Royalty

The morning sun poured through the porthole of the shared bedroom, casting golden light over the curve of your shoulder. You stirred with a soft sigh, warm and wrapped in the lingering scent of Sanji’s cologne and the faintest trace of last night’s perfume—an blend of lavender and black tea that always clung to him after a late-night cleaning spree in the kitchen.

He was already gone, of course. Sanji always rose before everyone else, like the sun itself couldn’t function without him in the galley. You smiled sleepily, fingers trailing over the sheets where he’d lain beside you. But as your hand wandered, it caught on something small and cold resting on the edge of the nightstand.

Your brow furrowed.

You sat up, blinking away the fog of sleep, and picked it up.

A wedding ring.

His wedding ring.

The same gold band you had both exchanged months ago. You’d both promised to never take them off unless absolutely necessary.

Your lips twisted into a crooked smile. “Really, Sanji?”

He must’ve left it behind during his morning routine. That man could be precise in a fight and in the kitchen, but he was an absolute mess when it came to organizing his own life. How he managed to forget his ring of all things, though, was beyond you.

Still holding the ring between your fingers, you padded out of the room barefoot, intent on returning it.

—|

Sanji was in hell.

Not actual hell. No, not the fiery, brimstone kind.

This was a personal hell—a very specific nightmare built for only one man:

He had lost his wedding ring.

It started like any other morning. He’d gotten up early, brushed his teeth, showered, prepped breakfast, and was halfway through chopping vegetables before he looked down at his hand and realized the unmistakable absence of cool metal against his skin.

Panic had gripped him like a vice.

His first instinct had been to retrace his steps. He’d run back to the bathroom, rifled through towels, checked the sink drain like a madman, then sprinted back to the bedroom to toss the sheets like a burglar.

Nothing.

He hadn’t told you. How could he?

He couldn’t face you without it. You meant everything to him. That ring was more than a symbol—it was you. Losing it felt like he’d just dropped his entire world down a drainpipe.

So, he avoided you.

Which was hard, because you kept trying to talk to him.

You’d poked your head into the galley once that morning, the ring held behind your back. “Hey love, you okay? You seem a little distracted today.”

He hadn’t even looked up from the cutting board. “Oui, ma chérie, everything is perfect. Just focused on breakfast. Run along, okay?”

The confused look on your face had almost broken him.

Then there was lunch. You’d come by again, ring in hand.

“Sanji, can we talk?”

“Sorry, lunch rush! Later, my sweet! Mwah!”

He’d all but shoved a tray of soba into Usopp’s hands and practically dove into the pantry to avoid you. Each time he saw you, guilt tore another hole in his gut.

⸻

By the time dinner came around, you were fuming.

You’d tried giving him the ring three more times. Each time, he brushed you off. The most recent attempt, he’d actually ducked under the table when he saw you walking in.

You stood outside the galley, arms crossed, the ring clutched tightly in your palm. Maybe you were overthinking it. Maybe he didn’t want to wear it anymore?

No. That didn’t make sense.

Sanji adored you. Worshiped the ground you walked on, to the point of idiocy. Whatever this was, it wasn’t about not wanting to wear the ring.

But damn if it wasn’t hurting.

⸻

It was late.

Most of the crew had turned in for the night. The lights on the Sunny’s deck were low, the sound of the waves soft against the hull. You sat on the bed, legs tucked beneath you, the ring sitting on the pillow beside you like a small, accusing ghost.

The door creaked.

You looked up.

Sanji stood in the doorway, half in shadow, half cast in the soft golden light from the hall. He looked exhausted. Hair disheveled. Tie undone. Shoulders slumped.

But worst of all—he looked ashamed.

“Hey,” he said quietly.

You didn’t respond. You just looked at him.

He walked in slowly, as if approaching a minefield, and sat at the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, hands twisted together.

“I…” he began, then stopped, cleared his throat, and started again. “I have something to tell you, mon amour.”

You waited.

“I lost it,” he whispered. “I lost my ring. I noticed this morning and I… I’ve been looking for it all day. I tore apart the ship. I searched the kitchen, the vents, even the damn seagull nests. I was too embarrassed to tell you. I didn’t want you to think I didn’t care. That I wasn’t careful. I’m so sorry.”

He still didn’t look at you.

You picked up the ring and held it out to him, your voice calm.

“You mean this wedding ring?”

Sanji froze.

His head whipped toward you, eyes wide, jaw slightly open.

You arched a brow, voice carefully even. “The one I tried to give you since the start of the day? The same one you forgot in the bedroom this morning?”

His mouth opened. Then closed. Then opened again.

“I—I left it in the bedroom ?” he croaked, horrified.

You nodded slowly.

“I found it on the edge of the nightstand. I figured you took it off to wash your face or something and forgot. I tried to give it back. Multiple times. You even ducked behind Luffy once.”

“I thought you were mad at me,” he said, eyes still wide. “I thought you—”

“Sanji,” you interrupted, voice softening, “I’m not mad that you forgot it. I’m mad you ignored me all day. You could’ve just told me.”

He took the ring from your hand like it was sacred, eyes shimmering. “I didn’t want to disappoint you.”

You sighed and shifted forward, wrapping your arms around his shoulders from behind, pressing your forehead to the side of his neck.

“Sanji, I married you because I love you, not because of a ring. That’s just a piece of metal. A beautiful one, yes, but you are the reason it matters.”

He turned his head slightly, his nose brushing yours.

“I’ve been a fool,” he murmured. “A lovesick, panicking, fool.”

You kissed his cheek. “Yes, but you’re my fool.”

He slipped the ring back onto his finger slowly, reverently, as though he were putting it on for the first time.

Then he turned to face you fully, cupping your face in his hands.

“Je t’aime” he whispered.

You smiled. “Je t’aime aussi. Now, no more hiding from me behind dining tables.”

He laughed, breathless and warm, pulling you into a real kiss this time—soft, deep, full of the silent apologies and gratitude he couldn’t quite say aloud.

When you finally pulled back, he rested his forehead against yours, eyes closed.

“I swear, I’ll never take it off again.”

“Good,” you teased. “Because next time, I might just make you earn it back.”

His eyes lit up, lips curving. “Does that mean you’ll punish me, Mrs. Vinsmoke?”

You smacked his shoulder lightly. “It means I’ll make you sleep in the kitchen.”

He laughed again, and this time it was full, bright, and wholly relieved.

And just like that, the weight lifted, replaced with something infinitely warmer—something that sparkled even brighter than a silver ring under moonlight.

Love, as chaotic and imperfect as it was, had never tasted sweeter.

By the command and exclusive favor of Her Most Radiant and Serene Highness, the Princess.You are hereby named the Special Guest of the Court : @clare-875

The Princess thanks you dearly—for your wit, your charm, and most importantly, your service to the crown.

The Court :

The next morning, Zoro was sure he could find his way back to your house without a problem.

That confidence lasted about ten minutes.

“Oi, mosshead—are we there yet, or do you have us walking in circles?”

Zoro gritted his teeth and resisted the urge to chuck his sword at Sanji’s smug face. “Shut up, curly brows. I know where I’m going.”

“Do you?” Nami deadpanned, arms crossed as she huffed behind him. “Because we’ve been walking for an hour, and I swear we passed that same tree three times already.”

“Not my fault all the damn trees look the same,” Zoro muttered under his breath.

Usopp groaned, wiping sweat from his forehead. “Zoro, just admit it—you’re lost.”

“I am not lost,” Zoro insisted.

“You are absolutely lost,” Robin said with a small chuckle.

Luffy, who had been munching on a piece of meat as he followed along, finally tilted his head. “Zoro, didn’t the person you met say they’d tell you how to get there?”

Zoro stiffened.

He did not want to admit that he had, in fact, been given clear instructions. Worse than that, he did not want to start singing like a damn idiot in front of everyone.

But after another ten minutes of wandering aimlessly, he was left with no choice.

He sighed, running a hand down his face. “Tch… fine.”

“What was that? Didn’t quite catch that, marimo,” Sanji said, leaning closer with an infuriating smirk.

Zoro ignored him, shutting his eye and inhaling deeply. Then, in a low grumble, he started mumbling the song under his breath.

“Up the hill, past the tree,”

“Walk where the river used to be.”

There was a beat of silence.

Then—

Sanji snorted. “Are you singing?”

Luffy’s eyes sparkled. “Ohhh! Zoro, sing it louder!”

Zoro’s jaw twitched. “No.”

But unfortunately, Sanji was having the time of his life with this. “What was that? I can’t hear you, swordsman! Something about a river? Is that a nursery rhyme? I didn’t know you were so cute!”

“Say one more word and I’ll cut your damn tongue out,” Zoro growled.

“Not my fault you sound like a little kid skipping through a field of flowers,” Sanji cackled.

“Zoro, come on, don’t be shy!” Luffy beamed. “Keep going!”

Zoro hated everything about this.

But he also hated being lost.

Gritting his teeth, he powered through, voice barely above a mumble.

“Turn to the left, count to three,

“Then go right where the big rock’ll be.”

“Holy crap, wait,” Usopp said, blinking. “There is a big rock over there.”

Everyone paused.

They turned to look at the large, moss-covered rock resting just off the path.

“…Huh,” Nami mused. “That actually worked?”

Zoro refused to acknowledge the fact that your ridiculous song was actually helping. Instead, he just grumbled and kept walking.

“Follow the path, don’t lose sight,”

“Then you’ll find my house just right.”

The crew continued forward, and soon enough—

“There it is!” Chopper gasped, pointing ahead.

And just like that, your little house on the hill came into view.

Zoro crossed his arms, smug despite the slight redness in his face. “Told you I knew where I was going.”

Sanji scoffed. “Yeah, sure. You sang your way here like a lost child.”

Luffy, on the other hand, was grinning from ear to ear. “That was fun! Zoro, we should use songs to find places all the time!”

“Absolutely not.”

As the crew made their way up the hill, the door to your house creaked open, and you stepped outside, smiling when you saw them. “Well, well. You actually made it.”

Zoro huffed, glancing away. “Yeah, yeah.”

You folded your arms, amused. “So… did you sing the song?”

Sanji burst out laughing before Zoro could even reply. “Oh, he sang it. Like a sweet little lost lamb.”

Zoro groaned. “I swear to god—”

You chuckled, shaking your head. “Well, I’m glad you all found your way. Come on in—I made plenty of food.”

That was all it took for Luffy to go running toward you. “FOOOOOD!”

With that, the rest of the crew followed, leaving Zoro standing there with an exhausted sigh.

This was going to be a long day.

The Court :

The rhythmic rustling of the leaves was the only sound that accompanied you as you stood outside your house, the soft evening breeze carrying the scent of the forest. Your small home sat perched on a hill just beyond the thickest part of the woods, isolated from the rest of the island. You preferred it that way—fewer people meant fewer problems.

But today, you weren’t alone.

A stranger stood just a few feet away from your doorstep, looking just as perplexed as you felt.

Green hair. Three swords. Broad, muscular frame.

You held your breath, your fingers tightening around the wooden spoon you had been using before you heard the unmistakable crunch of boots on dry leaves. Your noodle legs taking you to your front door window.

He looked…dangerous

“Who are you?” you asked, voice firmer than you felt.

The man blinked, then let out a frustrated sigh. “Tch. Don’t tell me I wandered into someone’s house again.”

Again?

You frowned. “You mean to tell me you don’t even know how you got here?”

“That’s about right,” he admitted, scratching the back of his head. “I was just walkin’ through the forest, and then suddenly, I’m here.”

What the fuck ?

You stared at him, trying to gauge if he was a threat. His swords were still strapped to his hip, but he made no move to grab them. His stance, though relaxed, carried the kind of stillness that came with confidence—like he didn’t need to draw his weapon to be dangerous.

Slowly you got out of your house, spoon still in hand.

But something about him wasn’t setting off any alarms. His expression was open, a little annoyed but not aggressive. Just… lost.

You exhaled, lowering your guard just a fraction. “Well, you are at someone’s house. Mine.”

His eye flickered to the small wooden cottage behind you, then back to your face. “You live out here all alone?”

You crossed your arms. “Yeah. And I like it that way.”

The man hummed, as if he understood. “Huh.”

You watched him carefully, waiting for any sign of bad intentions, but instead of doing anything suspicious, he just… plopped down on the ground, legs crossed.

Well. That was unexpected.

“You’re just gonna sit there?” you asked.

“You got a better idea? Not like I know how to get back,” he grumbled. “Besides, I walked all damn day. My legs could use a break.”

You hesitated. He really didn’t seem like he was going to hurt you, and there was something strangely nonchalant about him that made it hard to stay tense.

“…You want some water?”

He tilted his head. “Huh?”

“You said you’ve been walking all day.” You turned toward your house, already pushing open the door. “Might as well have a drink before you try to find your way back.”

For a second, he didn’t respond, but then you heard the faintest chuckle. “Yeah. That’d be nice.”

⸻

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, you had already spent the better part of your day talking to the stranger.

His name was Roronoa Zoro. A swordsman.

Apparently, he was part of the infamous Straw Hat crew, though you had never met them. You had heard whispers of their exploits whenever you went into town for supplies, but you never paid much attention to rumors.

“Your captain just lets you wander off?” you asked, pouring yourself another cup of tea as Zoro leaned against your wooden porch.

“He doesn’t let me. It just happens,” Zoro grumbled.

You smirked. “So… you get lost a lot?”

Zoro scowled. “No.”

“You literally ended up at my house by accident…. "

“…Okay, maybe sometimes.”

You laughed, surprising even yourself. You couldn’t remember the last time you had entertained a guest, let alone one as odd as this swordsman. He was blunt, a little grumpy, but something about his presence wasn’t bad. In fact, it was… comfortable.

After a while, you sighed, setting your cup down. “You should probably head back before your friends start to worry.”

Zoro groaned, stretching his arms. “Yeah. If I take too long, Luffy’ll probably come looking for me, and that’ll be more of a headache.”

You hesitated, then glanced at him. “You should come back tomorrow.”

Zoro blinked. “Hah?”

“You heard me,” you said, suddenly feeling shy under his gaze. “You should bring your crew. If you all need a place to rest before you head out, you can come here.”

For a moment, Zoro just stared at you, as if trying to figure out if you were serious. Then, a small smirk pulled at his lips. “You sure about that? You just met me.”

You shrugged. “You don’t seem like a bad guy.”

Zoro let out a low chuckle. “Guess I should be flattered.”

But then, as if realizing something, his expression shifted. “…Wait. How the hell am I supposed to get back here?”

You raised an eyebrow. “You really don’t know?”

“If I did, I wouldn’t have ended up here by accident,” Zoro deadpanned.

You snorted. “Okay, fair point.” Then, after a moment of thought, you grinned. “I have an idea.”

Zoro narrowed his eye. “I don’t like that look.”

Ignoring him, you sat up straighter. “I made up a song a while back to help me remember how to find my house. You can just sing it tomorrow, and it’ll lead you back here.”

Zoro gave you the most skeptical look you had ever seen. “You’re joking.”

“Nope,” you said, crossing your arms. “You wanna come back or not?”

Zoro sighed, rubbing his temple. “Fine. What’s the stupid song?”

You grinned before dramatically clearing your throat.

« Up the hill, past the tree,

Walk where the river used to be.

Turn to the left, count to three,

Then go right where the big rock’ll be.

Follow the path, don’t lose sight,

Then you’ll find my house just right! »

Silence.

Zoro stared at you, completely deadpan. “…That’s dumb.”

You gasped. “Hey! It works!”

Zoro groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “You expect me to sing that?”

“You want to find my house, don’t you?”

He muttered something under his breath before standing up, rolling his shoulders. “Fine. Whatever. But if I get lost again, it’s your fault.”

You smirked. “Sure, sure.”

Zoro glanced at the darkening sky, then back at you. “Alright. I’ll tell my crew. Be ready for chaos, though.”

You laughed. “I think I can handle it.”

With that, Zoro gave you one last nod before stepping off your porch and disappearing into the trees.

You watched him go, a small smile lingering on your lips.

Tomorrow would be interesting.

The Court :

Days had passed since the fight.

Days spent trying—and failing—to stop thinking about him.

You weren’t the type to get distracted. You were a pirate, for god’s sake. You had a crew, a purpose, a life that didn’t include falling for a damn enemy cook.

And yet, here you were. Lying awake at night, replaying the way his fingers had felt against yours. The way his blue eyes had burned into you like a brand. The way your heart had betrayed you the moment you met him.

It was pathetic.

And it only got worse when your captain announced that you were going after the Straw Hats again.

The first attack had been a disaster. Your crew had retreated after realizing the Straw Hats weren’t just some weak, stupid pirate band—they were a lot stronger. But your captain was stubborn, and his pride was wounded. He was determined to try again.

You, on the other hand, were determined to do something really fucking stupid.

Which was how you found yourself sneaking away from your ship under the cover of night, heading toward the Straw Hats' anchored vessel with nothing but a stolen rowboat and a heart that refused to be quiet.

This was insane. Reckless. Possibly the dumbest thing you’d ever done.

But you had to see him.

You just… had to.

By some miracle, you managed to slip past the night watch. The ship was quiet, the crew fast asleep. You crept along the deck, searching for—

A shadow moved.

You barely had time to react before someone lunged, a blade pressed against your throat.

Your back hit the mast, breath catching in your throat as a familiar voice growled, “Didn’t get enough last time, huh?”

Zoro.

Of course it was Zoro.

You swallowed hard, raising your hands slowly. “Wait. I—I’m not here to fight.”

Zoro’s eyes narrowed. “Then why the hell are you here?”

Good question…A very, very good question.

“I…” Your words caught, nerves threatening to strangle you. Shit. How were you supposed to say this out loud? How were you supposed to admit that you had thrown away everything—your crew, your captain’s trust, your entire damn life—because of one single moment?

Because of one stupidly charming cook?

Before you could answer, another voice cut through the night.

“Oi, Marimo, what the hell do you think you’re doing?”

And there he was.

Sanji stood at the top of the stairs, a cigarette dangling from his lips, his expression unreadable. His eyes flickered between you and Zoro.

Zoro didn’t move. “Caught a rat sneaking around the ship.”

Sanji exhaled, stepping closer, the glow of his cigarette casting flickering shadows across his face. His ocean-blue eyes locked onto yours, and for a second, you forgot how to breathe.

“What are you doing here, sweetheart?” His voice was calm, almost as if to calm a frightened puppy or a child.

You had to say something.

“I—” You swallowed hard. “I left my crew.”

Zoro scoffed. “Convenient.” His blade didn’t lower.

Sanji, however, didn’t take his eyes off you. “Why?”

God, why did he have to look at you like that? Like he could see straight through you, past all the hesitation and fear and straight into the mess that had taken over your heart since the moment you met him?

“I don’t know,” you admitted, voice barely above a whisper. “I just—” You took a shaky breath. “I couldn’t fight you. I don’t want to fight you.”

It sounded so stupid out loud. Like the worst excuse ever. But it was the truth.

Zoro made a noise of disbelief. “You expect us to believe you just abandoned your entire crew because of him?” He shot a glare at Sanji. “What the hell did you do to her?”

Sanji smirked. “Can you blame her, Marimo? I do have that effect on women.”

You groaned, pointing to blade at your throat. “Oh my god, not the time.”

Sanji chuckled. “Sorry, love. Couldn’t help myself.” Then his gaze softened. “You serious about leaving your crew?”

You nodded. “My captain’s planning another attack on you guys. I—I didn’t want any part of it.”

Zoro frowned. “So what, you thought we’d just let you waltz onto the ship and stay here?” He lowered his blade,eyeing you suspiciously.

“…Maybe?”

Sanji sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Listen, I’d love to take you in, but it’s not my decision.” He nodded toward the interior of the ship. “You’ll have to talk to Luffy.”

You hesitated. Luffy. The infamous captain of the Straw Hats. If he said no, then what?

You had already burned your bridges. There was no going back.

Sanji must have noticed your hesitation, because he smiled, stepping closer. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll put in a good word for you.”

Zoro rolled his eyes. “Of course you will.”

You couldn’t help it—you smiled back. Just a little.

Maybe you were crazy. Maybe this was the dumbest decision of your life.

But standing here, looking into those blue eyes, you had a feeling you’d made the right one.

The Court :

The chaos of battle surrounded you. Swords clashed, gunfire rang through the salty air, and the shouts of fighting pirates filled your ears. Your captain had decided today was the day to attack the Straw Hats—an impulsive, reckless decision that left you questioning his leadership. But questioning orders wasn’t an option.

You had a role to play in this fight.

And that role currently had you standing face-to-face with a blonde man in a black suit, his cigarette hanging lazily from his lips as he blocked the path ahead. He had an easy smirk, but his stance was solid, his presence radiating confidence. He wasn’t taking you lightly.

Sanji

You knew of him, of course. The Straw Hats’ cook, the one who could destroy opponents with his legs alone. And damn, now that you were seeing him up close, you realized the rumors hadn’t done him justice.

But you didn’t have time to admire him. You had a fight to win.

Your grip on your weapon tightened, and you lunged.

And then he looked at you.

Blue eyes locked onto yours, piercing straight through you like a damn sword. There was no warning, no slow build-up—it hit you like a cannonball to the chest. Your heart stuttered, your breath caught, and your entire body froze mid-strike.

What the hell?

Your mind screamed at you to move, to swing, to do something, but all you could do was stare. It was like time itself had stopped. The battle around you faded, distant and unimportant. All that existed in that moment was him.

And oh, you were fucked.

Because it wasn’t just attraction. No, this was something deeper, something terrifyingly immediate. It was like your soul had just recognized something it had been searching for all along.

Sanji’s brows furrowed slightly at your hesitation. “Huh?”

You couldn’t speak. Couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t do anything.

Which was a problem—because the next thing you knew, a glint of silver caught your eye.

Zoro’s sword, swinging straight for your head.

You barely had time to react before a blur of black and blonde crashed into you, knocking you off balance and sending you tumbling to the ground. The impact left you breathless, but at least you weren’t dead.

“What the hell, Marimo?!” Sanji’s voice rang out above you, furious.

“She’s an enemy,” Zoro shot back, his sword still raised.

“She’s a lady! You absolute caveman!” Sanji’s weight shifted off you as he scrambled to his feet, standing between you and Zoro like a protective barrier. “You don’t just go swinging at a beautiful woman like that!”

You barely registered the words, still trying to process what had just happened. You had stopped attacking him. He had saved you. And now he was defending you?

Your face burned.

Zoro scoffed. “She was about to attack you.”

“Do you really think I’d let that happen?” Sanji exhaled, shaking his head like he was disgusted. “You wound me, Zoro. You really do.”

Meanwhile, you were still on the ground, staring up at them like an idiot. Your crew was fighting, your captain was barking orders, and you were sitting here having a crisis over some blonde man with a cigarette and a stupidly charming smile.

Sanji turned back to you, his expression softening. “Are you alright, mademoiselle?” He offered you a hand, his voice dripping with concern.

You hesitated. You shouldn’t take it. You were supposed to be enemies. This was supposed to be a fight.

But… god, you couldn’t help it.

Your fingers slipped into his, and he pulled you to your feet with effortless grace. The warmth of his skin sent electricity up your arm, and suddenly, you were hyper-aware of everything—his touch, his scent, the way he was way too close.

You had never felt so stupid in your life.

“I—uh—” Words? What were those again?

“I…I should-…have to go”

Sanji blinked, seemingly surprised. “You’re leaving?”

Yeah. Because if you stayed any longer, you were going to die of embarrassment.

You took a step back, heart hammering in your chest. This was ridiculous. You couldn’t just fall for someone in the middle of a battle. That wasn’t how this worked!

But as you turned to retreat, you couldn’t resist one last glance.

Sanji was still watching you, his expression unreadable. And maybe—just maybe—there was something in his eyes too. Something dangerous. Something too real.

You swallowed hard.