Ethereal ◆ Shoto Todoroki x Reader

56.5 | Advisors

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 Sobakasu could feel it.

The control was gone. Whoever had a hold on him had either let go or disappeared also. He can feel a void inside of him, as if the person had taken a piece of him with them.

Or maybe his heart is void because of the pile of ash in front of him.

What was once the palace has been reduced to a pile of ashes, only some pillars and frames of the walls still standing. The Brigade managed to put out most of the fire before too much damage was done, but the whole north wing of the castle is gone. That's probably where the fire started.

He's with the rest of the advisory, one of the few groups who weren't hurt at all during the attack. 

They're in a tent with the king, who looks dejected and detached. His normally stern eyes are full of sorrow, and Sobakasu can't blame him. He's feeling rather discouraged himself.

"What do we do?" One of the older advisors pipes up, breaking the silence. 

The king lifts his head, staring down the table at the man. "I want all of our staff relocated to the southern territory. We've had a shelter there in case of an event like this. While they do so, I want the Commander to pick his most trusted guards, and I will accompany them to catch those responsible."

Everyone widens their eyes at the statement, and glance at the others at the table. 

"Your Majesty," one of the advisors asks, "are you stepping down from the throne?"

King Endeavor shakes his head. "Consider it a temporary leave, I suppose. I want to spend all of my time punishing whoever did this."

Sobakasu nods. He can tell the king looks stressed about his decision, so he offers some consolation. "It is a good choice, my king. That way the prince can experience what it's like to rule."

Nobody says it, but another reason hangs in the air. The people will be angry that the palace burned. They will be scared; it will remind them of Moyasu all over again. What better thing to distract them than a new leader? It is not a secret that King Todoroki isn't popular among his subjects. Perhaps it will be better this way.

"And how will we repay the others?" Someone says, making the rest stare.

"What do you mean?" Sobakasu asks, although he already has an idea. 

"Surely the Yaoyorozu, Iida, Bakugou, and Mizuki kingdoms will want something in exchange for putting them in danger," the old advisor points out, "what do you think it'll be, your Majesty? Gold?"

"I'm sure that King Mizuki will hurry to leave once his wounds are treated. Who knows what that man will want. He's actually in a medical tent of his own; he insisted."

The advisors chuckle in spite of the situation. King Mizuki was once regarded as easy-going and fun, but he revealed his true colors during his stay. His behavior was very surprising, indeed.

"As for the others," King Todoroki says, "I guess we'll have to see."

Sobakasu sighs. He can't shake the feeling something very, very bad is about to happen. 

He fiddles with his fingers, something he does when he's nervous. He's always had a knack for these sorts of things; that's why he's on the king's advisory in the first place, despite him being so young. 

"You are dismissed," the king says, leaving himself. "Have a good day."

The irony of his statement almost makes Sobakasu laugh. Today has been the best day.

He leaves the tent, looking around at the hurried shelter put up. It's been about four hours since the fire stopped, but people are still bustling about and chattering in hushed voices. The sky is starting to turn pink, and the forest is quiet. All the animals were smart enough to flee.

The foreign kingdoms left, all but King Mizuki and those he brought with him. Sobakasu can clearly tell which is the king's tent; guards in silver surround one in the outskirts of the circle.

He's been told there are only four known casualties, and two are unidentified. No guards were killed, nor royals or any of the Brigade.

Thankfully maids also got the former queen out of the palace in time. Sobakasu always worried for her. When she was young and ruled alongside King Endeavor, she was always the nicest to him. 

Still Sobakasu wonders what will happen. Will they rebuild the palace? Wouldn't that be too much work? 

Perhaps they'll just move to the southern territory; it's fruitful, and perhaps it will become populated enough to become a village. A new beginning.

Sobakasu breathes in the night air, the cold giving him goosebumps. 

A new beginning would be nice. He sure thinks everyone here needs one.

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