Chapter Text
You looked at the woods around you. The carriage ride stayed on pace as you and your husband headed towards the Kirishima duchy. You hadn’t been here in so long, since before you presented, before Kirishima Eijiro ruined what would have been the perfect partnership.
You heard muttering that took you out of your thoughts. You looked forward to see your husband was busy reading off a parchment, his eyes and mouth moving fast but no doubt his brain moved faster. You found it a rather amusing habit of his, his muttering. It wasn’t bad by any means. You found it… comforting in a sense.
“Three vials of her pain easing tea leaves, one jar of nutmeg, some lemonbalm, chamomile…. What did the doctor say about chamomile? She should have it as a tea or as the leaf? Ginger root was low before we left. I should have put in an order for it before we left. How about-” He muttered to himself, eyebrows furrowed.
You paused, your hands on your lap. You chuckled at the sight of him. “Izuku,” At the mere utterance of his name on your lips he looked up at you. His eyes showing that you had his complete and unbreakable attention. “I will be fine.”
Midoriya sighed as he leaned back. “That’s what we all think until you are not.” He put down the paper and raised his head to look up to the ceiling of the carriage, a heavy scent of slight worry was in the air. His dark green jacket and sash matched the green of your dress and jewellery. “Just one word from you and I will order our couch to take us back.”
“We are not going back.” You stated simply. “We are only a few moment away from arriving anyways. There is no need to turn back.”
You went over it again your head. Your marriage to Izuku had been good so far. The two of you managing to get each other on a wavelength that worked for the both of you. He worked hard at being duke and you helped where you could, you ran the manor as best as you could and so far, to your credit, it was working.
Unfortunately, it would mean putting on an act for everyone who would be in attendance to this Hunting event. Midoriya knew that. The both of you discussed it a day prior to leaving, everything you were willing to do. Of course, it was not as if you could say you were not willing to do anything. He was still your husband, and you still needed his favour for as long as possible before it leaves with old age as most circumstances lead to.
You saw the familiar high gates of the Kirishima outer walls to their manor. A manor that had housed over ten generations of Kirishimas, that currently housed the main duchal family and their heirs and staff.
“We should get in position.” You started, the feeling of heat moving up your neck.
Midoriya's eyes flicked over to you. At first he blinked seemingly confused. Soon you saw red invade his skin as he looked to you. His freckled face blooming with colour. You found it amusing that for an Alpha, he blushed like a boy. He cleared his throat and nodded, a curl getting out of place and landing on his face. “Of course.”
You gripped the skirt of your dress and moved over to his side of the courage. You sat at his side, the first time you were both sitting beside one another. Even at dinner you were both at opposite sides. You sat opposite him at dinner, in the study, when outside, anywhere. Now you sat beside him.
It made you feel nervous.
You felt his big hands move to pull you onto his lap making your eyes widen slightly before nodding. You looked up at him, your eyes showing that you were only receptive towards him. He let out a soft grunt before leaning forward and allowing his scent to come out more forcefully. You smelt him all around you, invading your nose, your space, your very vision. You whimpered as you tilted your head up for him to access more of your neck.
An unconscious croon, one you knew was just due to the actions and not because of any romantic feelings (to you), came out of his chest as he moved his nose up your neck, kisses moving up to your jaw. He moved to put his cheek to your neck and jaw, scenting you as best as you could.
Being in his arms, his large arms that held you so secure always managed to render you… motionless. Speechless. There wasn’t much you could do but sit there helplessly at his mercy.
You let out a stuttered breath, trying so hard to keep your own scent inwards. You moved to put your kisses to his own neck, trying to kiss all the bigger freckles on his skin. You pulled at his collar, trying to make it seem messy. You tugged at his cravat, moving it away so you could access more of his skin. You placed your lips long against his skin to leave smudges of your lipstick against his skin.
Midoriya let out a deep rumble from his chest, his head tilting up. The sound of his rumble, his approval, had a strike of need go up between your legs. The both of you had not been intimate since your wedding night, something you weren’t sure how to think about. A part of you wished for him in the dead of night when nothing but the sound of your own heavy breathing and pained whines could be heard. Another part of you knew that you shouldn’t be wishing for such.
The carriage stopped too soon, and a knock came behind Midoriya indicating that you had arrived.
You paused as you leaned back with heavy breaths, your mind was telling you to act more civilised but your Omega was begging you to submit again to the Alpha that saved you. Izuku held you, his arms moving tighter as his eyes were half lidded in something akin to desire.
The door opened, taking both your attention. You both glanced at each other.
With a nod, Izuku moved to scoop you higher in his arms making you gasp. “Izuku!” A deep chuckle came out of his lips as he moved to leave the carriage with you in his arms. “Put me down, your grace.”
“Once we are out of the carriage, my love.” He rumbled out, bringing you both out into the clear sky and into the expectant gazes of the Kirishima family.
You had to remind yourself that you were safe, that they couldn’t harm you anymore and yet here you were, standing in front of them in the arms of another man. It felt like betrayal somehow. Like you were going against them.
Standing beside her wife was Kirishima Takea. The Alpha had a dignified smile on her face as she stood tall, her long thick black hair cascaded down her back. She stood in the colours of her house, just like every other member of their family. Due to the formalness of a greeting to a new duchess and duke, the entire family was there. From her to their newest daughter who was but two.
However, you couldn’t deny that your eyes went to her son. Kirishima Eijiro was watching you with an intrigued expression. A raised eyebrow on his face as he stood beside his new Omega. He wore identical to his sire, his red hair pushed back however, he was missing something that his sire had.
Which was a weird thought for you to have, for half a year ago, you would have never thought such a thing.
Katsuki’s eyebrows were furrowed as he stood beside Eijiro, coddled up to his side. His cape was left away, exposing his regal neck and claimed necklace. The blond had the same newly claimed glow as every mated Omega had. You couldn’t deny that he looked perfect beside a family like the Kirishimas. With his head high and his position secured from the beginning. Yet his crimson eyes dissected both you and your husband.
Midoriya put you back down on your feet carefully. You looked up at him with wide eyes, the doe eyes that you had been drilled to practice since you presented at eleven. Big doe eyes and wonderful expression to make whatever Alpha you were looking at, feel as though he was bigger than the world.
Midoriya eased at the sight of you before turning his attention to your host family. He bowed and you curtsied with practiced precision. “Good Afternoon, Duke and Duchess Kirishima. We are truly grateful for your invitation.” Midoriya said respectfully. You both had to practice that line a few times. He was still new to the whole nobility sphere of life, so teaching him had been a rather interesting affair.
Takea laughed as she smiled. “Please, Duke Midoriya, it is only right. You are both the latest talk of the ton.” She reminded the both of you with a motion of her big hand. Even in her suit that she was most probably forced into, she was broad and large, thus was the Kirishima bloodline. “Besides it is about time our two duchies got well acquainted with one another.” Her deep ruby eyes moved down to you. She seemed to ease slightly. “Duchess Y/N.”
“Greetings Duke Kirishima.” You said formally, your eyes downcasted.
Takea could sense the layer of formality and strain to your voice. Nothing that was eased and natural, nothing like how you used to greet her. You would have been in her large warm waiting arms by now, but instead you were so far away. She smiled gently. “Marriage suits you. The title of duchess suits you even more.” A glance with an unreadable expression went to her son who went stiff. Katsuki turned to look at Takea in shock but a stern grip from his Alpha seemed to be keeping him silent.
Midoriya looked between Eijiro and his sire. He drew in a breath. “My wife and I would love to rest after our long journey here. I assume everyone is here as well?” He asked as he wordlessly offered you his arm. You took it with both hands, moving to get in closely to his body.
Takea shook her head. “His royal highness, Prince Shoto and his mate are still on the journey but according to my scouts they should be here by nightfall.”
Yua gave a pleasant smile. She was always the image of beauty and grace as she motioned with one arm for you both to head inside. “Please do rest, I know the journey must have been tiring. Eijiro,” Her son turned to look at her. “Please escort our guests to their rooms.” She requested of her son.
Eijiro moved with Katsuki at his side to walk up the stairs heading inside the manor. You stayed at Midoriya’s side, wishing you would have been led in by anyone else. Midoriya walked forward, the both of you heading up the stairs.
Suddenly you felt something tug on your dress making you stop as you turned to look down. Holding onto your dress with her little hands was one of Eijiro’s sisters. Her soft little hands held your dress tightly. Tamami had a hesitant look on her face as she stared up at you with wide ruby eyes in her small puffy red dress. The little five year old had her red hair free and flowing down her back, a bow in her hair.
You instantly eased at the sight of the little girl. Your husband paused to see what the problem was before he noticed the little girl that held your dress. You crouched down with a smile. “Hello Tamami.” You greeted.
Her eyes lit up at your greeting, noticing that you didn’t ignore her. “Y/N!” She threw her arms out for her to hug you. Excited little hands waved up in the air for her.
“TAMAMI!” The sound of her name made her hesitant as she turned to look at Katsuki. Katsuki stood in the doorway with Eijiro at his side, a soft scowl on the blond’s face. A look of disapproval on his face. The blond Omega glared down at the little girl making her whimper softly as she withdrew her hands closer to her body. “Watch your manners. Ladies do not act like that. Isn’t that right Eijiro?” Katsuki glanced over to his husband.
Eijiro glanced at his Omega before looking at his sister. The little girl had her head down in resignation, seeing that the way she was acting was improper. Eijiro knew she was so young. She didn’t understand these things all that well, but she had to learn. He sighed. “Tamami, you are in the presence of a duchess and duke. Apologies to Duke and Duchess Midoriya.”
Tamami swallowed down hard but grabbed her skirt and bowed her head in a low practised curtsy. It was in no means perfect, but it was still proper, showing her noble lineage. “I am sorry duke and duchess.”
You frowned at Katsuki and Eijiro. You opened your mouth to speak but you felt a hand go over your own. Midoriya glanced at you, silently telling you not to fight it right now. You knew he was right, considering Yua and Takeo didn’t argue about it, you knew you had no place to second guess their heirs. Not now at least. You knew you would be able to talk to Tamami later.
Midoriya looked down at Tamami with a gentle smile on his face. “Lady Tamami, don’t you think my wife looks beautiful today?” He asked gently as he bent down slightly.
Tamami hesitated but looked up at Midoriya. “She- she does, your grace.” She said nervously as she looked up at him, not wanting him to be angry with her too.
Your green haired Alpha chuckled and nodded. “I am pleased you think so, so do I. Since we are in such agreement of how struck you were, I will make sure to send you a dress just like it.”
You watched as her ruby eyes grew wide in excitement. Her mouth moving into a bright beautiful smile. She started jumping up and down in excitement with excited chirps leaving her mouth. She looked up at her sire excited. “Sire! Sire! Did you hear what he said!” She pointed to Midoriya.
Takea chuckled, just happy to see her little darling so happy. “I did but you have to remember your manners, Tamami.”
Tamami turned back to look at your Alpha. She bowed her head. “Thank you, Duke Midoro!”
You swallowed back a laugh as you turned your head away. Your husband, being the good man that he was, let out a loud laugh at the mistake in pronounciation. “It is no problem, Lady Tamami.” He straightened his back as he moved back to your side. You took a hold of his arm as the both of you were led inside. It took a beat of silence between you two before you heard him say, “Midoro?” A unlady-like snort left your mouth as you tried to hide your giggles with your hand. Midoriya had a wide smile on his face as he thought about it. “That’s a first for me.”
You sat outside under the large umbrellas as you watched the men get handed their rifles as stableboys walked around leading horses out. You lifted your porcelain cup of tea to your lips as you sipped politely.
“Such a stunning day for a hunting trip.” Yua said as she looked up at the sky. Her red hair was tied up in the fashionable style showing that she was married. She leaned back in her cushioned chair. “Oh how I wish I could go on the hunting trip today.”
“Go on the hunting trip?” Her royal highness, the princess consort, Momo asked in surprise as her eyebrows raised in shock. She sat down her cup of tea, her eyebrows raised. “Would you go?”
Yua nodded her head with a fond smile. “Oh yes. Prime Alphas, like the Kirishimas, get a thrill out of it. I know how to shoot because she does, however, I mostly go to try and deter whatever positive or negative accumulations happen afterwards.” She giggled, putting a hand over her mouth. You raised an eyebrow, not understanding whatever point she was making that was funny enough to make her giggle.
“Shooting is such an ugly affair.” Katsuki stated as he lounged back in his seat. A fluffy fur coat around his neck. It was thick enough that it seemed as though it was made from two layers of fur and stuffed with cotton. “That is why it should be left to the Alphas.”
You silently raised an eyebrow. You didn’t argue, shooting gave you no pleasure at all, however you did rather enjoy the thrill of it whenever you did it every while. You turned back to see Izuku holding a black rifle with polished silver. He moved to inspect the weapon in his hands. His large hands held the rifle with precision as he looked it over.
You lifted up your teacup closer to your lips before freezing. Your lunch feeling as though it was up in your throat. For some odd reason it seemed as though your stomach had been rather disagreeing with you the past day that you had been at the Kirishima duchy. You put down your teacup and stood up. You brushed your lower skirt down. “I’m going riding with the gentlemen.” You announced as you straightened up your posture. You opened up your hand. Pony stepped forward with your riding gloves and hat.
“You’re going riding? In this weather?” Mina asked as she looked out at everything. She put down a scone as she looked back up at you.
Katsuki scoffed as he looked up. His husband was heading this way, handing his rifle to a servant nearby. The large Alpha wore thick boots, walking with the regalness known of his bloodline. You had to force yourself to look away. You knew he could never be yours, because he never chose you. “For an Omega who pleads that she does not seek attention, you sure know how to demand it.” He spoke nonchalantly, but you saw the gleam in his crimson eyes.
You didn’t look to Katsuki as you slid up your gloves.
“Omegas.” Eijiro said with a nod of his head as he lowered his head to stand under the covered tarp that kept you all away from the sun. He looked to Katsuki, a smirk on his lips. He lifted up katsuki’s hand towards his lips, a delicate hand in the large powerful hands of a Prime Alpha. “Katsuki.”
Katsuki smirked, watching as his Alpha kissed his knuckles. “Alpha.” He purred out, earning a rumble from Eijiro. Katsuki’s eyes glanced to you, your eyes away from Eijiro as you prepared yourself to go out. His eye twitched as he fought a frown. He looked back at his large Alpha as he sat back up straight. “It seems as though, Duchess Y/N, is going out hunting with the rest of you.”
Eijiro perked up as he turned to look back at you. His eyebrows raised in surprise, his ruby eyes on your being as you ignored him. “You want to go hunting with us, duchess?”
“Yes, my husband asked if I wanted to.” You elaborated as you turned to look at Eijiro, keeping your expression neutral and hidden. “An Alpha with separation anxiety is what the maids liked to say.” You glanced to Pony who nodded her head affirmatively.
Eijiro’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. He let out a huff, as he folded his large arms over his chest. Even in the cold weather of the mountains, he still wore less layers than anyone else due to how high his body temperature ran. “Do you even remember how to shoot?” He asked.
You stifled a smirk as you kept your back towards him. “Oh I remember how I was a better shot than you, Lord Kirishima.” You said, moving to walk away from him out into the field. You heard a soft scoff, that familiar scoff that made your stomach twist. You couldn’t keep doing this. You swallowed down hard as you kept your head up high.
“Y/N.” You turned at the sound of your name. Your Alpha stood just a few meters away from you, a smile on his face. You eased at the sight of him. You felt your stomach ease at the sight of him. It was a weird thing, that he had that effect on you.
A soft giggle left your lips as you walked over to him. “Husband.” You acknowledged him. “Are you ready?”
“Indeed.” He stated with a smile. “Although, I must admit,” His deep green eyes looked down at the rifle in his hand. “I am not entirely sure how a hunting party is supposed to function.”
You put a hand to his arm. “All you need to do is try and shoot whatever prey you see. The one with the most kills by the end of it is often considered the victor and honours their bride with their catch.” You explained to him as you walked over to a horse that was causing trouble to some of the stable hands. You smiled happily at the sight of the black stallion. His deep black coat with white hooves made you smile. “Zale.” You called out. The horse paused as he turned to look at you. He huffed as he shook his neck and thus his mane of hair. He trotted over to you, ignoring the stable boys. You chuckled as you put your hands to his neck. “Aww, my big stallion.” Despite Zale being double your size, you adored the sight of him. He was such a loyal steed and one that only seemed to like you to ride him.
You felt a big presence behind you. The scent of your Alpha crowding you as he walked up behind you. You were now stuck between two very large beasts and only one seemed to be getting closer to you. “How selfish of you, Omega. Praising another male in my presence.” The low rumble of his voice made you shiver as you straightened up. Before you could say anything, you felt his big hands grab at your hips.
You let out a shout as he picked you up off your feet. You felt him turn you in the air and place you on Zale’s saddle. Midoriya chuckled at the sound of your shout, finding your shouts humorous. You frowned as you sat on top of your stead. “Good lord, you are so…”
“So?” Midoriya smiled up at you with a smirk on his lips, a chuckle in his chest.
“So impossible.” You said sternly as you sat up, grabbing the reigns of your horse. You felt a painful sharp stab in your stomach, making you frown as you tightened your grip on the reigns. You couldn’t alert Midoriya of your pain, he would instantly take you both inside. The last thing you needed was to ruin this trip for the both of you nor cause unnecessary and definitely unwanted attention to yourself. “Get on your horse, your grace.”
He leaned against Zale with an amused smile on his face. Despite your clear attitude of trying to deny ever being flustered, he could read it in your body language and found you more amusing than anything. “Can I not ride with you, duchess?”
“Of course not.”
“Why?”
“Why? Because…” You tried to think of a reason, any reason but for some reason you couldn’t find one when his hand was holding your thigh over your dress. Your heart felt like it was beating a thousand times a minute. You furrowed your eyebrows with a trill as you looked away from him. “Get on, your grace.”
A victorious grin went to his face as he put his hands on the saddle, putting his foot to the stirrup and jumped on, putting himself behind you. You felt the heat of him through his clothes. You didn’t understand why Alphas had to be so damn warm. Even through his riding jacket, you could feel his warmth as your back was against his chest. His large hands moved to go over your own gloved ones, holding the reigns through you.
You turned to look back at him, but before you could even lay your eyes on his face, you felt one of his hands shoot up to grab the side of your face and slam your lips against his. A squeak left your lips but you soon felt clouded with his pheromones as he kissed you. You relaxed into the kiss, leaning further back against him.
You heard someone clear their throat, making your Alpha flick his dark gaze away from you to Eijiro. His eyes darkened as he slowly moved his lips away from yours. Eijiro swallowed hard as his jaw tensed, his eyes moved to you. You weren’t even aware of his presence, your eyes, big pupiled and huge with devotion towards your Alpha, was stuck on him. You used to look at him that way, as if he was your salvation, your way out.
And yet here you were, looking at a lowborn bastard that same way. An illegitimate son of a duke and a whore of a maid.
Eijiro’s eyes flicked back up to Izuku. “If you don’t mind, Duke Midoriya, we’d like to start the hunting party.”
Midoriya hummed. Without tearing his eyes away from Eijiro, he noticed the slight annoyance in his tone, the clear signs of him not liking you so close to Izuku. Imagine, an Alpha upset that another Omega is with their own Alpha. Midoriya internally scoffed. Eijiro was becoming more annoying the more he was in his presence.
Midoriya kept looking at Eijiro however he opened his mouth and licked over your lips making heat go up your neck. He sat back up straight. “Then let us go, Lord Kirishima.”
Eijiro’s jaw ticked but he turned around, hands balled into fists. He let out a low growl. “HAND ME MY RIFLE!” He shouted.
Midoriya scoffed as he flicked his reigns. “High borns.” He rolled his eyes. You were still very much confused on what just happened you focused back forward, trying to hide your face. Clearly, he was doing it just to get under Eijiro’s skin. That had to be it.
A deep chuckle came from your right, making you turn your head, Midoriya and you saw Tenya on top of his horse, trotting up next to the both of you. Lord Iida Tenya chuckle as he shook his head. His deep dark hair was brushed back as his large figure sat on his horse with perfect posture, the perfect sight of a perfect high born noble. “Why do I have the feeling that you and Lord Kirishima will end up brawling at the end of this?”
Midoriya sighed as he turned to look forward again. “It will take everything in me not to ruin relations before all this is over.” He grumbled lowly with a frown on his face.
“You’ve barely been in the position long, Izuku.” Tenya chastised.
“Better get used to me in power, Tenya.”
You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help but smile, letting the two Alphas talk. Despite everything, Midoriya still meant a lot to you, he saved your life and provided you with the life you always wanted. How could you ever want or wish anything else that isn’t what he wanted.
Your hunting party moved deeper into the forest, the foliage was dense but the tall trees also made it harder to see, but you knew that was part of the fun of the hunt. You mostly kept quiet as the Alphas discussed amongst themselves, plans and potential prey to hunt. Shots were fired, some being successful, so far, the Kirishimas were obviously winning.
Takea aimed her shotgun before firing with barely five seconds to delay. Suddenly you saw a fowl fall out of the sky and land onto the ground. Takea gave a sharp grin as she smiled. She let out a laugh. “Another two points for house Kirishima!” She cheered proudly.
Todoroki Shoto let out a breath, his head shaking, not the least bit surprised. “Again.” He said not much interested in hunting but still satisfied to come along. His eyes moved to Midoriya who had gotten off the horse not too long ago, walking beside Zale. “Izuku, how has married life being treating you?”
Midoriya looked over to the prince. He smiled before looking up at you. “Absolutely wonderful, your highness. Y/N has made my life interesting with every waking moment, she is filled of surprises.”
Todoroki pulled a small smile onto his face. Although the prince rarely did smile, he looked handsome. A few of his strands falling over his face, a mix of red and white. He hummed before looking at you. “Does he speak the truth, duchess?”
You closed your eyes as you bowed your head. “Prince Shoto, my husband sings my praises unnecessarily, however he is not wrong that it has been wonderful.”
“Humble as ever.” Lord Sero chirped out.
A deep chuckle came out of Takea. “You are an exemplary Omega, Y/N, I am sure your husband does not exaggerate.”
“I’m sure we can all agree with Duke Midoriya, however…” Eijiro spoke out as he walked over a fallen log. “Your engagement was rather sudden. How long did you court her, Duke Midoriya?”
Midoriya let out a huff. He saw your hand motion for him to hand you his rifle. “I admit, our courting was rather rushed, however when you find an Omega that makes your heart race,” You paused as you reloaded his rifle, looking at him as he spoke. His eyes were sincere as he looked back at Eijiro. “An Omega that manages to hypontise you with their very being, that acknowledges your strengths and respects you, but also advises you like an invisible hand. When you find an Omega like that, that you can see your entire future with within a single blink, a friend before a bedmate, you don’t hesitate to marry them.”
You were silent as you stared at him. You tried not to believe his words, knowing that the words Alphas said amongst each other was not something to take seriously, however you couldn’t help that your heart felt like it was in your throat.
Takea watched the younger duke but eased. She smiled and nodded her head. “What you’re saying is-”
“Unrealistic.” Eijiro interrupted as he looked up at the sky, the leaves blocking off view with only few spots left to see the deep blue sky and clothes. “You need an Omega that guarantees you success.”
“I disagree,” Takea looked back at her son, her sleeves rolled up to her elbows, thick fingers holding her rifle as she looked at her son. She was the eldest amongst the Alphas here and thus had an air of superiority to her words. “An Omega that you can cherish means more than any placeholder you can fit into the slot. As much as duty is needed, you also need passion. Either made or instan-” Suddenly her instincts were set off and so were every Alpha around you.
Eijiro quickly loaded his rifle. Everyone stopped as the sight of a female deer came into sight, a few tens of meters away. The doe stopped and turned to look at all of you, big black eyes stuck on you. With a snap of his rifle, Eijiro aimed however a shot was already fired and the doe went down.
Midoriya quickly turned to look up at you. Smoke floated out of the barrel of your rifle as you kept it against your shoulder, stuck in the aiming position you were in when you had first saw it. You carefully lowered your rifle, blinking before looking down at your Alpha. Everyone was quiet at the sudden revelation that you had taken the shot instead of your husband.
Midoriya grinned before turning to Takea. “Ten points for house Midoriya.”
You stood outside, looking out at the night sky. Inside was getting stuffy for you. After dinner, everyone had retired to the drawing room. Piano was being played as the Alphas played poker of sorts and smoked their heavy cigars. You never did like the smell of them so there was only so much you could take.
You closed your eyes, allowing the wind blow around you. It had been a while since you had stood enjoying the gardens and the wind of the Kirishima duchy. It was an odd experience. You had once thought that you would have master over all of this manor, you’d perfect its rugged edges and make it so that everyone in the Kirishima family would love it.
But it wasn’t going to be yours, and it left a bitter taste in your mouth. You felt as though you were mourning in some sense of the word.
“I thought you might be out here.” You turned to see Duchess Yua walk out into the night, away from the open door of the drawing room. The sound of her shoes were the only other thing heard other than the faint piano inside. Her red hair had a few more grey strands in it than the last time you had seen her at the end of the season. She gave you a gentle smile as she walked up to stand beside you in the low autumn air. “You always did enjoy the garden.”
You nodded as you turned back to look out at the perfectly maintained garden. “You made it beautiful.” You praised gently.
“Thank you, Duchess.” She nodded her head. She paused for a moment before a low giggle left her lips. “That sounds so strange.” She said looking down at the marble railing. “I thought when I finally would call you that is when my son would ascend to Duke. It seems as though I was mistaken.” She smiled sadly.
You sucked in a breath and suddenly you felt another stab of pain just underneath your rib. You froze yourself from breathing quickly trying to analyse the pain. Stomach it seems. You internally sighed in resignation. It seems as though your stomach was to be your enemy for the next few days. You swallowed down hard as the pain persisted, although more like a dull throbbing than anything else.
You turned to her with a brief smile but it didn’t last as long as she would have wanted it to. “The consequences of your son’s actions.”
Yua sighed, her eyes closing. “Y/N, you have to understand, he had so much pressure from the lords in our territory. They were weary of you due to your-” You glanced at her. She hesitated. “Your illness. You know how Alphas are when it comes to lineages.”
You nodded silently, swallowing down hard. You tried to breathe as best as you could as you were kindly reminded of your shortcomings. “Yes, it just simply is how it has played out to be.”
“Y/N, you know that is not how-”
“Sorry, am I intruding?” Princess Momo stepped outside, the scent of cigars following her as she put her hands in front of her, resting on the skirt of her dark red plum dress skirt. Her grey eyes moved between you and Duchess Yua.
You turned to her, bowing at the waist and bowing your head low as you dropped into a curtsy. “Princess.”
Yua quickly followed customarily. “Not at all your highness, I was just about to head back inside.” She said allowing the princess space with you. She stood back straight and walked towards the glass door, walking inside closing the door behind her.
You stood straight, watching as Momo walked over to you with a gentle smile on her face. You smiled as you tried to ignore dinner that seemed to be painfully stirring in your stomach. “Princess Momo.” You nodded your head.
“Duchess Y/N, it is so wonderful to see you like this.” She smiled kindly. “I must admit,” She said as she walked to stand next to you, her head down. “I miss talking to you. It has been hard since becoming princess to talk to Omegas intimately.”
“I could imagine.” You let out with a light laugh, knowing laughing any deeper would cause you pain. “How have you been, Princess?”
She chuckled as she leaned against the railing, feeling the wind on her face. She closed her eyes feeling the wind against her skin. Even now, married and off the marriage market, Momo was the most beautiful Omega you had ever seen. She was gorgeous inside and out. “I have… been not as well as I should have.” She said nonchalantly, looking down away from you. Her gloved hands gripped each other with a certain ferocity.
Your eyebrows furrowed. It was odd for the Omega to open up, even at teas when she is surrounded by other Omegas like her ladies in waiting who are supposed to be the closest to her, it seemed as though she was often so reserved and closed off. “Why is that, your highness?”
She moved her elbow to rest on the marble as she closed her eyes. “I have been married to Prince Shoto for the last three years, since my six and tenth name day. However, I am yet to have given an heir.” She spoke lowly. You were aware of that fact, it having been a hot topic whenever it wasn’t the season and all Omegas could gossip about were upcoming couples. “The king… the king has ordered Shoto to take up a consort.”
Your eyes grew wide as you turned your head to look at her shocked. That was news to your ears. “A consort?! Are consorts not reserved for the king alone?”
Momo let out a soft scoff. “He has made an exception to the law for Sho- his highness.” She answered your question. “I worry about my place should his new consort bare a child instead of me.”
You nodded, understanding her plight. There was one thing you didn’t understand from all of this. “I beg your pardon, your highness, however, I must ask why are you telling me this?” You asked her gently, your eyebrows furrowing. You turned to lean your back against the railing as you closed your eyes. You were feeling nauseous again. Like a hard spell that overcame you.
“Well, I just thought that since you have faced such rumours and ridicule before, I thought you might have advice for me?” She said, her words hid under a layer of sweet.
A scoff left your lips as you opened your eyes. Yes, she wanted to talk to you because of your chronic pain, of course you would understand her plight of not being able to provide an heir. Because everyone believes you will not be able to.
Not one person in this whole kingdom.
You felt sick.
“Excuse me, Princess.” You told her as you gripped the marble as hard as you could. You turned your body away from her. “I feel rather exhausted from the days ventures, would you excuse me.” You bowed your head.
Her eyebrows furrowed. “Duchess Y/N, please forgive me. I did not mean to-”
“It is fine, your highness.” You let out a bitter laugh. “You are not the first person to think this way.” You took a step forward, before quickly closing your mouth and taking in a deep breath.
You felt so sick. You tried taking in deep breaths, trying to let the wave of nausea leave.
Princess Momo stepped forward, however you raised a hand up trying to indicate to her that you didn’t want her anywhere near you. You forced a smile to your face. “Please. I need time, alone.” You pleaded.
She hesitated, her grey eyes showcasing deep regret. She nodded and bowed her head. “Of course.” She curtsied and walked fast to leave you outside. Once she was gone, you ran away from sight into the darkness, to the right.
Your feet hit against the stone floors as you tried to find an open door. However, seeing none you raced to the nearest potted plant. Your heart was beating so hard in your chest and you couldn’t breathe. You quickly haunched over as the little you ate earlier in dinner came out your mouth. You coughed as you heaved, trying to breathe. The acidic taste in your mouth made you feel even more sick. You felt your stomach heave again, only this time all you had was stomach acid.
You coughed as you fell to your knees trying to breathe. Your hand was perched on the ground as you took in deep breaths. You kept a hand to your chest as you tried to breathe as much as you could.
“Y/N?” You heard faintly as you coughed.
You felt as though you were hearing things. You sat up as you felt tears in your eyes. You sucked in as much breath as you could. You swallowed down hard as you looked up.
“Y/N!” Running over to you was your husband. His feet were fast as he raced over to you, his eyes wide in concern. You watched as his curly green hair was finally allowed to be free as his curls fell back and in the wind. He skidded over to you, going to his knees. He quickly pulled you into his arms. “Y/N, what happened? Are you alright?” He took off his ca
You couldn’t even answer as you coughed, keeping a hand over where your stomach was. You nodded. “I’ll be fine.” You swallowed down, your throat burning with acid and feeling dry.
Midoriya scowled at that. “I will take you upstairs. You need to rest. Immediately.” He stood up easily with you in his arms.
You reached up and tugged at his cravat. “No!” You said urgently as you shook your head. “I can not let them see me like this!” You felt tears finally slip out of your eyes. Fear going through you like the bullet of the rifle you fired today.
Midoriya tilted his head confused. He wondered why you were being so stubborn about this. Hell, you looked void of colour to him. Ever since taking a step in the Kirishima duchy, you just looked as though every part of the life you had regained while with him was being sucked out of you. “But Y/N-”
“Izuku, please!”
With the way you sounded so desperate, so in need of him to do what you asked, he couldn’t refuse you. He sighed deeply but nodded. He shifted to hold you in one arm as he took his cravat off and used it as a handkerchief to wipe your mouth gently. “Are you able to laugh at all? Just a fake one. I know what we have to do.”
You sighed but nodded. You felt exhausted from throwing up, however you could do that much until you reached your room. He sighed as he handed you his cravat. He turned around, holding you in both arms. He walked the way he came. “I need you to giggle like a lovesick pup while I race us past. Just do that and try to hide your face.”
You nodded your head in agreement.
With your consent, Izuku moved to kiss your neck, burying his face there, making your neck and face burn. You forced giggles and a smile to your face as he moved towards the scent of cigars. He moved to walk fast, entering the warm room from the fireplace as cigar smoke was in the air. You tried your best to giggle, keeping your eyes closed as you turned your head into his chest to hide.
Midoriya let out a loud chuckle and a kiss to your head. “You must excuse my Omega and I, it seems as though its time for us to turn in.” He smiled.
Katsuki scowled as he watched the both of you from where he stood on the other side of the room. He opened his mouth to speak however, Midoriya quickly looked away from him. His mouth moving to you. He headed towards the door, servants opening the door for the both of you. He raced away from the room, letting a trail of your giggles and his laughs stream behind you. However soon those chuckles seemed much forced as his grip on you tightened. He ran up the stairs, taking two at the time, the sound of his heavy footsteps on the wooden flooring were loud in the hall as he ran to the right wing of the hall.
He was fast as he burst into your rooms. He looked to the poster bed there, moving to lay you on top of it. He took in deep breaths as he quickly moved to pour water that was on the drawer into the bowl that was waiting there. He took the cloth there and soaked it into the water. He rang the water and walked over to you both. He moved to sit next to you, putting the cloth to your forehead.
He shouldn’t be doing this. He was your Alpha, he shouldn’t be doing the job of a servant. “Izuku-”
“What happened?” He interrupted you.
“Nothi-”
“Omega, if you dare lie to me.” His voice made you still as he stared at you. His pupils were small as he stared at you, green eyes deathly serious. His freckled face for the first time since you met him, looked so deep with concern that wrinkles went to his face as he frowned, ruining the youthfulness of his face.
You frowned as you tried to fight the tears in your eyes, but they kept coming. They kept pouring out of your eyes and down your cheeks. You gasped as you tried to catch your breath. “I tried. I really tried but my stomach has been… so unagreeable with me since we arrived yesterday afternoon. It just got worse this evening.”
“Is that why you did not eat much at dinner?” He asked, his tone now soft with you as he moved the cloth off your forehead.
You nodded with more tears. A sob left your mouth, making the Alpha in front of you slag at your tears. Sadness filled his gaze as he looked down at you. “I’m sorry Izuku. I’m sorry you chose to marry me. All I have heard today is how much of a failure I am to you. How I will never give you pups because of my haggard body.”
“No…” Midoriya shook his head as he cupped your face in his hands. “Y/N, do not say such horrid things. You should not feel in such a way. It is simply not true.”
You gasped as another sob left your mouth. “But it’s true.” You sobbed.
Suddenly you felt him pull you to his arms. He wrapped his arms around you, pulling you so that you could cry safely in his arms. His hand cradled your head, allowing you to cry in his embrace as he protected you. He scowled at the feelings that you had inside you, the self-deprecation, the low self-esteem. You were hurting so much since you came here.
“Your graces?” Stepping into the open doorway was Pony. Her eyebrows raised in surprise as her big blue eyes caught sight of Midoriya holding you in his arms. The faint sound of your crying was heard. Pony had never seen you cry other than on three occasions, the day you were first brought to the academy as an eleven year old young Omega, the days after Eijiro had chosen Katsuki, and whenever you were in serious pain. It wasn’t like you to cry. You were taught not to cry, as crying would deter any Alpha and make them think you were weak.
Midoriya looked up to the doorway. “Pony.” His grip on you tightening.
Pony snapped out of her shocked expression as she put her hands in front of her. She curtsied low in front of Midoriya. “Yes, your grace?”
“Get the Duchess her green tea, bring her lemonbalm and the medication that the doctor provided for anything concerning her stomach, immediately.” He ordered. “I also want you to draw a bath for her, she needs to be eased. Make sure no one who isn’t our own staff enters our rooms, do you understand me.” He spoke firmly.
Pony instantly caught onto his seriousness as she nodded her head. “Yes, your grace. Right away.” She quickly scurried out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Midoriya looked down at you with his eyebrows furrowed. He knew he should have insisted you both stayed at home.
The whole night and the next half day you both feigned recovery from last night’s activities, however, much of the time was spent with you sleeping and Midoriya ordering for soups and easily digestibles to be made for you. Your husband was worried to say the least, however he was more worried about the fact that you said that people had been saying you were infertile.
Well, infertile was not the word that was used but it might as well have been. The last thing you would have wanted was for Midoriya to overreact but that’s what every bone in his body was telling him to do.
And for some odd reason, you were releasing a scent that had him fussing over you the entire time.
However once you were out of your room, you continued to feign ‘recovery’ and sat most of the time, watching others play croquet and wrestle. You kept to yourself for the most part, not talking to Duchess Yua due to how that conversation ended, despite all her attempts to try and talk to you, you didn’t talk to Princess Momo, who seemed much too embarrassed to try and reconnect, you didn’t talk to Katsuki because you wouldn’t dare do something so horrid to yourself as to try and do that.
Whenever people tried to stir up something with you more than light conversation and banter, Midoriya took you away or stole your attention. It was much appreciated on your part. However for some reason, on the third day of the Hunt, you were feeling rather fatigued. More than you were before.
You chalked it up to one of your symptoms, but it seemed not to be the case.
“grace… ur grace… your grace!” You sat up as you felt a hand on your shoulder. You turned surprised to see Mina looking at you worried as you sat outside at the pavilion for lunch. Her pink eyebrows were furrowed worriedly as she looked at you. “Are you alright?”
You nodded your head, feeling as if a fog clouded your mind. Today felt awfully warm to your person. “Yes, I… I’m sorry Lady Mina, it seems…” You felt like your tongue was heavy and you could barely find words. “It seems as though…”
“Your heat.” You turned to Duchess Yua who looked at you worriedly, closing her fan. “Your scent is leaking, duchess.”
You reached a hand up to your neck, underneath your collar you felt oils slip onto your fingers. You felt a cold dread go down your spine. This was too soon. Far too soon.
You had barely been able to digest anything more than soup and freshly made bread, let alone go through a heat as a newlywed.
“Pony.” You motioned with your hand, just raising a single finger.
She quickly moved to your side. “Should I call his grace?” She asked.
“And get the carriage ready, we must get to our duchy as soon as possible.” She nodded and rushed away. A part of you was relieved, relieved that you could finally go home away from all these people, away from high society. Back to the manor, where you could rest and be happy with your rabbits and servants.
And husband.
You turned to Duchess Yua putting a smile to your face. “I apologise for leaving a few days earlier than planned however-”
“It is understandable, Duchess.” She bowed her head as she stood up, offering you a hand. You took it willingly, knowing you mostly needed the help to stand. Katsuki rolled his eyes, obviously not believing you for a second but not speaking out against his mother-in-law. Yet.
The rush back to your duchy was just as turbulent as the days prior. You were given suppressants, although mostly used for extreme circumstances and only available to nobles mostly, you used them. Midoriya had stayed with you the entire time, mostly because the thought of anyone else getting near you had him feeling prickled under his skin.
You felt comatose for most of it, the suppressants having a sedative quality to them. The suppressants did make the heat go away but it did extend its full effects, which allowed the two day of travel to become more bearable, mostly due to the fact that you were asleep.
Upon arrival your duchy had been notified, by a rider before hand, to prepare for a rushed arrival of the both of you. Midoriya didn’t even allow you to disembark on your own (a smart decision) as he picked you up off your legs and raced you away into his bedroom. It was more out of instinct than necessity.
“There.” Midoriya placed you down on the bed as you blinked slowly. You looked up at him as he moved around carrying blankets and pillows towards the bed, knowing you would need them for a nest. You didn’t nest right away as you just watched him silently. Your hunger having been deterred due to your heat. Midoriya hesitated as he noticed you staring at him. “I shall… I’ll-” He motioned to take a step back but you reached a hand out to grab his arm. Midoriya’s eyes widened in shock as he turned to look at you.
His freckled face was flushed a light pink, clearly the signs of your heat were effecting him and yet he wanted to get away from you. You frowned as you held on tighter. “Stay.” You said.
Midoriya hesitated but shook his head. “No. You were not well just three days ago. I can’t possibly-”
“Alpha.” At the title you watched instantly as his pupils blew out big as he stared down at you. You tugged on his arm harder. “Stay.” You whispered.
He didn’t need to stay.
He told himself he had to run away.
He could barely remember anything running up the steps here or exiting the carriage. This was dangerous. This was bad. You needed to rest.
And yet he wanted to stay. He so wanted to stay.
And so he did.