Cherry blossoms scattered across the ground resembling a blanket of pink petals. The townspeople started their morning by heading to the local market, greeting their neighbors and paying their respects to the late King and Queen. Musutafa was a peaceful kingdom, a small castle at its head, blending into the surrounding trees and buildings like a piece of the puzzle.

The sun was brightly shining into the tall windows of the castle - leaving rays of light to shoot through dimly lit halls. Down one particular hall, the room to the current holder of the thrown, and the daughter of King and Queen Uraraka.

Princess Ochako.

A beauty by any means. Brown hair falling gently in large singular curls onto her shoulders. Dark hazel eyes that could leave any man star-struck through one look. Truly a sight to behold.

"F-Five more minutes."

"Princess, we are about three 'five more minutes' in. It is time to awake."

"Ugh! Fine."

Even the most beautiful princess could be a terrible morning person.

A light chuckle escaped his lips before he began to kneel down next to her bed. Those brown eyes peered into his soul from half-open lids. Anyone else looking at this would come to the conclusion that the princess hated him with every shred of her being. But he knew otherwise.

"Would it help if I completed your usual rounds today?" The question was less a question and more an answer - as he knew the look she was giving and what it pertained to. Years of serving her allowed him to understand these small oddities.

The smile on her face gave him note to stand up and move towards the exit. "When I return I will have Yaoyorozu prepare the curriculum for today."

"Thank you, Izuku." A low voice murmured from the bed.

He couldn't help a smile from creeping it's way to his face. He turned back around, "Of course, M'Lady."

The sun was definitely bright that day. Mid-spring will allow that, and the energy radiating from that brightness seemed to lift the citizens' spirits. He noticed this as he walked through the village, an activity he did quite often in place of the princess. The people greeted him warmly. Children played, shop keepers opened their stores. Some even offered breakfast to him. One thing he always loved about this kingdom was how genuinely wonderful the people were.

The people of this kingdom had always been his favorite. They were all kind, compassionate, and most importantly happy. That was all from Princess Ochako. She was amazing at her job, she kept the peace. Sometimes she was so good at her job, he wondered what people's reaction would be if they found out she liked to oversleep quite often. But they didn't find out. And that was ok, the people needed a figure that was strong, a leader that seemed flawless. And it was his job to protect that leader no matter what type of danger threatened her peace. Even if that 'danger' was sleeping in and painting an imperfect picture of her.

That was his job. And his name?

Izuku Midoriya.

Though, his more formal title was Royal Guard to the Princess. Not just any royal guard, but the head guard to the court and the princess's personal guard as per her request. He was always at her side, nearly 24/7 - his job being to protect and serve her with his life. Use his sword and his skills to make sure she is always safe - and to make sure her happiness is preserved.

It is what he was trained for since an early age. At eight years old he knew how to sword fight, at ten he was at the top of all of his combat classes. His father, a royal guard himself to the late king, trained him well. This job was something he was born to do, and he loved every second of it. Though, part of it was admittedly who he worked with, and who he worked for.

"Deku! Get your ass over here!"

The sigh escaping his mouth wasn't voluntary, neither was the tiniest smirk at his old friend's antics. The blonde topped man that had just screamed at him was none other than Katsuki Bakugo. The head of the royal army and subsequently a guard of a titular status. You'd think someone so high up would treat their companion of similar ranking with a bit of respect. But of course not, that is not how Bakugo ever behaved.

"Kacchan, you could refrain from cursing so loud in public. There are children about."

"Whatever, just get over here." Another thing to mention about Bakugo was their detailed history. They grew up together, trained together, were inseparable for a while. He would admit their relationship was not always the best - a bit toxic if you asked him, but after the death of King and Queen Uraraka, they grew closer. They had a responsibility to uphold, there was no time for grudges. They stepped up in place of their late elders and helped to rebuild the kingdom through its tragic loss. Though their old nicknames happened to stay throughout thick and thin. He would admit he didn't mind the nicknames, it was a symbol of their friendship.

"I need your confirmation on plans for the arrival of the suitors dumbass, hurry up."

Oh, he had almost forgotten. Today a few in search of Princess Ochako's hand in marriage were arriving. A day Ochako herself was not ecstatic about - but one that was necessary for the future of the kingdom. She was still but a child, though Izuku didn't have the right to call her that. He was only half a year older then her, himself being eighteen. Her eighteenth birthday was a few months away - so a vast amount of suitors have been popping up as of late.

"Oh right, of course. Lead the way."

The two walked and discussed the plans for their arrival. A banquet was to be held and they didn't want any possible issues with stray guards or possible assassins (it has happened before) - so a clean-cut path was made for their guests to arrive safely and securely into the castle's ballroom.

"If everything is set then I'll return to begin prepping the princess. I doubt tonight will be a pleasant one so prepare for the worst."

A swift nod was shared following his words and the two separated. He began making his way back towards the main castle. Prepping himself mentally, for the task ahead would be a challenging one.

"I hate this."

"I know."

Standing in her room, after having stepped out for her to be dressed and fitted, Izuku watched as she brushed her hair. This time she opted to do it herself - instead of the hairdresser. She tended to not want to part from him for long, not after the last incident with an assassin from Shiteku. That was part of the reason he almost always stayed at her side. His room was even close by to hers in case of emergencies in the middle of the night.

"I hate this so much."

"I know, I'm sorry."

This was the third time she had received multiple marriage requests from neighboring kingdoms. The previous two banquets had gone... less than optimal.

"I am just going to turn them all down again, I don't understand why we even have to waste the effort on an entire banquet for that."

He sighed, "Princess, I am sorry but this is a necessary process. Maybe this time you will find someone you can imagine having a future with?"

"First off," she turned to look at him, "I thought I ordered you to call me Ochako when we are alone."

Her brown eyes peered into his, causing him to escape her gaze and smirk slightly, "My apologies, Ochako, force of habit."

"And second." She turned back to fluff up her hair one more time. Positioning her small tiara onto her head creating what he could only describe as an aura of beauty. "I would never allow this kingdom to be forced into a merge that would do nothing but hurt my people. Any offer respectable enough to accept will mean forfeiting my kingdom, my people, and Musutafu in general. I can't accept that."

He couldn't help but watch quietly as she stood and began walking towards the door. He followed without question, walking a pace behind her and to the left. His layered dark green leather armor formed around his body in a stylish yet practical sense. Long sleeves followed by padding with small shoulder tufts were his signature uniform. Izuku's jagged green long sword sat comfortably on his back sheathe, he was prepared for anything.

The walk to the ballroom was quiet. Mostly because there was not much to be said. Izuku had his own opinion on the manner - customs that need to be followed, a duty to her people to get married, and become the queen she is destined to be. Part of him wanted her to accept that destiny.

But apart of him also agreed with her. Really, did she need to become a queen? It was a title with great importance, but it was in fact just a title. She already acted like a queen, she ruled her kingdom with a steady hand. Maybe she didn't need that title to continue her duties.

He didn't mean to sigh aloud, but he realized that he was subconsciously allowing his own feelings to sway his judgment. As a guard, it was unbefitting for him to romanticize his relationship with the princess. But they had known each other since they were small. He was always at her side, and he couldn't stop himself from realizing how absolutely beautiful she was. And not just her exterior beauty, but her personality and love for her people.

"Are you alright Izuku?" Ochako asked glancing over her shoulder and catching his down casted face.

"Hm?" He looked up and realized she was looking at him, "Oh, I'm fine. I was just thinking over your words from earlier." Thankfully his need for coming up with an excuse, was greater than his need to be honest with her. Though there was some truth to it as well.

"Which ones? I tend to talk a lot." Her words were followed by a small chuckle as she looked forward once more.

The sway of her hair caught his gaze before he spoke, "I wanted to say that whatever decision you make I will be in full support. It doesn't matter if you never accept a suitor and you choose to rule alone, or if you accept a suitor and merge kingdoms. It is your choice to make and as your guard, and as a friend, I will follow the choice you deem appropriate for the future of the kingdom. I know you'll make the right one."

They turned the last corner before entering the ballroom, and she stopped in front of him. He snapped his gaze away from the sway of her hair just in time to catch her eyes. They looked, ready for anything. Hopeful, strong, he admired those eyes so much. They were what kept him going.

Before he could react, he felt her arms lock around his body as she embraced him tightly. His arms hesitantly returned the gesture, but he couldn't help but glance around to see if anyone else was watching this.

"Thank you." she released him from her grip and stood in front of him once more. He stood dazed, watching as she brought her gloved hand into a tight fist in front of her chest. "No matter what happens you'll be by my side through it all. And I couldn't ask for a better guard, or best friend, I'm serious. Thank you for being there for me."

It probably took him a bit too long to answer, but eventually, an earnest smile appeared on his face. He bowed his head, "Of course, I couldn't ask to serve a better princess."

Eventually, they departed once more and found themselves entering the ballroom. As they did, he prepared himself for the worst. The last time, he needed to break up a duel between two suitors after Ochako turned them both down. Apparently they thought she couldn't decide between the two of them - so they fought for her hand. He was expecting something of the same quantity this time around, though deep down he hoped he could stop it before too big a mess was made.

Ochako was sitting in her throne; a bit modest in his opinion, at least for a princess of her stature. She deserved a much larger seat, but in her own words, she did not want to give the impression that she was a god among men. The nobility in that alone made him feel proud to be apart of this kingdom.

As for himself, he stood to the right of her small throne, hands behind his back watching each guest congregate happily. A few danced on the middle floor, while others sat and enjoyed their meals. Soon the first suitor would take the floor in front of Ochako's throne and announce his request.

He has had lengthy conversations with Ochako on him sitting down during events like these. To him, sitting down would be disrespectful. He was trained correctly, and through his training, he was taught sitting while who you serve is also sitting is considered disrespectful.

Of course, Ochako heard that from him and quite literally called it a "load of bull shit" - if only the townspeople heard that one.

So he usually does sit to the side of her, as per her orders, but during nights like these where violence is expected, it was better for him to be prepared.

"Midoriya! A word!"

The quiet shout to his left garnered his attention, and he recognized the voice to be nonother than the 2nd guard in command, Mina Ashido.

Her pink hair could be spotted from miles away, but her outgoing personality was what he would use to describe his second in command the most.

"Ashido? What is wrong?"

She motioned for him to step away from the princess for a moment, and a nod of approval from Ochako herself made him follow her suggestion. When he reached her side she only peered across the room. "I have word from Bakugo that one of the suitors is from Shiteku."

"What?!"

"Calm yourself Midori, look towards the main gate. He just arrived."

He struggled to keep himself from shaking with anger as he turned his eyes to the other end of the room. There he spotted the signature black and white garb of Shiteku, it looked to be a knight accompanied by a bard of some kind. The gall Shiteku had to send but a knight as a suitor for the princess of Musutafu - after they attempted to assassinate that very princess. He had it in his right mind to go and execute him where he stood.

"What should we do. Bakugo would have turned him away but by suiting law the Lady needs to at least hear his courting pledge." Ashido spoke with an undertone of anger - he could tell she too was fighting back the urge to do something rash.

He breathed, the warm air of the room entering and exiting his mouth quickly. They needed to follow the rules here, multiple diplomats from neighboring kingdoms accompanied the suitors. If word spread that Princess Ochako broke a suiting law in the presence of these diplomats it could tarnish her reputation. He sighed once more, "We have no choice but to abide by the rules for now. I will alert Lady Ochako at once and we will have to be prepared for anything."

As he left Ashido, his eyes never moved off the knight. He mingled with citizens, ate their food, it's almost like he had no recollection of their kingdoms past encounters. The fool was acting like he was a welcomed guest in Musutafu. He must have been staring for a while because Ochako had to get his attention once he returned. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Debating whether or not he should tell her right away was a one-sided battle. Either way, she would find out that a Shiteku knight had come seeking her hand in marriage when that same knight comes up and asks for it. He would have to let her know. "There is a particular suitor here. A knight, from Shiteku."

The air around them had shifted, he could practically feel the malice radiating off of her stiff figure. If he wasn't used to it, he might have been shocked. But years of being at her side told him that her ability to seemingly shift the weight of the air around her was a formidable one.

It didn't seem like she was planning on giving him an order. He wasn't shocked, Ochako knew their position here. They needed to allow him to make a request before dealing with him any further. But that didn't mean they couldn't handle things a bit more quietly.

"If I may," he kneeled down beside her throne leaned his mouth to her ear, "I can deal with him without notice. None of the other guests should know he is a suitor yet."

Sometimes his work required him to do these things. And he could tell by Ochako's twitch that she was considering taking his suggestion and running with it. He could easily lure him out of the banquet hall, even off of the kingdom grounds, and take care of their maliciously charged guest. If he worked diligently he may be able to return before the first request is made.

But, that wasn't Princess Ochako, and he knew that. A firm shake of her head confirmed that assumption. "We will allow him to request my hand. Afterward, he will be escorted off the kingdom grounds peacefully."

And so, that was their plan. Alerting Ashido was simple enough, and soon all guards throughout the castle were aware of their "guest" of treason.

It wasn't long before the requests began.

"I will have to graciously decline your offer, Prince of Kenos, though I thank you for your gratitude and kindness. I am sure Kenos and Musutafu can still work together in the future."

The foreign prince was visibly upset, Izuku could see that much. Though he was happy to also see him suppress his anger as he stood, bowing to the princess, before turning to take his leave.

The night had been surprisingly calm. Three of the four suitors had been turned down and there hasn't been a fight of any kind. He should be happy, realistically an event like this should go by smoothly regardless of the outcome. But for some reason the peace was unnerving him, it felt almost as if it was too calm. It didn't help that the Shiteku Knight was last to go, that might be what was making the air feel cold.

A particular shiver down his spine forced his hand to twitch toward the hilt of his blade. The man was walking up now, he could finally take note of his features. Blonde hair, lighter than Bakugo's. A dark suit of armor that clinked lightly as he walked towards them. Eyes, that screamed treachery and deceit. A smirk, one that told Izuku everything he needed to know.

This man could not be trusted.

Their guest took a knee in front of the thrown, around ten feet away. His head bowed, eyes closed, and smirk fading, he cleared his throat ever so slightly. "My name is Neito Monoma. I am a Knight of the Shiteku Kingdom. It would be an honor, Princess of Musutafu, for you to accept my offer of marriage. We could unite the kingdoms of Shiteku and Musutafu as one and make peace between our people. Our nation's power together would be unmatched, we would rule as judge and jury of the continent. Our political and monetary power alone would be far above even that of the UA Counsel! I hope you seriously consider my offer, for it is a once in a lifetime chance."

This man, Monoma as he stated, his head stayed down as the room grew silent. Izuku gritted his teeth, having to actively fight the urge to draw his sword. This knight acts as if they did not send an assassin to try and murder Ochako. "Once in a lifetime" his ass, like Ochako would ever stoop to this man's level.

A glance to the left and he could see she also was fighting back her anger. Her left fist gripped the throne's arm tightly. Her lips were pursed and she seemed to be contemplating exactly what she should say, what she could say, and how she should say it.

It was times like these he was glad that this wasn't his job. The mental fortitude it took to not lash out at people who seem to ignore all types of respect was insane. Ochako had that ability, it was part of the reason she is such a great ruler.

She breathed in, "The climate of our nation's political quarrels have been tense in the past and in the present. I will not openly share the information we both acquire with the rest of our guests, but I trust that you are aware of our history."

Monoma sighed as he looked up, his eyes looking towards Ochako with what Izuku could only describe as pity. He nodded. There was another pause before she spoke once more.

"Stand up."

Their "guest" complied, he stood with his head hung low and... was that a smirk?

He did not like this.

"Neito Monoma, I decline your offer. When you return to Shiteku you will alert the king that Musutafu will not be falling for their games any longer."

The smirk left his face, and Monoma simply bowed completely. "I understand, I will take my leave."

The air of the room suddenly got cold once more. Like a breeze had entered through an open window. Izuku's eyes stayed trained on Monoma. Watching his every move, his every step. He turned around, but Izuku didn't miss his hand reaching for his left satchel.

He knew tonight wouldn't have gone this easy.

It took all but a moment for Monoma to turn back and fling two projectile knives towards Ochako. But Izuku was quicker, his body diving towards hers and his arms grabbing her tightly. Before the knives could pierce her, he shot to the ground behind the small table separating the guests from the royalty. They fell with a thud, and the projectiles landed in the soft padding of her throne. The sound caused his normal spacial awareness to kick in. Exiting 'protection' mode, he suddenly noticed Ochako was grasping on to him for dear life. Her face buried into his neck, he could feel her rapid breaths radiating off of his skin.

Oh no.

"Ochako! You gotta let go!" She needed to let go of him, he needed to draw his sword and he couldn't in this position.

She was having a panic attack.

The memory of their last encounter with an assassin popped into his mind. She was alone getting out of the bath, he wasn't there for obvious reasons, but that's when the killer attacked. He rushed in when she screamed, but the entire thing had given her extreme PTSD. Now, she didn't handle these situations well whatsoever. Not that many would in the first place, but Ochako was especially sensitive to the idea of an assassin.

He understood that perfectly, he really did, but right now was not the time for her to be latched onto him. If he had to bet, Monoma was running towards them right now trying to finish the job, and he couldn't allow that to happen.

As if on cue, out of the corner of his eye he spotted the silver glare of a dagger coming towards them rapidly. Within the same millisecond, Izuku rolled over Ochako completely and shielded her with his back.

Pain

"Nnnngh!" He shouted through gritted teeth. His eyes saw nothing but silver for a few seconds, and before he could react, his mouth filled with the irony taste of his own blood. It leaked out slowly at first, but suddenly he coughed and splattered the liquid all over Ochako's hair and tiara. The redness brought color back to his vision, and he noticed that the floor had somehow gotten farther away. Or... closer? He couldn't tell. His eyes shut fast, he knew this feeling, the pain was making him hallucinate. That was not good, but what was more pressing was the man on his back getting ready to stab through him once more. He couldn't count on another guard getting there in time, he needed to act now.

Gritting his teeth harder, his free hand grabbed a small dagger from the right of his belt. In one swift motion, he flung his arm back and shot the dagger directly into Monoma's neck. He had pushed so hard that the impact not only stuck the blade into his trachea, but it also shoved him away from himself and Ochako. Saving them from the rain of blood that followed a stab to the neck.

The threat was taken care of. He could finally relax and calm down.

Unwillingly, he collapsed down back onto her. Relaxing wasn't seeming to be an option here. It was getting hard to breathe, but he was realizing that him laying on top of her must have a similar effect. So, he rolled off of her to the left.

That was a mistake

Another wave of pain clouded his mind as his body half hit the floor. He bit down on his tongue to stop a loud scream but it didn't seem to matter because at the same time even more blood came up through his throat and out his mouth. It was splattering everywhere, probably all over the princess as well.

Things were getting cloudy, his name was getting shouted but he couldn't hear anything that well. The only thing on his mind was how coughing up blood on his princess was not something he should be doing. He should... definitely not be dirtying her dress, her tiara, her hair, it was not something befitting of a royal guard to do.

He couldn't hold his head up any longer, it crashed down onto something so incredibly soft. Like a pillow, it was enticing. Maybe he could rest his eyes for a small minute, the Princess was safe, right?

Right?

He had killed the Shiteku knight that had...

Wait...

...what had happened again?

He didn't really remember. But, his pillow was so soft, it was so... gentle. Maybe he should go to sleep now.

If Ochako needed anything she would call him... her room was right outside, if he was needed...