𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍; 𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍

32

Days had seemed to creep by as Eren found himself tied down by a book he could barely understand, he spent many waking moments trying to understand and contemplate the words that swept across the page, waves of line embedding the paper as if it could speak to Eren and tell him of his desires. Every waking moment he sat studying such a book, making a mental note of everything he would have to endure, yet there you were outside his chamber doors. Apart from you wanted to walk in, perhaps to pay a visit. Bring him tea. You stared at the handles and a part of you just wanted to swing the doors open and see if he was alright, but after all that had happened you understood it was far too dangerous, not for him... but for you. Ever since the king's suspicions had grown a knight grew much more friendlier with you. Of course, all the knights were friendly towards you and you truly appreciated the respect, but something about this man with the scarred lip made your stomach turn with uncertainty. Even when the knight would speak, he would be so intuned to your peaceful personal life that it baffled you that he had no regard for boundaries and when the word 'no' is spoken. Alas, all you could really think about now was after all that knight's persistent conversations you had still never gotten his name, perhaps one day.

You patted your dress with a sigh and began making your way down the corridor to the kitchen, not without making one last attempt as you looked back at Eren's chamber doors to see if he would finally exit his room and to no avail, there was no sign of him so you decided to push forward and not worry about him. Why should you? It wasn't like the two of you were betrothed to one another right? The thought pained you, something deep inside stirred but you ignored it as you continued down the corridor. As the corridor narrowed just ever so slightly you saw Zeke approaching adjacent to you. You smiled toward the eldest prince and bowed in respect.

"Ah, Your Highness Zeke. How are you this evening? The weather is lovely isn't it?" Zeke chuckled and looked out the window.

"For the most part... how about you Venus? How have you held up?" Zeke was calm in demeanor, but something in his eyes showed he was in pain. An emptiness... emotional pain. "How has my little firefly Caroline been?"

"Oh that young lil thing, she is a handful I tell you, Your Highness... She asks about you quite a lot." Zeke chuckled, his eye brightening just a tad.

"Does she? Well, I am quite honored. Do tell her to stop by? I miss seeing her sweet face, it's a nice change of scenery from this barren old dump of a castle..." Zeke sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I worry for that doll, I truly do."

"Why? She is just fine in my care!" You stated proudly and clasped your hands together.

"Oh I know... but when she is not under your care or in my gaze... I, I just worry is all." Zeke chuckled slightly. "I suppose she reminds me of someone I once knew. So I suppose I have grown attached, I see her like a daughter even though I have never conceived any children." You couldn't help but chuckle out a smile.

"You will find your true love, your highness." Zeke could only shrug at such a statement.

"Why should I? I have Caroline, and she is like a daughter to me... that in itself is enough for me." You simply nodded.

"I'll be sure to ask her family if she is allowed to make regular visits, perhaps you can educate her."

"Wonderful idea..." Zeke nodded. "Venus... my god your brilliant, but before I go do you have any word on Eren?"

"Ah... he has not come out of his chambers... it seems to be almost... two weeks now? I fear he is ill, but he has not called upon me so I have no right to check on him..."

"I was afraid of such circumstances..." Zeke sighed. "Well I must bid you farewell Venus, my brother and I have things to settle with our father the king, Apparently he has grand news to tell Eren... hopefully I will catch you at a more peaceful time yes?"