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Chapter Text

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞

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Beasts were such disgusting creatures, always selfish and it didn't help that they were also hideous, having animal features with only a few human parts, although they were nothing like humans as they acted like animals.

They showed no kindness to humans, being the ones to start this war. Despite the humans trying to be peaceful with them they soon had no other choice but to fight back.

At least that's what the king told Shoto.

Shoto, the youngest prince, had never seen a beast in his life, but everyone seemed to say the same thing, even the books that were about these creatures in the library.

Today was a day of celebration, there was a new ruler in the beast kingdom and he was willing to make an alliance with the Human King by marrying off his daughter Fuyumi.

They were currently having a dinner party with other humans of high class in celebration of their soon to be alliance with the beast kingdom. All that was missing was the princess who was to be sent to the beast kingdom which would begin the alliance. Shoto could hear the chatter of the guests and the music playing as he sat down in his bed. He wasn't allowed to join, no one even really knew of the Prince's existence outside of the servants who would have their throats slit if they dare utter a word about the youngest Prince.

After all, he had become someone that was now forgotten.

No one spoke of the young prince as it was forbidden.

Not only that but there was truly no need for him as the oldest son would take the throne and the only thing he brought to bloodline was misfortune.

Having an ugly burn mark that took up most of his face. His father said it stained the only good thing the boy had left. His beauty was something he no longer had and it was made clear by his oldest brother and Father. Though there were two people who showed him kindness regardless of his unfortunate appearance, that being his brother Natsuo and his sister.

"Fuyumi?" The boy sat up as he noticed his sister in the doorway. He didn't even hear her open the door. She smiled softly and stepped into his room and gently shut the door behind her.

She looked beautiful well all the time really but Shoto just held a lot of admiration for his older sister but tonight the young woman looked more beautiful than ever in her silk blood red dress. Shoto would be pulled away from his thoughts when her cold hand gently touched his right cheek. "Sho?" She even spoke gently.

The boy didn't even realize how close she was until she touched him and called out to him. "Yes?" The boy whispered as he stared into her blue eyes that held so much love and worry for her strange little brother and who could blame her? After their mother's passing it was Fuyumi who looked after the boy as he grew up, taking the role of mother at times. "You know I'm leaving tonight right?"

He nodded in response. Of course he knew, it was all the servants spoke about these past few days. He could hear them whisper about it at his door before they brought his meals only to stop and go quiet when entering the room acting as if they hadn't said anything. Shoto didn't care much that they never really spoke to him, not that he really wanted them too anyway as he was quite happy with his sister's and brother's company. Nevertheless knowing that she'd be leaving tonight well it made his heart sink at the realization that he would never see his sister again and he hardly saw Natsuo as he had taken the role of royal guard but you think he would be trying to see his sister before she was gone and into the beast's clutches forever.

He jolted slightly as he felt his sister's fingers suddenly down his hair. "I'm sorry. Didn't mean to startle you" She chuckled. "Your hair has gotten longer." She noted.

It had. The Prince had been growing it out and now it went down to his shoulders. With his shape and size he could probably get mistaken for a female though shoto just liked having his hair long. It could hide a bit of his face well and that's all he wanted.

He watched as his sister grabbed the brush off the bedside table and got onto his bed scooting back a little so she was behind him and started to brush his hair. "I don't need your help," he reminded. "I know how to brush my hair" but he didn't stop her, instead letting her keep on brushing his split colored hair.

"I know I know but I just wanna do this one last time before I go" She sighed. "You have such beautiful hair, you know that?"

The young Todoroki shook his head in disagreement. "I do not" The Prince disagreed, always so blunt and getting straight to the point. "There's nothing special about my hair." He said bitterly as he rested his hands in his lap.

She frowned upon hearing his response. Fuyumi knew how her brother was not accepting of himself and being locked away surely didn't help his mentality. "Well I think you do" She insisted and got up from the bed and set the brush down on the bedside table before turning to her little brother with a certain smile that meant she had some kind of idea.

Shoto noticed it right away as he got straight to the point, wasting no time as always. "What is it? When you're smiling like that it means you have something in mind." Fuyumi looked surprised but would soon shrug it off with a giggle. "I'm that obvious huh?" She grabbed her brother's hand. "Why don't you come with me? Come dance with me in the ballroom like we did when you were little." Fuyumi could remember it like yesterday. It was her and her brother who taught the boy to dance when he was little, though that was before their father had the boy hidden away but even after all that it was still a favorite memory shared with her little brothers.

Shoto was stunned at her sister's offer and the first thing that came out of him in response was.

"We can't." He looked down at his lap. "Remember last time I left?" He still has lash marks on his back left as a warning and a reminder for what happened when he dared to try to leave his room.

"You shouldn't even be here." He reminded her and pulled his hand away from her. "You should go and enjoy your party."

Though, his sister didn't return to the party instead grabbed his hand again and yanked the boy out of the bed causing him to let out a surprised little yelp when he was forced out of bed

"Sho! I can't let you waste your life away in here.." She pulled the teen into a tight hug before he could even protest. "Please join me. Natsuo couldn't come since he's on patrol." She looked down at her little brother and sighed as she pulled away from him. "You need to live a little"

Those words really stuck with him because she was right.

Most of his days were spent in his room with the only contact with the outside being the servants bringing the prince his meals and his siblings fetching him books from the library.

The boy couldn't help but wonder why he was alive sometimes. He was a burden to the royal family and a mistake in their bloodline.

If his siblings weren't here then he was sure that his father would have left him in a cell to rot. The only reason that he was alive was out of pity, nothing more.

The Prince nodded in agreement. "Yeah" the boy whispered as he looked at her. "I should." He said softly, causing his sister to smile and pull him over to his closet.

"C'mon Sho, put on your best clothes! We're going to dance"

_

The ballroom was larger than Shoto remembered.

Filled with people of different backgrounds but all of them held one thing in common: wealth, well that and the masquerade masks all the guests were wearing, just seeing everyone made him a bit overwhelmed.

They seemed to all have a dance partner by their side and were dancing in sync to the soft yet lovely music being played by musicians that held some importance, yet not enough for the Prince to remember them. Their music made Todoroki sway a little and was the only thing that brought him a bit of ease.

"Are you ready?" Fuyumi asked softly as she offered her gloved hand to her little brother.

The two were standing at the start of the staircase together having just walked here after the young man changed into his finest clothes. Which was his blue tailcoat with a masquerade mask that had the same color as his clothes and hid his face like the other guest's here.

"Yes." Shoto answered as he took his sister's hand before he found himself getting pulled along. Though as he got closer to the crowd, he could feel his stomach churn.

"You sure this will be okay?" He whispered to her when they got onto the ballroom floor.

She looked over at him and smiled to reassure him before taking both his hands. "It's going to be okay. I won't let you get in trouble this time." It was hard to see her face thanks to the mask but her eyes gave it all away.

The love for her little brother.

Her best friend and a person she wanted to keep safe for eternity. Maybe it was from looking after him from such a young age to make her feel closer to him then her other brother but knowing what was to come tonight, made her heart ache.

She squeezed his hands. "I can promise you that."

Her words put the boy at ease though he soon realized something. "Fuyumi, I don't remember how to dance." It was embarrassing to admit but the boy hadn't danced in years unfortunately.

She frowned a little upon hearing this and shook her head. "It's okay just follow my lead" She reassured as she took the lead in the dance causing a few heads to look their way.

Shoto did his best to ignore the looks coming his way as he did his best to focus on his sister but it was hard when he could hear them mutter around them.

"What odd colors of hair.."

"I've never seen this boy before. What's he doing with the princess?"

"Shouldn't he be leading the dance?"

The mutters continued, some about his sister and some about himself but the boy just continued to follow her lead.

"Ignore them," She whispered. "Let's just have fun tonight"

Shoto nodded quietly as he did his best to tune everyone out as he danced with his older sister just how they used to,though his eyes went wide when she suddenly spun him around.

The princess laughed softly seeing her little brother's reaction from her actions. The song would soon come to an end and she'd let the boy's hand go.

Fuyumi opened her mouth though before she could get anything out, a voice suddenly boomed out in the ballroom making the guests stop in place for a moment.

"Fuyumi!"

Shoto froze while Fuyumi frowned.

"Coming father!" She said quickly before mouthing a quick sorry before disappearing into the crowd and after a few moments of awkward silence, the music came back on.

Shoto stood around awkwardly now that he was by himself and would look around as he watched the guests dance again, at least this time no one paid him any mind.

He found himself unable to stay around all these people as it was starting to get a bit overwhelming again when they started to dance. He would begin to make his way through the crowd, trying to get away before anyone approached him or worse his father saw him.

When he finally got out of there he let out a sigh of relief when he made it to the garden.

The memories of this place were bitter and sweet as he used to plant flowers in the garden with his mother when he was a little boy.

His mother, someone who is gone now and unfortunately no one knows what happened to her. If they do then well no one will tell because he's tried to ask his siblings but no one was willing to give an answer, much to his disappointment.

Shoto sat down on the bench and took off the mask, then found himself looking around at the flowers that surrounded him. Taking a moment to admire them. It had been such a long time since he had been here, Shoto forgot how much ease this brought him.

He let out a soft sigh and closed his eyes as he took a moment to relax. It had been so long that he had been in the garden and he didn't know if he was going to be able to leave. The peace and quiet would suddenly end when a hand was placed on his shoulder causing him to jump slightly in surprise and quickly whip his head in the direction to see his brother, Natsuo.

"I was looking for you. Fuyumi sent me to come find you" He said as he sat down beside his younger brother.

"Oh?" He said quietly before going quiet for a few minutes before speaking again.

"Do you think mother would have approved of this? The wedding." Shoto asked, quite curious.

His brother shrugged. "I'm not sure to be honest but how is Fuyumi doing?" He asked, seeming to change the topic quickly though the boy didn't press further on it as he would answer his question. "She seems fine."

Natsuo nodded. "One day, I'm going to make this all up to you." He stood up and offered his hand out to him. "It may not be today but but I promise that I'll do whatever I can to get you out of this"

Shoto stared blankly at his big brother.

Though he didn't believe his words, not like he had with his sister and that was only because he wasn't close to the other man with him being busy with guard duty and not just that but they never bonded like they should have though that was because of their old man and it didn't help the Prince wasn't the most social person. He did have some love for his brother deep down just not as much like he had for his sister.

Shoto didn't give him an answer, instead just took his hand and his brother looked a little upset but didn't say anything. While Shoto would let the other male guide him through the garden, his brows furrowed when they walked past the ballroom not even stepping inside.

"Where are we going?" Shto asked only to be shushed in response.

They were soon out of the garden after Natsuo opened the gate, at which Shoto would come to a sudden stop.

"What's wrong?" Natsuo asked.

"We.. we are leaving?" He asked looking back at the garden.

"C'mon" Was the only thing his brother said as he tugged his hand and for some reason this felt wrong, so wrong maybe it had been the fear what would happen if their father were to find them.

They weren't walking for long as he soon spotted someone familiar on a black horse.

"You're leaving?" Shoto asked.

Fuyumi smiled though it was different as her eyes didn't have the same happy shine as earlier.

"I'm not going to marry him" She told her brother as she reached her hand out to him. "We are leaving."

Though Shoto didn't take it, instead he looked back at his brother. "I'm not going. I'm going to stall and give you guys some time to get out of here"

He finally had a chance.

A chance to see what it was really like again outside the kingdom walls.

A chance to live a little.

Though a sudden thought crossed his mind and that hope quickly died out.

"What happens to you after we leave?"

Natsuo didn't answer his question. "Get on the horse. It's going to be okay"

It wasn't going to be okay.

Shoto remembered when he tried to get away once. It was years ago but they didn't take long to find him outside of the kingdom and whilst punishment wasn't the worst one he had been through, it was enough to make him know what consequences awaited him for leaving.

Those consequences would be the same for Fuyumi but worse in a sense because they would drag her back and send her to the beast kingdom.

Then she would be forgotten just like him.

"I can't."

His siblings stared at him with his sister looking concerned about his response while his brother looked shocked to say the least.

Natsuo opened his mouth to say something, most likely going against it only for Fuyumi to beat him to it.

"Okay Sho. I'm going to assume you know what you're doing, but If you change your mind" She passed him a folded piece of paper. "Come there, make sure to take the white horse in the stables"

Natsuo's mouth hung open as he watched Shoto take the piece of folded paper but he didn't open it.

"You're serious? We waited all night to do this and-"

"Natsuo.." Fuyumi began. "I'm sure he has a good reason."

Shoto noded in response. "I do" Though he didn't elaborate further as he just gave his sister a little smile, something quite rare of the boy to do.

Though that smile said so many things for Fuyumi as she smiled back and with her last words, "I love you guys.." She was off.

The princes watched as their sister got further away until she was no longer in sight.

"Why didn't you go with her?" He asked finally as he looked over at his brother.

Shoto didn't look at him, instead held his gaze on the paper but didn't open it yet.

"I can't tell you because you'll try to stop me"

"What do you- Hey!" Natsuo called out to him but Shoto ignored him and kept walking back into the garden.

"Shoto!" Natsuo called out for him again but he still didn't answer.

_

It had been such a long time that he had been in his sister's room.

Now that he was in here. He found himself missing his sister already but he didn't have time to waste right now.

Shoto had taken a dress that was similar to what his sister wore before she left.

He couldn't believe he was doing this. The Prince had never thought about wearing a dress or any feminine clothing in his life but this was for fuyumi.

Shoto took a moment to stand in front of the mirror as he studied himself.

He really did look like a young woman.

His hair helped that and so did his frame. Maybe if he was a guard like his brother able to train and get stronger that he wouldn't be able to pass as a woman but right now he was grateful for the way he was for once and he found himself staring in the mirror.

This felt weird.

The young man wasn't sure if he liked it or didn't but he just had to play the part of a princess for a bit.

There was a sudden knock on the door causing him to freeze for a moment.

"Princess Fuyumi?" It was a guard standing on the other side of the door. "It's time to go"

Shoto grabbed a big black cloak that was hung up and stepped out of the room after putting it on.

He kept his head down to keep his face hidden in the cloak and thankfully luck was on his side as no one seemed to notice that it was the Prince in a disguise.

He didn't say a word though his heart pounded as he had to go through the ballroom and he could feel eyes on him. Only now when the people spoke it was only praises..?.

"You're doing a wonderful thing for us, Princess." A young noble said.

"Your sacrifice means a lot. You'll bring us peace finally." An old noble said.

He wondered if that was all they viewed his sister as.

A sacrifice for them and peace for their future when she was so much more than that.

These strange praise continued on until he finally got outside where two horses awaited him, though he immediately stopped when he saw his father.

His face paled and his heart sunk though it was the guard that was guiding him that finally brought him back to earth.

"Your majesty, We must go on."

Shoto shook his head. "I decided..I want to go alone" He said softly in which the guard stared at him for a moment before announcing what he said.

"I can't allow that," The guard said. "I am to assist you there"

"Tenya, Get on the horse" The king demanded. "I'd like to have a moment with her"

The guard now known as Tenya nodded respectfully and got onto his horse as he now waited for the "princess" to join him so they could go.

Shoto kept his head down when the older man approached him and froze when he whispered something in his ear.

"Remember our conversation earlier. Don't you dare mess this up" Enji warned.

Shoto gave a quick nod just as the boy hurried to the horse that he was given. It was a beautiful snow white just like the one that his sister mentioned, strange enough.

He had a bit of trouble getting on but just as the guard asked if he needed help, Shoto was on the horse.

His father would leave him with one last thing.

"I trust you'll do the right thing, Fuyumi."

_

Shoto couldn't help but wonder what the hell his father meant back there as they rode out together, both men not saying a word as they rode into the forest with the moonlight shining down onto them being their only source of light in the dark.

It had been forever since he rode a horse but he remembered it well somehow, his father used to push him in everything when it came to learning.

That was back when he cared somewhat of course.

Shoto began to wonder if they were going the right way, until they reached a small clearing and the guard stopped pulling the reins making his horse stop and Shoto would do the same.

"I'm afraid this is where we part, your majesty"

His brows furrowed. "You're leaving me here?"

The guard nodded. "I won't be able to follow you into the kingdom unfortunately. It doesn't let just anyone in." Tenya pointed across them and into the darkness. "Keep going straight. You'll be at the kingdom gates before you know it" He directed.

Shoto stared into the darkness before glancing at the guard. "Thank you for taking me" The Prince sucked in a breath before heading into the direction he was pointed to.

He heard many stories of the beast kingdom. Not many humans had dared enter the kingdom as they weren't welcomed. Some even said that the forest parts of their kingdom had the beast King eyes everywhere.

One rumor remained the same though no matter the person telling it.

The Beast kingdom didn't let just anyone in.

Shoto squinted his eyes. The boy could barely see. He should have taken a lantern to help him navigate through the forest because the moonlight was now hidden away from the trees.

A sudden howl could be heard not too far from them and while it didn't bother the prince it seemed to startle his horse as they rose onto two hooves, causing Shoto to fall onto the forest floor with a grunt.

He didn't even get the chance to grab his horse's reins let alone get onto his feet as the horse ran off into the darkness leaving him alone.

Shoto didn't get up.

He didn't call for help.

He didn't do anything instead just accepted his fate not knowing what else to do besides letting this forest swallow him up somehow.

The prince didn't know how long he was sitting there before a sudden light shone down upon him.

"Oi. You alright?" A voice asked.

He squinted his eyes as he stared up at the lantern, unable to see the stranger's face.

"I think so. I lost my horse though"

"I'm sure it'll be fine" The stranger seemed to try and reassure him though his tone didn't give any sort of reassurance really but when his hand was reached out to him it brought a little reassurance to the boy.

"Ah. Thank you" Shoto took the hand that was offered to him only for his brows to furrow at the soft hand it felt like furr..?

He finally got a better look at him when he was pulled up, well more like yanked as this man seemed quite strong.

The lantern the stranger was holding in his other hand would finally reveal his face to him.

Shoto's eyes went wide and his face paled as he took in the stranger before him.

A Beast.

There was nothing human about this man as he looked like a wolf with ash blonde fur and bright red eyes that stared the prince down and something about the way he was looking felt like he was judging him.

The wolf looked him up and down before speaking. "You're the princess?" He didn't sound certain with the question.

Todoroki couldn't take his eyes off him as he stared at him in awe yet fear from this strange humanoid creature.

"..Yes.." He said finally. "I've come for your King's hand in marriage."

If he was going to be a sacrifice then he was going to be doing it for his siblings not for them.

Chapter Text

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Shoto never felt so intrigued yet fearful as he couldn't help but just stare at the beast that stood before him.

“Oi.” He snapped. “Are you just going to fucking stare at me or get in”

Shoto blinked as he realized that the wolf wasn't standing next to him instead he was now in front of a carriage that was not too far from him which shows how out of it that shoto was as he didn't even notice till now.

“Oh.” He said quietly and looked back at where his horse ran off. “Do you think we can go look for my-"

“Don't worry, I'll go get it later now bring your ass to the fucking carriage!” He ordered as he opened the door.

“Oh.” Shoto said again this time a bit more quiet as he made sure that he still had that note his sister gave him on his body before joining his side only to notice the coachman who was looking over at him

Expect.

He was no man instead a beast like the wolf though he looked more friendly? Somehow though it may have been the fact that he was a feline and wasn't hiding the fact that he was staring at him and when he opened his mouth to say something the wolf caught onto it immediately.

“Dont.” He snapped, baring his teeth at the cat who frowned while his striped tail swayed. “I didn't even say anything..” he huffed.

“Don't say anything fucking stupid, dunce face” The wolf sneered and gave a light shove to the dual haired boy. “Hurry up and get in” Shoto let out a little suprised noise before getting inside the carriage with no complaints though the wolf would join him and sit across from him.

The wolf leaned into his seat as the carriage began to move leaving the two in silence as shoto looked down at his hands.

Though when he heard the sound of chatter and laughter, Shoto would pull the curtain back a little and peek through the window to see beast children running around and giggling making his brows furrowed as he watched on.

Odd.

One would take notice of shoto and stopped to stare at him.

Just like back then.

The little beast looked like he said it all as shoto stared back until the curtain was snatched from his hand and snarled at him. “Don’t go gawking at them!”

Shoto pulled his hand away and placed them on his thighs. “Sorry.” He sighed leaving the two in silence again leaving shoto to ponder.

“Where are we going?” He asked.

“Where do you think?” He scoffed. “To the fucking king”

“Ah. right.” He said softly before going quiet again until he spoke up.

“What is the beast like?” inquired.

“Eh?” His ear twitched and he cocked his head to the side slightly.

The sight was strangely cute? Maybe it was the head tilt but shoto decided it'd be best to keep this to himself.

“What is the beast like?” He repeated.

That cute look faded as he huffed. “You mean the king? Call him that again then I'll fucking rip your damn tongue out!” He growled making shoto freeze slightly as he sat there unsure what to do for a moment. The beast looked towards the window and shook his head before he continued. “Well..he doesn't like when you ask so many damn questions for one and

“I understand.” Shoto confirmed and was the last of their conversation until the carriage came to a stop.

“Come on” the wolf opened the door and stepped out which shoto would quietly follow behind. The coach man well cat really would give him a smile as they passed by him and just as he opened his mouth to say something again, The canine would grab his arm and yank him in the direction that he wanted to go.

Shoto only was able to get a few glances at his surroundings, not able to make out much as it was dark out and his guide was his only source of light. He was greeted by two guards when they arrived inside though he couldn't see their faces due to the armor hiding them but they'd give the wolfman a nod of acknowledgement as they walked past him though shoto noticed how their head turned to watch shoto.

“Quit fucking staring!” Katsuki shouted, making shoto jump a little in surprise though the wolf would yank his arm pulling him towards the stairs.

“Not much light in here..” shoto noted quietly.

“Well it's late. The fuck do you expect?” The wolf replied.

This castle was very much different from back home for one there wasn't much light and the silence was almost eerie for shoto.

Shoto looked around as they walked up the stairs only able to get a few glances at his surroundings having trouble seeing as they walked in a dimly lit hall though he'd find himself looking at the doors that passed until they reached two large doors.

The wolf opened the doors, inside was a large bedroom with not much to it besides a wardrobe, a large bed not too far from it and a window.

“This is your room from now on” the wolf told him as he motioned for shoto to step inside which he'd quietly look around immediately taking notice of the garden through the window.

It was almost like he was back in his old room except he had more space and a bigger bed and a window on top of it all bringing the young prince some ease.

This wasn't so bad?.

“Thank you.” Shoto said as he stared out the window.

“Eh?” He cocked his head as shoto looked back at him.

“Thank you” he repeated again. “For showing me to my room”

“Yeah whatever..” he grumbled before pointing a finger at him. His nose scrunched up as he spoke, “You need to change your clothes. Your fucking scent is gross, You smell go fucking bathe’

The boy's brows furrowed. “I do?”

“Yeah! You fucking do, Nobody wants to smell your shitty human scent” He snapped.

The prince really was puzzled by all this as he didn't smell bad? Or so he thought but nevertheless he would apologize to him. “I apologize, I'll fix that..” he reassured him, not wanting to be a bother to the beast.

The wolf didn't seem to care as he'd just cross his arms and shake his head. “Just hurry up and bathe. The king will see you after”

“I don't have anything to change into though” shoto only brought the clothes on his back though it wasn't like he had anything to bring with him, Todoroki had no prized possessions.

The wolf let out a frustrated sigh before waving him off. “Just go fucking bathe! I'll take care of that” he told him which the long haired boy would nod but he didn't go straight to the bathroom not without one last question.

I never got your-”

The doors slammed shut leaving shoto alone before he could even finish talking.

“Your name..”

Katsuki hurried down the hall and opened the door that led to the royal chambers.

“Your fucking princess is here!” The wolf announced.

The room as always was a little messy with a few papers scattered on the desk and even a few on the floor which the wolf would collect them all off the floor and set them on his desk. “You fucking stayed up again didn't you?” The wolf looked over his shoulder after getting no response but it was clear that his king was awake because of the lion-like tail sticking out of the bed and swaying back and forth.

Katsuki reached his bed and looked towards his bed stand table where a bloody cloth sat making his lip twitch before he looked back at his king.

“Oi!” He barked when he didn't get an answer..

A soft sigh came from under the blankets though he didn't show himself. “I did.” He confessed. “There's just a lot on my mind lately”

The wolf snorted. “Yeah? Well I hope it's about what you plan to do with our new guest because Im your personal fucking knight not this stupid human’s caregiver. You know no one here is going to accept to this after what they did to us so I still can't fucking figure out why you agreed to this shit” he rambled as he went over to tug the covers off the bigger beast form only for the large paw to pull it back over him quickly.

“Kacchan please..” he muttered softly causing the wolf's ear to twitch as he listened in on his childhood friend. “Just watch over until I am ready.. it's all I ask..”

His ear twitched again and a low growl left him but after taking another glance at the bloody cloth. He groaned and crossed his arms against his chest. “Fine.” Katsuki hissed. He was probably the only one that could talk to him like this but then again this was his childhood friend having been assigned to him since he was just a child himself.

“Thank you. I'll be up soon. I promise”

“Fucking better keep your word..” He grumbled before leaving the King’s side and soon heading out into the hallway.

Shoto couldn't remember the last time he was able to really relax in a tub without something worrying him though this peaceful moment didn't last long as he found himself already thinking about her.

Fuyumi

He couldn't help but wonder..

“Where is she?”

Touya would ask as he got off his horse. He had finally arrived home after a trip.

The white haired man was the oldest child in the royal family and would be the one to take the throne and was trying to make alliances with the other human kingdoms out there hence where he just came from now.

His brother was there to greet him. “You're too late. She left a while back, "Natsuo said as he was now at his older brother’s eye Level.

“Really?” Though the young man didn't seem sad in the slightest instead the younger man swore he small a small smirk come onto his face ”Well, don't worry. we Will come back for her soon. I'm sure she'll have taken care of her mission by then”

Natsuo arched his brow. “What do you mean by that?”

“Well I know that the old man doesn't want her to be there for long. I mean the last thing we need is her giving birth to one of those things..”

“And what if she doesn't send for us?”

“Then we will go there ourselves.”

This would have brought some relief to natsou except for the fact that his sister wasn't there and well his little brother was also missing.

“Have you seen shoto?” He asked despite knowing the answer to that question. “I think he may have followed her there..I haven't been able to find him anywhere else”

“Natsuo..” touya sighed softly and shook his head. “If that's the case then you shouldn't even bother worrying. I doubt he made it that far and even if he did they'll eat him alive before he steps foot in that castle” he rested his hand on his shoulder if he was really close to him like they were as kids then this would have been comforting to say the least.

“But you shouldn't worry about him. Our family has no room for such mistakes. Just think whatever happened to him is for the best.”

“Right..” He agreed with a sigh.

Maybe it was all for the best..?.

_

Shoto jolted up with a gasp.

The boy didn't even realize that he had fallen asleep into the tub till now with the sound of knocking on the door waking him, thankfully he didn't fall asleep under water.

“Coming!” The prince said quickly as he got out of the tub and hurried to answer the door without thinking.

“Oi about fucking time. I brought you some-”

The wolf paused.

Shoto froze.

A loud growl escaped his throat “You fucking bastard!”

It all happened so fast for todoroki.

He was forced to dress quickly right in front of the wolf who in his own words didn't want to see him try anything.. before he was being dragged along down the hall though it was quiet this time instead instead there was the sound of the wolf's curses and how he couldn't believe the humans would try him with such a stupid plan.

“I can explain” shoto interrupted only it was too late, they were already in the throne room with the only light being from the chandelier hanging on the ceiling though unfortunately it wasn't enough for todoroki to see the creature sitting on the throne.

Shoto was thrown to the King's feet letting out a surprised little yelp.

He slowly raised his head to look up at him only to freeze as the large creature stared down at him, His Green eyes glowing strange enough but it was enough to keep shoto on his knees.

He never thought he'd see someone as big or scratch that bigger than his old man but here he was staring at the beast with wide eyes and a pale face.

He couldn't help but think about the time touya you used to say that the beast would eat him if he ever came across one because this beast looked just like one that would.

Shoto opened his mouth to say something but nothing could come out besides one thing.

“I'm sorry..”

His voice nearly came out a whisper but he thought the beast may have heard as he noticed it's tail swayed a little.

“This fucker was pretending to be the damn princess!” Katsuki explained to his king. “I bet they are too fucking scared to give the real one” he added.

Katsuki was beyond pissed, The fur on his back was standing up and his teeth were bared as he stood behind the human. “I bet he was a fucking spy! Allow me to make an example out of this bastard” the wolf insisted. “We can leave his head as an example and send the rest of him to the humans!” though this wolf's aggressive nature wasn't anything new really which must have explained the King's reaction.

“He's still part of the todoroki family right?” The beast finally spoke up, completely ignoring Katsuki's ideas.

“Iam” shoto answered for the angry Canine. The boy looked down. “I understand if you wish to devour me or lock me up..” shoto said only to look up when he felt someone take his hands into his.

The beast was kneeling down before him though his eyes no longer seemed creepy now.. instead they looked almost human and kind..?.

“Then how would you like to become my bride?”

Chapter Text

"You gotta be fucking kidding me!" Katsuki growled out. The ash blonde fur on the back of his neck rising up with a pointed finger towards Prince Shoto, who was too busy staring at the beast king in disbelief to even notice the angry wolf. "This bastard lied to us! What makes you think that he couldn't be lying to us right now eh? What if he's sent by-"

"Kacchan" The bigger beast cut him off with a glare though his tone was calm but the look he gave was enough to silence him for now before looking back at shoto who still seemed to be processing everything, mostly the King's quite strange appearance as he squinted his eyes at him before looking over at the right wall as soon as his mismatched eyes met his bright emerald ones.

Shoto was still taken back by this situation, He looked down at their intertwined paw-like hands. The beast hands were so much bigger than his..but there was something nice about this. His hands felt so soft and even warm on top of it bringing him a little ease to this situation but the prince couldn't help but ask.

"Why?"

He wasn't going to punish him for lying? No chains..whips.. or even ripping him apart like those stories he would hear as a child instead he was proposing to him..?

Odd.

Was this something the beast just did now or was this supposed to be his punishment?.

After all, marrying a creature like this was so disgusting it was a punishment itself to most back home. It's something most would never want to go through such a thing rather kill themselves. Most of the servants back in his castle would speak in whispers when they spoke about fuyumi's future Husband even going as far to say they would kill themselves before they would marry such a creature. None could ever do such a crazy thing making the young lady quite noble and brave which was true as she was nothing but now that shoto was in her place nothing changed for him.

He was still the same boy as before who cried all night after his oldest brother told him that the beast would take him away if he remained weak didn't get better fast enough. As there was no need for weak princes and he doubted his presence was gonna be welcomed long and could feel the wolf's strong gaze bearing into his back and when taking a quick glance over at him it was clear how he felt.

He didn't belong here.

He didn't belong anywhere really, He didn't fit the role of a prince really let alone a king but if he was really going to be accepted instead of fuyumi then that meant she'd finally be free. Surely by the time someone noticed this mix up in the human kingdom, His sister would be long gone and exploring places they always dreamed about as children.

And that's all that would matter. His sister who showed him kindness and well that's all that matters at the end of the day, She wouldn't have to live in misery.

Though when the boy finally looked back at the beast king, He seemed confused as the green eyed Beast who blinked then cocked his head to the side, The mannerism reminded him of a dog, strange enough. "Why?" He repeated back. "Well I know this is probably a lot to take in and I'm willing to wait for an answer if you need time to think about it" He smiled. "I said that I wished to marry a todoroki, I never said it had to be a princess"

As nice as it was to hear that the king had the patience to let him think things over. Shoto wasn't going back, not when taking his sister's place was why he was here. If he left then they would probably want her back after all his sister was supposed to be more of a peace treaty then a bride. She would be safe and happy and that was all that matters though shoto found himself unable to say anything else and instead stared at the king in disbelief due to his appearance. The king looked nothing from the books that he read on beasts with their glowing red eyes,sharp teeth and disgusting freakish bodies while their appearances were still quite odd, not all fit the book's view and none showed any like the king.

It was interesting to say the least.

He looked to be a mix of a lion and goat or maybe a ram?.

Shoto wasn't too sure really.

Now that he thought of it. The prince hadn't seen anything like him in those books though he seemed to have the build of a lion mostly with horns that sprouted from his head and curved and ears resembling that of a herbivore then a lion but one thing's for sure the creature before him was quite intriguing not just from his appearance but his kind eyes, the most human part about him.

Though he still wasn't sure about one thing as Shoto blinked in confusion. "bride? But I'm a man" He told the beast, quite unsure about the title. The king promptly shook his head. "Well you will be my husband" He explained before adding "but it's probably best we don't let others know that you were sent instead. Let's keep it our little secret, okay?" the beast asked, causing the wolf to scoff as he watched the two.

"A secret?" The young prince parroted back. He didn't understand why him being here had to be kept under wraps after all this marriage was just for peace right?.

Again odd but the prince knew to keep his lips shut.

"Only those within the castle walls will know, but I'll explain more to you later, but right now we should probably get you some new clothes," he said while looking him up and down . "That fits."

Shoto looked down at his gown and then at the king. It was a little big on him..

"We had clothes made for you well her but but there was no damn way they'd fit." Katsuki suddenly butted in with an explanation. "So you're wearing someone else's clothes, not that they were made for a damn Male human anyway.." the wolf grumbled which made shoto wonder what they had planned for her.

They were really preparing for her arrival here.

"Oh." The human said quietly while the beast sighed softly. "We would have gotten you sized and dressed nicely first but someone wanted me to meet you early, not that's a problem" Izuku reassured making Katsuki's mouth twitch showing off his fangs. "Bullshit.." He growled but the king simply ignored his knight sourness as he let his hands go only to clap his paws together.

"We will get you clothes that fit then you can join me for dinner" He smiled warmly at his new guest while clearly ignoring his blonde friend fuming with anger after all there was nothing bakugo could do about this situation, not yet anyway.

He'd be wed to this Human prince before him.

Shoto couldn't remember the last time that he got new clothes and got sized too on top of it all. Most of his outfits back home, he had for awhile after he stopped growing and his father saw no reason to get him new outfits with most of his clothes being old clothing of his brothers so this change was nice.

Not like he was going to be seen by anyone.

But shoto couldn't help but feel a bit confused right now as he was sized by the feline that was back at the carriage.

The two were in his new bedroom together with the boy patiently waiting for him to finish as he stood still just like he asked.

Why was he getting dressed if he was supposed to be a secret? That did mean that no one would see him again right..it would be just like before.

He'd be hidden away.

"Why are they doing this?" Shoto asked the feline who was kneeling down in front of him. "Doing what?" He asked him before he reached for something that shoto couldn't see but it seemed to be a tool to help him size the human.

"Getting sized for clothes?"

"Well you'll be here with us so you'll have to dress like us besides it's what the king wants anyway" He shrugged not getting what he really asked.

"Yeah and if you fuck it up then I'll rip your damn tail off!" the sudden voice made the feline jump a little though he would look behind his shoulder to see bakugo. Shoto watched as he handed the feline some type of fabric that shoto assumed his clothes would be made out. "These are what he wants him to wear. Don't fuck it up."

"Relax. I've got this, I know that I'm usually the coachman but I'm just subbing for her this once but this isn't my first time making clothes! I made them for both my mates y'know" the cat reassured but Katsuki ignored him and instead would bare his fangs as he gave another warning. "Just don't fuck it up" he huffed.

"So he's a todoroki?" Denki asked as he looked over at the wolf who was standing by the bedroom door now looking more like he was on guard then anything despite nether males making much of a threat. "What do you think?" He grumbled in response, He was only here to keep an eye on shoto but found himself helping Kaminari. The cat's eyes were then back on shoto's "Say you got any siblings~?" Denki purred only to be promptly smacked in the back of the head by the wolf soon after.

He was now only here to watch after two idiots.

His ears pinned against his head. "Ow! Hey, calm down! I'm just kidding.." He whined softly as he rubbed his head.

"Just focus on your damn job, dunce face"

"Iam Iam. You know you don't have any reason to be in here too" he pointed out as his tail flickered behind him making the wolf growl. "Its my fucking job"

Shoto was a bit taken back by how fast the wolf moved but the prince didn't understand what the problem was. "What's wrong with me having siblings?" Shoto asked, genuinely confused as he looked between the two. "God you're fucking idiot." He groaned. "I'll be back when you're done just don't say any fucking unnecessary shit" He warned with a glare before finally taking his leave.

"He's always so angry." Shoto said quietly, It reminded the boy of him..Todoroki had never seen a smile on that old man's face. He couldn't remember the last time that he was happy, well a part of him did but that was such a long time ago.

A time that no longer would return.

"Oh ignore him." The feline said waving his paw like hand, "He's always pissed off for no reason but I never got your name y'know"

"You didn't? Well It doesn't really matter, I suppose." Did his name even hold importance here? He wasn't married yet as far as he knew even then not much would change. The cat would raise a brow. "What are you going on about? I gotta call you something"

"Shoto?" He told him though he didn't sound certain for some reason. The cat smiled "There we go! I'm Denki kaminari. It's a pleasure to meet you well again hence we kinda met when I was bringing you here but if I had known a pretty face like yours was coming well I would have made sure to find an outfit to suit your looks"

"I don't want him to cut your tail off. Can you please hurry this up"

"Huh? Wait, you don't think he was serious do you?" He chuckled, giving a look of concern.

"Why wouldn't he be?" Shoto stared blankly at him.

Denki shook his head and sighed."Man..you're kind of a weird one but I gotta ask.." he looked over at the door then at him before whispering.

"What's with the scar on your face?" Kaminari asked pointing to the left side of his own scruffy face making shoto touch his scar with a frown, He was the first to ask that here. "I would rather not talk about that if that's okay"

Kaminari shook his head "No no! t's fine! I shouldn't have asked anyway." He said before rubbing the back of his neck. "Let's just drop it.." he mumbled.

"Why am I getting dressed anyway?"

"They didn't tell you? Well we are preparing you for tonight's dinner. It's a celebration in a way" Denki said as he stood up finally, stretching his scruffy arms in the air with a soft arm. "You can change into these clothes" He said showing him the fabrics that the wolf had brought him which once shoto took it from him . He'd realize it was an outfit that looked much better than what he was wearing. The fabric was soft and looked to be a button up.  "Tell me if those fit you, they might be a little big but we just needed your exact size so we know how to dress you for future events"

"A celebration?" Shoto looked over at him. "For what?" He asked, making Kaminari arch a brow in response. "Man, are all you humans this clueless? I thought you'd guys have something similar..I mean it's a dinner to celebrate this new treaty well engagement in a way." The feline explained as he put away his measuring tape. "Do you get it now?" Which shoto nodded. "I think so?" Now that shoto thought about it. He was quite clueless about this whole marriage thing and what came with it. He only knew that it was to bring two kingdoms together just like his parents and well just like him now.

Marriage was to bring peace between kingdoms, nothing more.

At least that's how the prince viewed it.

"Good!" He smiled warmly though it wasn't like the king's smile but this feline felt more welcoming to him than Bakugo did. "But our king normally doesn't eat in the dining hall. He usually eats in his room for whatever reason so now that you're here and he's eating with someone. So this is a pretty big deal"

"I never knew a place where someone eats dinner could be such a big deal," Shoto said as he looked at his outfit again.

"That is one way to put it, oddball but I'll let you get dressed" The cat chuckled before heading towards the door only to stop in his tracks. "Oh! By the way, I almost forgot but I saw this on the ground guess you dropped it?" He said, handing shoto a crumpled paper before leaving the room which he could only assume was the note from his sister.

"Thank you and..Oddball?" Todoroki repeated though he would find himself alone in his room again.

_

"I can't believe this shit" The wolf grumbled to himself, shutting the door behind him gently despite being shook with rage "You're just going to let this bastard walk free after lying? He could be fucking lying about why he is here y'know" katsuki said with a snarl as he stood beside the door with his arms across his chest.

"I'm sure that he has a good reason for lying." Well he certainly hoped so. The king was currently getting ready for their dinner as he looked in the mirror to check his outfit, getting a glance at the pissed off looking wolf through the mirror's reflection on the other side of his bedroom. "Besides, He came all this way and made it without a scratch on him, well one that wasn't from the forest anyway.." He chuckled at the last part "and the only thing he lost was his horse which didn't even get that far before I found the damn thing and how many animals like that you see that actually survive the forest and how many damn humans do you see come over now?" He asked waiting for his king's response.

"None.." he says softly with a flick of his tail.

"Fucking zero! Besides that one damn time.." His ears lowered for a moment before he shook his head only for his ears to perk up "but there's a reason these fuckers aren't allowed in and the last thing we need is more coming in thanks to him!" The fur on his neck was rising as he balled his fist up. "You don't find this shit suspicious that it's not that damn princess we were promised?. He's up to something, I fucking know it! He's gonna ruin everything we've built! He's gonna-"

"That's enough." Izuku cut him off with a warning glare before his face soon softened with a soft sigh parting from his lips. "I think this is a good decision and I'm going to assume that this one has good intentions and-" He turns his face only to cough into his hand. His nose scrunched up a little as he looked down at the blood that was now on his paw pads.

"We need to show that this can work for our kingdom. We can prove that peace can come between us"

"sure..sure..You know damn well that no one here is gonna welcome him" Katsuki's ear twitched. "Just don't fucking expect me to have your fucking back when they find out the truth. You're too fucking soft for a damn king"

The Beast king just stared into his paw with his head hung down low looking like a kicked puppy with his ears pinned back though his eyes held a bit of determination.

"Maybe. Iam but I'm doing what's best for my people"

_

When shoto arrived at the dining hall. He was greeted by the smell of piping hot food and his eyes were blessed with a banquet of food making his stomach growl loud enough to announce his arrival. The boy didn't realize how hungry he really was until his stomach started to make noise but the young man didn't go to the table. He found himself hesitating even with all the delicious looking food that thankfully looked like things back home.

"Help yourself. This food is for you, if you see anything you like don't be afraid to add it to your plate"

Shoto looked over in the direction that the voice came from to see the beast king sitting at the end of the long table with an empty plate. "If you don't like something then don't worry, once we find out what you like then I'll have it be served more often or of course you can just request whatever you want"

"Whatever I want?" The prince could only think of one thing to request.

Todoroki couldn't remember the last time. He had eaten with others, let alone at a table, not since his mother was here and that was such a long time ago. He would look over at the beast then slowly made his way to the chair that was across from him and plopped down in the seat of his choice. "Yes, of course. I want you to be comfortable here" He smiled with that warm smile that felt so welcoming already though shoto didn't budge. He just didn't understand why he was being so welcoming..?.

Shoto would finally give an answer as he sat down across from him at the dining table. "Soba," he said quite certain, making the king cock his head. "Soba?" He repeated back. "I never heard of that one.."

"I would like that next time” The human prince confirmed. "What is this?" Shoto asked, looking down at his plate. It was meat of some kind though it was nothing shoto had seen before and while it smelled good. He couldn't help but feel hesitant after all while they had been nice but what if those stories were true..?.

"It ain't fucking Human if you were thinking that." Katsuki finally spoke up with a frustrated huff seeing the young man just stare at it. "Taste like shit anyway" he muttered which Izuku would frown at his friend and shake his head. "I-ignore him. That's just a crude rumor" the beast gave an apologetic look and motioned to the plate. "I promise it's not that! He's just messing around. It's just livestock"

Todoroki stared down at his plate before finally taking a bite. No one spoke a word with one beast watching with curiosity and the other watching with distrust.

"This isn't bad" he mummered. "It tastes like ham?" Shoto said as he began to eat more. "But better?" He adds causing a smile to curl on the beast lips as he watched the human scarf his meal soon joining him.

"I'm glad you like it. I know our taste can be a bit different but I did my best to look into food that could taste the same or is the same as ours" He mummered. Hopefully that made sense to the prince as the king was trying his best to make the young man comfortable here.

Shoto then reached over to grab and tear a leg off the cooked plumped hen which both beasts in the room looked a bit taken back but the prince paid no mind as he took a bite of his food, tearing into it like a wild animal almost.
"It's very similar, just tastes a bit different. What your eating is a type of bird quite common here” Izuku would reach over and add the mystery meat to his plate though even with his explanation, shoto seemed a little hesitant before reaching over and adding it to his own plate.

It seemed this human forgot some manners..

The king cleared his throat breaking the silence as the human chowed down. "But I apologize for it being so dim and again keeping you waiting. I wasn't feeling too well to greet you immediately but kacchan insisted that we meet now so here we are now" He said looking over at the wolf who was standing at the double doors on the other side of the dinning hall which shoto didn't even notice that he was still there till now really. His ruby red eyes staring the human prince down, the look alone made how he felt clear.

Shoto was untrusty.

He was watching him intently just like before though he seemed more on guard now though he could assume it was because of the king's presence.

"It's fine." He reassures him "Kacchan? Why do you call him that and why is here if he's not eating?"

He couldn't help but wonder why Katsuki was in here anyway when he was just a human not much of a threat here really.

"I'm his personal fucking knight!" Katsuki butted in with a growl. "Your knight?" That did make sense for him after all he was a king. "Yes. He's my knight but since we are to be wed. I've assigned him to look after you as well since he is my most trustworthy ally" Izuku explained with a smile.

He didn't know when he started but he found himself watching the beast eat as well He seemed so careful as he cut his food up which appeared to be a different dish on the table and when he opened his mouth this finally showed his fangs though the prince didn't feel uneasy like he thought he would while a bit put off, he found himself mostly intrigued.

The stories were somewhat true with sharp fangs and claws and their slightly disgusting appearances though it said nothing about them having manners which this king was making shoto look like he acted like a savage compared to him.

“Are you not hungry anymore?"

Shoto was pulled away from his deep thoughts at the voice and took a moment to realize that it wasn't Izuku nor Katsuki talking to him. He turned his head to be met with a tall scruffy feline of some sort reminding him of kaminari almost if it weren't his tired look and strange purple fur but he had heard that beast came in all kinds of forms so this fur color was the tamest thing out there for their kind.

“Huh?” Shoto had heard him but he didn't even register as he stared up at the feline realizing that he was quite a tall beast though he  sounded a bit tired as his tail swayed as he repeated himself, “I said are you not hungry?” He pointed to his plate. “I can take it and if you like you can have some wine as well” He said as he gestured to the circular platter that was holding a single glass of blood red wine. “Ah. No..Im still eating” He answered finally and took a quick glance at the king who was still eating though he did catch shoto looking this time and would smile which seemed to be the usual for this mixed beast though Todoroki would notice that he had a glass of wine as well which the prince didn't even notice that or even this new feline who looked like he worked in the kitchen judging by his attire.

Shoto couldn't help but wonder if izuku would lap at it like an animal would but surprisingly when he caught another glance he held it was just as gentle as everything else on the table. “I'll take it. The wine” He added. It was a long day and he actually never got to drink wine before so he was curious to say the least. The feline placed the glass by his plate and with a quick bow the cat was back into the kitchen. Shoto took a small sip and was met with a bit bitter yet sweet taste from the red wine though Shoto strangely liked it? But there was a strange after taste. Todoroki wasn't sure how to describe it but before he knew it. Shoto had cleaned his plate and finished his glass. The prince looked at his empty plate feeling full now and a little woozy as he leaned back in his seat. He supposed wine and a full belly didn't go well together? Then again shoto couldn't think of the last time he felt this full.

He shut his eyes and let out a content sigh enjoying the silence strange enough only to open his eyes when the king spoke to him.

"Todoroki"

He looked over at him.

"I really appreciate you doing this"

Shoto looked a bit puzzled. "You appreciate me?" He asked wanting to make sure that he had heard him correctly.

"I do. You're doing a good thing being here"

Katsuki scoffed. "Barely" he grumbled both would ignore the wolf's comment.

"You're welcome?" The prince sounded a bit unsure really but he suppose that king was right. He was doing a good thing, His sister was away and safe in a life she deserved.

Unsure what to do now that he was done. He assumed that he had to go back to his bedroom He stood up and closed his eyes for a moment. "Thank you for the meal. I'll get out of your way now and head to my room." Shoto gave the king a small polite smile.

"Goodnight"

He left the dinning hall and began to head in the direction of his room having been led here by a servant and it wasn't hard to remember the layout when his room was the last door on the left.

Though the hall began to change before his very eyes. The Hallway felt like it started to stretch out taking an even longer to go through  as the door to his room felt even further. Every step shoto took made him feel more strange like he was being spun around. The prince found himself resting his head against the cold wall soothing him a little but it wouldn't do much with the next moment being a blur before his vision would be consumed by darkness.

_

When shoto awoke he was greeted with an aching headache as he took a moment to try and adjust his eyes in the dark room? The only light was from the moonlight pouring in through the curtains but it wasn't open all the way only giving a small window of light. He wasn't too sure where he was exactly but his tired state quickly turned to something else as he found himself freezing up when his eyes met a glowing green pair of his eyes though his heart began to thump against his chest.

He wasn't alone.

Shoto had never woken up to an unexpected guest and wasn't sure what to do when the figure’s large hand reached out and fortunate of the moonlight it gave him a glimpse of the creme color fur and then the realization hit him.

Had he changed his mind?

His mind began to race with worried thoughts. Beast weren't exactly trustworthy and he should have known that such a plan wouldn't work..maybe he should have just ran away with his sister instead of this though even in his panicked thoughts, todoroki didn't try to pry his hand away when it finally came into contact with his face.He heard long ago that these creatures had quite sharp hearing making him wonder if he could hear the prince's thumping heart or maybe even smell the fear rising within him but even when he found himself stricken with fear. The prince hoped for one thing, that this would be quick unlike his father’s punishments but he was hopeful that the beast would finish him quickly.

He closed his eyes, embracing himself for a bite or anything along those lines really after all it wasn't like he could take a beast on in a fight with nothing to protect himself.

So the only solution was to accept what was to come.

“You're burning up”

Shoto's brows furrowed in response. “What?” Words finally managed to escape his throat. He opened his eyes meeting those green eyes again though they didn't look as intimidating. Maybe thanks to the moonlight shining on his face but his gaze seemed softer. “You're burning up, are you feeling okay?” Izuku’s paw was pressed against his forehead while the rest of it was touching his hair with how big his paws were they could probably cover his face but Todoroki was taken back when he realized what he was doing..He was just checking his temperature? He did feel a bit odd at dinner maybe because he was nervous? Shoto wasn't too sure really.

“What..? What are you talking about"  Todoroki asked, "You passed out after dinner. A serveant found you in the hallway. We think it could be food poising but you seem like you're dealing with a fever almost.." he explained before mummering to himself. "I wonder if someone tampered your food.." though he would shake his head seeming to get too caught with his theories as he started to focus on the human again.

Shoto found himself freezing up a bit when the large paw suddenly would cup his face while the beast posed no threat so far but the prince couldn't help but flinch instinctively making the king retract his hand away for a moment and look down at his hand. “I won't scratch you if that's what you worried about” Izuku reassured though the human shook his head. “Holding my hand is fine..but I'd prefer if you just didn't keep touching my face..” It was a bit strange but the young man didn't feel comfortable touching his face and well when his large paw had reached out it made him a tad tense which the beast would understand as he pulled away.

The two didn't say anything as Shoto tried to sit up completely only for this ill feeling to return as he closed his eyes for a moment. “What are you doing in here?” He finally asked. His ear flickered before he looked away and rubbed the back of his neck. “I came to check on you had passed out and Well, I understand if you don't want me around..I know this is probably a lot to take in.” Izuku sighed as his tail swayed.

“No..no its not that" he said gently as he shook his head. "I know..I should hate you or even fear your kind and I suppose a part of me does fear you. Beast took my mother away and almost took my sister took away too but I don't hold any hard feelings to you" he said watching as the beast king settled down in the chair next to him.

"I understand if you do decide to dislike me. I'm a freak, I know that's quite hard not to tell” He sighed with a frown though he would be taken back by todoroki's next words.

“So am I” the boy agreed without a second thought. "I'm not exactly royalty material and well there's plenty that are much better looking out there than me" shoto shrugged though he wasn't looking for pity points or anything, shoto was speaking his personal thoughts really. "So I understand where you're coming from. I think anyway but I don't believe you're a freak despite the rumors I have heard about your kind"

"And have I been like any of the rumors?" izuku asked making shoto pause to think.

The beast was nothing like the rumors.

He was quite polite and kind almost too kind..after all shoto was nothing but a stranger but he had shown the prince nothing but generosity.

"No. You're not" he said confidently. "You beast don't even act like savages like those stories spoke of" he adds though he watched as the beast held a more sad look onto his face as he looked away from him. "Those stories used to be true. There was a time where my kind ate each other's flesh and even humans that crossed our paths. We were just savage creatures until we finally came together as one, building our kingdom from nothing and with that rose up a king and queen picked for their leadership and loyalty to our kind." Izuku didn't look his way as he spoke. "We started off as savages but became so much more than that" he smiled.

It didn't sound too different from his kingdom. His parents were wed to bring peace between their people nothing more and it would give them plentiful perks with more lavish land to build and grow their kingdom and a stronger army at that. "Was it your parents too?" He asked curiously. "That brought peace together"  He asked which he would nod in response though the young prince couldn't help but ask.

"None of the rest of the beast look like you? Why is that" it was a bit of a rude question really but the young man was quite curious really as none of the beast looked like him really.

"I should have known you were gonna ask that at some point" he muttered with his head hung low. "Ah..should I have stayed quiet on that question?" The prince asked warily, the beast shook his head. "No Its okay, don't worry." He reassured. "You just have to answer a question that I have for you in return" which the young man would nod, "I can do that" he agreed.

"Well during that time that beast couldn't live together until my parents came along and then I became proof but I also became a reason why beast shouldn't cross breed.." he said gesturing to his appearance before he would continue "but once I took over the throne, I decided to follow in their steps and while my kingdom is safe enough that the children can even play into the night. I wish to bring peace between us hence why I brought a proposal as my offering"

"So that's why you wanted my sister's hand in marriage" he whispers.

"Well it didn't have to be your sister exactly.." he shrugged. "I'm quite glad this mix up happened" he smiled.

Shoto remembered the day that he heard about fuyumi's marriage.

It was only a few months ago and he somehow heard it before she did thanks to the servants gossiping and with that how glad they were that they hadn't been chosen to such a horrible fate making his sister quite brave to do such a thing though shoto was far from that if you asked him and it hit him hard knowing that she would be sealed to such an awful fate but now that he was here it wasnt that bad at all.

"So why do you have those lashings on your back? Kacchan had mentioned it when he caught you earlier"

The question had thrown him completely off guard hearing that question somehow feeling more sick than before. "I'm surprised he told you that. I thought he hated me" he admits which izuku shook his head. "Kacchan does really care and is nice once he gets used to you well in his own way but let's get back on the topic, why do you have those lashings?"

"Well" he swallowed and would pause for a moment. "You see, My old man was one to punish me when I was out of line well I would say they were well deserved" after all he was the black sheep of the bloodline so the misfortune in his life was nothing new though the beast would let out a low throaty growl upon hearing but before the human could react. He was suddenly pulled close against his soft chest taking him by surprise as he could only accept the warm soft embrace not even realizing that he had gotten up till now.

His face had started to grow a little warm. Which he could only assume was cause he still felt a bit sick after all though his chest felt a bit fuzzy when Izuku spoke, His words so soft and gentle to his ears. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry that you had to deal with such things back there" he would speak as if it was his own fault though as sweet as his tone was it wasn't gonna fix anything though he could only enjoy this moment of affection as the beast gentle squeeze, holding him close to his chest, It felt like it could go on forever. "I'm sorry? Is this too much?" He asked a bit worried which shoto would shake his head causing him to sigh in relief. "Good" he hummed.

"I have a gift for you"

"You do?" Shoto asked looking up at him with furrowed brows.

"I do" he nods and would pull away from their comforting embrace no longer feeling as warm and safe..strange enough. He would frown while Izuku would pull something from his pocket.

"Here, A sign of engagement" he said showing him a emerald necklace, it was beautiful matching the beast kind eyes as he would open shoto hand and place it there gently.

"Put it on when you're ready, will be matching" he smiled.

Shoto looked down at his hand and carefully closed it as if the necklace was the most fragile piece of jewelry there was.

"You don't wear rings?" He asked as he would open his hand again to admire it more.

"We do but certain necklaces are a sign of marriage too here" he explained before he looked a bit worried. "Wait..I'm sorry, is this too soon for you? I don't know how humans do this or do you not like it..if so I can find something else for you" he rambled.

"Its fine." He said cutting down his worries as he would put the necklace on. "I don't mind wearing it" he reassured.

"There now why don't we get you back to bed? You still got a bit of a fever so you need plenty of rest and I'll grab you something to drink

That was right. He was sick of well supposed to be anyway but he didn't feel as bad anymore. "I'm fine" he reassured which the beast would simply shake his head.

"No. You're not. Your scent is a bit strange now and you are still warm." He said placing a paw against his cheek. "I'm sorry..I just have to check but I'll look for some medicine for you tomorrow" he promised him. "My scent?' he said cocking his head which the beast nodded. "You smell a little off" he mummered softly "not saying you smell bad!" He quickly adds. "We just have stronger senses than humans"

"I see" he whispers softly as he soaked in the information while running his fingers over the emerald necklace.  "Thank you for this.  I really do appreciate the gift" he smiled.

"You're welcome," the king let out a small noise of approval almost like a purr before clearing his throat and looking away a bit embarrassed. "I'll be right back" and with that shoto was alone again.

He slowly sat up a bit more taking the time to actually look around his new room. There had been so much going on that he didn't exactly take the time to appreciate his new space. It was much bigger than his old room and even gave him a window and across from his bed was his personal bathroom and a bookshelf with only a few books something that he would have to look into later. Todoroki would dig into his pocket pulling out the crumbled note though just as he went to read it. The door began to slowly creak open causing him to quickly tuck the note under his pillow before he jerked his head in the direction of the door when it opened all the way and the beast would step inside holding a silver tray that held a glass of milk and tea.

Shoto would sit up as midoriya approached him with the tray. "Pick which one you would like" he smiled and watched as Todoroki would glance over the two options before taking the cup of tea. "Thank you" he says, bringing the cup to his lips.

"That tea should help you sleep well" Midoriya says while drinking the glass of milk with a soft hum. Todoroki would keep drinking the tea soon finishing his cup and setting it on the bedstand before laying down back getting more comfortable in his new bed. "Thank you again, for everything" the prince said genuinely as he looked at his necklace with a soft sigh. "If this isn't much too trouble would you mind staying here? Till I fall back asleep again anyway..if it's not too much trouble anyway" it was a bit strange to ask but the young man didn't exactly want to be alone in this new environment and his company strangely made him feel a bit better.

"You want me to stay?" He sounded a bit shocked which shoto gave a quiet nod. The king would glance over at shoto's door before sitting down at the end of the bed.  "I can do that" He reassures him.

"I know that I said it before..but I really appreciate you for this" he smiled sweetly. "Not many humans can make it through the forest. So that alone is enough proof you'll be a perfect match for me" his smile was growing as he spoke sweetly to him though shoto was quite surprised by his words though the young man was shaking his head in response. "Thank you" he yawned. "But that's not true" he disagreed as his eyes started to get heavy on him.

"I'm gonna have to disagree, Todoroki" Izuku said softly.

The boy wanted to argue further and disagree with him but sleep had consumed him again soon enough..

"...Shoto.."

"Shoto.."

"Shoto!"

When shoto awoke again, He found himself alone. The beast had left him to no surprise but his brows would knit together when he heard his name called again for the fourth time. The prince groggily crawled out of bed paying no mind to the letter slipping off the bed. It was still dark out with the moon still out which he would drag his feet towards the window giving him a view of the garden well from what he could make out anyway though shoto would squint his eyes when he spotted something..

"Fuyumi..?" He forced the words out as he stared in disbelief.

Down below in the garden was his sister? Waving up at him.

"I finally found you" she smiled.

_

Thank you for reading, sorry if this chapter wasn't the best and I apologize for the wait. I kinda forgot to post this a while back.. 😅

Word count:7511