Fates Entwined (A TodoBaku ff) ✔

XXXV

For what could be the first time in his life, the snow did not bring Shoto any comfort. His room felt colder despite his warm body temperature and the many lit candles. Sleep was restless for most of the night, entirely pervading him in the early hours of the morning. The snow was light, fragile, likely to disappear once the sun's warm beams reached it, but seeing the town down below covered in a white shimmer did nothing to settle the unease in his gut. 

After tossing and turning, unable to remain idle any longer, he rose before the sun had fully emerged from the horizon, intending to have an early breakfast and maybe visit Kita before training began. He dressed in his warmer clothes, the fur of his cloak protecting his neck from the chill breeze, the deep blue fabric swishing around his ankles with each step. 

As he left the room and headed down to the dining hall, an odd sound met his ears the further he descended towards the main floor. It was loud, yet familiar, and Shoto found himself passing the dining hall entirely and instead diverting to head towards the castle doors, halting as he rounded the corner at what he saw. 

"Prince Shoto!" 

"Iida?"

Iida Tenya, younger brother to the esteemed knight Iida Tensei. He was strong, loyal, and held high moral values just like his brother. He and Shoto sometimes trained together on the rare occasion, giving greetings at particular gatherings, but even though they weren't entirely acquainted with each other Shoto could not help but feel immense relief at seeing him now. In short time he had crossed the entrance hall, telling the newly-positioned guards to let the man go. As soon as they did Iida bowed deeply, but Shoto quickly asked him to rise, saying here they were both equals. The knight seemed to want to object to this, but Shoto simply asked if he would join him in dining at breakfast. 

"I'm sorry it has taken me so long to come here, your highness. The mail of every noble family in the kingdom is being checked severely."

"I can only thank the goddess that you are here now. Thankyou for trusting in my words, I know it must have been difficult for you."

"My loyalty, and that of my family, has always been to the kingdom, to the crown, not to whomever wore it. I'm here to both offer my assistance in your army, as well as to assure you that the house of Iida will stand by you in this war."

"Thankyou Iida." Shoto bowed his head, Iida returning the gesture so intensely his head nearly hit his plate. "Have you heard anything from the other families? The Yaoyorozus?"

"Since your absence many of the nobles have kept to themselves, either to stay away from your father's fury or from suspicions of being your captor."

"What has my father said about my disappearance?" Shoto was curious to know. He wondered if his father said he had been kidnapped, though that would show a weakness in his defence. He could say Shoto had died, but that would cause an issue of who would take the throne.

"He gave a formal declaration several days ago, before I started packing to travel here. It seems he has convinced the court and the kingdom that you are being held captive by King Bakugou and the war is to get you back."

"I can assure you that I am here freely, and that I have no intention of returning to the kingdom unless it is for the start of a new world."

"And I will stand by your side as long as you need me, your highness."

"Please, call me Shoto. It would be odd here if you didn't."

"But-"

"You're up early, princess."

Bakugou walked in, looking slightly tired as he yawned before dropping into his seat, only to jump out of it a moment later, pulling a dagger from his side. Iida had an alarmed look on his face, and Shoto didn't know whether it was due to him seeing the king for the first time or at hearing the man's nickname for Shoto. Shoto sighed, telling Bakugou to put his dagger away and introducing Tenya as he poured a cup of tea.