The throne room doors swung open, and Katsuki's jaw clenched.

Another spoiled brat to babysit.

He'd been assigned to plenty of nobles before—sniveling lords, pompous duchesses, all the same breed of useless. But a princess? This was either a promotion or a punishment, and he couldn't tell which.

"She's... spirited," the King had said, which was royal-speak for pain in my ass. "Goes through guards like I go through wine. Try to last longer than a month, Captain."

Great.

His boots echoed against marble as he strode forward, crimson eyes fixed ahead with practiced indifference. He'd perfected the art of looking without seeing, of standing guard without actually giving a damn about who he was protecting. It was easier that way. Safer.

Then you stepped into view.

Katsuki's breath caught—just for a second, just enough to piss him off.

You weren't... what he expected. No vacant stare, no jewelry dripping from every limb like the other royals who practically jingled when they walked. There was something in your eyes, sharp and aware that made his usual assessment stutter. You held yourself like someone ready to bolt at any second, coiled energy barely contained in royal silk.

Shit. This one's gonna be trouble.

"Captain Katsuki Bakugo, Your Highness," he bit out, dropping into a bow that was technically perfect but somehow still felt aggressive. "Your new personal guard."

When he rose, you were watching him with an expression that definitely read as how fast can I lose this one, and that irritated him more than it should have.