Head empty (⁠*⁠˘⁠︶⁠˘⁠*⁠)⁠.⁠｡⁠*⁠♡

And the thing is—it's not just during sex anymore. That's what really gets you. The kink bleeds outward, seeping into the cracks of your everyday life until you're starving for it in the most mundane moments. Izuku notices. Of course he does.

You're doing dishes and he brushes past you, hand ghosting over your hip, lips pressing a distracted kiss to your temple: "Good girl." Your knees nearly buckle. You're folding laundry on the couch and he glances over from his lesson plans, smiling soft and warm: "You're so perfect, you know that?" Your stomach flips. You're walking to the train after a long day and he laces his fingers through yours, squeezing gently: "So proud of you. You worked so hard today." Your chest goes tight and achy and you have to look away because you're not sure you won't cry over something so small and simple.

But it's not small. Not to you. Because praise from Izuku doesn't feel like empty flattery—it feels earned. It's not performative or patronizing. It's careful. Deliberate. Intimate. Like he's cataloging your worth and reading it back to you so you never forget it. And God, does that do something to you. Makes you softer. Pliant. Willing. Makes you want to be good—not just in bed, but always—just to hear him say it.

What you don't fully realize is what it does to him, too.

Because Izuku's praise kink isn't one-sided. It never was. He just didn't know it until you came along and showed him. He's spent his whole life being the one seeking validation—chasing acknowledgment, working himself ragged for a nod, a pat on the back, a simple I see you. Praise was always something he needed and rarely got. So when you give it to him—freely, eagerly, without him having to earn it through blood and broken bones—it breaks something open in his chest.

The first time you whisper "You feel so good, Izuku" against his mouth, his hips stutter. His breath catches. His eyes go wide and vulnerable in a way that makes your heart ache. He doesn't just want to hear it—he needs to hear it. Needs to know he's making you feel good. Needs to know he's enough. That he's doing it right. That he's yours and you're proud of it.

So it becomes a feedback loop. A symbiotic thing. He praises you because he means it, because he's obsessed with you, because watching you light up under his words makes him feel like the most powerful man alive. And you praise him right back because you need him to know—need him to feel it in his bones the way you feel it when he says "my good girl." You tell him he's incredible. You tell him he's the best you've ever had. You tell him nobody else could ever make you feel this way. And each time, his rhythm falters, his grip tightens, and he fucks into you harder—like your words are fuel he didn't know he was running on.

Once Izuku realizes this—and it takes the former top hero's analyst brain about five seconds flat—he uses it to absolutely ruin you.

He becomes a relentless, sweet-talking menace. He pins your wrists above your head with one scarred hand, his green eyes blown wide and dark as he watches you fall apart beneath him. He doesn't just fuck you—he dismantles you piece by piece, reading every micro-expression on your face like a textbook he's studied a thousand times. He knows exactly when to snap his hips harder, when to slow to a torturous grind, when to lean down and drag his tongue over your nipple just to feel you jolt beneath him.

"Look at you," he groans, his thrusts slowing to a teasing, agonizing rhythm just to hear you whimper. The wet, obscene sound of his cock sliding in and out of you fills the room—slick and heavy and unmistakable. "Taking me so perfectly. My good girl, right? You're my good girl?"

The phrase "good girl" melting from his lips is your absolute undoing. It rips through you like lightning, straight down your spine, pooling low and molten in your belly. Your thighs tremble around his waist, your back arches off the mattress, and you squeeze around him so hard he hisses through his teeth, his composure cracking for just a second before he reclaims it. You're desperate—chasing that sweet, sweet validation, canting your hips up to meet his, needing him deeper, harder, more.

Izuku's free hand slides down your side, gripping the soft flesh of your thigh and hitching it higher over his hip. The angle shifts—deep enough that you feel him in your stomach, pressing against that spot that makes your eyes roll back. His pace turns punishing, deliberate, each thrust grinding against your sweet spot until your mind goes hazy and blank, nothing left but the sound of his voice and the relentless stretch of him inside you.

"Come for me, sweetheart. Show me how good I make you feel. You can do it... that's it, that's my girl."

And you do. You shatter. Your orgasm crashes through you so hard your vision whites out, your whole body locking up beneath him as you pulse and clench around his cock in desperate, fluttering waves. You sob his name—broken, ruined, pathetic—and he fucks you right through it, groaning low and deep as he follows you over the edge, burying himself to the hilt and spilling hot inside you, his scarred hand finally releasing your wrists to cradle your head instead.

By the time you're done, you're a trembling, overstimulated mess—still twitching around him, tears drying on your cheeks, completely addicted to the sound of his voice. And Izuku? He's just smiling softly, pressing sweet kisses to your sweaty forehead, pulling you flush against his chest while his cock still twitches inside you, already cataloging exactly which praises made you scream the loudest for next time.

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

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MHA MASTERLIST

“m’ not…” you whimper, eyes pitifully rimmed with red as you look into his.

“well, i’m glad to hear that,” he breathes softly, giving the corner of your lips a kiss. “now, i want you to use that pretty brain of yours and tell me whether or not i’m taking care of you right now. you can do that for me, right?”

with a nod you show your understanding, taking his thumb in between your parted lips in a show of submission. “y’always take care of me, izuku…”

as you suckle on his finger, his tongue darts out to wet his lips, a half-lidded gaze drinking in your actions. “mhm. and i’m never gonna stop doing that, got it?”

“i got it…”

“good,” he smiles, watching as you release his thumb with a wet pop and glossed over eyes. his hands moves to your hips, slowly beginning to move you up and down his length as he continues speaking. “now, what do you say i take care of my silly, good girl, and give her orgasm after orgasm so she can forget her problems, hm?”

the road to the neighboring kingdom had once felt exciting.

you remembered leaning out the carriage window that morning, watching golden fields pass while your escort laughed leading the horses. pony had been fussing over your dress for wrinkles every ten minutes, and your knight has promised there was nothing to fear on the western roads. this was known for being mutual ground between the two kingdoms-- meaning that it was used for trade and safe passage regularly.

but not for today as your knight laid dead a few feet away from you. blood soaked into the dirt beneath him.

your body trembled as goblins circled the carriage like starving wolves. their crooked and jagged mouths salivating, filthy claws gigging through overturned chests and scattered fabrics. the clouds covered the morning sun, the wind picking up. but you couldnt focus on that, you needed to get you and pony to safety. but with what? neither of you had weapons, let alone knew how to defeat a large gang of goblins.

one of them held your jeweled necklace triumphantly overhead while another tore apart your luggage.

pony stood in front of you with shaky hooves, hoping that the threat of her sharp horns will keep them at bay. "stay behind me, your highness," she whispered. you couldnt answer, your throat had gone dry with terror.

the largest goblin lumbered forward, taller than the others and covered in scraps of mismatched fabric. his yellow eyes dragged over you slowly, lingering in a way that made your stomach twist in knots.

he grinned, his sharp rotting teeth lustrous. he said something guttural in his own language, and the others burst into uncontrollable laughter. even without understanding the words, you knew exactly what he meant.

pony gasped when the goblin seized her by the arm and threw her aside hard enough that her head smacked against the carriage wheel. "pony!" you cried out in worry. the goblin reached for you and suddenly cried out. hot blood sprayed near your shoes. you stumbled backwards on the dirt road, and his severed hand landed in front of you. holding back a scream, you cover your mouth in surprise.

the goblin howled, clutching his now stump of a hand. a figure stood to the left of him. a young man with freckles that dusted his cheeks beneath messy green curls, and a sword gleamed crimson in the sunlight peeking through the clouds. he wore armour meant for travel rather than ceremony, scratched steel with no noble crest emblazoned across it. he wasnt a royal knight, not one that you recognized, anyway. maybe a brave adventurer?

the goblin leader snarled and lunged. the stranger moved swiftly, his blade shining in the sunlight. the goblins head stuck the ground with a heavy thud.

silence followed.

the remaining goblins stared at the corpse of their leader. one finally shrieked and charged recklessly forward. the swordsman pivoted, and with another clean strike, another body fell. the rest of the goblins fled into the woods in a frenzy, abandoning stolen bags and trinkets in their desperation to escape.

you sat frozen. pony sluggishly rose from the ground, eyes wide with disbelief. she was holding her head, but it didnt look like she was bleeding. a healer will attend to her when you get back.

the young man exhaled shakily, finally sliding his sword back in the sheath. he turned toward you, dropped to one knee. "are you alright, your majesty?" his voice was gentler than you expected for such a strong warrior.

you stared at his offered hand for a moment before carefully placing your hand in his. his palm was warm and rough with calluses. he helped you to your feet with surprising care. you realized a second too late that you hadnt let go of his hand. flustered, you quickly withdrew and bowed your head politely. "thank you for saving us."

"youre welcome, your majesty." he smiled. "im just glad i was nearby."

you look toward your fallen knight. pony was kneeling beside the body, checking desperately for any sign of life. after some time, she slowly shook her head. your heart dropped to your stomach.

you need to return home. the stranger noticed your expression and glanced at the body as well. "im sorry for your loss," he said quietly. then, after a seconds hesitation, "i could escort you back to your kingdom, if youd allow it."

you blinked. usually you wouldnt trust strangers, especially being a royal, but he saved your life. "you would do that?"

"it would be an honor," he bowed his head again, earnest enough to make your heart ache. you agreed with a nod. "very well. we are not far into our journey. if we leave now, we should reach the capital before nightfall."

he straightened his posture. "then ill make sure you arrive safely."

pony had already begun gathering scattered supplies with trembling hands. without another word, the young man moved to help her collect the bags.

"wait," you called after him. he turned to face you. "whats your name, brave knight?" a blush spread instantly across his face, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly, "im afraid im no knight yet, you majesty." he laughed nervously. "you can call me izuku."

"izuku..." you repeated thoughtfully. the name suited him well, you smiled faintly. "thank you, knight izuku."

his entire face turned bright pink. "i-im not an official knight, your majesty!" he stammered, waving his hands frantically. "i dont deserve such a noble title!"

"if that is your wish."

izuku groaned quietly in embarrassment before turning away to help pony again. you watched him silently. he carefully rolled your fallen knights body into cloth before securing it tightly with rope so it wouldnt shift during travel. not once did he complain, nor did he boast about saving you. most men would have already demanded gold or a favour from a princess. but izuku only focused on helping. he lifted the body onto the supply cart, wind catching in his messy curls.

the rain clouds gathered overhead, turning the skies a dark blue as the carriage rolled steadily along the road toward the capital. inside, pony slept soundly beside you. the healing potion you gave her knocked her out. curled awkwardly against the cushioned seat with a blanket draped over her shoulders. you smile faintly, after everything that had happened today, she deserved the rest. pony had served you for years now, long before you were old enough to understand royal etiquette or political expectations. somewhere along the way, she had become more than a maid. she was your closest friend. most nobles exhausted you-- every conversation felt rehearsed, all that mattered was how others saw you. she never cared for rumors or policy; she never treated you like you were glass. she didnt follow rules blindly, she was the voice of reason. she scolded you when you skipped meals, laughed when you tripped over your gowns, snuck pastries into your room after banquets you hated attending. with her, you didnt have to pretend to be perfect.

your gaze drifted toward the small rear window of the carriage. your former knights' covered body rested securely on the supply cart behind you. with your throat going dry, you forced yourself to look away.

he had been old, yes. his hair had long since turned grey, and his joints ached during colder months, but he had protected you since your childhood. he used to carry you on his shoulders through the palace gardens when you were too tired to walk. you still remember clinging to his armour as a little girl-- begging to teach you how to swing a sword. now... he was gone. you blinked the tears away. now is not the time. you sucked in a breath, as grief sat heavy inside you.

at the front of the carriage, izuku guided the horses carefully down the road. occasionally you caught glimpses of him through the small open near the drivers seat. even after hours of travel, he remained alert.

you wondered where he came from. a swordman skilled enough to cut down goblins effortlessly should have already belonged to some noble house or royal order. yet his armor carried no crest.

your eyelids grew heavier. the rhythmic clatter of wheels against stone become background noise, until sleep pulled you under.

gentle knocking stirred you awake. "your highness?" your eyes fluttered open. the carriage door cracked open slightly, revealing izukus face illuminated by warm torchlight. "we've arrived." for a moment, you were disoriented. you recognized the towering palace gates behind him, you made it home. you nodded sleepily before turning toward pony.

"pony," you murmured, "wake up"

she groaned quietly, rubbing at her eyes before sitting upright. her messy blond hair struck in every direction. "oh... we're here?"

"it appears so."

izuku opened the carriage door fully before stepping aside and offering his hand once again. you accepted it carefully as he helped you down the steps from the carriage. the palace courtyard buzzed with activity despite the late hour. servants rushed forward immediately upon seeing the damaged carriage and blood.

gasps spread quickly through the crowd. several attendants carefully approached the covered body of your knight, expressions solemn. at least he would be honored properly. he deserved that much.

izuku stepped back respectfully as palace servants took over unloading the cart, clearly preparing to leave once his duty is done. it may be selfish but you didnt want him to leave. "izuku," you called.

he straightened, "yes, your majesty?"

you clasped your hands together nervously. "i would like you to meet the king and queen" his eyes widened, "and..." you hesitated, "if its alright with you... i was wondering of youd consider becoming my personal knight."

for a terrifying second, you thought you had overstepped. then izuku face turned bright red. "i--i--" he nearly bowed too quickly and had to catch himself. "of course, your majesty!" be blurted. "i would be honored!" the sincerity in his voice made warmth bloom unexpectedly in your chest. pony smirked knowingly beside you.

a palace servant approached carefully. "your highness, the king and queen have alread been informed of your return." you nodded before glancing back at izuku.

"come with me," you waved him over. he looked startled all over again. izuku followed behind you as the massive palace doors slowly opened before him. dim lighting spilled across polished marble floors while servants moved through the grand halls carrying linens, flowers and dishes. towering pillars stretched toward painted ceilings depicting ancient kings and victorious wars, and enormous stained-glass windows saturating the palace in colours of gold and crimson. you glanced at izuku over your shoulder. he looked overwhelmed to say the least.

he didnt stare in greed the way other people, peasant or noble, often did when entering royal spaces, but with genuine awe. his eyes flickered from one detail to another, one painting to the next.

"the paintings show our families history, how we conquered, defended our land, and overcame famine and disease. we keep it up as a reminder to never repeat such mistakes," you explain, and you hear him hum in acknowledgement.

pony walked beside you and thats when you remembered her injuries, "we will visit the healer before anything else. my parents can wait." pony had insisted she was fine after the goblin attack but the misstep in her walk troubled you. you turned to izuku as you began guiding him through the palace corridors. "our royal healer lives in the eastern tower," you explained. "she travels frequently helping villages and training young mages to not think of their power as a curse but a gift, but this is her main residence."

izuku nodded attentively. "a healer powerful enough to serve royalty must have incredible skill."

"that she is," you respond honestly, "she has trained under the finest of magic scholars in the country." when entering the eastern wing it feels less formal, more nature-ry with plants hanging around, flowers decorating the windows. you stopped before a wooden door and knocked, returning to stand between izuku and pony, waiting.

a moment later, the door swung open. "oh!" a cheerful voice greeted, "princess its good to see you!" ochaco stood in the doorway wearing her robes with rolled up sleeves, her brown hair tied back messily while glowing charms dangled from her wrists. the scent of herbs and brewed tea drifted out from behind her.

"good afternoon, ochaco," you greeted politely, "i know it is late, but we were attacked by goblins on the way to the neighbouring kingdom."

her expression drops and she gasps, "oh no-- come in please," she stepped aside quickly. all traces of casual conversation disappearing as her healer instincts took over. you entered first, pony followed after, and lastly izuku.

the interior of the mage's residence felt completely different from the cold elegance of the rest of the palace. shelves crowded with potion bottles lined the walls beside stacks of old spell books and bundles of drying herbs hanging from the ceiling beams. crystals shined in the setting sunlight in the corners of the room, casting warm amber light across the wooden floors. ochaco closed the door behind you, quickly turning to address pony. "are either of you seriously injured?"

"well, my ankle hurts, but thats about it." pony answered.

"the potions helped," you added, "but i wanted you to examine her personally."

ochaco relaxed. "of course, pony, you can take a seat over there." pony obediently moved toward the examination bed near the window. ochaco finally looked at the green-haired knight properly and froze, eyes widened dramatically. "deku?"

you looked at him in confusion. beside you, izuku visibly startled as colour flooded his cheeks. "o-oh," he laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "its uh... a childhood nickname."

a bright smile came on ochacos face, "no way," she giggled, "its been a while."

you looked between them curiously. "you two know each other?" izuku shifted awkwardly beneath your gaze while the mage looked far too amused.

"we met in our late teens, we became friends after she saved me from a avalanche" izuku explained.

"i would say we were a little more than friends." silence filled the room. you and pony looked at eachother. something bitter twisted in your chest.

jealousy.

you almost let it show on your face, why did that bother you? you just met the young man. meanwhile, izuku looked absolutely mortified. "it wasnt serious!" he blurted out, hands waving frantically. "w-we were young and it only lasted a little while and--" his rambling was cut off by ochaco.

"you ramble exactly the same way you used to."

his face was pink. you had to look away before either of them noticed the tension in your body. for some reason, hearing another woman speak about izuku with such familiarity unsettled you.

ochaco finally composed herself to turn back to pony. "alright," she said, "im going to cast a revealing spell to make sure nothing serious was missed." pony nodded. ochaco raised one hand. pink light shimmered instantly between her fingertips before delicate strands of magic wrapped around ponys body, illuminating faint bruising beneath her skin while glowing symbols flickered softly through the air.

beside you, Izuku watched the spell with open fascination. without thinking, you glanced toward him. only to realize he was already looking at you. the moment your eyes met, he immediately looked away again, flustered. your heartbeat skipped strangely and judging by the small knowing smile spreading across ochacos face-- the healer noticed far more than either of you realized.

the pink light surrounding pony slowly faded as ochaco lowered her hand. "she'll be sore for a few days," the healer said gently, glancing over the glowing markings one final time, "but nothing appears permanently damaged. the healing potions worked perfectly."

relief loosened the tension in your chest almost instantly. "thank goodness," you murmured. your shoulders relaxed, dropping whith a sigh. pony let out a dramatic sigh from the examination bed. "see? i told you i was fine."

"you nearly cracked your skull open on the carriage wheel," you reminded her flatly.

"and yet," pony replied smugly, "still alive."

ochaco snorted softly at that while moving across the room toward one of the many overflowing shelves lining the walls. dozens of potion bottles shimmered beneath the candlelight in every color imaginable, their glass surfaces reflecting warm golden hues across the wooden floorboards. after scanning them briefly, ochaco selected several small pink vials carefully sealed with wax before placing them into a leather satchel.

"these are stronger healing potions," she explained while handing the bag toward pony. "take one before sleeping tonight and another tomorrow morning."

pony accepted them gratefully. "thank you, lady uraraka." she hoped off the bed, hooves clicking on the floor.

ochaco smiled warmly, pointing a finger toward her in warning. "and absolutely no heavy work for the next few days."

pony immediately glanced toward you and you crossed your arms. "actually," you said before she could protest, "make that a week."

"a week?!" pony protested. "your highness--"

"that is not a suggestion." she stared at you in disbelief.

"you nearly died yesterday," you continued firmly, your voice softening only slightly. "you are injured, exhausted, and still in shock whether you realize it or not. you will rest." pony groaned dramatically, dropping backward onto the bed like you had sentenced her to execution.

"you sound exactly like an overprotective mother."

"and you sound incapable of taking care of yourself." you retorted. ochaco burst into laughter at that while beside you, izuku quickly turned his face away, clearly trying and failing-- not to smile.

for a second, standing there within the warmth of ochacos little home, everything felt normal again. the soft glow of magic, ponys complaints, ochacos laughter-- it created a strange sense of peace that nearly made you forget the blood on the road from this morning. nearly made you forget the body of your fallen knight wrapped carefully in cloth.

but reality settled heavily back onto your shoulders soon enough. you still had responsibilities waiting for you.

including the conversation you had been thinking about ever since izuku saved your life. your gaze slowly drifted toward him. he noticed instantly-- the second your attention landed on him, his posture straightened automatically, shoulders pulling back while his expression became more formal again.

"my parents will be waiting," you said gently.

you suddenly realized that despite fighting goblins without hesitation, despite charging into danger to protect complete strangers, izuku looked significantly more terrified by the idea of speaking to royalty. ochaco seemed to notice too because her teasing expression softened slightly. "you'll be alright, deku," she reassured him.

the nickname made something twist faintly inside your chest again. izuku rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, letting out a nervous laugh. "easy for you to say."

there was such familiar warmth between them that it stirred an uncomfortable feeling inside you before you could stop it. you ignored it for your own sake.

"come," you said quietly, turning toward the door. "there is no reason to be afraid."

izukus green eyes flickered toward you for the briefest moment and hearing your voice seemed to calm him slightly.

"yes, your highness."

the walk toward the throne room felt entirely different from the walk through the palace earlier. before, everything had been quiet enough that you could pretend the world had not shifted beneath your feet overnight. servants carrying folded linens slowed their pace just enough to stare before quickly bowing their heads when you looked their way. nearby nobles paused mid-conversation behind decorated fans and jeweled goblets, pretending to be discret while obviously watching you pass. whispers drifted through the halls in hushed waves that seemed to follow behind you no matter how far you walked.

the princess returned early. the royal knight is dead. there was an attack and who exactly was beside you?

izuku did not belong in their minds. not among polished marble floors and embroidered royal banners and generations of noble bloodlines carved into statues lining the halls. he walked through the palace in worn armor scratched from real battle while everyone else looked pristine, carefully sculpted into perfection by etiquette and status.

you glanced toward him briefly as the two of you continued down the corridor. he looked composed at first glance, but after spending even this little time around him, you were beginning to notice the smaller things. like the tension sitting in his shoulders or the way his posture stiffened every time a servant stared too long. how his hand occasionally hovered near the hilt of his sword before he caught himself and let it fall away again.

part of you wanted to reassure him somehow. to tell him not to pay attention to the whispers through the hallways behind your backs. another part of you knew it would only worsen things if you appeared too soft toward him in public. you knew first hand how quick rumors spread, how quick people will hold pitchforks to your throat before asking for the truth. the thought lingered quietly in the back of your mind as the palace halls stretched onward around you, moonlight pouring through towering windows in and across the floor. a reminder of how fast the day was coming to an end. izuku stayed close enough that you could hear the sound of his armor shifting with each step.

"they stare too much," you murmured quietly.

izuku snapped out of his thoughts. "i understand why.”

you turned toward him slightly. "do you?"

he hesitated before answering. "i'm not exactly what people expected to see walking beside a princess." the honesty in his voice made your heart ache. you looked away, "we are almost there, the thorn room is just up ahead."

the massive doors leading into the throne room towered overhead, gold detailing gleaming beneath the moonlight pouring through the nearby windows. two guards stood motionless on either side, their spears striking sharply against the marble floor the moment you approached. "her royal highness, princess y/n," one announced loudly. you heard izuku gulp.

the enormous doors slowly began to open. towering marble pillars stretched to ceilings high above while enormous stained-glass windows bathed the chamber in crimson and gold light. rows of advisors lined either side of the hall, noble families gathered nearby in clusters that fell silent when they noticed you entering or rather-- who entered beside you.

you could practically hear the questions forming already. thats him? the common-born swordsman? the one who returned with the princess.

izuku remained composed beside you despite it all, though you noticed the subtle way his jaw tightened before he finally stepped forward and lowered himself smoothly onto one knee before the throne. "your majesties." his voice echoed through the chamber.

your parents upon their thrones. your father looked like a typical king from the weight of his crown, sharp-eyed and unreadable as he studied the young knight kneeling below him. beside him sat your mother, graceful in silver silk, relief flickered across her expression the moment she saw you unharmed.

you stepped forward, "father. mother." you bowed. you could hear the faint clinking of jewelry somewhere behind you and the whisper of someone leaning toward another noble to murmur quietly beneath their breath.

your father finally leaned slightly forward against the arm of his throne, studying the young man kneeling below him with sharp eyes. "raise your head, son."

green eyes slowly lifted toward the throne. anyone would have been nervous standing before a king. let alone one who was known for winning wars, and ruling one of the strongest kingdoms in the country-- one that can rival the todoroki empire. "i was told you fought off the goblins who attacked my daughter's carriage."

izuku nodded once. "yes, your majesty."

a quiet murmur spread throughout the room, but your father ignored it entirely "tell me exactly what happened."

the request caught both you and izuku off guard, izuku hesitated, likely unsure how much detail was appropriate before royalty, but eventually he answered honestly. "i was traveling nearby when i heard screaming from the road," he explained quietly. "by the time i reached the carriage, the goblins had already killed the princess's knight."

your breath hitched, sir aldric. even now it didnt feel real.

izuku continued, "the goblin leader was about to grab her when i intervened."

your father leaned forward, his hand on his chin in thought. "you charged an armed goblin group by yourself?"

izuku looked faintly confused by the question itself "…someone had to."

your father leaned back slightly in his throne. "and after the attack?"

izuku glanced briefly toward you before answering. "i escorted the princess and her maid safely back to the capital." he paused then added quietly: "i also made certain her knights body was returned properly." respect for the dead mattered deeply within the kingdom. leaving behind a fallen knight, even during danger, would have been understandable. but izuku had not abandoned him. a man he didnt know, and yet he made sure to bring him home.

your mother spoke, "that was very honorable of you,"

"he protected the princess until the end," he replied quietly. "he deserved to come home."

"what is your family name?" your father asked, the sharpness that usually lingered beneath the kings words had faded. perhaps it was hearing how izuku carried sir aldric home instead of leaving him behind on the roadside. perhaps it was the simple honesty in every answer he gave. or perhaps it was simply the relief of seeing his daughter standing alive before him after nearly losing her entirely.

"midoriya, your majesty," izuku answered carefully.

his voice echoed softly through the enormous chamber before disappearing into the heavy silence hanging overhead. your father gave a small nod. "and your house?"

the question settled heavily throughout the throne room. you saw it happen instantly around the room. nobles leaned forward in suspense and advisors exchanged subtle glances. even some of the knights standing guard along the pillars seemed suddenly more attentive now that the conversation had reached the part they cared about most.

you could tell by the way his shoulders stiffened ever so slightly before he lowered his eyes toward the marble floor. "i do not belong to one."

you heard the whispers begin immediately.

"no house?"

"a common-born swordsman?"

"unbelievable."

"the princess wishes for him to become her knight?"

the moment they learned he lacked noble blood, everything he had done suddenly mattered less. as though courage only held value when carried inside the 'correct' family name.

you glanced toward izuku. he remained before the throne, but now that you were watching carefully, you noticed the small signs betraying him. his fingers curled slightly tighter behind his back. how his gaze stayed lowered not out of disrespect, but because he had seen this exact reaction his entire life. people discredited him based on something that is out of his control. its hard not to be ashamed of his social standing when everyone he met told him so.

"and yet," your father said calmly, his voice carrying easily throughout the room, "despite possessing no title, no lands, and no obligation to this crown… you still risked your life for my daughter." the whispers died instantly. "many noble-born men would not have done the same."

"so," he began, "what is it you wish as a reward for saving my daughters life?"

gold? land? title? power? perhaps even your hand in marriage. your face heated at the thought. if that is what he asked for... you had a feeling you wouldnt refuse. most men standing within this room would have already prepared a list in their minds before the king even finished speaking.

your father rested one arm against the side of his throne. "you may ask for almost anything."

his brows furrowed slightly as though he genuinely had not considered wanting something in return at all. he stayed silent, his gaze lowered thoughtfully toward the polished floor beneath him while onlookers watched with growing curiosity. you wondered if he realized they were all waiting to see who he truly was. whether his kindness had been genuine or whether this had all simply been a case of good luck for a common-born swordsman to climb the ranks.

izuku lifted his head slightly. "there is only one thing i would ask for, your majesty."

your father nodded once for him to continue. izuku hesitated briefly and his eyes flickered to you. "i would like permission," he said carefully, "to serve as your daughters personal knight."

out of all the things he asked for, he asked for a job? he would have asked for enough gold to never work a day in his life.

"the princess deserves someone strong enough to protect her," he continued "sir aldric gave his life doing so. if your majesty would allow it… i would like to take his place."

your fathers attention shifted to you. "and is this proposal agreeable to you, my daughter?"

your personal knight would remain closer to you than almost anyone else within the palace. they would escort you through court, travel beside you, protect you, remain near you during both public appearances and private dangers alike.

you thought back to the road; to blood staining the dirt beneath the fallen carriage, to goblins circling closer while your maid trembled beside you and then izuku saving you-- standing between you and death without hesitation. "yes, father," you answered "i saw his skills firsthand."

"then so be it," the king declared. "you have my blessing to become the princess's knight."

izuku lowered himself into a deeper bow, one hand pressed firmly over his chest.

"your majesty," he stated, voice unsteady with emotion despite his obvious effort to remain composed, "i swear upon my life that i will serve the princess faithfully." his posture remained composed.

your father raised his hand, "rise, sir izuku midoryia." you smiled at the title and watched as he stood. you wondered if he ever imagined this, if such a high honour even crossed his mind. you wanted to know more about him, his dreams, past, everything you possibly could. movement returned to the throne room as nobles began rising from their places. conversations resumed, quiet murmurs spreading through the chamber. no one dared to speak ill of the princess's new personal knight-- unless they wanted to lose their standing.

the next morning was peaceful, having woken up to the sound of birds chirping. the castle had returned to its usual rhythm. sunlight spilled through the window, while servants and cooks moved through the palace, preparing breakfast and doing other various tasks. despite this, a heavy weight lingered in your chest because not everyone had returned home yesterday. grief made it hard to pull yourself out of bed that morning; regardless, you have duties.

you had personally gone to meet sir aldric's family early that morning. your father had offered to send advisors in your place; let the royal messengers handle the matter with care and formally. but that felt wrong. sir aldric had served you since you were a child, and as much as he was your knight-- you also knew you had stolen his time from his family. you remembered his wife trying to convince him to retire, but he refused because he saw how sad you were at the mention of never seeing him again. you had been selfish, and that had led to his death.

his wife stood across from you, eyes red and trembling hands, holding her husbands wedding band. beside her stood her son, he looked as old of you. it was hard to imagine sir aldric as more than just a knight. he had been a husband, a father. someone who had people waiting for him at home. you swallowed, your throat dry, "i am truly sorry for your loss." your words faltered. you straightened your posture as memories flashed in your mind.

you could see it all in his wifes eyes. the anger, pain, the grief that she couldnt direct at you. you could tell she wanted to scream, ask why your life had been worth more than his. why had she spent years asking him to retire, but denied to protect your feelings. everytime the conversation came up, you looked heartbroken enough to change his mind.

you remembered sitting in the gardens years ago while sir aldric stood nearby with his arms crossed, pretending to keep watch while his wife sat beside him. you had overheard her asking him when he planned to come home for good.

"youve given enough years already."

"just a little longer."

"aldric..."

and later, after she had gone home, you had asked him quietly if he was truly leaving. you still remembered his expression then. you had looked down at your hands and tried pretending you werent upset, but even as a child, you had never been good at hiding your feelings. "who will protect me?" you had asked.

sir aldric had laughed. "you'll be grown by then."

"i don't care." you remembered grabbing onto his arm. "you can't leave."

at the time, you were young. you hadnt thought of what you were asking of him. you only knew that the thought of him disappearing frightened you. now looking back, you were asking him to abandon his family, for you, a girl who had the privilege of having everything. the room was silent, besides the servants cleaning up in the background, shoving your previous knights belongings in chests scattered around.

his wifes hands curled in fists, but she mustered a small smile, with a deep bow, she said, "thank you for coming personally, princess." she gritted her teeth as she stood.

she reached forward after a moment and took the few belongings laid out for her-- a portrait, several letters, his clothes. her son quietly picked up the rest. he hadnt seen his father much growing up, which in turn left them barely having a connection. still, his mother cared for the man; so he would show up for her. she turned you once more before she fled "may the gods watch over you, princess."

you stood there long after the door had closed behind them. you dismissed the servants in the room, leaving you alone. you didnt kindness from her. not after seeing the grief in her eyes. you couldn't stop wondering whether things would be different if you had simply let him go. would he still be alive? spend the rest of his days with his family in peace? tears stung in your eyes, threatening to fall.

a knock sounded at the door, and you cleared your throat, "come in." the door opened, izuku stepped inside, pausing near the doorway. "princess?" he had changed into fresh clothes. they werent his official knight attire yet, temporary until the palace had provided custom armour.

you smiled faintly, masking your true emotions, "good morning, my knight, how did you sleep?" a light pink dusted his cheeks.

"good morning, i slept well. better than i ever have before," his eyes shifted around the room. "is this...?" he trails off and you nod.

gesturing around the room, "this will be your new personal chambers. it is relatively close to mine in case of emergencies." you stare at the opened chests, trying not to linger on them for too long. "the servants will continue clearing out the room. they work pretty fast, i expect them to be done by noon." the window caught your attention, looking out onto the courtyard to see servants and nobles alike carrying out their duties. it was a harsh reminder that the world doesnt pause after someone dies. "sir aldrics funeral will be hosted today, the final send-off." you bite your tongue, attempting to stop the tears. "i wont be speaking at his funeral. i will leave that duty to his wife and the king." your voice faltered "i dont trust myself not to break down." it was embarrassing to admit. your father had lost many of his comrades when he went to war-- long before you were ever born. he was fourteen when he was first crowned king, led a war that brought peace to all of his people, and yet he stood strong throughout it. he spoke at all of their funerals; he didnt back out because that would show weakness. you werent like him; you were weak.

silence followed after your confession. you hadnt noticed izuku move closer to you, his brows pulled together in concern. "its okay to cry." his words were gentle. "theres no one here but me."

that was when the dam broke. your eyes blurred with tears, and your shoulders shook as you let out ugly sobs. humiliation burned hot beneath your skin because princesses did not cry in front of others. you had spent years learning how not to. years learning how to smile through uncomfortable dinners and royal galas. you covered your mouth in an attempt to silence yourself when strong arms held you. you cried on his shoulder, not caring for how wrong this was. how unformal and the fact that if anyone came in, you would have more problems to deal with. your fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, tears soaking his clothes, but he couldnt care less. for a reason he doesnt understand, the minute his eyes landed on you, he felt this pull. his heart yearned for yours, even when you two barely know each other.

"its all my fault…" the words came out ruined by tears. "if i had let him retire--" another sob "if i wasnt selflish..." you held onto him tighter. "he would still be alive." admitting aloud hurt worse than private thoughts.

"from what ive heard…" izuku swallowed softly. "sir aldric stayed because he wanted to."

you shook your head against him "because of me."

"because he cared for you, and i know he wouldnt want you blaming yourself." you sniffled at his words, the tears slowly coming to an end. you look at him, "thank you.."

your mind was catching up. you were crying in your knights arms. the knight you had known for barely two days. heat rushed to your face. you pulled away from him, even as your heart ached to be near his, "im sorry," you muttered quickly, wiping beneath your eyes. "that was inappropriate." his shirt was wet with your tears.

"dont worry about it" your head lifted. "youre grieving, and what kind of knight would i be to let you be in pain?" he said simply. he scratched the back of his head, "when i was a kid i used to cry. like-- a lot. but my mom always reassured me it was nothing to be ashamed of." he takes your hand in his, "crying doesnt equal weakness, princess." he planted a soft kiss on the back of your hand.

your heart pounds in your chest, "izuku..."

he remembered what he was doing, quickly pulling away, embarrassment flooding through him. he laughed nervously, "well look at that! we should probably get ready for this afternoon." his face was beet red, eyes darting everywhere but you.

that afternoon, the sky was overcast. it didnt look like rain, fortunately, just grey enough that the sun was hidden behind thick clouds. rows of chairs sat before the temple while white flowers lined the marble path leading toward the memorial altar. knights stood along the edges in polished armour, their expressions solemn beneath lowered heads. sir aldrics sword rested atop the cloth-covered coffin beside his portrait. you sat near the front with your parents while nobles and their families filled the rows behind you. izuku stood closest to the wall, wearing the symbol of the kingdoms royal crest.

the funeral began. the priests spoke first, welcoming anyone who wanted to speak. stories from family members and old comrades made people cry, while others smiled fondly. one knight laughed softly while recounting how sir aldric once broke his own wrist refusing to admit an injury. another spoke about how he never forgot birthdays despite pretending not to care. his wife and your father both spoke, and once more you were consumed with guilt for not standing up there like others.

izukus expression was solemn while listening to the speeches. one hand rested loosely near the sword at his side out of habit. perhaps it was from earlier from his reassurance, but you made it through the entire day.

a week passed like nothing. the palace settled into its usual rhythm. izuku had adapted fast. he learned the names of courtiers, the timing of formal greetings, when to speak and when to stay silent. he memorized the routes through the palace, which led him to you. the gardens, which he realized had become his new favourite place. soft sunlight filtering through trees, flowers of all kinds decorated the area, and a huge water fountain was in the middle of it all.

you were sitting in the grass with eri, surrounded by wild flowers. the young governors daughter had quickly decided she liked you, and unlike most court interactions, there was nothing rehearsed about her. at first, she was shy and only spoke to a select few, plus her adoptive father. flowers were scattered across your lap, stems gathered in uneven piles as you braided them together. eri was working beside you with intense focus, tongue poking slightly out in concentration as she tried to copy your pattern. "mine looks better," she declared confidently, holding up a crooked crown that was barely holding together.

you laughed "yours looks like its on life suuport." eri gasped dramatically and started fixing it again. you gave her pointers and showed her how to do it properly. her second attempt was a lot better.

not far from you, izuku stood at the edge of the garden path. he had arrived from training with the other knights. his fighting style was different from that of a royal guard, which in a way granted him with an advantage. the royal knights were taught through discipline, while he learned by way of real combat. nothing that could be rehearsed instead gained with experience. he noticed that most of the knights fought the same, which made it easy to counter. still, he was in no place to correct their flaws just yet-- he needed to earn their trust, or he might come off as obnoxious. now he lingered in the shadows of the hedges.

eri noticed him first, "deku!" her smile widened and he stepped into the sunlight. she scrambled to her feet, running to hug the young knight. he kneeled to hug the girl, a smile that matched her own. eri threw her arms around his neck and he laughed, lifting her from the ground. he spun her once making her giggle.

you watched them while questions filled you. how did they know each other? eri wasnt the type to cling to strangers. from what you knew, she spent most of her time with governer aizawa and a few others. you debating asking, but decided against it. lost in ypur own thoughts, you dont notice them walking toward you. eri was practically bouncing with joy, holding izukus hand. "i didnt know you were friends with the princess, eri," izuku plopped down beside you.

"she is teaching me how to make flower crowns, see, look!" she shoves the flower crown in his face, and he took it in his hands.

"wow! this is beautiful, eri!" he anazlyed the crown, "do you mind if i put it on?"

eri beamed, "of course!"

he placed the flower crown on his head.

"you look handsome, izuku." your mouth spoke before your brain could comprehend what was being said, covering your hand to stop the giggles. a pink hue spread on his face at the compliment. he bowed his head "thank you, princess!"

the conversation carried on from there, filled with laughs and you found yourself mesmerized by this new side of izuku. he was carefree; he didnt care for punctuation or his title as a knight. time passed like nothing, the clouds overhead covering the sun as it began its slow descent. you looked behind you to see a servant approaching, and you knew it was time for eri to go home. hearing this news, she was disappointed. her shoulders slumped as he looked between you and izuku as if asking 'do i have to go?' you reminded her she could come visit whenever she wanted. that made her pout transform to a smile, "promise?" she asked, holding out her pinky. you stuck out your own, linking them, "i promise."

she looked over to izuku, and pulled you both in for a hug. you let out a gasp in surprise, but relaxed and wrapped an arm around her, izuku following suit. she pulled away, smoothing down her skirt to pretend she wasnt sad about leaving. the servant held her hand and she looked over her shoulder, giving a small wave as she turned the corner.

you let out a sigh, tilting your head back to stare at the clouds. izuku stood up, brushing grass and petals off his clothes. when you looked back at him, he was already holding out a hand to you, "my princess," he said and paused, "i mean-- princess, would you like help up?" his cheeks had a tint of pink when he corrected himself.

your heart fluttered as you held his hand. he pulled you up, your face close to his. your eyes flick down to his lips, then to his eyes. you stopped yourself from leaning forward, instead backing away while your heart raced. you cleared your throat "its getting late" you state, mentally bullying yourself for almost acting indecent with your knight. "could you walk me back to my chambers?" you request, avoiding eye contact as much as possible.

"of course, princess." izuku gave a bow, following beside you back to your room. the hallway back seemed to stretch on forever. neither of you said a word; the silence was awkward to say the least. there had been so much noise with eri, both you and izuku had been so carefree talking. all that remained were the footsteps against polished stone. you found yourself taking little glances at him. at some point, he took his flower crown off. eventually you did make it to your room, opening your door and pausing to turn to izuku. "thank you for walking me back."

"of course, its my duty as your knight to make sure you're safe." he replied with that kind smile of his. your hand remained on the door, your stomach fluttering with butterflies. the past week has been replaying in your mind: him saving your life, holding you when you cried, and spending time in the garden. your hand tightened in a fist against the door. "i really hope i dont regret this.."

izuku tilts his head "princess? what do yo--"

you stepped forward before your courage could disappear. your hand lifted to cup his cheek and press your lips to his. izuku froze; his body went still with shock. his mind went blank, and his body moved on its own when he grabbed your hips, pulling you closer. your hands curl in his hair, desperate for more. you pulled away, and you saw his lips wanted to follow you. your hands landed on his chest while you avoided eye contact. "sorry-- i... i shouldnt have done that-- i.." you tried to come up with an excuse for your romantic feelings. there was none. you had fallen for the young knight, stupidly so. you knew the man for about a week, yet you have grown closer as if you knew each other for months.

his hands didnt remove themselves from your hips. "sorry?" he repeated, genuine confusion pulled his brows together. "why are you apologizing?"

the question caught you off guard. why were you? people fell in love all the time, so why cant you? your lips parted to speak, but nothing came out.

"..was it something you didnt mean?" he asked with hesitation.

"no, no! of course not." you stammered. you look down at his chest, unable to meet his eyes. "i know its not right for me to... feel this way, but--" he tilted your chin to look up at him, one of his hands cradling your face. "i.. i think ive fallen in love, izuku." your heart pounded in your chest. what if you ruined everything before it had the chance to become something more? what if your confession scared him off? you wouldnt blame him if it did.

Before leaving your parents had reassured you that you would do more than exceed their expectations while they were away, and you had not one doubt that their advisors would be preparing reports detailing your success for your parents to review upon your return. At times it felt as though the advisors held higher expectations than your parents did for their successor, as they were always ready to share their opinions on how to correct where they felt you had misstepped. 

“Thank you for wearing a more elegant gown this afternoon, Princess,” Lord Tsunagu, one of your parents’ most trusted advisors, greets as you enter the throne room, only to release a disappointed sigh when you drop unceremoniously into the throne that was your mother’s. “If only you’d treat it properly by acting like a lady.”

He also corrects the way your tiara rests on your head as you sit up straighter, before giving you one last reminder to hold your expressions firm when dealing with the issues you were likely to be asked to give input on. The people could not know if their future Queen had a weak spot; be it orphans, farmers, or religion — the crown could not have its emotions exploited for the gain of any group. 

“Well let’s get started.”

The doors to the throne room open with your command, a lazy wave of your hand that carried a weight that would fill others with awe, and you watch as a single file line of citizens fill the room. Some you recognized from when you would sit in on your parents attending to court; merchants, religious leaders, and the head of the orphanage stand out most clearly and you felt you already knew that their requests of the crown would be financial. 

And they were. 

The first was a request from a textile merchant for a reduced tax rate for business done within the kingdom compared to neighboring lands. This was to be the start of a likely longer negotiation regarding taxation of businesses in your kingdom — you just hoped it wouldn’t take place now, considering how stuffy the throne room was in the early-summer heat. 

“Ser, you came to the Queen not a fortnight ago requesting approval to trade with a neighboring nation, and now you ask for a reduction on taxes?” 

“Was it truly so recently, Princess?”

“I was sitting in that very seat as the request was granted.” You point at the small chair off to the side that was your usual seat for these engagements, the merchant’s eyes following as his hands wring in front of his chest. “This is not a request that I can approve at this time. I bid you a pleasant day, and continued successful business.”

The now unhappy merchant leaves, allowing one of the schoolteachers to take his place at the head of the line. Unlike the merchant, the teacher bows to you in greeting before putting forth his request to use the royal tournament grounds and the efforts of local knights to host a jousting tournament to fundraise for the school to acquire stronger swords and shields for their combat lessons. This request you grant easily, considering it would cost no money nor would it lose funds from the royal vault, with the guidance that he confirm an appropriate date with the royal grounds master to ensure that there were no conflicts for use of those grounds. The schoolteacher leaves with a somehow deeper bow than the one you were greeted with, and you give your practiced smile in return as he makes his leave. 

“Did his forehead touch his knees?” you ask your advisor, looking at him from the corner of your eye as he leans in to tell you that the teacher’s forehead almost touched his knees. “And where is my knight Sir Eijirou?”

“He posted himself at the doors to inspect every attendee to ensure your safety.” The mental image of your dear knight scrutinizing every visitor, patting them down and inspecting any bags they may carry for items that could cause you harm brings a much needed smile to your face. 

It makes the two hours spent attending to the citizens and their often trivial needs much more bearable, knowing that your knight had been so diligent in ensuring that nobody with ill will would be in your presence. Of course it would have been nicer to have him beside you, a handsome face to look at and gather reassurance from as you made decisions that would have potentially large impacts on your kingdom, but that makes it all the more exciting when the dots finally close with your knight on the correct side of them making his approach to your side. 

“Princess, I do think you have a way with the people,” Lord Tsunagu states as you’re helped to your feet by your redheaded bodyguard, and you nod your appreciation while straightening your skirts. “The council will meet this evening after supper, and there are no other scheduled events for the day.”

“I can dress down for the meeting, I hope?”

“Of course, Princess.”

“In that case I will go change, and I will see you after supper.” 

The advisor accepts the dismissal, and you look to your knight before following him to the side door that would get you to your chambers faster. As you walk you chat with him about your experience, highlighting that merchant at the start who you’d be sure to include in your report to your parents to watch for potential tax evasion or other scoundrel-like activities shady merchants were known to get involved in. 

“You might be stereotyping, Princess,” your knight states, his voice soft as you look at him. “While you may be right about that merchant based on the history of his requests to the Crown, not all merchants seeking tax reductions are shady and not all shady merchants are scoundrels.”

“Does being shady not imply being a scoundrel?”

“Some people just like having the air of mystery about them, Princess, and some scoundrels are the most radiant people in a room. It’s not always obvious who the criminals are.”

“Are you a scoundrel, Sir Eijirou?”

“Only where the affections of the Princess may be concerned.” He winks, taking advantage of the empty corridor and bringing your hand up to his lips to place gentle kisses to your knuckles. “There is not a depth I wouldn’t stoop to, to ensure I have the honor of protecting her noble heart.”

You both come to a stop at the door to your chambers, just as one of the maids exits. She was newer to the castle staff, starting in the middle of the spring, so her appearance in your chambers unprompted was of interest to you and your knight — especially given she looked surprised to see you. Your hand is pulled from your knight’s with the same level of shock, but you’re faster to recover than the maid. 

“Oh, Princess, you’re back earlier than I thought!” She brings a hand to her chest, her cheeks growing redder with every second that passes between you. “Your bath isn’t yet ready.”

“Please don’t fret, I didn’t request a bath,” you try to assure her, but that seems to only fluster her more. 

“It was requested for you, to ensure you could rest after being in the warm throne room for so long.”

You exchange a look with your knight before you nod your understanding, letting her scurry away from you while letting you know she’d return with the hot water shortly. 

“Who would request a bath for me?” you wonder aloud, turning back to Sir Eijirou as he carefully pushes open the door to your chambers. You follow his direction to come in, then stay put beside the door once it’s shut as he inspects the rooms of your chambers for any attempts at foul play. Checking under your bed and in your wardrobes, opening your windows to check outside, and finally walking into your bathroom to inspect there. 

“Am I safe?”

“Yeah, but we’ll need to mention this at the meeting this evening.” 

You know that he’s right, but you worry about getting the new maid in trouble. To be the reason someone potentially lost their livelihood was worrisome, but you couldn’t deny your intuition and especially not when your protector was inspecting your chambers for potential harm. He was also suspicious of her intentions, despite her inconspicuous demeanor. 

It’s not always obvious who the criminals are; he’d said, and those words repeat themselves as you open your wardrobe in search of your attire for the rest of the day. 

“You’ll stay as I bathe?” 

“You’re not leaving my sight unless I get confirmation that one of the advisors did request a bath for you.” That makes you feel better, and you look over your shoulder to see him sitting at the small table you would read and drink your evening tea at. “She ran in the wrong direction.”

“Huh?”

“To get hot water for your bath,” he clarifies, something that has you tilting your head as you pull a simple linen dress from the wardrobe and cross the room to lay it on your now unmade bed. “The closer hot water basin is to the left of your chambers, she went to the right.”

“Hawks will need to hear about this,” you whisper, your fingers gliding along the soft fabric that had been dyed a bold shade of red. It had been a gift from your knight; made from a breathable fabric tier was bearable to wear in the summer, in a color that he thought you looked lovely in, loose to allow you the ability to maneuver and hide a dagger with slits in the skirt to ensure the dagger was accessible. Functional while remaining fashionable, and it being a gift made it all the more precious to you. 

“Do you think there might be an assassin in our midst?”

“I pray there isn’t, my love,” he responds, leaning back in his seat as you start to unlace your bodice. “I don’t like when you’re uneasy.” 

“Just gives you a reason to stay in my chambers tonight, no?”

“Ever the optimist,” he murmurs with a sigh, resting his head in his hand as you smile at him.

“Optimism is the key to the crown.”

When the hot water is brought by three maids carrying the large buckets, you’re curious that the maid you’d seen leaving your chambers was not part of the group. When asked, the maid who primarily cared for you and your needs stated that she wasn’t sure why the girl would be in your chambers and that her directive came at the suggestion of Lord Tsunagu to allow you the chance to relax after the long afternoon attending to your people in the warm throne room. 

“…next time we should have a servant by your side with a fan, can’t risk heatsickness!”

“No, we can’t,” you agree, following her to the prepared bath and allowing her to help you out of your gowns the rest of the way. “Could you send for Lord Keigo, ma’am? Tell him it’s urgent.”

“At once, Princess.”

With that you’re left to your bath and your knight, sitting among the steam and the bubbles as he watches you from his seat. 

“You’re too far away.”

“Apologies, my love, but this position allows me to admire you and watch the door,” he explains, crossing his legs as you let out a huff that pushes a stack of bubbles away from your face. 

“Can you at least wash my back for me? Then you can go back to guarding.”

He sighs, but with a smile on his face as he rises to his feet and makes his way to your bath. In the future he’d be able to be in the bath with you, with no concern for being caught by the maids or your advisors (though you had a suspicion that at least two of the advisors knew about your private affair with your protector). For now you have to make do with him kneeling beside your bath, pushing your hair from your face with one hand as he leans in to kiss your forehead. 

“You did look lovely today,” he murmurs, earning himself a smile from you before he places the gentlest of kisses on your painted lips. “My Queen.”

“Thank you, my dear knight.” You kiss him again, pushing for more as his other hand guides you to sit up straighter to allow access to your back. 

“The Hawk will be here soon, we mustn’t get too greedy,” he warns, and you feel the sponge against your skin. “But I’ll stay in your chambers tonight, so you can be as greedy as you want then.”

It’s a delightful plan that serves your needs perfectly, which makes it all the more bearable when he pulls himself away from you with one final kiss before returning to his seat. His timing was perfect, as the door to your chambers opens just a few moments after Eijirou has seated and the Queen’s spymaster is making his presence known. 

“You called, Princess?”

“Yes, Lord Keigo, there is something suspicious afoot.” You state, resting your head against the edge of your tub as he comes into view. “It couldn’t wait until this evening’s meeting.”

“Let me guess, a maid caught where she wasn’t supposed to be?” His ability to just know things before you had the chance to share was extremely annoying, but that was why he was the spymaster. His little fledglings were everywhere in the castle, you couldn’t be surprised that he knew about the maid before you had the chance to tell him yourself. “Caught her trying to sneak out of the castle.”

“What will you do?”

“What do you want me to do?”

A loaded question, one you weren’t expecting that had you sighing as you look out the window. Your fingers dance along the surface of the water as you ponder your options, but this wasn’t a situation you were prepared to have to make a decision on. 

“What would my mother do? Interrogate obviously, but what other options are there?”

“Depending on the severity of the transgressions, you’d have to decide her fate, Princess. Exile is an option, death too, or you can send her to the mines?”

Death, exile, or what was essentially slavery were the only options? That couldn’t be right.  

“What if she’s innocent?”

“I have heavy doubt that she is, and would caution you against such optimism where your safety may be concerned.” 

“Let’s not be hasty then. Get the information that you can out of her, and we’ll proceed from there.” You decide, earning a nod of understanding from Lord Keigo. “Let’s shuffle the guard rotation tonight and tomorrow as an extra precaution.”

“I’ll place a few more fledglings around, as well.”

“Thank you. Now both of you leave so I can dress.”

“I won’t go far,” Sir Eijirou assures as he gets up to leave, but you wish you were able to hear the conversation that was likely to occur once both men were on the other side of the door. 

But you wouldn’t, so you rise from the tub and dry off with the towel provided, keeping it wrapped around your body as you walk back towards your bed to collect your gown and redress. You don’t have to wait long, the door is opening as you start tying the back of the gown and you hear him quickly cross the room to take the task on for you. He finishes with a kiss placed at the base of your neck that has you smiling despite the growing stress of your situation. 

“What did Keigo say?”

“He’s hopeful the maid confesses quickly, and doesn’t want me to leave your side until this situation is resolved. He’ll have your dinner sent to you here, one of the fledglings will test it to ensure it’s safe before it’s brought to you.”

“You think someone is trying to kill me?”

“Your staff has been compromised, an assassination attempt is at the top of our concerns.” 

“Assassination, abduction, a siege,” you list, turning in his arms so you can rest your head on his shoulder. “What else am I forgetting?”

“Those are the big ones. Do you want to send word to your parents?”

“I don’t think that would help anything,” you murmur, earning a hum from your knight as his gloved hands rub your back. 

If anything, contacting your parents was likely to create more problems than it would solve. The news that their only beloved daughter was under threat while they were away would only encourage them either to end their trip early, or have one of your parents return home to address the concerns of your safety. The former could strain their relationship with the nobles they’re visiting, creating a potential lack of support and resources should your kingdom need to call upon them for additional aid in a time of crisis, while the latter created a weak point for your parents by dividing their security forces. The other point of consideration was the distance; a message of this sensitivity would be sent by a messenger rather than a bird, and the time it would take for them to reach your parents, have them make their decision, and potentially come home early to attend to your safety would have them returning just four or five days before their scheduled return if they didn’t run into any delays. 

Soon you’d be the Queen, and you wouldn’t have the ability to run to your parents to have them save you – you had to learn to save yourself. 

Resiliency was the key to the crown, after all. 

The council meeting went about as well as you’d expected it to. Where initially you were going to ask about that first merchant and his request to ensure you’d handled that correctly, you now were seated at the round table as your advisors and Knight Captain went back and forth regarding the incident with the maid and the information she’d offered — which was very little. 

She’d been paid to gather information on where the Princess slept in the castle, and had been intercepted before any information handoff could occur. However Keigo’s fledglings saw what they believed to be odd markings on the castle walls near your parents chambers and a couple entrances, which didn’t quite contradict the maid’s story but didn’t make matters any better. Assassination, abduction, and siege were still potentials on the table, and the tension of those potentials was driving the advisors conversation. You were paying attention, but offering very little to the current phase of the conversation because this was an issue you hadn’t yet had to prepare for. 

As far as you knew there had only ever been one attempt on your mother’s life after she became Queen, and the story says that she had stopped it herself and nobody ever tried after. Your parents had warned you against abductions, assigned you a knight to serve as your personal guard, but never once told you what to do when it was your life being threatened. 

“We must inform the Crown.” 

“The Crown is right here,” you interject with a finger pointed at yourself, reminding them all that you were acting as Queen and responsible for any decisions made in your parents absence. Your age shouldn’t disqualify  you, especially considering that your coronation was only a year or two away depending on your mother’s health, and they’d all do well to remember that. “Sending a messenger wastes resources and has potential to create a separate diplomatic issue. They can be informed when they return, and that’s final.”

“Her Highness has spoken,” Keigo comments, sending a wink your way that makes you feel better about speaking so forcefully to the advisors. They were still your elders and teachers, you did not want to disrespect them. “And I’ll recommend that she not go without escort until we figure out exactly what the threat is.”

“What’s your plan to assess and address?” you ask, leaning back on your chair as Eijirou relaxes in his seat beside yours. He was quiet despite his role as Captain of the Queen’s Guard, but you assume he was waiting for direction. “Will you be sending fledglings into the city for more reconnaissance?”

“Already done, Princess. I’ve got people in all of the inns, taverns, and markets across the city with ears to the ground listening for anything of interest.”

“Let’s look into that merchant a bit,” Eijirou finally states from his seat beside yours, earning the attention of the entire room. “Before we started the line he was already there, but inspecting the doors. Said he had an eye for good craftsmanship, but—“

“Someone with so many trips to the castle wouldn’t stop to admire the doors today.” Lord Tsunagu finishes for your knight, and you hum softly. 

“While we’re at it, look into that maid’s family as well,” you suggest, looking at Lord Keigo as he nods. It felt a bit silly, almost like the mystery novels you read in your spare time where the detective is searching for motive by investigating the suspect’s connections. This was a situation not dissimilar, as you were trying to solve a mystery with your advisors to ensure you and your kingdom stayed safe. You let out a yawn, one you barely manage to cover with your hand but you don’t concern yourself with apologizing for an unladylike act in such a private setting. If someone was trying to kill you, you could get away with a yawn or two. 

“You should get to bed, Princess. Tomorrow will feel longer since your guard will be up,” the warning comes from Lord Tsunagu, and you nod slowly but don’t stand just yet. “We’ll convene in the morning with updates and more concrete plans of action.” 

“Come, Princess, let’s get you back to your chambers,” Eijirou states, standing from his seat and offering you his hand. You bid your advisors goodnight as you rise to your feet with your knight’s support, but one last thing from Lord Keigo stops you from leaving. 

A sheathed dagger is placed in your hand, and the spymaster informs you that the blade is coated with poison that would ensure your safety should you be attacked. Of course, the likelihood of being caught without your knight by your side protecting you would be slim to none, but it was important to ensure that you were able to quickly escape an assailant should you need to. 

“It’s beautiful,” you comment to Eijirou once you’re back in your quarters, seated at your vanity as he checks your chambers for any sign of disturbance in your absence. “My name is engraved in the metal.”

“The Hawk has always had an eye for gifts.”

“I’m sure it’s a side effect of being the spymaster. He knows basically everything about everyone, after all.” Your reasoning is met with a hum before he’s standing behind you in the mirror, his hands carefully gathering your hair to tie it up in a way that you could sleep comfortably. “Do you think they’ll handle this quickly?”

“I hope they will. The longer we’re on alert, the more gaps open up in our defenses.”

“Because we don’t have the resources to cover everything.”

“Exactly. I would suggest that if we don’t have a handle on this in the next couple of days, sending word to your parents would be advised so they’re at least aware.”

You nod your understanding as you let him pick you up from your chair, wrapping your arms around his neck as he carried you to your bed. This wouldn’t be the first time he’d slept in your bed with you, but it would be the first where his presence in your chambers was clearly known and required in your adulthood and it was exciting despite the circumstances. This would be what you looked forward to in your future when you could finally take your beloved knight as your husband and rule your kingdom with him by your side. 

You’re grateful he hadn’t been in full plate armor today, as it didn’t take long for him to undress and slide into your bed. His dagger is slid beneath your pillow, an act of care that made your heart swell every time he did it, and you find yourself face to face with your knight as you both settle under your blankets. 

“You’re handling this well.”

“I trust in you and my other advisors,” you whisper, dragging your fingertips along his jaw as he smiles. “They’ve kept my mother alive and kingdom flourishing for years, I have no reason not to trust in them.”

“And me?”

“I love you, and trust that you love me enough to keep us both alive until we’re old and grouchy elders.”

“I do,” he murmurs, bringing your hand to his lips and carefully kissing each of your fingertips. “I’d die for you, but you said that’s not allowed.”

“Strictly forbidden by your Princess.”

“Will my Princess allow me to kiss her properly?”

“Your Princess would be incredibly upset if you didn’t.”

That’s all the invitation he needs to roll onto his back, pulling you on top of him and pushing your nightgown up to your hips to avoid any stretching or tearing of the fabric that would expose your activities. His kiss pushes waves of calm through you, his hands holding your face close to his so delicately as his tongue pushes into your mouth. This was your closest and oldest friend, your protector, the love of your life and you cherished these private moments with him where you weren’t bound to the expected performances you were to put on as the Princess of the lands and her noble Knight protector.

“I shouldn’t keep you awake longer,” he mumbles, his voice a breath into your mouth that fans the flames of want that had ignited in your core. 

“I’ll sleep well with you,” you assure, smiling as his hand moves up your thigh to hold your hip. “I’ll be quite rested in the morning.”

It had been quite a while since you’d gotten to be so intimate with Eijirou, with both of you being a bit busier in your daily responsibilities that left little time alone. It was thrilling that he’d been named Captain of the Queen’s Guard, and while you were still his primary responsibility he was also part of your mother’s advisory council which took up more time than you liked. It was difficult for him to sneak into your bedroom when there was another knight standing guard outside your chambers, and he couldn’t scale your window without a ladder that likely would be mistaken for an attempted abduction if caught by a perimeter patrol. 

“I shouldn’t penetrate you,” he states, and you nod your understanding quickly but you know your pout betrays how you actually felt about that decision. “I fear the guillotine every time you go long without bleeding. But I saw something on a poster for the brothel we could try.”

You let him position you; at first confused when he had you turn so your back faced his face, but you started to understand when his hands guided you back so you were almost sitting on his face. Your eyes are glued to where his erection strained against his smallclothes, and you can’t stop yourself from dragging a gentle finger along the bulge and grinning when his hands grip your hips tighter in return. He was so easy to tease, another one of the many things you loved about your dear knight. When his cock is freed you feel his fingers glide along your slit that was already slick with your arousal. You should be ashamed of how easily you allowed yourself to be aroused by your protector, you knew the holy leaders would definitely have something to say if they knew how easily you were tempted by such a handsome man, but you can’t concern yourself with that when two of his thick fingers are pushing into your entrance. 

It was too much, too soon, but you don’t want to stop him because you knew he would stop entirely at any sign of your discomfort, so you busy yourself with his cock instead. Teasing the tip and head with your tongue as your hand holds him firmly at the base, enjoying the sighs and groans that left him as he tried to prioritize your pleasure over his own. His fingers stretch you in a way that feels better over time, and you feel his tongue flick at your clit with an eagerness that has your walls fluttering around his fingers. 

Love was the key to the crown, and you would savor this night spent with your lover.

–

The following day starts with a meeting of your council to discuss information that had been gathered over the night and provide their recommendations to you for how to continue over the next few days. You sit with a plate of breakfast in front of you, Eijirou seated beside you eagerly eating his own meal, while you listen to your spymaster share his reports gathered from the fledgling's efforts. 

“The maid is not blood related to the merchant, but she comes from a family of convicted thieves who have been in…business with that merchant and his associates. It’s a messy web of connections that doesn’t help her case at all.”

“What kind of business?”

“Mercenary work. Outside of the eyes of the law and the Crown, intended to stay quiet.” Lord Keigo responds, something that makes you sigh as you bite into your toast. “There is bad news, as well.”

“Let me guess,” you mumble around your mouthful of toast, holding a finger to pause the conversation before you take a healthy drink of your juice. “You cannot locate the merchant?”

“He was across the border by sunset, according to the registers. I’ve sent word to our allies that we have an interest in that merchant and require his swift return for questioning.”

“At this point, what should I be prioritizing?” you ask, looking over at Eijirou before looking back to your advisors when you saw the concerned look on his face. “Of course the obvious answer is keeping up appearances, but aside from that?”

“Just stay aware of your surroundings, Princess,” Lord Tsunigu states, sipping what you knew was wine from his own glass. You’d never understood how they could drink wine while the sun had barely risen, but on this morning you think you might understand. “Sir Eijirou is talented, but his eyes cannot be everywhere and you have received enough training to be able to identify and assess a potential threat.”

You could do that. 

At least you thought you could do that well. 

“Is it safe for us to go into the city today?”

“I would recommend canceling engagements outside the castle for the next day or two.” Eijirou states, and you quirk a brow when you see Lord Keigo prepare to argue. “There are too many variables in the city, and I can’t ensure all entry points to the castle are covered and provide you with a proper guard in the city with the current number of knights that we have.”

“A fair point, but this could be a great opportunity to lure out our targets.”

“Send a decoy, then,” Eijirou counters, his tone clipped as he stares down the spymaster. “We can’t endanger the Crown in that way.”

“With the warmer weather, the Princess can wear a face covering to protect her skin from the sun.” The suggestion from Lord Tsunigu prompts both men to look in his direction, a shared uncertainty between them as to whose side the blonde haired advisor was on. “A decoy would do well for the intended visit to the docks to bless the next trade voyage, I’m sure we can spare a couple knights for that and put a few fledglings in armor to maintain the appearance of a full guard.”

“The rumors that I’m a vampire will grow stronger,” you tease, hoping to lighten the tension in the room with your joke. You wanted your knight to smile at you again, to see him so worried was not good for your heart. 

“Sometimes you have to lose a battle to win the war, Princess,” Lord Tsunigu says with a chuckle, and you provide your own smile as you take a slice of orange off of your plate. “With that settled, what will you do with your day?”

“Go through my parents' mail, I suppose. There should be new reports from the eastern conflict worth reading by now, right?”

“You’re invested in the Todoroki family squabble?”

“Once they settle down, both the winner and loser are likely to turn their attention to the Crown,” you reason, knowing that both advisors were also highly invested in the drama occurring in the east. “Whether for allyship or confrontation, we need to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of both sides to ensure we’re prepared to negotiate or retaliate.”

“We’ll have to tell Aizawa that you do actually listen when he’s teaching you military strategy,” Lord Keigo teases, earning a pout from you that only had him laughing at your expense before he stands to excuse himself. “I’ll be prepping my fledgling to take your place in town today, send a bird if you need me.”

With that, your spymaster leaves the room, and you continue to eat your breakfast as Lord Tsunigu excuses himself as well. 

“I don’t like the worried look on your face,” you comment once the door latches shut. His hand settles on your thigh, reassured in the privacy of the room to touch you so intimately. “It feels wrong.”

“Am I supposed to smile at the thought of you being bait for a criminal potentially trying to kill you?”

“I suppose not. I suppose this is another reality of the crown.”

“With every day we face new challenges,” he murmurs, giving your thigh a gentle squeeze before he takes your empty plate and places it atop his own. “Shall we?”

Did you want to spend the day in your parents study reading mail meant for them? Not exactly. You were interested to see if there was an update from the Todoroki conflict, but that was the extent of your interest in the mail waiting for your attention. 

And you’re not proud to say that you dozed off in your mother’s plush chair while reading through her mail, but you weren’t ashamed either. It was more boring than you’d thought it would be – especially when the update you were hoping for had not yet been received. You knew a lot of people relied on the Crown for support, but you had no idea that every single day you would have multiple requests either in person or in writing for help. Your parents prided themselves on leading a self sufficient kingdom, and for the most part it was a self sufficient kingdom, so you couldn’t understand why leaders of towns under the reign of the Crown would write to the Queen for support. Military support for border towns made sense, but requesting food or financial support didn’t make sense to you. You’d have to ask Lord Tsunigu about those requests later, as you weren’t sure when to provide that aid and when to withhold. It would be nice to grant every request, but resource management was crucial to the success of the kingdom and you couldn’t allocate those resources too liberally without risking a scarcity crisis. 

“Bored?”

“Almost to tears,” you confirm, rubbing at your eye with the heel of your palm. “Why are the people so needy?”

“That’s people, beloved.”

“Am I needy?”

“Very much so, Princess,” Eijirou comments, a grin on his face as you pout at him. “But I appreciate you being reliant on me.”

“Yeah?”

“Makes me feel so much stronger knowing that a Princess relies on me to support her.” 

“You’re basically carrying a nation on your shoulders,” you muse, setting the last letter in the appropriate stack and standing from your seat.

“I only want to carry you.” Your cheeks warm as you look at him, his scarlet eyes soft and almost sparkling as the sunlight hits them just right through the stained glass window. “What’s your plan?”

“I think a stroll through the gardens would help clear my head and restore my energy.”

You know he wants to warn you against going out to such an exposed environment, practically offering yourself up to whomever might be interested in causing you harm. In turn you’re prepared to argue that he’d be with you and the castle guards would be on high alert, meaning that anyone intending to do you harm wouldn’t be able to get close to you without losing at least an arm in the process, if not their life. Instead he stands from his seat and opens the door to the study for you, opting not to push the matter with you likely out of a need to preserve his sanity. 

The air feels much nicer outside of the stuffy office, a cool breeze rolling through the corridors that you take to get to the garden. The early afternoon sun wasn’t as strong today, partially blocked by a cloud that looked like a horse, and the hydrangeas were in full bloom to provide a beautiful stroll through the garden. 

“I should have a portrait of you commissioned,” you comment, looking to your knight as he raises an eyebrow. “You look beautiful surrounded by flowers.”

He flushes, his face turning a bright red that matches his artificially colored hair as he says, “You’re too kind to me, Princess.”

“I don’t think it’s possible to be too kind,” you respond, leaning in to smell the flowers as he shakes his head. “My mother says kindness is one of the keys to successfully wearing the crown.”

“And your mother is very kind, but I would argue that you can be too kind. Would you grant kindness to someone with a blade to your throat?”

“That kindness could save my life.”

“It could also cost you your life.”

“Then I would die with my last act being one of kindness, rather than one of indifference or cruelty.” Your voice doesn’t waver, your eyes staying on his as you speak. “Wouldn’t that be a wonderful way to be remembered?”

“The Princess is sentimental,” a new voice enters the conversation, one that you don’t recognize that puts you on edge as you watch Eijirou’s hand move to draw his sword. “How lucky we are to know that our kingdom will fall under the reign of a pushover who values kindness over strength.”

Your knight quickly moves to stand between you and your guest, for lack of a better word, and you take a cautious look around the garden to ensure there weren’t others encroaching on your location before focusing on the man. He was tall, a long black cloak draped over his towering frame and a mask concealing his features. His voice was unfamiliar as well, meaning you had no clue who you were dealing with. 

“My lady, I need you to run.”

“But–”

“This is not a request.” Eijirou’s voice is firm, his eyes never leaving your potential assailant who was now drawing his own weapon. “You run to your usual spot, and do not leave that spot unless it is myself or one of the advisors.”

This is one of the rare times where you don’t argue with your dear knight, and will be added to the many times where you wished you could’ve told him that you loved him out loud. But you do as he said and you run from the garden, away from where he was going to battle an unknown enemy who was significantly larger than him to protect you. The dagger you had received from your spymaster the prior evening is pulled from its sheath that had been fastened to your waist, ready to strike at anybody who you weren’t familiar with on your way to the feast hall. 

There are knights moving in the opposite direction, and you hear chatter around you about the castle being under attack as you move through them, the new information prompting you to make a side stop on your way. The feast hall was on the other side of your large castle, meaning you would need additional defense to ensure you actually made it when you didn’t know where any assailants were. 

The sword you were gifted by your knight was in your bedroom, quickly retrieved and your dagger is sheathed in favor of carrying the longer range weapon in your hand as you completed your run to where you were instructed to go. You’d be in for quite the argument about your listening skills when Eijirou collected you, but you’d be able to get him to see your side of things in regard to having a better defensive weapon than a poisoned dagger. And if not…he was always easier to argue with if you were undressed. 

The castle is less populated on this side, likely due to all the commotion being centered around the gardens, but you couldn’t let that slow your pace or lower your guard. You weren’t safe until you had that door closed behind you, successfully hiding you away from any potential threats (unless they knew about the door). But the door to the feast hall is in sight, soon you would be safe. 

“Found you, brat!” 

And you were so close, too. 

But you keep running, knowing you’d have more obstacles to protect yourself in the feast hall than the corridor – more of a chance to survive as fighting was now your only option. That hidden room had served your bloodline for over a century, and you would not be the one to compromise it. 

The hall is thankfully empty when you push through the heavy double doors, unsheathing your sword and letting the sheath drop to the ground behind you as you continue to run through the hall. With any luck you’d be more agile than your pursuer, and you’d be able to climb over or crawl under the tables and benches easier than him to maintain a safe distance. 

“Attacking a Princess is most dishonorable!” You shout, earning a laugh from the stranger as the doors shut behind him with a deafening finality. You were now truly alone, your training with your dear knight would be put to the test here and now against someone who likely wanted you alive but wouldn’t care if you died by his hand. 

“Haven’t attacked yet, have I?”

“Chasing me through my castle isn’t an attack?” With every step he takes you take one backwards, intentionally moving in a way that would have you on opposite sides of the leftmost row of tables. 

“This is merely a visit, m’lady.”

“Visits don’t require swords. Now I tire of talking in riddles, what is it you want?”

“We’re here for you. The showing at the docks was cute, but the boss saw right through. Knew the pretty little princess was under guard at home.” 

You? That explained a bit but not enough. Unfortunately you don’t have the chance to ask more questions, because your assailant has started moving less like trying to calm a wild animal and more like he was ready to do whatever it took to subdue you. But he’s faster than you anticipated, and you have to raise your sword in a defensive stance that has him chuckling as he unsheathed his own sword. 

The first clash of his sword against yours sends a shock up your forearms, but your grip stays firm and you’re able to push off with enough force to earn yourself some distance. But you know from the first strike that this is not a battle you can maintain, as this man was significantly stronger than you and used more force than Eijirou ever had when training with you, so you scramble onto the long table and shuffle backwards along the table to maintain space without losing sight of your opponent. 

“You’re not playing fair, brat,” he scolds, and you scoff as you block the strike the man makes towards your ankles.

If anyone were to see you in this position they’d be mortified, but you couldn’t let yourself be distracted. Your focus needed to be solely on the man you were in combat with, and ensuring you maintained the high ground by continuing to force him to block and ensure that he had no time to join you on the table and regain the true advantage. 

“Always be on the lookout for an opening to break the rhythm,” Eijirou had told you in one of your lessons, but didn’t have any concrete advice for what that opening could look like. ‘You just know’ was terrible advice and you hated that everyone had an answer like that when asked about opportunities to strike. You didn’t have years of combat experience – you had barely a year of experience – how were you supposed to know? 

It was Lord Keigo who once told you that sometimes you had to make an opportunity by just “doing unpredictable shit”, which you think you’d done once already by getting on the table and holding this position for as long as you have but you needed to make it happen again and preferably before you ran out of table to stand on. 

A lone cup left on the table presents itself as your opportunity, you manage to kick it towards your opponent and disrupt the flow of his attacks before raising your leg to kick him in the face. He staggers, fully opening the window you created and you pull the dagger as you lunge for him successfully knocking him to the floor before your dagger finds its mark in his heart. 

His death isn’t as instant as you thought it would’ve been with such a strike, his hand grabs your arm but you’re able to shake it off as you scramble backwards to get off of him and away from what you’d done. Your father had told you about the harsh realities of combat, warned you that the first time you take a life – should you ever have to – was world shattering. He’d warned you that you don’t return from that moment fully intact, perhaps physically unharmed but you’d lose a piece of yourself that you can never regain. An innocence tarnished, a sin you could never repent enough for. But that was how you knew you were human, with morals and care for the world around you. Those who could kill without feeling were the real monsters in the world. But the sentiment did not make you feel any better.

Your eyes don’t leave him, you see the way his body spasms and foam leaves his mouth as a side effect of the poison that coated the blade, and tears well in your eyes as the light leaves his and his body finally stills. His pained, labored breaths ring through your ears and you still feel the weight of the dagger in your hand despite it still being lodged in the man’s chest. 

How were you supposed to deal with this? How did anybody?

–

What had started as a one-on-one battle in the garden had become a siege on the castle focused on the gardens, extending the time spent away from you that made Eijirou more anxious by the minute. But he continued to fight until he’d gotten direction from Lord Tsunigu to go to your side once it appeared the enemy forces were starting to thin out. An all clear would be provided as soon as possible, but the Princess should not be left unattended for too long just in case she was found by the enemy. So he pushes his injured body to what was likely its new limit as he breaks out into a sprint to get away from the gardens and to where his Princess should be hidden away in the feast hall.

The doors push open easily, and his first glance through the room gives him some relief as he fully steps inside. The pool of blood catches his eye first, then the sword that he hoped to never see detached from your person if it wasn’t in your bedroom and the relief he did feel is replaced with dread at the implication of the scene before him. Two more steps and he sees the corpse, and the dagger still lodged in its chest, but he can’t allow himself to relax until he sees you and can confirm that you weren’t harmed. It was possible that you could’ve accomplished killing this attacker and hiding away like you were instructed to, but there was another possibility that you had been abducted in the process of defending yourself. 

A sniffle catches his ear, followed by shaky breathing that has him kneeling to look under the table to investigate. The princess he sought out stares back at him, with tears and blood that he hoped did not belong to you disgracing that beautiful face.

“Eijirou?”

“Yes, my love, you can come out of there now.” He keeps his voice soft as he waves you out of your hiding spot. “It’s just the two of us here, you’re safe.”

You’re slow to crawl out, trying to avoid the growing pool of blood as you do, and once you’re within his reach he carefully pulls you from under the table to hold you close and soothe his own anxieties with your presence. Your body trembles with your sobs, bloodied hands gripping his chestplate as you try to hide in his neck. 

“It’s alright,” he whispers, kissing your head as the horn sounds. Enemy forces were either retreating or wiped out, but he’d keep you here until he saw one of the advisors. “It’s all over now, we’re safe.”

“I-I killed someone.” You finally look up at him, your eyes red and still producing the tears that broke his heart more with each additional one to fall. “I did that, and–”

You choke on a sob, and he guides your head back to rest on his shoulder while rubbing your back while blaming himself for your experience. If he’d been with you this would not have happened, he would’ve been able to strike down this assailant while you hid and you wouldn’t have even had to see the corpse. But instead he’d forced you to face one of the harshest realities of combat – of life – on your own, and that would be difficult for the both of you to process. You were just talking to him about how you’d wanted to be known for your kindness and how you’d risk your life to extend kindness to someone out to kill you, only to have to take a life no more than an hour later, which likely would not sit well on your conscious when you finally reflected on the day as a whole. 

But he was incredibly proud of you for what you’d accomplished in keeping yourself alive against a significantly more experienced opponent. He wouldn’t be able to share that praise with you until you’d had time to come to terms with what you’d done, so he whispers additional affirmations of your safety into your hair rather than praising you for your actions.

“We both definitely need to bathe after this.” That wasn’t what he was expecting to hear from you, but he smiles and nods his agreement. “And I suppose I have to inform my parents now.”

“Let your advisors handle that, you need to rest first.”

The sun dipped low over the kingdom jagged spires as Knight Eijiro Kirishima crested the final hill, his weary steed plodding through the mist-shrouded gates of the outer bailey. Dust clung to his battered armor, the plume of his helm fluttering high like a flag of hard-won victory. The mission had stretched into eight grueling days: smoke where there should have been villages, skirmishes with rebel scouts, nights huddled by dying fires with the ache of your absence gnawing at his ribs. His broad frame, etched with fresh bruises beneath the plate mail, straightened as the castle loomed ahead, its stone walls a beacon pulling him home. A loud knock on your door stirs you from sleep. Not that you’ve been sleeping at all in the past week, plagued by terrible nightmares, but still you managed a moment’s slumber here and there. “They’re here”, your lady-in-waiting enters the room like a sunlight beam. “They made it.” “What?”, you ask, rubbing your eyes, unsure if you’ve fully woken. “Sir Kirishima is here. They all are, they’re in the yard". A smile quickly formed on your lips and stretched to a grin, wide enough to split your face in two. They made it. You were up and out of bed before she finished speaking. You dragged on the heavy mantle of your robe and, barefoot, stumbled out the room. Your lady-in-waiting was saying something behind you, but you couldn’t hear over the pounding of your heart calling Eijiro, Eijiro, Eijiro. You opened the window to the main balcony. Figures cast long wavering shadows as they moved in the torch-lit yard, men and horses making a clamor out of the still night. Your hands gripped the cold stone, panic churned to a relief so strong you could barely keep upright as you scanned the crowd. And there, sliding off his mount, leaning in close to whisper to his steed in that ridiculous, endearing way of his, was— “Eijiro”, you whispered. The drawbridge groaned open, chains rattling like applause from the iron portcullis. Kirishima urged his horse forward, hooves clattering over the wooden planks into the inner courtyard. The guards parted like waves as him and his battalion entered, and word spread quickly through the walls: the captain had returned. He dismounted with a grunt, boots sinking into the gravel, and handed the reins to a stable boy. There were reports to give, formalities to endure, a dozen voices waiting to pull him back into duty the moment he crossed the threshold, but none of it registered the way it should have. Because the first thing he looked for was you. Up above, behind carved balustrades and banners that moved gently in the wind, you stood on the balcony overlooking the courtyard. The wind tugged at your loose gown and even from below, even through the blur of distance and fading light, Kirishima knew your expression. You were smiling. Not the practiced smile of court appearances or diplomatic gatherings. A softer and unguarded gift, in a way only he had ever been allowed to see. For a moment, he forgot how to move. He felt regarded as though he was not a weapon returned from war, but something far more fragile you had been waiting to hold.

The frost had set in overnight, and your bare toes stung in the cold while the wind whipped through your loose bedclothes, but you didn’t mind the chill or the noise or the stares because there was Eijiro, turning away from his mount and striding towards you, travel-stain and battle-weary and the most beautiful sight you had ever beheld. There he was—your shield, your secret flame—tall and proud, crimson hair escaping his helm like spilled blood. A smile bloomed on your lips, soft and radiant, chasing away the shadows of worry that had haunted your days and nights. You’d paced these stones, whispering prayers to forgotten gods in hope for his safe return. He came to a stop right below your balcony. He came back to you, just as he’d sworn he would.

And then duty reclaimed him, as it always did. He was swept into the machinery of return: the report to the Lord, the medical inspection he insisted he didn’t need, the endless questions about casualties and conditions. He answered them all, voice steady, mind elsewhere. Every so often, he felt that phantom warmth on his cheek. His oath, waiting for him somewhere in these halls. Late that night, as the castle slumbered under a canopy of stars, Kirishima slipped through the shadowed corridors, moving without a sound, armor replaced by simple dark clothing. Moonlight filtered through arrowed slits, guiding him to the big wooden doors in the west wing. With a deep breath, he knocked.

Three quick knocks. A pause. A thud. With your own personal code, your door yielded open as Eijiro stepped into the warm glow of your room, lit only by a few flickering candles. You sat by the window, a book forgotten in your lap, nightgown whispering against your skin as you shifted and turned. There was no hesitation in you this time, only a relief so great it softened every line of your face. “Eijiro”, you breathed, rising like a dream made flesh. He crossed the room in three strides, his arms coming around you immediately, instinctive as breathing, pulling you into him with a restraint he barely managed to keep gentle. His hands rose from your wait, framing your face, thumbs brushing your cheeks. You melted into him, arms winding around his neck, pulling him down. The kiss was not careful. It was not restrained by duty or status. It was relief. It was gratitude. It was the breaking of something that had been held too long under pressure. He tasted salt from your tears of happiness as your fingers threaded through his hair, holding him close. Time blurred as you both poured your desire and confession into that embrace, the outside world fading to nothing. “You’re back", you said when you stopped the kiss for a breath of air. You needed to hear it spoken into reality. “I told you I would be”, he answered. When you finally parted, only slightly, he rested his forehead against yours. And for the first time since he had chosen to become your shield, Kirishima allowed himself to believe that maybe, just maybe, he was also allowed to be something more.

TAGLIST: @kirishimaeijiromyman , @drageonix24 , @sloppyjoesandwich , @teeesthings , @cphlo , @blessedblemishes , @batinthebelltower2 , @themultifandomgirl , @strawberryjyam , @c00k13sandcr3am , @dabi-vakarian , @acecardexe , @direimpgrail , @papijean , @anunfortunateoutcome , @d4wnofnight , @lamathelazer , @katsukis-lilbunnywhore , @anabanana-26 , @kalan1z , @katscherry , @its-opossum-sauce , @shittingonyourgrave , @star-3214 , @l3eknow4evrr , @l-nectarine-l , @snore-3 , @mrssuna , @seishoyo , @theetheralone , @drabby-abby @amira-44820 , @extremebookreader , @d34ly , @katzukisss , @smelliottle , @lottiepop07 , @nanakamii , @sourpom3los , @catsooky , @ipukegiltters , @ariiiiee , @brekkielukiel , @kookiieeswirl , @accheolie , @mythicaloutlier , @citrustsuki , @addaberry , @asht0n-fox , @ssun4lifer

TAGLIST PT. 2: @lavenderloss , @m-meraki-ii , @alateful , @cocoballsblonde , @butlereyepatchbunny , @justheretobinge , @nnxhhz , @abeenaa , @potatofamilyu , @lovelyevange , @strayruway , @xinkybeesx , @rollssas , @inkycapps , @fragolaviolw , @lover-no-lover61 , @dq1215 , @katthekat1234 , @azizxxxah , @its-opposum-sauce , @astralravenix , @whoreforeverythingspice , @hironosushiis , @l4nnisworld , @redgie-69 , @astermwah , @indino-lets-not , @gracklecake , @bunichuu , @heaven-f0rged , @sunnyl1ght , @ivydoesit23 , @koreluvsspring , @erensslut , @junie-5 , @kikismultifics , @1-555-damian , @drowzziw , @pookynknowntranger , @hereforchifuyu , @ilovemyselfhehehehehhe , @aphroditeadores , @vixenvienn , @itzzmj420 , @moond0llie , @lucijeni , @kalihrts , @mxvoid26 , @wwolfsca , @toesucker59 , @vvirginstatue ,@lorreii , @dovesbeauty , @mjustag1rl ,

TAGLIST PT. 3: @brethebomb2 , @henelen , @bloodonmyasianpad , @hello-emma , @haychhans , @shadow-78 , @femboytwinkyballsinmyass , @sickenedhonesty , @darhinadadragon , @starryd147 , @dollxent , @imchososwife , @rabioa , @katsuki-bakugo01 , @shewki , @loivakru , @dtftheavengers , @4k1to , @clarilarii , @mooncat139 , @frey234 , @renrenrenren17 , @maeveybelle , @hoe4yunhoooo , @aug-jjoy , @ivory-raptor , @chosolvrr , @princesslang , @jazzylicious8 ,

— ok lets go over the basics of how this unit of a man–the no.1 hero manages to get away with what he has done to you. like of course he is popular, charismatic, sexy, and handsome but how is he able to grope you while you're just minding your own business at the grocery store? Mirio is absolutely able to hunt you down wherever you might be. expect you to get fucked silly in the frozen food section.

+the white noise of the freezers hum through the air. your eyes scan the boxes and bags of the assorted frozen items—wondering what your lovely boyfriend might want- perhaps pineapple for his smoothies? maybe even some strawberries. you see a bright colored bag that showed an assortment of his favorite fruit. you quickly open the freezer then immediately picked it up, reading the contents. suddenly Mirio pops out of nowhere making reader drop the bag of frozen fruit. the bag made a loud thud sound, which ended up startling your boyfriend who was now standing right in front of you! you're met with blue eyes and a pompadour poking out of the wall—you dropped the frozen fruit cause why and how did Mirio know you were here? he looked at you ever so lovingly as his hands made their place on your waist. Mirio pulls you towards him, hands all over you. "fuck, i need you baby." he nuzzled his face into the crook of your neck, inhaling your intoxicating sent that drove him wild. with one of his hands, he guided yours to his growing erection. "mmm.. see what you do to me sweetie?" his large hand engulfs your own as he guides you to stroke him through his hero costume. soon after he gets impatient—kissing you roughly, hand making its way in between your thighs. every single part of him was hulking and overwhelming. the way his tongue made its way into your mouth—how his rough padded fingers began to circle your clit deliciously after he pushed your panties to the side. Mirio was addicted to you. "j-just a quicky.. i promise.." he mumbled in between his kisses as he freed his cock from the tight confines of his hero suit. he looked so pretty all flushed and needy. he grabs you by the waist, lifting you up as if you weighed nothing. he pins you on the freezer door, gently coating his pink tip in your own arousal. Mirio cant take his eyes off of the way you clench on nothing, his dick just gliding across your clit so nicely. when he finally slides inside your cunt he almost came right then and there. you were clenching on him so hard, squeezing the life out of him. the hands on your waist tighten as he grits his teeth letting out a groan. "holy fuck..mmgh.." Mirios soft whimpers and groans filled your brain. he sounded so lovely—even as he was abusing your poor cunt. his pace quickens as he gets closer and closer to his own release, his thumb now circling your clit. "fu-fuck please baby, come with me, please.."

— Mirio is the type of guy to drop by your apartment and jerk off in your bedroom, he just loves the way you smell. he always wraps one of your used panties around his cock imagining it was you bouncing up and down on him instead.

+every time you're out, Mirio is at your apartment being a complete pervert. he simply phases through your bedroom window. honestly it shouldn't be that easy. at an instant, his cock is hard. everything it smells like you—he cant help it. Mirio's eyes drift toward your dirty clothes hamper. he is immediately in that hamper digging out one of your used undies. he palms himself through his hero suit, biting his lip. Mirio takes off his hero suit just enough so his cock is free from the tight confines. already rock hard and leaking. he lays down on top of your bed, surrounding himself in your sent. he takes your undies and wraps them around his cock. his hand gripping tight, imagining you clenchin so tight around him. Mirio pumps his cock, sweat beginning to form on his forehead. his hip began to meet his fist as he got closer. soft grunts and pleading whines escaped his lips. he cums all over his stomach, making a mess of your panties as well. hmm well he needs to take them now! so he can wash them for you...totally...

— b4 you guys got together, Mirio definitely bought an apartment above you so he can just phase through your ceiling. just to show off his assets to see how you react. (PERSONALLY, id start sucking him dry.) he takes note about every little reaction from you so he can more easily imagine how you might look squirming on his cock.

+initially, you were terrified seeing a naked man in your room. this cant possibly happen more than once right..? wrong, it happens at least once a week. your very attractive, pro hero, upstairs neighbor somehow phases through his floor landing himself in your apartment naked. he always apologizes and covers himself before leaving. you now expect this occurrence to happen, it stopped scaring you. now you're checking him out–no! you can't! he is the number one hero Lemillion, you cant just make a move! plus he is your neighbor. Mirio cant help but love the subtle change in your reaction to him popping up. the way your body tenses, your jaw slack before snapping close. he sees you checking him out. truly, you cant help your eyes wandering towards his cock. seeing his lil happy trail leading to his...*ahem*..Mirio at this point is head over heels for you. he just loves the little noises and faces you make when you see him. oh and he 100% gets off afterwards.

— he adores you when you decide to bring him lunch. no but seriously when he sees you, he's already bricked up. wont do anything at the moment but will fuck you when he gets home. Mirio seeing you like that makes him want to put a baby in you.

+Mirio has you bent over his desk, papers scattered all over. his hand pinning your head to the cold wood as his cock drills in your sopping pussy. he is a mad man, grunting right in your ear as his body is flushed against yours. his other hand is holding one of your legs up so he can reach deep inside of you. he loves the way you go boneless. hand gently wrapping around your neck, holding you steady. Mirio nibbles on your ear, whispering the dirtiest fucking things. "you hear that?" *squelch* "fuckkk, you clenchin' you gonna cum 'f me?" he doesnt care how many times you've came. not his problem. the tip of his cock always hitting that spongy spot making your head go fuzzy. he mocks your incoherent babbling, just adoring how you sound. " 'ah, ah, please' " he kissed your neck, mumbling into it "please what baby? use your words sweetheart." you are gone, fucked dumb to be blunt. your hair is now all disheveled, sticking to your forehead. All you could do is moan his name and cum all around his cock. By the nth time you came he cums, filling up your poor cunt to the brim. Mirio pulls out and watches the way his cum and your juices began to leak out of you, the way you clench around as it drips down your thigh. he might just need to fuck his cum back into you.

Little did he know he was the one who was going to be surprised, though. He knocked on the bathroom door twice and called for you again. "Baby? It's me! Are you okay in there?"

The handle didn't give when he jiggled it, and his other calls for you went unanswered too.

When there was no response entirely, the tiniest bit of worry pricked him. Did you leave the faucet running or something? He didn't want your sink to overflow... Or did you faint? Were you hurt in there?

He didn't expect you to be shocked to see him if you were indeed inside. You knew he was coming, right?

Mirio, still without giving what he was doing much thought, activated his quirk and phased his body through the door, a tad bored and unfocused as he did—until he was on the other side of it.

You hadn't left the sink on; no, you had the shower on. The glass doors were foggy, the room warm from the boiling hot showers Mirio knew you liked to take. And through the clouded shower doors, he saw the blurry outline of you.

Oh god. He didn't want to be a creep! And he didn't want to scare you—but he didn't want to leave. I mean, he's your boyfriend, it wouldn't be so wrong to sneak in, would it?

Face flushed, he settled on undressing himself. He was going to knock on the glass before letting you know he was there with you, but he was so distracted by the thought of you naked and wet and alone, oh so alone, in the shower that he didn't even think of his quirk—which was still active—and he ended up phasing inside the shower when he tried to get a peek inside.

You'd been in the middle of scrubbing yourself, dreamily wondering of what cute date your loving boyfriend could've planned for you—when that very aforementioned boyfriend stumbled into the shower with you.

You let out a bloodcurdling scream and immediately weaponized your loofah by chucking it at the intruder. Mirio groaned, the loofah ineffectively bouncing off his bare body. He's caught himself against the wall, but not without his head recoiling after being bumped.

Next you threw your bottle of fruity shampoo, which startled Mirio. He tried to catch it but it ended up hitting him and falling onto the floor of the shower. "Ow! What are you doing!"

"What am I doing?" You hugged your chest, though the preservation of your modesty was barely your first priority in that moment. "What are you doing?! You pervert! You're the one who broke into my shower! While I'm using it!"

"I know, I know, I'm sorry—hey!" You smacked his arm as he tried to sheepishly defend himself. And you were about to throw the sliding door aside and step out, still hugging yourself, but before you could do that, Mirio grabbed you and dragged you back against him with one strong, skin-to-skin hug. "Where ya going?"

He always tried to be a gentleman to you—but one thing you knew about your boyfriend was that he was pathetic when it came you. He always tried to please you first, begged you for any sort of pleasure—he was down bad, completely willing to plead and whine for what he wanted without shame.

"Don't tell me you're getting out," said Mirio. "I didn't mean to interrupt..."

You narrowed your eyes. "Well, you did."

He didn't let up when you squirmed against him, and he even had the audacity to kiss your neck and shamelessly smell the fresh bodywash on your skin. "We'll still go out, right? You're not mad?"

Internally groaning, you couldn't help but soften as he began kissing down to your shoulders and up to your temples. "No, I'm not mad. But you can't just come in here anymore! You need to knock."

"I did knock," he murmured against your shoulder. "And I yelled for you. You just didn't hear me. I was going to knock on the shower door, but what if I scared you? You could've fallen and hurt yourself, honey..."

"You're not going to make me forget this by sweet-talking."

"I know," he said, "but can we still have some fun in here? Just before we go out... unless you want to finish your shower, or you're not in the mood—I understand."

You turned so that your chest pressed against him. You smirked slightly when he stared at your tits, sudsy and wet still. Theatrically rolling your eyes, you said, "Well, I guess so. But you owe me."

"I'd owe you anything if it got me this..."

He sunk to his knees before you, thankful for how roomy your shower was. Hands roaming down your waist and hips, not before squeezing your breasts and rolling your nipples, he found purchase on your thighs and pushed you up—which made you yelp.

He'd put you in a wall sit—your legs over his shoulders with his body acting as structural support.

"M-Miri—like this? Are you sure? You might get tired and drop me!" you said.

Mirio was barely listening to you, already too mesmerized by your pretty pressure. He slid his finger along the slit and sides of you, then began to rub your attention-starved clit before inserting one finger in you, careful and gentle in his movements. "Huh? Don't worry, hon. You know I'm one of the strongest."

That was true; Mirio had asked to use you for weight training on multiple occasions. At first, you were of course offended and a little hesitant of what he implied by asking to use you as a dumbbell—but then he gladly clarified that he wanted to be able to lift you in order to be able to lift people who were in danger and also lift you especially for... multiple reasons.

And you couldn't really protest any. Mirio had already pumped two fingers in you a few times, licked the taste clean off his fingers, then delved in to eat you out like a man starved.

You held onto his drenched hair, trying not to lose balance—which was hard because of how hard he gripped your thighs around his head. The view was straight out of a raunch romance novel. His muscles flexing almost erotically, soaking wet, droplets of water shining off his perfect figure. You wet (in more than one way), shaking from how good he was making you feel—feeling slightly ridiculous from the fact Mirio had turned him invading your shower into you indulging his pussy-whipped self.

He teased you, gave you long and short licks, going deep and shallow with he tongue-fucked you, alternated between devouring and nibbling on your clit.

And as he pushed you closer and closer to the edge, he pulled a string of pornographic moans from you. When you finally came, he didn't come up for air or move out of the warm stream of the shower's waterfall until he was satisfied that he licked you through the orgasm and lapped all of you.

You wavered on your feet, thankful that Mirio had the mind to lift you up and clean you both up. You imagined his knees were damn well sore, but he looked too pleased with himself for you to ruin his afterglow with trivial questions.

After he carried you both out of the bathroom, still slightly damp and smelling of your bodywash, he dumped you gently on the bed and crawled in to cuddle you. "New plan—nap before we go out?"

You smiled as he pulled a blanket over both of you. "Sounds good."

He hovered over you briefly before kissing your cheek, a reverent sigh escaping him. "Thanks for not killing me with your shampoo. I love you."

Giggling, you wrapped your arms around his neck and rolled atop his relaxed body. "I love you too, you perv."

---