Ethereal ◆ Shoto Todoroki x Reader

7 | Smile and Nod

You stare at the king across from you.

Just by the way he sits you can tell so much about him.

He's proud, definitely, but it seems like he's hiding something. 

You glance at Shoto.

You've heard so many rumors about the Todoroki family, you're not sure what to believe. Especially about the prince's scar.

Some say it was caused by a sword or carriage accident, but you don't think so. A sword wouldn't make such a big mark, and if it was a carriage crash, he would surely have scars in other places too.

But you've also heard people call King Endeavor 'abusive'. Perhaps his scar is related to his family.

As you stare at the king, you realized you wouldn't be surprised. The man clearly has high expectations, for himself and for Shoto. 

And now that you think about it, you don't know anything about the rest of the family. You scold yourself for not doing some research before you left your palace.

"Your quirk is very interesting, princess," The king in front of you states, interrupting your thoughts.

"You could do some major damage with a power like that."

You smile and nod. 

That's all you have to do. Smile and nod. 

It's done some major damage, indeed.

You don't say anything, and King Endeavor seems slightly annoyed.

"How much longer?" Shoto pipes up.

"The carriage ride should last about three more hours, son."

"Don't call me that," The prince snaps back.

You stare at the prince, stunned. He hasn't talked much since you've met him, but what he does say always surprises you.

If I talked like that to my father, I would be gone in two seconds.

If you could even call him your father.

You sigh and lean your head against the wall of the carriage.

"Now, now, Shoto," the king says, "let's not do this here. Wouldn't want to make your fiancee uncomfortable."

He spits the word, like a snake. Fiancee.

"Now that you are betrothed to such a lovely lady," he continues, "you might want to hold that tongue of yours."

Shoto scoffs and looks out the window. 

This is going to be a long three hours.

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"Welcome to the Todoroki Palace!" A guard excitedly shouts.

The castle is huge, as you would expect. In themes of black, white, and mostly red, it is elegant, even if it belongs to such a man as the king.

The same guard who welcomed you takes your bags. "I'll show you to your room, your Highness!" He smiles warmly, which is comforting.

You all go inside the palace doors, guards at every corner, but you're used to it. 

Shoto follows you and the guard through the palace, quiet the whole way.

The inside is extravagant, and you pass multiple paintings of King Todoroki, not to your surprise.

"Here it is!" The guard says, opening the door and plopping your bags down.

"Of course it is only temporary, since you two will share a room once you're married," the guard wiggles his eyebrows, "but we've made it as comfortable as possible."

You glance at your fiance, blush dusting his cheeks.

You can't help but blush also. The eyebrow wiggle didn't help.

"As for me," the guard continues, "my name is Takahashi, and I will be your personal guard!"

You smile at him. He seems nice enough.

"Nice to meet you, Takahashi."

He grins. "I will be posted at your door, day and night. If you need anything, just give me a call."

He bows and leaves the room, shutting the door. 

Leaving you alone with the prince.

"There's something I must say," he says quietly.

"Yes?" you say.

"Nobody knows that this is an arranged marriage except for us and our parents," Shoto says, "Especially none of the staff or commoners."

You raise your eyebrows. "So...?"

"...so the rest of the kingdom believes that we are completely infatuated with each other."

You turn around and plop down on your 'temporary' bed. 

"This just keeps getting better," you say sarcastically. 

"Wh-" Shoto starts to say something but you interrupt him. 

"Oh my goodness, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that," you quickly apologize.

He shakes his head. "It's fine."

You want to talk. To just let it out. 

But he's a mystery. You only have a vague idea of who he is, and that's mostly based on rumors. You have no clue how he would react.

So you keep quiet.

"I just want everyone here to like me," you lie, "I don't want to disappoint."

Lying has become easier nowadays.

A good queen knows what to say, even if it isn't the full truth.

He nods. 

He's so quiet.

You wish he would talk more. It's kind of weird, but you think his voice is soothing. 

He opens the door and gives you a little wave. He leaves, making the room feel bigger than it should. 

You get up and open the curtains, letting light flood the room.

A good queen knows what to do, and when to do it.

Your father's voice echoes in your mind.

You have to get closer to Shoto. Everyone is convinced you two are in love. 

If you don't, you could ruin your father's reputation. 

King Mizuki? Sell his daughter off to be married to a foreigner? 

No one can know, for the sake of your people. 

So you have to fake a relationship with the prince. 

How hard could it be?

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