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Shoto wasn’t sure what he expected to happen after the king was gravely injured in a battle against the Demon King. King Toshinori could no longer protect everyone with his overwhelming strength. Yet, unlike his predecessors who often died in battle, King Toshinori still lived.
It seemed obvious that Grand Duke Enji would take over now that King Toshinori was too weak to protect the Kingdom. Yet, that isn’t exactly what happened as Toshinori was not deposed. For the first time in history, the strongest person in Yuuei was not the king. If King Toshinori hadn’t become so influential and so beloved, something so revolutionary would not have been possible.
Despite this tradition still dictated that someone be in charge of the armies and protecting the land. This of course fell to the Grand Duke Enji. Now the strongest person in all of Yuuei, he was to be made regent in a big ceremony that Shoto was forced to attend.
“Must I be there?” He asked the butler who had come to inform Shoto of the ball. Shoto had been in the middle of his early morning training when he had been interrupted.
“Yes, your grace. I am afraid that everyone in your family is being asked to make an appearance.”
Did that mean Mother would leave her wing of the estate?
Shoto frowned and his grip tightened on the handle of his blade. From the corner of his eye, Shoto could see his father watching him from the study window. The butler could not leave without getting confirmation that Shoto would participate.
“If I must.” He said simply and turned his back to his father to attack the dummy he was training with at a different angle.
“Thank you, your grace. The Grand Duke also wished for me to inform you that one invitation has been saved for you to distribute as you see fit.”
Shoto stopped and looked up towards the window. His father was gone.
“Thank you. I will inform you when I have made a decision.”
The butler finally bowed and left Shoto to ruminate on who he would invite when he didn’t even want to attend.
He wanted to invite Izuku and Ochaco but he wasn’t sure if they would want to come. The party was to be held just after New Year's Day which would be a problem for anyone wishing to spend that time with their family. With how close those two were to their families, he doubted either would accept.
He would invite Tenya but it was likely he was already going to be there as a representative of his family. He couldn’t invite Momo either for the same reason. For a moment he wondered if Inase or Camie would go but he very quickly realized that those two would hate being at an event like this.
So Katsuki? Would he even want to go? The thought of Katsuki at a big fancy ball was hilarious. Shoto could just imagine Katsuki grumbling at the whole affair and saying exactly what he thought of everyone there. It would be so refreshing.
Still, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to subject any of his friends to this kind of event. After a week of deliberation. He decided that he would suffer this alone. He’d rather do that than have to pick just one person.
While their estate had done much of the planning and preparation, details like what the grand ducal family wore and how the night was supposed to proceed had been planned by the council.
News of the Grand Duke’s appointment as regent was not met with entirely positive reactions and a recent battle that had left his face scarred had only slightly improved his reputation. The council hoped that this event would boost morale and show that the people could trust in the security that the Grand Duke and his family could offer.
Shoto highly doubted that such a pompous, heavily regimented party could achieve that. However, he never wanted to be here in the first place.
Still, he obeyed and on the day of the ball, he wore what they told him. He spent most of the afternoon getting ready. It never made sense to him that it all took so long but once he was done his attendants all complimented him saying he looked very princely dressed in a red shirt, white waistcoat with gold fastenings, a black coat with golden trim, and a black cape with red lining. He thanked them but it was as kind as their intentions were, it made his skin crawl. It felt like they had all confirmed one of his biggest fears: that he was destined to live his life exactly as his father planned.
The first part of the ball started early in the evening and it was an exclusive dinner between the council and the heads of each noble family. As his father’s heir, he was to attend by his father’s side.
As he was escorted to the dining hall he passed by a hallway leading to his mother’s wing of the estate. Ever since she burned him she had never left her wing. She spent her time either in her room or wandering the halls.
All the windows in her wing were covered and since she had only a few select servants there was a level of dust that covered most things almost like fresh winter frost. When his father had tried to send more personnel over to help manage the wing, they were all sent back. The only people allowed to wait on her were those extremely loyal to her and her alone.
It was of little surprise or wonder that to many of the staff she was more of a ghost haunting the halls than the lady of the house.
It’s probably better that she doesn’t come. He thought as he was seated at the table next to his father . As much as he would have liked to see and speak with her, this night was all about praising his father and his father’s accomplishments. Their marriage, among other things, was a failure.
The dinner consisted of boring political conversation and overly indulgent food. The conversation was much more focused on what their next steps were to stop the dark knights that had grown in power and were trying to release the demon lord.
“Has any thought been put forward towards a bride for the young Duke?” One of the councilmen had asked. “With the way things are, having a solid line of succession for the king might be the insurance that would keep this nation together.
This caused an uproar of conversation as nobles argued over whose child or ward should be put forward as an option or why they were to assume that Shoto would be the next king.
“All that can be determined in due time. I am much more concerned with the issues of the more immediate future.” His father said, silencing the room with his loud booming voice and burning intensity. It would have felt like his father was protecting him, if not for the Grand Duke’s next words. “Once peace has returned to our kingdom, we will begin our search.”
Shoto could feel his father’s gaze searing him, he tried his best not to waiver and kept silent as he ate his food. It was not his place to object, not that he felt he had much choice in the matter. Whoever his father picked, he would never love them and their marriage would produce no heirs. Shoto was determined to never produce a child that could continue his family name.
“I agree. Our Duke is still young and has plenty of time to find a partner he can cherish. The social season hasn’t even begun. Maybe his heart will be taken at this very ball? Wouldn’t that be something special?”
Shoto’s eyes turned to the man who said this. He was a visually striking man with large red wings and blond hair. Count Takami, a mysterious man who by his importance and position should have risen to the role of a duke but had denied any advancements in favor of staying a count in charge of land north of the duchy. Many things about this man confused Shoto. One, in particular, was the ambiguity of the statement. The Count was one of his father’s biggest supporters yet it sounded almost like he was advocating for Shoto.
Dinner ended not long after as everyone was eager to get to the drinking and dancing portion of the event.
While his father lingered so that he could speak with a few people more personally, Shoto was directed to go meet with his siblings as the family was meant to arrive together to show solidarity.
“Really! Would it have killed you to just wear what they had picked out for you?”
“Yes. It would have. It would have crushed my soul beyond measure to have my clothes match that man.”
When he found his siblings they were arguing about his elder brother, Natsuo’s decision to dress in blue, white, and black rather than the red, black and white they all were set to wear. It wasn’t a very bold display of rebellion but it was one Shoto could respect.
“Oh, Shoto! You look so dashing!” Fuyumi said once she saw him.”It’s nice to see that someone listened.”
She was dressed in a red and white ball gown with her elbow-length sleeves hanging on the edge of her shoulder. If anyone looked like they belonged on the throne it would likely be her, who was dressed so extravagantly that it wouldn’t be a surprise if someone mistook her for a queen. She was missing only a crown on top of her head.
“How was dinner? Were there any issues?” She asked, her hands clasped tightly together. “Did everything go as planned?”
“I believe so. They mostly talked about the state of things and…my eventual engagement.”
“What? Is he already trying to sell you off?” Natsuo yelled. “That bastard. You’re barely two years into your knight’s training and he’s already treating you like a prized horse.”
“Natsuo, please! Your language is much too harsh and crude. This is an important day for Father. Please don’t speak that way today. I’m sure he wasn’t the first one to bring it up. Father has never been pushy about arranging marriages.”
There was some truth to this, as Fuyumi’s arranged marriage to Tensi Iida had been established for a long time, but many seemed to overlook it after he had been injured. There was a desire amongst some of the vassals to have her engaged to someone else like Count Takami to cement his loyalty to the Grand Duke. Even with her fondness for the Count, his father had left the decision on if she would stay with her intended up to her.
“Say what you will but do not forget that we are failures in his eyes. His cruelty towards his golden child knows no bounds.” Natsuo placed a hand on Shoto’s shoulder. “Listen, forget whatever He has said. You should marry when you like and who you like. Do you understand? Whatever you decide, it should be the decision that you think will make you the happiest. We will support you no matter what it is.”
Shoto nodded his head and his brother smiled before looking behind Shoto and glaring. Without even a word, Shoto knew why.
“Good evening, Father,” Fuyumi said and curtsied. Shoto nodded to acknowledge his father’s presence but neither he nor Natsuo would go to any length to show the same respect towards their father. If this bothered the Grand Duke, he did not express it and permitted his daughter to stand.
“That dress suits you.” He told Fuyumi much to her surprise. “The tailors did well in picking out clothes that suit each of you.”
It wasn’t much but it was the first time his father had ever started to sound like a normal father. Fuyumi smiled, pleased but Natsuo simply scoffed.
“It is time,” The Grand Duke said and walked towards the doors that led to the party. He nodded at the guards stationed by the door. The doors were opened and the four of them walked out one by one into the party.
“Now presenting his Grand Ducal Highness Lord Enji Todoroki, Lord Regent of the Yuuei Kingdom and the Holy Knight Endeavor.”
The Grand Duke, with his many titles, stepped forward, his commanding presence drawing every eye in the room and silencing everyone. He was a large, tall man and dressed in dark red, and black with accents of gold only made him feel more like a towering dark flame.
“Accompanying his lordship are Duke Shoto Todoroki, heir apparent and third born son to House Todoroki.”
He walked over to take his place by his father. All eyes were on him but it all felt wrong. While the right to rule was determined by capability and not birth, he could almost imagine the trouble it caused his older siblings to be neglected in favor of him.
“Lord Natsuo Todoroki, second born son of House Todoroki. He is escorting his sister, Lady Fuyumi Todoroki, first born daughter of House Todoroki.”
With all of the family together. The crowd bowed to them in a show of respect for what was essentially the new royal family. It filled Shoto with uneasiness.
“Thank you all for coming here on this day in support of not only myself but my desire for our future. With that said, may this night be the beginning of a better future for all.”
The crowd applauded at the Grand Duke’s (thankfully) short speech and the Todoroki family was allowed to mingle among the crowd. However, as soon as they were released Todoroki was forced into conversations with people wanting to speak with him about his time at the academy and his hopes for the future.
He greeted them respectfully and tried to respond when prompted. He couldn’t care less about what they had to say. Most of them just wanted to be seen talking to him but if they thought it was a great privilege then they were mistaken. There were likely few people here he would engage with if they were to strike up a conversation. For all others, he did nothing more than nod and shake his head.
While in a particularly boring conversation about breeding rare types of birds, Shoto spotted Tenya and Momo in the distance having a conversation.
While it was a bit abrupt, he excused himself to join them as he made his way across the room, once he got closer he stopped. Standing with the two were Katsuki Bakugo and Ejiro Kirishima.
What were THEY doing here?
He didn’t have to think about it long because as soon as the group made eye contact with Shoto they moved over to where he was.
“Lord Shoto, this party seems to be going so well. I hope you are having fun.” Momo was grinning ear to ear as she held onto Tenya’s arm. They both knew how difficult it was for her to unlearn using formalities when talking to her friends. It wasn’t much but referring to him by his first name was a good first step for her.
“Thank you, Lady Momo. It’s great to see you, Tenya.”
“Likewise of course! As the heir to my family, I had to attend. I heard from my brother that dinner went well.”
“Yes. There weren’t any issues.”
“That’s good then things might actually—“
“Hey! Don’t you dumbasses leave us out of the conversation! We’re here too!” Katsuki yelled. A few people around them turned to leer but with the music and conversation covering up a lot of sounds most people didn’t hear the blond cursing at two of the heirs to the kingdom's most powerful families.
This was exactly why he wanted Katsuki here.
“I am sorry. It’s just that I don’t know how you got here. Did you two invite them?”
“Oh no! We were going to invite Kyoka but she has prior family obligations.”
“Why would I need to be invited by either of those two? I’m here in my own right.” When Shoto looked at him with confusion Katsuki sighed. “The Grand Duke invited me. I’m one of his newest squires, remember?”
That’s when it all clicked in his mind. When they were last at the academy, there was talk of picking lords to work under to build their experience as knights. Both Izuku and Katsuki were not able to work with the lords they had in the past so Shoto had offered them the opportunity to work with him and his father.
While this event was filled with nobles and high-ranking officials, it also was filled with people loyal to his father like his trusted knights. Some of whom were dressed in their finest attire and eating to their heart's content.
His eyes darted around the room before the thoughts in his mind could form.
But if Katsuki was invited then—
Out on the edge of the dance floor, carefully moving practiced steps, were bobbing heads of brown and green.
Dressed in a long flowing soft pink dress was Ochaco Uraraka that swayed and swished with even her slightest movement as if it was merely an extension of herself. The dress had a high collar and around her neck was a simple silver locket.
Dancing with her and with blushing cheeks as pink as her dress was Izuku Midoriya. His wild bushy green hair was unmistakable. He was dressed in a tailored black suit with an earthy green cravat around his neck.
The two weren't lavishly dressed, but the sight of them took Shoto’s breath away. They looked so happy spinning around and around to the music. The sight might have almost broken his heart with jealousy if he hadn’t been so mesmerized by their presence, here.
That’s when they made eye contact with him. First Ochaco, then Izuku. The couple stopped and stared at him as he stared back at them.
As they made their way toward him he started to panic. What would he say to them? What could he say? He didn’t even know why they agreed to come? Were they here for him or simply because his father invited Izuku?
He wanted to hide but he had nowhere to go. He wanted to run but his feet felt stuck to the ground.
Once closer to him, they bowed and smiled. His mind had gone entirely blank so he nodded respectfully at them. The three of them stood there nodding and smiling at each other as Shoto tried to make his thoughts form into words.
“Are you three going to say anything or have your brains finally rotted?” Katsuki’s voice brought Shoto back to reality as he realized again where he was. “Did you forget we were here?”
“Sorry.” Shoto looked down, a bit embarrassed that Katsuki seemed to hit the nail on the head. That was why he was friends with him. Katsuki was good at figuring out his emotions without him having to say anything.
“You aren’t even going to deny it?” Tenya only seemed mildly exhausted by Shoto’s bluntness.
Ochaco’s laughter which reminded Shoto of wind chimes fluttering in the wind drew his attention back to her.
“Oh! Sorry! Is it okay to laugh? You’re just so cute sometimes, Shoto.”
Cute? Was he cute? If anyone was cute it was her with her rosy cheeks and bright smile.
“I guess he can be kind of cute but I definitely think Shoto is more cool!” Izuku said with a decisive nod. “When you walked in you looked so dignified and strong. You should have seen how many people swooned.”
“He’s right. It seems like you’re quite popular, especially among many of the young ladies present.” Momo said and chuckled mischievously.
“I don’t think I care much about being popular.” He did have a new interest in being cute and cool, however.
“The only people who say that are bastards that have never experienced anything else.” Katsuki rolled his eyes. “If you’re looking for sympathy go cry about it to one of these pompous pricks.”
“Katsuki! Must you be so loud and crude? You were invited by the Grand Duke Regent himself! Show some respect!” Tenya yelled, being just as loud as Katsuki.
As the two bickered and the group laughed, the sickness in his stomach had disappeared. His previous concerns felt small and foolish now.
But just as his concerns dissipated a new one came cascading down the grand staircase.
Gasps erupted from the crowd and the music stopped as the Grand Duchess Rei Todoroki, daughter of Viscount Himura and mother of Duke Todoroki and his siblings joined the party.
She was draped in a silver gown that was at once so beautiful it could only be worn by the highest ranking woman in the entire kingdom and so simple in its design that copies were bound to be displayed in every clothing store across the land.
No one else would be able to wear it like his mother, though. As she walked across the room she commanded everyone's attention as those around her quickly bowed and only rose when they could no longer see her. Yet, she also seemed so delicate that if she was so much as touched she would shatter like glass.
Fuyumi and Natsuo quickly went to her side. She smiled and hugged them. Fuyumi had tears in her eyes. It looked like such a touching reunion yet Shoto felt like one he shouldn’t be involved in.
He couldn’t pinpoint exactly what he felt. Fear? Sadness? Relief? Surprise? So many feelings were tangled up in how he felt about his parents. The burn mark on his suddenly felt very uncomfortable and noticeable. He bowed his head so it couldn’t be seen.
But as if he hadn’t been surprised enough for one day. The edges of his mother’s gown gently glided into view.
He looked up and there she was right across from him, looking more nervous than he was. He quickly bowed again out of respect.
“Grand Duchess.”
“Duke.”
She reached out a hand to lift his head to meet her eyes but when her fingers grazed his burn he flinched. She immediately pulled her hand back and held her hand clasped tightly together, just like Fuyumi did when she was nervous.
He wanted to tell her it wasn’t her fault that he did that when anyone touched or tried to touch his face. He wanted her to know he didn’t blame her but when he looked up at her his mind flashed back to that moment and he couldn’t say anything. He forgave her. He really did. But he could never forget what happened.
His mother looked behind him at his friends. Shoto followed her gaze and saw that Tenya and Momo had somehow managed to get Katsuki and Eijiro to bow but because Ochaco and Izuku were more focused on Shoto, they still stood confused about what was happening.
Shoto gestured for them to bow and they did so awkwardly but his mother only seemed amused by this. She tipped her head in a small show of respect, then turned back to her son.
“Are those your friends?”
“Yes. We are very close.” It was a bit embarrassing to say but it was true.
“I’m glad you have people that you are so close to.”
“Thank you…Mother.”
Her eyes widened and then her smile softened.
“I hope those two cherish you and make you happy, Shoto.”
Two? Why specifically two?
He looked at his mother, wanting to know what she meant by that but her attention was already somewhere else.
Across the room from her stood his father. He made no move towards the mother of his children but his eyes never left her.
The crowd parted as she walked over to him. When she got closer to him she reached a hand out to him. It was only when she was right in front of him that he took her hand.
He bowed to her as she curtsied to him. In an instant, the music started again and the two began to dance. The people around were unsure of what to do but when Fuyumi began to dance next to them with Count Takami, the ball began again and couples filled the dance floor.
Momo and Tenya joined in the dance and as much as Katsuki seemed uninterested, he still danced with a more eager Eijiro.
It felt as if only Shoto couldn’t bring himself to join in. He watched his parents go round and round. Neither had a smile on their face but the beauty of the two figures together, burning flame and icy frost, it was clear why so many who knew nothing of what happened behind closed doors romanticized their union.
“Shoto.” He looked when he felt Izuku’s hand on his shoulder and saw the look of concern Ochaco had.
“Not here.” He said and guided them outside and onto the terrace.
Once outside he stretched. It felt like a weight had been lifted just by breathing fresh air. There was still some warmth in the air that told Shoto this night would stay in his mind forever. He hoped that was for good reasons.
“Was that your mother?” Ochaco asked as she stood next to him.
He knew this conversation was bound to happen. He nodded his head wordlessly.
“You don’t talk about your family. I know you don’t like your dad but did you want to talk about what just happened?” Izuku asked, standing on his other side.
Shoto leaned on the railing of the terrace and looked up at the stars in the sky. If he wanted to talk to anyone about this it would be them. They were both so kind to him and with everything they had experienced so far, he was sure that they wouldn’t look at him any differently than they did now. Still….
“Not tonight.” he wanted to preserve some of the joy he had felt when he first saw them. Even if they weren’t here for him.
“That’s okay.” Izuku smiled at him and Shoto felt his heart flutter despite his more somber mood. “We can talk whenever you’re ready.”
“Thank you.” This was why he trusted them.
“If we’re not going to talk.” Ochaco grabbed his hand and Izuku’s. She dragged the both of them to the center of the terrace and forced them into each other’s arms. “Why don’t the two of you dance?”
“Ah! Ochaco!” Izuku’s freckled cheeks flushed, reminding Shoto of strawberries. Cute. “We can’t!”
“And why not?”
“You know I’m not a very good dancer!”
“Oh, I do. But we came here to support Shoto so you two have to dance together at least once.” The brunette crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks. Cute. “You don’t see Shoto complaining. So just do it.”
Izuku looked over at Shoto hesitantly and Shoto took this as his cue to ease the concerns of the shorter boy. So with a bow, he put his years of training to good use.
Shoto led as the two twirled around the open area. The whole time Izuku’s eyes were on his feet. When they were so close Shoto could see how long Izuku’s eyelashes were and even with Shoto wearing gloves, he could still feel the taut muscles on Izuku’s back. It all made Shoto very thankful for his glove or else he was sure his sweaty palms would disgust Izuku. For a moment Izuku looked up at him and smiled shyly. It made Shoto’s heart melt even more but as they turned Shoto noticed the sad look Ochaco had on her face.
While Shoto and Ochaco were as close as could be there was one major issue with their relationship. They both liked Izuku. As much as Shoto treasured these moments with Izuku, he knew it would come to an end one day and he would have to marry whoever his father saw fit. Shoto knew it would be easier on everyone if he just gave up on Izuku and let her have him but there was just something about the both of them running off together without him that he hated. He knew it made him a monster but as much as he wanted the two to be happy he refused to let that happen without him.
“Okay, that’s enough!” Izuku said, slipping out of Shoto’s hands. “Now you two should dance! You came here for Shoto, too.”
Izuku shoved Shoto over to Ochaco and he stumbled into her. Their faces just a breath apart, Shoto couldn’t stop staring into her eyes. They were a deep infinite brown that sparkled even in such low light. He could kiss her now with little effort but he didn’t. He merely turned away covering his mouth in hopes it would hide his face. When he had calmed down enough to look at her it seemed that she had been just as flustered.
“I-ah! We can dance if Shoto wants but I…”
“Cute.”
“What?! Did you just call me cute?”
“I’m sorry I didn’t realize I said that out loud.” Shoto felt his face get hot again as he realized his mistake. But Ochaco looked more flustered. “Cute…”
“Don’t say it again!” She groaned and shook her head before placing one of her hands in his and the other on his shoulder. “I guess this is what I get for calling you cute before.”
Shoto laughed. Even as she complained and pouted, she was undeniably adorable. He gently took her and the two glided across the floor.
For the rest of the evening, the three of them took turns dancing with each other and when they had grown tired of dancing, Shoto took them on a tour of his family’s estate. Even after the party had ended and everyone had gone home. The three retired to the library to talk and enjoy each other's company until sunrise.