Requested by: @Bratzgirl23

(Y/n)'s POV

I continuously flexed my fingers in an attempt to calm my nerves. In a rush to get here on such short notice, I had not taken the time to make myself look presentable for the royal family.

My plain cream-coloured blouse and brown pants that folded at the cuffs matched with black boots were by no means proper attire for a lady about to enter the palace.

With my hair straightened out, I set foot inside the large building. I had memorised the instructions Haine had sent me in a letter, remembering all the right turns.

It surprised me that there were no guards guarding the entrance but I suspected that Haine had gotten me clearance to enter the castle.

Paying no mind to the servants roaming the halls, I headed to towards what I assumed to be a sitting room, according to what I read from Haine's letter. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door.

"Come in."

I opened the door, seeing the four princes with my cousin sitting by a window. I immediately dropped into a bow, keeping my head lowered, and greeted them with a formal introduction.

"Ah, you must be the (Y/n) that Haine said was coming," exclaimed Leonhardt.
"Yes, that would be me."
"Hmm, I was sorta expecting a cute, young girl with a beautiful gown and-"
"I'm sorry for disappointing you, your highness."
"Licht, that's enough. She's our guest," said Bruno.
"She's...your cousin?" Kai asked.
"Yes, that is correct," Haine replied.

I looked at the prince who had spoken. Haine had warned me about his sharp eyes and seemingly intimidating appearance. I smiled politely, dipping into a bow.

"Your highness."

Leonhardt pulled me aside, an arm around my shoulder. I did not bother resisting as he whispered a question into my ear, yet the others were already peering at us with confusion.

"You're not scared by him?" he asked.
"No, I see no reason to judge someone just based on their appearance alone."
"What are you doing here anyway? Haine didn't tell us anything."
"He has asked me to help with your tutoring."
"If you would let go of my cousin, that would be very much appreciated."

Leonhardt let go of my arm, making me realise that I had been depending on him with my balance. I stumbled a few steps, stopping just short of hitting Bruno's back.

"I'm sorry."
"Shall we begin then?"

~Some time later~

I sat, unsure of what to do while I waited. Kai had fallen asleep with his head on my lap and Licht was using my back as a backrest while he read. The shade of the tree prevented the sun's hot rays from beating down on us.

I watched as Leonhardt and Haine rode by on their horses. Bruno sat opposite us, under the shade of the gazebo with his notebooks spread out before him.

Muffling a tired yawn, I looked down at Kai and saw him looking straight back at me. My hands had unconsciously began playing with his hair in the time that he was asleep.

I jumped back out of shock, knocking Licht over and making Kai sit up. With an irritated sigh, Licht picked up his book and stared at his older brother.

"Sorry..." Kai apologised.
"Don't be. It was my fault. Please forgive me."
"(Y/n), mind helping me with this?" Bruno asked.

I left the two and went to Bruno's side, looking at the question that he was referring to. It had concepts relating to the life of commoners, something that might be hard for a member of the royal bloodline to grasp a hold of.

"Do you live in the same household as master?" he asked.
"No, I reside with my parents."
"Did you perhaps go horse riding before you came? Your attire seems to fit that of a professional."
"Yes, I take part in contests to earn money for my family. We aren't very well off, you see."
"Oh...well, if you ever need any help, don't hesitate to ask. I'll try to do whatever I can and hopefully my brothers will too."
"*smiles* Thank you."
"That's...the first genuine smile you've done since you arrived here."

I considered his words, trying to remember everything I've done. Once my thoughts were gathered and I was back to the present, I realised that Bruno had leaned in closer to pluck a leaf out of my hair.

"I believe this fell in when you were with Kai and Leo," he said.
"Oh, thank you."
"Hey (Y/n)," Licht greeted while sitting beside me.

He had a sandwich in his hand, making Bruno frown in distaste. He told me to open my mouth, making me blush when he fed me the sandwich. I took a small bite, looking away from his gaze.

"Licht, you're making her uncomfortable," Bruno exclaimed.
"No I'm not. She seemed hungry so I was only giving her food. It's good, right (Y/n)? I made it myself."
"T-thank you, Prince Licht."
"If it's food you want, I've asked the chefs to prepare our lunch," Leonhardt said as he sat down on the bench, looking at Licht eat with the same distaste as Bruno.
"(Y/n)...will come along...for lunch, right?" asked Kai.
"Of course. If you do not mind my company."
"I believe the princes would love for you to accompany them," Haine answered.
"*blush* Tch, love..." Leonhardt said to no one in particular.

~Lunchtime~

I tried to contain my surprise but found it very hard to hold back. This simple lunch that they were so used to was similar to a grand feast one would partake in on a celebration.

It was my first time seeing something so extravagant become so ordinary. Licht suddenly put an arm around my shoulder, a grin on his face.

"It's your first time eating a meal like this, right? Don't hold back. We have plenty more," he exclaimed.
"'Don't hold back'? What an unladylike thing to do," Bruno commented.
"(Y/n), I-I won't judge you," Leonhardt said, his gaze elsewhere.
"What do you mean, your highness?"
"I think he wants to say that he doesn't mind. Whatever you do, he'll still think of you the same-"

Leonhardt immediately covered Haine's mouth, a huge blush now visible on his cheeks. I found myself laughing, not out of mockery but out of pure happiness.

Spending some time with these princes, I've come to realise that not all nobles were stuck-up brats. Although they weren't perfect, they were far better than I had expected from royalty.

"Are we...going to eat?" Kai asked, already seated at the table.
"Yeah, let's dig in," Licht exclaimed happily.
"Show some manners," Bruno scolded.
"They're nice kids, aren't they?" Haine asked as we made our way last to the table.
"Yes, they're way better than I had imagined."