Miffy

Ammature fan fiction writer I make a story then I disappear for years

[miffywritesstuff]

Bound by Duty Masterlist

˚.⋆꒰১ ໒꒱⋆.˚

For years, you’ve walked ten paces behind him. Now that he wears the crown, that distance between the both of you is greater than ever…until duty begins to fade into something the neither of you can ignore.

last updated: 28/07/26

Prologue

Ten paces behind

Part II (coming soon..)

[miffywritesstuff]

Bound by duty - “Ten paces behind”

pairing: kingbakugou x servantf!reader

tags: fluff, slow burn, mutual pining

a/n: i didn’t expect ppl to find this lol. I’m grateful for the love my story has gotten <3 I intend to keep it up for you guys don’t worry. There’s no current schedule for each chapter so once I do I’ll make a note of it on the masterlist

taglist: comment or ask in ask box

Now the palace was never truly silent.

Even before dawn broke over the kingdom, it stirred—boots striking marble corridors, parchment rustling between hurried hands, and the distant clang of steel from the training grounds below. It was a place built on movement. On duty. On time that never waited for anyone.

And today, it felt heavier than usual.

A month had passed since the kingdom welcomed its new king.

But long before crowns and coronations, there had been a beginning. The day you had first met the prince.

⸻

It was twelve years ago.

You were just standing outside the royal wing, hands folded neatly in front of your apron, trying very hard not to fidget.

The oak doors ahead of you were enormous, carved with the royal crest, polished until they reflected the soft morning light. Somewhere beyond them, voices echoed faintly through the wood.

Her Majesty stood beside you.

“You may come in when I call for you,” she said gently.

“Yes, of course! Your Majesty.” You replied after being snapped back into reality

“He’s been in there since sunrise, Your Majesty”, said a man with bright red hair, rather casually standing against the wall in a Royal Guard uniform.

Kirishima Eijiro; he was known as the chivalrous red riot among the other knights. The captain of the Royal Guard and the prince’s personal guard.

He noticed your glance and grinned.

“Don’t worry. He’s just… like that.”

“Like what?” you asked softly, tilting your head.

Kirishima shrugged. “Stubborn as a mule, though don’t tell him I said that,” he chuckled, and so did you, but before you could reply, the queen cleared her throat, and the two of you immediately fixed your postures. She stepped forward and knocked once.

Then she entered along with Kirishima whilst you remained outside.

Inside, the study was lit with morning light peering through its curtains. Books and reports were scattered across a wide oak desk, all arranged with unsettling precision. Near the balcony stood the prince himself, arms folded as he looked out over the training grounds below.

He didn’t turn when the door opened.

“What?”

“It’s me, Katsuki”, the queen replied, sitting down on the couch as Kirishima helped pour her a cup of tea.

“…So?”

“I’ve come to introduce someone,” she said, placing the cup to her lips only to be met with a sigh from Bakugou.

“It’s high time you have someone keeping an eye on you, and Kirishima can only do so much”, she said. “Thank you, your majesty”, Kirishima replied with adoration.

“The palace already has hundreds of maids, so why i have any use for one?”

The queen’s voice softened, but did not waver.

“Because none of them is responsible for you.”

Silence.

“And look at the state of this room- a future king shouldn’t live in such an unorderly space! And you know that,” She nagged 

Bakugo clicked his tongue.

“I don’t need someone following me around. I already have dumb hair for that-”

“Hey! I’m right here!” Kirishima called.

“I wasn’t exactly whispering, now was I?”

The queen ignored them both.

“Silence! The two of you!” She said, raising her hand “Now then… [Name], would you please come in!” Before Bakugou could protest, you had already stepped inside.

The air changed- you took a steadying breath as you walked through the door, taking everything in.

Then your eyes instinctively found his. 

wow.. You thought…he was taller than you had originally expected and older too.

Not simply in age, of course, but simply the way he carried himself.

There was an unmistakable confidence about him, his shoulders squared, posture unwavering, and even standing in silence, it was as though he commanded the room with his very presence, so it was rather difficult to look anywhere else.

Then you noticed his gaze on you; he was simply watching for what had felt like an eternity, as though he was trying to determine what to make of this stranger his mother had just brought before him. 

His gaze made your heart flutter, and you quickly lowered your head into a practised curtsy.

“It is an honour to serve you, Your Highness,” you said with a subtle smile across your face

The silence stretched.

“… You’re smiling.”

You blinked.

“I-I am?” you replied, standing straight. 

“Tch.”

You lightly chuckled as your fingertips brushed against your lips 

“I suppose I am” You lowered your hands neatly in front of you. 

“I mean… it’s rather like a dream come true. to have even been considered worthy enough for a position like this.”

Bakugou’s expression wavered only slightly.

“…really?” he said, confused “Working as a maid was your dream?”

“Oh well, not necessarily!” you shook your head with a sheepish smile “Not exactly” You glanced around his study for a moment before looking back at him.

“It’s simply… a wonderful opportunity I’d never imagined I’d be given. I mean to serve within the royal wing, to learn and experience all of this” Your smile softened. “I think that’s more than enough for me.”

The room fell silent once more as Bakugou continued to study you for a moment before turning away

“Well, if you’re going to work here, then make sure to keep up” And just like that, he returned to his work.

“Yes, of course, your highness.” You curtsied 

From the corner of the room, the Queen and Kirishima smiled.

Now, from that day onward, the days settled into a rhythm. 

You rose before the sun each morning, dressing quietly within your own chambers before making your way to the palace tailor to collect the prince’s attire for the day.

Now, by the time the first rays of dawn had spilt through the castle windows, you would find yourself standing outside his chambers, a freshly pressed uniform in tow, neatly draped over one arm.

You made three measured knocks against the heavy oak doors.

“Your Highness,” you called out gently. “It is me”

You waited before hearing a response.

“… Come in”, he groaned, getting out of bed

You stepped inside, placing the clothes on a chair as you went to draw back the curtains and open the windows to welcome the early morning light. But by the time the prince emerged from behind his dressing screen. 

You walked towards him as you helped fasten each polished button and smoothed down his embroidered collar and sash that marked his place as heir to the throne.

Neither of you spoke; I mean, there was no need to.

The following years of routine had turned the process into something effortless. 

Once satisfied, you stepped back, giving his cloak one final straightening tug before offering a small nod and smile.

“Breakfast is ready in your dining quarters, your majesty”

Bakugou glanced toward the clock resting upon the mantel.

“Right on time…as per usual”, he said

“I try to be” You couldn't help the faint smile that tugged at your lips. 

Now, taking that as his answer, you stepped aside, allowing him to leave the chambers first, to then be met with Kirishima, who was waiting outside his room to escort him.

Without thinking, your feet fell into their familiar rhythm.

Ten paces behind.

As they always did. 

⸻

Twelve years later.

The palace had scarcely settled after the grand celebrations.

Only a week had passed since the coronation, yet traces of the occasion still lingered throughout the castle. Crimson banners embroidered with the royal crest hung proudly from the towering stone walls, while bouquets gifted by neighbouring kingdoms adorned every corridor, their sweet fragrance drifting through the halls.

The kingdom had welcomed its new king with celebration.

Now...Reality had begun.

Council meetings stretched from sunrise until dusk. Petitions arrived by the dozens each morning, diplomats came and went with little warning, and reports from every corner of the kingdom found their way onto His Majesty's desk before the ink on yesterday's had even dried.

You watched it all unfold from where you had always been.

Just as the palace bells signalled the end of another long day, the final members of the royal council offered their bows before taking their leave.

The heavy doors to the King's study closed with a quiet thud.

At last... Silence.

Bakugou remained seated behind his desk, shoulders slightly slumped as he stared at the final report before him.

"...Finally."

You couldn't help the small smile that found your lips.

"A rather busy first week, wasn’t it, Your Majesty?”

“Well, that's putting it lightly."

He reached for another document before stopping halfway.

"...Tomorrow."

You blinked. "Tomorrow?"

"It can wait until tomorrow."

You had to stop yourself from looking too surprised. "...Of course."

Carefully, you gathered the completed reports into neat stacks before setting them aside for the morning. 

By the time you looked back, Bakugou had already removed the heavy crimson cloak from his shoulders, leaving it draped rather carelessly across the back of his chair.

You picked it up before it could slide onto the floor.

"...Still can't hang this up properly, your majesty” you say

"I was getting to it."

"Mhm."

"I was."

"I'm sure you were."

He shot you an unimpressed look. "...You're getting bold."

A soft laugh escaped you. "I've simply known you a long time, Your Majesty."

"Tch." There was no bite behind the sound.

You carefully brushed a crease from the embroidered fabric before folding it over your arm.

Your eyes drifted toward the golden crown resting upon the desk.

It looked... surprisingly heavy. You reached for it with both hands, lifting it only slightly. "...Goodness."

Bakugou glanced over. "What?"

"It’s rather heavier than it looks."

“Yeah, it weighs a ton”, he says, watching her hold it

"I can believe that." You smiled to yourself as you placed it gently upon its velvet cushion.

"No wonder you looked relieved to take it off."

"...Don't remind me."

The corner of your lips lifted ever so slightly. "I think it suits you."

He paused. "...Yeah?"

“Mhm!” Your gaze lingered on the crown for only a moment before returning to him.

"You worked very hard for this." You gave a warm smile “Congratulations, your majesty”

He just simply looked at you.

"...Thanks."

The word slipped out so naturally that neither of you seemed to notice it at first.

"You're welcome,” you say as you return to placing everything away

His ears tinged ever so slightly pink.

He stood abruptly, surprising you.

"I'm going to bed."

“Oh, of course." You followed after him, carrying his folded cloak and the crown with practised care.

Tomorrow would bring another mountain of responsibilities.

But for tonight...

The king was simply Katsuki.

And you were simply the one who had always been there.

@teeesthings @eepyfaerie @bumblebeebutter

[miffywritesstuff]

Bound by duty (prologue)

pairing: kingbakugou x servantf!reader

tags: fluff, slow burn, mutual pining

synopsis: since you could remember you have always been by his side..well not by his side exactly more like ten paces behind.

a/n: it’s been awhile, I thought to write a lil au for my return though I doubt I’ll be consistent as usual I’ve been thinking hard on how to write this and I hope it meets your expectations <3

taglist: comment or ask in ask box

Before the sun has even risen to greet the day, the palace buzzed with a quiet urgency.

With its soft golden light that peaked through the tall stained glass windows of the castle, painting rays of amber and red across the newly polished marble floors.

Somewhere in that distance, a bell chimed its echos weaving through the long corridors or the maids quarters. A view of thirty maids hurrying along with freshly pressed grarments draped over their arms, with footmen dressed in gleaming suits of ceremonial armor reflected with every flicker of rising sunlight. The sent of an array baked goods floating around the halls.

Today was unlike any other.

It is today that Prince Katsuki Bakugou will be appointed king.

There was anticipation so sharp you could cut it with a knife around the palace, its air felt heavier than usual. There was absolutely no room for mistakes..not today.

The nobles from neighbouring kingdoms have arrived just days ago, each room in the place was occupied, and every pair of eyes would be watching the coronation. Even one misplaced ribbon or forgotten document could become the new gossip across the continent.

With a quiet sigh, you pushed the blankets aside and sat at the edge of your bed inside your small chamber, tucked away in the servant’s quarters. A neatly folded and assigned uniform for this occasion rested on the chair beside your wardrobe, pressed to perfection just the night before. You sipped into the dress, fasted each button and tied with a light sash around your waist with practiced precision.

One final glance made in the mirror.

No loose strands of hair.

No untucked piece of clothing.

Good. Presentable.

Once satisfied, you had stepped into the corridor. The palace was already alive.

You greeted the other maids as you hurried past each of them carrying out their own individual duties. Some wished you luck with very knowing smiles; whilst others had simply nodded before disappearing around the next corner. They had all knew where you’d be headed.

The princes chambers.

Or rather let’s say the future king..

Even after all the years of serving him as his personal attendant appointed by his mother, it still felt rather strange.

You had watched him grow from well..a loud, stubborn prince who hated ettiquette lessons more than anyone into a man who will now be capable of commanding and entire kingdom. He was still loud. Still stubborn. Still frightening enough to make even seasoned knights have to stand a little straighter.

But even beneath the sharp tongue and explosive temper was someone who has carried out each of his own responsibilities without complaint. Actually there were one or two complaints at times but that’s not the point.

You had only hoped he’d had something to eat this morning..

And knowing him..

Most likely not.

Passing beneath the towering archways draped with the kingdoms crimson banners, you had climbed up the grand staircase reserved for the royal family.

Guards were stationed outside the upper halls offering respectful nods as you approached. They all had long since grown accustomed to your daily routine, and none questioned your presence.

At the end of the corridor stood a pair of imposing oak doors, intricately carved with the royal crest.

And at the entrance stood outside his personal knight who seemed to have been locked outside…again.

“Kirishima- good morning!” you said curtsying

“[name]..good morning” he said with a sigh “he’s pretty stressed today- considering everything” he said looking at the door.

“Don’t worry I’ll handle it” you said smiling as Kirishima moved out of the way

“You always do~” he says in response.

Behind these doors was the man who, in only a few hours, would soon be wearing the crown. Taking a slow breath to steady yourself, you had adjusting the cuffs on your sleeves before lifting your hand.

Your three measured knocks had echoed through the quiet hallway.

“Your Highness,” you called gently, your voice carrying just enough to reach the room beyond. “It’s time to get ready.”

Silence..

You waited.

Then, from somewhere inside the room, came a very familiar and irritated groan.

“..I’m up.”

You couldn’t help the small smile tugging at your lips.

Some things, it’s seemed, wouldn’t change— not even on the day a prince became a king…