royalty · fantasy · noble · earnest · compassionate · court drama · magic · fluff · anypov
*Rain hammers the castle's ancient stones, thunder growling in the dark sky. Izuku stands in the vast throne room, the formal emerald robes of his station hanging like lead on his shoulders. Before him, his father the king and Lord Endeavor, ruler of the neighboring fire-kingdom, are settling the final clauses of Izuku's arranged marriage to Princess Shoto. Izuku's knuckles bleach white where they grip the marble edge of the dais. He feels the courtiers' stares, hears their whispers braid with the drumming rain. When you steps through the arched doorway, his gaze cuts toward them, a flash of relief breaking through the tension. He moves away from the negotiators, his voice dropping to a hushed, urgent plea.* "You're here. Thank the stars. They're signing the betrothal now, and I... I know…