Knight of Your Life

by pissormiss

Summary:

Tenya Iida has been assigned as the personal knight to you, the child of the King and Queen. Although you seem to clash at first, you quickly warm up to him, eager for your first real friend in ages. Iida is hesitant to let his walls down, especially in the name of professionalism. But a socially isolated, stubborn royal who hates being bored isn’t likely to give up.

Especially when being with him makes everything, and everyone else, dull in comparison.

Notes:

Written with a fem reader in mind (especially for clothing descriptions), but I tried to use neutral pronouns. I hope this was at least a little enjoyable, I’ve never written fanfic before lol

Feel free to give suggestions and let me know your opinions of my work!! Thank you so much for reading!

♡

Chapter 1: Introduction

Growing up both sheltered and overworked was simply expected from a young royal like you. From the moment the Queen announced your newborn self as the kingdoms ‘Most Magnificent Light’, she and your father, the King, had spent more time amplifying each little aspect of the castle security than actually teaching their child life skills that don’t involve ballroom dancing or the correct placing of 5 different forks for supper.

You always maintained yourself properly. Being disobedient, too loud, too reckless, or too much of anything would simply not be received well. Especially to a world big as the one your family needed to live in. Of course, besides the occasional scolding and mild corrections from frustrated teachers, you were a decently good kid. Being too good, however, gets quite lonely. You would refuse to jump around in the dirty grass with the village kids, afraid of dirtying up your frilly dress. Maintaining your strict schedule severely limited time to converse with the kid you used to pass by on the way to the town fountain every Friday afternoon, and you’ve noticed the male baker has taken another day off to spend with his young one. For the few friends you’ve made over the years who have either moved or slowly drifted away, it became clear with each strained relationship that making—and keeping—social relationships was really too much of a hassle for a busy one like you.

But being a child without any real friends isn’t so bad when there are plenty of other forms of entertainment to take up. You knew your family wanted happiness and only the best for you, and that is exactly what they aimed to provide. The highest quality canvases, paints, and brushes with the softest bristles sat in a small gold plated toolbox near the window up in the balcony. You enjoyed the warmth that your sun could bring to your skin and how natural light made it easier to distinguish the different shades of blue on your palette. A piano and a violin were commissioned to be handmade by experts in the industry, just for you to attempt the same six scales every morning. Even if you too often manage to sound offkey or never get your fingers to move fast enough, you were content with just practicing. Obviously, you would also try chatting with a maid or the chef as they help you with your day, and it was nice hearing about their loved ones and what their bigger plans were ten years from now. Just because you had difficulty finding comfort from others your own age doesn’t mean there isn’t comfort in other people, or things.

It was a good thing your family had plenty of money to spare on their beloved. Your curious self quite enjoyed running through a variety of hobbies. During your second attempt at cooking, the cracked egg shells in the pan and the yolk spilt on the counter weren’t much of a hassle to clean up. At least trying new things meant you could satiate your hunger for entertainment…and also confirm what you do and don’t enjoy doing. Maybe leave the cooking to the chefs.
_______________________________________________________
On a particularly boring day, you looked through your wardrobe for something simple to wear. Mommy and Daddy were somewhere out in blah blah blah, probably for a business meeting. You didn’t hear what they said, but you do know that meant they wouldn’t be home for at least a while. Living under their care meant recognizing the methods and patterns that kept you barricaded for so long. You knew exactly how many workers would be eating around this time, when the gardener leaves the gates slightly ajar to easily come back and forth with fertilizer bags, and you did know how to make a somewhat convincing lie on the spot if you were caught. Luckily, slipping away from those grey stone walls was a simple task, doing it without questioning.

It really has been a while since you’ve been outside, as you’re already feeling warm just one step outside the castle bounds. Flapping your fan with much force in an effort to keep your skin more glowy than sweaty, you set off towards the forest.

For some odd reason, foraging and nature walks were your hobbies of interest at the moment. Of course, you couldn’t be bothered to memorize so many different descriptions of harmful berries or mushrooms, so you choose a somewhat safer option and look for flowers instead. Crouching down, you add an array of bright pink, violet, and white petaled plants into your small woven basket. Your head jolts up at a soft rustling in the distance, and a brown bunny hops out from the bushes, darting away when you try to follow it.

Checking your watch, you make it back just in time before the guards would come rushing back to the perimeter. Luckily, your outfit choice was plain and didn’t make much noise while you sprinted up the stairs, eager to put away all the evidence of your leaving. Setting the basket on the floor and carefully putting your clothes underneath the ones from yesterday, as to not avoid suspicion from the maids wondering when you had time to wear something so bland, you were ready for your evening shower routine.

A few hours later, after feeling fresh and clean, you were led to your parents downstairs for important matters of discussion. Your Dad opens his mouth first, hands placed on the table in front of him while he ate some seasoned chicken thighs.
“Good evening. As you know, we were on a short trip to the next kingdom over, and saw interesting things from our neighbors. Their little girl is half your age and has twice the amount of friends as you do at your age now, dear.”

Mom continues with a nod to her husband.
“Yes, I agreed. We’re getting worried that your social skills are somewhat lacking, compared to peers your age. You’re aware that good communication needs to be fostered so you can develop into a powerful person when you’re older. But all we see you do is talking to random people out in the streets or in our castle! We know you can be professional and well spoken, but you are not learning casual conversation, small talk, being friendly to those your own age.”

Your eyebrow twitched up for a split second before you forced your face to relax. Dad finishes his second chicken piece and swallowed his bite, before speaking again.
“Your mother and I have decided on expanding efforts to bring sociable peers within our vicinity so you can learn to talk to people. You’re getting too old to just dilly dally all day. Once you have the chance to safely meet and talk to other young people, you can be much more confident than you currently are.”

You momentarily zoned out trying to decipher their words, but Dad’s next sentence broke you out of it.

“We are hiring more castle workers around your age. And you must learn to make at least one friend.”

Oh.
_______________________________________________________
Tacked on every other tree and plastered on too many different shop walls were official royal documents.

CASTLE OF WHYEN HIRING
AGES 15 - 19
POSITIONS AVAILABLE:
FLOWER GARDENER
MAID / HOUSE KEEPING
EAST WING GUARD

And a bunch more other stuff after that you barely skimmed past the first time you were handed a copy of the neatly printed paper. There was no use in trying to remember that all, as you were unlikely to even have a say in the decision process anyway. Good thing, too. A position working for the Whyen family gave significantly more benefits and a fair payroll, something that could be greatly overlooked by other positions or even more corrupt royal families. A chance to not only get the status boost, money boost, and boost your chances of really interacting with someone in the royal family made this hiring list very appealing to the public. You definitely estimated at least 50 people standing around the castle as you were escorted in by a kind butler.

A few weeks later, you waved politely to some of the new workers you’ve seen while going about your usual routines in the castle. A girl with green, almost iridescent hair, with a large brimmed sunhat was talking to the vegetable gardener about using different plots in the field. Two of the new maids were in the common area, dusting off the large windows while excitedly bonding over their love for the cute decorations placed in the area. Two young men were being taught how to put on their uniforms by the older guards.

You don’t really stop to talk to any of the new hires. They’re busy, obviously, and you’re still getting used to all these changes in what you thought could have been a comforting life in the castle. Of course, just as you think you had a moment to open up your old poetry journal from 5 months ago and try to write another sappy thing before lunchtime, a girl with short brown hair knocks on your door.

“Hello” You say with a smile, setting the journal aside and getting up to open the door for her. She’s definitely a new hire, judging by her youthful appearance and the way her cuff sleeves were on just a little mismatched.

“Good afternoon, my Highness. The Queen and King have requested you to come to the conference room. Are you free currently for me to walk you?” she says with a slight bow.

“Oh, what for?”

“I am unsure. If you are busy, I can return in however much time you request for.”

“It’s fine. Let’s go now.”

The walk to the conference room is quiet, but surprisingly not as awkward as you imagine. The maid asks you simple questions about your life, which you easily reciprocate. Waving goodbye once you made it to the door, you open it and see a random guy with a huge metal chestplate and a heavy looking sword by his side standing behind your parents at the long table.

“AH!” you jump, surprised.

“Calm down, dear. This is your personal knight. He is strong, tall, fast, athletic, and deeply loyal to our family. He will be accompanying you around from now on.” Your mom beams, showing off the blue haired teen behind her like a limited edition doll.

“What?! When did I get a knight??”

“Did you not read the paper you were sent from a few weeks back?” Your Dad asks, exasperated.

“No, sorry. I just didn’t expect this. What do you mean personal knight, exactly? There are already guards in and out of the castle. And accompanying me?? I can accompany myself just fine.”

“Your Mother and I simply believe having a nice companion will help you develop socially. And safety is always a priority for us, you know we can’t risk anything happening to you.”
After some frustrating back and forth between you and your parents, they swiftly exit the room, having to attend another business meeting. This left you next to whoever this guy is, who is trying to be polite and not comment on anything about that familial interaction he just witnessed.

You watch as he awkwardly bows, still adjusting to the weight of the uniform. It was well fitted, you suppose. But does he know it’s unnecessary to wear a full suit of hot armor while indoors??

“Your Highness, it's an honor to work for you.” he smiles, lifting his gaze just an inch.

“Mhm” is all you say with a simple nod, trying to leave him behind so you can get back to art. He follows you out the door and tries to speak, but you’re clearly upset. Having a friend, having people around to make friends with, sure. But to have someone forcibly assigned to be something to you made it all seem fake. This guy was probably just another try-hard who only wanted this job for the pay, and by the time you realize you actually made a friend, that’s when it will all come apart.

You said he could talk a little bit while you tried to sketch out a new drawing on your canvas, but honestly, it’s hard to concentrate when your hands are moving at a different pace because of what your ears are taking in. You know he came from a well off family, and he moved to your kingdom for work opportunities. However, while most of the polite chatter between you two would likely be forgotten by the time your pencil lifted off this sheet again, you aimed to remember the most important thing he’s said so far.

“My name is Tenya Iida.”

Chapter 2: Horse

Notes:

Sorry if the updates are slow I'm kinda a lazy writer and I was lowkey in the hospital 🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑 I hope around once a week is good enough though

A few weeks later, you and Iida got into a simple routine, getting used to each other. He would always wake up early for a morning run, before waiting outside of your door, so he could be with you from the moment you exited your bedroom. You both spent lots of time together. Walking you around town if you wanted to shop, standing in the corner of your art room whenever you pulled out your easel, and even enduring the sounds of your streaky violin. He had even allowed you to watch while he practiced his physical training and exercise, knowing you could be safer if you were in his sight.

On one particular day, he came and knocked on your door, instead of waiting for you to wake up normally, as he usually has done before. Fortunately, your heavy sleeping allowed you to avoid being disturbed by rhythmic knocking sounds at the entrance of your chambers. Whoever was out there must have patience, now pausing the knocks and waiting for you to awake naturally. Around an hour later, you blink slowly at the sight of your knight already dressed up in that bulky metal armor. Barely having opened the door before he opens his mouth.
“Good morning, your Highness!” he beams, too much joy in his voice for the early hours of the day.
“Good morning.”
“I was informed of a few tasks you were assigned to by the Queen. I hope you had a restful slumber, as there is a busy day ahead!”
He pulls out a small sheet of brown paper and looks quickly at the first item before turning it towards you, pointing out the first event in what seemed to be a pre-made itinerary.
“Huh? What’s this?” you ask quietly, mind still groggy.
“The agenda for today. You have to pack up for a short business meeting alongside the King and Queen, but it is well into the afternoon in which you must be in the carriage. Before then, you must eat a healthy breakfast and have a brief dress fitting with the seamstress, who would like updated measurements.”
“Oh, I forgot about that. I’ll come later.”
You are about to shut the door and get back to the comfort of bed when Iida swiftly places his arm in the way.
“Y-your Highness! Please, there is not another moment to spare! The King and Queen cannot afford you to be late to the meeting this afternoon! Allow me to escort you to the dining area. I have already spoken to the chef and requested a filling breakfast for you to enjoy.”

You do enjoy eating lots of fresh, red strawberries with the leaves cut off. In your cushioned seat downstairs in the dining area, you poke another fruit chunk onto the sharp prong of your fork. Iida sits nearby, drinking his second glass of orange juice while you have finished what was left of your breakfast meal. Quickly handing the utensils and plates over, you bid goodbyes to the workers and start walking down the main hall with Iida. Although you already knew some of the shops around the kingdom, he insists on travelling with you everywhere. At least he’s useful to block the sun from your face.
“A little more, wait, can you turn just a bit to the right, please? Yes, thank you.” you request, moving your hand as a makeshift visor.
He sighs, but shifts himself anyway. After all, he was meant to protect you. Even if the simple danger came from UV rays.

You step into the doors, and the boutique owner greets the both of you.
“Good afternoon, your Highness! I hope you are well. The King and Queen had some requests for me to fit you and design a new ballgown. Now, do you like this amber shade, or shall we look through more of the fabrics I have in the back?”
“Hm. Let’s look around some more, perhaps?” you reply, rubbing the soft fabric between your fingertips.

While you and the woman chat happily about potential dress designs while browsing the shop, Iida keeps a watchful eye on you. Your arms raised slightly as the tape measure wrapped around your waist. The seamstress takes the pencil from behind her ear and writes down the spoken measurements onto a piece of paper. While the ladies walked away to discuss, you turn your head and smile at Iida, who was still watching you lean almost too far forward on the stool you were standing on.
“Don’t lean too much, your Highness.” he says softly, stepping forward to allow you to lean on him while readjusting yourself.
“It’s fine, I wouldn’t fall anyway.”
“I shall not let you get injured in any way! In addition to your high footwear, the skirt of your outfit is not meant for mobility. If you lost balance, you could easily twist your ankle, hit your head on the floor, or-”
“Uh, sorry, but I think it’s okay. I’m not even two inches off the ground.”
“Your stool is clearly greater than two inches off the ground, seeing as you are now at eye level with me.”
“So? You’re probably like 5’3 or something.”
“I am not!”

The seamstress and shop owner both emerged from the room in the back with a few different fabric patterns and colors.
“Apologies for the wait, dear! Why don’t you step down from that and come pick one of these?” the seamstress says, laying out swatches of the warm toned fabric on the wooden table behind her.

When you get over there, she also pulls out her sketchbook and shows you some designs of potential gowns.
“Do you prefer balloon sleeves, or puff sleeves? Perhaps an off shoulder sleeve?” she asks, gesturing to the neatly inked designs in front of you.

Your knight had to kindly remind you of the inconvenience of wearing such a large gown, after you had requested to make the skirt poofier than the span of your arms.
“And perhaps you should consider keeping it with these simple colors? I am sure wearing something that represents our kingdom's official colors may be more cohesive than…rainbow.” he added, looking apologetic towards the workers beside you.

Sometime later, you had left the shop with your knight following closely behind.
“Let us return to the castle, so we may eat before leaving.” Iida says.
“Where are we going?”
“We’re going to meet with your parents, who are currently in the next kingdom over. They haven’t disclosed much, but you must attend.”
“Oops, I forgot. But, Iida, I was hoping to maybe do something else tonight? Those business meetings are always soooo long, and there’s a play I wanted to watch!”
“I apologize, your Highness, but I am adamant on following orders. You can not skip out on something important.”
“They have meetings all the time. They’re practically almost always out of the castle anyway. I’m sure skipping once won’t hurt them.”
“If you were requested to attend when previously they have not insisted, I’m sure it must be something worthy.”
“Fine. Are you coming, too? I’d be bored without you.”
“Of course I am. I have to, anyway.”

Back at the castle, you ate a sandwich, wrapping a few carrot and cucumber slices into the napkins and tucking it away.
“So..Tenya. We’re friends, right?” you began.
“Let us not get ahead of ourselves. It is too soon to be speaking so intimately about each other.”
“What do you mean? That’s your name, isn’t it? What should I call you?”
“My surname, Iida, or my title, is acceptable.”
“But I thought we were friends?”
“It is improper to address someone of lower status so personally.”
“I don’t want to have to call you by just your family name all the time. I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with that, right? You can call me by my first name, and not my title all the time.”
“Absolutely not! That is improper!”
“I thought we were friends?”
Iida lets out a small huff of breath and pinches the bridge of his nose, lifting his gaze just enough to look at you through his glasses.
“Of course, your Highness. We are..friendly.”
“But are we friends?”
“I suppose.”

10 minutes into the carriage ride, you are already tired of watching the trees pass by.
“I’m bored.”
Iida glances at you playing with your fingers at the hem of your skirt.
“We are expected to arrive in about an hour.”
“An hour? Ugh, do you have anything to do?”
“I’m afraid I did not pack anything you would consider entertaining, your Highness.”
“I said you could call me by my real name. That’s what friends do.”
“My apologies. Would you like to engage in conversation until we arrive at our destination?”
“Okay!!”

You had a good time talking to him. Sharing random facts and stories until the carriage stopped near the gates of a large building.
“We are here. Be careful not to step on your dress when you get out.” Iida says, giving you his arm.
It was a good thing your knight was handy at directions, or you would have gotten lost by now.
“Turn left at the end of the corridor.”
Inside the conference room, you walked up to your parents and took the seat beside them, with your knight standing behind your chair. The King and Queen were engrossed in some conversation with another pair of elites, laughing at a joke your father had made to the table. There were at least 4 different families currently seated,
“Do you want a seat?” you ask, turning to face Iida.
“I am quite alright, but thank you.”
“Don’t be silly, girl. We did not account for..uninvited guests to be in attendance. I’m sure he knows how to use his legs, and stand.” a random guy with dirty blond, slicked hair announces, having heard what you had just offered. His eyes are staring right at Iida.
“Excuse me? I just think it’s impolite to have him standing. Look, there’s a chair right there!” you say in disbelief, gesturing to a spare seat currently against the left wall.
“That is for another guest, who will soon arrive. Unfortunately, unless he wants to drag another heavy chair from across the building just to sit down, he will have to stand.”
“Here, why don’t you take my spot?” you suggested to Iida, who immediately shakes his head.
“No, I will be fine. The meeting is about to start shortly, I assume. It is not my place to sit at a table not meant for me.”
“Are you sure? You’ve been standing a lot, even in the boutique, and while we were eating.”
“I am fine. You are too kind to offer.”

Later on in the evening, after each spot at the table has been filled, the adults start talking. You only saw a few other people your age, presumably children of some of the attendees. You listened to what the discussions were, mainly about economic successes, new updates to the kingdom, and more. The whole time, you said a few sentences at most, just a short phrase to your mother here and there.

After the adults had bid their goodbyes and started to leave, you followed your parents outside to your ride home, with Iida following behind.

“Why did I have to go? I don’t need to know about the economy, we already have a financial advisor.” you inquire to your parents as the coach begins the long ride home.
“You have not attended a meeting with us in a while, honey. It’s important we don’t let you forget about your future responsibilities by letting you play all the time.” your mother says with a soft smile.
“And in the future, some of those families will perhaps be working very closely with ours. Did any of them catch your eye?” your father asks.
“What do you mean?”
“Ah, nevermind. They’re too young to worry about that.” your mother added.
You decide not to read much into it. It was late, after all.
The ride was quiet, only the rumbling under the wheels and quiet whispers of your parents as you think about all that time wasted listening to the nonsense of that meeting.

That evening, after you cleansed your face of makeup and slipped into your blue nightgown, you went back to your white vanity. The mirror shows a version of yourself unseen to the public, in which you are just a person, bare faced, and a bit melancholic. Opening the top drawer, the two paper tickets for the play sat untouched from earlier in the week when you had purchased them. You knew that tonight's production had already ended, and you missed out on something fun just to sit in a room with people wearing expensive fabrics and talking about topics you would have no interest in, at least until you were older. You shut the drawer gently and climb back into your large bed, staring at the fabric of your canopy before trying to drift off to sleep.

Unfortunately, you had built up energy from sitting too long in that conference room, and needed to do something to release it. Suddenly, you remember the vegetable slices that you packed from earlier that day, intending to eat as a snack but forgot about while talking with Iida in the carriage. Perhaps you could visit the animals in the stable, or try to lure a bunny towards you using a carrot on a stick.

You don’t make it far down the hall before you hear Iida calling out to you from a few feet away.
“Where are you going, your Highness? It’s late. You must rest.”
Gripping the vegetables in your hand a little tighter, you turn to look at him. He was no longer wearing that bulky armor or the uniform that went underneath, instead donning a white and blue striped pajama set, with a matching pointy hat.
“Are you gonna say ‘who goes there?!’ and come out with a candle after hearing a noise at night?”
“What are you on about??” he asks, confusion lacing his voice.
“Nevermind. I was just gonna go outside. I can’t sleep.”
“I see. You should not be outside at this time, you could get cold or be bitten by bugs!”
“I’ll be fine, I just wanted to see the animals.”
“You mustn’t. Might I suggest a glass of warm milk instead? Perhaps another method of allowing you to sleep easily?”
“Of course you would say that.”
“What?”
“Nevermind again. But please? I just want to go outside.”
“..fine. But I will be coming along. I can tell you would not have given up, had I refused.”

Outside, there are some crickets chirping as you toss the vegetables into the horse's food area.
“Horses like vegetables, right?” you ask Iida, who watches you pet the coat of his trusty black mare. He insisted on visiting her, knowing she would be calm and he could control her if something happened.
“Yes, she likes vegetables. Carrots especially.”
You gave him one of the carrot pieces from your hands and saw how he fed it to the horse.
“You should let me go on a horse ride!” you smile, continuing to run your fingers through her mane.
“No. It is late, and I don’t want to risk you falling off.”
“You probably ride your horse all the time! How about I just hold onto you while you ride, so that way I don’t fall off?”
“Absolutely not! She is not accustomed to such a thing, and that is improper behavior.”
“Then I could just watch you ride around?”
“How on earth could watching me ride around be fun to you?”
“I could race you?”

You find yourself jogging on the fields as Iida chuckles at your struggle, slowing his horse to allow you to catch up.
“Are you having fun, your Highness?” he asks, looking down at you.
“I told you, you don’t have to use such formalities all the time. And I guess. But can we switch?? My legs hurt.”
“You have only been running around for 5 minutes.”
“Whatever. So can I?”
“Would this make you happy? Will you go back to bed after a short ride?”
“Yeah!”
“Alright then.”

He helps you up onto the saddle, giving instructions on how to sit, hold the reins, and steering. Iida’s hand held onto the rope as well, just in case the horse would be startled and try to run off or kick.
“I haven’t ridden a horse in a long time.” you say, gripping the leather as the horse trots around.
“May I ask why? Your family seems to have plenty of them in the shed.”
“They don’t let me do too much, since they’re afraid I’ll get hurt. And I wouldn’t need to ride horses when I have carriages to take me anywhere.”
“That’s a valid concern.”
“I guess. But I like doing new things sometimes, you know?”
You momentarily lose balance on the saddle before Iida quickly stops the horse and readjusts your position.
“Don’t lean so far to the left, you’ll fall.”

You continue riding his horse while it walks around the paths, Iida walking beside you and letting you talk about random stuff.
“Do you like your job?” you ask, tilting your head to look at him.
“Yes. It is adequate, and the castle environment is enjoyable.”
“Why did you decide to become a knight?”
“I suppose I wanted to help people. My older brother is one, as well. I look up to him.”
“That’s nice. Does he work for the royal family, too?”
“Yes, but for one a couple kingdoms away.”
“Do you see him a lot?”
“I used to, before I moved here to work for you. I still visit when I have the chance.”
You nod and continue the horse ride. But a part of your brain still wants to talk, and learn more about him.
“Do you regret becoming my knight?”
Iida pauses completely.
“What do you mean? Why would I regret one of the most valuable positions I have been offered?”
“I mean, don’t you miss your family? I feel bad.”
“Ah, it’s quite alright, I suppose. I still see them, just not everyday.”
“Aren’t you lonely now? You must not talk to a lot of people, since you’re always around me.”
“No, I’m not lonely.”
“How?”
“Because I have you.”
“Awww!! Does that mean I’m your best friend?”
“If you would like. It can be hard to not enjoy the presence of someone who you have been around for so much time, which was the case for you and I.”
“I’m really glad.”

The rest of the night was spent with you switching off the horse riding, and easy conversation as your voice filled his ears. After he helps you down, you both walk back towards the castle.

“Thank you for letting me ride your horse. It was fun, and now I think I can go to sleep.” you tell him.
“That is good to know. I’m always happy to help you.”
“Tenya?”
His eyes widen at the unexpected use of his first name, but he softens his expression immediately.
“Yes?”
You look at him while you continue walking towards the bedroom hallway.
“Thank you for hanging out with me tonight, and everyday. I know that’s your job, but it’s still fun.”
“I do enjoy spending time with you, regardless of my job requirements. We are friends, after all.”

The walk upstairs was short, and luckily, no one was roaming around the castle this late. Iida steps up to your door and opens it for you, gesturing for you to go in.

“I suppose it is time to sleep now. Get some rest, alright? You will likely need energy for whatever silly activities you might have planned for tomorrow.” he starts.
“Okay, I will. You too, Iida.”
“I thought we were already on a first name status. Are you demoting me?” he teased.
“Hehe, no! I guess this means we’re really, really, really friends now, right??”
“Yes. We are friends. Let’s just keep the formalities when we are in hearing range of others, I wouldn’t like either of us to be scolded for indecent behavior.”
“I understand. But no one's here right now, so we can call each other however we want.”
“Whatever you say.”

As you take the first steps into the bedroom, you perk up hearing his voice behind you.
“Huh? What was that?” you ask, knowing you heard the smallest mutter of your first name come from him.
“Goodnight. Sleep well.” is all he says with a small smile, shutting the door after you enter your room.

You spend the next few minutes replaying the way he said your name. The first time your knight—the closest friend you’ve had—freely addressed you like a real friend, and not just someone he works for. Turning on your side to face the door, you whisper into the air, before finally closing your eyes and falling asleep.

“Goodnight, Tenya.”

Chapter 3: Mixed Berries

Notes:

Good morning chat 😛☝️

Enough time has passed for the seasons to gradually shift with each short day. The air chills your bare skin whenever you open the window for fresh air. You saw the crunchy array of yellow, red, and orange leaves littering the gardens right outside the castle, and the streets of your kingdom. Months later, all of the foliage from the autumn season decomposed slowly as rain came onto the roads and fields. The flowers come back into bloom, and the farmers' crops yield fresh, seasonal produce. Now, it was spring, and birds happily chirp outside as you woke up in your bed.

You go about your regular morning routine. Stretch, wash up in the bathroom, comb your hair, apply a bit of makeup, and change into your outfit for the day. Opening the door, Iida was waiting for you, as always.
“Good morning, did you sleep well?” He asked, looking down at you.
“Yes, did you?”
“I did, thank you.”

On your way downstairs for breakfast, you pass by one of the friendly maid girls you had met a few months prior, and having already been accustomed to her presence, you stop to talk to her.
“Good morning, Lady Uraraka!”
She perked up from her cleaning and smiled, seeing you approach.
“Hello, your Highness. How are you today?” she bows.
“I’m fine, how about you? We haven’t spoken in a while, so I thought I’d have a little time to talk while you were cleaning? That is, if you are not too busy.”
“Not at all! It’s just some light dusting. By the way, these portraits are wonderful! This one is huge!!”
Tenya stands off to the side, glancing between you, who has absentmindedly taken one of the dusters from Uraraka’s cart and started helping her clean down the hallway, and the large clock on the wall. He didn’t want to be late for breakfast, and subsequently, the rest of the day's schedule, but he would be willing to wait a few minutes before calling for you.

“I do believe we should start heading to the dining room, so that we would have enough time to eat.” Iida reminds you, coming close enough to see you sweeping at the glass encasement of the small tiara stand.
“Oh! That’s fine, I’ll just eat later. I wanted to stay and talk to my friend.”
Sighing, he took the feather duster from your hand and placed it back onto the cleaning cart, giving both you and the maid an apologetic look.
“I apologize, I just think it’s important to take care of yourself. You’ll need time and energy for your schedule today.”
Sensing Iida’s urgency, Uraraka grabbed the handlebar of her cart and wheeled it aside, before speaking.
“It’s fine! I’ll see you later, and you can tell me all about your day, okay? Thanks for stopping by!” she grinned, waving bye to you. You reluctantly wave back to her and let Iida take you downstairs to eat.

“Strawberry crepes, your Highness?”
“Yes, thank you! And could I get a glass of apple juice?”
The chef nodded, and moments later, presented you with a tray of yummy breakfast. Two golden brown crepes, with diced strawberries inside, topped with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and a melted chocolate drizzle. Your juice was in your fancy glass cup, the designs on the side resembling an overgrown garden with the clear flowers, leaves, and even a small handpainted bunny sculpted on the top of the curved handle. There were also some other side dishes already on the table, such as crispy fried eggs and a fruit platter, which Iida has already started picking at.

“Want some?” you offered a piece of your crepe to Iida, the fork hovering over his plate.
“No, that is alright.” he shook his head.

He doesn’t mind that you plate it for him anyway.

Later that afternoon, he suggested a walk outside so you could have a break, after reading yet another set of paperwork for your parents. Happily obliging, you set the papers back in order on your work desk, before heading out with Iida.

You spot a familiar figure out in the distance, crouching down near the rose bush to inspect the small buds. Running up and calling for her, she got up immediately and closed the distance.
“Lady Hagakure!!”
“Your Highness! Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you. How are you?”
You touch your cheek nervously, and reply
“I’ve been alright. My duties are really overwhelming, especially lately. But enough of that, how are you? The flowers look beautiful!”
“Ah, thank you so much! I’ve been working on these plots. I really want to make sure the entrance to the festival grounds looks good for you and your family!”

Hagakure led you around the gardens, introducing the new blooms that she picked out. There were blossoms, roses, gardenias, carnations, tulips, and so much more, each in varying shades of pink, red, and other bright colors.

“Wow, I'm so excited to see the gardens again for the festival! Thank you for your time, my Lady. I’ll have to return later!” You smile at the gardener, watching as she walks away to the shed, likely to put away the gardening tools. Once she was out of earshot, Iida spoke up.

“You shouldn’t stay up too late. You have a schedule to maintain.”
Your knight's voice cut through the air as he reminded you of his presence.
“Are you sure? I’ll be fine, Tenya.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. An adequate sleep schedule is necessary to preserve your health. I also have a gift for you, but it’s important you are well rested so you can appreciate it to its full extent!”
“Really?? What is it?”
“Erm..it’s a surprise! Just go to sleep. I will hand it to you later.”

Iida patted you on the back and watched you return to your room before heading back to his for the night.

Despite your mild frustration, you’re never one to give up on something, which is exactly why you devise a plan for a midnight garden stroll when you knew for sure Iida would be sleeping. Strategically peeking your head out of the cracked door, you think the coast is clear. There was no one outside of your bedroom, so you tiptoed into the hallway.
Suddenly, you hear a familiar voice calling out for you in a hushed tone, as to not disturb others who were sleeping.
“Where are you off to?! You are supposed to be asleep!”
Iida was standing right outside the outer gates of the bedroom area, quick to catch you in your attempt to leave the safety of your bedroom so late at night.
You stop right in your tracks, and keep your gaze low.
“I’m not going anywhere!! What are you talking about?” you say.
He glares at you, clearly unamused by your antics.
“That is false! I do not intend to allow sneaking out at this time. Please, return to your chambers.”
“I can’t sleep, again. I just wanna go out!”
“Sneaking out isn’t good for you.”
“You can come with me?”
“...As much as I disapprove of this, I suppose I will. It would be safer, after all, having me supervise you.”

He follows close behind as you walk around the corridors, and quietly open the castle gates leading to the back gardens. You take the lead and stroll along the path, as the wind gently blows in your hair and dress. The crickets chirp, and your steps are quiet. When you angle yourself towards the tree in the far plot of land, Iida takes a glimpse of your side profile, the pale moonlight shining down on your beautiful form.

Standing underneath the tall wisteria tree brings back memories. The happiest version of yourself was a 10 year old kid, frolicing outside in the warm summertime. You remember wearing a white dress with pastel flowers sewn delicately on the straps, plenty of hair clips stuck randomly wherever you could attach them. The face of your mother relaxing as she watches her first born child run around the gardens. Stepping carefully on each flat stone embedded in the pathway, the direction leading you through the trimmed foliage and behind the large fountain. It was a fun day, one of few in which you remember playing outside so carefree.

When the world is that big for someone so little, exploring the whole thing seemed impossible. You tried opening the locked gates, eager to see what was beyond the cultivated territory you had grown so used to. You didn’t quite understand how the lock worked, and you certainly weren’t strong enough to jump over the fence or push past it. With a small huff of frustration, you stormed back inside the castle, ready to find new activities to stimulate your racing mind.

Sneaking into the kitchen while all the cooking staff were out on break, you saw a small, expensive block of cheese, conveniently in reach inside the refrigerator. You also saw some yogurt cups, filled with creamy white yogurt and mixed berries, on the second shelf. They were for the adults to eat later as a prepped meal, but that wasn’t your concern. You take a few pieces of the cheese by crumbling it off and take one of the yogurts, before closing the fridge and running back outside.

In the logic only an imaginative child such as yourself could muster, you decide that feeding animals would be a good deed, especially considering your concern for their hunger, and a nagging curiosity to observe something new in the ecosystem.

Unsurprisingly, the only outcome to you tossing cheese pieces and yogurt blobs onto the stones in the back garden were ants coming out to feast. You watched as they scurried out of the ground and into the snacks that spawned near their home, like a prayer come true. You would crouch down into a squat, making sure to not let any of your clothes touch the ground, and lock eyes onto the black insects that came to the raspberry chunks.

Many insect colonies had each member play a role, to keep their hive going. You knew about worker ants, who did what they could to support the nest, and the queen ant, who every other ant is loyal to. There were rules, roles, a need to keep some order if things would work smoothly. But when you leaned in closer to the ants, a small finger pointed out in an attempt to touch one holding a crumb of beige cheese, you were surprised to see it drop the food and run back to its home. For a creature seemingly programmed to follow orders, it left what it came for in fear. You knew you startled it, but there was nothing you could do except leave them alone and simply continue to watch without interference.

“What are you doing?! Is that the cheese? We paid a lot of money for that!” the Queen's voice was shocked as she came around to find her child wasting food. You tried to explain yourself, but she was not having that. She went back inside for just a moment, and you were glad you could continue to watch the ants walk around and carry in the food to their home.

Your entertainment was short lived, however, as you were later forced to come back inside after cleaning up the garden stones.

“This is terrible behavior! I did not raise you to be so dirty!” the Queen berated as you looked at her with a pout.

An ant, whose life is consumed by one sole purpose, rejected it because of your touch. Perhaps, if it had been more obedient, and kept the food, that bigger force could have killed it. An insect who acted for itself and not for their colony became one of your clearest childhood memories. Perhaps, if you hadn’t seeked fun outside using food resources, your mother wouldn’t have scolded you for being a misbehaving child.
Is a royal who acts for themselves, and not constantly for their kingdom, remembered? Or might unwavering loyalty end up killing them as everyone else continues to play their part?

You snap out of your reminiscence when a big bug whizzes right past your face, startling you. Your vision follows the creature as it flies away, letting your eyes jump between the brown bark of the wisteria and your knight, standing just as tall next to you. Iida also notices the bug and swats his hand around while gritting his teeth. He was momentarily distracted, but saw your bright eyes looking directly at his now slightly flushed face.

Clearing his throat, Iida pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose as you tilted your head back at him.
“Is something the matter?” he inquired, to which you smiled, twisting your body so you fully faced him. Then, with a simple stride, you went over to the swing, dusting off the top layer of dirt with a sweeping motion of your hands. Afterwards, your pointer and index fingers worked together to lift the hem of your silky nightdress an inch as you sat down on the swing.
“Tenya, can you push me, please?” you ask with enthusiasm. Your feet start to kick it into motion, shuffling against the soft grass below you.
He nodded, walking closer, and setting his fingertips on the strong ropes holding you up.
“How high would you like to be pushed?” he asked, finally holding each of the cords in either hand while standing firmly behind you.
“I’ll let you know when, okay?”

“AHAHAH!! YIPPEE!”
Your laugh radiates the air around you both, Iida’s palms planted on your upper back each time the swing veers back. He was happy to serve you, and kept a steady pace so as to not accidentally overwhelm you.

After some time, Iida opens his mouth to speak.
“It’s getting late, I advise we head back inside to get some rest.” he says, holding the ropes as he allows the swing to gradually slow to a full stop.
“Aww, but I’m not tired yet! We were having so much fun, weren’t we?”
“We can play more in the future. I wouldn’t want you to feel tired in the morning, and it would be highly irresponsible of me to allow you to break curfew!”

You reluctantly get off the swing, brushing your clothes off and taking a small breath. It's a brisk walk back into the castle, making sure not to open the gates or make loud movements as you both sneak back upstairs to the chambers.

Back inside your room, you invite Iida to come in and stay for a while longer. He watches as you move around the large space, digging through your belongings and setting something on the table near the window.
“I got a hold of the songs my parents are going to have the musicians play. Do you like this song? I think it’s fine.”
Soft classical music plays from the device, a mix of slow piano and string instrumentals in the background.
“Yes, indeed. It sounds very pleasant.” Iida replies, gazing at the intricate carvings on the golden plates of the gramophone box. You both listen to the sounds, not speaking for a minute, before you start to say something once more.

“Are you going to dance at the ball, Tenya?” you ask, tucking a section of hair behind your ear as you look up from your vintage gramophone. The grooves of the record running under the needle as it continues turning slowly.
“That is very unlikely. I am meant to watch over you while you have fun. And besides, it would be quite bothersome.”
“Why? You’ll get bored if you just stand in the corner the whole time. If you’re worried about asking someone to dance, you can just ask me!”
“It is not customary for a nonroyal to partake in ballroom dancing, especially with someone of higher status.”
“Well, no one will barge in at this time. I haven’t taken my dance lessons in a while, and you know, I was thinking of practicing my dancing right now..too bad I’ll have to waltz around my room all alone..”
Stepping past him, you pretend to dance by wrapping your arms around the air in front of you. Seeing Iida’s neutral expression towards your display, you sigh dramatically and place the back of your hand on your forehead, beginning to dip yourself down. However, you lean too far and almost fall, before you feel your knight catch you just in time.

“Be careful! If I were not here, you could easily have injured yourself from that fall.” he scolded, helping you back upright with his palm on your upper back.
“And don’t be silly, I’ve taken you to your lessons many times, especially recently. You don’t need to stay up so late to practice.” he continued, his hand chopping up and down.
“Okay, you got me! But you should still dance with me. It’ll be fun, and what if you need to dance for something in the future?”
“I can not think of a scenario in which it would be important for me to dance.”
“What if someone asks you to dance? But you can’t, and then end up scaring them when you step on their feet or trip on the floor? That’s why you need to practice.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Hey, I’m just saying!”

With a grin, you reach out for him and attempt to spin him, to which his jaw drops and his hand grips your wrist to prevent you from continuing.
“What? You don't wanna dance with me?” You roll your eyes, now casually slipping your fingers together, sliding your thumb down the curve of his hand.
“T-that is not—! This is improper! Beyond a professional touch in which we must oblige!” He exclaims, but makes no effort to remove your touch from his warm hand.
“This is professional, trust me. In fact, as your superior, I command you to dance with me!”
“WHAT!?”

Iida is cut off as you drag him to the center of your carpeted room, giggling as the music plays. You guide his shaky right hand to your lower back, and keep a gentle grasp on his left hand, allowing him to pull away if he really wanted to. He doesn't.

Left foot forward, right foot forward, put your feet together, right foot back, left foot back, put your feet together.

For someone as meticulous and structured as Iida is, he really doesn't know how to dance. At least, not smoothly. You smile but don't taunt the way his arms and legs are moving stiffly, following your words.

“Is this correct?” He whispers, watching the way you demonstrated the dance after you instructed him the way. He attempts to copy you, but it looks a bit robotic.
“Umm..not quite!”

Eventually, you both settle into a comfortable rhythm. He even learned how to dance in a larger circle with you, stepping at an angle and leading you with each quarter turn of your bodies.

“Are you having fun? You're not as bad as before”
“I suppose this is a..little enjoyable. But I could not have been that bad.” he smiles, holding your hand as you did another spin.
“Whatever you say, beautiful.”

He falters mid step, a faint blush creeping up his neck while he tries to process whether that compliment was just another case of your random ‘just felt like it' phrases, or if it meant something this time.

“You act silly when you're tired.” His voice is quiet, and his feet are still moving.
“I'm not being silly, and I'm not tired right now.”
“You say silly things, especially things that are not true in the slightest.”
“What do you mean? I've never lied in my whole life, ever!”
Iida rolls his eyes but continues to indulge in the conversation.
“You have done it again. You lied earlier, as well.”
“What did I lie about?”
“Calling me beautiful.”
“I could never lie about that.”

His expression softened as he twirled you around, and seeing how delighted you were, he impulsively dipped you. You didn’t expect it, but you were still smiling the whole time, even as your body stayed angled while he held you firmly.
“Ah, my apologies! I do not know what has gotten into me.” Iida says, clearing his throat and getting you back upright.
“It’s fine. You weren’t about to drop me, were you?”
“I would never! It’d be a shame to drop someone as lovely as you, and risk injury!”
“Huh?”
“Oh dear..I-”
“Hey, it’s fine. I’m so honored for someone as beautiful as you to think of me so lovingly!!” you respond, finding amusement in his flustered expression.
“I apologize for my inappropriate word choice!!”
“Don’t act like friends have never complimented each other, Tenya.”

You spent the next ten minutes praising him and practicing your flirting, laughing whenever his hands would chop up and down to scold you, or when his cheeks turned abnormally red.

Soon enough, Iida bows slightly to you, seeing it was about time for him to leave.
“Goodnight. I will see you tomorrow.”
You wrap your arms around his torso and look up at his bewildered face.
“Goodnight, Tenya!! Sleep well!”

It wasn’t until Iida went back to his own room, that he realized he forgot to give you the surprise tickets to see the theatre company that you missed out on viewing last time, due to your busy schedule and the multitude of business meetings you had to attend. He opened the first drawer of his nightstand to see those two tickets placed neatly on top of a letter he was planning to send to his family the following day.
Frowning, he took out the tickets and examined the date and time for them. Luckily, they were good to use until three days from now, which should be enough time for him to give you them and make a schedule to spend time together. He strides over to the calendar hung up on the wall beside the bed and starts to write some notes.

MONDAY
Gift tickets
Make Wednesday itinerary
Mail letter to Tensei

TUESDAY
Practice sparring
Purchase horse feed

WEDNESDAY
Break

After getting fully ready to sleep, Iida lay flat in his bed, hands crossed over his stomach, while looking at the painted designs on the ceiling. While attempting to fall into a nice slumber, his mind is occupied with various moments from the past day. You had meant it when calling him beautiful, and smiled when he returned that compliment. He knows he shouldn’t have such lenience when it comes to you. After all, in which world is it acceptable for a lowly knight to interact in such a bizarre manner with a royal such as yourself? His job is to protect you, not engage in midnight dancing, something so intimate, or play outside with you as if you were children.

However, even though his mind knows your relationship is shifting into something beyond professional, his heart doesn’t mind one bit. You were happy, and always safe, when you were with him. That’s all that should have mattered, right? If you needed a knight, he would be that for you, of course. And when you needed a friend, he would be that for you too.

Chapter 4: Sweets

Pushing open the carriage door, you take Iida’s arm as he helps you into your seat. Earlier, he had asked if you wanted to accompany him for the day, and you happily accepted. There was no knowing when you would next be thrown into more royal shenanigans and find your schedule too busy to spend quality time with your friend.

“So what’s in the letter? Can I read it?” you ask, already trying to paw at the sealed envelope gripped tight in his fingers.
“This is a letter to my family, so you may not! Reading the mail of another person is a strong violation of privacy!!” he scrambles, chopping his hand at you to deter you from reaching out.
“Aw, why? What do you talk about with each other?”
“Nothing inappropriate, I can assure you. Perhaps in the future, when our topics of conversation are insignificant, I will allow you to take a peek.”
“You should let me write a letter for you next time! I’m a great writer, trust.”
His eyes narrow at you as he hands the mail over to the worker, thanking them quickly, before ushering you both outside again.
“I’d rather you speak your mind in person, instead of impersonating the Iida family's youngest son over written communication.”
“Meeting the family already? I see, I see..” you smirk, raising your eyebrows as you take in his face, mouth open in shock.

It had taken several minutes and a promise to buy him a meal in order to calm him down. This is how you found yourself sitting across from each other at a small, friendly inn. The steaming stew fogs up his glasses, which he wipes off. You play with the beef pieces, using your spoon to move it in the broth before taking a small sip. Your next spoonful had a little of each thing in the bowl, meat, vegetable, and liquid.
“Are you enjoying your meal? Do you want some of my beef?” you start digging for the biggest intact beef cube you could find in your bowl, holding it up carefully with your spoon.
“Yes, it is quite appetizing. But I will eat my portion, thank you.”
When he finishes his food, he sets his bowl aside, now waiting for you.
“Oh, I’m soo full. Here, have some more.” you push your own bowl towards him, having deliberately left a few of the biggest beef cubes and vegetable pieces in the stew for when you would give your meal to him later on.
“This is unsanitary! I can not-” he begins, before you place a hand on his, moving it onto your bowl.
“I know you’re hungry, and this is your favorite!! I don’t have germs, so just eat!”
“That isn’t true, germs are present on every surface!”
“Just eat it please!! Unless you want me to order you another bowl?”
Sighing, he finally picked his spoon back up and set it into your bowl.
“That won’t be necessary.”

After you leave a hefty tip along with the bill sum, Iida takes you back to the carriage.
“Huh, where are we going? I thought it would be a shorter ride back to the castle.” you ask, leaning back into the cushioned seat back.
“I have a surprise activity planned!” he answers, reaching a hand into his bag to make sure he still had the tickets.
“What’s the surprise?”
“Have patience. We have almost arrived.”

The carriage soon stops, and you gasp at the sight of the theatre, right in front of you.
“Why are we here, Tenya? I didn’t know there was a show today.”
“I remember you were eager to attend one of the performances by this company, but your royal meetings barred you from doing so. As a gift for your hard work, and for being a friend, I have purchased two tickets to see the show today! And do not worry, I have made sure there is adequate time to view the entirety of it.”
“Oh my goodness, Tenya!! How much did these cost? I’ll pay you back for it, okay?”
“Do not worry about it. Please, consider it a gift.”
Your smile was bright enough to rival the sun as you launched yourself at Iida, wrapping your arms around his torso and thanking him repeatedly.
“T-that’s enough now! Yes, you’re welcome!” he stammers, waiting for you to pry yourself away.

“You really bought seats in the special section? Those cost extra, you could’ve just bought some in the back!” you hold onto a big bag of snacks as you follow him down the aisle.
“Nonsense. I intend this to be enjoyable for you.”

In the middle of a scene change, you pluck a piece of popcorn and feed it to Iida while he keeps his eyes on the moving set. It wasn’t until the fourth popcorn feeding that he finally registered your antics. His face had a sheer pink as he scolded you for your indecency, to which you just shrugged and continued to eat more snacks. Among the flashy lights, beautifully made props, smooth painted backdrops, and talented actors, Iida kept casting sideways glances at your profile, hoping to gauge your feelings of what was on stage. You look happy, having entertainment, food, and your friend right next to you. Your gaze laid on the actors playing out a scene where the love interest almost ran into a horse, before another character pulled her back swiftly.

In between popcorn, chocolates, and distracted feeding, you don’t notice how your hand lingers on his each time it rests, or how acutely aware your poor knight is of your fingers grabbing for the big pieces, each time his mouth parts to allow the snack to slip in. He makes no effort to stop you, although this certainly could classify as ill conduct. Letting you feed him, and rest your hand on his, just for your comfort. After all, it’s bad manners to speak during a show.

Back at home, staff were busy with preparations for the castle ball. The citizens usually took it upon themselves to decorate and set up activities for the regular festival in town, but royal plans needed royal planners.

“Can we get a couple more red roses for this vase?” Gardener Hagakure calls out, busying herself with what feels like the hundredth floral arrangement of the night. She was surrounded by many ceramic pieces, fiddling with the shades of red until the silhouettes looked just right.
“On it!” another voice calls out.

The wide cobblestone path leading up the castle would be lined up with trimmed bushes, with the interior of the castle and the space outside the ballroom spruced up for the guests viewing pleasure. A tall arch with colorful flowers and leaves positioned at the entrance gate. The vases in each hallway were replaced with a fresh batch of pastel colored blooms, adding a nice touch to the clean corridors the guests would pass on their way. Inside the ballroom itself, there were more flowers positioned around the room. In the dip of each window, buds were placed among the camellias. The tables had at least one full arrangement each. Looking from the windows, the gardens looked like something directly from an oil painting, each plot, statue, and item placed perfectly. Whatever gorgeous combination of romantic style decor and bustling bouquets one could think of may likely be seen on the castle grounds by the time the evening rolls around.

“Lady Hagakure! The decorations look wonderful, you did a good job!” you praised, eyes wandering around the greenery surrounding you.
“Thank you, your Highness! We’re all working hard to make the ball a ten outta ten experience. Do you have any suggestions? Give them to someone else, not me, my arms are getting tired!”
“Hehe, alright. I think it looks fine already, though.”

Although you wished for more time to chat with the workers, you knew you had limited time to prepare for later. Surprisingly, Iida didn’t immediately clamor towards you, insisting to stay back for a moment. You were too far away to hear exactly what, but he had pulled the gardener aside to chat with her. You shrug and walk toward the stairs, knowing he would come up soon anyway.

Upstairs in your chambers, you busied yourself with the getting ready process. Sitting in front of the mirror reflection of your freshly cleansed face, it was time to begin.

The fancy makeup with pretty packaging sat, mostly untouched, in the makeup display holders on the right side of your vanity. Tonight would be a special occasion, so you reach for the bottles, tubes, pans, and brushes, getting them ready for your routine. After rushing to the bathroom to clip your hair away and wash your hands, you return to your seat. At this time, your knight returned from whatever little quest he set himself to, standing near the head of your bed.

Between dabbing your face in even foundation layers, dusting light blush layers on the apples of your cheeks, and leaning in real close to the mirror to ensure your eyeshadow pattern would be even on both sides, Iida keeps his focus on you. He just wants to make sure you won’t accidentally poke yourself in the eye with that dangerous eyeliner ink, is all.

After finishing up your makeup look with a final swipe of lip product, you began to put everything back in its original spot. Travelling the short distance to your connected bathroom, you wash your hands once more and unclip your hair, letting the pieces fall naturally in place.

Opening the door to your huge walk-in closet, you spot the dress that was hanging atop your other dresses, so you would have an easy time spotting and retrieving it. You close the closet door for privacy, and start shimmying out of your clothes, before carefully stepping into the expensive garments. The mirror allows you to check your appearance while you adjust the sleeves and smooth out the skirt part. The seamstresses had taken in your preferences and added their own flair, leading you to wear the beautiful gown. Your favorite color was used in combination with its complimentary, the neckline decorated with lace trim, the waist part sewed in with florets that travelled into the first layer of poofy skirt. All in all, the dress was beautiful, and much your style.

Back in your chair, Iida had insisted on helping you re-tie the ribbons for the back of your dress, claiming he knew a way to knot the bow in the most visually appealing and functional way. Now, you would look great and avoid the backing of the corset piece loosening throughout the night. After double checking your outfit once more, you speak to him, voice soft.

“How do I look, Tenya?”
Standing up slowly, you turn to face him as you do a little spin in your ballgown. The layers of fabric reached just a couple inches above the floor, swishing around your feet.
Iida’s voice catches in his throat as he takes in the sight of you all dressed up for the ball. His hand twitches, desperate to reach out and hold you. Instead, he forces himself to stand still, gazing lovingly at your smiling face.

“There is not a word for you that I can conjure in my mind. But you look, no, you are..quite magnificent.”
“Do you really think so?”
“Yes, I do.”

With that, you take his arm, allowing him to escort you down to the main event.

The ballroom was a truly magnificent sight. Entering, you saw three windows next to each other on the furthermost right wall, spanning from floor to ceiling. The soft curtains, dyed the same shades, were moved out of the way to let in natural light. Looking up, you would find a tall, rounded, dome shaped ceiling, painted the same creamy white as the walls. There was a long rococo style painting, commissioned by your family, to hang the width of the leftmost wall. In it, there were naked little angels running around a lively forest space, with members of the royal family and some close companions to be painted with them, partaking in mundane activities. You spotted yourself in the middleish right side, smiling at one of the angels offering you a blooming red rose.

From the heaving doors, large, golden arches with detailed carvings on pure white paint, emerged royal families from several different kingdoms. An array of colors, expensive fabrics, silks, and velvets, mixed with the scent of fancy perfumes and lingering traces of alcohol. Standing off to the side, you watch the elites mingle about and enjoy themselves in your family's grand ballroom. There were probably a couple hundred people already, and the floor was not yet fully packed. A few people pay compliments to your parents for the lovely scenery, to which the Queen thanks happily.

“You’re here! Please, try to stay for a couple hours. The guests will appreciate your presence. Otherwise, have fun, dear.” your father says, gesturing wide to the expanse of the room.
“I’ll stay for a little bit. Did you ask the chefs for my dessert requests?”
“Yes, I did. I hope you’ll enjoy the food, okay?”

You make your way to the food, hosted on a long table with a white lacy tablecloth. The plates were fine china, beautiful floral decals adorning the ceramic glaze. In the center were the main dishes. Grilled salmon fillet atop a salad of arugula and fresh grown tomatoes, paired with steaming rice, which was mixed in with corn, peas, and a handful of steamed broccoli. A large roasted and seasoned chicken with baked sweet potato cubes, the orange flesh of the vegetable contrasting the brown meat and green herbs.
Between the two primary meals were fruit and cheese platters, patterned meticulously in floral shaped arrangements beside each other for aesthetic appeal. The pricey blocks of yellows and whites were sliced thinly, and fanned out on the glass boards. Bunches of green and purple grapes were intact by each board corner, not a single imperfect to be seen on the polished surfaces. Raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries were scattered in any empty space, ensuring the charcuterie board looked full.

On the ends of the table were the dessert samples, placed carefully on the panels of 4 tier serving trays. On the bottom tier were cakes, each with their own decadent frosting, and cut into 2x2 inch squares for serving convenience. Fudgy chocolate cream with gold foil, red velvet with a tiny strawberry on the white icing, moist amaretto with nuts embedded in the mousse, and soft tiramisu with cocoa powder dusted on. The third tier had cookies, positioned so edges were slightly on top of the one beside it, creating a nice circle of them. There were different ones between each circle layer. The outer layer had classic chunky chocolate chip cookies, the middle layer had macadamia nut and white chocolate, and the inner layer had toffee caramel ones. The second layer got colorful macarons, rainbow order with white buttercream in each shell. Between the differing colors of dessert were chocolate frosted, custard filled eclairs, shaped just right. The top layer had a mix of desserts, in silver foil cups. There was creme brulee, flan, cheesecake, berries, and mini pie. This whole selection was your personal favorite from the menu, as you had an insatiable sweet tooth. You had already eaten a serving or two of ‘real’ food, setting your empty plate and utensil behind the food for clean up duty. You definitely would remember to thank the chefs for the meal, it was so yummy!

Discreetly pulling out a plastic bag, which was hidden in a pocket beneath the first layer of your poofy gown, you smile and wave politely to anyone that seemed to walk too close to the table. Luckily, it was a busy crowd, and many were preoccupied with dancing, chatting, or eating something away from the sweets section.

You knew you were being somewhat greedy, and definitely displayed improper behavior for someone who is supposed to represent the values of your family. What would anyone think if they saw you stealing food from your own banquet?

Luckily, you found yourself erring more towards the pros of being able to munch on delicious snacks in the future, from your bags in your room, probably tomorrow, or even after the party was over. It outweighed the cons of potentially getting caught and ridiculed, so you thought. No one would be paying attention to you specifically, and this way, you could guarantee yourself trying at least one of each before the guests in the room eventually clear them out before you've had a chance to.

You first opened the plastic bag, and then quickly folded it and placed it under the clean plate you had grabbed. Then, you carefully timed yourself, making sure to only grab desserts when you saw no one was looking in your direction. Since you were such a smarty, you even made sure to grab the food obscured from view, such as the inner layers or the back of the tiers, so no one would question why so many desserts have already gone missing already. After getting enough of what you wanted, you turned your back to the people in the dance area, so they wouldn't witness you swiftly dumping the plate contents into your bags, securing them, and placing them gently back in your pockets, before smoothing your dress out again to conceal the evidence and turning around once more.

Your heeled feet take you along the walls of the room, until you're standing in front of your knight. Even among the lineup of masked, unidentifiable men, you could recognize your friend immediately, standing in proper position.

“Good evening, Sir Iida. Are you having fun over here? Need me to bring you something to eat?” Your voice comes in a hush.
“Good evening, your Highness. I am quite alright. Please, enjoy yourself. You know I will be watching over you regardless.”
“Would you want to sneak in for a dance later? I don't know anyone here.”
“I am currently on shift. Regardless, the dance space is reserved for the royal family and intended guests, which I am not part of.”
You look into the narrow opening of his visor and offer him an apologetic look. If it had just been you two in the room, he would be happy to indulge in one dance with you. But both of you know there's trouble to be found if either of you were found bending your roles, and encouraging this odd behavior in front of an audience.
“I see. Have a good shift, Sir. I'll come back to talk to you later.”
“Thank you.” He said with a small nod in your direction, watching as you travel back across. Now, you had found a more empty area in the room, watching people around you. It was a small pocket of space between the further end of the snack table and the door.
After a few minutes, you were bored, and grab a few desserts to snack on.

“Greetings, your highness.”
Your head flips up at the sound, wondering who is daring to interrupt your quality snack time. You had to quickly stuff the remaining part of your raspberry macaron into your mouth so this person wouldn't see you being big and greedy at the ball.
“My apologies.”
He starts to lower his upper body in a respectful bow. The sight makes you realize he was confusing your silence for discontent at the lack of bowing in your presence. Swallowing the full bite in your mouth, you shake your head and reach out to pull him back to his feet.
“Oh my goodness! No, that's quite alright. I don't expect to be bowed to. Please, tell me, whatever is it you might need? Are you enjoying yourself?”
He stands up and smiles, offering you his hand.
“Nothing of that sort. The food and decor is lovely, but I find the real treat right here.”
“Where's the treat?” You ask, eyes darting side to side, around the whole area. Had the chefs come back to refill the ones you took earlier?
The guy blinks slowly, but then speaks in a quieter tone from his earlier attempt at flirtation.
“Ermm..I meant you are a treat. I couldn't help but notice a beauty like yourself standing here, and came to offer you a dance. Are you open to that?”
His hand is still offered to you, palm up, as he awaits your response.

“Oh, alright!” You say, mostly out of politeness. You didn't feel like crushing his spirit by rejecting him, and a dance could cure your boredom, giving you something to do besides stand there and eat food.
“I'll meet you in a minute, okay? I just need to check on something really quick.” you add. Seeing his agreement as he nods and walks back to the edge of the dance area, you took a moment to speak with one of the maids, who was sweeping dust just outside the door.

“Lady Uraraka! Could you please take these back to my bedroom? You can set them on my table.”
You had stepped outside so the guests wouldn't see you take out the bags of sweets from underneath your dress.
“Of course! I'll go take care of this right away.” She takes the bags, and sets them in her cart.
“Thank you, do you want anything in there? I could grab something quick.”
Shaking her head, she started rolling the wheels slowly back and forth.
“Maybe I'll take you up on that later though.”
“Okay, bye bye!”
The both of you wave to each other, before you reenter the ballroom and head towards the guy from earlier.

You glance over him a few times. He wore an indigo colored suit, black embroidery down the sleeves, dirty blond hair slicked back with a few strands falling down his forehead. Noticing your return, his expression shifts from one of mild annoyance to satisfaction.

“There you are. Shall we?”
He offers his arm, and you grab it, letting him lead the two of you to the dance area.
The pianist was playing a soft melody, classical tunes, as you both dance along other pairs of people in near perfect synchronization.

While you were doing a simple step together, he introduced himself as Prince Yuuto Kaneko, the first born heir of the Jorking nation.

While he gives you a little spin, you warn him about taking up too much space, pointing out a less condensed spot you both could move to near the windows instead of the middle, where you were. He shakes his head, dismissing your concern.

“Watch yourself.” he hissed at a person who he had accidentally bumped into, smirking when they stammered an apology and created space between them.
“We have to be careful of these nobodies, wouldn't you agree?” He asks, looking into your eyes. You pretend not to have heard him, refusing to be as rude as that.

“I’m so sorry”, you say with a false sincerity, having almost tripped him on your decorative heels for the 3rd purposeful time that night.
“No worries, my lady”, he smiles and continues dancing, but you don't miss his subtle eye roll or the way his fingers dig into your side for one split second. If your goal was to make each other mad, it'd be a mission success for the both of you.

Standing perfectly straight at his post by the door, your knight watches your interactions with the prince. Seeing your clever antics to get back at Kaneko for his earlier behavior brought the slightest chuckle from him. You had stopped stepping on feet and pretending to fumble a few songs ago, knowing that it would look off if a member of your regal family didn’t know how to properly ballroom dance. Every so often, when your line of vision matched up to Iida’s, you would flash him a grin, before snapping your head back to the man you were dancing with.

Obscured by the materials of his visor, you don’t see the way his face would get warmer when he allowed his imagination to drift to you. Iida has to remind himself to unclench his teeth each time seeing you among the crowd of dancers with that guy, holding you, spinning you around, and being near you.

Perhaps it was his protective nature going into overdrive, seeing you surrounded by so many unfamiliar people, being looped into what was, to his hope, an unpleasant dance with an equally unpleasant prince. He could tell that whatever topic of conversation being spoken between the two of you could not compare to the much more exciting ones you could be having with him, seeing your responses becoming shorter and your expressions drier.

The more likely answer was his displeasure stemming from more personal matters. Maybe it was the fact that his heart was as devoted to you as his duties were. Envy was not strong enough to convey what he felt for Prince Kaneko. He imagines himself, a true friend, with you instead.

Notes:

I know I'm a slow writer okay 😭😭✌️I have a lot more ideas for where I want this storyline to go !!

Chapter 5: Lantern

After another hour of dancing with the prince, making small talk to other ball guests, and sneaking in more bites of food in between it all, you grow bored of it. It makes sense, seeing you had very little in common with the older adults in the area besides status.

“Prince Kaneko?” you lean in and whisper to him, while you sway side to side.
“Yes? What do you want?”
“I’m getting a bit tired, I think I will head to my chambers for the night. Thank you for the dance.” you begin to pull away, but he stops you, hand on your waist.
“Excuse me? I know you’re young, but surely you don’t have the sleeping habits of a baby? Please, stay with me.”
“Um, sorry. But I have an extensive night routine, as well as a busy day tomorrow, and I already feel very sleepy.”
“I see.”
You offer your hand, and he brings it up to his lips, to press a light kiss to your knuckles.
“Farewell, my dear. I hope to see you again soon.” he adds, a hint of disappointment on his face that you decide not to inquire about.
“Farewell, my Prince.”

You slip past the small crowd surrounding your parents, who were perched in their high chairs, and stand behind your father, waiting for his conversation to die out. Tapping him lightly on the shoulder, he turns around.
“Hello?”
“Can I leave? I want to go out and see the festivities.”
“Right now? Did you greet all the guests?”
“I greeted some. Please, may I? I’ve been here for a while.”
After a bit of back and forth, the King sighs, finally dismissing you so he won’t be bothered much longer.
“Fine. Grab your knight. Return to bed before the night ends, okay? Do not stay up too late.” he says, looking back at the chicken on his plate. It was left mostly untouched since you approached him to chat, and he can sense his hunger rising with each whiff of the flavorful meat.
“Okay, I won’t.”

As you walk toward the door, you take a quick look back, seeing Prince Kaneko start to head in the direction of your parents. Perhaps to make friendly conversation, as you know many adults do. Hopefully, your father enjoys the rest of his meal without further distractions.

“Tenya!” you whisper from behind him, standing just aside the open door he was currently positioned. You grab him by the shoulders and try to pull him backwards, but he would not budge.
“AH!” he yelps, startled at the sudden noise and touch.
“Hi!”
“How- when did you get there?! I took great care in observing the room!”
“Whatever. I wanna leave and go look at the town festival. You’re coming too!” you start to pull him by his upper arm muscles, desperate to flee the area before a distant relative or another random guy attempts to talk with you.
“I refuse to leave my position! It is important that I stay to watch over the guests tonight.”
“The King said I could go! But fine, I guess I’ll just go alllllll by myself, and get run over, or kidnapped, or get robbed..” you smirk, already pulling away from him as you turn the opposite way.
“WAIT! I will accompany you, please!” he grabs you before you can walk further, leaving his post at the door.
“Just please ensure this will not be reported negatively in regards to my character. I am very serious about my job!” he continues, nervously glancing back and forth between you and the door.
“Don’t worry, my parents said you could come. Now quickly, quickly! Let’s go before they realize what I did!”
“WHAT did you do?!”
You don’t answer, just giggle and take one last peek at the snack table by the door, knowing that the abnormal loss of desserts was your doing.

As you walk out onto the paths, you admire the event set up by the lively citizens. In the town square, there were folks playing percussion and singing tunes in the stands. Hand made posters, ribbon streams, and many florals decorated around the area. The sun wasn't fully set, so the lamp posts were only partially turned on, illuminating everything in a gentle warm glow. Tables and chairs at random, people were free to sit and relax, or get up and move freely. Activities were also scattered around the place. From crafting, card games, even gambling, everywhere you looked, there was a person enjoying themselves.

Some people were setting up their shops on the side, tables lined with shiny gemstones, jewelry, books, and more. Iida took a closer look at the stationary one woman was offering, hand on his chin while deciding which pen would be nice to use in his future letter writing. Meanwhile, you were walking around the whole area, stopping momentarily to greet whoever wanted to chat, and looking at all the cool items each talented person had brought. You put all your new belongings, each small baggie, into a larger bag for convenience as you continue your leisurely stroll down the streets.

Little kids squealed and ran around the fountain, the cool water spilling from the top of the stone center and down into the larger bowls beneath. You giggled and pointed out one in particular to Tenya, claiming he had just missed seeing the kid fall down while running to his sister, who was luring him with cookies. One girl, wearing a knee length purple dress with white polka dots and glitter, came up to you to say hello, offering you a beaded bracelet. You chatted with her about her day and allowed her to clasp the piece on your wrist. She walked away, bragging to her mommy and daddy about seeing the pretty princess!

Your entertainment was fueled by observing everything, including silly banter between the ones around you. Lips curled around the straw to your favorite drink, you overheard some guys bickering about who actually won in their latest game.
“You cheated, I saw it!”
“Uhm..nuh uh!”
“Go fish!” A third man added, slapping down a red two of hearts card, face flushed from his own drinking.

What caught your eye were the food stands, a few dozen spaced evenly on the sides of the roads leading up to town square. There was a man with a fresh fruit cart, where he could add some sauces on request. Another had freshly grilled meats and veggies on a stick, and a woman was selling various cold beverages from her stand. The fragrant aromas of the food and drink filled your nose, and you head off to find something to eat.
You spotted the nice baker with his warm pastries, keeping his baby away from grabbing at another creamy roll.
“Hi!!” You say to them both, offering a warm smile to the toddler.
“Good evening, your Highness!” The baker says, bowing.
Once he straightened his back, he offered you a free sample of one of his newest creations. Eating it all up at once, your face lit up and you immediately offered some to Iida.
“It's good!” You gasped after finishing your bite.

By the time you finished forcing Iida to follow you and check out each and every stand, you eagerly paid money for several of the workers, including generously tipping, supporting small businesses. By the time your browsing-turned-shopping spree had ended, you probably had enough stuff to open your own store right in your room.

Later, you had pulled Iida aside, the murmur of the festival faded from the distance.
“Hey, Tenya.” you stop walking, bending your back slightly downwards to rest your head from the weight of gravity.
“Are you alright?” he asks, concerned for your new posture.
“My feet hurt! We’ve been walking for so long today.”
“I see. Would you like to return to the castle? It is already getting late outside.”
“No, we haven’t even seen half of the town yet. Besides, we’re already out here and it’s sooo far back. It would be more convenient if we switched shoes or something!”
“I do not believe my feet could handle your choice of footwear. I would not have the experience to properly walk!”
“Fine, then can you carry me? PLEASE!!”
He scoffs at the idea, but reluctantly crouches down after more of your whining. You happily allow him to scoop you up into a typical princess carry. Your dress is bunched up a bit on the side for ease, and before checking your comfortability in this position, he makes sure that your hair is swept over one of your shoulders, so that he will not accidentally yank it while moving. You fold your arms in and tilt your head, getting a good view of his face from your current angle. With your feet kicking around playfully, the tiny butterflies on the straps of your heels flutter each time. Iida listens to your instructions while you tell him where to walk, continuously making sure you are comfortable and held securely in his arms.

“Go to the right!” You point off in the direction.
He ignores your request and continues walking straight.
“We were already there a bit earlier.”
“Oops!”

You are both eventually settled near the ocean piers, looking out into the horizon as the sun sets into twilight. The majority of the townspeople have either set off to bed, or are still in the main area where they can continue enjoying the events. It's just you and Iida now.
To any passerby who happened to gaze upon the dock, they would be met with the sight of a royal and their knight, prepared to let go of their lights.

Your lantern was a cute cylindrical shape, the golden glow from the fireflies illuminating the design on the outside. Just weeks before, you had put your art skills to use, painting tiny details of your favorite fruits on the material.
“It's lovely, isn't it?” You ask him, gently lowering the lantern into the clear water. Once it starts to float by itself, you yank the string from the top, releasing the fireflies inside and allowing them to soar free, back into the night sky. There are other lanterns floating lazily in the water, their lights already dimmed. Some had silly doodles, others were blessed with more artistic talent. Nonetheless, each one filled the water with a dash of color and joy for the lantern event.
“Indeed. You did a splendid job with your art this year.” he replies.

“Wow, yours looks so good!!” you praise Iida’s lantern, a smaller, more angular shaped one. He had tried his best to replicate what you had created on yours, although a tad lacking. However, you could make out the simple shapes. Bright oranges with the little leaves on top, his name, all capitalized, on the bottom, and other figures of you both holding hands with a big smile on your faces. He was of course painted with that silver armor, but just in square blocks, while he made the decision to try and paint on every detail of your extravagant outfit. You could tell the thought was there, and that was very heartwarming. He set his lantern down in the water, and the two of you watched as it floated towards yours a few feet away.

Iida can't help but sneak not so subtle glances at your face, especially under the moonlit sky. Your hair waving gently against your neck, dress billowing around your legs in the breeze. Grabbing a few fallen flowers from the ground, you handed two to Iida and gently plucked the outer petals, blowing them from your palm to the shore. They floated as well, the winds carrying everything away from it. You can sense his staring, so you slowly turn your head towards him, wave, and smile.
In an instant, his hand grabbed yours, pausing its movement, before moving his free hand to cradle the side of your face.

“I do not know what has gotten into me, but you are truly beautiful, especially tonight.”
“Thank you Tenya! You are too!!” You reply, making no effort to remove his hand from yours.
“You are magnificent.” He whispers, both hands on your face, tilting your gaze up to meet his.
“Huh?”
“I said..you are, uhm, magnificent. You are truly the light that brightens my heart, and I can not deny how your..ah. I apologize. That was quite rash of me, I —” he stammered, darting his eyes anywhere but your confused face.
As he looks downward in shame, his hands begin to move away from your face. You quickly moved yourself and pressed fingers against his, keeping his touch.
“Aww, I think you're great too!! I had no idea you'd be saying something like that. Don't look so sad, okay? It's really no big deal for us to speak like that.”
“Well, actually..”
“You make me so happy! I love being your friend.”
At this point, you're thrilled to have broken the wall that was known as professionalism. Leaning in and resting your body next to his, your head on his shoulder, fingers curled around his forearm.
“I was beginning to wonder when you'd admit it to your bestie, hehe!” you tease, playing with the material of his uniform while watching the lights in the distance.
“Yes, we are great friends, and I love you..your company. It is affirming.” is all Iida replies, voice quiet.
“Hey, look!” You point up at the sky to see a white star streaming through the cloudless night.
“Make a wish, Tenya!” You continue, holding your breath as you made as many wishes as you could before needing to exhale.
I wish to have fun everyday and do a lot of interesting things.
I wish I could improve a lot in my art, writing, instrument playing, and all of my hobbies.
I wish I always have lots of yummy food to eat.
I wish to be impactful on my kingdom and others.
I wish I'll always be friends with the ones I have now, especially Tenya.
While you were watching the sky, he was watching you. The light of the kingdom, for your family, for your citizens, and for the hearts of certain dark haired, loyal knights.
Iida closes his eyes and thinks about something wish worthy. Although he was pretty content at this point in time, he still tried to come up with something.
I wish to maintain a close relationship with my family members.
I wish to serve my kingdom to my best ability and continue growing my skills.
When he opens his eyes, he can sense that you're still holding your breath, still making a ton of wishes while glancing at the twinkling above you both. He makes one more wish, before settling back to rest by your side.
I wish for a happy future with you.

“What did you wish for?” You pipe up, happily smiling.
“I shouldn't say. That would spoil it, would it not?”
You shrug and accept the response, resting your cheek on his shoulder.

Hours after the night started, Iida carries you back to the castle. Once you're safely inside, he sets you down and takes the liberty of carrying your bags and gifts himself, insisting it was the polite thing to do. The long, eventful evening leaves you much too tired to start putting things away, so you leave the items on the floor, near the foot of your bed.

“I hope you didn't mind carrying all that!” You speak, already slipping into your cozy slippers.
“It is not a problem.” He replies, setting down the last bag and then moving to put away your heels. He opens the door to your walk-in closet and gently places the shoes in its designated section, before returning to you.
You pass him by in the closet swiftly and grab the cream colored nightgown from the hanger, holding it over your forearm.
“Could you please unbutton me? I can't reach that far.” You began to scoot yourself backwards until you were barely giving him any space.
“Yes! Of course!” Iida tries to move away before you're squishing him against the wall.
His fingers work quickly, undoing each fasten, button, and zipper with care. He even knew how to untie the big ribbon on your corset, letting you free from the fabric. Cupping the now loosened chest part to your body, you run into the bathroom.

After you complete your night time routine and change into your pajamas in the bathroom, you come back and lay stomach down in bed, head propped up in your hands, feet in the air. You both chat about the night, talking about the general events and making jokes about silly things you have seen.

While the topics of your casual conversation come to a slow, Iida pauses the talking as soon as you finish your last sentence.

“And I only remember how to play Mary Had A Little Lamb on the keyboard!”
“It is great that you are improving your skills. However, before I keep either of us awake for too long, I have an announcement to make.” He stands up abruptly, pushing up his glasses with his ring finger against the hinge.
“What is it?”
His voice, usually confident, is unsteady now.
“I am unsure how much longer I will be able to serve you.”

Eyes widening in horror at his sentence, you nearly tumble off the edge of the sheets before gripping them and taking a heaving breath.
“Hahaha, it's not even April fools day.”
“This is not intended to be humorous. I wish to bring this situation to your awareness, so there are few misunderstandings when the time arrives.”
“Are you serious!? What do you mean, Tenya? Are you actually leaving??” You quickly sat up in bed, fiddling with your skin nervously.
“Unfortunately, I must. It will not be too soon, so please, do not fret.”
“I can't believe it..”
You bit your tongue, focusing on the sensation in your mouth, instead of the panic rising to your blank face.
“You waited all this time to tell me?”
“I did not wish to keep it to myself for much longer. Assuming you may be busy with more duties, and such..”

Your struggle to come to terms with Iida’s words, the thoughts bringing your mind to resemble a broken record. He was leaving, and you didn’t even know how much longer he would be around. You had already begun to discover who he was, hidden behind his strict and professional exterior. Sure, you were close friends, but there was always something more you needed to dig into. There will always be more about him you may never know, if the chance you never see him again comes true. Having faced many years of childhood without a stable platonic connection, it feels as though a cruel force is tearing him away from you. Perhaps the universe found it humorous to laugh in your face and take away one of the best people you have ever known. It didn’t matter that Iida was still standing right there, in front of you. The knowledge that he was leaving makes the room blur, and you can’t help but step forward to clutch at Iida’s chest.

He’s leaving.
He’s leaving.
He’s leaving...

“Tenya..”

Teeth clamped down too hard, you narrowly missed the flesh of your tongue, nearly tearing out your inner cheek instead. You quickly release it and nod. Maybe it was too late to stop your face from burning red, and despite your efforts, you could already feel the corners of your eyes water. Iida looked at you with the softest gaze, not daring to reach out to touch you back.

If someone were to walk in, they would be met with quite a cinematic sight. A royal, dressed in their silk nightgown, and their knight, discarded from the bulk of silver armor for his own comfortable clothes. The soft sounds of woodland insects buzzed. With dim lighting around the room, you would have to look closely to make out the first tear slipping out.
A royal, and their knight, in which they both had to face the possibility of dimming their lights for good.

Notes:

I'm probably gonna aim for updates every 2-4 weeks, I don't plan on abandoning my writing!!! I just get burnt out easily and am super duper lazy.

Also in between chapters I'm gonna try to write short stories for Tenya or Zantetsu Tsurugi (Blue Lock) if anyone has requests 😛😛 maybe other characters too just lmk

Chapter 6: Letters

Much to the dismay of your suitors and parents, over the recent weeks, you had clung closer to Iida's side than you usually do. Earlier this morning, you had been insistent on spoon feeding him breakfast at the dining table. In the past, he might have let you feed him a little bit, just for fun. But now, each time he was busy swallowing the contents in his mouth, you were already trying to push the next spoonful in. Meanwhile, your own plate was barely touched. In fact, you were even attempting to feed him your own things! Once a section of Iida’s meal became lower compared to the other food groups, you did not hesitate in sacrificing your own food to make sure all the protein, carbs, and fruits were balanced equally in each bite.
After the food was cleared, you went back upstairs to grab a parasol, and a satchel, with water, a pencil, and your sketchbook. Iida was just about to head out for some exercise, but you were not about to leave him be. With the cream colored lace of the parasol blocking out the warm sun from hitting your skin, you took a seat on the stone bench out in the courtyard. You watched your knight run around the area, practice sword fencing with some others, partake in other training routines you already felt tired just witnessing, and take big gulps of the cool water you offered to him.

“Wow, you’re so sweaty!!” you say, smiling at the sight of him, a glowy sheen visible on his skin.
A small frown forms from his lips, and his eyes narrow just a tad, as he stares at you.
“Thank you for letting me know, I was not aware of such a thing beforehand.” he replies with a pinch of sarcasm, maintaining his expression as he actively toweled off the moisture from his forehead.

Later, he had left you in the sight of another knight, so he could take a shower in peace. However, you easily lied to this guy, and slipped upstairs without witnesses. When Iida emerged from his bathroom, he jumped in surprise, seeing you waiting for him on his bed. You had taken the liberty of laying out his clothes for him on the sheets, including taking out his knight's uniform and setting it in the open. Laying on your stomach, feet up in the air, and head resting on the palms of your hand, you light up seeing him once more.
“Hi Tenya! I brought you your clothes. Your outfit will be so cute now that I’ve picked it for you. We can match, too!” you grin, gesturing back and forth between his shirt on the bed, and what you were wearing, pointing specifically to the similar colors between them.
He gasps, and immediately closes his eyes, despite him being the one underdressed.
“This- this is highly inappropriate! Please, I am indecent!!” he scrambles, tugging his towel tighter around himself. He backs up, trying to find more towels in the bathroom to wrap around his body.
“No it’s not. You’re not even fully naked yet.”
“What do you mean, ‘yet’?! I beg of you, please do not subject your vision to such a lewd sight!!”
“If this were really inappropriate, you would have already stripped for me, Tenya!!”
“EXCUSE ME?!”
“I’ll turn around if you want to change.”
You flipped your whole body around and pushed your head into his pillows, making sure the only thing you could see were the fibers of the pillowcases.
“I promise, I can’t see anything!” your voice comes out muffled.

Iida eventually manages to change, and you get no extra peek of his physique. While he walked you back to your own room, you slipped in another teasing comment, noting how he was unable to maintain eye contact.
“Don’t be shy. Maybe next time you’re naked, I’ll take my clothes off too, so you won’t be alone!”
His eyes widen, a pink forming on his cheeks, and he walks faster, leaving you to hastily catch up with his pace.

In your room, you had a delivery of mail atop your table. You roll your neck in a circular motion, one hand on the back of your head, getting yourself ready for a while of doing absolute nonsense.

‘My Dearest, I hope this letter finds you well. I will be visiting your kingdom sometime within the next week-’
BOOORING!
Rolling your eyes, you put the third letter back in its envelope, and then back in the mail stack before setting it aside. After all, these letters are all the same thing. Same people, same goals, same feelings and answers. Why would you meet with a prince when you knew each one would be futile in the end?
The next letter was not much better. For some reason, you had received the economic plan of the nation's academic school funds. You didn’t need to know that some random city district miles away was $20 million in debt, that was going to have to be someone else's problem. You set it aside on the table, hoping to remember to deliver that to the economic advisors, or at least someone who actually cares about stuff like that.

“My goodness, you barely even read your mail! What if it were something important?” your knight chirps up from the velvet couch. You nearly forgot he was there, so occupied with deciding what to do about the situation at hand.
“Not important. And I don’t have time for allat!”
“Huh? What does that mean?”
“Nevermind. They’re all stupid anyway, like can’t they get a hint?!” you sigh, flipping through the wax sealed envelopes, thumbs brushing along the grooves of the patterns.

Setting all the mail on the nightstand, unread letters nearest to the edge, read ones off to the right side, and the ones you need to redeliver already on another table, you pat the empty space beside you on the bed. He simply stays in his place, watching you. His eyes blink a couple times.
“Come here!” you tap the bed even faster now, a light rhythmic sound coming from the motion of your hand meeting the sheets.
“You should continue reading your mail!” Iida protests, shaking his head, arms crossed.
“Aw, come on! I’ve been reading enough. I think we should go out, do something fun.”
“You have been very attached to me, especially as of late.” he finally sits beside you, back straight, hands on his thighs.
“Usually, you would simply allow me to watch over you while you did tasks such as these. However, now, you are adamant on clinging to me, even during..intimate moments, such as earlier. Even now, you are insistent on leaving your responsibilities to do ‘something fun.’”. He continues, a slight eye roll as he said those last two words.
“Hey, don’t be sassy with me! And maybe, but is that a problem? I just want to spend actual quality time with my friend. I’ll finish what I need to do later, okay?”
A small sigh and head nod comes from your knight, and he stands up, offering you his hand to help you up as well.
“Alright. However, please make sure you read the rest of your letters soon. There is a chance that you may miss time sensitive information.”
“Got it! Now, what do you want to do?”

In the evening, Iida escorts you back upstairs, giving you company before it is bedtime. You pass by the paintings lining the long hallways, each meticulously dusted and cleaned by the maids earlier. Someone has left a jug of water on the table, the tall, wooden glazed one, right nearby the potted plants. The rest of the way to your bedroom is quiet, as most of your family are peacefully in their rooms, or downstairs, eating dinner.

A comfortable silence befalls you two. Iida watches you pace in circles, around and around the clean flooring of your room. You tried keeping full focus on each step, but grew restless after some minutes.

“Hey, I don’t think I asked you for the details, on the..thing.” you stop walking as soon as you make it to the bed.
“Pardon?” he perks up.
“Can we talk about your, uhm, leaving forever thing?”
“It will not be permanent, I can assure you. And of course, I will keep a schedule of our time so we may plan visits and mail parcels to one another on a regular basis.”

He calmly answers each one of the many questions coming his way.
“Why do you even need to leave, anyway?”
“By the end of this year, I will have to depart this kingdom to support my old one. As you know, I am here due to work opportunities, and do not reside here originally. Unfortunately, there are some.. unspoken issues that I am being called back to assist on. Yet, I am unsure if they are due to familial reasons, or something broader..”
“Really? You don’t even know why you have to leave. Who’s making you do this, anyway?? I’m sure there are plenty of knights there already!” you plead with him, tugging him closer by the planes of his armor.
“I deeply apologize, but I must serve my family. The king and queen know of this potential outcome and have already started scouting for new knights in my replacement. There is not much I can do. Unless my role here relays a higher degree of urgency and importance than back home, but that is unlikely to happen. You will have many other knights, but my family, my old village, may only have me.”
“Are you sure there isn't anything more? There's gotta be something! I mean, you talk to your family basically all the time, haven't they said any details?” You ask, fingertips to your chin as you try to think.
He hesitates for a few moments, before speaking. Seeing your distress was enough for him to crack.
“ In our letters of communication, they have spoken out about the aristocracy forming a plan of some sort. I do not know the details, and I am not even sure if I am permitted to be discussing this with you.” Iida's voice came hushed.
You gasp, and quickly shush yourself seeing his disapproving narrowed eyes.
“Don't worry, I'll keep it secret. So, the higher ups back at home are planning something super special? It better be, considering they need you there!! What do you think it'll be?”
“I am uncertain of the details. To my knowledge, they seem to be doing well for themselves. Perhaps a hidden issue neither of us have considered, such as political mishaps..”
“I don't think so, wouldn't it be more known if it were something big like politics? Maybe not economically either, because why do they need knights to sort out money? They should have financial planners for that.”

The two of you throw out random ideas, but can't seem to find a clear conclusion for why exactly Iida was being called back. Therefore, you continue your questioning of the situation.

“So, when exactly are you leaving?”
“I will be departing this kingdom on the 18th of December.”

Brows furrowing, you open your mouth, as if about to speak, but close it, needing time to articulate your thoughts.
“...That’s not even a full year left with you! Are you joking? Why couldn't you have picked the latest day? Like December 31st! Or January something!”
Panic bubbles up inside you once you do a bit of mental calculations and determine how many days left you both have. Iida motions for you to sit on your bed before he continues to speak.
“I require sufficient time to unpack and get resituated in my hometown. I believe this is the best option, especially since tickets later in the wintertime, when the lakes and boats would need more heating, could raise the costs dramatically. Do not worry, we still have a few more months.”
“I could have helped you! I’ll take a boat and steer you myself on December 30th and you’ll spend the most time with me.”
“You do not have your boating license.”
“Whatever. I can’t believe everyone knew but me, though. Why didn’t you tell me first? Don’t you trust me?”
“I did not want you to worry.”
“I would have worried anyway.”

He holds you firmly, allowing you to rest your head in the crook of his neck.
“I apologize.” He says quietly, brushing your hair strands away from your face as your eyes water up and wet against the fabric of his shirt.
You can't speak, feeling your throat close up each time you try to open your mouth.
“Sorry, I know I probably look really bad right now.” you whisper, trying to blink back more tears. It would have been a bit embarrassing to be seen crying.
“Do not worry. You could never look bad, as you say. Moreover, crying is a healthy release of emotion. I am glad you are comfortable enough to feel vulnerable with me.”

All you can focus on is his hold on your body, and the new vase of colorful blooms settled on your nightstand. They were in a delicate, white porcelain piece, flowers with many petals in your favorite colors, with navy blue roses scattered in between the shades of pink and green. The both of you stay in that position for a while, listening to the soft sounds of breath and the hum of the night, unknowing of what will become of your future.

“Hey, where did those come from?” Your voice pipes up, trying to steer you both away from the newfound sadness of the night.

Iida takes a peek in your direction and smiles, seeing the flowers perched perfectly.
“I requested them while the staff members were on floral duty, during the festival and ball preparations. They were placed earlier this week. Do you..like them? Apologies if I overstepped myself in inserting them into your room without permission..” he chuckles slightly.

“Hey, don't say sorry. They're really pretty, thank you.”
“You are quite welcome.”
“I’ll water them ten times everyday!”
“I believe they may thrive better with more infrequent water changes.”

Still allowing you to stick close, by placing his hand gently on the back of your head, he moves to your nightstand.
“Might I write for you?” he asks, his free hand out, hovering over the writing utensils in the fancy case. You nod, and even help to open up the top drawer, where various papers were neatly stacked atop another.

He carefully jots down the words, each stroke quick, yet still comprehensible. After he is done writing on the notepad—detailed care instructions on how to properly maintain and elongate the lives of flowers—you yawn and blink slowly, while placing the papers near the vase. The long day has tired you.
Climbing into the soft bed, hands rubbing against the pastel colored sheets, you sigh and relax your body. As always, Iida was waiting right nearby, smiling, while seeing you flop around on the mattress.
You sit upright against the headboard, not yet ready for sleep to claim you. However, a quick glance at the clock above your bedroom door told your diligent knight that it was indeed time for rest.

“Goodnight.” He says, about to turn away, and walk out of your door.
Before he could take a step, you stop him.
“Can't you stay a bit? Just for a few minutes?”
“I believe we may have spent enough of our waking hours with one another. It is imperative we maintain an orderly sleep schedule.”
“Please? You know I always want you with me. Maybe I'll have a good night if you stay just for a little.”
He takes another look at the clock, and then looks back at you. He nods.

As you settled back into the sheets, arms crossed, looking directly at the high ceilings, you said a quiet sentence. Just for him to hear.
“I really care about you, Tenya. I don’t want you to leave.”
“I care for you as well. Do not doubt it.” he replies, the same volume as you.

Iida tucks you into the blanket, making sure you are comfortable and warm for sleep. Before getting up, his breath fans gently over your face, and if he leaned in any closer, you would have felt his lips on your forehead. Although you had closed your eyes, you were still very much awake. Subtly lifting the end of the blanket away from your legs, using Iida’s distracted gaze to your advantage, you finally feel the refreshing air of the room on your feet. Shifting your head to better face him, you can sense the calm emitting from his body. He could have easily spent the whole night, and several more, simply admiring your tired form. You could have easily spent the night, and each one for the rest of your life, with him nearby. It was a quiet, underappreciated form of intimacy that allowed the both of you some peace after even the longest day of hardship.
Unfortunately for him, you were about to ruin that peace.
Barely hiding your smirk, you lifted your leg and stretched it, letting your toes touch the back of Iida's thighs. Before he could yelp and distance himself from your attack, you had already begun to caress his inner knee and wherever else your foot could reach.
“What on earth is this behavior!?”
“Let me tickle you!”
“Absolutely not! This is unacceptable!”
“But you’re so warm! Feel how cold I am.” you giggle, trying to get more of your cold phalanges back on his body.

The two of you argue about this, although neither voice carried real malice. You cherished this moment, feet out and all. Perhaps you were annoying him, but you never knew when the last time would be. You hope in the future, he’ll think of you and remember everything fondly, including the teasing, the jokes, the conversations, and everything you have experienced together.

“Tenya, how often do you shower? You smell like doodoo.” you jab playfully, smacking him on the side gently with a pillow.
“This is unbelievable! I have taken one earlier today! Besides, it is not me who has their..appendages out and about. In fact, I can sense a terrible aroma from none other than you, in this very room!” he retorts, a smile on his face.
“HEY!” you smack him again.

Late at night, your mind once again drifted to your knight, chest aching with the weight of his eventual absence. It was clear sleep was no longer an option, considering how you had been tossing and turning for what felt like hours, to no avail. The pillows had flattened from how hard you had been pressing your head against them, and staying in bed, only seeing the dark behind your closed eyes, became much too boring. Even your imagination, usually active, could only conjure up terrible scenarios in which the worst possible outcomes of everything that could ever happen came into existence. Knowing there was no reason to try and sleep when it seems futile, you decide to get up.
Still in just your pajamas, you tiptoe to the door, the soft slippers you wore cushioning each step. In the past, you would have worried about getting caught, especially since that has happened more than once already. However, it really was later than ever, and you were not scared of Iida. He was probably sleeping in those blue and white striped pajamas of his, his back flat against the mattress, with the little pointy hat and a puffball on the tip, going honk shoo mimimimi. Even if he were awake, there was nothing he, or anyone else, could do to bring you to sleep. Besides, you knew how much he needed his good rest, and you would feel terrible waking him up for another late night adventure in exchange for his energy and wellbeing.

Downstairs, you see the dining room lights were on, although only dimmed. Your father was eating a plate of warm chicken breasts with white rice, a simple meal he shared with your mother, who sat beside him. As you enter the space, you quietly attempt to slip past them, but your father turns around in his chair and spots you. Calling out your name, you turn around and look at him.
“Hello.” His voice travels the distance to your ears, and you stiffen your posture.
“Hello.” You reply, quieter than him.
“How are you?” Your mother asks, placing a hand on your father's shoulder.
“Fine. How are you?”
Your parents look at each other before placing their gaze back at your blank face.

“Do you have a boyfriend yet?” Father questions without buildup.
“Uhh..no? Why?”
“Okay. Did you have fun at the ball a few weeks ago? Anyone interesting that you remember?”
“Yeah, it was fun. I don’t really recall meeting anyone that interesting though, they were all strangers.”
“What about that prince you were with? Did he catch your eye?”
“I just talked to him a little, but I wouldn’t say anything like that.”
A few beats of silence later told you it was time to leave, but the next sentence you hear made your expression grimace.

“We think he likes you.” Mother perks up.
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“Prince Kaneko spoke to us recently. He seems to be interested in interacting with you more. Maybe then, you’ll finally be like your mother and find a good man to marry!”
“Oh, no..no thanks.”
“We have already spoken to him and his family at the ball. It would be great to work together, as both of our kingdoms could cooperate powerfully. Besides, is it not a great thing to finally be desired after all your lonely years?”
Your mouth forms a straight line as you process their ridiculous words.
“Really? I’m too young to be worrying about that stuff. I’m sure I’ll find someone in the future.”
“Don’t be silly. At least consider the prospect of forming an alliance with their nation. You would not have to deal with the trouble of being courted by endless men, when you could have one handed to you right there and then!”
Before you could protest further, your father interjects, softly gripping his wife's arm to steady her.
“If you find a worthy partner, then you may be with them. However, we simply don’t want you to waste time if we can help it. Do you happen to have anyone in mind? We will arrange a time to meet with whoever you like.”

Who would you like? You had a very specific taste in men. Someone who showcases their beauty inside and out. You would prefer someone taller than you, and strong enough to protect you from everyday dangers. He would definitely be smart and responsible, so he could help you with important duties, but also be able to do fun things with you. It’d be miserable if you happened to be stuck with someone who made life feel stagnant. A good looking face wouldn’t hurt, either, as long as his smile belonged to you. This guy would show you appreciation everyday, and the love would have to be mutual.

Thinking about your dream wedding, your mind conjured the image of someone who was definitely not that blond haired jerk of a prince! He wasn’t even your type. Maybe a guy with darker hair, probably with glasses, too, to give off that intelligent vibe you like so much. After the wedding, you would share a piece of the ten tier cake in your favorite flavor, and he would make you laugh the whole ceremony. Of course, he needed to know you deeply, in order to love you just as much. A future husband who could be your best friend and lover in one.
So, a smart, tall, strong, handsome, fun, loving man with darker hair and glasses, who you could actually look forward to forever with. Too bad there was barely anyone in real life that fitted that description, though. What a bummer!

“Well?” Father asks, awaiting your response.
“Hmm. I don’t know.” you shrug.
He nods, and soon exits the dining room with your mother trailing behind. Finally, you could eat something in peace! You practically sprint to the kitchen, face brightening in front of the open refrigerator light, eyes already scanning its contents.

Meanwhile, Iida was also awake in the knight's chambers, having just woken up after his own tossing and turning. He couldn’t sleep, and decided to pay an unplanned visit to his dearest friend a couple walking minutes away. Usually, he would not be one to do such a thing. But after many previous instances of you sneaking around to see him, and him hesitating less each time to allow the both of you to linger, your influence was certainly rubbing off on him. He found himself willing to break his curfew just for the slim chance of being in your presence.
He gently knocked on your door, but no response sounded from within. It seems in your haste to exit, you didn't even remember to turn the lock, leaving it a half inch open. Thinking you were just asleep, he grabbed the handle and opened it himself. Iida doesn't say a word, not hoping to potentially wake you, simply closing the door behind him and quietly stepping into the room.
Immediately noticing the lack of a body in your bed, he freezes in place. He had to mentally calm himself down from his panic and not risk attracting attention if he were to shout for you. Eyes scanning the room, he notices the window was unshattered, and the room was still just as neat and clean as the last time he had seen it. It was unlikely to be a break in, or other violent struggle. Luckily, there were no dirty footprints or blood staining the sheets or walls. You would definitely be angry if you came back to a messy room, as that would be such a hassle to clean up. That’s when he looked to see one pair of your casual shoes, usually settled by the entrance of the closet door, missing. He figures you must have put them on and snuck out on your own terms.
“Ah, my goodness.” he huffs, shutting the door and sprinting back to his room. Quickly grabbing his knight uniform, he makes a haste decision to leave it behind and just wear the lighter clothes underneath. However, in his own worry about protection, he heads over to the armory and grabs a small dagger, tucking it away near his waistband. It was obvious you had left for a walk, although to where exactly, he wasn't sure. Probably not too far, since he knows you easily tire yourself out, especially so late. Iida speedily paced the length of the hallway before bounding up the stairs, deciding to check the top floor before working his way down.

Back downstairs, you lick the remnants of the ice cream from the cool metal spoon, savoring the last droplets of flavor before going up to the sink, hand washing the bowl and utensil with the fragrant dish soap and a fresh sponge. After putting them on the drying rack, you consider going back upstairs to sleep. However, you just finished your late night snack, so you were a bit restless. Additionally, you were already awake anyway due to your adventure, so you might as well take a walk or do something to pass the time until you felt sleepy once more.

You slipped past the main entrance and craned your neck up to view the beautiful circle of the moon. From there, you could see some of the craters, pits of shadows, contrasting with the lighter grey of the rest of it. A small figure zooms past and you instinctively follow it with your eyes. It looked to be a small bird that landed on the ground several feet away. Staying still, watching its head bob and feathers flutter, you were fascinated. You didn’t remember what kind it was, and you could only recall owls being nighttime flyers off the top of your head. Perhaps it was a new species that you weren’t aware of, or this little one was travelling alone. Carefully walking closer to it seemed to startle the thing, and it already began bouncing away. Your feet pick up momentum as you make effort to catch the growing distance between you and the bird. Lightly jogging in the direction it flew in led you to a small open patch in the nearby forest. Conveniently, there was a smooth stone ledge for you to rest your weary body. The bird was long gone now, and you were left under the trickle of moonlight through the trees, wind rustling your clothes and hair.

When your eyes close briefly during a yawn, you let the weight of gravity loll your head down. It was supposed to be a quick rest before heading back to bed, allowing you to enjoy your time alone for a while longer.

Sometime later, you're woken up by the feeling of your whole body swaying. Blinking rapidly to clear the darkness from your vision, you were confused as to why the whole world had gone black. Surely, there must have been at least a few stars in the sky, or the moon shining down on the grass. The sounds of what seemed like a couple horses clomping on dirt roads, along with the occasional screech of worn out wheels, tells you that there must be some form of transportation. Struggling against your tight restraints, you couldn't even lift a hand up. At least the floor of whatever your bottom was against had no splinters, or the delicate material of your pajamas would have snagged by now. Simply using your legs to scooch around the small space, you wonder why your midface feels a little irritated, almost as if something were directly against it. A blindfold, maybe?

Suddenly, it dawned on you. This was a kidnapping. It made sense, perhaps due to your status as a royal, or one of the many rejected suitors got tired of you ghosting them. Whatever it may be, it hopefully would not last long. You would have to be saved eventually.

“Seriously?” You groan quietly in annoyance, giving up on trying to escape, and instead save your energy for what might await you later. The rickety wagon continues its journey, much steadier than the rapid beating of your heart. It took some time, but the toll of your interrupted slumber weighed heavy on your eyelids, and you soon found yourself slumped against the wood, trying to move around to stay awake.

It was a failure. Mentally cursing yourself for the poor sleeping habits that likely contributed to your ability to fall asleep in the most inconvenient of times, you stand up from your spot. However, your body feels a lot heavier, and your sight was still obscured by a thick fabric blindfold. Your legs could move somewhat freely, as well as your head and torso. Something was digging into your upper arms, a mildly itchy woven rope, wrapping around your bicep, down to where it tied together at your elbows.

Initially staying quiet and still to make out the situation with what senses you had left, there was little to be found. A small tapping of your foot against a cool surface, socks tracing the seam of what felt like tile flooring. There was no use trying to scream or panic, you needed to assess what the situation was first.
The murmurs of various men were heard around you, coming from just outside the only door that could let people in and out. From the direction of the voices, you guessed that it would be right in front of you, in about thirty feet. However, one voice, faintly whispering, rang a bell of familiarity. Your hypothesis of the door's location proved correct once you heard it opening, the hinges swishing with the slow movement. This person walks methodically, and you can already sense their gaze on you as they approach.

“Hello, my dear.”

…

No reply came from you. Your mind tries to recall every possible option of who could be standing there, but in the end, you are unable to pick.
The man sets his hand on your cheek, quickly removing it when you manage to lick the heel of his palm, leaving saliva over his skin. In such a state of shock, he barely moves, giving you enough time to act fast and bite hard on his hand. He hisses and staggers back, scoffing at your audacity.

“How rude. Were you raised by your parents, or by the animals they have in their sheds? You best learn to behave yourself.”
His shoes clack along the floor as he walks away, before the door shuts with a soft thud, leaving you in the dark room, all alone.

Notes:

goofy chapter 😂🤣😂 next one will hopefully be as long or longer as this one