Enjoy~
I plan to end this book between 60-63 (maybe 65) chapters. :'(
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"--His Majesty, King Levi Ackerman--!"
Our time together as Prince and Servant were possibly the best years of my life. Levi's entire presence was cold, intimidating, but most of all - powerful. Levi's sole existence was to claim his father's crown and obtain the most absolute position:
King of his people.
An unstoppable, ruthless ruler with immense power. Levi was born and raised by his cruel, borderline abusive father for this only role. As a child, he watched the position of King destroy his father and wither away his mother. I do not know their names or appearances. Levi ensured all paintings of them were destroyed.
The apparent four year wait to claim the throne had finally come to an end. Two years earlier, rumours began to spread across his beloved Kingdom claiming that Levi had no heart and was a spawn of the devil.
Until he met me.
I was originally from Chi. A foreign assassin trained in the arts of the curved sword, used to subdue and kill guards from Levi's Kingdom. I mastered my chosen weapon under the supervision of General Pixis and my treasured friends, Reiner Braun and Marco Bolt.
We soon became inseparable.
Until the 'Great Chi Fire' - my village was burnt to the ground, all that remained were ashes from once pretty huts and charred bodies from desperately trying to escape the flames.
I left deceased friend, Marco Bolt behind and my now lifelong ally, Reiner Braun behind too. Upon arrival in Levi's Kingdom, I met Eren the thief, who later tuned out to be a runaway Princ--
"Have you finished your speech, (Y/N)?"
I glanced upwards from my current work with a dejected sigh. Writing such emotional speeches was never one of my talents. Levi collapsed into his linen sheets with a loud sigh.
"Not quite. I should be ready in time."
Levi was dressed in the most expensive material in the entire Kingdom. A deep red jacket with gold buttons, black trousers, and below the knee boots. I stood beside him in matching red dress, a light slit up the side, but nothing too revealing. After all, I had an impression to make.
For once, we looked like an actual royal couple.
Levi averted his beautiful steel eyes to the right and casually met my concerned stare. I stood from Levi's generously loaned desk and stretched my back. Sitting in that chair really does hurt. I understand why Levi always groans when he stands up now.
"Are you nervous, Levi?"
I spoke my mind, eager to know what was going on inside that head of his. Levi hadn't voiced his feelings about this topic at all. After a moments silence, Levi finally answered.
"Tch. I'm... distracted about Eren is all. Claiming the throne is the easy part."
I chuckled lightly, Levi was always shunning his emotions away wherever possible. I tried my best for him to embrace them, but his father did a quite the damaging number on his childhood.
"Well... good luck, Levi."
Levi remained quiet for a moment, sluggishly standing from his comforting duvet. I immediately felt my body stiffen once I realised he was walking towards me.
"It's pleasant to hear you say that."
"Y-You're welcome..."
I smiled gently as Levi's thumb grazed my bottom lip with an eager smirk. I hesitantly placed my hand over his, almost confirming his action was perfectly acceptable. Our kiss was passionate, steamy, and forced my head spin.
Levi's hand adjusted my dress around the tops of my shoulders, hiding many, many marks his lips had made the night before. For once, Levi was hesitant to reveal my purple bites to the entire kingdom, claiming people would see me as someone to manipulate and possibly remove from his side.
I was attending as his 'honourable guest', but the Kingdom knows my emotional ties to Levi. I cannot present myself as his wife or fiancé considering we are not married, nor has Levi proposed just yet.
By displaying me as a guest proves to potential bad people confusion, mystery, and possible distraction. Plus it makes me look respectful of how a supposed 'lady' should behave.
After breaking the kiss, Levi leant away with a dismissive sigh. His coronation was at twelve o' clock exactly - with two hours to go - Levi now had to leave and attend the royal hall. Hanji promised the two of us: 'amazing spy techniques among the crowds' claiming she'd be monitoring the plan and other important matters.
"Alright, brat. Let's go."
I nodded gently, nervously flattening out the wrinkles in my dress - an item of clothing I'd never worn in my entire life. Levi reached the archway and turned to hold the door for me.
I remained glued to my previous spot.
"You look beautiful, (Y/N). There really is fuck all to worry about."
I laughed; a sensation that felt strange considering the immense amount of tension. Levi gestured very similarly to a butler with his left hand as I passed him with a polite curtesy.
"You lie to me, Levi~"
Levi merely rolled his eyes, lightly linking my arm with a simple click of his tongue. I furrowed my brows in confusion and whispered my thoughts on this action.
"Should 'honourable guests' be linked arms like this?"
Levi glared fiercely, his eyes wandering to our arms which remained firmly locked together. Levi wouldn't do such a bold gesture in front of his people and I assumed this action was merely to calm my nerves.
"I don't care. People already know about us."
I smiled in response to his words and obediently nodded my head. If Levi wishes to link arms with me, who am I to reject such a kind notion?
"Stay beside me when the room starts to fill. Most importantly, do not approach Eren unless he initiates conversation first."
I nodded deep in thought; clearly Eren wishes to spite Levi and I by attending his coronation. Just what does he get out of threatening my allies? Does he wish to eliminate me or Levi?
"Are you listening to me?"
Levi lightly tapped my neck, eyeing the tops of my crimson dress. I knew his eyes were visiting lewd places, so I turned away from his watchful stare.
"Even better~"
Levi purred under his breath.
"Would you stop that?"
I bashfully muttered under my breath, adjusting my dress into a more comfortable position. Levi's fingertips gingerly grazed my clavicle, hiding his sore, yet blissful bites once again. They haven't faded at all, if anything, my hickeys are fresh. Levi was so caught up in last nights lust that he forgot to mark me in places that could be easily hidden.
"I don't usually say this; but keep those hidden. People will insinuate things. You know how people treat women."
I let a distasteful frown adorn my lips. As much as I found the topic of society troubling, Levi is correct - and sadly - absolutely nothing can be done. With a curt sigh, our distance down the hallway began to lessen, each new step closer towards Levi's destiny.
"Watch it, damn stupid rich motherfucke-!"
As Levi and I turned the hallway corner, Reiner appeared with a deep scowl etched into his chiselled face. Upon noticing who we were, Reiner smiled brightly and pulled me into a tight embrace. Completely ignoring the insult he yelled moments ago.
"--Reiner--?!"
Reiner sighed frustratedly; I hadn't seen Reiner since the courthouse fire and judging by the burns on his arms and hands, I'm assuming he didn't want to talk about it. Why does he have burns on his hands anyway? Did he get trapped as well? I didn't see him while I was stuck inside...
"There's so many rich fucks being racist in there."
I lightly patted Reiner's large back until Levi cleared his throat behind us. Reiner and I tensed, sensing his enraged aura from here. Uh-oh. Reiner's been insulting Levi's people.
"Please finish what you were about to say, Reiner. I believe it was along the lines of: 'rich motherfuckers'?"
I winced; mostly on behalf of Reiner who I knew was going to get a heavy scolding or possible jail sentence from the hands of Prince Levi. If Reiner's lucky, he might even avoid the beating~.
"Your Majesty, congratulations on today. Pleasedon'tinjureme."
Reiner briskly pointed towards me, bowing his head in a polite apology. Insulting people of a higher, more wealthy status is considered a 'crime' inside the palace. Usually Levi let's things like this slide, but since it was his coronation day; no one is allowed to insult anyone for any reason.
Reiner attempted another defence.
"I'm friends with (Y/N), she'll hate me if you put me in prison for calling people what they really are."
Levi merely rolled his eyes, releasing my arm with a deep sigh. Reiner chuckled lightly, following behind the two of us like some sort of 'royal guard.' Levi let him off.
Ironic, really.
The absence of Levi's arm was ever so slightly distressing, but what was even more distressing was the sheer amount of people that had attended Levi's coronation nearly a full two hours early.
The 'royal hall' was huge, practically indescribably huge. Rows upon rows, upon rows of people sat awaiting Levi's entrance. I dread to think what below the balcony looks like. The poor must be fighting and screaming to get a look at their future King.
The royal hall was decorated with crimson roses and golden curtains, truly a magnificent sight to lay eyes upon. All of the glory was designed and managed by Petra, who had been gaining popularity for her designs only just recently.
Once the rich noticed Levi's presence, everyone in the entire room stood from their seats and proceeded to clap and cheer. Levi remained stoic, merely lifting his hand to wave every once in a while. I nervously stood beside him, gaining the attention of nearly every single female within a ten mile radius.
Levi was undeniably handsome, no one could lie about it. I understand why multiple wealthy women were displeased to see a poor, foreign woman earn the place of His Majesty's 'honourable guest'
As we began to progress towards Levi's father's throne, in the corner of my eye, I spotted brown curls and ocean green eyes. It can't be... sat upon an elevated stage - made only for royal blood - was Eren. I immediately panicked, hiding my wide and glossy orbs.
Eren met my stare, smiling brightly with intent to kill behind his speckled eyes. Beside him, sat his trusty servant Armin, who had a noticeably bad black eye. Did Eren hit him? Surely he wouldn't hit Armin like that? I returned my attention on Levi, who began to mingle with multiple rich nobleman in charge of organising this very event.
With the minor separation from Levi, Reiner leant into a half-bow, pretending to be my bodyguard. I smiled gently; putting on an act like I was grateful for his protection. Reiner's already following the plan. My moment of panic distracted me.
I must be more careful. I can't let Eren get to my head.
Reiner slowly leant back, returning to a standing position. Reiner's towering hight and large build was clearly intimidating to all. Even the body guards who surrounded us flinched.
Eren leant back onto his chair with a quizzical look. Reiner is clearly foreign, his looks are of Asian descent. Eren will make the link he is one of my allies. So far, the plan is working well.
Reiner began to strike up a conversation to ease the incredibly tense air surrounding the two of us. I also happened to notice Reiner lowered his voice, practically to a whisper.
"I saw the courthouse go up in flames. I went to rescue you - I burnt myself - as I was about to abandon hope, I saw you and Levi jump down from the roof. I assumed you were okay and returned to General Pixis."
Reiner stated his story matter-of-factly as if to avoid any questions. That explains the burns. Is his mind tainted with fear of fire? Surely enduring a second time must of triggered something within him.
"I'm scared shitless of fire now, if that's what you're thinking."
Since I was being watched by hundreds of Levi's wealthier people, I had to repress the smile that threatened to form. Reiner had never met Eren before - at least not to my knowledge - but was acutely aware of his contracts.
"Have you met Eren before?"
Reiner suddenly looked uncomfortable, averting his gaze almost as if to hide something from me. My eyes immediately widened as I quickly parted my lips to whisper-yell at him.
"You have, haven't you?"
"Look, (Y/N). I know he lashed you and all, but when I went into the flames to recuse you, I froze up; just like you did."
I suddenly sensed where this story was going.
"Prince Eren saved me. Just like General Pixis, I owe him my life."
Eren was near the courthouse trial?! Wasn't he supposed to be locked up? Did he start the fire? Did he start it to manipulate Reiner? My eyes darkened into an intimating glare. I quickly placed my hand onto Reiner's shoulder in attempts of convincing him how evil Eren really is.
"Eren is cruel, Reiner. He was supposed to be in jail for assaulting a nobleman. He saved you knowing you'd be like this. It's what he does. He manipulates people."
Reiner returned my glare with equal force, crossing his arms with an unconvinced sigh. By the look of admiration he held in his eyes. Just like General Pixis, I knew Reiner wouldn't change his opinion for the world.
"I'm sorry he lashed you. Trust me, I am. But I was going to die in that courtroom. I couldn't move. I just stood there while parts of the ceiling fell down."
Reiner let an exasperated sigh escape his chapped lips. I remained still in absolute disbelief. Eren's done it. He hasn't killed my ally - he's infected him with false ideas.
"Dear God, Reiner can you hear yourself?! He lashed me. Nearly killed a nobleman with a horse, and probably set the very fire you were stuck in!"
My outburst was a little too loud as multiple surrounding guests furrowed their brows upon hearing my accusations. I clamped my lips shut, turning away from Reiner in repressed fury. I can't believe this.
Reiner lightly placed his hand onto my shoulder, encouraging me to speak to him once more. I ignored his attempts and couldn't even bring myself to look at him. After acknowledging my outrage, Reiner silenced himself and didn't talk again.
Levi looked rather involved with greeting and 'celebrating' with other nobles. I remained beside Reiner in a painful, crippling silence.
This is terrible... how can I convince Reiner that Eren is an awful person? How did Eren even escape his cell twice in a row? Did he bribe the guards?
I inconspicuously glanced upwards towards the wooden stage. Eren sat with immense boredom over his face, beside a young Armin who frowned upon noticing me. Ouch, that black eye looks bad... I wonder how he got it?
I couldn't look away.
I remained staring as Eren glanced downwards after sensing someones attention on him for far too long. Eren sat in dark, navy clothes with his royal crown upon his head. Elegant, yet evil.
We stared.
After a couple of fleeting seconds, Eren merely smiled. I felt the start of a glare beginning to form and hastily broke our little staring contest. I attempted to calm myself. Deep breaths.
In... and out.
In... and out.
Reiner muttered something under his breath, I only heard a jumble of words mixed in with the chatter of nobles and sudden cheering as the bell stroked eleven o' clock.
Only an hour until Prince Levi claims the throne.
"Isn't that bad--- he wouldn't manipulate me--- saved me---"
Swiftly breaking away from his adorning nobles, Levi began to walk towards me. Should I inform him of Eren's unknown escape during my courthouse trial? I really don't want to cause him any unnecessary stress...
"Tch. How's things?"
I nodded and forced the most confident smile possibly created in my entire life. I can't burden Levi now. He's waited four years for this. Reiner bowed smoothly, only adding to the positive vibes. Although he suddenly began to speak about the very forbidden topic we were previously discussing.
"All is well, your majesty. Although I must inform you of the courthouse fire. It'll only take a minute."
Levi crossed his arms and furrowed his brows.
"Go on."
Reiner then slowly returned to his standing position. Guilt flooded his eyes, closely followed by the admission of his first meeting with Eren.
"Prince Eren saved me from the courthouse fire when he was supposedly in jail at the time. Is this true? Could he of stared the fire?"
Levi remained stunned into silence, removing his crown almost in genuine distress. I've never seen Levi make such a face before. After what felt like hours, he finally spoke.
"This is immensely troubling. If he's responsible for the fire, you and Reiner are not safe here."
We can't leave. It'll look insulting to Levi and his people. I'll lose people's respect and trust. Levi raised his crown above his head with a deep sigh. I knew this was bad; our plan has partly worked. My other allies are safe, Reiner and I are not.
"Stay close. After I've received my crown, return to my side immediately."
Reiner nodded his head a single time, lightly brushing his fingertips across his curved sword. Since I carried no weapon besides Levi's knife, I remained vulnerable.
Reiner bowed his head in apology.
"When Prince Eren rescued me, I'd breathed in a lot of smoke... it seems he painted himself out to be a victim when he's actually a villain. Please forgive my rudeness, (Y/N)."
I practically passed out from relief. Reiner now has an accurate picture of what Eren is like. Levi crossed his arms with a dismissive sigh.
"It's obvious he's a calculating guy. Are you an idiot, Reiner?"
Reiner chuckled lightly, lowering his head in acceptance to Levi's slightly harsh and berating insult.
"I trust people too much. I must work on this."
Reiner loyally saluted Prince Levi and smiled gently in response to my worry. Reiner's back. We managed to undo Eren's poisoning. I smiled brightly; extending out my arms in order to force Reiner into a warm embrace, only the grandfather clock behind us suddenly chimed twelve o' clock.
Levi's time to claim the throne had finally arrived.
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