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Taurnil · Whatever You Wish For You Keep

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The chiming of the clock was loud and jarring, waking Sanji from her sleep. She groaned in annoyance - she’d been in the middle of a wonderful dream and didn’t want to leave it for her real life just yet. That shitty clock was always ruining her best dreams.

She let herself sit with the dream for a moment. It had been nice. It started with her and her mother picking berries in the forest and ended with them being served a huge feast at the palace, her father and her siblings and this decrepit manor nowhere to be seen.

She sighed as she got up, the warmth and joy from the dream fading as she mentally went through the chores she needed to complete this morning. Start breakfast, feed the animals, gather up the clothes for washing and mending, and she should probably wash the floors today.

She stretched as she got out of bed, making her way over to the small piece of broken mirror and basin in the corner of her room that served as her bathroom. As she studied her reflection, she caught sight of the peachfuzz on her face that had grown in during the night. She ran a thumb across it as she frowned, hating the look and feel of it, and quickly picked up her razor to shave it off. 

Once it was gone, she smiled, feeling just a little more like herself.

She finished washing the ash and dirt off her face and dressed quickly, ready to go about her day.

First came the animals. She set about getting the food ready for the dog and the cat, even going so far as to leave a few crumbs by the baseboard for the mice she knew lived in the basement. When everyone inside was taken care of, she grabbed the oats for the horse and the chicken feed, and went to take care of them.

Just as she was exiting the stable, a young man with messy black hair and an old straw hat poked his head over the fence, “Hiya, Sanji!”

“Luffy!” She gasped, surprised by his sudden appearance, but couldn’t help the small smile on her face as he grinned sunnily at her, “What are you doing here?”

Luffy laughed as he jumped up to sit on the fence. 

He was one of the local boys from the village not far from the manor. Sanji was never sure where exactly he came from or what specifically he did to earn a living, but he traveled a lot. Whenever he was around he would make the time to stop by to see her, and it always brightened her day when he did.

“I’m hungry,” he whined, clutching his stomach to demonstrate, “Can I have some breakfast?”

She bit her lip as she glanced back at the house. If her father knew Luffy was here, he would throw a fit, but it was still quite early. Everyone should still be asleep, and if they were quick about it, he’d never know.

“I was just about to start breakfast,” she said as she turned back to Luffy and smiled, “You can have some if you promise to behave.”

“Of course,” he clapped his sandaled feet together, then jumped down, “Sanji’s food is the best! I’d do anything to have some.”

She smiled at him, flushing a little at the compliment, and led him back to the house.

Luffy leaned against the counter as she worked and told her stories about all the adventures he’d had since she last saw him. He always told her such grand tales, about far off lands and oceans as far as the eye could see.

She’d always been fascinated by the ocean. One of her biggest dreams was to be able to see it one day, to leave her family and this crumbling house behind and be free in its vast blue.

But for now she was here, doing her best to keep her mother’s legacy alive.

At least she had Luffy here, Luffy and the animals and her other friends in town. For now, that would have to be enough.

She carefully plated six portions of breakfast for her family, setting aside a much smaller portion for herself for later and letting Luffy have whatever was left. He ate it all, leaving not even a crumb, which meant less dishes for her. She could always count on Luffy for that.

The sound of movement from upstairs startled her, and she whispered to Luffy, “You better get out of here before they catch you.”

“Okay,” he grinned as he fixed the hat on his head, “I’ll be around for a bit, before I’m off again. I’ll stop by before I go.”

She smiled as she watched him go, letting herself imagine for a moment that she was following after him, heading off on one of his grand adventures.

“Sanji!” She heard Yonji yell from upstairs, startling her out of her fantasy, “Where’s my breakfast?”

She sighed deeply, carefully balanced the tray in her hands, and went upstairs to feed her family.

She knocked gently on Yonji’s bedroom door. He yanked it open with a snarl and a “God, finally. What the hell took you so long?”

She was just busy running the entire estate by herself, but she knew better than to say that out loud. She handed him his breakfast plate with a scowl.

He snatched it out of her hands and threw a bag of clothes at her instead. Only through experience was she able to catch them without spilling the rest of the food. A rank smell came from them, making her nose scrunch up.

“When’s the last time you washed these?” She asked.

He shrugged, “When’s the last time you did laundry?”

Before she could respond, he slammed the door in her face, ending the conversation.

She sighed, but lugged everything to the next room and knocked on the door, “Niji? Are you up?”

Niji yanked the door open and snarled, “The last thing I want to see this early is your ugly mug. What the hell do you want?”

She held up the tray, “Breakfast?”

He glared at her, but snatched one of the dishes off the tray.

 “Also I’m doing laundry today so if you have any-”

She was interrupted when his sack of clothes slapped against her face.

“Those are all old, so you can just chuck ‘em,” he said with a mouthful of eggs, “I’ll just get new ones.”

She stared at him, mentally reworking how their already limited budget could accommodate a new wardrobe for him, “Already? You just got new clothes.”

“Yeah, and I need more.” He answered before slamming the door in her face.

She grit her teeth and moved on to the next door, “Ichiji?”

“Come in,” he called out to her.

She glanced between one hand holding the breakfast trays and the other holding the bags of clothes. She sighed, balanced on one leg, and maneuvered the door open with her foot.

Ichiji was already up and dressed, making some final adjustments to his outfit in the mirror.

“Just set the tray down there,” he waved at a side table, not even giving her the courtesy of his attention.

She placed the clothes on the ground and set his breakfast down.

A third bag of clothes came whizzing for her head. She ducked, and it landed in a pile with the others.

“Some of those are pretty soiled,” he said to her with a sneer, “Wash what you can, replace what you can’t.”

She glared at him as she picked up the bags. Being the oldest son, she’d hoped he’d paid a little attention to the family’s dwindling finances, but apparently being pampered his whole life meant things like where the money came from were below his notice.

“And you should smile more,” he said as he turned back to the mirror, “Nobody wants a servant hanging around that doesn’t smile.”

Her eyebrow twitched, and he looked back over his shoulder at her and said, in his most condescending voice, “Sorry. Brother .”

The brother comment hurt more than the servant one. She was essentially a servant in her own home. At one point she may have been the child of the lord and lady of the house, but her role now was reduced to cooking and cleaning up after her family. The role of brother, however, was never one she could fit into, no matter how hard she tried.

When Ichiji went back to ignoring her, she quietly left the room.

She stopped outside the last door on the landing and unceremoniously dropped her brothers’ clothes on the ground.

“Reiju?” She said as she knocked, “It’s me.”

The door opened to her sister’s smiling face, “Sanji, good morning.”

“Good morning,” she said as she offered her the tray, “How are you this morning?”

“Fine, thank you,” she took a plate and noticed the pile of clothes next to her, “Laundry day?”

“Yes,” she sighed and glanced at the pile, “Although it sounds like I’ll be getting rid of most of it.”

“I see,” her eyes widened slightly before darting quickly away, “I have some things I’ve been meaning to get rid of, if you don’t mind taking them too.”

“Oh,” Sanji blushed. Reiju knew the family’s finances well, and didn’t get rid of clothes unless they were beyond repair. But that didn’t stop Sanji from doing her best to repair some of the less-damaged dresses and keep them for herself, “Yes, of course.”

Reiju smiled, setting her breakfast down as she went to grab the clothes.

When she came back, Sanji spotted a familiar blue dress near the top of the pile, and froze, “Is that...?”

Reiju’s eyes darted away, but held out the bag to her, blue dress and all, “Yes, it’s out of fashion, and Father wants it gone.”

Her heart sank as she took the bag. The dress was one of their late mother’s — her last dress, actually — and it hurt on a level she didn’t realize she could still be hurt to see Reiju throwing it away.

“Have a good day,” Reiju said, closing the door before she could respond.

She left the bag with the others as she faced the flight of stairs at the end of the landing. She took a deep, steading breath and exhaled it slowly, forcing herself to be as calm and passive as possible before climbing the stairs to her father’s room.

“What is it?” Judge barked from inside when she knocked.

She swallowed, trembling a little, but pushed her nerves away and replied, “Breakfast.”

“Finally.”

The door was wrenched open, and Judge loomed in the doorway, towering over her as he snatched the last breakfast plate, “What took you so long, boy? Too much daydreaming again?”

“I’m sorry, sir,” she said, eyes downcast, “It won’t happen again.”

“See that it doesn’t,” he said as he looked her up and down with a critical eye.

“Chin up, boy!” He barked suddenly, and she instantly straightened her back, her head shooting up as she tucked the tray at her side.

“I feed you, cloth you, let you live in this house despite your…eccentricities,” Judge eyed her with a snarl, “The least you can do is show me proper respect.”

Her hand clenched around the tray, but she let out an obedient, “Yes, sir.”

His eyes narrowed, but he continued with, “Are your morning chores done yet?”

“Yes, sir,” she nodded, “I was just about to start the laundry, and maybe take some of the more worn clothes to the tailor for mending.”

“Don’t bother,” he waved her off, “Just get rid of them. We’ll get new clothes.”

She swallowed, picking her next words carefully, “Well, sir, the tailor might have some use for old scraps, and they’ll certainly be willing to buy them off of us.”

Judge frowned, but considered her proposition. He was a brash man, but he wasn’t stupid; he knew that with their land barely producing anything, little income was coming in, and if he wanted his children to continue with the lifestyle they’d grown accustomed to, he couldn’t turn down any potential source of money.

“Very well,” he said as he stepped back into his room, “But don’t spend all day in town. You still have plenty of other chores today.”

“Yes, sir,” she said with a slight bow as he slammed the door in her face.

She waited until she was safely back on her siblings’ landing, clothes safe and secure in her arms, before she let herself grin from ear to ear.

---

Ivankov was easily the best tailor in town, and was one of the few places Sanji could fully relax and be her true self. Everytime she made the trip into town, she’d always make sure to stop by, and more often than not Iva had a new outfit for her to try on, calling her one of their greatest inspirations.

She could never keep the clothing, of course, no matter how much they insisted. If Judge ever caught her with a dress it would be the end for her, and besides, all those wonderful clothes belonged to other, more beautiful people. 

But it was fun to model for Iva, to pretend to be a beautiful maiden, or a princess, or a brave adventurer, someone with a life completely opposite of her own, but at the end of the day the clothes went back to Ivankov, and she went back to the manor.

Sanji entered the tailor’s, the bell ringing above the door as she looked around, but couldn’t find anyone.

“Hello?” She called out, setting the bags of clothes down as she stepped further into the shop, dodging around the piles of scraps and half finished outfits, “Iva, are you there?”

“Is that my favorite Candy?” Iva shouted from somewhere in the back, “What perfect timing!”

The door to the back room burst open in a shower of color, and out strut Iva in one of the loudest outfits Sanji had ever seen, their assistant Inazuma trailing not far behind.

“I just finished this and was thinking it would be perfect for you,” they said, brandishing a blue and white dress and holding it out to Sanji, “Go on, try it!”

“I don’t have time today,” she sighed as she handed over the bag of clothes, “I have too many chores, and my father is expecting me back soon. I’m just here to see if you could use these old clothes.”

Iva huffed, that barely contained sneer on their face whenever Judge was brought up in their presence as they glanced at the bag. Their eyes lit up when they landed on her mother’s old dress, snatching it out of the bag and holding it up to Sanji’s frame.

“Yes, I think I can make some of these work,” they put the dress back in the bag and toss it over to Inazuma, “But it will take me some time to go through them and see how much I can pay you for them.”

“Oh,” a small smile crept over Sanji’s face as she reached for the offered dress, “Well, if it’s going to take some time…”

“That’s the spirit!” Iva laughed as they shoved her behind a partition to change.

The dress fit like a glove, accentuating her curves in all the right places, the ruffles and puffed sleeves going so far as to disguise her flat chest. She twirled, the skirt rising a little and brushing her knees as she did, and felt practically dainty.

“Come on, Candy,” Iva taunted from the other side, “Let’s see how you look.”

She stepped shly out from behind the curtain, holding the skirt in her hand, “How is it?”

“Oh,” Iva held their mouth, eyes watering as they looked at her, “Gorgeous, simply gorgeous. My dear, you get more lovely every time I see you. Inazuma, isn’t she lovely?”

“She’s very lovely,” Inazuma answered, glancing up for a moment before turning back to the bag.

“Here,” Iva grabbed her wrist and dragged away before she could protest, “This outfit needs a trial run.”

“Trial run?” Sanji gasped, but followed quickly after them, “No, I can’t leave dressed like this! What if someone sees?”

“Then you will be giving them a treat. You look wonderful,” they said as they shoved a basket into her arms, “The client wants this dress for all-purpose wear anyway, and we need more berries for dyes. So, since it will take us a while to go through your things, you can do us a favor and go to the forest and gather some.”

“You do always find the best berries,” Inazuma added, not helping at all.

She bit her lip as she glanced down at the dress. It was very comfortable, and did wonders to make her look more feminine. Besides, the forest was fairly isolated, with most of the townspeople steering clear to avoid taking anything from the King’s Woods, the separate part of the forest that was reserved only for the king and his guards.

If she stuck to the woods, she probably wouldn’t run into anyone. Judge would never know.

“Okay,” she sighed, as she slid the basket over her arm, “But I’ll have to leave the moment I get back.”

“Of course, darling,” Iva said as they waved her off, “you go have fun!”

Sanji rolled her eyes, but made her way into the forest. She was easily able to find the most prosperous berry patches, quickly filling her basket as she ventured further, into the parts of the woods that she knew better than anyone.

When she got deep in the forest, just on the edge of King’s Woods where all the best berries grew, Sanji heard the sounds of hurried footsteps and shouting.

A moment later one of the young boys from town burst through the bushes, ran right into her legs, and fell to the ground. Tears formed in his eyes as he clutched something close to his chest.

“Chopper!” Sanji kneeled down next to him and helped him up, “What are you doing all the way out here?”

Chopper bit his lip and glanced back towards the King’s Woods, where Sanji could still hear shouting, but showed her what was in his hands.

It was a whole bunch of rare mushrooms, mushrooms that Sanji knew for a fact could only be found deep in the King’s Woods. Taking anything from there was a punishable offense, no matter who took it, no matter the reason.

“Oh, Chopper,” Sanji sighed as she helped him to his feet. The shouts were getting closer, and she frowned as she pushed Chopper on his way, “Go on. Get back to the village.”

He glanced up at her with wide eyes, “But-”

“I’ll take care of them,” she said as she picked up her own basket, “Just get out of here.”

Chopper nodded and made to leave, but paused and glanced back at her, “I like your dress, Sanji. It’s pretty.”

She blushed, but before she could respond, Chopper had taken off into the woods back towards town.

Not seconds after he was out of sight, a horse came crashing through the bushes into the clearing. Sanji froze as the horse stopped right in front of her, but refused to give any ground.

“Damnit,” a gruff voice came from atop the horse, “Where did he go?”

Sanji looked up at the man on the horse. He had a handsome face that was only slightly offset by his messy green hair. His clothes were made of clean, sturdy linens adorned with the king’s crest, and he had a white sword strapped to his waist.

A knight of the king’s guard, if she had to guess. She crossed her arms and put on her most put-out expression, “Can I help you?”

The man looked down at her and blinked as if he was just seeing her for the first time, “Did you see a boy run through here?”

“A boy?” She tilted her head and frowned at him, “Can’t say that I have.”

He frowned back, “You sure? I coulda sworn he came this way?”

“Haven’t seen anyone here but you, Mosshead,” she said with a shrug.

He growled and self-consciously ran a hand through his hair, “He stole something from the King’s Woods.”

“He did? Really?” Her eyes went wide with fake surprise, “That’s really not my problem then.”

His eyes narrowed at her as he got off his horse, “You know, aiding and abetting a fugitive is a punishable crime too.”

“A fugitive ?!” Sanji snarled, “What, the king has nothing better to do than send his lackies after children trying to save their fathers now?”

He blinked, eyes going wide, “What?”

“What the hell is the king going to do with those mushrooms anyway,” she continued ranting, ignoring the looks he was giving her, “Let them rot in the forest? He can’t possibly eat them all, and he’s never sick enough to need their medicine, so tell me, what does he need them for that’s so fucking important that he’ll let a man die and a child be orphaned?”

“So, you have seen him.”

“I,” she stopped, biting her lip as she realized her mistake, “Hypothetically. If whoever you’re chasing did take them, hypothetically that could be a reason they did.”

“I see,” he nodded, “So, hypothetically, if I went into town and asked about a sick man with a young son, I could find him?”

Sanji clamped her mouth shut and glanced away. She didn’t know exactly how many people fit that description, but just about everyone in town knew about Hililuk and Chopper’s situation. If he asked around, he’d find them easily.

“I’ll take your silence as a yes,” he said as he turned back to his horse, “Hypothetically, of course.”

“Wait,” she lunged, grabbing the horse’s reins before he could get back on, “You can’t punish him, he’s just trying to help his father.”

The man stared at her, so she continued, “If you have to punish someone, punish me.”

“You’ll take his place?” He asked as he stroked his horse’s neck, “You’ll take his punishment?”

Sanji nodded firmly. She knew Chopper didn’t deserve any punishment, and she knew she could take whatever the king could dish out. It was an easy choice, “Yes.”

“Very well,” he said as he stepped towards her, hand going for his sword hilt, “but remember, you asked for this.”

She nodded again, and held her breath as she waited for his verdict.

He grabbed her shoulders and looked her up and down, before saying, “I was actually going to let him go, so you’re free to go too, if you want.”

Her eyebrow twitched in rage as his serious mask slipped, and a mirthful grin took over his face.

“You shithead!” She snarled and kicked his shins as he pulled away from her, “Stringing me along like that!”

He laughed, and seeing him smile like that made her stomach flip and heat creep up into her face. She crossed her arms and huffed, ignoring the pleasant emotions filling her chest.

“I didn’t know,” he said once he’d calmed down, “About his father, I mean. And you made a good point about the mushrooms. The king doesn’t need them, so there’s no reason he can’t have them.”

“The king doesn’t need or use most of what’s in the King’s Woods,” she pointed out, “Taking things from there shouldn’t be illegal.”

“I did not expect to get into a morality debate today,” he said as he mounted his horse. He looked back down at her, and his smile softened, “But then, today has been full of unexpected surprises.”

She swallowed and tried to push her sudden nerves away. She had been furious at him just a moment ago, why did she now find him so charming? “Some good ones, I hope.”

“Yes,” he said as his smile grew and she blushed even harder, “Very good ones.”

“Oh, there you are,” another man with a long nose and the king’s crest on his chest said as he entered the clearing, “Did you find the poacher?”

“Nah,” he shrugged, glancing at Sanji quickly before he turned to his companion, “He  got away.”

“Oh,” his shoulders slumped, “What are we going to tell the king?”

“I don’t see why we have to tell him anything,” he said with a huff, “It’s none of his business.”

“Uh,” he stared after him as he approached Sanji, “If you say so?”

“Hey,” the green haired man leaned down and asked her, “What’s your name?”

Sanji froze. The only woman officially living at Vinsmoke Manor was Reiju. If she told him her name was Vinsmoke, he would be able to track her just as easily as he would have Chopper, and what would he do if he found out the truth? What would he think of her then?

She glanced away and crossed her arms in front of her, “A lady doesn’t give her name away to strange men she meets in the forest.”

He laughed again, “Fair enough,” and leaned back, still staring at her with that soft look in his eyes, “Will I see you again?”

“Maybe,” she couldn’t help but smile back, “If you’re lucky.”

“I make my own luck,” he said with a grin. Conceited bastard, but she didn’t hate his confidence or self-assurandnance, “I’ll see you around.”

He turned his horse back into the woods, “C’mon, Usopp. Let’s head back.”

“Uh, sure,” Usopp’s eyes darted between Sanji and the man, “But, you know the castle’s the other way, right?”

He turned around and followed his directions, “I knew that.”

Usopp sighed as Sanji chuckled, turning towards her and tipping his hat, “Good day, my lady.”

She curtsied in return, “Good day.”

He smiled at her and followed after the man.

Sanji grinned as she went back to town, heart full and fluttery, wondering what she could do to see that knight again.

---

Prince Zoro strolled up to the castle, where a servant took his horse without prompting to stable it, and proceeded inside, where scores of servants bowed and muttered a quick “Your highness” at him as he passed.

And he hated that. Ever since he’d come back to the kingdom, he’d had everything done for him, had everything handed to him, and that really pissed him off. What was the point of all the independent training he did if everything would just be done for him now?

“Your highness?” A servant said as she approached. He shot her a glare and she froze, blushing slightly as she continued, “Uh, his majesty the king would like to speak with you.” 

The last thing he wanted to do right now was talk to the king. For the past few months all he’d been talking to him about had been his eventual marriage and ways to find potential spouses. It was getting on his last nerve.

Zoro didn’t need a spouse , he didn’t need anyone.

“Tell him I’m busy,” he grunted as he shoved his way past her, but before he could get far, someone grabbed his arm and started dragging him away.

“What the-?” he turned to snap at the impudent servant, but instead found his sister, the princess.

“When the king requests an audience you see him,” Perona snarled at him, “Because if you don’t he’s going to spend the rest of the day complaining to me about what an irresponsible prince you are, and how am I supposed to get anything done with that?”

“Let me go,” he snarled, and she only gripped him tighter, “I don’t want to see him.”

“No shit,” she rolled her eyes, “But you’re going to, whether you like it or not.”

“But-”

“No buts!” She said, stopping in front of the entrance to the throne room as she gave him a quick once over. She sighed, brushing some of the dirt out of his hair and the wrinkles from his clothes, “Honestly, how is anyone supposed to know you're a prince the way you keep gallivanting about.”

“Maybe I don’t want them to know.”

“Don’t be stupid,” she finished with a huff and another sigh. “So uncute, now get in there.”

With that, she shoved him into the throne room, where he stumbled awkwardly in front of King Mihawk.

“Prince Zoro,” he said calmly in lieu of a greeting, “You’ve been avoiding me.”

“You’ve been an annoying old man,” Zoro shot back.

He remained as stoic as ever as he continued, “We need to discuss your upcoming marriage.”

“I’m not getting married,” he said with a huff, “The sooner you get that through your thick skull the better.”

 Mihawk sighed, and that was the greatest expression of emotion Zoro had seen from him since his return, “You’re as stubborn as you are foolish. You can’t rule a kingdom on grit and bluster alone. You need a reliable partner by your side, to help you with both the challenges of ruling and the challenges of life.”

“I’ve been doing fine on my own,” he crossed his arms and glared at him, “a partner would only slow me down.”

Mihawk stared at him, his golden eyes seeming to pierce Zoro’s very soul, “A good partner, one who is your equal, that meets you on your level and balances out your faults, who challenges you to be the best version of yourself, will not.”

Zoro frowned, his mind for some reason going back to the woman he met in the woods earlier. He’d only had a brief moment with her, but he’d liked her instantly. She was kind, she was interesting, and yes, she was beautiful, but the most important thing was that she didn’t put up with any of his shit. She’d challenged him at every step, even going so far as to deny him her name, and Zoro couldn’t help but be intrigued. 

He knew she probably wasn’t what Mihawk had in mind for his future spouse, but at the same time he desperately wanted to see her again.

“And so to find you a suitable partner,” Mihawk continued, taking Zoro’s silence for assent, “We will be hosting a ball.”

Zoro blinked, startled by the proclamation, “A ball?”

“This is nonnegotiable, Perona is already planning it,” he stated, “We have already invited all of the eligible aristocracy from around this and neighboring kingdoms, and I fully expect you to mingle with all of them.”

Zoro made to protest, but stopped, thinking again of the bright blue eyes that had captured his attention so thoroughly.

“What if we invited everyone?” He asked instead, “All eligible citizens, commoners as well as aristocracy. The whole kingdom.”

Mihwak’s eyes narrowed, “You wish to marry a commoner?”

“I do not wish to be married,” he reminded him, “If you want me to be so damn bad, then it only makes sense to give me as many candidates as possible to choose from.”

Mihawk frowned, but a thoughtful look entered his eyes as he said, “Very well. You shall have your open ball.”

Zoro grinned. The stuffy ball may just be worth it if he could see her again, and if he could catch her name this time, well, wouldn’t that be something.

While he was thinking of her and their meeting earlier, he remembered something else he’d wanted to bring up to the king.

“By the way, your majesty,” he said, putting as much condemnation into the title as he could, “I wanted to discuss the poaching in the King’s Wood with you.”

Mihawk raised an eyebrow and leaned back in his throne, “What about the poaching?”

“I think the best way to stop the poaching is to allow the people to take what they need from there.”

Mihawk laughed, “Yes, and if we made stealing and killing legal, we wouldn’t have any thieves or murderers. Do you hear yourself?”

Zoro scowled, “What I mean is, there’s things in the King’s Woods that the citizens can’t get anywhere else, things they need, like food and medicine. If we’re not using it anyway, if we’re just going to let it go to waste, then what’s the harm in letting the people have access to it?”

The king frowned, thinking it over. Eventually he said, “You raise an interesting point. I shall have to look into this matter further.” He waved his hand towards the door, “If there’s nothing else, you’re dismissed.”

Zoro nodded, and turned towards the exit.

“And, Zoro?”

He turned back, trying to keep the whiney petulance out of his voice as he asked, “What?”

“It’s good that you’re taking an interest in the wellbeing of our people,” he said, and Zoro blinked at the rare compliment, “Ruling isn’t just about fighting and being the strongest.”

An awkward silence hung between them, as it seemed to Zoro that neither of them knew what to say to that.

“Now get out of here,” Mihawk eventually said with a dismissive gesture, “Speak to Perona about preparations for the ball.”

Zoro huffed and did what he asked. The ball was going to be stupid and pointless, he knew, a boring waste of his and everyone else’s time. But every time he thought about it, he also thought about her, about her dancing with him in the ballroom, about her bright blue eyes and her face lighting up with mirth, and he found himself excited by the whole thing.

And maybe, if he was being honest with himself, he was looking forward to it.

---

Sanji had just finished scrubbing the floor when she heard the bell ring. She frowned — they hadn’t had visitors in ages — but made her way to the door.

“Yes yes, I’m coming,” she called out as the ringing persisted. She managed to get the door open and came face to face with a messenger bearing the king’s crest on his chest.

“Can I help you?” She asked, trying not to let the confusion seep into her voice. 

Why was a messenger from the palace here? Unless, the knight from the woods had found her somehow, and wanted to see her again. Her heart raced in joy at the thought, then again in fear. If he’d found her, then he knew and if he knew, then-

“The prince is hosting a ball,” the messenger said as he handed her an envelope, “The whole kingdom is being asked to attend. This invitation is for Commander Vinsmoke and his five children.”

Sanji took the invitation and turned it over in her hands. It certainly looked very official, the ink raised and the paper heavy in her hand, with the king’s crest imprinted on the wax seal.

“The ball is tonight,” the messenger continued, “And there’s a dress code. Fine, well tailored suits for the men, elegant ball gowns for the ladies. Please let them know.”

“I will, thank you,” she smiled at the messenger, who gave her a short bow and went on his way.

She shut the door and went back inside, only to be faced with the rest of her family.

“What’s that?” Niji grunted as he snatched the invitation from her hands.

“The prince is having a ball tonight,” Sanji explained as they gathered around the invitation.

“A ball? To find the prince a wife?” Judge grinned as he took the invitation from Niji, “This is perfect!”

Sanji thought so too — an excuse to be at the palace meant she could meet that knight again — but was wary about the look of glee on Judge’s face.

“Reiju,” he turned towards her, “This is the exact opportunity we’ve been waiting for to improve our station. If the prince is looking for a bride, then we have to make sure it’s you.”

A momentary look of panic crossed Reiju’s face, but she hid it well, “Yes, Father.”

“There will be plenty of fine ladies there as well, all vying for the prince’s hand,” he said as he turned towards his sons, “It wouldn’t hurt if you three found yourselves some brides.”

“Yes Father,” they agreed together, like well trained monkeys.

Sanji glanced at the invitation again. The messenger had mentioned five children, and sure enough, her name was on the invitation too.

“I can go,” she muttered, not realizing she’d said it out loud until her family’s attention was on her.

“Excuse me?” Niji sneered, “What makes you think they want you there?”

Sanji’s hands clenched into fists at her side, but she stood her ground and nodded to the invitation, “The invitation is for everyone, and my name is on there too. I can go to the ball.”

“And do what?” Yonji cackled, “Seduce a lady with your sweeping?”

Niji laughed too, “Or maybe charm her with your washing?”

Ichiji smirked, “Or perhaps woo her away from an actual husband with your cooking?”

Sanji ground her teeth, “What I do there is my business, but the invitation says I can go!”

Her brothers laughed louder at her outburst, cruelly so, but before Sanji could say anything else, their father raised a hand to silence them.

“He’s right, if he wants to go he can,” Judge loomed over Sanji, glaring daggers at her. She clenched her fists again, this time to stop the trembling, and she hoped that if he did raise a hand against her, he’d hit somewhere that wouldn’t show at the ball. She didn’t want to have to explain a black eye to the prying guests.

“And I don’t see why he can’t go,” he said instead, surprising her.

Her heart soared in her chest, “You mean it? I can go?”

“If,” Judge continued, slowly and deliberately, “you finish all of your chores, and I mean finish completely, I don’t want you rushing and leaving them half done like you usually do.”

She nodded, too elated to care about his criticism, “Yes, Father.”

“And,” he went on, a cruel grin crossing his face, “if you can find a suitable suit to wear.”

She nodded again, “Yes, Father, of course.”

He sneered at her before turning towards his other children, “Come, we have much to prepare for this evening.”

Her brothers shot her nasty looks as they shuffled past, but she didn’t even notice. Her nerves were buzzing with excitement at the thought of the ball, at the thought of dancing all night and eating delicious food she didn’t have to prepare, and of seeing that knight again of course.

Would he have the night off too, or would he be busy with duties? Would he dance with her if she asked? 

The thoughts rattled around in her head, and she didn’t notice that Reiju was still there, giving her a curious look.

“Why are you so excited about a ball?” She asked, bringing Sanji’s wandering thoughts to a halt.

“Oh, well,” she smiled at her, “It will be nice right? A night off for once? Father’s not expecting me to woo anyone, so I can just have fun.”

Reiju hummed as she stared at her, “Is that all?”

“Well,” Sanji chuckled, glancing around to make sure everyone else was gone before leaning in to whisper, “I met someone from the palace the other day.”

“A man someone?” Reiju said, giving her a knowing look.

“Yes,” she admitted, “He’s a knight, he’s a little rough around the edges, but surprisingly soft and charming.”

“So, you’re hoping to meet him again at the ball?” She asked.

Sanji nodded, and continued excitedly, “I was wondering how I could possibly see him again, and then the invitation just fell into my hand! It’s perfect!”

“The other day,” Reiju interrupted, “So, when you went to Ivankov’s?”

“Yes,” she nodded again, “They sent me on a small errand in the woods. Don’t tell Father.”

“I won’t,” she said, looking around to make sure they weren’t being overheard, then leaned in and whispered, “Were you wearing a dress when you met him?”

“Ah,” she blushed and looked away, “I, yes, Ivankov had me try one one, but-”

“And, you still want to meet him at the ball?”

Sanji paused, frowning, “Well, yes, I don’t get invited to the palace very often.”

Reiju sighed, “Father isn’t going to let you wear a dress. If he does actually let you go, he’ll want you in a suit.”

“Well, yes,” Sanji figured that would be the case, but it was odd of Reiju to bring it up now, “I don’t have a fine suit, but I’m sure I can scrape something together from whatever the others aren’t wearing.”

Reiju shook her head, “If your knight sees you at the ball in a suit, after meeting you in the woods in a dress, what will he think of you?”

Sanji froze, the blood leaving her face as the fear sunk in again. She’d been so excited about the invitation and the ball and the chance to meet him again that she didn’t even consider the logistics. 

“I-I could…” She could what? Bring a dress and change there? Because there were so many places to change at a ball, and there was no way Judge wouldn’t notice her sneaking off. Wear the dress under her suit? Because Judge would certainly notice her trying to hide a full dress under a tailored suit.

Judge would never let her leave the house in a dress, and there was no way she could let the knight see her in a suit. Unless one of those two things changed, there was no way she could go to the ball.

She let out a soft “Oh,” when she realized, the disappointment feeling like a physical weight on her chest, “I guess…I can’t go.”

“I am sorry,” Reiju sighed, placing a comforting hand on her arm, “I just didn’t want you to get your hopes up for something that was impossible.”

“No, I get it,” she shook her hand off and turned away, “Thanks.”

She could go to the ball in a suit, she might even enjoy herself, but she could imagine the look of disgust on that charming knight’s face once he knew, and she didn’t think she could bear it.

She was too odd, too much of a freak to get the things she wanted. She was lucky her father let her stay, and it was hard and terrible here, but most fathers would have kicked her out long ago. As long as she kept her head down, kept to herself, didn’t rock the boat or step out of line too much, it was livable.

She shouldn’t push her luck any farther than she already had.

“I’ll just stay home,” she said, smiling at Reiju, “With those idiots gone, I can have a fabulous time here by myself. I don’t need to go to the ball.”

Reiju smiled at her, but it looked as forced as her own did, “Yes, I’m sure you’ll be fine staying home.”

She spared her one last look and went upstairs, to prepare for the ball, most likely.

Sanji glanced around the hall, at the floors that still needed to be washed, railings that needed to be polished, and there was still the dining room and the drawing room to get to yet. Still so much to do.

She fell to her knees and continued her chores, ignoring the prickling of tears in her eyes.

---

Sanji saw the carriage off, waving dutifully at it until it disappeared from sight, and went back inside the big empty house.

“This is fine,” she told herself as she wandered through the empty rooms, her footsteps echoing off the walls, “This is great even. A whole night to myself, no Ichiji and his condescending remarks, no Niji and his biting insults, no Yonji and his messy roughhousing, no Father…”

She glanced around once more, but the crushing weight of disappointment was getting the better of her, and she couldn’t hold back her sadness anymore.

She found herself outside again, staring down the path the carriage had been on. Finally she let her tears fall and the unfairness of everything overwhelm her.

Why couldn’t she go to the ball too? Why couldn’t she just have one night off, one night where she could be herself without fear or retribution? Why did she have to be the one to give everything and get nothing to show for it?

She collapsed into the dirt and sobbed, clutching at her shoulders as she held- herself tight. 

For just once in her shitty life, why couldn’t she have something she wanted?

“Hiya, Sanji!”

She glanced up, startled to find Luffy standing there, beaming down at her.

“Not now, Luffy,” she sniffled, burying her face in her hands to try and hide her tears from him, “I don’t have any food, and I’m not in the mood to play.”

Luffy crouched down until he was at her level. He gently pried her hands away and took her face in his hands.

“I’m not here for any of that,” he laughed softly, wiping her tears away with his thumb, “I’m here to take you to the ball.”

Her eyes grew wide, her mouth fell open, and all she could do was stare at him, “What?”

“Iva sent me over to get you,” he explained as he helped her to her feet, “They heard about the ball but were worried you didn’t have a dress ready.”

“Iva…” Sanji blinked, and only then did she notice the pearl white carriage behind him, Chopper sitting in the driver’s seat holding the reins, “Chopper?”

“Hello, Sanji!” He beamed at her, “I’m here to take you to the ball!”

“C’mon,” Luffy held out his hand, “It’s starting soon, and we’ve got to get you ready.”

Hope swept through Sanji, the elation bubbling in her chest as she took his hand and stepped in the carriage.

The ride to Iva’s was short, and the tailor themself was already waiting for them, instantly bustling Sanji inside the moment she stepped out of the carriage. They shoved a dress at her, and when Sanji looked at it she was floored to find her mother’s old dress, touched up with modern embellishments, and resized to fit her frame.

“Iva…” Sanji whispered, her eyes watering again for a completely different reason, “I don’t…”

“None of that,” Iva waved her off, “Don’t you dare go crying on me, darling. You know I’m a sympathetic crier, and we do not have nearly enough time for that.”

They shoved her behind a curtain, and Sanji quickly shed her dirty rags to change into the stunning gown.

She stepped slowly out from behind the curtain to Iva and Inazuma’s appraising gazes. She blushed slightly as she asked, “How’s it look?”

“Perfect,” Iva gasped, “All the adjustments are just right! But we’re not done yet.”

The next few moments were a whirlwind, as Iva did her makeup while Inazuma worked on her hair.

When they finally pulled away and shoved her in front of a mirror, Sanji almost didn’t recognize herself.

She was beautiful – she didn’t even know she could be this beautiful. Iva had put on just the right amount of eye makeup to make her blue eyes pop, a light blush on her cheeks to highlight them, and a soft red lipstick that drew her eye to her lips. Inazuma had done her short hair up in a rounded style that was in style these days, held up by a soft black headband.

But the real pièce de résistance was the dress. The soft blue her mother loved was practically glimmering with Iva’s touch ups, the old dress given a new life in the stitching, the fabric shiny and sparkling under the light. Sanji didn’t know if she felt more like a princess or a fairy, but she knew her transformation was nothing short of magical.

“And for the final touch,” Iva placed a pair of clear glass slippers by her feet, “I’ve been experimenting with the material – personally I would have made you a dress made out of glass, but Inazuma talked me out of it.”

Sanji shot the apprentice a quick thankful look over Iva’s shoulder.

“Anyway,” Iva clapped, “these should be just the right size for your feet. Try them on, quick quick!”

Sanji hesitated for only a moment before slipping her feet into the glass slippers. They slid on easily, and were sturdy despite the delicate material. She stood in them properly and took a few tentative steps, but the shoes held her weight easily, and the glass kept its form, even when she gave an experimental twirl.

“Lovely…” She turned to find Iva watching her, tears already forming in their eyes, “Sanji, you look marvelous, absolutely stunning. Why even the prince himself would have to be blind or stupid not to fall for you.”

Sanji blushed at the praise as a pleased smile spread across her face. She didn’t need the prince to fall for her, but if she could impress that knight, well, wouldn’t that be something.

“Enough chatter,” Iva clapped sharply, and Sanji was rushed out the door, “The ball awaits, we’ve wasted enough time already!”

Luffy jumped out of the carriage and held out his hand, a wide grin on his face. Sanji took his hand delicately and allowed herself to be helped back into the carriage, and he quickly scrambled in after her.

“Now listen dear, this is important,” Iva leaned against the carriage as they spoke, “I know you’ll be having fun, but you need to be back home by midnight.”

“Midnight?” Sanji frowned, “Why?”

“You don’t want your father catching you, right?” They tapped the side of the carriage, “And we need to get this back to where it belongs before it’s missed.”

“Where does it belong?”

“Darling, don’t ask questions you don’t want to know the answer to,” Iva laughed as they stepped back, “Now go and have a wonderful time!”

“Thank you,” Sanji said, her eyes starting to water from sheer happiness, “Thank you so much, for everything! I don’t know how I can ever repay you!”

“This is a gift, my darling Candy,” Iva insisted, “No repayment necessary! And don’t you dare start crying,” they admonished, even as tears ran down their own face, “You’ll ruin your makeup!”

Sanji beamed at them, giving them one final wave as the carriage pulled away.

---

Zoro sighed heavily, putting all his strength and focus into making sure his eye didn’t twitch. Perona stepped on his foot anyway, grinding her heel into his toe to get him to pay attention to the endless parade of people lining up to dance with him.

“Stay awake,” she hissed in his ear.

This stupid thing already felt like it’d been going on for days, even though it’d only been a few hours. Zoro had kept his eyes open at first, his gaze following every splash of blonde hair or flicker of blue eyes, waiting to see if his mystery woman had shown up yet, but was disappointed each and every time. 

Did she not want to see him, was that why she wasn’t here? He couldn’t help the crushing disappointment that thought brought on.

“Can I go yet?” He groaned, eyeing a woman with pink hair approaching them, no doubt about to ask him for yet another dance.

“You’ve only talked to like half the people here,” Perona pointed out, “And you have yet to pick one to marry.”

“Because they’re all boring,” he hissed back, “I don’t want to marry-”

“Anyone, yeah, I know,” she rolled her eyes, “Think of it this way. The sooner you find a potential spouse, the sooner you can leave.”

He scowled, eyes scanning the crowd once more, but again failed to find her.

“Pardon me, your highnesses,” the pink haired woman was in front of him now, curtsying low in greeting, “My name is Reiju, of the house of Vinsmoke.”

“Vinsmoke?” Zoro frowned, not placing the name. He had been away from the kingdom for a while, and wasn’t familiar with the many noble houses. That and having the whole kingdom attend was making it difficult for him to remember who was who.

“Her father is Commander Judge Vinsmoke,” Perona whispered in his ear, “he made a name for himself in the military some thirty years ago. Her mother was Lady Sora, a minor noble, but she died around twenty years ago. She has four brothers.”

He grunted as Reiju rose. Perona’s incessant need to know everything about everyone had saved him multiple times this evening, and for once he was glad for her gossipy ways.

“Lady Reiju,” he gave her a short bow, “How are you this evening?”

“Fine, thank you. It’s been such a lovely ball, thank you for having us,” she tilted her head and gave him a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, “May I trouble you for a dance, your highness?”

Before Zoro could think of a way to back out, Perona elbowed him in the small of his back, causing him to stumble forward and grab Reiju’s outstretched hand for support.

Trapped by social conventions now, Zoro forced a grin of his own on his face, and said, “Sure, I’d be honored,” as he led her out onto the dance floor.

The music was slow as they danced, Zoro lazily spinning her around in a circle as he kept most of his attention on the surrounding crowd, still hoping for a glimpse of his mystery woman.

“You seem distracted, your highness.”

Zoro blinked as he returned his focus to his dance partner, a guilty blush spreading across his face, “Sorry.”

There was an awkward pause as he tried to think of something to say, eventually settling on, “So, you have brothers? They haven’t introduced themselves yet.”

“I imagine not,” she glanced away, “My father is a bit old fashioned, and believes men should only marry women.”

“I see,” he replied as naturally as he could as he mentally struck the Vinsmokes off of the list of potential spouses, not wanting to be associated with such a man. 

She hummed a non-committal response, her gaze shifting back to him.

When he caught her eye again, he was met with a very familiar shade of blue. Her swirled eyebrow was familiar too, almost like…

“Have we,” he began, mesmerized by her gaze, “met before?”

She blinked in genuine shock before answering with a sure, “No.”

“Are you sure?” He couldn’t help but ask, “In the woods, maybe?”

“I would certainly recall meeting a prince, your highness.”

“Right,” he scowled, an embarrassed flush painting his cheeks red as he looked away, “Of course.”

Her eyes grew wide suddenly, a true smile making her lips twitch. She glanced quickly around the room for a moment before leaning in to whisper in his ear, “You must mean my sister.”

“Sister?” Perona had only mentioned brothers, but he wouldn’t be surprised if her information was inaccurate for some of the lower noble families.

Before he could ask her more about it, the song ended. Reiju curtsied low, giving him one last smile that looked more strained than anything, before she disappeared into the crowd.

Zoro sighed as she left, pushing that mystery out of his mind as he made his way back to Perona.

A few more uneventful dances later and he was just about at his limit. His feet hurt from dancing, his stuffy clothes were stiff and uncomfortable, and if he had to fake politeness while talking to one more stuck up priss he was going to lose it.

His stomach growled, so he made his way towards the food table, hoping that eating something would improve his mood. He reached out for the last shrimp puff, only for his hand to collide with someone else’s.

His patience shot, he turned to give them a piece of his mind, only to be met with the very blue eyes he’d been looking for all night.

“Oh,” she blinked, her smile spreading across her face, which was even more beautiful than he remembered, “It’s you!”

“Hi,” he smiled too, his previous frustration forgotten as his heart soared at her recognition.

“I’ve been looking for you,” she said with a slight pout, “You sure are one hard mosshead to find.”

He laughed at that — if only everyone else had that problem — only to be interrupted by his stomach growling loudly.

“Oh, have you eaten yet? They must have you so busy,” she blushed, snatching the shrimp puff off the table and offering it to him, “Here.”

“Thank you,” he said sincerely, holding her gloved hand in one of his as the other took the shrimp puff and popped it into his mouth. He released her hand slowly, letting his touch linger as it slid away, the warmth from the contact spreading through him.

“The food here is fantastic,” she said as she glanced at the table, grabbing a few more things off of it to offer him, which he ate gladly, “As expected of the palace, I suppose. It really is nice to eat something I didn’t have to cook for once. I would love to speak to the chef, maybe weasel some of the recipes out of them.”

“I’m sure that can be arranged,” he laughed loudly, pleased at how excited she looked about it, “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Yes, very much so, it’s been so long since I’ve had a night off!” She turned her bright eyes back to him, and Zoro never wanted her to look anywhere else, “The palace is so lovely, I never imagined I’d be allowed in it! And there’s so many people here, and the music is just wonderful, and all the dancing-”

“Have you danced yet?” He asked, doing his best to tap down the jealousy that surged through him at the thought of her dancing with someone else. He grinned wide when she shook her head, and offered her his hand, “Then, care to join me?”

“Are you sure?” She asked, even as she took his hand, “Aren’t you busy tonight? Don’t you have duties?”

“Not tonight,” he said as he led her out on the dancefloor, “For you, I have all the time in the world.”

---

Sanji was floating on air. Not only was she here at the ball, she’d found her knight, and was somehow dancing with him. His hand was warm on her waist, gently holding her as they glided across the dance floor, and she couldn’t help but lean into his touch. Her hand gripped his shoulder tight, pulling them closer together than proprietary allowed, but he didn’t seem to mind, and simply held her all the closer.

Logically she knew there were other people in the room, groups of them dancing all around them, but it felt like it was just the two of them in their own little world.

She looked at the knight, and his gaze was on her as well, his dark eyes soft as he smiled at her. She flushed, self conscious at the intensity of his gaze, “What?”

“You’re beautiful,” he said softly, almost like it was a secret and speaking it allowed would break some spell, “The most beautiful person here, by far.”

She blushed fiercely at the reverent words, “You clean up pretty good yourself.”

It was an understatement. While he had certainly looked attractive when they’d first met, here with his hair neat and styled, all the dirt and grime from the woods absent, and his dark green jacket tight across his chest — emphasizing what surely was a fantastic chest — he was stunning.

“Thanks,” he replied, and Sanji found herself once again lost in his eyes.

He led them carefully around the dancefloor, from one song through the next, and many more after that. She vaguely wondered if they should stop, and she should let him dance with someone else for a bit or get back to what is sure to be a busy night for him, but she was enjoying it far too much to stop, and was selfishly glad that he didn’t either.

They’d ended up off to the side, out of the way of the rest of the dancers and almost too far away to hear the music anymore. Slowly they came to a stop, but their hands still lingered on each other, as if they each refused to let the other go so soon.

“Thank you,” she said softly, swallowing around a sudden burst of nerves as she stared into his eyes, “for the dance.”

“The pleasure was mine,” he said just softly, his gaze never leaving hers.

Eventually their hands did fall away, but he slid his hand in hers before it fell away completely, reluctant to give up that last bit of contact.

“Do you want to get out of here?” he asked earnestly, running a thumb over her knuckles.

She nodded before she finished processing what he was saying, but knew right now she would follow him anywhere.

 He brought her outside, and they wandered around the rose gardens, talking about anything and everything. He told her about his travels, of all the fantastic places he’d visited and the wonderful things he’d seen, about everything he wanted to do now that he was back. She told him about her hopes and her dreams, everything she hadn’t allowed herself to even think about since her mother died, but she knew somehow it would be safe with him.

“Oh, yeah,” he said when there was a lull in the conversation, “I talked to the king about the poaching in the King’s Woods.”

She blinked, startled by the sudden topic, and wondering how good of a knight he must be to get an audience with the king, “You did?”

“Yeah,” he laughed lightly, shaking his head, “He agreed with me, surprisingly. He said he’ll figure out a way to harvest some of the things there and get them to the citizens.”

“That’s wonderful,” she said, and she knew she was beaming at him, but she could hardly stop herself, “You talked to the king for me.”

“I mean,” he pouted, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment as he rubbed the back of his head, “You made good points — there’s no need for people to suffer needlessly when we have things that can help them — and, uh…” He trailed off, his eyes falling back to her. A soft smile spread across his face as he sighed and admitted, “Yeah, I did.”

She blushed in response, and leaned just a little bit closer. He seemed to practically glow under the pale moonlight, the stars shining bright in his eyes and captivating her fully, his lips looking so soft, and she really wanted to kiss him right now.

He chuckled softly, and her eyes widened as she realized she said that last bit out loud. She turned and began to pull away, but was stopped by his light grip on her chin as he guided her face back to him.

“I really want to kiss you too,” he said as he ran his thumb over her lips.

They both leaned in, and suddenly their lips were touching. The kiss was light at first, just a gentle press of lips, but it was enough to send an excited thrill through her, making her lips part with an excited gasp. She surged forward then, her hands clenched desperately to the front of his jacket. He gave just as good as he got, his one hand falling to her waist to hold her even closer, his other cupping her face so gently, as if she and this kiss and this moment were something worth cherishing.

They pulled apart slowly, his excited breath dancing across her tingling lips.

“Holy shit,” she said with a soft giggle.

“Yeah,” he laughed too as he rested his forehead against hers. His thumb stroked her cheek lightly, and she leaned into the touch, “Can I get your name this time? Please?”

She opened her mouth to tell him — consequences be damned — but was interrupted by the loud clang of the clock chiming the hour.

She glanced up at it quickly, and was shocked to find it was already midnight.

“I…” Sanji stared back at the knight, her mouth hanging open as all the color drained from her face, “I got to go.”

“Go?” He blinked, dumbstruck, “Go where?”

“I need to…” she scrambled to come up with some excuse, some plausible reason she would be anywhere but here in his arms, “I…I still need to meet the prince.”

“The prince?” His eyes went wide as the corner of his mouth twitched, “Wait, you didn’t know…?”

“Goodbye,” she said, pulling away from his stunned hold as she turned to leave.

“Wait,” he snatched her hand to stop her, making her flinch, “Wait, you can’t go!”

“I…I just…” She jerked her hand and turned her watery gaze back to him, and he let it go easily, “I need to leave. If I’m not back by midnight…” she shuddered slightly as she backed away, and his eyes narrowed, “I need to go.”

“But…you…” he scowled, seeming to think something over before he said, “Stay. Please.”

Oh how she wanted to stay here with him, stay in his arms forever if he’d let her. But she was already pushing her luck as it was simply being here. One night, this one magical night she got to share with him, was more than enough.

She shook her head as she backed away, her glass heels clacking lightly on the stones, “I’m sorry…I’m so sorry…I can’t…”

He looked stunned and crushed, and she hated herself for putting that look on his handsome face.

“Goodbye,” she said again, tearing her eyes away as she took off in a run.

“Wait!” He shouted as he chased after her, “Wait, I don’t know your name! How am I supposed to find you?”

Find her. She grit her teeth as she kept running, past the guards giving her strange looks and down the front stairs. 

He couldn’t find her, couldn’t possibly know the truth. If he did, would he still hold her so gently in his arms? Would he still kiss her so softly? Would he still look at her like she was someone worth his attention?

She stumbled on the last step, her left shoe slipping off her foot as she fell. She recovered quickly and turned back to grab the shoe, but saw the knight at the top of the steps. He was completely out of breath, as if he’d run the whole of the castle before finding her here, but his face was determined as he started down the stairs.

She turned away instead, slipping off the other shoe so she could run at full speed towards the carriage. Chopper, mindful of their time limit, already had the carriage moving as Luffy leaned halfway out and held out his hand to her.

She grabbed it tightly, letting him yank her into the carriage. They both tumbled inside, splayed across the floor as the door slammed shut behind them.

Luffy scrambled up to the seat first to look out the window, “He’s still coming.”

Sanji groaned, resting the back of her head against the seat, “Yeah, he’s stubborn.”

“I think he likes you a lot,” he said with a laugh as he sat back down, “He’s getting a horse.”

“Chopper,” she shouted in a panic, “Can this go any faster?”

“Yeah, leave it to me,” he assured her as they sped up, “I know a shortcut.”

She deflated with a sigh, leaving the rest to him.

She glanced down at the glass slipper in her hand, turning it over as she said in a daze, “I lost my shoe.”

“Something for him to remember you by,” Luffy laughed as he plopped down on the floor next to her, “But did you have fun?”

She smiled, wide and honest as she recalled the evening, the food, the dancing, his smile, his kiss, and knew she’d remember this night forever.

“Yes,” she held the shoe in her hands, her fingers running over the delicate material, “I had fun.”

---

Thanks to Chopper’s reckless driving, the carriage pulls up in front of Sanji’s house in record time, and Iva and Inazuma were outside waiting for them. 

“You’re late!” Iva snapped as Sanji stepped out of the carriage. 

“Sorry,” she said sheepishly, smile still bright on her face, “I got distracted, I lost track of the time.”

They kept up the stern demeanor for all of a second before it melted into a delightful grin, “Well, I’m glad you had a good time.”

“The best,” she sighed dreamily, then remembered the lone shoe in her hand and offered it to them, “I’m sorry, I lost the other shoe.”

“Keep it as a momento,” they waved her off, “They’re made for your feet, so it’s not like anyone else can wear them.”

Sanji grinned, even as Inazuma handed her back her regular clothes.

“I’ll hold onto the dress for you,” Iva winked as Sanji quickly changed back into her dusty rags, “For next time.”

“Once was more than enough,” she laughed as she handed them the dress, “But thank you. For everything.”

“My dear, sweet Candy,” Iva took her hands and gave them a gentle squeeze, “You deserve it, and so much more.”

Sanji waved them off as the carriage rode out of sight. When it was gone, she quickly stashed the glass slipper with the rest of her secret treasures, washed her face of the rest of the makeup, and made the house ready for her family’s arrival.

They returned not even an hour after her, and she did her best to keep the normal blank expression on her face as she greeted them, “Welcome back. How was the ball?”

“Great,” Niji snickered as he walked past her, “Loads of girls ripe for the picking once the prince rejected them.”

“And so much food!” Yonji groaned as he stomped in, “Would have made your puny little head spin.”

“Overall, not bad,” Ichiji said when he came in, “You would have been so bored though, completely out of your element. It’s good you didn’t come.”

“You’re probably right,” she said, doing her best to keep the shit-eating grin off her face.

“The ball was a complete waste of time,” Judge scoffed as he and Reiju walked in, “that dumb prince spent the whole time dancing with some blonde girl, then vanished for the rest of the night!”

Sanji had spent most of the evening focused on her knight, she’d completely forgotten that the whole point of the ball was to find the prince a spouse. She hadn’t even thought to try and find him, and still had no idea what he looked like.

Reiju was giving her a look, which made Sanji worry she still had some makeup on. She wiped at her face as casually as she could as she responded, “It sounds like he really liked her.”

“He’s even more of an idiot than I thought if he’s marrying for love,” he spat out the word like it was a vile thing, and Sanji did her best to keep up her vague smile.

Judge gave her a hard look for a moment before turning with a huff and heading up the stairs, “I expect breakfast bright and early tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, Sir,” Sanji dipped her head as her brothers followed after him.

Reiju lingered until they were safely upstairs before approaching Sanji, “How was your evening?”

“Fine,” she said, her voice squeaking a little, “Just an average, normal night.”

Reiju gave her a look that she could only read as disbelief and carefully took her arm to guide her into the kitchen, the one place in the whole manor the others would never go. 

“Did you go to the ball?” Reiju asked once they settled down at the counter.

Sanji kept her mouth closed, shaking with excitement before she finally spilled, “Yes! Yes I did! Iva lent me a dress and a carriage, and I had the most wonderful time!”

“I thought so,” she had a small smile on her face as she leaned across the counter, “Did you meet your knight?”

“I did!” She let out an excited giggle, “Oh, Reiju, he was wonderful. He spent the whole night with me. We danced and we talked and, we…” She trailed off, a blush lighting up her face.

“And you…?” Reiju prompted, her smile growing.

“We…we kissed,” she whispered as she touched her lips, remembering the soft press of his lips on hers.

She glanced sheepishly at her sister, “Don’t tell Father.”

“I won’t,” she assured her with a soft smile, “You sound like you had fun.”

Sanji beamed at her, and Reiju continued with, “Did you get your knight’s name?”

“Oh, no,” her smile fell a little. She’d been too caught up just being with him that getting his name this time completely slipped her mind, “I guess I can’t just walk up to the palace again and ask to see the handsome knight with the green hair, huh?”

Reiju chuckled, her smile turning mischievous, “I guess you can’t.”

She may have lost her best chance to see her knight again, but that was always a slim chance to begin with. That Sanji had seen him again, that they’d had such a wonderful night together, that was more than enough.

“You should get some rest, it’s going to be back to business as usual around here tomorrow,” Reiju said as she stood up and kissed the top of her head, “I’m glad you had a good time tonight.”

Sanji smiled as she walked towards the door, then suddenly remembered, “Oh, I’m sorry it didn’t work out between you and the prince.”

“I’m not,” Reiju laughed lightly, shooting her an amused look over her shoulder, “He’s not my type.”

With that, she went off to bed.

Sanji followed shortly after, her thoughts still of her handsome knight as she finally drifted off to sleep.

---

Zoro scowled as he entered the throne room. He’d spent just about every waking moment since the ball trying to track down his mystery woman, but she’d vanished without a trace, almost like she’d never existed.

The king, Perona, and Usopp were waiting for him when he arrived, his father with a bored look on her face, his sister with a scowl, and his friend with a worried glance.

“Well,” Perona huffed and crossed her arms in front of her, “Any luck?”

He shook her head, and she rolled her eyes, “Figures. Only you would fall in love with someone who doesn’t exist.”

“She exists,” he growled at her. The memories of that night were still clear in his mind, of dancing with her, of kissing her. She had to exist.

“Then where is she?” she scoffed, “I know you don’t want to get married, but making up some girl and ignoring everything else isn’t the way to go about it.”

“I’m not making her up!” He snapped at her, “Plenty of people saw her that night!”

“Well, several people,” Usopp interrupted, “Everyone saw you dancing with her, and a few saw her a bit before that, and some of the guards did see her making her mad escape–”

“Plenty of people,” Zoro reiterated, “And I’m not stopping the search until I find her.”

“Search for what,” Perona snapped right back, “Blonde hair, blue eyes? That’s like a million fucking people, Zoro! Face it, you have nothing useful to go on.”

He grit his teeth, the frustration building up in him.

He knew it would be hard to find her. He knew everything about her — that she’d always wanted to leave home and see the ocean for herself, that she didn’t have much in the way of money or means but still had big goals and dreams, that her favorite color was blue and her favorite food was seafood — everything but her name and where she was now.

But he knew he had to find her. He saw the look of pure terror in her eyes when the clock struck midnight, how much she didn’t want to go but knew she had to, remembered  the subtle hints he noticed throughout the night that implied her living situation was far from ideal.

If marrying him could help her in any way, he’d do so in a heartbeat. 

Usopp cleared his throat, “Well, I wouldn’t say we have nothing…”

“Oh please,” Perona rolled her eyes, “don’t tell me you’re talking about that shoe.”

“I mean,” he hedged as he produced the glass slipper in question, “It’s not nothing.”

“All that tells us is her shoe size and that she has impeccable taste,” she shook her head, “It can’t possibly help us find her.”

An idea formed in Zoro’s head, “Then we’ll start with that.”

Perona scoffed, “Start with what, glass boutiques?”

“Shoe size,” he took the shoe from Usopp and carefully examined it, “we’ll have every woman who attended the ball try it on.”

“Are you insane, Zoro?” Perona growled, “It was an open ball! The entire kingdom was there!”

“Then we’ll have every woman in the kingdom try it on!” He growled at her, “I’m not stopping until I find her!”

Perona sighed then turned to their father, “Please talk some sense into him.”

Mihawk had been observing the discussion in silence, but now his sharp gaze turned to Zoro, “While I certainly appreciate your sudden desire for a spouse, there are other people in the world. If she cannot be found, perhaps it’s time to find someone else.”

“I don’t want someone else,” he met his father’s eyes head on, “You told me that an ideal partner was someone who would be my equal, someone who would make me better instead of slowing me down. She is that! She’s that and so much more, and I’m not going to find anyone better. It’s her or no one.”

The king stared at his son for a long moment, before finally replying with, “Okay then.”

“What?” Perona screeched, “You’re indulging this crazy idea?”

“If he’s in love with her and he’s that determined to find her, I don’t see why not,” he leaned back in his throne, his mouth twitching into what could almost be a smile, “Besides, you know as well as I do that when he sets his mind to something he truly wants, there’s nothing I can do to stop him.”

Zoro smirked as he nodded at Usopp, “C’mon, we’ve got a proclamation to make.”

“R-right, of course,” Usopp said as he rushed after him. 

“I can’t believe this,” Perona huffed as they left, “You’re both idiots. I want a new kingdom.”

As Usopp ran off to draft the proclamation, Zoro stared down at the glass slipper in his hand. 

He recalled her beautiful smile, holding her in her arms as they danced, her excitement as she talked about her dreams, the touch of her lips. 

The distraught look on her face as she fled. 

He would find her. He’d find her and do anything and everything he could for her. 

And nothing, not Perona or fate or impossibilities, would stop him.  

---

Sanji was washing the floors when the bell rang. She made a beeline to the door and opened it to find a messenger from the palace once more.

“I have here a proclamation straight from the prince,” he said as he handed her a scroll sealed with the king’s seal, “Please see that Commander Vinsmoke and his family receive it post-haste.”

“Yes,” she said absently as she glanced down at the message, “Yes, of course. Thank you.”

The messenger nodded, and turned to go about his business as she shut the door.

Before she could break the seal, the scroll was snatched out of her hand by her father, who glared angrily down at her.

“Don’t you have chores to finish?” He growled as he opened the message himself.

He’d been in a terrible mood ever since the ball, and Sanji had been doing her best to stay out of his way. Still, she was curious about the message from the palace, and only retreated as far as the other side of the hall to listen in.

Judge’s eyes grew wide as he read over the message, a crooked grin spreading across his face. When he finished reading, he shouted up the stairs, “Reiju! Get down here!”

Reiju came instantly at her father’s summons, “Yes, Father?”

The three brothers appeared at the top of the stairs too, curious as to what was going on, and Sanji stopped her mopping momentarily to pay attention.

Judge waved the proclamation in his hands, “We have a second chance. That idiot prince lost his dream girl.”

Reiju’s eyes quickly darted to Sanji, before returning to her father, “Oh?”

The brothers made their way down the steps as Judge continued, “She left behind a shoe, some glass slipper or something, and-”

Sanji gasped, the mop slipping from her hands and clattering loudly to the ground.

Everyone’s attention turned to her, and she scrambled quickly to pick it back up again.

“Can’t even hold a mop now?” Niji cackled, “You get more useless everyday.”

“Sorry, sorry,” she apologized absently, her mind going a mile a minute and already far away from here.

“Anyway,” her father said, gesturing with the proclamation once more, “The prince says he will marry whoever that shoe fits, and he’s having every girl in the kingdom try it on.”

Sanji couldn’t believe it. Her knight was the prince, and he was looking for her. Prince Zoro would be coming to take her away from here, to marry her. It was a dream come true.

“His loss is our gain,” Judge continued, but she was hardly paying attention to him now, “Reiju, you’ve got to make sure that shoe fits, no matter what.”

“He’ll know it’s not me, Father,” Reiju said, “I did get to dance with him at the ball, and-”

“It doesn’t matter,” he waved off her concerns, “The proclamation says he’ll marry whoever the shoe fits. If he’s too stupid to realize shoes can fit more than one person, that’s not our business.”

Sanji couldn’t hold back the excited little giggles that left her. Zoro was looking for her. Zoro was coming for her. Zoro wanted her, and she would get to see him again and maybe even kiss him again…

Judge’s gaze turned to her, his eyes narrowing as he watched her swaying absently with an elated grin on her face and a bright blush high on her cheeks.

“What’s he so happy about?” Yonji scoffed, “It’s not like the prince is marrying him.”

Judge’s eyes grew wide when he realized, a low growl rumbling from his chest. He stormed across the room and grabbed Sanji’s arm in an unrelenting grip.

“You,” he seethed, squeezing her arm tighter when she tried to pull away, “you, tramp. He’s looking for you.”

“S-stop,” Sanji gasped as she tried desperately to free herself, “Stop, please, you’re hurting me.”

“Haven’t you shamed us enough with your mere existence?” He snarled and shook her arm, “You are determined to ruin us!”

“Let me go!” She scratched and hit his hand to get him to release her, but all that did was make him hold her tighter.

“The one thing I ask of you — to stay away and be normal — and you can’t even do that! And now you’ve dragged the prince into it, bamboozled and deceived him, ruining any chance we have of saving this family!” He shook his head, “I’m done with you.”

He dragged her further into the house towards the cellar, and she doubled her efforts to escape, kicking and screaming as she tried in vain to fight him off.

“No, please,” she cried as he threw the door open, revealing the dark, cramped space below, “Please, don’t, not again! I’ll be good, I promise, just don’t-”

“Too late for that!” He roared as he tossed her inside.

She tumbled roughly down the stairs, landing in the filth that had accumulated down there. She shuddered, her eyes darting around in terror as she took in her surroundings, her gaze drawn to the last bit of light at the top of the stairs and her father still standing there.

“Just let me go,” she sobbed as she sat up, “Just let me see him. If you don’t want me, why can’t he have me? I’ll be out of your miserable hair forever!”

He growled and stomped his way down the stairs. Tired of cowering in front of him, she scrambled to her feet and gave him her hardest stare.

He gripped her chin roughly, tilting her head to an almost painful angle, “You are a stain on this family. I should have kicked you out ages ago, but out of respect for your mother I let you stay. I gave you food and shelter and a purpose.” He squeezed hard, and she grit her teeth, doing her best to not let the pain show on her face, “And this is what I get for my kindness, my show of mercy? A selfish, disobedient, brat of a son who can’t even disappear properly.”

Tears leaked from her eyes, but she stood firm, snarling at him even as she tried to push his hand away.

“Maybe I should let the prince find you,” he said, a cruel grin spreading across his face, “Let him see what a freak his precious princess is, let him be the one to finally put you out of your misery.”

Sanji gathered the saliva in her mouth and spat it right into his eye.

Judge growled as he wiped it away with his thumb, “But Reiju still has a shot to be everything you couldn’t, and I won’t have you endangering this family again.”

He tossed her aside, and she hit the ground hard, her vision swimming for a moment.

By the time she recovered, he had already made his way back up the stairs and stood in the doorway, his frame blocking out the last of her light.

“I’ll deal with you later,” he said coldly, “Right now, we’ve got a prince to prepare for.”

With that he shut the door, locking it tight, and throwing her into sudden darkness.

She raced up the stairs and pounded her fists on the door, but it was useless. She was trapped.

“Find the other shoe!” She heard him bark to the others, “He must have it somewhere, we’ll use that as proof Reiju is the girl the prince is looking for.”

“Yes, Father!” Her four siblings echoed as they all scampered off upstairs.

Sanji sank to her knees and let her tears fall freely. She crawled into a corner and held herself tightly as she shivered alone in the dark.

Sanji didn’t know how long she was down there until the door opened again. She curled further into herself, sure it was her father back with some new form of torture for her.

The stairs creaked as whoever it was came down them. They stood in front of her and sighed heavily, “How could you not know he was the prince?”

“Reiju!” Her head popped up from behind her arms, and standing in front of her was her sister, an exasperated look on her face.

Reiju kept staring as Sanji processed her question, “I, I don’t know. He didn’t look anything like a prince when I first met him, and he certainly didn’t act like one at the ball.”

She sighed and held her face, “Oh Sanji, what am I going to do with you?”

“Reiju, please,” Sanji sat up and turned her wide eyes to her sister, “Please let me go. Let me see him, please.”

Her eyes darted away, “I can’t do that.”

Her heart shattered at her words, and she entered a new level of despair. She knew her family hated her, she knew most people wouldn’t accept her, but a part of her had always assumed she’d at least have her sister in her corner.

Reiju kneeled before her and gently cradled her face in her hands, “I’m sorry, I am. But I promised Mother I would take care of you.” She brushed her stray tears away with her thumb, “I can’t let the prince see you like this. Who knows what he’ll do to you if he finds out.”

“Why?” Sanji asked, her voice cracking, “He loves me, he won’t care what I was born as. He loves me, as I am.”

“I can’t risk that,” she shook her head, “I can’t risk him hurting you.”

“He won’t,” she insisted, firm in her resolve, “I know he won’t.”

“You can’t know that for sure.”

“I can, I know him.” Sanji laughed, shaking out of her hold, “Besides, what’s the worst he could do, lock me away forever?” She gestured at the cellar she was trapped in, “Father dear already beat him to it.”

“He could kill you, Sanji!” Reiju said, her voice breaking, “He could have you killed for deceiving him!”

“I’d rather die while trying for something better than spend the rest of my life trapped here!”

Her words echoed around the empty basement, and Reiju’s eyes went wide with shock, the color draining from her face as she stared at her.

Reiju quickly stood up and turned her back towards her, her shoulder shaking as she let out a small, “I’m sorry.”

Sanji scrambled to her feet when she realized her sister was crying, her hands hovering over her shoulders but unsure how to offer her comfort.

“I know you’ve been miserable here,” Reiju continued, clutching her own shoulders tight, “But I always thought it was better. You were miserable, but you were safe. I couldn’t protect you from Father, but at least here I could protect you from everyone else. I’m sorry,” she said again as she glanced over her shoulder, the tears falling from her eyes, “You deserve better, you deserve more than this.”

She stepped aside, and nodded up the stairs, “Go on, your prince is waiting for you.”

Sanji kissed her cheek, sparing her a small but genuine, “Thank you,” as she rushed up the stairs.

---

Zoro sighed as they pulled up to Vinsmoke Manor.

“Well, here we are,” Usopp said as he pulled out his list, “You’ve dragged us all the way to the outskirts, I hope you’re happy.”

Zoro shot him a dangerous look, letting him know just how unhappy he was right now. 

Usopp flinched, but read off his list, “The Vinsmokes did attend the ball. But the only people living here are Commander Vinsmoke and his five children. He does have one daughter, Re-”

“Reiju,” Zoro suddenly remembered flashes of pink hair and an insincere smile.

“Yes,” Usopp eyed him over his paper, “you know her?”

He nodded, “She introduced herself at the ball. We danced.”

“So, it’s not her. We don’t have to stop here, right?”

Zoro glanced at the dreary manor, something buzzing in the back of his head as he recalled why out of everyone Reiju stuck out in his memory.

“You must mean my sister.”

“Five children you said,” Zoro looked at him to confirm, “And just one daughter?”

“Yes,” he nodded, “And since you do know her name and you don’t know your mystery woman’s, we know it’s not her. We can leave now, right?”

“You know the proclamation, Usopp,” Zoro said as he opened the door and jumped out of the carriage, “Every maiden has to try on the shoe.”

“Fine,” Usopp groaned as he followed him, “But just for the record, this creepy house is freaking me out, and I very much don’t want to go inside.”

“Noted,” Zoro said as he nodded towards the door, “Now open the door.”

Judge Vinsmoke was a large, imposing man with nothing but bright smiles that didn’t reach his eyes and deference for Zoro.

He hated him instantly.

The three sons standing stoically by his side were handsome in their own right — if they had bothered to introduce themselves at the ball, Zoro would have given them half a chance — but so incredibly dull in every other aspect that he couldn’t even remember their names.

“Reiju will be down shortly,” Judge assured them for the third time, “She’s just getting ready. She’s been so excited to see you again ever since the ball, your highness. It’s all she’s been talking about.”

“I’m sure,” Zoro said coldly and glanced at the clock.

“We do have a very tight schedule to keep and a lot of people to see,” Usopp said with a nervous laugh from where he was half hiding behind Zoro, “So if you could maybe…move her along?”

“Of course, of course,” Judge agreed easily, then turned to the red haired son, “Ichiji, would you go fetch your sister?” And whispered, almost too soft for Zoro to hear, “And see if she’s found it yet?”

“Yes, Father,” he nodded, then went right up the stairs.

Zoro watched him go. Creepy obedient clones, the lot of them.

The other two were eyeing him with shark-like grins on their faces, and Zoro met their unspoken challenge head on by staring cooly back.

“Can I get you anything, your highness?” Judge offered yet again, “Tea, perhaps?”

“No thank you,” Zoro replied again, “We really just need to let Reiju try on the shoe and be on our way.”

“Right, of course, your highness,” Judge smiled and bowed his head.

He’d only been here for ten minutes at most, and he was already sick of this man.

“Can we go, please?” Usopp whined in his ear, “I think the sons want to eat me for lunch.”

Zoro sighed. What was he doing here anyway? He knew he wasn’t looking for Reiju. All he had was a vague statement made by someone he barely knew.

“Let’s go, Usopp,” Zoro said as he turned for the door, a relieved sigh coming from Usopp, “We’re wasting daylight.”

“Wait, just one moment, your highness,” Judge placed himself between him and the door, “Reiju will be down any moment now, I assure you. Besides, the proclamation says every maiden has the right to try on the shoe. You must wait for Reiju.”

“I made the proclamation,” Zoro reminded him, “And I can change it should I so please. I already know Reiju isn’t the one I’m looking for. If there are no other women here, then I have no business here.”

Judge paused for a moment, his gaze boring into Zoro’s but eventually stated, “Reiju is the only woman living here.”

“Then we’re leaving,” Zoro said as he brushed past him and reached for the door.

“Wait, please!”

Zoro froze, his hand on the doorknob. Judge’s eyes grew wide, his face a mix of anger and terror, and Zoro followed his gaze to see what had him so bothered.

There was a man standing there, covered head to toe in dirt and dust. His chest was heaving under his torn shirt as he stood in the doorway, his shining blond hair mussed as it fell across his red face.

Zoro slowly let go of the doorknob and turned to face him, caught by the bright blue gaze that was locked on him and only him.

“My third son, Sanji,” Judge said with an exasperated sigh, “He is…unwell. We do our best to take care of him and keep him away from visitors, lest he get violent…”

“O-oh,” Usopp not so subtly hid behind Zoro.

“Let me try on the shoe,” Sanji said, stepping forward with determination that Zoro could only admire, “please.”

Their eyes met, and Zoro’s heart leapt in his chest. He knew those eyes, that bright steely gaze. It had been haunting his dreams ever since the ball, since before even, when they first met in the woods. 

It was her.

“Ah, I, well,” Usopp let out a shaky chuckle, “You see, the thing is, we’re just here for Reiju, and we’re really only looking for women, so-”

“Usopp, don’t be ridiculous,” he said, shaking off his friend as he walked towards her, “You know the proclamation as well as I do.”

He stopped in front of Sanji and held out his hand, “Every maiden has a right to try on the shoe.”

A smile spread across Sanji’s face, tears welling up in her eyes as she put her hand in his and muttered under her breath, “You could have told me you were a prince, shithead.”

Zoro laughed, “You could have told me your name.”

“Wait, seriously?” He heard one of the brothers gawk, “He’s seriously going to pick useless, pathetic Sanji?”

Zoro’s eye twitched, but he ignored them, instead leading Sanji to the chair. Once she was seated, he knelt down in front of her and pulled out the glass slipper, slipping it easily onto her foot.

“A perfect fit,” he smiled up at her, “This is the part where I ask you to marry me.”

She laughed, a light and delighted sound, as a few stray tears escaped, “Then this is the part where I say yes.”

He grinned, absolutely elated as he stood up and helped her to her feet.

“Your highness,” Judge growled as he stepped forward, “I insist you reconsider. There are certainly much more suitable spouses for someone of your esteem than him.”

“I think I am capable of telling who’s suitable for myself,” Zoro said, taking Sanji’s hands in his own once more.

Her sleeve fell and he noticed some finger shaped bruises on her arm. A white hot burst of rage surged through him.

“It is, however, high treason to lay a hand on the royal family,” Zoro shot him his most deadly glare, “No matter when the offense occurred.”

Judge balked, the color draining from his face, but he kept his stupid mouth shut. The brothers, Zoro was slightly pleased but mostly sickened to see, paled as well.

“Just leave them,” Sanji insisted, giving her family a look that was more pity than anything else, “They’re not worth it.”

Zoro grunted, then nodded towards Usopp and led them towards the door.

“One moment.”

Zoro huffed, glaring back over his shoulder at Reiju, who’d finally decided to appear. 

She curtised quickly, “My apologies, your highness,” she straightened up and moved towards Sanji, “I just thought my sister would appreciate this.”

She held out the other glass slipper, which Sanji took gratefully, sliding it onto her bare foot.

“Consider it a wedding present,” Reiju said, kissing Sanji’s cheek.

“Thank you,” Sanji replied, eyes misting all over again.

“Let’s go,” Zoro turned back to Sanji, his demeanor softening quickly by her mere presence, “We’ve got a wedding to plan.”

---

The wedding was magnificent, the biggest spectacle Sanji had ever taken part of and one of the greatest parties the kingdom had ever thrown.

Iva cried through the whole thing, the finely crafted dress they’d made for Sanji the shining star of the whole event. Her wardrobe was the talk of the kingdom for years to come.

Sanji made sure Luffy and Chopper had front row seats to the whole thing. It was the least she could do to thank them for everything they done. She had invited Reiju — and only Reiju — as a courtesy, but she hadn’t shown up. She didn’t know if that was what Reiju wanted or what Judge wanted, nor she didn’t know whether she was upset or pleased by her absence. 

She sighed as she leaned against the balcony overlooking the ocean.

Zoro had spared no expense for their honeymoon, whisking her away the instant the wedding was over and taking her to the sea. 

Arms wrapped around her waist, and she was pulled against her husband’s strong chest. He kissed her cheek, nuzzling the crook of her neck as he said, “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” she replied, turning her head so she could kiss him properly. 

When they pulled apart, Zoro picked up her hand, kissing her knuckles as he nodded out towards the ocean view. 

“Well, my princess?” He asked, a soft smile gracing his lips, just for her, “Is it everything you’ve ever dreamed of?”

She leaned back, basking in his warm embrace and the love he gave off so easily. 

“It’s everything and more.”