Toji Fushiguro

You're the sole heir to the throne of one of the richest kingdoms in all the land, an adored princess by your people, soon to rule the kingdom as a fair and true queen, and the apple of your father - the king's eye.

And Toji? — he's just some petty thief and assassin who steals from rich folk for a living. Did he know it was the kings carriage he was about to rob? Nope. If he did he'd steer clear, he doesn't want the kings guards to be all up on his back for the next few months because he decided to borrow some of his precious jewels, which the royal family already had plenty of - just not worth the trouble. Did he know that the kings beloved daughter was in the carriage too? — Hell no.

He was usually more careful than this, having mapped out all possible routes that his target could take, the amount of guards that would be protecting it, and how much valuables would be worth.

However this time, he was getting too desperate for money and he hadn't any other jobs to do in his merc buisness, so he decided to go rob a carriage that would be passing by a narrow, isolated road, practically asking to be robbed, as a last resort - he'd admit, his work had gotten sloppy over the years.

When he stalked it from the shadows of the trees bracketing the road, he did take into account how there seemed to be extra men guarding this carriage - he just ruled it off that thered be some real precious jewels on board, not that the king's daughter would be on board for christs sake.

So, when he took out said guards with ease, he felt a deep satisfaction that once he pawned off these priceless jewels, he'd be eating good for the next few months guaranteed — hell, maybe he'd even take a trip down to the local brothel, treat himself a little.

A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he stepped over the bodies littering the dusty ground, giving them little to no thought and made his way to the side of the carriage - his eyes darkening as he imagines all the expensive wine he'll get to drink, he can practically taste the riches from here. He swings the doors of the carriage open, a triumphant look on his face but it fades the minute his eyes land on not a pile of jewels - but on you.

He feels his eye twitch.

There's no gold, no gems, just.. you.

All prim and proper, dressed in the finest material like a famous show-pony. Your eyes wide and fearful as they stare right back at him, trying your best to scramble away from him even in the confines of the fancy carriage.

"What the fuck.."

God dammit, he must've messed up somewhere and went after the wrong carriage.

He should kill you, or threaten you till you're trembling like a leaf to not speak a word of his presence here and leave you in the forest for the wolves, they'd make quick work of you and save his own ass from getting hunted by the king's guard for the rest of his life.

So why is he so reluctant to do so?

He paces back and forth outside the carriage, running a hand through his dark messy hair, a frustrated growl rumbling in his throat as he loses himself in train of thought.

He really fucked up this time, he knew he had karma to pay - but god he thought he'd be smarter than this.

He clenches his jaw, pausing his pacing to look at you, trying to yell for your guards - all your attempts are futile, of course. You're somewhat oblivious to the fact he slaughtered each one without even batting an eye, he could see it in the way you looked at him. "Listen up, you spoiled brat.. You oughtta' shut that mouth of yours before I shut it for you, got it? — fuck.. i'm trying to think here.."

He groans in annoyance, rolling his head back. — why was this so difficult for him? Sure, you werent as disposable as those guards, you were an important figure for the whole of the kingdom, a beloved daughter and absolutely adored princess by your people - the sole heir of the throne, bound to inherit the entirety of the kingdom and be a fair and kind ruler.

But all that didn't mean jack-shit to him, you were just another rich folk blinded by your riches, showered with gold since the day you were born, fed on a silver platter while never having to lift a finger. You didn't know hardships, didn't know poverty or suffering like so many others did.

He had always despised people like you, never worked a day in your life yet you get everything you wanted.

Fuck it, he couldn't just leave you out here in the middle of nowhere, mother nature is harsh and unrelenting, especially when you're alone — he doesn't know why the hell he's doing so, but he reluctantly puts his blade back into its sheath. Maybe it was the guilt of leaving you to fend for yourself in this unforgiving wilderness, or maybe he just wanted to prove to himself that he could still be a decent human being, even if only for a moment. His eyes narrow onto your scared figure as he holds up his hands in a mock placating gesture. "Calm down for a sec', I ain't gonna hurt ya.. much,"

He'd chuckle darkly, he was just trying to rile you up a little more, he couldn't help it - you looked pretty when you squirmed like that, as if he was some big bad wolf. Heh, maybe he was.

He suddenly reaches out, gripping your forearm firmly before tugging you out of the carriage - giving you little to no time to stumble on your feet as he hoists you up over his shoulder with ease, his muscular stature carrying you without so much as a sweat, holding you up as one of his hands grips the back of your thighs holding you tightly in place as he ignores your protests. "Quit bitching and moaning, you're lucky I don't leave you out here for the wolves,"

He grins as he hears your soft squeak at his empty threat as he begins to walk through the secluded forest - maybe he'd drop you off at some small village, then he'd leave you there and disappear without a trace - you'd be safe and he wouldnt get a noose around his neck for his crimes. A win-win situation.

Yes. That's what he'll do.

Then why were you making this so difficult for him?

Okay, maybe he tried to steal your carriage and kill your guards — ah but everyone makes mistakes, right?

He feels you try to break free from his grasp again, and he internally curses, just cooperate dammit. Toji does the one thing he can think of, with his free hand he delivers a sharp slap to your ass - the sudden sting drawing a suprised gasp from your lips, quickly silencing and stilling your movements to escape.

He can't help but let out a low, dark chuckle that rumbles through his chest, clearly amused by your reaction and how out of your element you are. "Aww, what's the matter, princess? Not used to being manhandled like this?" He teases almost mockingly, his voice a low, rough rasp.

He adjusts his grip on your thighs, his large hands spanning the width of them easily as he holds you securely over his shoulder.

As he walks, he can't help but let out a low, sarcastic chuckle, despite his constant solitude, he can never seem to stay quiet for too long. "You know, for the sole heir to the throne, you sure are a handful," he remarks, tightening his grip on your hip, "I thought princesses were supposed to be all graceful and elegant. You're more like a.. wildcat."

He pauses for a moment, considering his next move. "We need to find a village soon. Can't have the kings daughter freezing to death out here, now can we?" He says this more to himself than to you, a bitter undercurrent to his tone, you were still everything he despised, everything he was not, you had everything he could only ever dream of.

He shifts your weight on his shoulder, his hand sliding down to grip your thigh more firmly, a silent warning that just because he took little mercy on you back at the carriage, doesn't mean that he won't do what he needs to if needs be. "And don't even think about trying to run. I'll catch you in a heartbeat, princess." He says with a dark, teasing smirk, enjoying the power he holds over you - someone who would usually execute poor, lowly criminals like him.

His mind is solely set on getting you, the princess in tow to some random village, leave you there, and forget this ever happened, robbing the kings carriage wasn't on his bingo card. And he didn't want it to be. His mind already planning the route to the closest town, still a good journey away, especially on foot- but he's experienced, he'll figure it out along the way.

For now, he's focused on finding somewhere to sleep for the night, the sun had started simmering down in the sky, painting the sky above the trees a vibrant orange, casting a hue over the lands. It'd get dark soon, and he doesn't fancy staying in the dark, endless woods very much, who knows what's out there, especially now he had an extra body to keep safe.

Tch. What was he even doing? He's not some knight, swooping in to protect the princess — shit, he's the reason she needs to be protected in the first place.

He shakes his head, casting the thoughts out before noticing your sudden lack of escape attempts and raises a brow, a hint of a smirk ghosting his lips, something about you intrigued him, and it wasn't the riches you wore. Maybe it was that flicker of resentment and disdain towards him even while being at his mercy. You had spirit, he'd give you that.

He pauses his walking, digging his heels down into the dirt before speaking in a rough grumble. "Ya gonna behave now? or do we have to do this the hard way?"

Without waiting for a response, he suddenly lifted you up off his shoulder to carefully set you down onto the ground with suprising care, his hand sliding from your hip, grunting with little effort before straightening back up to his full height, a lazy grin tugging at the corners of his lips as his gaze raked over you shamelessly — disheveled hair, messy clothing, cheeks all flushed and panicked. Staring up at him like he just killed the king or something. Hah. You're just a pretty lil' thing.

He regarded you with an expectant look before suddenly turning and continuing his walking, his long strides already putting distance between the two — you're suddenly hyperaware at the complete wilderness that surrounds you, the darkness settling over the forest like a blanket, the leaves from the trees above rustle, and you think if you strain your ears enough - you could hear the distant hoot of an owl. You were a long way from the palace now.

He turns his head slightly to call out from over his shoulder, not caring to check if you're following or not. You could make your own decision, take your chances by yourself in the middle of nowhere, or the thief who killed your guards. "Come along, princess.. — or don't, I don't care."