BnHA Princess and the Pauper AU

CHAPTER 3: SHORTCOMINGS

"I can't believe them," Ochako mumbled into her pillow.

"Now, now, Prin—Uraraka-san," Deku said. "Their Majesties have their reasons—"

"I know that! But marriage of all things?"

Iida made a chopping gesture with his hands. "It's the most logical solution, Uraraka-san."

Ochako sat up. They're right, she thought, recalling the conversation she had with her parents moments prior.

* * * * * * *

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Ochako couldn't believe her ears. Maybe she was just hungry and didn't hear things right.

"Sweetie, we're sorry," her mother said, and she truly did seem apologetic. Both her parents knew how much Ochako valued free will and both had the most somber look on their faces. Ochako knew something was wrong at this point—they rarely had any other expression other than the little smiles they always wore regardless the situation. "We didn't want to arrange the marriage, but the kingdom's financials aren't in a good state."

"The kingdom's financials? But, what about all the gold in the mines?"

"We checked, dear," the King said. "We received news from the minors that the gold had run out. We've seen it ourselves; it's gone."

"But—but how?" Ochako said.

"We don't know yet," the Queen said. "We've asked the matter to be investigated, but either way, it does not change the fact that we are in a dire situation."

"But... what about our subjects. How are we going to take care of our people?"

The King and Queen exchanged glances. The Queen reached over to touch Ochako's cheek. "Oh, my sweet child," she said, offering a smile. "You always cared for the masses. Some day, you will make a wonderful Queen."

Ochako frowned, ignoring her mother's compliment. "So... is the marriage our only way of recovering our financials?"

The King sighed. "I'm afraid so, Ochako. Through a marriage, the wealth of your spouse's kingdom shall also become our wealth. We are sorry, dear, but our hands are tied." He looked at her straight in the eyes. No longer did they hold the warmth of a father moments prior. Now, they were steel hard, the eyes of a King who must think of the welfare of his subjects. "You are our only hope now, Ochako."

* * * * * * *

She had excused herself from the table afterwards and ran up to her room to sulk and let the information sink in. She couldn't stomach any food after that. At this point Ochako wished they just talked about another disgusting sewer problem. She'd have given anything to turn back time and have them talk about just that.

"Uraraka-san, it couldn't be that bad," Deku said, trying to cheer her up. "Well, your parents were both in an arranged marriage but they're happy right now—"

"Mom and Dad were different," Uraraka said. "They were already in love even before they were betrothed; the arrangement was just the icing to the cake for them. They were lucky."

Iida pushed his glasses further up his nose. "Uraraka-san, think positively! Your betrothed might be a decent man."

"Or he could be an abusive older man in his sixties."

Both Deku and Iida looked so horrified at the thought Uraraka would've laughed if she didn't feel nauseous at the moment. "I don't believe their Majesties would do that!" Deku exclaimed.

"That's right!" Iida said, making a chopping gesture again. "The King and Queen love you too dearly—they would never hand you over to someone they know would do you more harm than good!"

Ochako sighed deeply and plopped back into her pillows. As crown princess to Yuuei, she knew it was her duty to do what was right for her kingdom. But as Uraraka Ochako, she didn't want to be tied down so early in her life, and to someone she's never met before. She didn't even ask her parents who the prince was, or if he even was a prince (she briefly panicked at the thought that it might be an older King after all).

She was so silent for so long Iida and Deku jerked when she suddenly stood up from her bed. "Let's go," she said.

"Where?" they both asked, even though they already had an idea where.

"I need to clear my head. Let's get out of the palace."