Chapter Text
When Izuku was younger, he had spent much of his earlier education learning about the kingdom of Hinomori, the history, language, culture, everything a future king would need to learn about his own kingdom. Hinomori meant Forest of the Sun, based on the fairy tale that said the heavens had shown the founders this place by a beautiful fire, like a sun that was floating in the forest. Based on this story, you would think that the magic this kingdom was known for would be fire-based magic. But the magic that ran within the royal family's blood was actually a strange energy-based magic that could look like lightning and was a strong and stable force.
Its rulers had grown the kingdom to be a peaceful and prosperous nation with several villages under its protection. Like many great nations, it relied on the assurance that, if ever needed, its rulers' magic could protect its people and land. That was until Princess Inko was born…but don’t worry, this was Izuku’s favorite part.
Princess Inko was an only child and she developed no magic; it was almost unheard of for someone to be born without magic, especially from two magic user parents, especially a royal. But she was smart and kind. She learned quickly, was firm and didn’t get pushed around by advisors or nobles! She entered into a political marriage with a nobleborn named Yagi Toshinori and the two had a little boy, Izuku.
The two worked to make things better for everyone in the kingdom, but then an ugly war broke out. Led by a man who wanted to topple kingdoms and become a new ruler. But he was less of a king and more of a rogue revolutionary, traveling and gathering people from all kingdoms to try and overthrow the magic royals. When war came to Hinomori’s doorsteps, her king answered the call. His bright smile is the only thing Izuku remembers of his father…he won the war but at the cost of his own life.
Now, Izuku is 21 years old, studying and working every day to become as knowledgeable as possible. In a few short years he would be taking the crown from his mother and become king of Hinomori. He already had some responsibilities such as attending advisor meetings. Though he felt that was mainly because his mother loathed those meetings more than anything in this world. He also drafted up laws and resolutions to help…if they didn’t get nitpicked to death. Izuku was reaching the end of his rope with these elitist advisors and nobles. But it was a careful balancing act, he was not king yet and some advisors had been around since his grandparents sat on the throne. There were cautionary tales from other kingdoms of young royals who tried to change too much too fast, it resulted in a coup and then some cousin or uncle got the throne instead. Most of the time it didn’t result in things getting better for the lower class citizens.
But it wasn’t like he was alone, there was one advisor, Lord Aizawa, who Izuku only called Mr. Aizawa, was someone who advocated for the rights and comforts of those outside of palace walls. He also had the royal guards on his side, headed by a young knight named Eijiro Kirishima with his second in command Tenya Iida. Though they were technically Sir Tenya and Sir Ejirio, Izuku knew they worked hard for those titles. But the two were the same age as Izuku, and their fresh blood and fierce loyalty to the royal family resulted in them becoming friends. When Izuku found a friend, titles became an afterthought; he was not Prince Izuku to them most of the time; he was just Izuku, and that is how Izuku saw the two knights and several others in the courts.
Those were the three main people who almost always accompanied Izuku on his rides around the countryside when he was able to get free of work. Not to hunt, but to observe nature and to see the parts of the kingdom that wouldn’t be the first for local leaders to show off. It also felt nice to be out of the palace.
“We could hunt these areas, have fresh kills by the crown prince for when other diplomats and royalty come to visit,” Aizawa mused. “Would be a strong statement towards potential marriage partners.”
Izuku smiled kindly, but shook his head, “You know I’m a terrible shot. While I can do okay in some combat. I never have been good with a bow.”
Loud laughter came from the rider beside him, “Did I just hear you say you were ‘okay’ in some combat? You are insanely strong! You’ve been able to beat me in full armor and you in only pants!”
Izuku felt his ears redden from the compliment by head guard Eijiro.
“It’s said the late king had incredible strength as well, a mighty man!” Iida declared.
“He was strong and fast but Prince Izuku has better flexibility and a smaller frame,” Aizawa thought aloud. “You could take some of the strongest warriors through surprise alone.”
“Please stop flattering me,” Izuku sulked. “What are you all wanting, a holiday? More pay? You can ask and not kiss my-”
“Language, sir.” Iida smiled. Earning a tongue from Izuku in reply.
“But really, drop the formal act,” Izuku said. “We’re around people who won’t give ugly looks at me being ‘talked down to’ or start gossip.”
“You care too much about the nobles,” Aizawa muttered.
“I care to not worry my mother more than necessary,” Izuku smiled.
“Is that why you brought the scary healer?” Eijiro shuttered.
“Miss Toga is not scary!” Izuku exclaimed. Though now that he thought about it, there wasn’t a sight of her around…last they say she had noticed some mushrooms growing and wanted to pick every single one in sight…that had been about two hours ago.
“She’s not scary but she does creepy things!” Eijiro shouted. “She can use magic but likes going into the woods to gather different poisonous herbs and fungi! The ones that aren't poisonous she tries to feed us!”
Izuku laughed, “It’s not her fault you don’t like mushrooms.”
“They are nasty! Anyone who likes them is creepy in my book.”
Most of the others chuckled at the head guard's fear of mushrooms.
“Sir, we have a crop field coming up,” another guard, Hanta Sero, noted. “Would you like to dismount and examine or ride by?”
“Is the farmer’s home nearby? We could visit and chat?” Izuku asked.
“I’m not sure, but they might get scared seeing the prince and a bunch of guards and advisors knocking on their door,” Iida noted.
Izuku sighed, “I guess we just ride by. Don’t want to panic or worry anyone.”
He wished they could visit people without them being so nervous. He wanted to be a leader of the people…it was hard when the people were scared of him. He wanted to be able to see how people really lived and went about their days. Be able to talk to them without the hassle of the crown looming over every look and conversation. He wasn’t sure what he needed to do in order to better connect to the people…they seemed to like him well enough. But there was always more he could do.
“You’re in your head again,” Aizawa said. “Does it have to do with the last advisor meeting?”
Izuku groaned loudly. It was only around those he really trusted he could let down the normally guarded emotions he had to hide from others around the palace.
“Don’t remind me…” Izuku muttered.
“We don’t sit in on those, what happened? Of course, just between friends,” Eijiro smiled widely.
“It was Mirai Sasaki again,” Izuku moaned. “Every. Single. Time! ‘That is not what the great late king would have done or approved of!’ I mean! It was to give a village more money to maintain their watershed! But everyone has opinions. Why are their opinions on maintaining a watershed? Do they want the drainage passages to get clogged and homes to flood?”
“Guess that guy is always on your back,” Eijiro muttered.
“What was his idea instead?” Iida asked.
“He thought it was fine! But I had gotten word that some of the man-made drains, which by the way, were built on the natural drainage paths! Had leaves and rocks in them which were overflowing and being a nuisance,” Izuku ranted. “He said that nature had taken care of it for years, we should let it be.”
“Didn’t the late king urge for those to be built?” Sero asked.
“YES!” Izuku shouted. “That’s my point! It’s annoying.”
“He is an odd man,” Aizawa muttered. “But, among friends you didn’t hear that.”
Izuku laughed, “Not to mention Kai Chisaki went on and on about marriage again.”
“Well you are getting close to your 25th birthday,” Aizawa pointed out.
“But that is still two full years away. It’s not a mandatory thing in order to be crowned,” Izuku muttered.
“But you don’t have magic. To some that means the kingdom is ‘at threat’ and ‘unprotected’ to others,” Iida said.
Izuku was well aware of the reasons behind getting him married to someone soon. But there were some secrets and battles he would rather not deal with right now…he didn’t need others knowing he was…
“I just don’t want to be forced to marry someone I don’t love,” Izuku said softly.
“Of course not!” Iida said. “Love should be one of the biggest factors in marrying someone! Of course compatibility, ability to handle stress, and get along with others since they will be queen of a whole nation…but love is the most important.”
“Long way of saying it,” Eijiro snorted. “But we’re behind you. You should marry because it’s right for you not because it’s needed. She’s out there! She might even be working in the palace right now with the archery skills to win wars.”
Izuku rolled his eyes, “You should just tell her how you feel, Romeo.”
“Who!?” Eijiro said, looking away. “I have no idea who you’re talking about.”
“So you think Miss. Mina would like to go on a date with me?” Izuku said with a devilish smile.
“You wouldn’t hurt a man like that? Would you?” Eijiro looked ready to cry.
“Of course not! But you need to tell her how you feel!” Izuku laughed.
“How do you ask the most beautiful, strongest, most amazing woman to ever be born to go get a drink with you?” Eijiro pouted.
“Can’t help the youth with this one,” Aizawa flatly said.
“You’ve never had a wife or a girlfriend,” Iida noticed. “How come?”
“Never had an interest in dealing with women in that way,” the older man said. “But Izuku, you will find a person you love. I wouldn’t worry about what Kai says about your romantic interests.”
“Don’t say that,” Izuku said. “You heard what he said. Thought we could invite Shoto’s sister for a party.”
“Todoroki!?” Eijiro said, stunned. “I can’t stand that king, I would never do anything but you know he is an asshole!”
“Besides, isn’t the only daughter almost thirty?” Sero laughed.
“No…” Izuku said. “She is thirty…”
“How is she the best option? I mean, don’t get me wrong, she’s beautiful and kind but-” Eijiro was interrupted by Aizawa.
“The Todoroki family has a very strong magic that seems to connect to all children even slightly related to them,” Aizawa said dryly. “That’s why he suggested her.”
“But that’s a pretty big age gap,” Sero said.
“It’s not the age gap per se…” Izuku said. “It’s just that she has a brother the same age as me…She’s always treated me like a little brother. It would be so weird!”
Aizawa laughed, “You know. The old notes from when your mother was having to fight this battle are just as complicated.”
“How so?” Izuku wondered. His mom never really talked about her arranged marriage to his dad…
“Well, there was the obvious choice of Todoroki; apparently, she couldn’t stand the man and threatened to abandon the throne before marrying him,” Aizawa snorted.
“Queen Inko!?” Iida exclaimed.
“Man, your mom is a total badass!” Eijiro laughed.
“You can’t speak of the queen that way!” Iida said.
“Tenya,” Aizawa started. “I’ve known that woman for many years and she wouldn’t take offense at all. She would probably find it funny.”
“Of course, no one is cursing in front of my mother,” Izuku said. “I’ll beat them up!”
The others laughed, but Izuku took the respect of his mother very seriously. She had gone through so much in her life, and with the kingdom was disrespected. Plus, the thought of Izuku beating someone up wasn’t a laughable matter. He had sent two guards to the infirmary by accident. He had a wicked kick and punch.
“How did she end up convincing the advisors and her parents to marry the late king though?” Iida asked.
“Well, from what I read and what she had mentioned, he two had met several times growing up, as many young nobles do,” Aizawa started.
“Yeah, we have gone to a lot of balls and galas over the years to meet others my age,” Izuku interjected.
“Well, he was from a small neighboring kingdom but was very handsome and strong both physically and with his magic. So she asked for a duel between her chosen and the advisor's chosen. We can all guess who came out on top,” Aizawa said. “But surprisingly, Todoroki took it very well; he apparently had a woman in mind to marry who wasn’t our queen and was honored to have fought against such a warrior. We can all be thankful that it didn’t result in a diplomatic disaster.”
Izuku smiled; his father sounded like such a great man. Strong, kind, and loving to his mother. He really only inherited the man’s brute strength, not the man’s physique or blonde hair and not the Midoriya's line of magic or the Toshinori…
“I wish I could have known him.” Izuku smiled.
“You are very similar to him, stubborn and caring for the people,” Aizawa noted. “He was fiercely protective of those he cared for and loved. It was a tragedy when he died, but you embody the best of both him and your mother.”
Izuku smiled; it was such a beautiful thing to be told. The group continued to ride through the valleys, forests, and streams that dotted the countryside. Few people lived this far out. Just farmers and travelers going between towns. They would nod to the few people they did pass, but most seemed so shocked to see the prince and his guards out so far that they didn’t nod back. One man who was tending to an orchard dropped a whole basket of apples and begged that he did not need any help from the prince’s guards when they asked.
They were traveling a familiar route for Izuku, one he liked to take when he had the time and the weather was nice enough. Plus, it gave him a nice moment to talk freely with his friends and for Toga to get more ingredients for medicines. It was something that he loved to do…which meant it had to be ruined by a stray arrow.
“Get down!” Eijiro called as an arrow came flying towards the group. The group tried to get as low as they could on horses. Izuku felt the guards' horses all circle and push around him to protect him.
“We need to leave!” Iida shouted.
They started to race towards the palace, cutting a direct line there.
“We need to make sure Miss. Toga is okay!” Izuku shouted.
“I’ll see to her later but we need you behind the walls!” Eijiro yelled.
There were a few more arrows, it seemed like they were coming from several locations. Izuku tried to look around to see if he could notice anything. But as their horses ran through a small creek, Izuku felt a sharp pain in his left shoulder.
“AH!” Izuku launched forward but managed to keep on his horse.
“The prince has been shot!” Eijiro growled. “Tenya, see to them! I’m gonna find that one!”
Ejirio jerked his horse around and started galloping through the woods. Izuku hoped he would be okay…and Toga as well, who was somewhere in these very woods getting medicine.
“Please stay alert, Prince!” Iida shouted.
“I’m okay! Just a few stitches, you all make sure you’re watching for yourselves as well!” Izuku demanded.
By the time they made it back to the castle, Izuku felt blood running down his shoulder and ruining his tunic. He had to shoo away workers and guards who tried to all but carry him to the infirmary.
“Which healers are here? We need them ready to see to the prince!” Iida shouted as Izuku walked himself towards that wing of the palace.
“Uh- Miss. Toga came in with three baskets full of medicine and mushrooms not too long ago! I will alert her and the others at once!” some poor frightened horsehand choked out.
“Iida, please relax. It’s not that serious-”
“Frankly, if you say one more ridiculous word, I will carry you myself!” Iida said sternly.
Izuku sighed. When Iida got into these moods, he wasn’t one to calm down quickly. “At least send Sero or someone to find Eijiro, so he isn’t looking for Toga when she’s already here?” he suggested.
“Sero!” Iida shouted.
“Already on it!”
As Izuku and about half the royal guard walked to the infirmary, he was met by Toga.
“Izuku Midoriya! I leave you for a few hours, and this is what happens? The old lady is gonna have me killed for this!” Toga said before seeing the arrow, and her eyes narrowed. “You are losing blood; you come here, sit down, and don’t strain yourself!”
Toga was an odd duck; she was almost always researching the most macabre things but was one of the best students to the palace’s head healer: Chiyo Shuzenji.
The healers could get away with being so informal with Izuku because Chiyo set a precedent.
“If that boy comes in and tells me he was trying to learn archery again!” an old female voice shouted. “I’m not touching him!”
She had patched up Izuku so much over the years she was just about over it.
“He was attacked!” Toga shouted back.
“Well fine but you know how I feel about frequent visitors,” the short woman said.
Not even Iida could try to correct her…or note how inappropriate her language might seem to others. Izuku got injured so much, especially as a teenager, she actually hit him with her cane!
“I’m getting better about it, really,” Izuku said.
The women looked at Izuku’s wound, “Well the arrow went clean through and it doesn’t seem poison-tipped. Best case is to cut the wood and pull from where it came!”
Izuku groaned and knew it was gonna hurt like hell.
“Three, two, one!” the woman yelled, pulling the arrow from his skin. “Toga, take care of the wound.”
“Yes, ma’am!” Toga said as she pressed her hands to Izuku’s wound and she closed her eyes.
Magic healing is always so cool! Izuku thought.
“I’m guessing you want to look this stick over?” Chiyo asked Iida.
“If you wouldn’t mind…”
“Where is he!?” another voice shouted from down the hall.
“Can I hide now?” Izuku gulped.
“No getting out of this one, Zuku…” Toga whispered.
It wasn’t long before the queen burst through the infirmary door, heaving as she had run who knows how far to get to them.
“Are you okay!?” She rushed forward, not worrying about formalities or the guards who had all bowed in her presence.
“He’ll live to add more stress to my life and yours,” Chiyo scoffed.
“Oh, honey!” his mom leaned forward. “You have got to stop getting hurt so much! You were attacked by who knows who! I have told you I don’t like those little rides around with so few people! What if you had been killed!”
The woman had tears in her eyes, no doubt that she would be the strong queen placing new rules on when and how Izuku was to leave the palace by the next morning but right now, she was a worried mother. It didn’t seem to dawn on her that they were alone together except for Toga who was finishing healing his shoulder.
“You have got to be more careful, I don’t know what I’m going to do yet but things are going to change!”
“It could have been a hunting accident,” though even as Izuku said it, it felt like a lie. There had been multiple attackers from what he could tell. The arrows all seemed to be directed at him and not to others in the party…someone was trying to hurt him or kill him.
“I don’t care what it was!” his mother cried. “You’re not going out until I come up with a way to make sure you’re being kept alive.”
“Mother, what else could have been done?”
His mother’s lips pressed together, a show that she was thinking, “You go to your room and rest; I’ll make sure food is brought to you. But you need to understand, I heard there was more than one direction those arrows were flying. You cannot take an assassination attempt so calmly!”
Toga, who was leaving, gasped and looked to Izuku with scared eyes…Assassination was a strong word. Plus, with how it seemed most, especially the workers and guards, acted, they loved Izuku. The idea that someone would want him of all people dead was a frightening thought.
“I apologize for my interruption, Your Majesty.” Toga bowed. “I should have stayed with the group and not wandered off. Better me to get hit than the prince.”
“Toga, your work with medicine is important-”
“And your life is important!” both his mother and Toga yelled in unison.
Izuku knew he was fighting a losing battle. After a few more minutes of his mother fussing over him, he was escorted back to his bedroom in time to learn that Eijiro had returned, empty-handed. He knew the redhead would be angry with himself for some time for that, even though it wasn’t his fault. Izuku would plan to see him at some point tomorrow and try to cheer him up.
His room was as modest as he could allow, given his status; most of the ornate fabrics and rugs had been from previous rulers or simple gifts that would be too rude to sell. The main treasures that Izuku held dear and was thankful for was the comfortable bed, which was soft and always the perfect temperature no matter the season. He had wondered if there was magic for that…probably just good quality. The large desk that Izuku worked at, although today there was no more work to be had, which is why he was even able to ride around the countryside. So he couldn’t busy himself reading up on reports and letters or drafting up new resolutions to put forward on behalf of the people. And finally, his many journals that rested near his desk on a bookshelf. To anyone else, it would look like books with no titles printed on the spine. But each one was completely written by the prince himself.
He started the habit as soon as he learned to write, documenting each day's events or a summary of the past week. He would include feathers, pressed flowers, and a napkin from a wedding they were invited to that had printed symbols on it. Memories that he held dear. Izuku wasn’t sure what he would do if something were to happen to the books. It wasn’t like he was so living in the past that he reread them…but sometimes he would open some up to look at the flowers and remember when he pressed them. Or see the tear-soaked pages after hard and scary self-revelations. They were a monument to how far he had come and the million little pieces that made him Izuku
He sat at his desk and unlocked the drawer, which held the most recent journal, and he began to write the day's events. His shoulder was only sore where the arrow had pierced through his whole body; the healing magic was a form that Izuku had studied a lot. Of course, he studied almost all the magic that could be documented and written about. Izuku was finally finished with his journal and went to read by the fireplace within his room. They hadn’t even let him bathe himself after the day's events. He knew he smelled, but his mother wouldn’t let him out of the room for the rest of the night. His food would probably be brought by Eijiro himself, as if he didn’t have enough to do. Izuku hated when his mother fussed over him so much, but also knew it was because of how much stress he had caused her over the years of training and typical accidents that Izuku seemed to always attract. Not to mention, he was the only heir to the throne, and without magic. He tried to prove through his physical and mental strengths that he was capable without it…but it didn’t ease the worries of many around the castle.
As Izuku went to bed that night, learning when dinner was brought that there would be a meeting first thing the coming morning that he was to attend, Izuku hoped that it wouldn’t be too long so he could shower. He also hoped that whatever idea his mother came up with wouldn’t end up being a complete disaster and prevent him from being able to do what he wanted and needed as future king…