𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍; 𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍

41

In another part of the vast and imposing castle, Eren, Zeke, and Captain Levi moved discreetly through the dimly lit corridors, each burdened by the weight of their royal duties. The ever-watchful eye of the king's rule loomed over them, and they navigated the castle with caution.

Meanwhile, in the cozy and bustling royal kitchen of Eldia, you stood side by side with Ms. Hilgred, your mother. The kitchen was the heart of the castle's culinary operations, where the skilled chefs worked diligently to prepare the daily feasts fit for a king. The scents of roasting meats and simmering soups wafted through the air, offering a momentary escape from the political intricacies of the royal court.

As you and your mother prepared the day's feast, you couldn't help but notice the forlorn Lady Historia. Her tear-stained face and trembling lips spoke volumes of her distress. She had been crying for quite some time. Deep down you knew it was an act to gain sympathy from your mother, so you decided to keep your lips sealed and listen in to her teary woes.

Ms. Hilgred, wiping her hands on her apron, looked at Lady Historia with concern. "My dear, what ails you so? Why are you in such despair?"

Lady Historia sniffled, her voice trembling. "It's Eren. He's an awful man, Ms. Hilgred. He's uncaring, cruel, and insufferable. He treats me so poorly." Her sobs continued as she poured out her anguish.

You exchanged a knowing glance with your mother and rolled your eyes. You knew the truth about Eren. Lady Historia's words did not reflect the man you knew him to be.

Ms. Hilgred placed a comforting hand on Lady Historia's shoulder. "My lady, perhaps there is some misunderstanding. Eren is not the man you describe. I've known him since he was a child, yes he has his... moments, but you will come around to love him for who he is."

But Lady Historia was inconsolable, her tears flowing as she clung to the belief that Eren was the source of her misery.

"Oh for heaven's sake this damn woman." You stated under your breath as Ms. Hilgred gave you a motherly stare.

Sighing in response, you continued to chop vegetables, your hands moving with practiced ease, but your thoughts were preoccupied. Lady Historia's grievances against Eren, your beloved, weighed on you. You knew in your heart, the man she described was far from the person you knew, and it pained you to hear her cries, or perhaps it simply annoyed you.

"Is he really that bad though Lady Historia?" Historia flipped her head over and wiped her nose with a handkerchief and huffed out a response.

"Yes, he is... right to my face! He regarded me as wretched, unworthy of marriage. His father even insinuated that I would earn the title of queen if I shared his bed every night and bore him grandchildren. I don't care a bit about that foolish idea! For this marriage to work, we must set aside our emotions."

"You've certainly changed your tune, my lady," you couldn't help but remark, returning to your tasks.

"I am passionate!"

"Passionate for a crown adorned with jewels. But, my lady, do you truly grasp that being a queen involves more than meets the eye?" You inquired, arching a brow while Ms. Hilgred observed the exchange.

"Are you suggesting, commoner, that I don't understand the responsibilities of a queen?"

"Not at all. But surely you must acknowledge that life holds more than just bearing children, don't you?"

"What could you possibly know about a life beyond this? You're a mere commoner, a peasant," Lady Historia snapped, seizing your wrist, her frustration and anger on full display.

"I won't stand here to be insulted by someone who wears the same dress day after day! You rat! You insufferably disgusting scum."

"And you, my lady, have a fragrance as lovely as the blooming roses," you responded calmly, maintaining your composure despite the heated exchange. Lady Historia couldn't help but let out a scornful laugh before delivering a stinging slap to your cheek. The sharp pain radiated from the point of impact, and your cheek burned with the sensation. You winced, concerned about the extent of the damage it may have caused. Ms. Hilgred hurried to your side, her worried expression evident as she examined your face. She sighed and cast an exasperated glance in Lady Historia's direction, who merely scoffed at the scene.

"And to think I was going to consider you both my friends. I should have known nothing good comes from common blood." You watched her trot off and couldn't help but burst out into laughter as you rubbed your cheek.

"She had quite a delicate hand. If it wasn't for her nails I'd have not felt a thing." Ms. Hilgred shushed you accordingly as she rubbed your face with a cold cloth.

"Oh hush Venus, the truth of the matter is I feel more sorry for Eren than I do for her. She might actually kill him from all that crying."

"Ah... I give that marriage a month." You chuckled until the laughs soon stopped and your face turned solemn.

You hated how much you loved him. The care in your heart was immense and yet... nothing could be done.

Love is often... disappointing.

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒦꒷

𑁍┊-TiredBunBun