Once A Kingdom's Flame (Todoroki x Reader) [Fantasy AU]

Once A Kingdom's Flame (Part II)

It hadn't been a terribly hot summer day but what was on your mind as you ran from your family's property was the appreciation of the delightful pleasure of the cool summer night breeze grazing your soft skin. The smile on your face was also thanks to the freedom your chest had to breath normally after a day caged in a torturous corset. You wore dusty flats and a light cotton dress that flowed around you as you rushed through the grass, its hem lightly touching just beneath your knees. 

The jolly music from the town's center quickly grew louder as you approached. It was the final night of the kingdom's annual summer festival. By that hour only the townspeople were still enjoying the spoils. You greeted everyone as you passed by, looking around in wonder at the lights and streamers decorating the plaza. You giggled at a few children dancing in a circle by the stone fountain that marked the center of the area. You played with your (h/l) (h/c) hair as you took in the warm scent of freshly baked bread and the slight tangy aroma of beer that seemed to be stuck as a haze around the adults. 

As you circled the town square you noticed a young man around your age sitting on the edge of the fountain with his face hidden in his hands, hunched over. You hurriedly purchased two pastries and cautiously approached him. 

"Why, you look so sour, sir. It's the final evening of the festival, why are you not dancing, or drinking, or laughing?" You took a seat beside him, leaving a respectable distance between the two of you. "Here, maybe something sweet will help your spirits." You gently nudged his shoulder and held out the steaming bun dressed with honey. You watched his head turn slowly. You kept a graceful smile on your face as he sat up. Even when he shifted towards you, revealing a pair of different colored eyes and a red scar masking the left side of his face you didn't let your grin falter. "Here, I haven't poisoned it or anything...but I cannot say on behalf of the baker or not." You giggled as he bowed his head taking the treat. He had messy dark hair like a thick mop atop his head. His attire matched the style of everyone else present. 

"Thank you." His voice was soft; yet still deep and velvety. The two of you ate the pastries in silence. You didn't mind, as the music being played entertained you. You quickly had spaced out and hadn't realized that he had gotten up and stood before you. "You seem to be enjoying the music. Would you...mind a dance m'lady?" His face didn't express much of a particular emotion but there was still a glint of curiosity in his eyes. 

"I would love to dance." You took his hand and followed him towards where the musicians were stationed. Slight heat dusted your cheeks as his hand rested against your waist. You laid your hand upon his shoulder in response and let him begin to lead the slow dance to the calming melody. You were impressed at his perfect posture and poise as he elegantly led the both of you across the cobblestone ground. "Are you from here?" You decided to spark conversation. 

"Yes." You were a bit saddened by his curt response but you decided to try again.

"What do you do?" He seemed to pause for a moment in thought before returning his attention to you.

"I tend the stables at the palace" 

"Oh, wow. The palace? I've never been, of course, but I've always wondered; is it like what I've been told through stories? Is it as beautiful as anyone would imagine?"

"I would say it's quite magnificent." He nodded a bit, letting out the smallest thread of a smile at your enthusiasm and innocence. 

"You're a very fine dancer." You noted.

"You're quite impressive on your feet as well." His smile stretched into a slight grin as he spun you around. Your skirt fanned out around your figure and you let out a childish laugh as he pulled you back into his arms. You hadn't noticed but the two of you seemed to had danced your way out of the town square and onto the outskirts of a sprawling field blanketed with tiny wildflowers. The music was still playing in town but only the frayed echoes whispered around you.