"Miranda! Friend! How are you?" She rises from her chair, and I meet her halfway in a hearty hug. She smells quite lovely, perhaps a bit like roses, or maybe azaleas.

"Oh, not much has happened. I'm bored, Albert. Ever since Melbu was defeated, nothing has been going on! There's no more use for heroes like us! I've been looking all over for something to do, and nothing has caught my fancy! I was hoping that perhaps maybe there was a something we could do together. I already saw Dart, and he seems a bit preoccupied with Shana, if you know what I mean…" She smirks, and spins on her heel, heading back towards the table. I follow, and sit at my seat.

"Ah, yes, I know all too well what you mean."

"And I saw Kongol, whohas a strange idea of a good time. Do you know he smashes boulders? How could that be fun?"

"Well, Miranda, everyone has their own idea of fun. What's yours?"

"I know, I know, but crushing rocks? But me? I enjoy a bit of arching." I begin to eat, and start with the eggs. She eats too. I don't know why, but she seems to be smiling…

"Miranda? Is something funny?"

"No, I just had a wonderful idea! Let's trade!" She puts her fork down, and her eyes gleam. She looks even more attractive than before. Her hair looks silky smooth, and shines under the light from the windows.

"Trade? How so?"

"I'll teach you how to use a bow—"

"But I already know---"

"How to properly use a bow…"

"Ah, well…uh…ahem. And in exchange…?"

"You teach me how to use a halberd!"

"Seems like a fun idea."

"Excellent! We couldstart now!" She claps, and jumps out of her seat.

"Uh, well, I'm still---"

"Yes, thank you Albert! Come on then! To the range!" She grabs my arm, and pulls me with her. I take a final bite of my breakfast.