⚠️𝙊𝙉𝙀𝙎𝙃𝙊𝙏𝙎⚠️

The Princess and The Guard | Hanma Shuji

(Actually might end up making this into an entire book lol)

It was nearly midnight when you were born. The first princess to ever grace the empire where all the offspring were men. A special case indeed. Everyone celebrated day and night, overjoyed to finally have an actual princess born into the empire.

Growing up, you were very much loved. You grew up kind, courteous, beautiful inside and out. And because of this, royalties from all around have come forward to ask for your hand in marriage. You were only twelve but your beauty has spread throughout the land. The emperor and empress didn't want to marry you off since you were their treasured daughter so they made sure to give you maximum security.

That's how you met him.

Hanma Shuji, the only son of Hanma Seijin—one of your guards who died because of an attempted kidnapping. Shuji was only two years older than you and you heard his mother died during childbirth and he only had his father growing up.

You felt guilty. His father, his only relative, died protecting you. Yet here he was, kneeling in front of you with bruises and scratches on his face. The attack happened only minutes ago and you wonder why he wasn't even crying like any child would.

"My name is Hanma Shuji and just like my father, I will dedicate my whole life to protect the princess!" He yelled with all his might, still kneeling down with his head low so no one would see the tears building up in his eyes.

When the guards recovered, you were safely escorted back to the empire. The guilt of losing a precious life just because you wanted to roam around the village with kids your age.

The emperor and empress were saddened that one of their loyal soldiers died and prepared a proper burial for him. When they learned of his orphaned son, they happily took him in and he immediately requested to be your personal guard. The emperor and empress laughed, telling him he was too young but he swore to train day and night to be stronger.

Surprisingly, they took his request seriously. Now he's turning eighteen and you're turning sixteen, your birthdays only two weeks apart.

"Shuji!" You gush, excited for your birthdays which you requested to be celebrated together. "Shuji, Shuji, Shuji!"

Hanma Shuji sighs and turns to face you, dressed in his full combat armor. His droopy eyes scanned you from head to toe. "Where are you heading off to, dressed like that?"

"Who do you think you're talking to?" You purse your lips and narrow your eyes playfully.

Hanma smirks and fully turns his body to you, taking your hand to kiss the back of it. "My apologies, princess."

A blush made its way to your cheeks. His deep voice has always made your heart flutter whenever he calls you princess. He's the only one that can do that.

"What? Not enough to satisfy you, you brat?" He chuckles and you huff, pushing him away but he laughs. "Hm, should I call you my lady?"

"Hey, I'm not a brat!" The heat rose to your ears and you covered your face in embarrassment. "Shuji, stop teasing me!"

Hanma chuckles and pats your head. "Alright, alright. I'll stop. Now, tell me what it is you wanted to tell me.

"Well I don't wanna tell you anymore!" You yell, pouting your lips.

"Aww, don't be like that." He sighs and tells his fellow soldiers he was gonna take a break before leading you to where you two usually spend time together—to the garden. "Come on, tell Shuji what's on your mind."