OTTO HIGHTOWER

The King's Hand raising the heir to the throne? It seems natural and right for everyone, since Otto is a highly respected and well-educated Hand, with knowledge of how to rule a kingdom. But it never occurred to Otto that he would be the one to mentor the princess, the heir to the Iron Throne. But then again, her father is full of surprises. In the early days, things weren't so bad. Sometimes Otto and the princess could be seen in the library, collecting books to read together.

Sometimes they could be seen in the courtroom or the garden, and sometimes in the throne room itself. Otto would stroll around the castle, the princess reluctantly following him, clinging closely to Otto. And gods, he was boring to watch. He was so... traditional, at least chatty. Not in a fun way, but in the most boring way ever known to mankind.

The princess would be there, looking uninterested in what Otto was saying, while Otto would talk... and talk... and talk. Whether it was about politics, past rulers, or the importance of ruling, he would be there, chatting like there was no tomorrow. They would be up even in the dead of night; the princess didn't want to stay up late, even for these lessons. But Otto didn't sleep - or at least he was forced to.

The sun rises and the first rays of morning light illuminate every inch of the castle. Everyone is still asleep, or at least preparing to begin their usual duties. But Otto? Gods, he has already been all over the place. He woke the princess early to... her duties as heir. It irritated her.

“You will be queen one day, princess. It would be better if we carried out your duties than if you sat idle in the future. That would be terrible for the kingdom.” “No,” Otto says sharply, striding through the halls with his usual reserved, stoic expression, not at all concerned about the princess walking behind him. Where was he even going? It was still too early.

I teach the princess as my ward, because she is the heir to the iron throne, the princess is rather grumpy, and I am smart and wise.