A/N: This is the longest chapter yet! I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 4
And So It Is
It's been nearly two days since she left the comfort of her home.
The moon was full tonight, illuminating the otherwise dark roads that made Ochako sometimes wonder if the coachman knew where he was going, the paleness of the light falling upon her hands that were clenched shut in anticipation, her nails digging into the palms of her hands.
It's much warmer here in Attolia than in Farel, she notices. Once passing the border, the snow she's so familiar with was nowhere to be seen and all that was beyond her were lush green forests and a simple road that lead to her new home. The festivities of her marriage are now nothing but a distant memory— mostly blurred due to the fact that she purposefully got drunk off wine in order to forget that it ever happened. The resolve she had when she took the seven seeds had diminished the moment she stepped into the Great Hall and all she wanted to do was forget (if only for a moment) that she was an heiress to the throne.
Though, much to her dismay, it didn't work. The entire night she sat beside her new husband unable to ignore her title, and was painfully aware of everyone's scrutinizing gazes they wished them good fortune even if none of them were sincere with their words. It had hurt her to see that even her own people are doubtful when they once encouraged her to have an open mind about her abrupt union. They were the ones who rejoiced when the merging of the two kingdoms was announced.
False enthusiasm, she realized, as the night ended and the only people left were the drunken nobles who had lost the ability to walk. Hearing their drunken slurs as they mentioned something about being cursed and doomed. "A marriage that will bring nothing but ruin to Farel." They would say, Katsuki looking anything but bothered by the declaration while she herself was struggling to find the words to ask what they meant. It didn't make any sense and that had frightened her.
It was even more strange when her parents said nothing about it, and thinking about it now, she vaguely remembers a worried expression etched on their faces as the guards rushed in to take the drunk men away. It was a look they shared with the Bakugos and she had no time to ask questions. It was a question that's been tearing away at her mind ever since she stepped into the carriage that same night.
So now Ochako finds herself in a carriage with a guard, neither of them saying a word the entire voyage. It had bothered her how she wasn't given the chance to say farewell to her loved ones. The Attolian guards had insisted that she'd hurry on and she had little to no room to protest nor the energy to fight against their hold. It was a long night, to say the least, and it would be a lie if she didn't admit that she was anxious to see the castle and everyone who resides in the oh so beloved land of Attolia.
She suddenly wonders if they will accept her with open arms.
There's no doubt in her mind that there is still some bad blood between the two nations. Nearly a lifetime of constant wars and bloodshed could be all but forgotten and the thought alone leaves a bad taste in her mouth. What if the people hold her responsible? And who is she to deny anything they accuse her of? She is, after all, the princess of Farel. She won't blame them if they find her to be responsible for everything that happened in previous generations.
In the distance Ochako could now see the castle coming into view, and she forced herself to stop with her thoughts, finding it best to dwell on them later— perhaps when she's settled in her new home. It is important for her to take everything in, after all. She will soon walk these streets as if they were her own and she would like to not get lost while doing so.
"You seem rather dazed, princess… is everything okay?"
She turns to meet the curious gaze of the blond knight that had been assigned to watch over her, and she wonders if he'd been watching her the entire time. The black stripe on his hair didn't go unnoticed. "It's a lot to take in…" She says honestly, catching on to his knowing smile, "...it's beautiful… to say the least."
"Are you surprised?"
She blinked at him, a frown tugging at the corner of her lips at the question. "That it's nearly a two day trip?"
"One would expect us to be farther, wouldn't they? Foreigners are always surprised when they figure out Attolia isn't that far from Farel. It's like they expect us to be on a different continent." He chuckled then, light-heartedly, and he gave her a sidelong look, "The name's Denki Kaminari, by the way, it's a pleasure to finally have a conversation with you, your grace."
She raised an eyebrow, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You're awfully quiet." He stated simply with a shrug of his shoulders, "That charm I've heard so much about is nowhere to be seen."
Ochako pursed her lips at his words, finding them hard to believe. "So you've heard about me?"
"A fair amount, though, you're nothing like what I expected."
"And what did you expect?" She didn't know if she wanted him to answer. The idea that he may have heard unpleasant things about her has her mouth run dry and she could see him struggle to find the correct words to say. He avoided looking at her.
"It doesn't matter." He brushed it off quickly, without giving her the satisfaction of knowing and that, for some reason, bothered her.
"Answer me." She pressed, causing him to look back at her owlishly, and it was then when the look in his eye went dark, almost as if he was telling her that he was done with the topic— to drop it.
"You're one of us now." He says, voice thick, "Whatever misconceptions I've had of you are insignificant. One day, you will become our queen, and that is enough."
"Are those so called misconceptions the reason why Katsuki isn't in this carriage at this very moment?" She could feel her throat strain as his name left her lips, and she tried her best to keep her sudden discomfort from showing even if it was suddenly hard to speak. "Is he avoiding me?"
Denki let out a tired breath. "The only person who knows what the prince is thinking is none other than Kirishima. I have no idea why he refused to ride with you but don't take it to heart… he'll come around."
But what if he doesn't? She bites the inside of her cheek, hating the thought of having to rule a kingdom with someone she simply cannot get along with. To live a life where they are only seen together in public… to be romantic (even if she can't stand the thought of him touching her) only to give the people the benefit of the doubt… it's an idea she simply can't stand. She won't tolerate living a life filled with lies even if her unity was the start of it all.
There would be no truths between them… as hard as it is to admit.
"We've arrived, your grace." Denki was the first to step out of the carriage after it had stopped, offering her his hand so that it would be easier to step out, and she hesitantly took it, her hands shaking. "I suggest you take it all in at your own pace. I wouldn't want you to be overwhelmed."
She could see his chest swell with pride, and from the corner of her eye, she could see Katsuki step out of his own carriage with the red-haired knight by his side. And for the first time, it had looked like he was at peace… they all looked like they belonged and her heart suddenly felt heavy. Her eyes clenched shut. I don't belong here.
"It's magnificent, isn't it?" Denki's voice caused her eyes to open and she looked at him, then at the castle.
At first glance, she hardly thought anything about it. But once she looked at it carefully, she could hardly grasp the size of the castle. She was utterly speechless at how beautiful it was. She was a fool to think anything less, the entire thing appeared to be made out of marble and some type of black stone that she had never before seen. It seemed secure, she would even dare say safe. The guards waiting at the entrance were a clear sign that no outsiders were allowed to go in.
"You've been awake for a day straight. Don't think I haven't noticed, princess Ochako." Denki says, his eyes studying her, and she could see that the voyage had drained him as well.
"I could say the same to you, ser." She offered him a tired smile in which he sheepishly scratched the back of his head in response.
"It's my duty to watch over the castle so I'm used to it, your hi-"
"Ochako." She cut him off quickly, catching him by surprise.
His eyes slightly widened. "I don't think-"
"Call me Ochako..." She says once more. To be in a foreign place that she is yet to call her home makes her feel unworthy to hold her title, and she could see the conflict in him as he considers it. "...just… Ochako."
He gave her a curt nod, walking ahead of her, "It's time to rest, Ochako." And he doesn't question her anymore.
.
.
.
They slept in separate rooms. Which came to a shock, really, since Ochako had the idea that they were going to be in the same room... sharing the same bed… having his cruel hands on her. She's always been told how during the first night of a marriage it is custom for a man and a woman to have relations for the first time. It signifies their union as one…
She supposed that rule doesn't apply here (to consummate their marriage) since she is no longer home, away from what she once knew. Until death do we part. Her stomach twists at those words. She still doesn't understand why they chose the prince of the rival country to be the one she had to marry. Out of every other suitor, it had to be the one that doesn't know the meaning of kindness.
"Princess Ochako," she's startled from her troublesome thoughts, and she stares at the newcomer with wide eyes. "Her majesty wishes to speak with you if it isn't any trouble."
The girl offered her a timid smile, and Ochako couldn't help but notice the roundness of her eyes and the length of her hair that would have touched the floor if it weren't tied up the way it was. She had interesting features, but nonetheless, she was very beautiful. "What's your name?" She asked, her eyes narrowing.
"I'm Tsuyu Asui." She answered, bowing only slightly, "I'll be one of your ladies-in-waiting from now on."
"One of my ladies-in-waiting?"
"The others are with the Queen." She straightened herself, her hands running over her gown as if to get rid of any wrinkles, "There are two others who are waiting to meet you."
Ochako frowned in confusion, "Well then, Lady Tsuyu… what does the Queen want?"
"I think it's best if she tells you. I'm in no position to say anything."
Ochako swallowed thickly, "is it… urgent?"
"Very."
"Does it have to be now? I haven't had the time to bathe…"
A swift nod was her only reply and Ochako hardly had the time to change into something more presentable before Tsuyu grabbed her hand and led her out of her chamber and down the halls of the castle. They were nearly running and she could've sworn the servants were eyeing them strangely. "Wait, Lady Tsu-"
"We're here." They stopped before two doors that seemed to be made out of steel, and there was no doubt in her mind that they have reached the throne room due to the carvings the doors held; an insignia of a wolf… their family crest she realized and Tsuyu opened the door before she could regain her breath.
Time and time again Attolia had managed to surpass her expectations and this time it was no different. It makes her think back to when ser. Kaminari had told her to take everything in at her own pace because clearly it was too much to take in in one day. Everything was luxurious— elegant— it's obvious that the Bakugos intentionally wanted to show off their wealth. The grandeur of the room itself has her mouth falling open in utter astonishment.
But once her eyes landed on Queen Mitsuki, she immediately straightened herself. Clearing her throat as she stepped forward to stand before the woman who rules this nation. It was almost intimidating how she sat upon the throne, the seat next to her empty and she couldn't help but imagine herself sitting upon the throne with Katsuki by her side. It was a thought she wasn't used to.
"I'm glad you came, Ochako." Mitsuki says with a smile that didn't quite meet her eyes, "I hope you had a restful night."
"Yes. I appreciate your hospitality, your Majesty." Ochako responded, "But I've been told you wanted to see me and that it's urgent…" her voice trailed off as she noticed the women standing beside her. One, she was already familiar with, but the other two… she had no idea who they were.
The one closest to the queen had rose colored hair, her eyes were a beautiful golden color, and she had an unpleasant snarl adorning her lips. And the other looked more… friendly. Her hair a soft brown, and her eyes a gentle blue, she stands nervously between Tsuyu and the pinkette.
"I'll tell you everything you wish to know, Ochako." The queen spoke, causing her attention to return, "But I shall first introduce you to the women that will attend to your needs from now on." She gestured to her right, "This here is Mina Ashido, daughter of a wealthy merchant and the other is Toru Hagakure, daughter of a highly respected Lord. Lady Tsuyu, of course, was the daughter of one of our most honorable generals but unfortunately he passed not too long ago."
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you." Greeted Ochako with a nod of her head, her focus set upon Mina who refuses to meet her gaze. It makes her unsure if she could trust her and it was an unsettling thought knowing that someone so close to her could possibly cause her harm. She will now be under the care of these women, regardless of the fact that she could very well tend to herself without a problem. "But… as much as I would like to get to know all of you… I'd like to speak with Queen Mitsuki alone."
"We were expecting you'd say that, princess." Mina was the one to speak, arms crossed as she earned the curious gazes of the other two. Her tone was anything but sincere. "Now, if you'll excuse us, we'll be nearby if you happen to want to get well acquainted." She stormed out of the room, the others following close behind and Ochako couldn't help but meet Tsuyu's gaze as she was the last one to exit.
Her attention returned to the queen.
"Now, as to why you are here…" Mitsuki began once again, "I'm sure you already have your doubts of your marriage to my son. Do you not?"
"I would be lying if I said I didn't, your Majesty."
"Tell me what you think about it, child."
Ochako held her head high, "It's only to make your son a king… an alliance to stop the rivalry between our lands. In a way, Farel and Attolia no longer exist separately since it is said that my father bent the knee. Is that true?"
"You should know how prideful your parents are. They would've been fools if that were true."
"Then why is everyone saying it?"
"People like to talk, Ochako. For a meeting to happen behind closed doors… then for it to be announced that we're merging the two houses soon after will have them making their own conclusions. You shouldn't listen to gossip."
"How can I not listen when everyone around me continues to say the same thing?" She frowned a little to herself, thinking back to when she had heard the rumors first hand… and how she had refused to believe them but despite her efforts she still had her doubts. She had failed to blindly trust her parents because they had already betrayed her in the worst possible way. "You can't blame me for something I had absolutely no control over. I've been kept in the dark of so many things ever since I was informed of my engagement to your son."
"And that is why I sent for you." The older woman explained, her tone demanding her to pay close attention to what she was about to say, "You need to know the truth, Ochako. And believe me when I say that this has been incredibly hard for me to tell you because your parents— specifically your mother, forbade me to say anything unless it was absolutely necessary."
"You're starting to frighten me, your Majesty. What is it?"
"You're being targeted." She said it so suddenly that Ochako hardly had the time to register her words completely, "And we brought you into our house in order to protect you."
"I'm being targeted?" She took a step back, "Surely you jest, Mitsuki."
Mitsuki's expression became grim, "I've never been more serious in my life." She stood up from the throne and began to approach her, "Your life is in danger and the Defenders will do anything in their power to see you dead."
Ochako furrowed her brows, her heart rate rising with every word that came out of the queen's mouth, and she met her eyes with her own as she now stood before her. "The Defenders? Who are the Defenders?"
"They are a horrendous group of people who wish to overthrow the crown." She took in a deep breath, "The amount of crimes they've committed… the innocent people they've killed...you are their next target, Ochako. Please don't take what I'm telling you lightly."
"And how are you so sure that it's me they're after? What could possibly make you think that I'm easy for them to reach?" Ochako merely scoffed, "I'm not weak, Queen Mitsuki, I am more than capable of protecting myself if needed."
Mitsuki shook her head. "No, you don't understand what these people have done— and what they could do in order to achieve what they want." She began to pace around the room, "They want to get rid of the future queen of Farel and so as a last resort your parents came to us for help. That's why I married you to my son. Because surely, if they got to you first… Katsuki would be next and then the line continues until there is no more royal blood in the world."
There was a long pause then, and Ochako couldn't help but look at the ground as Mitsuki went back to sit upon the throne with her head held high. "What have they done?" She found herself asking, voice above a whisper and she could have sworn that Mitsuki's eyes glazed over if only for a minute. "Why are we afraid of them?"
"Twenty years ago, they managed to overthrow the only kingdom that was thought to be the strongest." Mitsuki let out a shuddering breath, "They took down the only nation that could have united us all… and they murdered the fairest King we've ever known. Do you have any idea what I'm talking about?"
Ochako nodded, "Yuuei." She answered, thinking back to the time when she was with Izuku, and how he had archives of how the kingdom fell. It was a requirement for knights to know how the most powerful nation had fallen, it was dark and so utterly brutal that she had refused to continue studying it with him. It is said that the King went out with a smile.
"Yuuei." Mitsuki echoed, "The King had a newborn son on that fateful day but no one knows where the child is. Many believe he's dead. The Queen was nowhere to be found and right now it is nothing but ruin. But you understand, you're not as naive as everyone else believes you to be, Ochako. Wherever you are, you are never going to be truly safe."
"If I'm not truly safe then why am I here? It must be true that Katsuki asked for my hand in marriage behind those closed doors two years ago… that could be the only explanation-"
Mitsuki set her lips into a thin line. "Look behind you and tell me what you see."
Ochako did as she was told, and she let her gaze follow where the queen had been looking. There, above the door frame, was the sole portrait of the prince, a black iron crown sitting upon his head, his eyes prideful yet there was something in the way he looked that showed her he wasn't truly happy. It made many questions rise but she refrained herself from asking. "It's a portrait… of your son." She says, looking back at Mitsuki who was yet to look away.
"He never asked for your hand in marriage." She said somberly, her voice almost bitter. "Katsuki didn't want to marry you, in fact, he doesn't want to be King. He feels unworthy to wear his father's crown, but Masaru thought it best to unite the both of you to stop a bigger threat. There are prophecies that even I can't understand."
Ochako blinked. "Prophecies?"
"Visions, my dear. Our prophet has a special skill that lets her see possible future events. Do you remember when we first went to Farel to speak with your parents?"
Ochako nodded. "Yes. That was when the rumors began…" She grimaced at the memory, "You were the first to approach us, making people believe that you came into our home to demand that my father bend the knee, then, a year later, my parents went to you making the situation worse."
"We went to warn your parents. Ochako, for your parents to hear that your life was in danger... they had no other option but to accept our help. But it was in the second meeting that we decided to marry you to my son."
"And does Katsuki know of all this?" She couldn't stop herself from asking, the thought that the prince knows nothing about this would seem unfair and if she were honest, it would help her understand his attitude towards her if only a little bit. Then, perhaps if given the chance, she would be able to tolerate living her life beside him. Despite the fact that she would never be able to truly love him.
"My son knows of a few things but not everything." She waves a dismissive hand, "He's aware of the Defenders and how your life is in danger but he doesn't know that he too could be their target. He doesn't understand why we arranged his marriage with you and I suppose he resents you for that. But he's smart enough to figure everything out on his own so I suggest you stop worrying about my son and focus on what I'm about to present to you." Mitsuki reached to her left, grabbing hold of an envelope that had been sitting on top of the end table by her seat. "This is from your mother." She said, holding it out so she could grab it, "She handed it to me on the night of your wedding before we got on our carriage, and was asked to hand it to you whenever I deemed it best."
Ochako could feel something within her chest swell as she eyed the envelop, and she reached for it, her fingers grazing over the familiar thick paper and she allowed herself to run her fingers over the wax seal that held it all together. "Do I-"
"You don't have to read it right away." Mitsuki interrupted, almost as if she already knew what she was going to say. "Read it when you are ready. I'm only giving it to you now for common courtesy."
Again, Ochako could only frown as her grip tightened on the paper. In her hands, she has the wise words of her mother… and only the Gods above know what she is saying in it and she looked back at Queen Mitsuki with a determined look in her eye.
"You're dismissed, Ochako." She said with a nod, "I've already said what you needed to know and I hope you don't ignore what I've told you about the Defenders. Always stay alert."
"Thank you… for telling me all this." Ochako bowed deeply, unsure of what else she could do to show Mitsuki her gratitude. She turned on her heel and walked down the maze of corridors that Tsuyu had escorted her through. It didn't take long for her to reach her chamber, and she sat on the corner of her bed, her heart pounding erratically against her chest as she debated on whether she should read the letter or to wait. But she swallowed the sudden lump in her throat, thinking it'll be best if she were to get it over with sooner rather than later
So she pulled on the wax seal, and she paused, suddenly unable to move for fear had taken over. What could be inside the letter? She didn't know if she wanted to find out and she couldn't bring herself to open it.
"What do you think of her, your majesty?"
Court prophet Chiyo Shuzenji stepped out of the shadows, clearly, she had heard her conversation with the young heiress and Mitsuki exhaled a heavy breath. "How long have you been standing there?"
"I've been here the entire time, Mitsuki." The older woman croaked, "I'm surprised you gave her the letter. Didn't her mother say to give it to her if something were to happen?"
"I'd rather let the poor girl know now before it's too late, Shuzenji. It's only fair."
"Have you grown fond of her?"
Mitsuki's expression became pensive at the question, and she stood up to serve herself a cup of wine. "She's a sweet girl." She says, eyes focused on the portrait of her son. "The complete opposite of my Katsuki."
"They seem to compliment each other well." Chiyo says, now standing beside her, "I could see her taming that wild temper your son has. They're almost reminiscent of you and Masaru."
"They're nothing like Masaru and I." She snapped, her grip tightening ever so slightly on the goblet, "They could hardly be in the same room together. I've seen how my son looks at her. I've never seen him look at anyone with such an expression before…"
"Feelings change." Chiyo says, her demeanor calm and unwavering.
"Feelings change…" Mitsuki echoed, her brows creasing at the thought, "If It were up to me, I never would have let the marriage happen."
"They didn't need to be united in the first place, your grace. They could have been protected without bringing the girl here."
Mitsuki scoffed, "Masaru was the one who made the decision to wed them. He agreed only because you had that vision… the one where they both meet regardless of the circumstances."
"And do you remember how I said they would meet?" Chiyo's voice was suddenly firm, laced with warning and Mitsuki nodded, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Katsuki kills her parents, causing Farel to fall and submit to us. How could I forget something like that? I'm not a fool." She took a long sip from her wine, "Just because they were our rivals doesn't mean we wanted their allegiance by force. That would've been a horrible way to take it and the blood would have been on my son's hands."
"Then don't act like what Masaru did was a mistake. He did what was best for both nations. In the end, we got their alliance without having to spill blood."
Mitsuki only grimaced at the elder's words, "That wasn't my intention and besides, everyone believes that Farelian king bent the knee. The princess said if herself… it still appears as though we took it by force so it no longer matters."
Chiyo frowned at her, "Then tell me why you're so upset… why do you doubt your husband in such a crucial moment?"
"Not once did you have a vision of them living happily together, did you? You once told us that they would be the cause of each other's demise." She said it quickly, the words being excruciatingly loud in the silence of the throne room and the look the prophet had given her tells her that she was correct. "Why unite them when their fate together is a cruel one?"
"I saw the downfall of Yuuei yet no one believed me. We all believed them to be the most powerful yet they fell into complete chaos. It could have been avoided if people only listened."
"Are you suggesting we try to stop them from killing each other?"
"It could be avoided if they start to get along."
"Is that one of your visions?"
"No."
Mitsuki let out an exasperated breath. "My husband is dying." She says, her heart clenching as the words left her mouth. To say it so openly made her realize how much she didn't want to believe it. "If they happened to fall completely in love with each other… and if ,Gods forbid, one happened to leave this earth before the other at the height of their romance… for them to go through what I'm going through… I wouldn't want to wish this pain and suffering upon anyone. Not even to our enemies. I feel like I'm hardly able to breathe."
"Then pray the king does what's right with your son. Katsuki is the Crown Prince, after all. He can't avoid it no matter how much he wants to deny it." Chiyo's shoulders sagged, her voice shushed, "Masaru may be dying but Katsuki could have the legacy he has created live on. No one before him could ever make two rivals unite in order to stop a bigger threat."
"But Katsuki isn't Masaru…" Mitsuki's eyes suddenly felt hot, "...Katsuki is stubborn and cruel and he does things without giving them a second thought."
"But he loves his father."
"And you think that'll be enough?" She put a hand over her mouth, and she couldn't bring herself to look at Chiyo anymore, "Katsuki's always been his own person. He doesn't conform to the rules, he makes them. No one's sure if he agrees with his father's views."
"And is that something to be ashamed of?" Chiyo grabbed her hand in an attempt to comfort her and looked her in the eyes, "Is it such a horrible thing for a future king to not follow the rules of his ancestors? We all know how limiting that is."
"No, of course not." She put her goblet down, "I would never be ashamed of my son. In fact, I've never been more proud of him! But we forced him into something he didn't want to do… we married him to someone he absolutely detests. He was never fond of the people of Farel because of what he's heard from others but he doesn't know the truth… not completely… and he will make sure the girl knows exactly how he feels about her and her land."
"Even your son couldn't be that heartless, Mitsuki. It's natural to be doubtful in these circumstances but I need you to calm down. There's no point in worrying about things that are yet to happen…"
"And have you seen anything else?" She almost regretted asking her the question, seeing how the older woman nearly flinched showed her that she has seen something that isn't good news… and she braced herself for what she was going to say next. The room was suddenly too quiet.
"In a years time, Farel will fall." She begins, voice echoing all across the room, the words heavy. "In a years time, a messenger will come with the blood of her people and the blood of his own mixed together and the princess will want to go home… and your son will refuse to let her leave."
It's quiet. It's so painfully quiet.
Ochako had been summoned to have dinner with the prince but she could hardly touch her food no matter how appetizing it looked. Her stomach was tied into knots and her heart was thundering in her chest. She was nervous.
She tries not to fidget under his stare but having to sit directly across from him wasn't helping and she was almost afraid to meet his gaze. From what she could see, the prince had barely managed to touch his food as well and the silent thrumming of his fingers against the table gave her the sense that he didn't want to be here. She slowly brought her eyes up to briefly meet his own before quickly looking away.
This was the first time she's been alone with him. The facade of the chivalrous prince is nowhere to be seen and instead she sees a brooding angry man who seems to be stuck. A man who feels unworthy to wear his father's crown… it makes many questions rise in her head but she can't bring herself to ask him. Not yet.
"If you have something to say then say it." He snapped, having caught on to her habits. She nearly winced at how harsh his words were and she hoped he didn't notice.
She cleared her throat before speaking. "Why didn't you ride with me? ...Why didn't we share the same bed?"
He made the motion of getting up from his seat, and began to approach her with a galling arrogance in which Ochako instinctively stood up from her chair as quickly as possible before she was cornered by him. She forced herself to meet his gaze, holding her ground as he eyed her up and down. He was completely unfazed by her question.
"You reeked of another man." He finally said, his tone filled with disgust, "Tell me princess, did that knight make you squeal with pleasure? Does the memory of him make you want to run into his arms? Does it make you wish you could have stayed with him longer? Did he excite you that fucking much that you couldn't keep your legs closed?!"
She raised her hand to slap him, but he caught it before she could have the stinging pleasure of having made contact with his cheek. She narrowed her eyes at him, a glare she rarely ever shows anyone unless they truly upset her, and she tore her wrist out of his hold. "You're wrong." She spat. The reason why she took the seeds without hesitation was because she finally came to terms of this fate. She no longer wished to fight against it but his attitude towards everything is making it impossibly hard for her to just accept it. How could she when her partner absolutely refuses to accommodate to these circumstances? "You have no idea… you will never understand…"
"At least have the decency to bathe." He sneered, and Ochako could feel the heat rush to her cheeks at the assumption that she wasn't cleaned before reaching the altar. She would never be so careless. Never would she put herself at risk.
"I wouldn't think you cared." She said quietly, her embarrassment evident, but her words had caught him by surprise because his jaw slightly slackened. "You can't even look at me without getting angry, can you? Me being with another man shouldn't be a problem because you already can't stand me."
He merely grunted and stepped away from her, "Don't think you've got me figured out, angel face. You're far from it."
Her brows creased, "Then what is it? Why didn't you say anything?" A part of her hoped he would have said something. She wanted him to tell every one of their guests that she was with another man. She wanted him to call her every vile name he could think of— to say something to call off the wedding. But he didn't. He stayed silent. And she hated it. She hated him for allowing this lie to happen. His silence was aggravating . "I will never see you as my King."
He scowled then, "And what makes you think I'll see you as my Queen? Someone as weak and pathetic as you will never be my mate. You'll never compare to-"
"I'm not weak." She seethed, effectively cutting him off. "Don't you dare call me weak ever again! You don't know what I'm capable of!" His eyes narrowed ever so slightly, almost as if he were challenging her and her breath unintentionally hitched at her throat. "I'll never belong to you..." she said, suddenly breathless, his stare making her feel impossibly small.
He gave her a devilish grin, almost that of a beast baring his teeth. "I was already fully aware, Ochako."
She sucked in a sharp breath and watched as he gave her his back. She could tell that he was irritated, the way he rubbed the back of his neck was a clear indication that she had provoked him. It had looked like he was looking for something to do with his hands and the thought of them wrapped around her neck had a bitter chill run down her spine. He was hard to understand. It's impossible to hold a conversation with him.
And so she swiftly turned on her heel and swallowed her pride, heading towards the doors that led towards the gardens where Tsuyu said she'd wait for her. She wasn't going to spend one more minute alone with him— not when he's being cold and she flung the doors open shaking her head vigorously and not sparing the prince a second glance.
She was fuming.
For the first time in a long time, Ochako Uraraka was angry.
He waited until the doors closed behind her.
He waited until he was completely alone.
He let out a growl before knocking off nearly all the dishes from the table as agitation ran through his body. The loud clash resembling exactly how he felt— chaotic. It was sickening to have her so close. To see how her eyes brimmed with tears showed him how weak she was.
It was frustrating. She is frustrating!
"You will never understand…" Her words echoed in his mind.
He scoffs. Yeah fucking right.
He didn't need to understand anything. He's Katsuki Bakugo for crying out loud! No one makes a fool out of him. Not even his so called wife.
If given the chance, he would've gotten rid of her. He would've slit her pretty little throat and watched the light fade from her eyes. He would of watched her bleed– to writhe in pain. Then, he would have dumped her in the river.
But he refrains from doing so, having his parents in mind. He looks at his hands… he willingly touched her to stop her from hitting him… at least he now knows that she has a sense of pride.
He lets out a shuddering breath, closing his hand into a tight fist.
But why? Why does it burn when he touches her?
