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datninjalyfe · 1 year

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Kingdoms at War, Chapter 8: One-For-All

Chapter 8—One-for-All

SHINSOU

**Three Years Ago, After the Nezu Festival**

**In Talia, at the Aizawa Mansion in the Countryside**

I look down to see the Erian Crest looking back up at me.

And then at the Prince, who’s anxiously awaiting a response from me. “Your Grace…” I begin and fell onto my knees. My stomach churned. “I-I don’t know what to say—,”

“Why don’t you just start at the beginning?” he cocked his head, the golden crown of the Prince not moving as he did so.

That crown was more than a symbol of peace here in Talia. It represented to Talia who was going to be the next ruler of Talia, but of all the Kingdoms in the world. It had been passed down from leader to leader since Talia herself. When Queen Nana passed it to her successor, Yagi of the House of Toshinori, and not her son, there was an unusual shift in the court. King Toshinori could have passed that mark down to anyone and with the amount of wealth the Todoroki family had, it should have been passed down to one of Lord Todoroki’s children. But the King still passed it down to his son, the Prince. The Marking of the Crown, a traditional sort of ceremony where the Golden Crown is given from Leader to Successor, was given to Prince Midoriya instead of any one of the Todoroki children. This did not please Lord Todoroki, despite all the donations their father gave to Talia and the amount of effort he made in the war.

I hate him, I think. I’m glad his children will never reign this kingdom.

Still, I looked at that crown and its golden sheen threaded through the prince’s hair. He’s beautiful in this moment and it was hard to deny it. The Prince was regal with his bright blue Talian uniform, the equally bright red cape—not like the deep burgundy one I wore to Eri. The crown was what forced me to my knees. He held all the power in that moment.

When I said nothing, the Prince shook his head. “I’m just a little confused.” he said. “As to why one of my Generals, someone I handpicked myself, is wearing an Erian soldiers uniform. Please, start at the beginning and we’ll go from there.”

“To Lord Todoroki, you mean?” I said, but quickly stopped. The golden crown that sat atop his head glimmered to me and I could do nothing but look away from it.

“I don’t know. You haven’t told me anything.”

No. The voice in my head echoed. I heard them, swarming me, enveloping around me like the voice of a thousand Gods. I will use this gift, this power, everything the Lantern King gave me until the day I fucking die. “What could I possibly say that would ensure my safety?” He remained quiet, however. Not even moving as those continued to yell at him, Fucking say something! He remained quiet. Quiet long enough for the voices to stop. “I will not go back to Todoroki’s prison. Not now, not ever. You will answer my questions if I have to—,”

“Lord Shinsou,” he raised a hand, silencing me immediately. “You will also answer my questions first and if I am satisfied, then I will answer your questions. Do you understand?”

I did. He’d forget everything if he knew what happened. He gave his permission to let me force him to forget.

“Shinsou!” a voice came over my shoulder. Aizawa was running quickly, wrapping his scarf around his neck. “Your Grace, please, if you’ll let us explain—,”

“Ah,” the Prince said, smiling as Aizawa kneeled in front of him, next to me. “And the Heir Aizawa knows too, I assume?” he rubbed his brow, wiping sweat as he stepped into the sunlight.

“Would you like to go inside, Your Grace? You are more than welcome to—,”

“I’d like to stay out here.”

We both just nod. “As you wish, Your Grace.”

“Excellent. Now Shinsou, this will be the last time I ask. Start. From.” His eyes narrowed down on me, the crown now fully facing me, wreathed through the Prince’s hair. “The beginning.”

“I fell in love, Your Grace.” I told them both. “With an Erian soldier. I just got back from a festival that was held on your birthday in Nezu.”

He didn’t tear his eyes away from me, nor I from him. “How did you meet?”

I told him. I told him about the river, the few nights we shared since then and about the festival trip that was cut short by Aizawa’s letter. I told him the couple things I’d learned, about Commander Jirou being in the forest to gain trust by the Erian court because of her father that remained here. I also shared the little information of the Dragon King and about their forces being able to mobilize quickly. I said it all to the Prince, tears streaming down my face.

He stood there, unmoving, his arms crossed over the Talian crest. The bright cape ebbed and flowed with the wind, as did his dark green hair. “And what have you shared about Talia with this soldier?”

“About my family’s death. About me becoming a young Lord and—,” I swallowed. “He thought I was still under Todoroki, but I told him that I felt more comfortable being with Aizawa.”

“Is that all?”

I know that question. I’d heard it less than three days ago from Denki. “Our time was limited. Aizawa isn’t the type to pull me away without it being important and I left a couple hours after I received the letter.”

“Is that the only thing you told him?”

“He—I implied how much I despise Todoroki, but I didn’t tell him what exactly took place.” It was hard for me to relay that information to even Aizawa.

“Very well.” the Prince said, exhaling deeply. “I’m placing all my trust in what you’re telling me, Lord Shinsou. And,” he sighed heavily, his shoulders dropping. “I will permit Shinsou to ask his questions.”

Aizawa stared at him. “Your Grace, are you sure?”

“Yes. I didn’t hear anything too incriminating. We’ve guessed at most of the things that Shinsou has said and I have no doubt you can give the others some of the information about Lord Jirou’s child at the next war meeting. You can say you saw her and she escaped. Besides,” the Prince smiled. “I think I wouldn’t mind being brainwashed for a few hours. To take my mind off the war, as Shinsou claims this soldier does for him.”

I stood up, narrowing my gaze at the Prince.

And voices began once again, echoing around in my head. “Your Grace, Prince Midoriya, are you sure this is what you want?”

“Yes.” There was no hesitation. I quickly reached into his mind, into the very depths of him, but I was met by a wall. An entire wall, completely impenetrable in his mind, unrelenting to the voices I placed in his head. I tried again and again, but the more I rammed into the barrier, the harder it became. It pushed and pushed until I was completely broken and shoved the echoes of the voices back into my own mind.

It was the first time I’d ever heard my ability and it made me delirious for a moment. A flicker of a memory passed into me and I screamed, calling out to my mother and was met by two strong arms to keep my from falling against the ground.

When my eyes opened, Aizawa’s confused face looked down at me. I was equally confused, but then grew angry until I saw his eyes were the same brown, his hair waved down past his shoulders. It wasn’t him who stopped me? I stared back at the Prince. “Your Grace.” I breathed. I’d always been able to reach into someone, control them like little puppets. I’d been used, rummaged, manipulated by the Talian court for this ability. But the Prince had not been affected and threw my own gift back at me. Within his mind, I was met by something hard, rigid, impassable.

The first person I’d ever met to not yield to my power from the Lantern King.

“My ability.” was all the Prince said. “is far greater than yours, it would seem.” He took a few steps forward, clapping a hand to my shoulder as he passed. “I won’t tell anyone about this. You have my word.” I turned to face him, but he didn’t look back as he said, “You’re still needed at the castle, Shinsou. Change out of that clothing. Burn it, bury it, I don’t care. But you’re my friend, so I’ll give you this warning: not all powers come from the Lantern King.”

Out of complete fear, I bowed. I waited until the Prince was out of my line of sight, until I could no longer see the gold shine in his crown before looking to Aizawa. His face was full of fear like a father who could do little to protect his child.

“Is that true? Are there people who have powers that aren’t Children of the Lantern King?”

He nodded.

“And the Prince? He’s one of them?”

Another nod.

“How many others are like him?”

“So far, the only two families I’ve met,” Aizawa said. “are the Prince and the Todoroki family.”

KATSUKI

*Present Day*

“Kacchan!” Deku says, getting up from his seat. He pointed to an article from one of the several Erian papers that are laid out before him. He’s taken a liking to reading several, but has come to realize that the knowledge I have is more extensive. “Is this true? Has Todoroki banked south?”

I shake my head. “Not that I’ve heard. Which paper are you reading?” He shows me the cover and I bark out a laugh. “No, no. That paper’s full of shit. They’ll write anything if it brings in more readers.”

“But this one said the same—,” he scrambles around, picks up another paper, but then looks between the two. “—shit, nevermind. It’s the same writer.” He pauses, but then crinkles the paper before sitting back down, sipping his tea. “It definitely draws the attention of the reader, though. In Talia, we outlaw such things.”

“Writing?” I tease.

He crinkles his nose at me. “No, but journalists aren’t allowed to write about things that are untrue.”

It’s not a bad law to have, but it definitely limits what the journalists can write about. I also like hearing the opinions of the people in my Kingdom, especially when it comes to the war.

“Oh, I almost forgot!” He stirs his tea gently and places the spoon facing down on the plate under the cup. It clinks perfectly, barely making a sound. “I have another question you should be asking.”

“And what question is that?” He has my undivided attention.

“What Talia is planning after they—,” he clears his throat. “Dethrone you? Like what they might be planning for the Heir Aizawa.”

I hiss hearing that name.

Here in Eri, they call him the “False King”. Talia calls Aizawa the “True Heir” and even now, there are rumors floating that he will one day take the throne. Like Shinsou, Aizawa had switched as well, but now he fights for Talia. It was many years ago, before I was born. Still, hearing Deku call him “Heir Aizawa” angered me. I try to control the heat in my body, but I can feel it rising. Strategically, if Talia manages to overtake the Capitol and kill me, it makes sense to place Aizawa on the throne of Eri.

Before my mother took the throne, she’d slaughtered all of them after the Aizawa family had made poor judgement call after poor judgement call. It’d happened again and again. When Queen Nana didn’t give her son the throne and gave it to King Toshinori, my mother followed suit, but decided to take things into her own hands. In a single night, she slaughtered the Aizawa Family and almost brought a civil war into Eri. Ultimately, her entire section of the army backed her, which led to her reign on the throne. After her death, I remember the members of her own High Court whispering to bring one boy, Shouta Aizawa, almost 25 at the time, back to the throne.

If Talia was to get their wish, they would surely bring their “Heir” back to the Erian throne under King Toshinori.

It is truly his after all…

“NO!” I yell and the sweat in my palm ignites. Deku grabs my hands and balls them into a fist, wincing through the pain of a tiny explosion that released from me. “I know what they plan to do if I am to die. My own court has even thought of it.”

“When would they have discussed something like that?” he whispers. I’m feel the words as his lips move brush my fingers. I live for the moments like this, especially when we know we’re completely alone. I used to hate it because nothing came of them, but now I love them, cherish these small moments we get together. I love the feeling when his pink lips graze my hand so soft like a ghost whispering through the night. My heart skips before thumping loudly and I hope he can hear it too. He raises my hand and quietly, gently kisses the fingers of my closed fist.

“After my mother’s death. Some wanted to kill me and ask for Aizawan leadership again, as my mother was the one who really betrayed the throne.”

“How did you live?”

It was an outburst. Upon hearing them discuss how they would kill me— “Give him over to Talia!”, “Leave him to the monsters in Grice!”, “Cut off his head and be done with it!”—I screamed. I’d just watched my parents scorched to death in hot blue flames, flames that I had survived and they still meant to kill me? I screamed for those I’d lost, for the family that I’d never see again.

For the promise these people, my so-called “allies”, were going to take away from me.

I screamed so loud, it moved the ground, shattering everything around us. An explosion of anger and fear, of resentment and loathing, surged out of me. The ones around me were engulfed and left only as smoke. The others, some with the gifts of the Lantern King and some without, were killed and the only ones left were those who remained loyal to my family. To me.

Since that moment, I’ve been nicknamed the Dragon King. “I just showed them my loyalty to the Eri my mother created.”

“I’m sorry, Kacchan,” he apologizes again, whispering into my knuckles. “I shouldn’t have brought it up. I just thought you should know. I would want to know.” The words are light, like whisps of clouds, matching the tone of his face. He’s trying to calm me from the sudden anger moments ago without knowing it left as quickly as it came. I don’t tell him as his lips continue to explore the back of my hand. He sinks to one knee and I open my palm that has been neglected.

I cannot take another moment with my hands not touching him. I take a step closer to him and his eyes gaze up at me. I run my hand through the thick curls of his hair, squeezing them to arch his back even more.

“Oh.” His eyes shoot open and his hands cover his mouth. He turns his eyes away from me and I smile internally when his cheeks are flushed with a bright, rose color. I gesture for him to get up and rises to his feet, still averting my gaze that’s fixed on him.

I begin to unbutton his jacket slowly, working each of them through the fabric of the coat. When I finish, I lick my lips, knowing what lies beneath the shirt underneath. I gently peel the jacket off his shoulders, which are broader than I had thought.

Not as broad as mine, I reassured myself, but he helps me to pull it off. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from his chest, but I keep my eyes away from his pants.

“Do you want my shirt too?” he begins to lift the shirt, his pale skin revealing freckles down his stomach and beyond.

Yes! I want to be the one to warm you. But I swallowed back my desperation, only managing to say the word, “Not unless you want to give it to me.” I wrap the jacket around my body, his soft scent lingering in the fur of the hood.

“Kacchan.” his voice warns.

He still shakes his head? I release a breath of frustration, but compose myself. He wants it. I know he wants it. Why does he deny it?

I can’t think about it any longer. If he wants to take it farther, he’ll tell me. “Okay.” I say to him, trying to keep my mind from wandering too far. “Let’s talk about Talia.”

We do, sitting back down. He talks of things I mostly know: that Lord Todoroki and Lord Aizawa are in command of two sectors of the main army. There are several Lords and Ladies that are underneath of them as well, in charge of their own segments of the armies, but they always answer to Todoroki or Aizawa. The youngest Todoroki son, the Dragon Tamer—fuck, I hate that name—answers to Aizawa, though, I find that odd. He continues on, though and I make a note to question it later.

“If multiple people are in charge of multiple segments of the military,” he says. “Then it becomes harder to predict their movements.”

It’s true, though we have a bit of a different system that was set up by my mother. At the top is the King; underneath that is the Generals, the High Lordship; and underneath them are the Commanders who are in charge of their large groups of soldiers. Any issues within the military are brought up through the chain. It’s efficient enough for us, but with multiple people in charge of multiple different segments at different times then things become more unpredictable for the enemy.

I was quiet for too long. “Kacchan?” I hear him say, almost a whisper. He shivers and I get up, handing him back his jacket. He smiles when he puts it on.

That fucking smile. I can no longer stop myself. I fucking—I can’t hold it any more—I look around the room and pound at the door. A guard comes in. “Bring him back to the room.”

I don’t look at his face, but he calls to me again: “Kacchan!”

I walk away, as fast as my feet will let me. I don’t hear what the guards tell him, but I get myself inside an empty room, slamming the door shut. Everything in my body feels hot. I can’t slow down my breathing. The warmth of my breaths puff out like fogs of smoke from a chimney. I lean my forehead against the cold door, ripping open my shirt, hoping that the cold of winter will brush against my skin, but it only makes my chest hum violently at the sound of ripping clothes. Sweat drips from every ounce of porous skin, saliva from my tongue onto the floor beneath me.

I can bare it no longer.

I pull at the strings of my leather pants and squeeze my dick, only thinking of Deku’s flushed cheeks, so red it hides a few of his freckles inked on his skin. I think of what it would feel like to thrust myself into his throat, the wet sopping noises it would make, the feel of Deku as he sucked from base to tip and back down again for more.

“Deku…” I hear myself growl, spitting into my hand to massage myself and think of nothing but him beneath me, touching me, moaning loudly for more. My body spins around and curve my back against the door, my head flying back. I want him. I want him so badly, the pain heats my entire body. I can barely hear the hums of my chest over my own fantasies of Deku’s loud cries, his begging mixed with my own cruel, ruthless desire of dreamlike euphoria existing only in this moment. I close my eyes, my arm moving faster, my hand squeezing harder, but harder was my want for Deku to be here with me. “Kacchan…” he’d say. “Please…” he’d moan. “Fuck me…” he’d beg. And I’d be obliged to it all.

“I live for you and only you.” I say, unable to tell if it’s aloud or from deep within. My knees nearly buckle when I feel the orgasm spill out of me, my legs still shaking and finally, my legs give out entirely and I sink to the floor, my breath still uneasy. I wait for the humming in my chest to rest and when it finally does, I open my eyes and reality sets back in.

I look at the empty room before me, the wind howling outside the shut windows. Finally, I take a deep breath in, but I don’t move.

For the first time in my life, I thought of something other than the war. For those long minutes that past, I thought of Deku and only Deku. Not as the Prince of my enemy—I hadn’t even thought of Talia at all. No. Only Deku.

I don’t want to move. Can’t move. Not away from him.

---

“Sire!” the two guards snap to attention as I stand before my door to the bedroom. I inhale a deep breath before opening the door.

It’s dark in the room. The fire has fainted a little. I scan the bed to see Deku in it, on the other side this time, where I had slept the night before. The warmest part of the bed. I take my shirt off—a different set of clothes than the ones I’d worn previously. I’d asked a few of the servants to bring me a new set and throw those out, a little embarrassed.

I move quietly over to the bed and lift the covers that he’s buried himself underneath. But as quiet as I thought I was, I hear his small voice float over to my ears.

“Kacchan?”

I roll over to face him. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You really didn’t. I was falling asleep, but not quite there.” he stretches before tucking himself back underneath the blankets.

“You don’t get hot? Underneath all of that?”

He chuckles and shakes his head. “No. Though I didn’t anticipate how cold Eri would be in the winters. It’s south of Grice, but still feels colder for some reason.” He ponders for a moment before saying, “When you aren’t here.”

I’m quiet, but I watch his eyes slowly close. I watch his face relax. And just before he falls asleep, I ask, “Would you like me to hold you?”

His eyes snap open and stare into mine. He’s quiet, too, but I let him take this moment to think. “Kacchan.” he says, as though he’s scolding me.

“Deku,” I want to explain to him. I want him to know everything. That I do want him. Every piece of him. “I just want you to stay warm though the night.”

Another moment of silence, but it burns. I don’t move my face. I don’t give him any indication I want anything else. “Just holding?”

“Just holding.” I promise him. “I hate sleeping underneath seven blankets. I feel like I’m going to drown in my own sweat. But you still shiver.”

“Okay, Kacchan.” he lifts the blankets and we inch towards each other. He pulls his arms in and I hug him to my chest, but he lifts his head.

“What’s—what’s that?” he asks.

“What’s what?”

“That sound?”

It takes me a moment to realize. “It’s a part of my gift from the Lantern King.” I tell him. “My ability hums. I’m surprised you haven’t heard it before.”

He leans back against me. “It’s beautiful. Like a song.”

My body sings for him and lulls him to sleep like a lullaby.

---

After almost a month of waiting, I receive a letter from Commander Jirou during a war meeting. It’s marked with her seal and our code is written in the letter. Finally! I tear it open and I hold my breath while scan it, but I only read the first line before leaving the room: Everything the Prince told us was true.

“Majesty?” Mina asks me, but I’m already running out of the War Meeting.

He didn’t lie to me. I knew he wouldn’t.

I burst open the door to my room, the guards all gripping their weapons, but stop and bow when they immediately see me. “Leave us! No one is to enter this room!” They did as they were instructed, saying, “Sire.” to me before rushing out of my chamber.

He stands up from one of the chairs, marking his page in the book he was reading. “Your Highness.” he bows playfully.

“Deku.” I whisper and before I could think about it, pull him into me, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. He gasps, but then I feel cheek resting upon my chest, his own arms wrapping tightly around my waist. We hold each other, our breathing becoming synchronized before I finally pull away.

“What was that for, Kacchan?” he says, smiling through watery eyes. A tear falls from one of his eyes and I brush it away from my thumb.

“A wish that I asked for came true.”

His face contoured in confusion. “A wish?”

“Yes, Deku.” my thumb is still brushing along his cold cheek. I will warm you. “Will you tell me again? That you’ll stay by side until the war ends?”

My thumb runs across his chapped lips that form a smile. “Kacchan, I plan on staying with you long after that.”

IZUKU

I crinkled the letter against my chest, hugging it close. I knew the information would be accurate, but I didn’t know how much I could trust Commander Jirou. This letter is proof that people want the war to end. It’s proof that people, even in New Eri, want the suffering to be over.

Tears fall from my eyes and I wipe them away. Even before my capture, my sole mission was to speak to the Dragon King about ending the war. But now—

I’ve completely fallen for him.

He’s next to me. It happens so fast, I don’t have a moment to react when he grabs my wrists and pulls me in close, wrapping my arms around his waist before he wraps his own around my neck. He cradles me so closely I can feel his breath, so warm and smells of sweet candies. Impulsively, I lean a cheek into his chest, listening to the rhythmic sounds of his ability. Our lips grow closer together, each second is far too long. But when nothing happens, I feel a little annoyed, but rest my head against his shoulder, closing my eyes to enjoy this moment.

I decide to tell him. Against my father’s wishes to not tell a soul, I decide that he has a right to know everything about Talia. Including their Prince. In that moment, I decide it’s the right time. “I have another question for you to ask.”

“Oh?” he says, his hands brushing against a few locks on my head.

“If I wanted to leave, I could have done it long ago.”

He pulls away and looks down at me. “What do you mean? Kirishima captured you.”

“He captured me, yes. But at any given point, I could have left. I’d like you to ask me about it.”

He sits down in one of the chairs. “Is it your gift from the Lantern King? Shinsou told me he can’t use his against you, but Kirishima thought it was more strength than anything else.”

I tell him outright. “I think it’s time you learned about One-for-All.”

(all)(previous)

#bakudeku #bakudeku smut #kingdoms at war #izukatsu #katsuki x izuku #bnha bakudeku #katsudeku #katsuki x deku #BNHA au #shinkami #shinsou x kaminari

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datninjalyfe · 2 years

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Kingdoms at War, Chapter 7: Intel and Letters

KATSUKI

For the next two and a half weeks, I keep an excruciatingly close eye on Deku. He is by my side always, except when I’m in a war meeting and even then, he’s heavily guarded in my office that is attached to my room. At first, the office was a temporary abode, but I figured it was best to keep him there so I could watch him more thoroughly.

He doesn’t ask for much during those weeks, except for more books to keep him company. I grudgingly gave him one after the other, but he asked for another every day.

“You’re quite the reader.” I told him, annoyed.

“I’m curious to know what the Dragon King reads.” he just said through a bright smile, tapping the book I had just handed to him.

He…what? There’s a flirtatious smile on his face and I felt heat rise to my cheeks.

I grab one of several books on my bedside and throw it at him and he catches it. “Just…let me know what you think of this one.”

Since winter began, the air is colder than usual for this time of year. I hate it because it makes my ability harder to control—the less I sweat, the less power my explosives have—but Deku seems to enjoy it. His eyes lit up when the first snow began to fall outside, watching outside as if each snowflake was something special. Mina had given him a few jackets that she had bought from her trips to the northern regions and one particular jacket, the one that I favored to most on him, was a bright, Erian white, bringing out the green in his eyes and hair. I kept a watchful eye on everyone who looked at him in this jacket, even snarled angrily once at a few guards who snapped back into attention and bowed as we passed.

“He looks good in Erian colors, no?” Shinsou had said.

He does indeed.

---

After an incredibly long and arduous day, I finally made it back to the room. Talia seems to be hitting us at the Southern borders, but I have no doubt the Industrial Soldiers, led now by Lord Shinsou, can hold their own.

When I open the door, Deku stands up from the chair, as he always does. I’ve grown quite accustomed to it and have even come to look forward to it when he’s not with me.

Underneath my arms are some data and maps on the war, but this intel is old. I’d told my High Counsel about this test as I’d given a similar one to Shinsou when he came to the Erian Court. These maps are some that my mother used and it doesn’t give any information to tell him everything we’re planning.

“Look these over.” I hand it over to him. He stares at them as sits on the carpet, setting a few of the maps atop it. He maneuvers himself so he can see them clearly, intently studying them. From the fireplace, light and shadows cascade around his face as if the flames are moving all around him. He stares at the maps almost as attentively as I stare at him, watching as he peers from one to the next.

“Is there any information here or not?” I ask after a painful few minutes. He is one to mumble, especially when it comes to the war, but tonight, he is silent and I pace uncomfortably.

He gives me a flirtatious grin. “I need to concentrate, Kacchan. It’s going to take me far longer to understand these than it would take you, as you are far wiser than I.”

Those words quickly made their way from my ears to my entire body. My chest starts to hum, my heart ferociously beating against my ribcage, making my blood boil. He didn’t notice when I stopped pacing. His eyes only looking down at the maps, occasionally pointing to something, but then going back to complete silence.

Give me something. Anything. I silently beg him. Either tell me you know these are old or lie to me based on this information.

If he were to lie, he’d tell me to go to Talia’s western port. It’s not labeled on the maps, so we’d be walking into a Talian trap set up a few years after my mother’s passing.

But he tells me nothing. Just silence.

My impatience overcomes me. I push aside the maps on the floor and they fly to the side as I quickly close the gap between the two of us. He gasps in surprise, but it’s not enough. With one hand, I trace his jaw, my thumb over his lips. He reaches back in the same manner, but his touch is cold and I put my other hand over his. My chest hums louder, my ability being sent down my arm and into my hand.

“The room,” he says at last. “It’s colder when you aren’t here, Majesty. Though I’m unsure if it’s actually you or the heat I feel when you’re near.”

My lips graze the inside of his palm, my voice muffled. “It’s the fire, Deku.”

“So it must be.” His hand drops from my face, but quickly begins to pull at the knot of the cape I wear and taking it, he wraps it around himself. I’m close enough to hear his sigh and watch his long eyelashes flutter closed in the warmth of the cape. “Ah, Your Majesty, you lie. It is you that is warm.”

His arms wrap themselves around my waist to the base of my spine, inching us even closer. “What do you want from me?” I ask. He inhales deeply, a sharp sound. We’re close—closer than we’ve been since the trial. He leans in further until we share the same breath, the same air. He closes his eyes, waiting. What you’re waiting for, I think. It can’t be done. Not yet.

I pull back, cursing to myself about our situation. I don’t see his eyes open, but his head just turns to the side, down towards the at the maps. “Kacchan—,” he says, his eyes not looking up at me. He’s backed away from me and sitting back on his calves. At this point, I’ve made a note to memorize all his faces. This one read disappointment. “Can I ask something?”

I nod.

“What did you want me to tell you about Talia with this information?”

The question angered me slightly. Are the royalty in Talia useless? Just figureheads? But there’s no way that’s true. Kirishima captured Deku, told me he was barking out orders on the battlefield. “I wanted intel on Talia so we could win the war, but the little bits of information haven’t been enough. I need something more substantial from you. Shinsou came with hordes of data, intelligence and enough information about Lord Todoroki and Lord Aizawa’s movements that all proved to be useful to the Erian cause.”

His head turns upwards and he glares at me, the greens of his eyes flashing in anger. In one swift move, he shoves he off and I’m pushed hard in the chest and thrown backwards, hitting one of the bookshelves. I hear a crack and I’m unsure if it’s my spine that cracked or the bookshelf has broken. “The fuck—?” I say, as a few books fall from the shelves and I lift my arm to him, to use a small explosion as if to ask, Do you know who the fuck I am?! Who you just did that too?! But he’s shaking and I’m immediately stopped, the humming in my chest abruptly quieting.

Moments before, where he’d been crying softly, is now overtaken and he doesn’t even try to blink the tears as they slide down his face. A rage that has been hidden. I know what that feels like. He picks up one of the maps and walks it over to me, pressing it hard into my chest. “If you want information about Talia, bring me something more useful than this. Maybe something actually from this era.”

It’s my turn to be silent and I push myself off the bookcase I was just thrown into.

“I recognize the old patterns of how Talia’s army. These—,” he shoves another at me. “—are likely maps your mother used, which is why I won’t tear them to shreds, in case they are important to you. Bring me something that’s actually worthwhile and I’ll give you some insight into what Talia is thinking. I come with my own data, things that even people within our closest circle wouldn’t know.”

The papers drop to floor, but I mirror his intensity as anger rises in me and I reach for him, but my hand is slapped away. I’m the fucking Dragon King and I’ll get you to talk. “Tell me something now.” More silence and I’m fucking enraged. “Tell me something about Talia that could help us win the war or I swear to fucking God, Deku—,”

“If I don’t see something of semblance about the war from this past fucking week, I’m not telling you shit!” He pulls off my cape, letting it drop to the floor and the door to the study slams shut.

I roar, continuing to curse, threating to break the door down. It cannot be stopped. An explosion courses through my veins, my chest humming so loud, I shake. I lift my arm, releasing the explosions, one after another, against the door. As the smoke clears, the door remains unscathed as it had when my mother used to lock me away in here when I was having one of my “fits”. I curse again, sliding down that study door, leaning my forehead against it. “I hate this.” I whisper to myself, but a piece of me hopes Deku hears from the other side.

Eventually, I get up, picking up the Erian cape from the floor and wrap it around myself, and stare into the fire for a while, pondering over what had just happened. I take a look around the room. The bookshelf had been broken, some of the shelves completely smashed. A few of the books lying on the floor, a few with it’s pages sprawled out, a couple others holding on to other shelves for dear life.

“Why did you let me live?” Deku had asked me at dinner. I’m surprised mostly because we weren’t alone. Shinsou and Kirishima were there, and also looked at me, a little confused. He got up and some of the guards unsheathed their swords, but I motioned for them not to move. “I didn’t deserve to live, Kacchan. Not only am I a Talian, but what of all the other Erian soldiers lost? What of the innocent lives? Fuck, we couldn’t even keep Lord Kaminari alive, yet the Dragon King spares the Prince of Talia, the next in line for the throne. I didn’t—I don’t—,” he stuttered, moving away from the table, asking to be taken back to the room. I nodded, but it wasn’t until he’d left the room that I fully comprehended what had just happened. I looked back from where he just stood to my dinner, but before I could decide, I was on my feet, chasing after him outside the door.

I reached him quickly and wrapped my arms around him, holding his head to my chest. His shoulders shook at his silent cry and my fingers brushed over the curls in his hair.

“I don’t deserve it.” was all he kept repeating.

“Part of why I kept you alive,” I whispered. “Was for a selfish reason.”

He shook his head, tearing away from me. “Please don’t—,” he begged.

But I want him to hear it. Every reason I kept him alive. But I listened to him and told a guard to draw him a bath and waited until he was out of sight.

A book fell, bringing me back from the memory of only days ago. An incredibly selfish reason, I think, continuing to stare into the fire of my room. I’d fully calmed down and had the window opened in the room to release some of the smoke. The one that has nothing to do with the war. He feels it too. I know he does.

SHINSOU

---The Festival, 3 Years Ago---

“My Lord, another letter for you. And this one comes baring gifts.” I heard, and I didn’t bother to thank the servant who had brought it to me. Instead, I grab both, the letter and the light parcel. Without excusing myself from the dinner table, I rushed up into my room, instantly recognizing Denki’s handwriting.

“Shinsou?” Aizawa called before I closed the door.

I opened it carefully not to rip it like I accidentally did the last one. My heart pounded against my chest, my breathing increased with excitement:

My Lord of Grice,

I come with exciting news: we have been permitted to go to one of the East Villages near Talia (a little outside of the border)—a town called Nezu. The town is hosting a festival, and this is your formal invitation to the event. Inside the package is something for you to wear. I’ll be wearing the same, in hopes of maybe finding you a little easier. I’ve made a reservation for us at the Sadako Inn. Use the name “Akari.”

The festival will be July 15th.

I hope to see you there, My Lord.

With love.

It’s been the first time I’ve heard from him in over a month. And it’s about seeing him. I quickly called for one of the servants, asking if there was anything important happening in the next two weeks. The 15th was in four days and I figured that it would take two to get to Nezu and the festival likely would last only last a week. He tells me of some mundane tasks—mostly things that just keep me busy while I was living with Aizawa. I could do all of that in Nezu.

“Oh, and it’s the Prince’s birthday on the 15th.” he tells me before he turns to leave.

I stop him. “The Prince’s birthday?” Shit! There was likely an invitation to the formal party at the main castle held every year. I haven’t attended one since the Todoroki family would be there. Could I get out of it, again? I waved him off, making sure he told Aizawa that I would be traveling.

“If he asks whereto, My Lord?” the servant asked, uncaringly.

“Tell him I’ll be going to see someone in the mountains.” Not a complete lie, as Nezu lies in the small mountains that surround the Southern border of Eri. Not like Grice. Grice was incredibly dangerous for people who don’t know the terrain or the creatures that live in those mountains. Nezu would be easy to get to for me.

When the servant left, I opened the large parcel. It’s a dark red cape, almost the color of burgundy. The Erian crest plastered in gold upon it. I yanked it out of the box, and underneath is a white t-shirt with dark pants—something Erian soldiers wear when they aren’t in full battle armor. I laughed to myself, thinking of who he must’ve bribed or stolen from to get it as Generals and Commanders have different attire.

I tucked everything from the box into a travel bag, along with a few other things. The lighter I pack, the faster I get there.

“Do you need someone to go with you?” a voice asked, and I turned around to see Aizawa standing in the doorway. “The servant just told me you’re leaving.”

“No need.” I turned to him, hiding the bag behind me. “The trip won’t be long. A couple of weeks. At most.” I swallowed.

“Skipping on the Prince’s birthday, again?” Aizawa asked.

“I’ll skip anything where Lord Todoroki is likely to be.”

He sighed. “Fine. Just remember,” he said, moving closer to me. “Grice is near the border and we’ve heard Erian soldiers are trying to make their way over the mountain.”

I’d heard this too, from the youngest Iida son when he came to visit a few weeks ago. I told Monama to watch over the valley and ask for assistance if he needs it. “Understood.” I said. He lowered his head, narrowing his gaze at me and I cursed to myself quietly.

He folded his arms and one ankle crossed over the other. “Please, keep packing.” It was said to me like an order. There was something that told me I should stop, but I obeyed, moving slowly in case he decided to move any closer to bag. “Who are meeting?”

“Monama. He says he found something.” I was careful not to look him in the eye.

“Oh? And what is it?”

“He didn’t say.” I responded. “But I’ll know soon enough.” He began to move towards the desk and before I could stop him, he picked up the letter. “No!” I reached out and snatched the letter out of his hand. He raised an eyebrow and I knew it was too late. He has a photographic memory.

“You know better than to lie to me.” his eyes baring down on me.

I looked at my feet, the letter bunching in my fist.

“You’re meeting someone in Nezu?” he continued. “‘With love?’ Shinsou, I don’t have to tell you how dangerous it is for you to go into Erian territory—,”

“I know!” I shouted, but my body reacted too. He knew and I was scared he recognized the handwriting.

“I know what Lord Todoroki did to you was awful. I’ve been to his—,” he chose his words very carefully, “—castles and seen what he does the prisoners there.”

I tried not to cry, but I let myself. Especially around Aizawa, who frequently woke me up from intense nightmares of Lord Todoroki. “I’ll be fine.” I said at last, mostly to get the subject off Todoroki.

“How did you two meet?”

I breathed a sigh of relief—he had no idea the letter was from the Lord of Lightning. “We met near the River Kodai. When Todoroki wanted to pay the Erian town beyond to offer us supplies.” He sighed loudly, shaking his head as if to tell me no. “It’s been months since we’ve seen each other, Aizawa. It’s hard enough as it is.” Shut up, Shinsou! But Aizawa only continues staring. “He isn’t what you think. He’s kind and loving. Makes me forget that we’re even in a war. He cares for me.” I knew what I sounded like, but I’d do anything to see my Lord of Lightning smile at me again. That includes going across the border, no matter how dangerous.

“Who is he?” Aizawa questioned me.

Brainwash him, I thought, but before I can think about doing it, his eyes turned a bright red, his hair stood tall over his head. There was no getting out of this.

“If something happens to you, I need to know.”

“No one will find out it’s me.” I told him.

Aizawa reached into the bag and pulls out everything I’ve so neatly packed away. “He’s a soldier? An Erian soldier?” he shook his head, clear disappointment written on his face. “Shinsou, I don’t have to tell you that traitors are Lord Todoroki’s specialty. If you don’t want to see Lord Todoroki ever again, then don’t go.”

“He’s the reason we knew the Dragon King was coming the town beyond the river. He told me, albeit accidentally, and I moved the army further inland to avoid battle.” I added, “Other than that, we’ve never spoken of the war. He knows nothing of what Talia is doing or planning. And before you ask, I know nothing of Eri.”

“You are a Lord here, Shinsou.” he pulled out the robe and tsk’d, but not in a demeaning way. He looked at the Crest of Eri plastered on the cape and smiled. “This is my family’s crest.”

I stared in shock, but after looking closely at the crest, I remembered seeing him draw it a few times on the pages of his book. “The Dragon King kept the crest?”

“The Dark Queen either didn’t like her original family crest or wanted to keep it to remind everyone who was really in charge. The Dragon King probably doesn’t know that it’s originally not his own.”

I watched him stare at it, his hair falling down past his shoulders, watching his eyes turn to his usual brown. “Do you miss Eri?” I asked quietly.

“I escaped too young to remember most of it.” Aizawa looked pushed back his long hair behind his ear and touched the crest. “Just be safe. Use your instincts. This could be a ploy to catch you. The gifts from the Lantern King are for us to use. You know that better than anyone.”

“So—does that mean I can go?”

“You’re an adult now. What the hell could I say?”

I smiled and throwing my hands around him. “Please keep this secret.”

He hugged me back those moments seemed like years before finally pulling away. “Just get home. Alive.” I nodded and thanked him, continuing to pack my bag. It didn’t take long and I waited until nightfall to leave. Aizawa waved me off.

I’ll get home alive, I promised to myself and made my way towards Nezu.

---

I arrive a day later than I thought, but when I do, the crowd is wild in Nezu. I had changed into the clothes Denki had sent just before crossing the border, which was surprisingly easier than I thought it would be—I thought I would be facing a warzone, but instead it was just a few cavalrymen, who were easy enough to manipulate and let me cross the border without any trouble. After finding a stable on the outside Nezu, I take my bag and throw it over my back. I take my sword and buckle it to the Erian belt, heeding Aizawa’s warning. I didn’t think I’d need it, but I take it as a precautionary anyway. I pay the stableman handsomely, and make my way into the small town, which is already ripe with lively music and people in the white and red clothing of Eri.

I made my way through the crowd and a few people thank me for my service to the Erian cause. I just nodded in response, not sure what to say. No one has ever thanked me before. For any part in the war.

A part of the crowd began clapping and I turned to see them pull up a statue of the Dragon King. “Long live the king!” a few started to yell and when I saw in my periphery a few of the other soldiers bowing, so I did the same. When their heads lifted, so did I and in shock, I saw him. Denki—climbing atop the statue.

A few people in the crowd clapped and cheered for him before someone loudly yelled, “Our Great General, the Lord of the Lightning himself from the Stormy Isles, Lord Denki Kaminari, everyone!”

“The mayor certainly knows how to do an introduction,” a woman next to me giggled. “Not that Lord Kaminari needs one.”

“Speech!” the crowd shouted at Denki and he smiled.

“Citizens of Eri!” he shouted from the statue, his voice loud and boisterous. The crowd cheered for him and I felt heat rise into my cheeks. He looked through the crowd, his smile wide and bright.

He’s loved no matter where he goes. I thought proudly, and I grew more pleased when I saw him wearing the same cape wrapped around me.

“Nezu, I must thank you for this incredible festival, for your kind invitation, for your loyalty to the Dragon King and to the lands of New Eri! I cannot wait—,” Denki gestured his free hand and someone handed him a canteen that he gulped down in just a few seconds, some of the alcohol running down his chin. “—to enjoy all the drinks, the food, the performances and the many more festivities Nezu has to offer! I hope you all will do the same!” He lifted the cup into the air. “Long live the King!”

“Long live the King!” the crowd shouted back.

A few people in the crowd screamed in awe as he shot a lightning bolt from his fingertips upwards into the sky, a thunderbolt clapped loudly from him and he jumped down. It wasn’t nearly as powerful as it had been the time I saw it, which had rendered him unconscious, but it was enough to get the crowd cheering for him louder than before. He made his way through the crowd, and against every instinct to run over to him, I decided it was best to meet him at the Sadako—the inn.

The inn was in the back of the festival, the sign above reading: Bar First, Rest Later. Once inside, I understood why. I was greeted by a long bar that extended all the way across the room. A woman rushed past me with a quick, “Sorry, soldier!” before hurrying to the few people had already began drinking.

“Here for a drink or a room?” one of the bartenders asked. I told the woman I had reserved a room. “Name?” she asked, opening a book and looking down at.

I almost gave her my real one, but I swallowed and said, “Akari.” She just nodded and grabbed a room key.

“You definitely got the best view of the festival.” she told me and handed me the key.

Probably why he got it. I thanked her and made my way up the stairs.

“Come back down and grab a drink when you’re settled in!” one of the other bartenders shouted as I made my way up the stairs.

Once inside the room, I set down my bag and looked around in awe. The room was huge with an equally large bed centered against the wall. Next to that, there was a sitting area with cushioned seats, a blanket hanging on one of them. I smiled, wondering how long it would take us to get tired of the bed and make our way to the couch. A fireplace was directly across from the bed, though there was no need for a fire. The room was already hot with the summer sun and I decided to open the window to let in a nice breeze. I thought about resting for a bit, but my heart beat excitedly for the anticipation to finally see him again.

I opened the window and peered outside and the view was spectacular. I could see the entire festival from where I stood: food and drink stalls getting set up; a stage crew, some working and others practicing; and children already shouting and laughing to each other. Some people were still painting signs, others were getting large stocks of food from boxes; some directed, pointing and moving around quickly. A few patrons entered into other inns, also taking in the festival from a ground point of view that I had gotten moments before.

Everything was so bright, the colors vibrant, my favorite either being the dancers fabrics as they practiced on the open stage or the kids’ ribbons as they swirled them around each other and themselves.

Not a single thing was bland here.

It’s so beautiful, I thought.

I leaned into the window pane to see if I could find Denki in the crowd as they got ready for tomorrow. Finally, I spotted him, drink in hand and laughing with a few of the soldiers that surrounded him.

Should I go see him?

I just watched. He laughed merrily and though I couldn’t hear what was said above the rest of the noise, I waited until he moved away from the soldiers. He moved his way around, shaking hands with those who bowed to him. He lifted a little girl, twirling her around in the air. When he put her down, she handed him a rose she was holding on to. He bowed to her and her parents bowed to him.

Finally, the crowd around him died a little and he made his way to the open stage. He didn’t go up the stairs, nor did he turn around to watch them practice. Instead, he leaned his back against it, his eyes closing and he lifted his chin the to the sky.

Finally, he looked over to the inn. When his eyes lifted to the window, he smiled at me and I back at him. I moved away from the window and grabbed the key before rushing out of the room and locking the door. I put up my hood to the robe as I left, but as soon as I exited the inn, I’m stopped. An arm grabbed me and yanked me into the shadows of the inn.

“Stealthy as always, huh?” My hood was pushed back. “Found you.” Denki cooed and I blushed when he winked.

“I found you first.” I smirked. “That was quite the speech.”

“You’ve been here since morning, then?”

I nod.

“Are you enjoying the room?”

I nod again. It took all of me not to ravage him then and there. “It’s got quite the view.”

“I figured you wouldn’t feel safe being out in the open, but I still wanted you to enjoy the festival.”

“How considerate you are.” I teased.

“Wouldn’t want you to get recognized.” he teased back. He opened my hand, placing something in it, giving it a tight squeeze. “I have to take care of something and I won’t be back until later. You can head back to the room or give someone a helping hand. If someone asks, you’re under my command, in Jirou’s infantry unit.”

“Yes, my Lord.” I said, bowing my head.

“Oh, refer to me as General while you’re here, too. It’s customary.” He gave me one last look, shaking his head. “I can’t believe you’re here.” We locked eyes for a moment and I took all of him in. His golden eyes, his lightly tanned skin, his hair that tousled in the summer breeze. “Thank you,” he whispered before releasing me as a few people rushed over to him. I snuck myself away and opened the paper wrinkled in my hand:

Words cannot describe how happy I am you are here. I’ll see you soon.

I read it once more before looking up to see an old man, struggling with a sign, and called out, “Can I lend a hand?”

The man looked down and grumbled, “Not as young as I used to be, I s’pose. Get o’er here and help me put this up.” As I began to help, he asked, “So, yer a soldier? So is my son. He’s under Commander Shoji’s. He gunning to be a captain, but you know how it is in the military.” I agreed. It was the same in Talia, for those without the Lantern King’s gifts. “I saw you chatting with the General earlier. You two close?”

I just shrugged. “He’s been kind in letting some of us come to the festival.”

“What’s yer job?”

“Infantry.” I said, just as Denki instructed. I can always brainwash him later.

The man just grumbled again. “Good fuckin’ luck. Without the Lantern King’s abilities, front lines are rough.”

“I’ve made it this far.” I told him, putting a few pins in my mouth to get the banner that read: Hungry after drinking? Here’s Some Food!

“Good fer you.” but I didn’t think he meant it fully. We finally got it up after several minutes of him complaining that it wasn’t straight and fixing it. I asked if he needed anything else. “What’s yer name? I might need some help later.”

“Akari.”

“Akari, huh? Come by the stall for some food later. I’ll make sure you get a nice meal.”

I bowed in thanks and looked to see if anyone else needed any help, but everything seemed to almost be in place. Exhaustion started to kick in, so I decided to rest back at the inn. Before heading up, I grabbed a drink at the bar downstairs, scarfing it down. When I pull out some money, the bartender shakes his head.

“Nah, you soldiers do enough. First round is on me. Just enjoy the festival.”

I thanked him and went upstairs to the room.

The sun begun to set and I watched through the window over the horizon as it began to fade in color. The sky went from blue to a pinkish hue, and my eyes felt heavy. All that traveling to see him and I’m going to sleep? But my eyes closed and I sat down, resting my head in my arms. I tried to fight it, but my mind wandered to sleep.

I blinked my eyes awake as strong arms wrapped around me, picking me up from the window sill, gently placing me gently on the mattress. I opened my eyes slightly and saw the lightning bolt of black in Denki’s hair. “I’m sorry,” Denki’s voice said calmly and he kissed my nose. “I was trying not to wake you.” He began to stroke my hair and laid beside me.

“The festival,” I breathed. “It’s nice…to see you so happy.” I said through a yawn.

“I’m happier now that you’re here.” he whispered. “I really thought you wouldn’t come.”

“Why’s that?” I wrapped my arms around him. His shirt is off and he pulled on the strings of the cape, letting it rest underneath of us. I turned to face him, my eyes still blinking slowly. My fingers traced up and down his arms. He’s grown more muscular since the last time.

“I didn’t know if I had pulled away from something important.”

“Nothing’s more important than you.” I kissed him, sucking on his lips and tongue. He moaned, a sound I had almost forgotten. “You’ve become stronger.” I said when I pulled away, squeezing his arm. He deepened the next kiss and another sound escaped from him, completely bewitching me. All of him had. His newly muscled exterior, the taste of his inebriation, the sounds that came from the depths of him. “What would you like to do tonight, my Lord?”

He giggled. “I think we should sleep. Traveling’s made us tired. And we have the whole week to spend together.”

But we stared at each other for a moment. And then we kissed. And passions ran high like a fever dream.

---

I awoke to the sounds of lively music playing loudly. Denki was already gone, but he’d left a note on his side of the bed: Seemed like your help was much appreciated yesterday with Antony. He’s been asking for your help specifically. I’ll stop by later to grab a meal.

Antony? I thought, but then I remembered the only man I helped with the banner. Grouchy bastard.

The window was closed, but the sun blazed in, making the room unbearably hot. There was another outfit for me to wear and when I made it outside, everyone seemed to be in the same colors. The only difference being that mine had cuffs on the sleeve, I assumed to show them I was a soldier.

“Heard you needed a hand?” I said to Antony, and he looked over at me and grunted.

“Yer the only one who seems to have a good head on yer shoulders. Thought you wouldn’t mind.”

“I don’t.” I said truthfully and helped him cut up some cabbage he’d thrown my way.

“Have a long night?” he laughed and he pointed at my neck. My hand flew to my neck and felt one of many bite marks Denki had given me. “I remember when my wife used to do that. Crazy that woman, I tell ya.”

“What happened to her?” I asked.

“What? Oh, she’s still alive. Just old age, I guess. Don’t get it like I used to.” he laughed more. “But you’re a handsome one. Bet it’s hard for anyone to say no to you.”

“I think it’s the other way around, actually.”

He laughed again and gave me a nudge. “I’ll take care of the cuttin’. Yer job is the customers. Some’ll try n’ haggle ya, but I think you can handle that, can’t ya?”

“With ease.”

I said hello to every customer that came by. Each with interesting stories of why they came to the festival, and listened to how far they’d traveled from. Some came from the capital of Eri itself. I told them my rehearsed line that Denki had given me. The responses came: “So kind of him!” “He’s always so generous!” and “So happy to hear the soldiers having get to have good time!”

One woman asked if I needed a room for the night, that she wouldn’t mind sharing her own bedsheets. I politely declined her offer, but when her eyes brimmed with tears, I gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.

A few of the customers did try to hustle me as Antony described, but I reached into their minds with little effort. They paid for the food before I turned them around, ordering them to have fun at the festival before reaching out of them and letting them go. They warily looked around and back at me, but I paid them no mind as I helped the next customer.

“You’re an unusual face here, it seems.” Antony told me, clapping me on the shoulder. “Business isn’t usually this good.”

“It’s probably your lousy attitude.”

He laughed. “Just do yer job.”

I didn’t even notice when the line parted as Denki sauntered over. He shook peoples hands as they thanked him and bowed. When he reached the counter, I bowed. “General.”

“Who’s this?” someone came over, and wrapped an arm around him. The man looked me up and down. Not in a threatening way, I realized after a moment. “Oh, he’s in your division!”

He can tell that just from the shirt?

“Sero, this is Akari. He’s in an infantry unit under Jirou.”

I blinked. This is General Sero, someone who’s ability is good with snatching. He can easily outmaneuver his opponent with ease. I stayed cautious, but again, I bowed. “General.” I said again.

Sero waved a hand around. “None of that, now. It’s just good that even infantry soldiers can get out every once and while. Where does Jirou have you stationed now?”

Denki glared at him, but I have a quick response. “In Shiozaki.” I said, making up a name that I heard Aizawa said to the King in a meeting a few weeks ago. There were several Erian infantry units there.

“That far east?” Sero asked. “Maybe you’d like to transfer. I hear Lord Todoroki is trying to make his way to Shiozaki to use her port.”

It was true. Lord Todoroki had one of his three battalions moving in that direction. But how do they know that? “I’m fine where I am. I can hold my own.” I pat my sword.

“Good man!” Sero said and he ordered some food. I didn’t look at Denki, but I could feel his eyes on me. I shook my head when they pulled out cash, remembering the kindness the bartender gave me. “Antony, your worker isn’t taking our money.”

“I wouldn’t take your money either.” he said. “It’s bad luck, don’t take it, Akari!”

They put their money back into their wallets. “You’re both very generous.” I handed Lord Sero and Denki the food. “Enjoy the festival.” I added.

He gave Denki a clap on the shoulder and he moved away from us. Denki leaned forward. “You’re doing a great job. Keep up the good work.” He winked, and then moved on to see the performers with Sero.

As the sun set in the sky, Antony opened the cash drawer. When I declined his money, he insisted. “You worked hard today. Go on and enjoy the rest of the festival.”

“You sure you don’t need me to clean up?”

“I’m old, not incompetent. I’ve seen this festival a thousand times. Get a move on. Festival’s more fun at night anyway.”

I didn’t argue and moved through the thick crowd, making my way over to see the beautiful lights on the stage. Performers dancing along with the music. One woman flipped off the stage, her transparent fabric flowing in the wind against her body, blew me a kiss. I smiled at her and grabbed me close, whispering in my ear, “Dance with me, soldier.”

As the music played, she never broke eye contact with me, her body caressed my own. She pulled me against her. With a snap of her fingers, someone handed her a drink, which she offered to me. I hadn’t realized how parched I was until I drank down the whiskey that burned my throat.

“That thirsty, soldier? Have another!” she said, snapping her fingers. Someone handed her another and I downed it in seconds, despite the bitterness. It didn’t take long for the whiskey to hit. She turned around, the fabric loosely made its way up her leg and she moved my hand to caress her bare skin. Her hips moved against my own, the sound of the music playing loudly over our head. She giggled playfully and my hands grazed the sides of her body and she turned her head to look at me before pulling me in for a kiss. I kissed her back, pulling her hips as she arched her back. When the song ended, she clapped for me and bowed before the music started to play again and she took on another patron.

“My turn, soldier.” Someone said behind me.

I didn’t need to turn around, but I could feel his breath on my ears that was already hot from the alcohol. Denki’s voice rang through my head and when he whispered something dirty in my ears—something nasty that he wanted to do to me tonight, his hand slid into my own and he pulled me towards the inn.

“Someone,” I tried, but it slurred out of my mouth. “Someone will see us.”

“Only because you aren’t walking straight.”

I felt so light, feeling my ability growing stronger, all sounds echoing around me. The ground moved under my own feet and he just laughed.

When we made it to the inn, the woman across the bar tried to hand something to us, but he asked for it to be sent up to the room.

“Can’t you carry me like you did last night?” my words slurred coming out of my mouth.

“Someone will definitely see us if I do that.”

When we got to the room, he opened the window, and hearing the music outside, he began to dance as well, pulling off his shirt and tossing it aside. Still feeling a little drunk, I did the same. He began to dance for me, when I came up behind him, our bodies rocked together. My fingers graced up and down his bare torso, circling his hips. I nibbled on his ear and his hands fell on the crown of my head, pulling at my hair. He moaned and turned around, our bodies facing each other and pulling me in for a deep kiss, messier than anything last night. He pushed me hard onto the bed and climbed on top of me, tearing the strings at my pants. I kissed down his chest until my tongue found his nipple and I began licking and sucking drunkenly. My hands grabbed his ass, my fingers sinking in deep. The bite marks I had made were bright red against his tanned skin and I licked a few of them, knowing full well we’d make more tonight.

Just as we began to unravel out of the pants, there was a knock at the door. At first we ignored it, but when the knock became louder, I groaned as he pushed off of me and answered it. I didn’t hear what they were talking about, but she left hastily.

“What is it?” I asked.

“A letter.” He waved in front of me. “Addressed to Akari.”

I leaned forward, trying not to fall off the bed and played a game of trying to snatch the letter from him. Once in my hand, I gave him a quick peck on the cheek and he sat on top of me as I read the back of the paper: Akari.

Instantly knowing the handwriting, I sat up straighter. No—this would have taken at days to get here. He must’ve sent this as soon as I left.

“What is it?” he asked.

“It’s—,” and without skipping a beat, I truthfully said, “It’s from the Heir Aizawa.”

His eyes widened and then sharpened as a finger shot to my lips. “Shhhh. We don’t call him that here.” he snapped.

I opened the letter, scared of the words that are written within the paper:

Akari,

You are requested immediately. Return at once!

“I—,” the letter was sobering and I looked over at Denki, his face confused as he snatched the letter from me, reading it silently.

“Does Talia know you’re here?” Denki asked. His brow furrowed angrily and when I reached for the letter, he pushed me back onto the bed. In the next second, my ability began echoing in my head and it took all of me to get it to stop, to calm myself.

When I tried to get up, he had two fingers pointed at me. The anger in his face didn’t subside. It was enough to send the message. With his ability, one shock to my body and it would be over. “Who knows you’re here? Other than the False King?”

False King? Anger shot through me, but when I didn’t say anything, he increased the pressure on my throat. It pushed me down further into the mattress, crushing my legs with his own.

“Ow, shit!” I said, trying to push his hand off me. “I couldn’t lie to him.”

“Lie to him?” Denki repeated. Both of our voices were barely above a whisper, even over the noise of the music outside, we kept our voices low. “You’re under Lord Todoroki’s command, why the hell would the False King know anything?”

“Lord Todoroki?” Both of us were heated now, but I sat up straight, looking at him in the eyes. I was stronger than he was. I grabbed his wrist and narrowed my gaze. “Let go of me, Denki.” I’d told him nothing about Talia and he’d said nothing about Eri. It was an unspoken agreement not to mention the war, but when he didn’t release me, I grabbed his own throat and pulled him closer.

This wasn’t what I had wanted. But he knew. Knew more than he let on. And with the information that Sero had given earlier, Eri was more informed than I thought. The echoes grew louder in my head and I wanted answers. I’d pull it out of him. Still keeping my ability at bay, I asked, “How did you even know I was under his command to begin with?”

I didn’t want to interrogate him, as Lord Todoroki had called it. His mouth slammed shut and we were both silent for a long time, scared to make a single move. I eyed him cautiously, but his face didn’t change. Neither did mine.

“I don’t want to make an enemy of you.” I finally said.

“I don’t want that either.” His voice cracked, but his tears shown like glass in his eyes. He was trying not to cry. I was holding back as well, but we had to do something.

I sighed and finally released my hand, setting them next to me on the bed. “Let me explain.” I gestured at the hand that was still around my neck. “I won’t do anything.” After a few moments, he let me go, his hands dropping to his sides, but he didn’t get off of me. “Aizawa is the only family I have. My parents died in a mining accident that took out half the draggers in Grice with it. I became a Lord very young and was sent live in the castle with the other young Lordship of the court. When people of the High Court, people very close to the King, found my ability useful, they exploited it. It was—,” No! No, it’s too painful. I paused. “Working with Lord Todoroki was difficult and I hate him for it. So I went to live with Lord Aizawa in the countryside and now I barely visit the castle, only when summoned.” I lifted the letter. “Like this.” I narrowed my gaze at him. “Your turn. How did you know I was under Lord Todoroki’s command?”

He stayed quiet.

“I just told you a lot of useful information. Information the Dragon King would no doubt love to hear. You have to give me something, even if it’s not a lot.”

He didn’t move. He remained quiet and his face still angry.

I hated that face. I hated that we’d even gotten here. So I just said, “Fine,” and put my hands on his cheeks. “You don’t have to tell me anything.” I leaned against his chest and wrapped my arms around him. “Don’t tell me anything.”

“Jirou.” he finally said.

“What?”

“That’s how we knew you were under Lord Todoroki.”

I didn’t move. “The Commander?” Her mother remained in the Talian court, but her father was still in Eri. Growing up there was controversial to say the least, but her mother remained in the King’s good graces.

“She isn’t in Lordship because of her father, who is still in the Talian court, but she is a child of the Lantern King. Her mother and the Old Queen were friends, which is why she remains in Bakugou’s good graces.” It was odd, hearing the Erian language versus what I’d been told my entire lift. The Dark Queen to the Old Queen and hearing the Dragon King’s real name. “Her ears can plummet into the ground and she can hear things from miles away. She’s able to hide in the forest and can get close enough to the East Wing of the castle at Kazuya and hear the conversations. Her intel has been nothing shy of excellent.”

I let out an audible sigh of relief, but I still wondered, “How much does the Dragon King know?”

“It’s hard to say what you know versus what we do.” He climbed off of me, but my body made a silent protest. “It helps that Talia underestimates his intelligence because he’s so young. But he can easily fill in the blanks with the intel that Jirou doesn’t bring. More than that, he makes quick, fast decisions. We can mobilize within a week.”

A week? It would take at least three for Talia.

We were silent again, but it was deafening to me, but I didn’t know what to say. I waited for him to speak and he did after several minutes. “Who knows you’re here?”

“Just Aizawa.” I responded quickly.

“Does he know you’re with me?”

“No.” I said.

His hands covered his face and turning away from me, his shoulders shaking in a silent sob. “I hate this—this fucking war.” I didn’t turn him around, nor did I try to pry the hands from his face. I just let him cry into his hands quietly, but I placed my hands on his hips and kissed the nape of his neck. “I don’t know that I believe you. I don’t think I can believe you.”

Those words dug into me. “That’s okay. You don’t have to believe me.” I closed my eyes, resting my brow against the top of his spine. “He thinks I’m with an Erian soldier and that’s where I got the clothes.” He took a few moments before wiping his face and sniffling before he finally turned around. When he did, I grabbed his hands.

He was still shaking. But at last, he looked over at me. “I didn’t even know you were a Child of the Lantern King, but you said Talia exploited your gifts. What’s your ability?”

If I tell him, we’re done. We’re finished. Despite all my silent protests, despite everything screaming at me not to tell him, I answered. “It’s sort of like hypnosis. If I ask a question and it’s answered, I can reach in someone’s mind and control them.”

He got up from the bed, pushing my hands away. “Is that why I love you? You’ve hypnotized me?”

“No, I’ve never used it on you.” I told him. “I thought about brainwashing you when we first met. Just to get you to go away. But you were so kind,” I got up from the bed and kissed his lips. “and sweet,” I kissed his eye that momentarily closes, kissing away a few salty tears. “After what I went through with Lord Todoroki, I never wanted to have this gift. But you?” I kissed his forehead. “You have the power of a god, the power of light, just like the Lantern King. My gift? Might as well come from hell.”

“Is that all?” he asked. I knew what he was really asking. Can I trust you? I pulled him in close, hugging him so tightly. “What’s so important that you have to leave so suddenly?”

“I don’t know.” I said truthfully. “But if Aizawa says it’s urgent, then it’s urgent.” I picked up the travel bag, realizing I only needed the clothes I had on and the Talian clothes in the hidden pocket. I picked up the white Erian shirt from yesterday and when saw the Erian crest—the golden lions that roared ferociously at each other. I asked, “This is the Aizawan family crest. Do you know why the Dark Queen didn’t change it?”

Denki smiled sadly. “Bakugou said it’s because his mother saw a lion in him.” He pet one of the lions on the cape. “She thought he represented this crest better than anyone. He likes to say, ‘Eri needs a lion, so a lion she will always be.’”

“I would have stayed with you all week, if I could.”

“When will I see you again?”

I had no answer. Only a deepened, tearful kiss before I left.

I was gone within the hour.

---

“Shinsou, the Prince has been asking for you.” Aizawa said, as soon as I walked in the door.

“The Prince?” I asked, my heart beating loudly in my ears. Shit!

“He’s here, out in the stables. But before you go—,” I didn’t hear the rest after the “Wait!” before I was out the door.

But it was too late. I was already on my horse, making my way to the countryside stable.

The stables were close, and I saw the Prince immediately, his bright green hair with a golden leafed crown wrapped through it. His eyes buried in a book, his body atop a haystack. I jumped off my horse and kneeled down. “Midoriya!” I called. “Your Grace! I apologize for keeping you waiting.”

“It’s okay, Shinsou. No need for that.” When he stood up, I jumped to my feet.

“Your Grace, if I knew it was you who called on me, I would have come home much sooner.”

“It’s okay. I actually quite enjoyed myself. The countryside is refreshing. I can see why you like it out here.” He smiled, but eyed me up and down. There was a bit of confusion, but he continued, “I-I can’t believe we’re asking this of you again, but—,” he paused and took a deep breath. “—the King is asking you to interrogate some prisoners again. Not under the confines of Lord Todoroki, but a small Erian assassination squad got into the castle the night Aizawa said you left.” I cursed under my breath. “It’s why I’m here, actually. I was told to come retrieve you and stay with the Heir until the situation is dealt with.”

“At the castle?”

“Yes.”

“And Lord Todoroki won’t be there?”

“Can’t say. I’ve been away for almost a week now. He’s likely made it there.”

Shit, shit, shit! “I’ll leave at once, Your Grace.”

“Your horse seems tired.” he patted her on the neck. “Take mine.” I nodded, but he said, “And you may want to change into something else before you go.”

“Change?” I looked down at my clothes.

The Erian Crest stared back at me, plastered on my chest.

---

IZUKU

---Present Day---

I wake up quickly, but I’m not in the study where I normally sleep. I sit up straight, wondering where I am and how I got there. My dream was about the castle in Kazuya, the capital of Talia. Surrounded by my old friends; the rushing of the warm summer breeze that I inhaled; people bowing to me, calling me “Your Grace” even before I registered they were there; my mother sitting in her usual seat beside the King, both smiling at me as I explained how my training was going.

But then I remember, the memories flooding back to me of my reality. I’m still in Eri, a prisoner or a ward of some kind. However, I’m not in the study and instead, I awake in Kacchan’s large bed. I look around me and he’s sleeping directly on the other side, nowhere close to me. Still, I feel his warmth underneath the large blankets and snuggle myself underneath of them for just a few more minutes.

I shouldn’t be here, I remind myself. But I peak over my shoulder to look at him, his chest gently rising and falling with each deepened breath, lightly snoring. He looks so peaceful here.

I’m careful when I turn my body to face him, pushing a hand behind my head, underneath the soft pillow and moving my body slightly to get closer to him. The warmth increased as I grew nearer, creeping closer, ever so quietly until I could see the beads of sweat dripping from him. I didn’t realize how hot it was until I wiped my own brow. I leaned against the pillow directly next to his own, careful not to touch him. I put all my weight down, shifting the bed slightly and matched my breathing to his.

I began describing him in my head, taking writing mental notes of how he looks in this state. I’d write about his flawless skin that he’d clearly gotten from his mother. I’d write about his bright blonde hair, coarse and rough if I were to run my hands through it. I’d write about his light snoring in his deep, peaceful slumber.

I studied him, his angular face. His arm that curled under his neck. He’s so muscular, I thought, looking at his bicep that was easily as big as my face. But I have so many questions and spiraled down them, landing eventually on who had taught him how to even be King. He’s a force to be reckoned with, his anger feared among many on the battlefield.

But who had trained the Dragon King? Who had been his teacher in learning how to develop his abilities of the Lantern King?

“How did you grow up?” I whisper, wanting to know more. Not just to write about, but to understand him better.

Afraid he may have heard me, his eyes open, darting to me with a snarl.

Not wanting to scare him, I wrap my hand around his. Touching his hand was like touching a hot flame, but I’m careful not to wince. I didn’t move, didn’t make a single noise. Only held his stare until he blinked a few times.

His eyes eventually blink a few more times and grumbles, “Good, you’re awake.”

I take a mental note of how deep his voice is after sleeping.

He pulls his hand away and wipes his eyes. He pushes off the covers and the warmth that I felt moments ago left as the winter air frosted over me. I now wished for his hand again, moving my knees to my chest, shivering a little. I keep my eyes on him, taking all of my composure to remain as impartial as possible.

I can’t help it. Even as he wakes, he’s so handsome. I feel my dick grow hard and I’m thankful that his back is turned to me. The muscles tighten in his shoulders and the sweat on his skin glistened in the light of the morning sun, sparkling off his bare back.

I didn’t even know he was shirtless, I thought, but I didn’t move, embarrassed if he would see my excitement. I was thankful for the clothing I wore, but he took one of the smaller blankets from the bed, one that he had been sleeping with and gave it to me. Shit, I knew he saw my boner—

“You’re cold.” was the only reasoning he gave me and relieved, I take it, making sure he can’t see that I’ve covered my lower body as he says, “I have something to show you.” He gestures for a guard to bring him several sheets of paper.

It only a few glances for me to realize what he’s given me. “Is this…?”

“It’s not just maps.” he says. “It’s everything we’ve gathered in the war so far. Even my thoughts on the actions Eri should take next.” I stare at him, blankly, and for once in my life, at a loss for words. “I’d like you to share with how you think they’ll respond.”

I look down at it, not entirely sure how I should feel. Feel about this at least, my dick still hard as a fucking rock. “I’ll need some time to look over them.”

“Fine.” was all he said before getting up. He looks to the guards. “Wake Kirishima. Have him meet me in the West War Room in two hours.”

“Sire!” and they were gone.

I briefly look over some of the documents, scanning them, but not really reading any of the contents. Making sure we’re completely alone, I tell him, “There are some other things that you should know too.”

“After breakfast.” he says. He gets up and stretches as well. “Oh, and change into something warmer.”

“Something warmer?”

“Yeah,” he says. “We’re eating in the gardens this morning.”

“The gardens?” But memory of day he said he’d take for a tour through them and how disappointed I’d been told he couldn’t.

He rolls his eyes and says, “Are you going to repeat everything or do as I say?”

“I’ll change, give me a moment!” I squeal internally, and I wrap the blanket about my waist, my dick still not soft. When I open the door to the study, I release a breath, but peer down and quietly tell myself, “Don’t get too carried away.”

The study’s grown smaller in the months I’ve been here as clothes and books litter the room. I grabbed several layers of clothing including a sweater and the warmest jacket I have. I wrap myself in a red scarf as I turn to see Kacchan standing in the doorway. He’s changed too, but it’s not nearly as layered as me. He’s in all black—a tight sweater, pants barely seen over the boots laced up to his thigh. He reaches out a hand and I take it. I’m surprised to find that it’s not calloused or scarred from war as mine are. His touch is soft and once again, his warmth ripples through me.

“To make sure you don’t go anywhere.”

When I look at his face, it’s completely red, all the way up to his ears. I can easily blame my red face on the cold weather. He has no excuse.

---

KATSUKI

Truthfully, during the spring time, the garden is much prettier. Snow lightly dusts over the ground and crunches underneath the servants’ shoes as they walk back and forth to give Deku and I our breakfast at the table outside. The table stands on an open wooded deck, surrounded by flowers, even in the open winter. Evergreens line the garden paths, circling the raised deck we’re currently on and lead around to another path behind us to a frozen pond with a fountain at the center of it.

Other than the few servants and guards, it’s only him and me. He’s quiet, reading everything I gave to him this morning, occasionally nodding and mumbling to himself. I’m weirdly glad he’s mumbling again, only takes a break when he reaches for the tea kettle and pours himself another cup.

You should work on your small talk, Kirishima told me the other day, elbowing me in the ribs. Really, not every conversation you have to have should be about the war.

But that’s the way it’s always been for me. Every waking moment I’ve been King has been about making decisions in regards to how Eri will face off against the Talian forces. As much as I hate to admit it though, Kirishima’s right. More than I want to know about Talia, I want to know about him.

He clearly wanted to know more about me, too. “How did you grow up?”

The question startled me awake and it took me a moment to realize he was in my bed. Not just a dream? No—I remember he’d slammed my study door shut after throwing old maps at me. When I returned, I held onto everything he asked for and more. All of it—the intel Jirou gathered, written ideas and thoughts from myself, a few from the advisors and the other members of the High Court. But when I opened my study, he wasn’t in there. I turned to one of the guards who just pointed at my bed. I drew out a sigh of relief and sauntered over to him soundly sleeping. I wanted to wake him, to show him right then and there, he looked comfortable underneath the blankets. I pulled the covers higher on him before getting into bed myself, on the exact opposite side of where I normally sleep. The nights were getting colder and I realize that he must’ve been in the warmest spot in the large bed.

I decide to take Kirishima’s advice and ask him what he’s thought about some of the books I’ve given him to read. He just says, “It’s very kind, Kacchan.”

That’s all? “What did you think of The Night of Ten Lanterns?” I push.

“I read that a few nights ago before I went to sleep.” he says.

“There’s no way you read that whole thing in a night.”

“I’ve read it before.” he tells me, blowing on the tea to cool it off.

“Before?” but of course he had. He probably has the same access to books that I do. “I can find you another—,”

“I’m surprised you haven’t asked me about King Toshinori.” he says directly, sipping on the tea and looking at me over the cup.

In the silence, I eye him cautiously. He can’t read minds, can he? I’d asked Shinsou that already, but Shinsou just shook his head, explaining that his ability was one that was hard for him to control fully and he usually ended up hurting himself to use it. After last night, I wonder if he had to break a piece of himself to do it. I looked down at his scarred hands in stark contrast to my own. It looked like he’d dug himself up through hell. He doesn’t seem hurt, was all I gathered from last night.

Still, I wanted to know everything about the King of Talia. “Why would I ask you about King Toshinori?” was finally my response.

“The better you understand your enemy, the easier they fall.”

“Where did you come up with that nonsense?”

“It’s in one of the books you gave me.”

“Why would you tell me anything?” I ask. “Especially since I questioned your intelligence?”

“Oh?” his voice lifts. “Is that why you think I’m mad, Kacchan?”

“Is it not?”

“No. I’m mad because I’ve been truthful with you, but you weren’t being honest with me.” Deku sets down the cup properly on the plate. It makes a slight tink sound, but nothing more.

A perfect, proper way to handle a teacup. I think. But I suddenly take notice—he hasn’t been anything but a perfect Prince. Not just down to the way handles a teacup, but the way he talks, acts, even breathes. He’s understanding and very patient with everyone he speaks to, when they dare to speak to him. Still, last night, but I had driven him to that anger. It wasn’t his own doing.

When my parents tried drilling those same manners into me, I’d used my gift, breaking and destroying anything they’d put in front of me. They tried again and again, but gave up after a while. Still, it’s nice to see that his still remain intact.

“Can you blame me?” I ask eventually.

He ponders the question, turning the fork in his hand. “You’re the King, I’m not sure it’s right to blame you for anything. But I’ve been here for a couple of months now. Surely you realize lying isn’t in my character.” Deku smirks, lifting an eyebrow.

He’s fucking toying with me. “I don’t trust a Talian.”

“So I’ve heard.” He rests his hand against the table, leaning a red cheek against it. “I’d like to trust you.”

“I’ve given you more than the current maps of the war. What more do you want?”

He thinks for a moment, but then around. His eyes dart from one thing to the next—on the teapot, on the maps and then lifts to the evergreens that line the path behind me. Finally, his eyes stop and soften. Smiling, he says, “I’d like for you to pick some snowdrops for me.”

“Snowdrops?” I ask, puzzled.

“Yes, it’s a type of flower. If you look past the violas, which are the purple flowers, you’ll see white ones—,”

“I know what snowdrops are, I’m just wondering is that all?”

“That’s all.” he says. “But I want you to pick them.”

“Me?” I scoff. “You expect me to get up and pick you bundle of snowdrops and you’ll give me information on Talia?”

He nods.

I curse. But I get up, my feet crunching against the snow and melting underneath my shoes. I kneel down in front the white flowers. “How many?” I call to him as I kneel down before the flowers.

“However many you think is appropriate.” he calls back.

I curse again, but gently pull on the ones where the bulbs have already opened. There’s more than a few and I gently graze them out of the ground. Once I have a nice bouquet of them, I bring them to him. “Here,” I place them in front of his plate of food.

He looks down at them with disappointment, only staring at the white snowdrops that blend into the white table. “Oh no.” He shakes his head. “That just won’t do, Kacchan.”

He’s quick with the responses today. “So you want more snowdrops?”

“No.” he says. “The amount is fine. I’d like for you to just be nicer when you hand them to me.” He lifts the teacup again, bringing it to his lips. “And an apology wouldn’t kill you either.”

I’m not one to apologize. And he knows it. Still, I need that information. But there’s a nagging feeling he might not know anything. I look at his face, the smirk plastered upon it. If he wants to play, fine. I’ll play his little game.

But we’ll play my fucking way. “I didn’t realize you wanted romance, Deku.” I kneel down on one knee, and my fingers turning his face, staring up—for probably the first time since childhood—looking into his green eyes and I notice a smile tugs on his lips. I grab the flowers and I cup his hands over the bouquet and then hold his hands in my own. My gift hums through my chest, down my arms, and I watch his face as he realizes I’m warming him. His eyes widen. “Your Grace,” I whisper. “Please accept this as my formal apology.”

“Please.” he says in a hushed tone. “Don’t lie to me again.”

“I promise.”

His smile widens on his face before he waves me off. “Yes, this apology will do.” I smile too. He shakes his head and through a laugh says, “Thank you, Peasant, that’s all for now.” He throws the flowers up in the air before he takes off, laughing and leaps into the air before running down the snowy pathway of evergreens. A few of the guards chase after him, but I order them to stand down.

“Peasant?!” I yell after him and I’m up, wiping off the wet snow from my knee and I’m after him. “I am the Dragon King.”

“Kacchan,” he yells behind him. “Dragons aren’t real, therefore you can’t really be the King of anything.”

He’s fast, but I use my gift to catch up quickly. Small pops from my hand and I see him run behind of the trees. I stop, my breath hot against the cold in a fog. I walk to the tree, but when I peer behind it, he’s gone. My boots crunch against the snow as I move around the tree, but not too seriously.

“This might actually be the most pathetic way someone has tried to escape from me—,” I say loudly, but as I say it, there’s a tap on my shoulder. It startles me, but when I turn he’s there, half his face buried in the fur of the hood. I can still see he’s smiling. His eyes always give him away.

“Finally,” he says. “It’s just the two of us.”

“You did that to get away from the guards?” I laugh.

“And the servants.”

“And why did you want to get me alone?”

“A couple reasons. One is a secret and the other is selfish.” he responds. “Which would you like first?”

I think very carefully on that. I’d like to know more than anything what the selfish reason was—more than anything to get him to let me touch him beyond the tiny moments we’ve had. But I need to information and my Kingdom—they need the information too. To my distain, I say, “The secret.”

“Ask me about the King of Talia.”

I take a step closer to him. “Alright, Deku. Tell me about King Toshinori.” He does and I log everything in the back of my mind everything he told me: King Toshinori is becoming sickly, so spends most of his time looking after the young Lordship of Talia, teaching them valuable skills for leading the kingdom. “That’s why he hasn’t been on the battlefield lately.” He takes a deep breath. “He’s trying to train me to become a leader too. Or rather,” Deku cleared his throat. “He was.” Deku looks down at his gloved hands, staring into his palms in hopes that it may have all the answers.

“Is his sickness fatal?” I ask.

“Why do you care about that? Do you care if he dies?”

“I don’t care if he—,” but I stop myself and look down at him. No, I think. No, I would care. But I’d care for Deku—for the family he’d lose, but not for the king Talia would. He’s shared quite a bit with me. More than anything Shinsou had said. I close my eyes, bringing back the painful memory: “When my parents died, I thought it was the end. Everyone and everything around me suddenly turned dark and there were talks of people surrendering to King Toshinori. Even talks of having Lord Aizawa return the throne. It was as if one moment, we were going to win the war and then in the other we were going to lose it.” I couldn’t look at him, and fought back tears that waited to spill down my face. “I would care if he died. Because I know it would affect you. Because I know how it felt to lose my family. Because—,” I couldn’t finish the thought. I wouldn’t finish it, even if we were alone. “My mother, in her last words, told me to be a better King. So I did my best to do just that.”

He doesn’t say anything for a moment. When I finally do look at him, his eyes are sad, as if he’s mourning the loss of my family. “Ask me something else.” He says at last.

“Like what?”

“Ask me why no one has come after me.” he says. “I’m the Prince of Talia. Next in line for the throne. I’m sure you’ve told them countless times that I’m here only to get nothing in return.”

I had and gotten no response. When we’d heard of Kaminari’s capture, we’d sent soldiers, several resources to get him back. In the months Deku’s been here, we haven’t received so much as a letter from Talia about the Prince’s capture, despite continuously telling them we have him. “Why has no one come for you?”

“Because I ordered them not to.”

“Why would you do that?” I ask.

“We aren’t getting anywhere on battles alone. Each time Talia overtakes a city or Eri pushes across the border, things only worse it gets. I just wanted a chance to talk, to see if anyone from Eri would listen to my words.”

“You’ve got my attention.” I told him. “What is it that you’d like to say?”

“Set up a negotiation with my father and before you say anything—,” I’d opened my mouth to counter that, but he’s raised a hand, stopping me. I gesture for him to continue. “Violence has gotten us nowhere. We need to choose a different course of action.” Deku’s hand reaches out on my shoulder and he pulls my hood up. “And no, his sickness isn’t fatal or contagious, if you’re worried about catching it.”

“Anything else I should ask?”

“Not for now.” he says through a smile. “But I’ll let you know.”

A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. “Come, we should head inside before you get sick with something fatal.”

“Though for Eri, that might be a looked at as a good thing, no?”

No, but I don’t say anything.

“You also should get to your war meeting with Kirishima that was supposed to start half an hour ago.”

“He can wait a few more minutes.” I grab Deku’s hand and turn to lead us back, but he gently tugs me back. “Deku?” He lifts my hand to his face, pressing his lips against my knuckles.

“Sorry. I just wanted another moment with you.”

Don’t let it get too far…but for the longest time, I’ve never been able to see myself with anyone. Yet I find myself completely mesmerized by him. It frustrates me, but I can’t help the pounding in my chest. We’re silent, but that frustration softens as his lips lightly touching my hands. He kisses the knuckles of my closed fist and my entire body relaxes. I cannot help but think why this man, the Prince of my enemy. But if the situation was different, if we weren’t in war against each other. His eyes finally reach mine and I could stare into those eyes that are as deep as forests in spring, lamented with a soft baby-blue in the light of the sky, even on a cloudy day like this.

A negotiation. That’s all he’s wanted.

I cannot take another moment with my hands not touching him. “What are you doing to me?” I whisper, taking a step closer to him.

“A question unprompted.” His face turns away from me and I smile internally when his cheeks are flushed with a bright, rose color. As I take a step closer, inches now from each other now, he doesn’t shy away from me. I look down at his freckled skin, so close I could count each one.

I would if it means I could have more time with him, I would. “Can I ask another question?”

“Yes.” he whispers into my hand.

“Do you want me to warm you?”

“More than anything,” He begins to unfasten the buttons on his jacket and when he opens it, I wrap my arms around him, under the jacket and pull him in close.

Our height difference has never been so apparent to me than in this moment. I see the top of his head from here, but my cock reacts when I look down at him. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from his chest that shown through his tight, Erian white shirt. His nipples are hard and my hand reacts to touch it. To circle it with thumb and squeeze it between my fingers. My mouth salivates at the thought of what lies underneath the rest of his clothes. I want to explore his body with my hands, to suck him, to fuck him until the dawn of tomorrow.

More than anything. His words are musical and I become dizzy with the sound it makes. I swallow back my desperation and I don’t look at him for fear of what might happen if I do.

“Kacchan,” he says, putting a hand to my chest and shaking his head, as if he knows what I am thinking.

I’m angered, feeling the heat in my chest hum louder, more malicious than intended. As quickly as I had those thoughts, I’m reminded of who we are, where we are and the situation we’re in. Reality sets in and those thoughts feel distant and become faint.

I hear fast footsteps behind me, and Deku and I take a step away from each other just I hear a guard say, “Sire?”

I don’t hide that I’m upset. I feel the heat of my ability rise and fall with each breath I take, but the guards tell me, “Kirishima said he’s leaving to have lunch since you didn’t show. He’s wondering if you’d like to join him and the others of the high court.”

I exhale, not wanting this moment to end. “Tell them I’ll meet with them shortly.”

“Sire,” the guard bows as two others approach.

I turn to Deku, whose ears and cheeks are still bright red. “I’ll have someone fetch you for dinner.” I order the two approaching guards to bring him back to the room—our room and before they leave, I tell him, “You know I’ll be testing this knowledge right?” More of a statement than a question.

“I would expect nothing less from the Dragon King.”

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#bkdk #bkdk fanfic #bnha bkdk #izubaku #izukatsu #katsudeku #katsuki x deku #katsuki x izuku #BNHA au #shinkami #shinsou x kaminari #kingdomsatwar

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