The Shadow Kingdom

Spells and Incantations

“You know…” for the first time in weeks Shoto had time to visit. He’d only meant to stop and say hello to Inko and discuss some important matters with Sir Might and Master Torino before going to the Dagohban tribe. However, he’d spotted Iida outside Izumi’s workshop and found the pregnant woman standing at her work table, sweaty and in full concentration mode. “...I was wondering what those rumbling sounds echoing in the distance were as I rode up. Now I’m sure it’s probably Bakugo letting off steam. Did the two of your get into an argument?” 

“Hah?” Izumi turned grumpy sleep deprived eyes onto the King and the tension of the room increased tenfold. “You haven’t seen me in weeks and that’s the first thing you’re going to say to me, Shoto?” 

He blinked in surprise by her rare show of irritation and temper. 

“What should I have said to you, My Lady?” 

“Don’t “My Lady” me.” She dropped what was in her hands on the work table and put her hands on her hips, accentuating the full growth of her belly. “I’ve got a bone to pick with you, Shoto Todoroki… oh forgive me… Your Highness.” She did a mock curtsey. 

He sighed heavily and looked back at Iida and Ochaco who stood by the door. 

“Leave us, this may get ugly.” 

“Yes, Your highness.” Iida saluted and grabbed up Uraraka before closing the door. Shoto turned his attention back to Izumi. 

“Alright, let’s have it, Izumi. What did I do to piss you off?” 

Izumi’s mad face melted into a teary one and she hurried to him beating on his chest as tears sprung. 

“Meanie! You said you’d visit! I haven’t seen you in weeks and you didn’t miss me at all did you?” 

“Eh?!” The sudden mood change threw him for a loop. “Izumi… of course I missed you, but I’m King now.” He reached out petting her hair trying to calm her. “I have responsibilities that take priority. You knew this.” 

“Responsibilities my ass! Kaminari told me every time he goes to the palace you’re sitting on the throne staring out into space!” 

“It’s called setting up an audience. I’m always aware when Kaminari comes into court, so I always set up a meeting to discuss your well being and progress.” His smile came slow and he pulled her in for a hug stroking her hair. “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to see you and the baby… Kaminari said Bakugo had been treating you well and everyone was pampering you and taking care of you.” 

“Treating me well, like hell.” She sniffled and lay her head on his chest. “Sure he’s been nicer than usual, and bringing me flowers, and catching my meals so I can eat well… but he’s still a jerk.” 

“What’d he do?” Feeling like the worst of the storm was over he guided her to a chair so she could rest her aching feet. He rubbed her back feeling the tension there. He started to rub in slow circles and lay a testing hand over the swell of her mound. When she showed no objection to it he gently rubbed there as well.  He’d been inquiring the ladies of the court as well as a few servants who had children about the effects of pregnancy and what to do in certain cases, and was grateful for the knowledge. 

“He’s hovering… everyone is.” She let out a sigh of relief as some of the aches melted away. “I’ve barely made a dent in my research and it’s hard enough trying to concentrate on my work without people fluttering around, asking me questions, and annoying me.” 

“I’m sorry…” he apologized and stopped stroking to take her hands and kneel in front of her. “That’s probably my fault. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to take care of you and the baby because of my hectic schedule so I asked Iida and Uraraka to help you with whatever you needed, and implored Kaminari to field things between the castle and Dagobah. Both Bakugo and I are new at this and we don’t know what you need, or how to make you comfortable and provide you with the best care, so it’s a bit frustrating.” He gave her a charming smile. “Will you forgive us for being so overprotective?”