Forbidden || Technoblade x fem!reader

4. Festival

Technoblade draws back the bowstring, his eyes focused intently on the target across the room through the bow. He releases the arrow, and it flies with an airy noise straight and true, embedding itself in the bullseye with a satisfying thud. His father, King Harvey, watches from the side, his face lighting up with pride upon the hit.

"Excellent shot, Technoblade!" King Harvey exclaims, clapping his hands with a satisfied laugh. "Your agility is remarkable."

Technoblade's tutor steps forward, measuring the arrow's placement with a critical eye and thumb. "Perfectly centered, Your Highness," he announces with a professional voice.

Technoblade nods, his expression deadpan despite the praise. He enjoys archery, but the relentless pressure from his parents has drained much of the joy from it. A painter in the corner occasionally asks him to turn his head a certain way, capturing his likeness for a royal portrait. Technoblade hates these sessions, feeling like a caged animal or a puppet on display for his father. It was always ever everything to his fathers liking.

A palace worker approaches with a sandwich, a few bites already taken out of it from the in between of his shots. Technoblade takes the sandwich, eating it between his bow shots. His father steps closer, sparking up a conversation.

"Technoblade, you do seem more antsy son, suppose it is something distracting you, hmm?" King Harvey says, his tone firm. "Your skills and focus is detrimental to when you take my place."

Technoblade chews slowly, his eyes fixed on the target. "Nothing, father. And I know." he replies, his voice devoid of enthusiasm.

King Harvey places a hand on his son's shoulder. "You have great potential, my son. But you must remain dedicated and avoid distractions. The future of Artymidian depends on it."

Technoblade nods, feeling the weight of his father's expectations pressing down on him. Often he was more silent of conversation. It felt as if his father only ever cared about royal duties, his father deriving him of a life outside royalty, his mother the same way. "Mhm." Technoblade replies uninterested.

King Harvey smiles, satisfied with his son's response knowing he wouldn't get anything more. "Good. You are finished with your arrow practice for today. Remember your responsibilities."

Technoblade watches as his father leaves the room, the painter still fussing over his portrait. He sighs, longing for a life free from the constant pressure and expectations. The idea of no government, of living without the constraints of royalty, seems more appealing with each passing day.

He finishes his sandwich and sets off to meet (Y/N) atop his horse, eager for a brief escape from his royal duties.

...

Princess (Y/N) wakes up to the gentle prodding of Clara, her best friend and confidant. The sunlight streams through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. Clara's face is lit with excitement, and she can barely contain her news.

"(Y/N), wake up!" Clara says, shaking her gently. "I have something to tell you!"

(Y/N) groans softly, rubbing her eyes and flipping over towards Clara. "Clare? What is it?"

Clara beams. "I passed my test! I get to train in the castle to help with external affairs while still being a maid! So don't worry about not getting to see me."

(Y/N) sits up quickly, her grogginess forgotten. "Clara, that's amazing!" She stands up and hugs Clara tightly. "I'm so happy for you!"

Clara laughs, returning the hug. "Thank you, (Y/N)."