Tenya Iida X Princess!Reader
Boys. They're handsome and strong
But always the first to tell me I'm wrong
“Introducing Princess (First Name) (Middle Name) (Last Name)!” The Master of Ceremonies called into the ballroom. Five-year-old (First Name) entered the room and looked around with wide eyes,unsure of what to do. It was her older brother’s birthday,so she had been scheduled to make an appearance,but actually looking around the room terrified her. All of the men were bowing,while all of the women had lowered themselves into a curtsy.
“Brother!” The girl called out when she saw him,everyone raising their heads in shock as they watched the girl rush down the stairs. The little Princess wasn’t supposed to call people so familiarly at such an event,so they were all unsettled now.
“(First Name),you mustn’t act in such a way.” The boy scolded his sister,holding his hand out to her regardless. “It’s a disgrace for our kingdom to have such a wild girl as their Princess.”
“Sorry,brother.. It’s just really hard for me to keep my manners lessons in mind when I’m around so many people..” She said,putting her hand in his. “We have to dance,right? I’m not that good yet,so please treat me well!”
“Of course. Whether you’re an airhead or not,you’re my little sister. I swore on my life to mother that I would treat you well.” Prince Akihiro told his little sister,pulling the tiny girl close. He was only five years older than her,but there was a world of difference between them. While (First Name) was able to laugh and play all day with little to worry about,the little prince had to worry about the future of their kingdom. He pushed all of his thoughts away when the musicians began to play once again,the boy spinning his sister around with a smile.
(First Name) danced and twirled with her older brother until the end of the song,curtsying once she was finished. She never once lowered her head,as that was something her brother had always warned her against. She was a Princess,and pride was all she could offer her kingdom for now. As long as she had her pride,her people could have pride.
“Thank you for the dance,my lady.” Akihiro told her,smiling playfully. The little prince was always stoic until he saw his sister,but the second he saw her,his whole world practically sparkled. He wanted her to grow up big and strong.
“Thank you,my lord.” (First Name) said,finally rising to her full height. She gave him a huge,goofy grin,and then disappeared into the crowd of guests. Everyone parted for her except for a little boy with blue hair,the boy facing her nervously.
“Pri.. Princess.. Princess (First Name).. May I.. May I have a dance?” Little Tensei asked as he bowed,keeping his head down. He was even older than her brother,so they had never actually interacted before. She had only practiced one song,as she had only been scheduled for one dance,so she didn’t know what to say.
“Brother,let’s go! Father and mother said it’s time for us to have an audience with the King!” Little Tenya called out as he walked over.
“Ah,is it time already? It was a pleasure to meet you,Princess. Please excuse me.” Tensei said as he raised his head.
“It… It’s fine..” (First Name) said awkwardly,fiddling with her gloved fingers awkwardly.
“If you would excuse my rudeness.. Princess,you’re wrong for walking around without a guard right beside you. This isn’t a completely public event,but in the future it will be,so you must be more aware of the differences in status between all of the guests.” Tensei pointed out,(First Name) staring up at him with wide eyes. She hadn’t expected one of her brother’s friends to scold her,and she started to feel anxious. She turned quickly,her guard scooping her up immediately.
“Please pardon insubordination,Lord Iida,but be glad that the Princess is only five. If she chose to,she could have you executed for offending the royal family.” Tsunagu told Tensei,holding the Princess close. “Don’t act out of order around my lady again.”
“Forgive me.” Tensei said,bowing deeply quickly when he realized the danger he’d put himself in. Tsunagu just carried (First Name) away,the little Princess gripping onto him tightly and muttering her thanks. Her guard merely nodded,though he smiled a little when the girl kissed his cheek.
Boys try to tame me, I know
They tell me I'm weird and won't let it go
“Princess (First Name),please come down from there! That’s dangerous!” The butler shouted up at the child,who had climbed up a tree in order to escape from the noisy butlers. She was only six years old,but the girl had yet to mature despite the grueling hours she spent on lessons.
“I’m perfectly fine!” (First Name) called back to him,sticking her tongue out. She had changed out of her dress and into her training attire,which only added fuel to the fire.
“Princess,please! You mustn’t continue climbing! You’ll get yourself injured at this rate!” The butler called out,(First Name) just grinning as she climbed up yet another branch.
It took ten minutes for Akihiro to finally make it outside,the boy running out with Tensei and Tenya close behind him. He had to end his ‘meetings’ early in order to come get his sister down after the maids had come to him in a panic,the boy just sighing when he saw her up in the tree. “(First Name),you’d better start climbing down right now!” He shouted,the Princess just pouting.
“Fine..” She said,slowly starting her descent down the tree. She made it down to the third lowest branch before she felt it suddenly give way,her eyes widening as she started to fall. It would have been just a ten foot drop,but that didn’t stop little Tensei Iida from rushing forward to try and catch her. He barely made it on time to cushion her fall,the girl landing on top of him. He let out a groan as he sat up,(First Name) wincing as she sat up.
“Are you okay,Princess?” The boy asked worriedly,(First Name) looking at him with wide eyes. Realizing their position,she quickly scrambled away,retreating behind her older brother.
“I didn’t need your help,alright?!” She snapped at him as she peered out from behind her brother. She was gripping onto his shirt tightly,Akihiro scolding her angrily for being so rude to the boy who had saved her.
“It’s alright,my Prince. Getting injured saving the Princess is my duty as a member of this great kingdom.” Tensei said,his little brother holding his hand out to help him up. Tensei ignored the hand but thanked his brother regardless,forcing himself to his feet. Little (First Name) stayed hidden behind her brother,gripping onto his shirt tighter.
“(First Name),thank him right now and apologize.” Akihiro ordered angrily,his patience wearing thin with his sister. As cute as she was,he couldn’t excuse rude behavior.
“I won’t thank him for it! I would have been fine if he’d let me fall!” (First Name) snapped,her brother growling.
“(First Name),I told you to thank him and apologize!” He shouted,the girl flinching away.
“Why should I?! It’s his fault! People shouldn’t get praised when they get hurt!” She shouted,her eyes filling with tears. Her brother went to grab her arm,but the girl turned and ran away before he could.
“Please forgive her for acting in such a disgraceful manner..” Akihiro told Tensei,sighing a little as he turned to his friend. “Come,you’ve hurt your ankle,correct? At least allow me to escort you to the infirmary.”
“Tenya,go after the Princess while I’m being treated. I trust you to calm her.” Tensei ordered,the little boy nodding and running off to find where the Princess had gone.
It took ten minutes for Tenya to find the girl,his eyes widening when he saw that she was crying. He knew it was rude of him to approach her without announcing his presence first,but he just walked over and held his handkerchief out to her.
“I don’t need it..” Little (First Name) sniffled as she used the sleeves of her training attire to wipe at her tears. Tenya just kneeled down,wiping her tears for her.
“How come you’re crying? Did you actually get hurt? Or are you just weird?” The boy asked,(First Name) letting out a sniffle. “A Princess doesn’t cry,you know?”
“He got hurt ‘cause he tried to save me.. And yet brother is mad at me..” She said,taking the handkerchief and wiping her own face with it since he wasn’t doing it well enough. He seemed too scared to properly wipe her tears away,so she decided she’d just do it herself.
“That’s because your brother was scared you could have gotten hurt,right? My brother had to save me like that once ‘cause I fell out of a tree just like that,and he got angry about it,but he said it was just because he was worried about what could have happened to me.” Tenya told her,grinning. “My brother’s the coolest person ever,but your brother is a close second,so he was probably just really relieved that my brother was cool enough to save you.”
“My brother is definitely way cooler!” (First Name) snapped,her tears finally stopping. “Brother is super strong!”
“Not as strong as my brother! My brother is gonna be a royal guard!” Tenya told her,(First Name) letting out a huff.
“My brother is way cooler,’cause he gets to be the king! So I win!” (First Name) snapped,Tenya growling and shaking his head.
“No you don’t,you dummy! Your brother won’t make it to be king unless my brother is there to protect him!” The boy growled.
“Without my brother,your brother wouldn’t even have a job!” (First Name) snapped,Tensei and Akihiro finally clearing their throats. The duo had been watching them argue for a while now,both boys rather smug about the fact that their siblings loved them so much. Both Tenya and (First Name) jerked around to face them,their faces going bright red from embarrassment. (First Name) just turned and grabbed Tenya’s hand,taking off running in order to escape from her brother. Akihiro just laughed and chased,Tensei limping after them. His ankle was only a little bruised,but it still hurt pretty badly.
“Princess,this is quite unbecoming of you!” Tensei called out with a chuckle,close behind Akihiro.
“Stop chasing me,then!” (First Name) said,gripping Tenya’s hand tightly with a grin.
“(First Name),quit running! You’re getting close to the lake!” Akihiro called out,the girl stopping immediately. She had nearly drowned a year prior because of her carelessness near the lake,and she wished to avoid such a fate again. Tenya stumbled to a stop as well,looking at them curiously.
“What’s so bad about the lake? Can the Princess not swim?” Tenya asked curiously.
“No. She’s been taking lessons in a kid pool,but she’s too afraid to get in the actual lake.” Akihiro explained,(First Name) just looking down as she let go of Tenya’s hand.
“It’s ‘cause the water’s scary!” She said,Tenya nodding a little.
“Then I’ll protect you from it! No matter what you’re scared of,I’ll be here to protect you,just like my brother protects yours!” Tenya told her,grinning.
“You’d have to train to be a knight,Tenya.” Tensei pointed out to his brother,who grinned up at him.
“That’s the whole point,brother! I want to be a knight strong enough to protect the Princess from anything!” Tenya told him,grinning cheekily. Tensei just laughed and nodded,ruffling his hair.
“I don’t need to be protected!” (First Name) pointed out,the boys all ignoring her wishes. The little Princess just huffed and listened as they spoke to each-other.
No, I'm fine
I'm lying on the floor again
“(First Name),it’s time you started taking your lessons seriously.” The girl’s father ordered her. Her seventh birthday had come and gone,and the king had been beyond pissed off after seeing her holding hands with Tenya during the entirety of the party. While it would have been fine when she was younger,it was disgraceful now.
“Yes,father.” (First Name) said,not even looking up from her plate. The little dress she was wearing was the fifth she had changed into that day,the girl looking up at her father after staring at the ribbon around her waist for a while. “Father,may I please learn to wield a sword?”
“Why would you ever need to use a sword?! We have guards for a reason!” The king snarled,(First Name) flinching a little. Akihiro just kept eating his food in silence,knowing this was going to happen from the start.
“I just.. What if the guards aren’t there when I get attacked? Or they’re outnumbered? I want to be able to protect myself..” The girl said,staring at her lap anxiously once again.
“You barely learned how to get on a horse last year,yet you want to use a sword? You truly are an airheaded Princess,” The king growled out,before motioning one of the guards over. “Take the Princess to her room immediately,and make sure the maids know she is not to visit my palace for two weeks. She’ll be eating her dinner alone.”
“Yes,Your Highness.” The guard said,raising himself out of his bow and walking over to the child. (First Name) jerked her arm away when the guard tried to grab it,glaring up at him.
“I will escort myself out! Have a nice evening,father!” She snapped angrily,stomping out. The guard followed her awkwardly,leaving Akihiro alone with their father.
“I told you it was best not to let her see the knights training,father.” Akihiro said after a while.
“Shut it. She pestered me day and night just to watch you all train. Inform her guards to keep a closer eye on her. She is not to visit the training grounds again.” The king ordered,Akihiro merely nodding.
Once the little prince was finished eating,he excused himself from the table and left with his own guard. Since Tensei was still a year away from becoming an official knight,Akihiro had to endure being stuck with his asshole guard for now.
Despite his father’s insistence on leaving (First Name) ‘alone’,Akihiro made his way to his sister’s palace with a sigh. He knew she would probably be in her library,so he checked there first. Not finding her,he asked a maid,who pointed him in the direction of her room. Akihiro walked to (First Name)’s room and knocked,pushing it open before he started to laugh. (First Name) was laying on the floor,the carpet the only thing keeping her off of the floor.
“(First Name),are you really upset?” Akihiro asked as he walked over.
“No,I’m fine..” (First Name) muttered,staring at her ceiling. “I’m just angry that father won’t even hear me out.”
“You’re a Princess,(First Name). You mustn’t allow yourself to get injured,and swordsmanship would be too much of a strain on your body.” Akihiro told her.
“I just want a knife! I don’t want everyone to protect me and treat me like I’m weak!” (First Name) snapped,Akihiro sighing.
“Well just be mentally strong.” He said,(First Name) looking over at him in confusion. “A Princess may not be able to wield a sword,but the mind is a weapon as well,so why not just focus on being super smart?”
“On being smart…?” (First Name) asked,sitting up and staring at him now.
“Yep. If you’re super duper smart,then you can beat your opponents using your head! So if you work hard on your classes and get super smart,then you’ll definitely be able to outwit anyone!” Akihiro told her,holding his hand out to help her up with a grin.
“That sounds super cool!” (First Name) said happily,grinning as she took his hand. Akihiro pulled her to her feet,the girl pouncing on him and hugging him tightly. “I love you,brother!”
“I love you too,kiddo.” Akihiro chuckled as he hugged back,grinning down at her.
Cracked door
I always wanna let you in
“She’s doing it again..” One of the recruits whispered to one of the others,little Tenya turning to look in the direction they were looking. His eyes widened when he saw the little Princess swinging a stick on her balcony,going to inform his brother quickly.
“Brother,the Princess is trying to practice with a stick again.” He told him,Tensei just sighing.
“Tenya,go handle it for me,okay? I don’t want to deal with her this time,and she listens better to you anyways. I’m trusting you,alright?” Tensei asked,Tenya’s eyes lighting up as he saluted his brother.
“Of course! Leave it to me,brother!” Tenya shouted,running off. The other recruits muttered about it angrily,pissed that he had snitched on the Princess again. Despite their gossipping,Tenya continued on his way.
It took fifteen minutes for the little knight-in-training to make it to the Princess’s room,knocking on the door. His eyes widened when it cracked open,seeing the little Princess swinging the stick eagerly. She had managed to get the form down,but she was still doing everything completely wrong besides that.
“Princess,you must stop doing this!” Tenya told her,stomping into her room and over to the balcony.
“Huh..?! How’d you get in?!” (First Name) asked as she turned to look at him,the stick slipping from her hands as she swung it one last time. It flew off of the balcony,(First Name) running over to the edge of the railing and peering down as she watched it land on the grass. “Now look what you did!”
“What I did?! Your Highness,pardon my rudeness,but you surely can’t be serious!” Tenya said angrily,doing the usual airchop as he spoke. He had picked up the habit from his father,who was a popular Duke in the kingdom.
“Of course I’m serious! You should be happy I don’t get you in trouble for entering my room without permission!” (First Name) snapped,Tenya going pale as he realized his mistake.
“You.. You would have let me in anyways!” The boy said,pushing his glasses up. “You’ve only ever declined my requests to visit you when you haven’t felt good.”
“So?! I always wanna let you in,even when I don’t feel good,’cause you’re my future knight!” (First Name) snapped,the two just looking at each-other. They both began to laugh,unable to stop themselves. “You’re such an idiot,Tenya!”
“The same goes for you,Your Highness!” Tenya said,laughing even harder. “Listen.. Listen,you just need to stop practicing with the stick,okay? You’re going to get in serious trouble with His Majesty one of these days.”
“Then don’t tell anyone,dummy.” (First Name) said,grinning at him. “Nobody besides you,my father,and your brother actually cares.”
“That’s not true at all!” Tenya snapped,airchopping once again. “You must stop it immediately,or I’ll tell Mr.Hakamada!”
“You wouldn’t dare!” (First Name) snapped,glaring at him. Another year had passed,but the girl had yet to get her guard fully on her side. He had been by her side since she was born eight years prior,but the man was still undyingly loyal to her father. “He’d definitely tell father,and I don’t want to get in trouble!”
“Then don’t break the rules.” Tenya told her,huffing. “Promise me you’ll stop?”
“Fine.. But you owe me one,alright?” (First Name) asked,puffing out her cheeks.
“What do you want?” Tenya asked,narrowing his eyes at her.
“Make an appearance at my next tea party and show off that you’ll be my knight. The girls father makes me invite here always act like they don’t believe me,and I can’t stand it.” (First Name) said,Tenya debating it for a moment before he nodded.
“It’s a deal,then.” He told her,holding his hand out. (First Name) grinned and shook his hand,really happy that she had Tenya by her side.
Even after all of this shit
I'm resilient
A month passed until the tea party,but (First Name) wasn’t in bed when the maids came to wake her,causing an absolute uproar within the castle.
“Princess! Princess,if you’re hiding,please come out!” One of the maids shouted. Her head maid left the room to report to the king,who ordered every available recruit and soldier to search the entirety of the castle and the surrounding area.
“Tenya,you’re coming with me.” Tensei ordered his brother. It was early in the morning,and little Tenya was just now waking up.
“Brother..? What’s happening?” Tenya asked,yawning as he rubbed his eyes.
“The Princess is missing. We must go find her. We’re to search town with the Prince.” Tensei said,Tenya’s eyes widening.
It took less than ten minutes for Tenya to get ready and make his way to his horse,the boy clambering into the saddle quickly. They would need to ride to town,so he was glad his horse was fast.
“You’re not to leave my side. You’re still just a trainee,so stay close.” Tensei told him,gripping his own reins tightly. He whipped the reins,his horse taking off from the castle grounds quickly. The brothers had spent most of their youth on the castle grounds,training to become royal knights,but they still knew the town better than anyone.
“If someone hurt her,I’ll kill them.” Akihiro said,riding beside Tensei. He was gripping his reins tightly,his (Eye Color) eyes cold as ice.
“I’m sure she’s fine.. Our Princess is strong.” Tenya said,struggling to calm himself. He had never thought the Princess would be in actual danger within the safety of the castle,so he was terrified. The fact that she had disappeared,and that he hadn’t been there to rescue her,was terrifying.
Once they made it to the imperial city,the boys were met with a scene of absolute carnage. A few of the other squadrons had already made it to the city,checking through houses. Women and children were in the streets,crying and sobbing as they watched the knights go through their things.
“That’s enough!” Akihiro shouted,the knights all standing down immediately. Despite the Prince’s young age,everyone knew better than to test him. “I won’t allow you all to harass the people like that! You may check their houses,but under no circumstances will you destroy their possessions unless there is proof the Princess was taken by them!”
“Yes,your highness!” All of the knights shouted,keeping their heads down until the Prince allowed them to lift their heads.
“Your highness,we should head towards the outskirts of the imperial city. Being this close to the castle,it makes very little sense for the Princess to still be here.” Tensei pointed out,Akihiro nodding and snapping his reins once again.
The trio tore their way through the city,keeping their eyes wide open. Tenya was praying for the Princess to be okay.
‘Cause a princess doesn't cry
It took a week for the Princess to be found. After discovering that a group of bandits had stolen a carriage from a Duke on his way to the castle,and managing to track down the carriage because of the insignia on it,the boys had arrived at the abandoned territory they had been pointed towards.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been here.. Since back before father found Duke Rioku guilty of treason and ordered him to be killed,actually.” Akihiro told the others,who listened with eager ears. There was a small squadron of imperial knights behind them,but Tensei and Akihiro would be leading the charge into the abandoned manor.
“This is a recovery mission. The King has granted permission for us to kill anyone and everyone inside,regardless of status,and find the Princess. Failure in this mission will lead to death.” Tensei announced,the knights all nodding. Despite the King’s coldhearted attitude towards his daughter,everyone knew the Princess was important to him.
Once everyone was in place,Tensei shoved the door open,barely managing to block the slash of a sword on time. Covering Tensei’s side,Akihiro slashed at the man behind the sword,Tenya watching as the head rolled to the floor.
“Everyone,move out!” The Prince shouted,all of the knights charging in with a mighty roar.
While the adults and the Prince focused on dealing with the kidnappers,Tenya slipped away to find the Princess himself,knowing he was breaking his brother’s order. To him,the Princess was more important than any rules.
It took nearly ten minutes for Tenya to find the Princess. After stumbling across a set of stairs leading into the basement,he had come across the girl,who was locked up in a cell.
“Princess! Princess,are you okay?” He called out,walking towards the cell quickly. Little (First Name) was still in her nightgown from the night she had been taken,the girl standing up when she saw Tenya.
“Tenya!” She called out,her whole body shaking. “Tenya,watch out! Behind you!” She shouted,the boy turning and jumping out of the way of a slash. In his haste to reach his Princess,he hadn’t checked the room,leading to an enemy almost having the opportunity to injure him. The boy cursed when he saw that his sword sheath had been cut,watching as it fell to the floor. The man was eager to continue slashing at the little knight,who continued to dodge as best as he could.
While Tenya struggled with the man,little (First Name) kneeled to the ground,reaching her hand out of the cell for the sword. The metal was heavy in her hands,but she pulled it into her cell regardless,unsheathing it. When Tenya managed to knock the man off balance,(First Name) swung the sword down through the bars,slashing deep into the man’s shoulder with as much might as she could manage. The blood splattered onto the dirtied gown,Tenya watching the scene in shock as he struggled to regain control of his breathing. The man was screaming and trying to get back on his feet,(First Name) stumbling back in terror. She wasn’t crying,but the girl’s entire body was shaking in fear. Tenya launched into action,grabbing the knife the man had dropped and plunging it into the man’s throat. Blood splattered onto his face and arms,but the little knight had no time to hesitate.
Once the man stopped struggling to breathe,Tenya searched his body,relief filling him when he found the keys for the cells. It took a few attempts at the lock before he finally found the right key,the boy flinging the door open and stumbling into the cell. (First Name) stumbled over to him,her whole body shaking still as she reached out to touch him. Part of her didn’t believe he was actually there,while part of her was still reeling from the fact that she had actually stabbed someone. Tenya grabbed hold of her tightly,pulling her into the tightest hug he could manage. The girl began to sob,whimpering out his name as she gripped onto him.
When Akihiro and Tensei finally found the basement,they were both in shock at the sight of a bloodied corpse and two crying children.
“(First Name),are you okay?” Akihiro asked worriedly as he walked towards her. Tenya pointed the knife towards the Prince,his sharp red eyes full of crazed anger. Tenya could only think of keeping his crying Princess safe for now,but he snapped out of it when he saw his older brother. The adrenaline finally wore off,and the little knight collapsed,passing out. (First Name) fainted as well,both Akihiro and Tensei picking up their younger siblings with a sigh before making their ways outside.
A princess doesn't cry
Over monsters in the night
Akihiro and Tensei had led their squadron back to a nearby Duke’s territory,where they made sure the Princess’s injuries were tended to. They were three days away from the castle on horseback,but they couldn’t ride far with the Princess injured. Little (First Name) was stuck in bed with a horrible fever for three days,while Tensei was down from the shock because of the events for only two days.
Two days after (First Name)’s fever finally broke,a carriage arrived to escort the little Princess back to the castle. The carriage ride would take five days to arrive back to the castle,but it was safer than being on horseback,so Akihiro rode in the carriage with his sister.
When (First Name) finally returned to the castle,her father was there to greet his son and daughter.
“How are you feeling now,(First Name)?” The king asked,reaching out towards her. (First Name) flinched back,her (Eye Color) eyes full of fear. Tenya squeezed her hand,not caring for now that it was a breach of protocol for him to touch the Princess without her permission.
“Your highness,with all due respect,it’s probably best for the Princess to get some rest for now. She’s repeatedly expressed fear of being touched by everyone,including the Prince himself.” Tensei said,staying bowed down. The king merely nodded,the Princess’s maid hurrying over to escort the Princess into the castle for proper care.
A week after her return to the castle,Princess (First Name) was spotted roaming the halls at night,her (Eye Color) eyes full of fear. She never once shed a tear,and the only one able to get her to fall asleep was her guardian knight,Tsunagu. He would pick her up and carry her back to her room after an hour of the girl roaming the halls,and he never once left her side during the night.
Don't waste our precious time
On boys with pretty eyes
(First Name) returned to ‘normal’ a month after her return to the castle,though the child still struggled with sleeping. Her father had finally decided to schedule her for another tea party,knowing she needed to continue making connections throughout the kingdom. After the maids had finished with her dress,(First Name) made her way out of her room.
“Good afternoon,Tsuna.” She greeted her guard,who nodded and gave a small smile.
“Good afternoon,Princess. Would you like me to carry you?” He asked,the girl scoffing at his words.
“I ordered you to stop carrying me during the day,did I not?” She asked,smirking at him slightly. “Surely you wouldn’t betray my orders,right,Tsuna?”
“Of course not,your highness. I swore fealty to the crown long ago.” Tsunagu told her,smirking ever so slightly back at her. He respected the Princess’s intelligence,and he feared her tenacity.
“Good. Walk five paces behind me,and keep your distance during the tea party. If you make one wrong move,I’ll tell my brother to give me Usagi.” (First Name) ordered,the man sighing and nodding. He kept his distance as they made it to the tea party,all of the ladies greeting them.
Everything went fine until one of the ladies brought up the topic of the men in their kingdom.
“Out of all of the men of the kingdom,who do you think is the prettiest?” Ochaco Uraraka asked,everyone else freezing.
“Definitely Shoto Todoroki!” Toru Hagakure said,grinning a little. “He’s super handsome,but I also like Mashirao!”
“The son of Marquess Ojiro!? No way,compared to Todoroki,he’s not that cute!” Momo Yaoyorozu said.
“Who do you think is the cutest,Princess?” Ochaco curiously asked,(First Name) too busy watching Tenya to pay attention. The blue-haired boy was walking by with his brother,but he stopped and waved with a bright smile when he saw his Princess.
“No way,you like your knight?!” Mina Ashido asked,(First Name)’s face exploding into color. She stood up quickly,her chair falling back and hitting the ground.
“Of course not! Knight Tenya and I are nothing like that!” The little Princess shouted as she slammed her hands on the table,her face burning from embarrassment. Tenya approached them quickly,wondering why the Princess looked so distressed now. (First Name) saw him approaching and ran in the opposite direction,gripping her dress slightly as she ran. The girls all watched in stunned silence,the little knight-in-training approaching them angrily.
“What was said to cause my lady so much distress!?” Tenya asked,airchopping like always. “It’s quite rude to disturb the Princess’s peace of mind!” He said,getting angry when he saw the girls begin to laugh at him.
“Tenya,go after the Princess. I’ll find out what it was about.” Tensei ordered,Tenya nodding and running in the direction (First Name) had gone. “So what happened?”
“The Princess got embarrassed because I asked if she liked her knight.” Mina said,Tensei covering his mouth as he tried not to laugh.
“That’s all it was about?” The boy asked,raising an eyebrow.
“Don’t take a maiden’s heart lightly!” Toru snapped,puffing out her cheeks.
While the girls all reprimanded Tensei for taking (First Name)’s feelings lightly,Tenya was finally catching up to the Princess.
“Princess! Princess,are you alright?” Tenya called out as he approached her,(First Name) panting as she tried to catch her breath. Her face was still flushed,and she couldn’t bring herself to face him.
“I’m fine,so leave me alone!” She shouted,not looking at him. Tenya kept his distance at first,though he found himself approaching her. (First Name) was struggling to catch her breath,and she was left breathless once again when Tenya grabbed her chin and made her look at him.
“Are you alright,Princess? Why is your face so hot?” He asked,(First Name)’s eyes widening as she stepped back. Her face heated up even more,the girl choking on her own words as she tried to stammer out a reply. She couldn’t bring herself to speak,her only saving grace being Tsunagu,who cleared his throat and scolded Tenya for getting so close to the Princess.
“My lady,do you truly have feelings for that child?” Tsunagu asked a while later,the duo watching as Tenya walked off to return to his brother’s side.
“Yes.” (First Name) said simply. “But I know nothing will come of it,so I won’t act on my feelings. Please don’t tell father,Tsuna.”
“Of course I won’t,my lady. So long as you don’t waste your time or your tears on that boy,I will not breathe a word to your father.” Tsunagu said,keeping his voice stern. His heart ached for his little Princess,wishing she could live her life as an ignorant child instead of being a means to an end. His little Princess would one day disappear from the castle,for she would eventually be married off to a man from another kingdom. Her feelings for the knight-in-training would have to disappear if she wanted to be a proper Princess,and Tsunagu’s heart wept at the realization that she already understood her position in society.
“Thank you,Tsunagu.” (First Name) said simply,before grinning up at her knight. “Let’s return to the tea party now,okay?” She asked,leading the way back.
A princess doesn't cry
(First Name) was a Princess,and a Princess isn’t allowed to cry. So when her father announced a war had broken out on their borders on her fourteenth birthday,the girl merely nodded and continued the day with no signs of fear. The festivities must continue in order to instill confidence,so the little Princess didn’t hesitate to dance the day away with nearly everyone who requested a dance. She didn’t get to dance with Tenya during the party,but the boy visited her that night.
“My lady,forgive my intrusion at such a late hour,it’s just.. We’ve shared a dance every year on your birthday since we became friends,so it didn’t feel like today would be your birthday if I wasn’t allowed a dance.” The little knight said,(First Name) nodding and holding her hand out.
“Come,Tenya. Let’s dance.” She said,the boy nodding and stepping forward. He took her hand in his own and pulled her close,the two slowly dancing around the room. They didn’t need music if they had each-other. Their music was the laughter that had been shared between them as children. Their music was the memories of happier times that flooded their heads as they embraced. Their music was the mutual care shared between them.
Their dancing soon ended,with Tenya reluctantly releasing his Princess’s hand. “I’m sure you already know this,but both my brother and yours will be going into battle.”
“Yes.” (First Name) said softly,not looking at him. The distant look on her face told Tenya all he needed to know,so he wrapped his Princess in his arms once again,pushing her head into his chest.
“You can cry,my lady. I won’t say a word of it to anyone.” He said softly,the Princess shaking her head as she gripped onto him.
“I’m fine.. I mustn’t cry over this. A war is a war,and one day,I’ll be a Queen. A Queen isn’t allowed to cry over wars.” (First Name) said,gripping onto him tightly regardless. The girl was terrified,but she couldn’t show it. She had been born to fulfill a role,and that role required her to cast aside her emotions.
“A Queen must also show compassion and empathy,Princess.” Tenya said,stepping back quickly when he heard a maid approach the door.
“Princess,are you alright?” The maid called out,knocking on the door. She wouldn’t enter without permission.
“I’m perfectly fine. Goodnight,Leone.” (First Name) called out,the maid calling out a ‘goodnight’ as she walked away from the door. “You should leave now,Tenya.”
“Goodnight,Princess..” Tenya said softly,reaching out and caressing her cheek before he turned away and left the room.
A princess doesn't cry
Burning like a fire
(First Name) was a Princess,and Princesses weren’t allowed to cry. So the day that she watched her brother’s back disappear on the horizon as he rode away from the castle with Tensei by his side,she didn’t shed a tear.
“Princess,are you alright?” Tenya asked,leaning forward and peering at her face curiously. His eyes widened when he saw the fire burning in her eyes,knowing their adversaries stood no chance. The Princess was no longer a child with nothing to offer her kingdom. Her rage was what led her to act in absolute confidence from that point forward,the girl never even averting her eyes from either friend nor foe.
Tenya’s Princess had a rage inside of her that burned like a fire,and there wasn’t a tear shed that day.
You feel it all inside
But wipe your teary eyes
Prince Akihiro disappeared six months into the war,and when news reached the castle,Tenya was the one to break it to the Princess (First Name).
“Princess.. Princess,your brother probably won’t be returning..” The knight-in-training told her.
“What do you mean? Brother isn’t dead,right?” (First Name) asked,turning to look at him with wide eyes.
“We aren’t sure. The general wrote to the king and told him that the Prince disappeared after the most recent battle.. He wasn’t found among the bodies of the deceased,so we’re moving on the assumption that the Prince has been taken as hostage. Mt brother is launching an attack to retrieve him..” Tenya said,Princess (First Name) merely nodding and wiping at her eyes. She wouldn’t cry.
‘Cause princesses don't cry
(First Name) was alone when she heard the news of her engagement to the Prince of their bordering kingdom’s Prince. She had been sold to Prince Inasa from Shiketsu kingdom in exchange for military aid during the war. Only a week had passed since the announcement of her brother’s disappearance,but the Princess had yet to shed a tear.
Instead of crying,the Princess left the throne room and marched straight to the barracks,a blank expression on her face.
“Tenya.” She muttered,the knight-in-training turning to face her. She latched onto him tightly and buried her face in his chest,not caring that he was sweaty from training.
“Princess? Princess,what’s wrong? Are you alright?” Tenya asked her worriedly,the girl just gripping onto him tighter. Breathing in his scent,she slowly began to calm down,clearing her head before she stepped back.
“I’ve officially been engaged to Prince Inasa from Shiketsu kingdom.. In exchange for military aid,I will be shipped off to their kingdom when I turn eighteen.” She said,looking up at him. The knight’s expression twisted into an unrecognizable look,leaving the Princess staring at him quietly.
“For military aid? But they..” Tenya sighed,trying to gather his thoughts. He had always known his Princess would marry for the kingdom’s sake,but he didn’t like it. He wanted her to marry someone she loved. “You haven’t even met Prince Inasa before,have you?”
“No,but it’s going to help my brother come home.. The people need their successor to the throne,after all..” She said,Tenya reluctantly nodding. He felt just as numb as his Princess did.
Don't cry, don't cry
Don't cry, don't cry
(First Name) had been eating dinner when news arrived that her brother had been rescued,and she had nearly choked when she heard that Tensei Iida had lost his life in the battle. Standing and shoving her plate aside,the little Princess ran out of the castle,heading to the knight barracks.
When she made it to the barracks,the little Princess flung the door open,the few people in the common room looking over at her in surprise. “Where’s Tenya?” She asked,watching as she was pointed towards the boy’s room.
One knock,and she heard a groan as the knight-in-training woke up.
Two knocks,and she heard a sigh as the knight-in-training got out of bed.
Three knocks,and she heard footsteps as the knight-in-training approached the door.
Four knocks,and she heard the lock click open as the knight-in-training opened the door.
“Princess..? What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost..” Tenya asked when he saw her face after he had pushed the door open. The little Princess just hugged him tightly,burying her face in his chest.
“Your brother.. Tensei.. Tensei’s not coming back..” She said quietly,Tenya’s whole world going dark. While he wanted to believe it was a sick joke,he knew it wasn’t. His Princess wouldn’t be so distressed if it wasn’t true. His little Princess would never betray his trust.
“He.. He what..?” The knight-in-training croaked out,(First Name) gripping onto him tighter. The hug was to keep him in place,but Tenya still stepped forward,the Princess stepping back as she gripped onto him tighter.
“He’s not coming back!” She repeated,Tenya shaking his head as he took yet another step forward.
“You’re wrong.. My brother’s fine,Princess,so don’t lie about it..” He muttered,his entire expression scarily calm. He couldn’t cry. Rage and disbelief were all he felt as he stood there,his Princess the only thing keeping him from running out.
If Tenya had left the barracks that day,he would have saddled his horse and rode off without looking back.
Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry, oh
‘Cause princesses don't cry
Princess (First Name) was silent when her brother returned to the castle. Two years after the war had broken out,Akihiro finally returned to the castle.
“(First Name).. (First Name),you’re okay,right?” The Prince asked worriedly. The celebratory victory banquet had finished hours prior,but the Prince hadn’t been allowed a moment of peace until now.
“Of course I’m fine,brother. Why wouldn’t I be?” The Princess asked,smiling up at him. It was a fake smile,one she had perfected over her sixteen years of life. She was no longer a child that could rely on those around her. In two years,she would wed and become a queen. In two years,she would be expected to leave the caste she had called home her whole life.
“You haven’t spoken once to me today since this morning..” Akihiro said,the Princess merely shrugging.
“I promised my knight my time,so please allow me to leave,brother.” (First Name) said politely,the boy slowly nodding.
“As you wish,then..” The prince said quietly. He knew his sister was probably in pain,but he couldn’t do anything for her.
When Tenya found his Princess on her balcony,with the wind blowing through her (Hair Color) locks,the knight found himself unable to approach until he saw her wipe at her eyes. Instead of crying,the Princess wiped her tears away and gathered her composure.
“Princess,we need to speak.” Tenya finally said,the Princess turning to look at him.
“Of course,Tenya.. There’s a lot to talk about.” (First Name) said,sitting down on the railing of the balcony. The bars of the balcony had once felt like looming towers,but never once had she felt caged until the news of her engagement had graced her ears.
“How are you holding up..? Mentally,I mean.” The knight asked. He had officially been knighted months prior,meaning he had officially replaced Tsunagu as the Princess’s royal guard. He would never have to leave her side,even if she got sent off to another kingdom. For Tenya,his Princess was all that mattered.
“I’m fine,Tenya. How are you?” (First Name) said,a blank expression on her face. The knight just stared at her for a moment,before he slowly nodded.
“I’m doing better now that you’re not being forced to sit next to that idiotic Duke.” He said,the Princess letting out a giggle. The noise sounded foreign to him,as it had been months since the Princess had last let out such a happy noise.
“Come now,Tenya,Duke Monoma isn’t that horrid,is he?” She asked with a smirk,Tenya scoffing.
“Despite being a member of the same kingdom,he has the audacity to insult the royal family at their own table. He is most certainly an idiot.” Tenya told her,making her laugh even more. She threw her head back as the laughter flooded out of her,Tenya smiling and starting to laugh as well. They were both helplessly in love with one another,but such feelings could never be accepted.
Girls so pretty and poised and soft to the touch
But God made me rough
A month after the Prince’s return to the castle,an envoy arrived from Shiketsu,with Prince Inasa being part of it. The castle was thrown into an uproar,everyone panicking and running around as they made preparations.
Tenya was left speechless when his Princess left her room in a beautiful (Favorite Color) dress,the boy unable to keep his composure. “You.. You are truly beautiful,Princess.” He said,blushing a little. Princess (First Name)’s cheeks heated up at the compliment,the girl thanking him.
Fifteen minutes passed before they made it to the teatime that had been scheduled with Prince Inasa. (First Name) gave a curtsy as she greeted the Prince,the girl still not lowering her head.
“Greetings to the future sun of the Shiketsu kingdom.” The Princess said politely as she took her seat,Tenya pushing her chair in for her.
“Greetings to the future moon of the Shiketsu kingdom!” Inasa shouted,(First Name) wincing at how loud the boy was.
Despite not liking how loud Inasa was,(First Name) found herself enjoying his presence. Things were fine until the Prince’s servant,Mineta,‘tripped’ and tried to lift up her dress The boy squealed like a pig when Tenya pressed his sword against his throat. Tenya made absolutely sure that the Princess’s honor would not be compromised,his eyes completely cold as he spat on the purple-haired boy’s face.
“If you touch my lady again,I will kill you. If Shiketsu kingdom is home to a bunch of perverts like you,then my Princess will certainly have a rough time.” He growled out,Mineta retreating after nearly pissing himself.
“Forgive my servant. Father ordered him to be among the servants that accompanied me here despite my misgivings,but I should have spoken against him more stubbornly. I will punish him.” Inasa said,(First Name) merely nodding as she thanked Tenya. The knight returned to standing behind her,a cold expression on his face as he glared at the Prince in front of him.
Girls, so heavy the crown
They carry it tall, but it's weighing me down
(First Name) found herself being forced to wear a new tiara that year on her birthday,one that had been gifted to her by Prince Inasa. While she enjoyed the Prince’s company,she still much preferred her knight’s company over his.
“Princess,it’s time for the first dance.” Inasa pointed out as he held his hand out to her. (First Name) reluctantly took his hand,the Prince escorting her onto the dance floor.
While they danced,Inasa soaked in every detail of the girl’s face. She looked cold,and he didn’t like it. The boy wanted to marry a Princess full of passion,not one being weighed down by the crown he had given her.
After dancing with people for a while,(First Name) walked out to the balcony,Inasa watching in silence when her knight followed. He was stunned when he saw her begin to dance with her knight,and he was completely shocked when he saw the soft smile on both her face and the knight’s. While (First Name) was cold as ice towards him,she burned with passion when she danced with her knight.
Inasa couldn’t help but think that a passionate woman really was the most beautiful.
No, I'm fine
(First Name) and Tenya continued to spend their days together peacefully after her birthday,Inasa returning to his own kingdom a week after her birthday.
“Princess,are you sad that prince Inasa left?” Tenya asked,already knowing the answer to his question.
“No,I’m fine.. I’m quite glad he left,actually. While he’s a good person,I much prefer your company.” (First Name) said,smiling at him slightly as she peered up at him over the edge of her book.
“You do?” Tenya asked,chuckling a little. He was easily flustered,but the boy didn’t blush as he looked down at his Princess. “I’m quite pleased to know that,actually.”
“Of course you’re pleased. I’m a Princess,after all.” She said,winking childishly. Tenya’s face heated up a little at that,looking away.
“Yeah,yeah..” He muttered,chuckling a bit. “Just keep reading.”
I'm lying on the floor again
Cracked door
(First Name) spent the first month after her seventeenth birthday studying Shiketsu kingdom’s culture,making sure she memorized the names of the nobles there.
“Camie Utsushimi,Nagamasa Mora,and Seiji Shishikura.” Tenya listed.
“Camie Utsushimi is the first daughter of General Utsushimi,who was raised in the castle by the maids. From what I recall,Inasa speaks of her often,meaning he holds some sort of affection for her. Nagamasa Mora is the super hairy man that trained Inasa in swordsmanship,and he’s known to be quite kind. He’s a strong fighter who Inasa wishes to appoint as his general once he takes over the crown. Seiji Shishikura is Inasa’s milk brother,as well as a well-respected strategist who is known to have anger issues. Inasa has respect for him,but that respect is nothing compared to the respect he has for Nagamasa Mora.” (First Name) replied,not needing to take much time to think.
“All three are correct,but what about Inasa himself?” Tenya asked,smirking.
“Inasa Yoarashi,the first Prince of Shiketsu kingdom. He is known to be adequate with bows,however his straightforward and bull-like attitude leads him to refuse to participate in competitions because he is afraid people won’t want to compete against the Crown Prince. On the contrary,his people adore him. He dislikes Duke Shoto Todoroki due to the old Duke’s horrid attitude,but he is working to overcome that. He enjoys people he considers ‘passionate’,as in anyone who is able to show dedication towards either a goal or a person. Am I right?” (First Name) listed,Tenya nodding and smirking.
“Good job,Princess.” He praised,the girl nodding and winking with a laugh.
You're only going to let them in once
And you won't come undone
(First Name) spent the second month after her seventeenth birthday practicing the language of Shiketsu. While their kingdoms had similar languages,certain words meant different things,meaning the Princess needed to work hard in order to remember each word’s meaning.
‘Cause a princess doesn't cry
(First Name) spent the third month after her seventeenth birthday avoiding her brother like the plague,unwilling to face him. He was soon to be wed,but (First Name) couldn’t bring herself to congratulate him when she dreaded her own wedding. She knew her brother wouldn’t even be able to attend her own wedding ceremony,but she couldn’t cry. A Princess doesn’t cry,after all.
A princess doesn't cry
Over monsters in the night
(First Name) spent the fourth month after her seventeenth birthday having panic attacks almost nightly,the girl waking up in cold sweats. She once again roamed the halls at night,and it was Tenya who led her back to her room nightly,where Tsunagu would be waiting. Tsunagu was the one who would soothe her anxieties,the man taking over night duty in order to allow Tenya time to rest. While Tenya watched his Princess all day,Tsunagu watched his Princess all night.
Don't waste our precious time
On boys with pretty eyes
(First Name) spent the fifth month after her seventeenth birthday writing letters to her old friends. Everyone wrote back,which made her quite happy. Momo was sad that she was leaving,wishing they could meet up once again before the Princess was swept away to another kingdom. Mina was upset that she had been sold off,wishing they could find a way out of it so the Princess could live happily in the kingdom. Ochaco was both happy and sad for her,just wishing her the best of luck in her marriage. Toru sent pages upon pages of writing,all of which was about how she was excited about her own engagement to Duke Mashirao.
A princess doesn't cry
(First Name) spent the sixth month after her seventeenth birthday preparing herself mentally to ‘hand her brother’ over to Itsuka Kendo,her soon-to-be sister-in-law. While (First Name)’s engagement to Inasa was devoid of actual love,Akihiro seemed happy with Itsuka by his side,so (First Name) wanted to give them a proper congratulations.
A princess doesn't cry
Burning like a fire
(First Name) spent the seventh month after her seventeenth birthday laughing and smiling at her brother’s wedding,forcing a bright smile all day. She shared one of the first dances with the new king,who just kept apologizing to her. Akihiro had spent all of his spare time trying to come up with a way for (First Name) to get out of her marriage,but none of the answers were satisfactory. (First Name) just kissed his cheek as they parted ways once the song ended,the Princess dancing with her knight on the balcony once again.
You feel it all inside
But wipe your teary eyes
(First Name) spent the eighth month after her seventeenth birthday trying to convince Tenya that he should quit being her guardian knight,explaining to the boy that she couldn’t stand the thought of dragging him away from his family. Tenya shut down all of her worries by once again swearing his fealty to her,the girl letting out a sniffle as she wiped her eyes.
‘Cause princesses don't cry
(First Name) spent the ninth month after her seventeenth birthday practicing the dances of Shiketsu kingdom with her instructor. Most of her nights were spent dancing with her night in the moonlight,the two pressed close together as they danced around her room. Her heart was weeping,but she didn’t shed a single tear as she stayed pressed close to him.
Don't cry, don't cry
Don't cry, don't cry
(First Name) spent the tenth month after her seventeenth birthday preparing herself to leave her kingdom behind. She wrote her final goodbye letters to all of her friends,even writing one to her father and brother. She wouldn’t mail them out until she was leaving,but the girl still had to fight back tears as she finished sealing the last envelope. She had written a letter to her wetnurse,and another to her head maid. She had written a letter to her favorite butler,and another to her head butler. She had written a letter to her gardeners,to her maids,and to her tutors. Everyone in the castle that she had met often would receive her final words.
Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry
‘Cause princesses don't cry
(First Name) spent the eleventh month after her seventeenth birthday struggling to decide on what to do. The girl knew she could just run away,but a Princess doesn’t abandon her duties. The girl knew she could fake her death,but a Princess doesn’t put herself above her kingdom. She felt utterly hopeless as she marked down the days leading up to her birthday,dread filling her.
I'm fine, I won't waste my time
Keep it in a jar, and we'll leave it for the next one
(First Name) spent her eighteenth birthday with her kingdom. For the last time,she shared one last dance with her older brother. For the last time,she heard her favorite maids wishing her a happy birthday. For the last time,she kissed her father’s cheek and thanked him for everything. For the last time,she raised a toast to her kingdom,with eyes full of nothing but fake happiness and a heart full of nothing but sadness.
For the first time in a long time,Princess (First Name) grabbed her knight’s hand and danced with him in front of everyone. The music was upbeat,but the dance shared between Princess and knight was anything but jovial. They held onto each-other desperately,Tenya pulling her closer after each and every spin. Everyone knew the two loved each-other,and everyone’s hearts wept for the two,knowing there was no way they could be together.
Yeah I'm fine, I won't waste my time
Keep it in a jar, and we'll leave it for the next one
(First Name) spent the first three weeks after the eighteenth birthday traveling through the Shiketsu kingdom,making her way to their castle slowly. Day by day,she felt herself growing more and more empty. Her only solace was Tenya’s constant presence by her side.
I'm fine I'm lying on the floor again
‘Cause a princess doesn't cry
(First Name) spent the first three days of her stay in Shiketsu castle sleeping on the floor instead of the bed,much to the chagrin of Tenya. She was stubborn about not sleeping on the bed at first,claiming it was because the room felt too foreign to her. She gave it up on the fourth day,however,once the maids sprayed some of her favorite perfume on her bed. The familiar scent led her to pass out the second her head touched her pillow,the girl curling up peacefully on the bed.
A princess doesn't cry
Over monsters in the night
(First Name) spent the second week of her stay in Shiketsu castle roaming the halls at night,freaking out both the maids and the knights alike. One of them went to report it to Inasa,who went to her side immediately.
“(First Name),what’s wrong? Are you alright?” The Prince asked her,(First Name) just ignoring him as she kept walking. Realizing that his words weren’t enough to calm her down,he ordered a maid to fetch Tenya.
“What’s wrong,my.. Ah,the Princess is doing it again,huh?” Tenya asked tiredly as he walked over,sighing when he saw how pale (First Name) seemed. “Please forgive my negligence in her caretaking. I had been under the impression that the knights here had already been informed not to leave her unattended in her room for even a moment.”
“What do you mean ‘again’? Does she do this often?” Inasa asked,Tenya nodding.
“When we were children,the Princess was kidnapped. She has never spoken to me about all of the events that had occurred during the week she was away from the castle,but I believe she has a hard time sleeping now because of it. As a result,she roams the halls at night when she feels anxious.” Tenya explained. He picked her up carefully,(First Name) just leaning into his touch in silence. She was only half-aware of what she was doing,muttering his name quietly. Tenya held her close,starting the trek back to her room. Since Tsunagu was no longer there to watch over her during the nights,the task had been left up to him. Earlier,he had asked another knight to take over watching her while he slept for a few hours,but he understood now that it was hopeless.
“(First Name),are you alright?” Inasa asked,reaching out to touch the girl’s cheek. She flinched back and buried her face in Tenya’s chest,her whole body shaking. Inasa froze up at the sight of his fiance snuggling into another man,the boy just sighing. He had known since seeing them share a dance that she was hopelessly in love with her knight,and his honest feelings for her meant nothing to her.
“Please forgive her. She’s not quite herself at this moment.” Tenya said simply,making it to the Princess’s room. He pushed the door open and carried her to the bed,setting her down gently. He caressed her cheek gently,the girl pressing into his touch as she slowly began to snap out of it.
“Ten.. Tenya..?” She muttered,her own hand reaching up to grab the knight’s. He nodded and gripped her hand,the girl taking a few deep breaths as she slowly nodded and leaned into her pillows. “Thank you.. For being here..”
“It was my vow as a knight.” Tenya told her,Inasa watching them from the doorway in silence. He punched himself and then walked away,knowing better than to intervene in this.
Don’t waste our precious time
On boys with pretty eyes
“(First Name),let’s have a talk.” Inasa said suddenly two days after her night-roaming incident.
“What about?” (First Name) asked simply,not even looking at him as she took a sip of her tea.
“Are you in love with your knight?” Inasa asked,the Princess spitting out her tea from shock after hearing his question. She coughed and sputtered as she tried to recover her composure,looking at him with wide eyes.
“In.. In love with my knight? Are you crazy?” She asked when she could finally speak,Inasa nodding.
“I love passionate women,you see,and you’re not passionate about anything besides your kingdom and your knight.” The Prince told her,sitting down across from her.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,Prince Inasa. My knight and I were raised together,so of course we have a close relationship,but we aren’t in love.” (First Name) said,looking away from him as she lied.
“I will talk to my father about canceling our engagement.” Inasa said,(First Name)’s head jerking to look at him in shock.
“You what..?!” She asked,not bothering to hide her emotions.
“I don’t wish to marry someone I don’t love. While I do believe you to be quite a beautiful woman,and you would most certainly become a lovely Queen,it’s best for both our kingdoms if we don’t follow through with a marriage devoid of love.” Inasa said. “I discussed it with Seiji and Mr.Mora,and they both agree that it’s best.”
“You’d seriously be willing to do that?” (First Name) asked,her (Eye Color) eyes sparkling now. “But what about the contract?”
“My father will rip that contract up. When I tell him about my feelings for Camie,he’ll allow the engagement to be annulled. If that doesn’t bode well with the court,I have another plan.” Inasa grinned at her cheekily.
“What’s your backup plan?” She asked,looking at him with wide eyes.
“Camie and I have been discussing it,and she said she’d be willing to give herself to me before wedding me. If it comes down to it,we’ll claim she is pregnant. The engagement will be annulled without any repercussions on your side.” Inasa said,(First Name) staring at him with wide eyes. She lunged across the table suddenly,hugging him tightly and throwing her head back with a laugh.
“Thank you! Thank you so much!” She shouted,Inasa holding her up as he laughed. Tenya opened the door,his eyes widening when he saw the scene of his Princess laughing with the Prince. He had left to go to the bathroom,and returned to see their embrace. Unable to hold himself back,the knight walked over and grabbed (First Name),pulling her off of Inasa and glaring at the man coldly.
“Princess,it’s best not to touch him like that before the wedding.” Tenya said,(First Name) looking up at him with a laugh.
“You idiot,there won’t be a wedding! Isn’t that great,Tenya?” She asked excitedly,Tenya staring at her in confusion.
“What do you mean by that,my lady?” He asked,(First Name) grinning up at him. He had never seen her so happy since they were children.
“Since (First Name) is in love with you,and since I’m in love with Camie,I plan on canceling our engagement.” Inasa said,Tenya’s eyes widening when he heard the Prince’s words.
“Excuse me,sir,but could you possibly repeat what you just said?” The blue-haired knight asked.
“I plan on annulling our engagement.” Inasa repeated,Tenya shaking his head.
“The part before that,your majesty.” He said,his brain struggling to compute the information he’d just been told.
“The part about me loving Camie..?” Inasa asked,Tenya shaking his head. “Oh,the part about (First Name) loving you?! Yeah,it was really obvious!”
“Inasa,you idiot!” (First Name) shouted as she stood up,her face burning. Tenya just stood there as the Princess ran out of the room,the knight trying to comprehend the fact that his Princess loved him back.
A princess doesn't cry
(First Name) spent the day after her indirect confession to Tenya locked in her room anxiously,every fiber of her being screaming at her to stay away from the knight. She wasn’t mentally prepared to hear his reaction to her confession,so she ordered the maids to keep even her knight from her quarters for the day.
A princess doesn't cry
Burning like a fire
(First Name) spent the second day after her indirect confession to Tenya avoiding looking at the male,who just grabbed her face and kissed her while they were walking through the garden. The kiss was rough but sweet,full of as much love as the young knight could possibly put into it. He didn’t pull away until (First Name) was patting his chest,the girl panting as she tried to catch her breath. Her face was as hot as a fire,Tenya just looking down at her. His own face was stained red,but he just leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“I have loved you for years,my lady.” He said softly,(First Name)’s face growing even hotter.
“For years…? But how..? And why..?” She asked,Tenya just laughing.
“When we were thirteen,you stopped and helped one of the maid’s children after they had tripped,remember? You were in a rush,and your tutor was angry at you for being late afterwards,but you made sure that little girl got back to her mother,and you smiled the whole time.. I was smitten.” Tenya told her,(First Name) blushing darker. “When did you fall for me,Princess?”
“The day you spoke up against Tsunagu for my sake after I first started to roam around at night.. You got angry at him for trying to drag me back to my room instead of carrying me,and you yelled at him.. I thought you were really cool that day.” (First Name) told him,staring up at him. They both just grinned at each-other at that,unable to stay serious.
“You’re so cheesy!” Tenya pointed out,(First Name) laughing and nodding.
“You’re cheesy too,you know!?” She asked,grinning at him.
You feel it all inside
But wipe your teary eyes
(First Name) was full of glee the day that her engagement was annulled,the girl telling the Shiketsu king directly that he was helplessly in love with her knight. The man gave them his blessings,and approved of her returning to her own kingdom. She hugged the man tightly,making him laugh as he patted her back.
‘Cause princesses don't cry
Princess (First Name) was able to return to her kingdom after only three months of staying in Shiketsu kingdom.
Don't cry, don't cry
Don't cry, don't cry
Princess (First Name) was able to ride a horse onto the castle grounds,a sword tied to her side. During her time in Shiketsu kingdom,the king had arranged her engagement to Tenya,making sure her father wouldn’t be able to ruin it for the young couple by giving her a royal order to marry the knight.
Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry
‘Cause princesses don't cry
Princess (First Name) was able to laugh and smile after her return to her kingdom,holding hands tightly with Tenya Iida. Her knight was never ‘just a knight’ to her,and everyone was quite happy to welcome them home.
Don't cry, don't cry
Don't cry, don't cry
Princess (First Name) was able to show her emotions in front of everyone after her return to her kingdom. She could get angry freely. She could shout and yell at the assholes who doubted her abilities as a strategist. She could smile and laugh at her friends when they did stupid things in front of her. She could do anything she wanted except for one thing.
Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry
‘Cause princesses don't cry
The only and only rule (First Name) (Last Name) lived by was ‘Princesses don’t cry’,and she never cried in front of anyone other than her knight. She could laugh,she could scream,and she could gloat,but she could never cry,because once upon a time a little boy had looked her in the eyes and told her that Princesses shouldn’t cry.