Pluviophile | Levi Ackermann × Reader |

|Chapter 13| Royal Ball

My heels carried me swiftly down the corridors, dress bouncing around my legs. The marbled floors I stepped upon echoed as I made way for the large open doors of the ballroom...
I could see the glamorous drapes inside the circular room, tall white pillars holding up the architectural ceiling. People were already inside, and I could hear the sounds of a violin and bass strumming soundly.

There was a cold draft from two large opened windows, snow visibly falling under the moonlight. I felt goosebumps crawl up my arms.

Then, my gaze averted down to the doors once again, a familiar face filling my vision. Levi.

He wore a black suit that was tight around his lean waist, pants that fell neatly down to his dark shoes, and a tie around his neck that made him almost unrecognizable. He was stunning. I almost couldn't stand to look at him for long periods of time, afraid I'd be swallowed into a never ending pit of awe.

He met my gaze.

For a second, I thought I saw a glint in his eyes when he saw me, something I couldn't quite read.

I grabbed the sides of my dress as I bowed before him, crossing one foot over the other. I was copying the pose from something I had seen royals do once in the past. He returned the gesture, tipping his head slightly downward.

Erwin and Hange were already heading inside.

"You look dashing," I told him teasingly. Though, I really meant it.

"As do you," He returned the compliment, gloved hands tucked in his pockets.

"I appreciate the flattery," I laughed, walking into the ballroom with him by my side. I noticed a table spread out full of rich foods and delicately made deserts. My stomach rumbled.

"I think I'll excuse myself over to the meals first," I said. "Can't dance on an empty stomach."

Levi nodded, disapearing into the crowd as I basically ran over to the platters, drooling at what I saw. Biscuits, muffins, tarts, cookies- cakes!

My hand reached out without even thinking, stuffing a tart in my mouth. I melted at the taste, ascending to the highest state I've ever been in. I had never in my life experienced anything like this. It was magnificent.

I whiped the crumbs way from my cheeks, mouth full. I was going to eat one of the round strawberry cakes next, but a hand was placed on my shoulder.

"What a lovely surprise seeing you here, Section Commander."

I froze.

"Harlin?!" I whipped around, swallowing the rest of the tart. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm apart of the Royal Family. You weren't aware?" He frowned.

"I wouldn't think someone with such a high tolerance for alcohol would be royalty," I immediately regretted saying that.

"I don't drink nearly as much as everyone else in the Scouts," He said. "I'm somewhat offended!"

"Yeah well even one drink is one too much," I shoved a cake in my mouth.
Harlin grabbed my hand before I could reach for yet another treat. If looks could kill, he would have been turned to ashes.

"The first dance is about to start," Harlin whispered. I didn't like the way his words felt against my skin. His presence was suffocating. "You owe me something in return for blowing me off last time."

My forehead broke out in a cold sweat, aggravated. But I calmed myself down, brushing the crumbs on my fingers off on the dress before placing my palms in his. "Fine. I will dance with you just this once. Afterwards, you are to leave me be."