𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍; 𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍

42

"If this was not our story... perhaps I will meet you again in the next life." You mumbled under your breath as the handprint on your cheek still stung. It was obvious you would not say a word of what happened to anyone but to those who were present. Lady Historias acts against you were too much for Ms. Hilgred to handle as she marched out of the kitchen in search of someone. You watched on and sighed. You did not want to go against whatever your mother may do, but as you sat there stirring the pot you began to dissociate. "Maybe I should sit under the stars tonight..."

———

Back in the courtyard, Eren sat under the dappled shade of the tree, his fingers dancing nimbly with the pocket knife. He twirled it between his digits, a reflection of his unease. Thoughts whirled in his mind like the storm clouds on the horizon. The weight of his responsibilities pressed down on him, yet here, under the tree, he found a brief respite. With a swift, practiced motion, he thrust the blade into a ripe apple hanging above him, the fruit splitting neatly. The simple act of cutting the apple provided a momentary escape from the pressing matters at hand.

As he brought the freshly cut apple slice to his lips, the glistening juice clung to his fingers. Eren's sharp knife, a trusty companion in quieter times, now doubled as a fork. He savored each bite, the crisp sweetness of the apple mingling with the metallic tang of the blade, an odd yet fitting juxtaposition in the midst of the intense discussion nearby.

"Everything reminds me of her..." Eren thought to himself with a soft chuckle as he watched from the distance, an older maid running toward him at an even pace, causing Eren to spring up from his seat and catch the maid in his arms. Looking down at her with a worried gaze. "Ah! Ms. Hilgred, what a pleasurable time to see you! Why must you be so frantic on a lovely day, hm? The sun is out and about. The trees are ripe? Has something occurred, or has Venus sent you to annoy me?" He chuckled out with a smile. His smile then slowly diminished as he looked down at the elderly woman. "Is Venus alright?"

Ms. Hilgred, her chest heaving from the rush, looked up at Eren with a mixture of relief and trepidation. "Venus is unharmed, but.."

"But? Spit it out what has happened?!" For a moment she saw in Eren's eyes the deep concern he felt for you and apart of her was happy to see such a sight.

"Lady Historia slapped her. The poor girl was just doing her duty, and the lady was... less than kind."

Eren's jovial expression vanished in an instant, replaced by a scowl. He clenched the blade of the pocket knife so hard that his knuckles turned white. "WHERE IS SHE? WHERE IS LADY HISTORIA?" His voice boomed across the courtyard, turning heads and drawing the attention of those nearby.

Without waiting for an answer, Eren stormed away, leaving Ms. Hilgred behind. He had his own mind on where to find Lady Historia, and he wasn't about to let anyone, not even his brother Zeke, or the level-headed Captain Levi, stand in his way. His steps were determined and heavy, echoing his fury.

Zeke approached Ms. Hilgred wearily.

"My dear, what was that about?"

"Goodness... perhaps I should have not said a word my lord..." Ms. Hilgred spoke shyly as Captain stood alongside her and watched on.

"What has come about?"

"Lady Historia laid her hands on Venus not to long ago. Slapped her right across the face! I... I know of their closeness Eren and Venus... so I thought speaking with Eren will bring about some change..."

"Oh dear..." Zeke spoke with a grimace. "That poor girl can not seem to get a break can she?"

"Whatever Eren is going off to do I'll stand by his judgment and back his claims." Levi spoke and looked over to Ms. Hilgred and smiled. "He and Venus shall be fine I assure you, unfortunately... I can not say the same for Historia."

———

Eren's wrathful steps led him through the intricately adorned hallways of the royal palace. The vivid tapestries and delicate sculptures that usually caught his attention went unnoticed this time as he made his way to find Lady Historia.

In the grand hall of the castle, Eren found himself amidst a group of noblewomen, their laughter and chatter filling the air. With a practiced grace, he put on a false smile, playing the part of the charming prince. The ladies whispered and giggled, charmed by his feigned courtesy.

Among them was Historia, her delicate demeanor captivating Eren's attention. He approached her with a gracious bow, offering his arm to escort her away from the gathering. Her eyes met his, and she took his arm with a demure smile. He gave her a reigned grin. Together, they walked down the corridor and into her private chambers, away from prying eyes.

To all who saw the two, they looked like a powerful couple. A king and queen in the making. Eren threw open the doors, revealing the luxurious room adorned with elegant furnishings. Lady Historia, seated herself at her vanity.

"Its a shame really Eren! Seeing how you were in front of those women brought a smile to my face! Made me happy to see the man I shall marry one day has—"

In an unexpected flash, he delivered a stinging strike to Lady Historia's cheek causing her to fall from her vanity and look up in both shock and pain, clutching her reddening cheek.

Eren's facade finally cracked. His voice carried a deep fury as he shouted, "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" His anger ricocheted through the room.

"Eren, you insolent brute! How dare you!"

Eren's eyes burned with righteous anger. "You dared to harm one of my maids, the kindest and most dedicated souls in this castle. She wipes our ass does she not? The last person who defiled the crown and hurt my own servants met quite the demise. You will apologize, and you will do it NOW!"

Lady Historia, still defiant, countered, "You can't talk to me this way. I am to be your queen, Eren!"

In response to her audacity, Eren raised his hand again, delivering a second sharp slap to Lady Historia's other cheek. The pain deepened, and her defiance began to waver.

"Apologize to Venus," Eren demanded, "and perhaps, just perhaps, I'll reconsider marrying you."

Tears welled in Lady Historia's eyes as she tried to hold her ground. "Eren, you need a queen with a pretty face by your side, to grace the throne. Ever since the death of your—"

"DO NOT bring her into this quarrel." Historia gritted her teeth.

"Someone who will give the lands of Eldia a new face to seek hope in! A new name! Someone like me Eren don't you see?!"

Eren's expression darkened further. "That's a foolish perspective. I want someone with intelligence and kindness, not just a pretty face for the good of the crown's image."

With that, Eren stood his ground, his gaze unwavering as he awaited Lady Historia's response. The room felt charged with tension, and the weight of the situation hung heavily in the air.

"I will tell your father... you laid your hands on me," Lady Historia threatened, her voice tinged with anger and pain.

Eren's smirk remained, undeterred by her threat. He held the doorknob as he spoke, his words laced with resolve, "And I shall tell him that when he condemns me for my actions, he should look back at himself and realize some things must be hereditary."

"Until you marry into this family, Historia... you hold no power." Eren's voice dripped with a chilling certainty. He chuckled softly, a cold laugh, as he continued, "Keep your hands to yourself... before I use my own... again." With that final warning, Eren turned and left the room, leaving Lady Historia shaken as she frantically pricked and prodded at her fingertips.

"That man... will be the death of me."

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒦꒷

𑁍┊-TiredBunBun