Royals
Chapter 1: The Todoroki Palace
Momo played with the pendant from her necklace gazing out at the flat planes and grass hills indicating that they were in fact getting closer to their destination. Nervousness set through her body causing her other hand to clench a fistful of her dress, her posture stiffening with clear discomfort. She'd been waiting for this day, no, she knew this day would come. From a young age she was betrothed to the young prince of the Kaen. Once she reached the age of twenty-two she were to move to the foreign country to finally wed him. Currently, Kaen was ruled by the powerful King Enji Todoroki with Queen Rei at his side.
Momo reigned as the young queen of her country called Mayonaka since her father's death when she was only six years old. With the quick unexpected death of her father her mother thought it would be best to send her to Kaen where the Todoroki's ruled while she acted as the stand in reagent.
The Yaoyorozu's and Todoroki's were long time allies so this wasn't a problem for the Todoroki's. During her time in Kaen, Momo was treated like one of the royal family's own, she vaguely remembered running around the huge palace with her playmate and betrothed, Prince Shouto.
Sighing, Momo propped her elbow on the still of the carriage window peering out noticing that the road changed from dirt to stone. The fact that she crossed the ocean, said her goodbyes to her mother, family and friends and everything she knew to start a new life with a man she barely knew was terrifying her.
Well, saying she barely knew her fiancé was an understatement.
"Yaomomo," A friendly voice belonging to a certain purple haired girl snapped her out of her thoughts. Her dearest friend and lady-in-waiting quirked an eyebrow accompanied with an encouraging smile, "You look like you have a stick up your ass."
Momo narrowed her eyes straightening her back, "Language! And I do not look like that."
"Are you sure about that? Kyouka is right," Another girl beside her said, her light pink skin contrasting against the dark green dress she wore. Her short light pink hair swaying playfully as she peered at the queen, "What's on your mind?"
The queen sighed falling back into her seat closing her eyes briefly looking out the window, "I'm nervous, guys. I don't know what to expect from-"
"Your fiancé?" The pink haired girl wiggled her eyebrows suggestively her yellow eyes twinkling making Momo blush.
"That's not it at all, Mina!" Momo protested flushing with embarrassment.
"It's totally what you're worried about," Mina pried making Kyouka giggle beside her. Mina leaned forward catching Momo's eyes, "There is talk that Prince Shouto is quite handsome-"
Momo groaned inciting more giggles from her friends, "That doesn't calm my nerves one bit!"
"Momo," Kyouka said catching her attention, "I'm sure it'll be fine. If not, that's why we are here!" She smiled twirling her dark purple hair around her finger. Mina nodded enthusiastically next to her.
"I'm truly glad you both decided to come along," Momo told her friends reaching over to place her hands on each of theirs. The three girls smiled warmly squeezing her hand briefly before she let go, "I know it must've been hard for the both of you to leave your parents behind."
For the first time, Kyouka's usually bored expression faltered with a small frown, "It was, but the same goes for you. We're in the same boat. Besides, I promised them I would write everyday so that would surely suffice."
"You guys are such downers," Mina exclaimed, "Aren't you both excited at least? We're going to one of the biggest palaces in the world! I'll be sure to find myself a handsome nobleman, marry and finally settle down." Mina sighed dreamily placing her hands on her cheeks. Momo and Kyouka laughed shaking their heads as Mina went on about in hopes of finding a great suitor.
She leaned back against the uncomfortable carriage seat resting her elbow on the window using her hand to study her chin. She ignored her friends' light conversation as her mind wandered to a particular white and crimson haired boy. On their way to the palace, a huge tree same into view, not just any tree, a huge wisteria tree blowing in the distance.
Faint memories of herself as a child running under the tree reaching for the beautiful lavender colored flowers. A smile on her face as she glanced over her shoulder at the young prince cautiously walking after her hands behind his back and a small smile on his face. Present day Momo felt her lips turn into a grin at the memory.
The bumpy ride then turned into a smooth one indicating that they were in fact close to the palace. Curious, Momo pulled back the drapes of the window further turning her head to see they were nearing the huge palace.
"Are we here already?" Kyouka asked squeezing in next to Momo with Mina pressing close to Kyouka all three gasping at the size of the palace.
"Wow, I didn't expect it to be this… enormous!" Mina gasped, "Was it always this big, Momo?"
Momo frowned, "I don't remember much…"
The carriage turned abruptly causing the women to stumble back into their seats. Momo could see the huge gates opening up as they neared the courtyard. The walkway was decorated with red ribbons lining the stone path and armored guards. At the end of the path Momo could see the Royal Family eagerly waiting to greet her.
"Momo!" Mina suddenly said taking her shoulders to face her, "Let me fix your hair! Also here some tint to put on your lips-"
"Mina! Don't overdue it!" Kyouka warned her as the pink haired girl quickly dabbed some of the reddish tint on Momo's plump lips.
"Shush! We were entrusted to make sure our queen makes a good first impression!" She smiled enthusiastically.
The carriage came to an abrupt halt, the driver whistling to the horses to come to a stop. Momo's heartbeat beat painfully against her chest as the carriage door finally opened revealing her personal guard and close friend, Santa Sero who resembled the same colored hair as her. Momo and Sero knew one another since they were young both seeing one another as a sibling. Sero was trained since he was a child to protect her in any way. The jet black haired man bowed at the waist straightening with a toothy grin, "Your majesty, m'ladies," He did a slight bow to Kyouka and Mina behind her, "We're here." He offered Momo his hand helping her down from the step.
Momo finally stepped onto the stone path allowing the cold crisp air of the unknown land before her. Her long black hair blowing in her line of sight. Squeezing her fists she lifted her head looking before her at the people waiting for her at the end of the path. Her friends stood beside her each smoothing down the front of their dresses exhaling out audibly clearly nervous as she. Kyouka stood beside her tucking her the short purple hairs of her bob behind her ear, "Ready?"
"As I'll ever be," Momo nodded.
Her nerves started to strike again as her onyx eyes grazed over the armored men to the imposing stature of what she could only assume was the current King Enji. Next to the king stood his wife, Queen Rei. She looked so small compared to her husband but elegant with her crisp white hair pulled into a tight bun a few tendrils of her hair framing her face. A younger woman who Momo recalled was the elder Princess Fuyumi dressed in a charming red gown making the crimson highlights against her natural white hair stand out.
Suddenly, the queen's onyx eyes found grey and turquoise eyes freezing her in place. Her breath hitched as the memories of this particular set of eyes started to flood through her. She didn't remember how beautiful those eyes were.
Awaiting at the end of the path stood her future husband, the crown Prince Shouto Todoroki. He was taller than his mother and sister, he wasn't as muscular like his father, instead he was lean and with a bit of muscle enough to se his form through his formal attire. The closer she approached the more she could make out of him. She couldn't miss his crimson red hair burning against the sunlight and in comparison his snow white hair flowing in the breeze mixing with the left half of hair.
"Wow, Momo!" Mina whispered into her ear, "He's so handsome."
He is handsome, Momo wordlessly agreed.
The crowned prince looked at her with a stoic expression much different than the warm smile his mother was giving her, or the hopeful expression Princess Fuyumi shot her. He stood almost looking bored his right hand resting on the hilt of his sword strapped against his waist while his other hand hung limp at his side. Was she troublesome to him? She thought to herself, the question making her frown.
"You're staring," Kyouka warned her bringing her back to earth. Blushing furiously she adverted her eyes trying to ignore the Prince's obvious gaze on her. A few steps more Momo was standing in front of the Royal Family. Looking at King Enji she felt herself tense under the intense turquoise eyes she gulped clearing her throat as she, along with Kyouka, Mina and Sero bowed.
"Your majesties," Momo said with her head down, "Your highnesses," She addressed, "I humbly thank you for welcoming myself, Lady Jirou, Lady Asido and Knight Sero to your land. I look forward to becoming part of your family and our growing alliances with our countries."
"The pleasure and thanks goes to you, Queen Momo," King Enji's deep voice rumbled. Momo straightened looking up at the king his red hair burning against the soft sunlight. He grinned surprising her as he too bowed along with his family.
Queen Rei straightened up her beautiful grey eyes finding hers full of warmth easing Momo's nervousness. Memories of the gentle queen from her youth quickly flashed before her eyes. She vaguely remembered how kind and motherly she was during her time spent as a child at the Todoroki palace. The Queen Mother moved forward taking both of her hands in hers squeezing it, "My Momo. You have grown into such a beautiful young woman. I'm glad to see you made it here safely. I've been waiting for the day we meet again."
Momo blushed, "Thank you. I'm happy to be here." Queen Rei let her hands go and looked over at the crowned prince, "Shouto come here and greet your future wife." The young prince's jaw twitched but said nothing as he made his way to her.
She held her breath as he stood in front of her. His two-toned hair swaying gently in the spring breeze his eyes intense just like his father's, her eyes traveled to his handsome face a scar brandishing his left side of his face. She gasped as he took her hand in his. The moment their hands touched it felt as if a strike of electricity ran through her arm. His hand was warm a bit calloused.
Onyx eyes met grey and turquoise ones eliminating everything around her. Those beautiful eyes made her chest swell with something she hadn't felt before. Those eyes were so intense, yet so warm and mysterious. She couldn't seem to find the words her throat suddenly dry as he lifted her hand to his mouth delicately placing a soft kiss on the back of her hand, "It's good to see you after so long, Queen Yaoyorozu."
"S-same to you, Prince Todoroki," Momo nodded taking her hand back clutching it to her chest. The little moment after the kiss lasted only for a few seconds, but to her it felt like an eternity.
"Would you allow me to escort you to your chambers?" The prince offered surprising her.
She nodded, a nervous smile on her face, "I would like that."
Todoroki lead her through the entrance doors and into the magnificent palace. She marveled at the beautiful interior enjoying the light click of the sound of her heels as she walked beside Todoroki. She eyed the prince at her side, he was silent keeping his eyes forward as he weaved through the huge hallways.
They suddenly passed a huge double door that lead to what appeared to be a garden. Momo stopped in her tracks reliving the memories that suddenly flushed into her mind. She remembered her younger self laughing and smiling as a young Todoroki chased after her full of smiles. It was a short, yet warm memory.
"Is something wrong, your majesty?" Todoroki's deep voice asked beside her.
Momo softly smiled shaking her head, "No. It's just… do you remember when we were children? We would always spend our days out in the garden." For the first time, Momo saw Todoroki give a barely there smile. He walked up standing next to her as he gazed into the gardens, "I do remember that. I'm surprised you do." "Why do you say that?"
"Well, it was such a long time ago," Todoroki replied.
"Yes, that is true," Momo said still looking fondly at the gardens, "But I believe the happiest memories are never truly forgotten." Todoroki didn't reply after that looking pointedly at the pretty raven-haired woman beside him. There was an aura around her that he couldn't pin point. It drew him in, "I'm sorry. Let's continue." "After you," Todoroki agreed as they walked in-step with each other.
They finally arrived to her chambers which was located in the west wing. The guards stationed at the end of the hall bowed at the waist welcoming their new queen and crowned prince as they entered. Todoroki led her to her door, "Well this is you."
"Thank you, your highness," Momo said with an appreciative smile.
"You can expect most of your things already brought to your room. Your chamber maids should be here in a few minutes to assist you with a bath and whatever else you may want," Todoroki continued, "Please join my family and I tonight for dinner. We will be holding a welcome ball for you."
"A welcome ball?" Momo softly said feeling the nervousness set in her again.
"Yes," Todoroki replied, "We will send someone to escort you. Is there anything else you need?" Momo shook her head, "No, thank you."
"I look forward for tonight. Your majesty," Todoroki said taking her hand gently placing a kiss on the back of it sending fire through both of their bodies. Todoroki chose to ignore it straightening to see warm onyx eyes of his future wife staring back at him. He was about to turn around and make his leave when she spoke out again.
"Please," She said, "Call me Yaoyorozu."
Todoroki felt the pull of his lips and nodded, "Yaoyorozu," The name rolled off his tongue much to Momo's liking. She blushed at the thought. "I'd be happy for you to call me Todoroki as well."
"Thank you, Todoroki," Momo said testing out his name on her tongue. Traditions and customs were still heavily implied so calling one another by their last names was a step to hopefully a healthy relationship. Momo couldn't explain the feeling she felt in her chest as he said her name, nor the look he gave her. What is this feeling? Why do I feel like this? She thought to herself as she watched his figure getting further and further away.
Momo calmed her breathing and turned the doorknob to her door. Across from her were huge windows and a desk stationed in front of it. On one corner of the room she was happy to see a little nook to sit in beside two bookshelves and a writing desk.
She walked into the room and opened one of her dressers and was pleased to see most of her clothes were already neatly folded in. She walked over to her bed immediately collapsing onto the soft sheets. Her mind wandered to where she was, this was her new life. Kicking off her heels she brought her legs onto the bed looking up at the ceiling enjoying the beautiful painting. A knock to the door sounded.
"Yes?" Momo called out pushing herself off the bed fumbling to put her heels back on as the door opened.
"Hey, Yaomomo," Her long time friend greeted.
She was surprised to see a familiar face of her guard, Sero, "Hello Sero, what are you doing here?"
"If you recall," Sero casually said, "It's my job to make sure you're alright."
Momo grinned pushing Sero's shoulder playfully, "I'm fine. How are you settling in? How are Kyouka and Mina?"
"My room is pretty great considering I'm just your personal guard. As for Jirou and Asido, their rooms are in the south wing where I assume most of the in house nobles are living."
"That's good to hear," Momo muttered sitting back on her soft bed, "Why don't you take a rest, Sero?"
Sero pondered, his finger on his chin, "Are you sure you'll be fine?"
"Yes," Momo insisted standing up to push him out of the room, "You need to rest up!" Sero didn't protest any more taking his leave with a friendly goodbye leaving her alone yet again. Momo sighed relishing the alone time she finally had.
She took a seat at her desk gazing out at the landscape of the beautiful palace. It didn't feel real to her, it still felt like a far away dream of her coming to a place she barely knew to marry a man from a distant memory.
What did she think of the young Prince Todoroki? It was still fuzzy to her. There was no doubt that the handsome prince left some kind of impression on her. Leaving her speechless with just a small touch or glances. He was a mystery, she couldn't read what he was thinking or what he was feeling. He was completely different from when they were children. But, then again, she had take that they were kids.
Another knock at the door snapped her out of her thoughts, "Yes?" She called out.
"Your Majesty," An unfamiliar voice said from the other side of the door, "I am your chamber maid and wanted to assist you will settling in." Momo got off the bed slipping on her heels once more as she raced to the door opening it finding a round faced brunette with a short bob beside her stood another girl with a small frame with long dark green hair past her bottom holding a box. The two girls bowed deeply, their hair falling over their shoulders waiting for Momo to dismiss them, "You may stand."
The brown haired girl spoke first with a warm smile, "My name is Uraraka Ochaco."
"And I am Asui Tsuyu," The green haired girl added.
"We will be your chambermaids from now on," Uraraka explained, "Please do not hesitate to call us when you need something, your highness."
Momo smiled softly, "It's nice to meet you both. May I ask what do you have in your hand, Asui?" Asui made an O with her lips and lifted the box, "Oh this is a gift from her highness, Princess Fuyumi." She handed it to Momo surprised it had some weight to it. She carefully looked at it she set it on her desk turning around seeing as the two servants were stocking her bathroom with some towels.
"Is there anything else you need, your Majesty?" Uraraka wondered as she and Asui stood straight their hands clasped in front of them eagerly waiting for an order. Momo tapped her chin thinking then shook her head.
"No, there's nothing. Thank you so much," Momo said smiling warmly as they bowed and left leaving her to her own devices. On her desk the box taunted her curiously. She admired the rich wood and the intricate gold designs etched onto every side of the box. she walked over to it reading the small note that was tapped on the top of the box.
Yaoyorozu,
I do hope you quickly find our home as yours. I look forward to have you as part of our family. I would love to have brunch with you so we can get to know one another better, please let me know so we can set up a room. I also heard you are quite fond of tea, hope you enjoy.
Fuyumi Todoroki
Momo felt the corners of her lips twitch touched by the sweet letter from the princess. Opening the tin box she was excited to see it was filled with exquisite teas she was quite familiar with. Bringing the box to her nose she inhaled the various scents feeling somewhat homesick. She closed the tin box placed it on her dresser then walked to her bed collapsing onto it once more face first exhaustion overtaking her.
xxx
There were a few knocks at the door rousing Momo from her slumber. She groaned forcing her eyes open realizing it was quite dark. Was I asleep for that long? She thought to herself pushing herself up on her hands. The knocking on the door persisted groaning in annoyance she slipped off the bed fixing her hair walking over opening the door. She was surprised to see an unfamiliar man. He had bright red hair that was spiked to the heavens with friendly red eyes. He wore what she assumed was the usual uniform for the soldiers of this region. The man gave her a small smile before bowing, "Hello your Majesty, I hope I didn't disturb you. My name is Kirishima. I was sent to escort you to the dinner ball."
"Oh wait," Momo said, "Where is my personal guard? Sero?"
"Oh, I hope you don't mind, your Majesty, but young Prince Todoroki dismissed him for the night. That's why I am here," He cheerfully said giving her a thumbs up. Momo wished she was a bit more awake. His friendly, upbeat nature was a nice change of pace from all the formality she had been greeted with. Momo quickly excused herself heading back into the room and shortly after Uraraka came into her room while Asui started to run her hot bath.
Momo decided on a simple, yet elegant deep navy blue A-line dress with see through sleeves that gave a whimsical touch to it. The flow of little flowers embellished into the skirt was easy on the eye adding depth to the already dark material. Momo looked at herself in the mirror as Uraraka continued to tie the last of her corset. She decided to put some touches of makeup opting for a small line of kohl on her upper eyelash and a light pink tint to her lips.
"You look so beautiful, your Majesty!" Uraraka gushed stepped out from behind her with her hands clasped and eyes sparkling admiring Momo's figure. The darkness of the gown in comparison to the Queen's creamy skin was striking.
Momo smiled to herself a slight blush in her cheeks and heat rising in her neck. She was never used to the compliments others gave her, "Thank you, Uraraka. In all honesty, I have you and Asui to thank for picking this garment out for me."
"Oh please," Uraraka kindly waved her hands in front of her a blush on her already pink cheeks, "It was you who decided to bring this dress along! We merely helped."
"Ochaco-chan is right," Asui added finishing up with adding delicate earrings to finish Momo's look. The two servants stepped in front of Momo smiling warmly at her nodding in approval.
"I'm certain his Highness would appreciate your beauty," Uraraka gushed making Momo blush fiercely. Uncertainty came across her features as Momo continued to look at her reflection. A small pout on her pretty features worried the two maids glancing at one another before turning their attention to the new Queen, "Your Majesty? Is something the matter?"
Momo bit the bottom of her lips as she intertwined her fingers together, "How is his highness like?"
"The young Prince Todoroki?" Asui clarified, Momo nodded. Asui continued, "Forgive me for speaking so frank, but we had the impression that Prince Todoroki and yourself knew one another since you were children?"
Momo sighed, "That is true to an extent. But we haven't spoken since we were children. I know nothing about him."
"You have nothing to worry about, your Majesty," Uraraka reassured her walking up to her with a hopeful grin, "His Highness is an admirable man, kind and passionate. You will soon come to know that firsthand." Momo took relief seeing the kind expression of the two maids. It didn't stop the pounding of her heart and doubt pushing out in the back of her mind. The sudden knock of the door snapped Momo out of her thoughts.
"Your Majesty," Kirishima's upbeat voice said from the other side of the door, "Are you ready?"