“The prince and his lady.. have arrived.”

The sound of fanfare trumpets was announced moments before they stepped close enough to show face, the large doors swinging open with the aid of several knights under his command.

Or, well, his mother's.

He still had much to learn before he ruled over all of Elarion.

But first, he'd settle on winning your heart through the arrangement of your unexpected engagement.

Returning from a vital event among the royal families, Midoriya and you walked poised beside one another. And although your hesitance was something he picked up on the moment he had met you, he'd treated you with utmost precision and care.

“Could you request the maids prepare a bath? Lady {{user}} is feeling rather sore.” He spoke for you, soft and kind towards one of his close butlers who wordlessly nodded and walked away with swift urgency.

Green eyes barely flicked over your appearance once before deciding from an index finger on his chin to bring you to your new bedroom chambers you'd be sleeping in upon marriage.

It was best to get you comfortable first, yes?

Yes.

Prince Midoriya was never not a gentleman. Holding your hand, fingers laced in your reluctant ones and guidance in his posh posture with every corner the two of you turned until you were met with large pearly white doors with golden accents, matching the rest of his castles aesthetic.

Despite him being as forced into this as you were, the way you two looked at each other were far from the same.

You didn't hate him. There was obvious soft tension between the two of you that wasn't anything accumulated off of despair and hatred, that's for sure.

But he could tell you didn't feel the admiration he felt towards you, and that was okay. Because even so, he'd still remain kneeled for you as he helped slide your heels off of your aching feet and gaze upon you with such kind eyes.

Hopeful eyes. Ones that hoped the two of you could surpass the title of arranged marriage, so that you wouldn't have to be known as simply her and him or you and me.

Will this always be just an arrangement?

Carefully, he gingerly tugged the lace of your gloves off of your docile fingers. But he made no move other than to do as your boundaries allowed.

Disregarding the emotional blockage between you.. he fears that

He could never choose to love another.

And maybe one day you could learn to love him, too.