Chapter 3

𝙼𝚎𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐

Izuku's POV

Aizawa entered first, and I sucked in a sharp breath when I heard the scraping of wooden chairs on the stone flooring as the men stood for my entrance. "Emperor Izuku Midoriya," My guard announced and I puffed my chest, held my head high, and moved with as much grace as my small body could muster.  

"Thank you for being here. I hope you can forgive my tardiness," I smiled politely, a thing I saw in most picture books and memories of my mother. Her smile was infectious. Mine most likely seemed counterfeit compared to her's. 

"Your majesty," Kirishima, the King of one of my neighboring nations, spoke up first. I recognized him from photos. He was the one I needed to convince today to aid my soldiers with extra men and supplies. I swallowed and bowed, a move I had not been custom to considering I myself am considered royalty. 

"Lovely to meet you, your majesty," I spoke smoothly before watching the king place his arm over his chest and bow lowly to me as well. 

"Likewise. Your resemblance to the late Empress is astounding. I am honored to be called upon in a Midoriya's time of need," The king smiled at me and I flushed. I was never good at these things. My confidence was purely external and for the show. I crumbled with authority -- that is why I so easily played with my servants. 

"Thank you, my lord," I said breathlessly, trying to calm my racing heart. Kirishima took a seat again, motioning for me to proceed. We all know what I was asking for. This was only a matter of formalities. It was a time for both parties to either accept or deny the alliance and state our requirements and requests. 

I spared a moment to glance around the room. The king sat at the head of my table, as the guest. At his back were two guards, I would assume. One with dark black hair, the other sporting blond locks so pure it nearly resembled white ash. The darker haired male was stood tall and firm, his eyes sweeping the room for danger. 

My focus shifted to the other guards and I was caught off guard by what I found. The ash-blond guard was staring at me with narrowed eyes and thin lips. His posture was tense and almost hostile. His eyes were the most amazing shade of vermillion fire. A sure sign that there was magic within his blood. The hairs on my body rose at the energy rolling off this man. I shrunk back and pulled my eyes away.

"Right," I started and moved to m seat. Aizawa pulled it out for me, like always, and I blushed. Sometimes feeling as if the people of my court treated me like a princess rather than an Emperor. "I am sure you know why I requested this meeting. King  Kirishima, my people have become the most recent target of magical warfare. As you know, my mother left a legacy of peace for this Empire. One that I want to honor and uphold. However, I am young - I know - and not prepared to fight this battle alone. I request an alliance with your kingdom. Your warriors are of the highest caliber, some even ranking the highest in magic. I am willing to offer an alliance, one of safety, peace, and sovereignty with your kingdom in exchange for men, supplies, and protection during this time. My people are in danger and my mother's legacy is under attack."

I ended my speech well. I had practiced it in my mind for many nights. As much as I pretended not to care, I really did. Deep down I was terrified of letting my mother's hard work fall apart. My hands trembled beneath the cherry wood table and I was grateful for the object that was surely hiding my nervous fidgeting from the King before me. 

My eyes shifted to the blond guard once more and I was not sure why. However, I was met this time with a curious stare. Again, my body tensed as this man so rudely glared at me. I wanted to snap my fingers and have him removed, but I was trying to make a good impression on King Kirishima. I needed is help -- not to throw his guard out for staring at me.

"Dearest Izuku, my kingdom would gladly enter an alliance with you. The Midoriya name is strong and powerful, one that should be cherished and protected. I am honored you have called upon me. Let us discuss the fine details and sign our documents. Then, we celebrate!" Kirishima smiled brightly and a wave of relief washed over me. I felt Aizawa place a hand on my shoulder.

"I will draw up the documents while you talk, your majesties," Aizawa left another guard with me and quickly left the room to fetch the documents.

"I appreciate your willingness to aid my people with such short notice," I admit with a soft smile. King Kirishima laughed a deep belly laugh and I smiled more. I had never been good at talking but this was not so bad.

"I too know what it is like to begin ruling from a young age. It is a difficult path you have been forced to walk. I wish I would have had aid in my time of need. Plus, you are correct with one thing. My warriors are the best in the world. I have many to spare. I actually made my decision to accept the alliance the moment I received your letter. I brought you a gift to show my loyalty." I was momentarily flooded with emotions. I said a silent prayer to my mother, thanking her for her good name.

"You needed not to bring me anything, your majesty. Your friendship and alliance were all I could have wished for," I smiled respectfully at the King who has just ensured the survival of my people. 

"Nonsense. Your personal guard informed me of his retirement and requested a replacement," Kirishima smiled warmly and my mind instantly blanked. My personal guard? Retiring? Aizawa? I was too caught up in my mind to reply. "I know that magic runs deep in your blood, but you have not been able to awaken your power. Instead, your mother was smart, surrounding you with magic in hopes of protecting you. With your guard's retirement drawing near, he asked I bring my best warrior to train as his replacement."

"Your majesty," I was speechless. Aizawa was retiring? What did that mean exactly? How come I was the last to know such news? He was my guard! My employee. My friend! "I'm not sure I understand," I breathed and the king smiled still a big toothy grin.

"I would like to introduce my offering to you. Something to seal our alliance and offer protection to the precious Midoriya family. Katsuki Bakugou," My eyes widened as the blond man with angry eyes stepped forward. He was clad in traditional armor and robes. His sword draped on his hip, ready to be drawn at the slightest hint of danger. His eyes bore holes in my head as he glared at me.

Kirishima gestured for him to introduce himself. I all but froze as the man approached me, a good head taller than my frame. I rose to my feet, something tugging at me as if telling me to stand up and toughen up. This was but a man. Albeit a warrior from Kirishima's barracks. 

My eyes grew wide when he placed his armored arm horizontal across his chest and he bowed his upper body in my direction. When he rose, his eyes held mine with a fire still burning deep behind the red tint.

"Katsuki Bakugou, your majesty. I pledge my unflagging loyalty to your protection, safety, and survival." He spoke with such heat that my hair once again tingled along my body. His eyes narrowed again at my shocked expression. I cleared my throat and blinked, just as Aizawa knocked and entered the room.

He glanced between me and Katsuki, a look of brief guilt or sadness in his eyes before he swiftly dropped the document on the table for our signatures. However, my eyes stayed on Aizawa. My mind spun and my heart ached. He was leaving. The last person I had that tied me to my mother was planning on leaving and did not even tell me.

"Yes, thank you," I spoke, calm. King Kirishima signed his name, followed by my signature and then Aizawa's and Katsuki's. Two witnesses, two leaders. I had successfully entered my first alliance. I blinked the tears away before they could fall. 

Have I made you proud, mama?