𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍; 𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍

48

Captain Levi, with a practiced glance, surveyed the room discreetly. His discerning eyes took in the sight of the two men deep in their conversation, leading him to raise a skeptical eyebrow. Interrupting their discourse, he offered a courteous tone.

"If this discussion was intended to remain within the confines of the knight's circle, I apologize for my intrusion," Grisha, the king, responded with an understanding chuckle, dismissing any concerns.

"No need for apologies. I'll leave you to it; we were nearly done," Levi nodded, acknowledging their private exchange. He turned to depart, fully committed to fulfilling his duties by delivering scrolls from other kingdoms.

However, just as he reached the door, Grisha's voice called him back. Levi paused, turning his head to regard the king's request.

"Captain, if you would, spare a moment. It's a minor matter, but I would appreciate your presence when I meet with my sons later today."

Levi responded with his customary efficiency, "Of course, Your Highness," before briskly exiting the room, carrying with him the anticipation of an upcoming conversation.

———

As tensions rose and secrets continuously were uncovered, Eren found himself being whisked away by Lady Historia. Her delicate hands urging him to a secluded area of the royal courtyard. The two stared in silence as the only sounds that were present were of the ever blowing wind and nature.

"Thank you for accompanying me to the courtyard, Eren," Historia said in a calm tone.

Eren nodded, his eyes focused on the cobblestone path ahead. "I didn't have a choice in the matter whether to decline this meeting or not. So I suppose I should suck it up then yes?"

"Why must you be so difficult?"

"Why must you be such a catty brat." Lady Historia smiled and could only shrug. She stayed quiet for a while and looked off into the distance.

"I saw a servant of yours leave your quarters." Eren raised a brow and chuckled.

"Well, that isn't odd at all, she was merely cleaning."

"I never specified it was a female." Lady Historia retorted. "Venus was her name? That ill mouthed woman."

"Do not speak of her in that way."

"You told me not to enter your chambers yes?"

"Perhaps I did, what of it." Lady Historia scoffed.

"Then why did that woman leave your room, if it was so messy." Eren stayed silent and could only laugh realizing what she could have been implying.

"So what if I sleep around? I'm the prince aren't I? Its a luxury I possess, if you are so hurt by my doings then please be my guest and leave our marriage in the dust and I'll find another."

"Then why do I see the same woman... over and over again. Eren, the things you have done. Rumors I have heard, all revolved around Venus. You love her. Don't you?" Eren stayed silent and just looked off into the distance. Historia maintained her composure, her gaze unyielding. "Eren, you don't have to explain yourself to me. I won't stand in the way of your happiness."

Eren was taken aback by her unexpected response. "What made you change so quickly? Has my father giving you a better role in the kingdom. A better man? Perhaps money?"

Historia smiled softly letting out a chuckle. "No, not at all... though I've known for a while that your heart belongs to another. It's been evident in the way you look at her." Eren lips pressed tightly together as he sighed. "I am not at all surprised if the two of you slept with one another."

"I expected more of a fight."

"Over what? Your hand in marriage? I only wanted the crown, not you and you know that." Eren sighed. "So I am not surprised you found love elsewhere, to fill that void yes?"

"It isn't a void, its real and true love. Something that you obviously don't have." Historia chuckled and began walking down the path as Eren followed.

"Though I must say I truly do apologize for laying a hand on your lover, if I had known sooner I wouldn't have done such a thing... but I also don't appreciate you laying your own hands on me."

"It was deserved."

"Oh, it was! But I will always be infuriated by such happenings." Eren let out a chuckle and shrug.

"Fair enough, I suppose."

"You don't seem happy, I'd have assumed you'd be happy."

"We still have to marry Historia."

"Which is why I'd like to settle an agreement."

"And that is?" Historia sighed.

"We keep our love lives a secret, we act as the face of the kingdom, but when night falls... we go elsewhere. That should work no?"

"Risky. It will backfire on us and you know it."

"Perhaps, but what is life without risk." Eren stayed silent another moment longer and could only snort out a laugh.

"Your a fool. Let me guess, your in love with a knight? A commoner like I? C'mon spit it out, I'm dying to know what this man had to offer."

"She works as a metal worker." Historia simply stated and laughed. "She's quite charming actually!"

"SHE?!" Eren looked at her with a dumbfounded expression. "By the gods no wonder you have such an ill attitude, your a lesbian." She rolled her eyes.

"So you understand now why I am so adamant on this agreement? I could give a damn now about the crown or you for that matter. Shall Venus stay happy if she is under your care? That is all that I want."

"What are you? A saint? You slapped her across the face, you have ill intentions don't you?"

"Oh, of course not. Your father is a strange man, believe me when I say I declined his offer at first. Things were brought up... I had no choice, but to agree." Her face turned solemn. "I am no saint. I know this all too well, but I truly love that woman and I know you love yours so please, take my offer into consideration. Perhaps until I'll be able to to flee with Ymir."

"Ymir is her name?" She nodded with a smile.

"A strong woman indeed! Though your father has spies amongst the nobles and I suppose word got to him about my personal choices that go against his word of god. He threatened to tell my estranged father if I didn't accept his conditions. You are not the only one who is affected by that man. Remember that." Eren eyes fell slightly as he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"You're desperate."

"And so are you... please."

"Please just answer me this. Why hit Venus? If you did not want me? You had anger toward her? What was it?" Historia smiled.

"I put on a fake face to the people around me. Have them believe a story I created. Enough chitchatting, I have things I must attend to, gossip to listen in on." She began to walk away leaving Eren standing there. His gaze following her movements. "I shall see you around, perhaps I may uncover intel that may help our situation. Y'know how those noble whores are with their gossip, they use their mouth more than their ears and god gave us two of those!" She chuckled and walked back down the path. Eren stayed silent for the most part and sighed.

"I suppose you really can't judge a book by its cover," Eren mused with a wistful smile, realizing how wrong his initial assumptions had been.

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒦꒷

𑁍┊-TiredBunBun