Enjoy~
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A week until the coronation.
Yield to his authority?
I hope Prince Levi remains calm when Eren approaches. Any arguments during a coronation could result in the entire event being cancelled.
"My coronation lasts the entire day. Villagers and guards will know my location pretty much all the time. This puts me at risk."
I frowned; shifting from my lying position and pressing my back against the headboard. Prince Levi watched my movements with a darkened glare. At risk? Will assassins be on the move surrounding Prince Levi's location?
I'll try to remain by his side for the longest possible amount of time. My curved sword swore to protect him long before I fell in love with him.
I'll protect him until the end - just like I promised.
"You look oddly determined. Don't do anything reckless."
I bashfully nodded, his words won't change my mind anyways. I've decided to protect him while being romantically involved. I may not dress as a guard from Chi anymore, but I'll still be on high alert... in a red formal gown.
I need to mentally prepare before I wear such extravagant clothing. I've never worn a dress in my entire lower class life.
"Yaho! Levi!"
I immediately froze, snapping my head in attention to the familiar cheery voice. Why is Hanji here? I'm sitting on Prince Levi's bed... surely she's going to put two and two together. I hesitated, lifting my legs away from Prince Levi's resting quarters, only his lip twitched almost in shock from my desire to hide and conceal.
I tensed for a couple of seconds, quickly deciding against my mission to flee. Hanji's Kingdom is rather close, she must of heard news about the trial. I'm sure everyone did. I quickly muttered an apology for my unforgivable actions. I'm the worst...
"I'm sorry... force of habit."
"Tch. Forget it."
I've upset him. Hanji peeked round Prince Levi's navy green door, revealing a refreshing smile. Something not many people do around here. I soon felt a soft pink flush to my face, exposing my instant embarrassment.
Her smug smile.
She knows.
Hanji slithered into the room, lightly wiggling her dark eyebrows towards Prince Levi who looked incredibly unamused. I bowed my head in a silent greeting, only Hanji paid me little to no attention.
"A pleasant day today, Levi."
"Hn. If you're about to piss me off, I highly recommend you don't."
Hanji pushed her silver glasses further up her nose before whispering: "I knew it." I remained awkwardly silent throughout the whole exchange. When I first visited Hanji's palace, I arrived late due to bathing and trying to walk without limping. Curtesy of Prince Levi's pleasure the night before.
"A real shame I wasn't invited to the trial. I would of vouched for you, (Y/N). But I was out of town on a business trip."
I nervously cleared my throat, meeting her explosive stare. She's a highly intelligent and carefree woman.
"Thank you, I appreciate it."
Hanji merely suppressed a giggle, turning to face Prince Levi who stood neatening his cravat with a deep sigh. Hanji leant close with a cheeky grin adorning her crazed face.
"So who made the first mov-"
"Keep your loud mouth shut, shitty-glasses."
Prince Levi dismissed any questions with attitude - to which I answered for him. I'll offer answers about our relationship in a silent apology for trying to hide it earlier.
"He did."
Hanji's eyes widened as she clambered towards me, lightly taking ahold of my hands. I've never seen Hanji look so overjoyed in all my life. I know Prince Levi and her are good friends, but to think she worries about his love life to this extent... is creepy.
"Eh? Really?! Did he kiss you first?"
I stood my ground, forcing my embarrassment away with a stern nod of my head. I loudly announced: "yes!" before Hanji erupted into cheering, praising Levi for acting on his feelings which he'd repressed for so many years.
Upon hearing my answer, Prince Levi smirked softly, disappearing behind the dividing screen to change his clothing once again. Hanji began to ask more... personal questions.
Whist Prince Levi remained hidden behind a royal screen, Hanji leant close to my ear and whispered:
"Have you slept together?"
I quickly hushed her, almost like she wasn't an incredibly higher class than me. Almost like we'd been friends for years. I reluctantly nodded, maintaining strong eye contact while I did so.
"Wah~ when's the wedding? I'll be a bridesmaid!"
I lightly took ahold of Hanji's sleeve and told her if she didn't quieten down, I'd stop answering her beloved questions. She instantly went silent. Prince Levi stepped out from behind the screen, wearing simple black clothing and his pale cravat.
I secretly swooned from afar.
"I don't remember inviting you in here."
Hanji began to whine.
"Don't be so cruel, Levi! I can visit whenever I want!"
Hanji frowned, clearly desperate to know more true information instead of rumours. She's awfully interested... I stood from my previous position on the linen sheets, much to Prince Levi's unhappy frown, and decided to escort Hanji back to her room.
"Just where the hell are you going, (Y/N)? I need to discuss something with you."
Hanji squeaked softly, claiming she'd leave us alone to: "chat." I bid her good-day and promised to meet her around two' o clock. Once the navy door gently clicked closed and Hanji was out of sight, Prince Levi swiftly approached my presence with a darkened glare.
"Don't let her pry. Just swat her away like the annoying pest she is."
I chuckled gently, amused by such harsh terminology. Prince Levi seemed dismayed by my laughter, ordering my silence immediately. I tensed once his thumb grazed my chin and tilted my head upwards in a lewd attempt to glance upon my purple mark.
"Hn~"
Prince Levi hummed deeply in approval, swiftly moving away from me as if to prevent himself from touching me any further than 'allowable.' The rule is bedroom only, but Prince Levi spoke in french afterwards. I don't think he's very fond of the new rule.
We're in the bedroom though...
"Don't work me up with such a needy face. I have paperwork to do."
I averted my gaze, muttering a comeback in slight disappointment. I knew Prince Levi held me back because he wished to... 'ravish me.' Said during my time in the cells, only he appears to have changed his mind, maybe he didn't want to keep me here due to his selfish desires.
I remained unsure of where to go at this point, since I don't have to meet up with Hanji until late afternoon. I discreetly checked on Prince Levi, who seemed heavily engaged in stacks of paperwork. Looks tough...
Eren hasn't made contact and he's officially been released for eight hours now. Is he planning something? Or has he given up? Reiner is due to arrive first, but isn't scheduled to be here until tomorrow.
---I feel a little tired---
"(Y/N)."
I felt a little nervous from such strong authority in his voice. Usually I remain composed under such pressure, but Prince Levi has some sort of clutch on every single one of my emotions.
"Ah.. yes?"
"We shouldn't marry."
I immediately froze, sensing something within my heart snap or tear in two. What? What's going on? We've planned to marry for such a long time now.
I turned away, unable to keep my composure. My heart hurt beyond the pain of being trapped in the courthouse. Something I only escaped due the hope I'd be with Prince Levi for the rest of my life - through marriage.
The unbelievable sting forced my eyes to water, but I cleared my throat and returned his intense stare. Although, Prince Levi was able to completely shatter me:
"I don't love you anymore."
Daylight shone through the windows, closely followed by my body lunging forward. I lay dazed and confused on some sort of luxury material. I cast my eyes around the room, checking for any sign of Prince Levi.
He was nowhere in sight.
I was still inside Prince Levi's resting quarters. Did I pass out when he told me the news? Or did I make that situation entirely out of nightmare fuel? Just as panic began to set in, the door opened and revealed the topic of my worry.
Prince Levi.
"How are you feeling?"
I remained silent, studying his presence with a look that could only be described as: distraught. I checked his body language for any sense of hostility like before, but he remained clam and composed. Just as usual.
"Oi, answer me. What's with the face?"
I furrowed my brows, parting my lips to speak, only I could form no words. Prince Levi seemed distressed by my lack of response, placing his hand onto my forehead and waiting for a couple of seconds.
I soon lost my sense of reason as my eyes began to turn glossy. I swallowed thickly as an awful throb began to taint the back of my throat. I hate repressing the feeling of crying. Prince Levi searched his pockets for something, quickly revealing some sort of pill.
"I was told by a doctor you're under a lot of stress. That's what you collapsed from, supposedly. Hurry up and take this."
I let my emotions slip, crying over something so painful. I can't decipher if I'm dreaming or awake this time.
"Just what are you crying for? I know you're as high as a kite right now. The medicine was given only to help you sleep."
Sleep? I was feeling just fine. I must of fainted after Hanji left... have I been stressing about our situation? My head felt fuzzy, hence why I began to say strange things.
"I love you so much..."
"Is that so?"
My mumbling seemed to be overhead by Prince Levi, who smirked in response, wiping some sort of cloth against my forehead. Just like my prison sickness. I can't afford to be ill again. Eren is free from prison this time around. I spoke my thoughts again:
"I dreamt you didn't want to marry me."
Prince Levi seemed to stiffen all of a sudden, his steel eyes widening from pure shock as he finally linked my sudden crying and distressed expression from earlier.
"Idiot. I'm not supposed to touch you, but now you've given me no choice."
I panted softly, only stopped once something halted my flurried breathing. Prince Levi remained awfully close, so close in fact, it took me a couple of seconds to realise he'd reassured me with a kiss.
Prince Levi's arm remained firmly against the headboard, used as restraint. I noticed how Prince Levi's upper chest remained tense, hinting how the original shock hadn't faded just yet.
Due to my condition, the kiss wasn't particularly passionate, more emotional than usual.
"You dream of idiotic things. But I suppose I shouldn't be surprised."
I frowned, sensing an overwhelming feeling of joy spread throughout my body. I need to calm down a lot more... I have Prince Levi beside me... plus I'm a master of the curved sword.
"Sleep, you brat."
|~~~~|
"(Y/N)! Glad to see you're up!"
Hanji greeted me, offering her place at the table opposite Prince Levi. I politely refused, due to Prince Levi informing me how the two had important matters to discuss over lunch.
"I need to stand up after all that sleeping, thank you for the gesture, Hanji."
Hanji smiled, gently lowering herself into a neat little chair and taking a bite from a slice of quiche. Prince Levi glanced in my general direction, eager to check my condition after having such 'idiotic dreams.' I smiled gently in reassurance of his concern.
I spoke rather embarrassing things... but Prince Levi seems perfectly content. I can remember the entire incident from start to finish. Luckily, my stress faded after a couple of hours and I was free to enjoy palace life once again.
'Nothing major' are the doctors words. I'm going to make sure I never fall sick again.
Ever.
Again.
"I heard news of Eren's release. A shame he wasn't jailed for life."
Prince Levi hummed in approval, sipping black tea and looking like he wasn't particularly interested in the conversation. He muttered: "Eren has nothing to use against us" before blanking out her constant questioning of our relationship.
"Oh! The coronation is due next week! Are you nervous?"
Prince Levi shook his head, lowering his tea cup so gently, you'd think he was holding a glass doll.
"No. I was born to take the throne. My time has finally come."
Hanji pouted, brushing the crumbs off her face similar to a little kid. I admired her liveliness and overall positive attitude.
"So serious, Levi. I suppose your father drilled that into you."
"Maybe so."
I stood beside the table, few guards were stationed - so the scene didn't look too bad. I cast my eyes around the palace, admiring the throne room in more detail. Such carvings...
"Sorry to intrude, your majesty. I have a letter form Prince Eren."
I didn't even notice the guard approach our table. Prince Levi accepted the letter and dismissed the guard rather harshly. I noticed the stamp was from Chi and instantly felt worried for my allies. I hope Reiner is doing well.
"Let him attend."
Prince Levi passed me the letter, which was covert in thick black ink. You'd think Eren would address me and Prince Levi, but then again, I dislike what's going through that head of his.
Short and sweet, yet daunting and rather intimidating. Any royal descendent can attend, only Eren seems to be the most interested of them all.
"I shouldn't of expected him to stay away. Regardless, he has nothing to threaten us with."
I nodded in approval, passing the note to Hanji, who studied the text whist biting into a rare and incredibly delectable strawberry. Hanji - still chewing - voiced her thoughts.
"Saying 'good luck' sounds a little strange... surely that part isn't needed unless he intends to do something bad."
Prince Levi proceeded to take the note from Hanji's hands and scrunch the paper into a wrinkled up ball. I watched as he threw the item over his shoulder, only ordered a guard to pick it up seconds later.
Cleanliness.
"You should really keep those letters as evidence."
Prince Levi glared, taking a bite from a strawberry - only he'd been so attractive, he changed the mundane action into something amazingly sexy.
I felt a blush threatening to form, but quickly thought of something scary to force my skin back to a more subtle colour. Sadly, I failed to do so.
"Evidence for being completely insane."
I winced from Prince Levi's words. Eren wasn't always so cruel, unless he put on an act when we very first met. Extremely unlikely. He was suffering from hypothermia.
"Eren is permitted to attend. I cannot stop him. Regardless, I plan on claiming the throne, not entertaining him like some sort of monkey."
Hanji seemed perplexed, resting her chin underneath her palm in an unusual silence. She's thinking... what a magnificent sight.
"No."
Levi immediately spoke.
Hanji interjected.
"I'll attend your coronation! I'll be a scout..."
Prince Levi sighed loudly, lowering his face into his palms like something terrible had just happened. I clasped my hands together in excitement, leaning forward and encouraging Hanji's idea.
"Yes! She can scope the scene... see if anyone's being suspicious."
Prince Levi groaned, rising from his seat with a deadpan stare. His eyes looked noticeably dull as a flash of annoyance expressed his genuine frustration.
"Just stay out of my sight, earshot, and overall personal space."
I smiled brightly, adjusting my curved sword with a seemingly troubled expression. Since when have I used this? My training. My time in Chi.
What was it all for?
"Now if you excuse me, (Y/N) needs rest. I'll unfortunately see you at eight o' clock this evening."
Hanji nodded, flashing me a reassuring 'thumbs up' before remaining at the little wire table. Prince Levi and I travelled down the golden hallways - towards his resting chambers.
"Oi. Let me check your temperature."
I dismissively waved my hands, claiming I felt: "right as rain." Prince Levi didn't enjoy my response as he took ahold of my wrist and pressed his hand against my now much cooler forehead. I'm perfectly functional now.
"Rest in my chambers. I have paperwork to complete."
Does he want to keep an eye on me? Prince Levi and I have been sleeping separately recently. He didn't explain why, something along the lines of 'I couldn't take much more of you unconsciously moving against me.'
"I assure you, I'm perfectly well."
Prince Levi crossed his arms and demanded I follow behind him, regardless of how I felt. With no room for arguments, I hesitantly trailed beside him. I no longer walk behind him anymore.
"Sleep with me tonight."
Prince Levi insisted, although I sensed a different meaning behind his words.
"O-Okay..."
I enjoy sleeping beside Levi... I haven't had such a luxury in all my years. I've slept by myself for the majority of my young life and suddenly waking up next to Levi was an indescribable feeling.
After we reached Prince Levi's chambers, I thanked him for holding the door and entered his pristine room. I noticed the record player we danced many, many months ago to - was sitting on a nearby shelf. I reflected fondly on our single dance inside this very room.
Back when I was his guard and he was my instructor for the evening.
"Are you going to play something?"
I questioned hesitantly, studying the object from afar. Prince Levi crossed his arms, also following my eyes to the old, rusted box.
"You'll see, brat."
I longed to discover more information, but knew Prince Levi wouldn't reveal any more hints. As I began to lie down onto his fresh linen sheets, I received a painful flick against the middle of my forehead.
"Don't dream any false, pathetic shit."
I smiled warmly, nodding my head in new found confidence.
"I won't~"
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