They were young back then. When they first met. Simple children from different classes. One far above the rest. Yet she did not seem to care. No, she treated them all the same as she treated her royal blood. That was what he liked best about her. That was the reason he was able to handle all the turmoil Gunter would put him through because, in the end, it would make him better able to serve her.

"Lady Corrin." He knocks gently on her door. "Your tea is ready." There was no reply. He sighs before letting a small smile on his face. She must still be sleeping. Nothing uncommon for the dear lady. Carefully Jakob lets himself into the room. There she was. Her limbs lying carelessly on the bed. She was never a neat sleeper.

Jakob moves about the room with a settled ease. He had been here many times. While she slept and while she was awake. This room was her lady's but he knew it just as well as she did. As her butler, he needed to. That way he could fix any mess that may occur in it. He hums the song he knew she loved waking up to. A very old one that Flora and Felicia had taught them as children. Flora sang it best, but Jakob hummed it whenever Lady Corrin was fast asleep long past hours where she should be awake. He sets the tray that held her breakfast down near her bed, on a small drawer.

A sign that the song was working it magically gave way the longer he hummed. Lady Corrin's body began to shift. Her nose wrinkles ever so slightly. He remembers the first day he saw her nose do that. They were playing outside with the other children of the palace. Tag was the game. She had just been caught, again. Upset she stomped her foot on the ground, wrinkled her nose, and screamed out in frustration. As the foolish boy, he was he pinched said nose. Wonder turned into surprise as she tackled him to the ground. Then anger as Gunter tore them apart. He lectured Jakob on decorum and professionalism. Never again did he touch the princess afterward. Not even in moments like these, where there was no one else. Her hair ever so slightly in her face as her head rolls about her pillow. His hands never drift to that slight piece of hair. They never tuck it away. He always remains professional. For she was his lady, and he could live with that. For they both knew that she was also his only friend.

"Jakob?" Her eyes open slowly and he nods.

"Yes, princess?" He finishes pouring her own cup of tea.

"What time is it?"

"Well past time for tea, and your studies to begin. I must say I have never seen the old man quite so irritable than when you miss your lessons."

"We both know he is much worse when you miss yours." She replies with a sly smile. "Troublemaker." She taunts.

"Now, now milady. We both know who really has caused his hair to grow grey."

She laughs. "You're right."

"Indeed. Clearly, it was Felicia."

She laughs louder. "I think it was more of a group effort. A front we could all stand united on." She jests, but little did she know that Jakob's heart flutters whenever she laughs.

"Thank you for the morning tea Jakob."

"Afternoon." He corrects.

"Hmm, then I imagine you wouldn't mind joining me." She offers. Jakob lifts up the teapot once more. Slowly he pours tea into the second cup he had brought. He knew this room as well as his own. Yet he knew her far better than himself.

"Never milady." He replies loyally as he takes his own cup within his hands. Moments such as these were his favorites. Small, simple moments of happiness. Just him and his lady. His hopes were for many more in the years to come. Even as he knew she would eventually leave this shelter that was truly a prison, and marry another royal far more worthy of her then himself. They would have moments of their own. Whoever the lucky man would be, he would never know her as well as himself. No that took years of dedication, and dare he even says, love? Yes, they would have moments of their own, but no other man would be able to match his knowledge of his precious lady.