𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍; 𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍

52

One week had passed since Eren, Zeke, and Levi set out on their mission, scouring the neighboring towns of the kingdom for information and resources. The days had been grueling, filled with long rides, inquiries with locals, and the delicate task of maintaining the king's order.

Their journey led them to a bustling town on the outskirts of the kingdom. The weary travelers were in desperate need of a break, not just for rest but also to gather valuable information. The town's brothel, an establishment known to house all kinds of secrets, was their destination.

The brothel's exterior was an eclectic mix of colors and textures, with lanterns hanging by the entrance, casting a warm glow. As they dismounted their horses, Eren, Zeke, and Levi felt a sense of weariness that only a week's worth of traveling could bring. Eren's headache had subsided, but the toll of the journey had left him in need of some distraction.

Inside the dimly lit establishment, the air was filled with hushed conversations and laughter. The scent of perfumes and candles filled the air as they approached the bar. The madam, a middle-aged woman with a wealth of knowledge and secrets, acknowledged their presence.

Eren, Zeke, and Levi found a corner table, away from prying eyes and ears. The brothel's atmosphere was oddly comforting, a stark contrast to the dangerous world outside.

"Let's gather what information we can," Eren said as they ordered drinks. "We've been through a lot in the past week, and we need to make the most of our time here."

Zeke leaned back in his chair, a mischievous smile on his face. "Well, well, Eren. A week away from your dear Venus, and you're already eager to get back to work."

Levi shook his head, unimpressed. "Enough chatter. We need to find out what's happening in this town and if there are any leads. We don't have time to waste."

As they waited for the madam to approach their table, Eren's thoughts drifted back to you. He longed to return to your side, but for now, their duty called. Their journey was far from over, and the mysteries surrounding their kingdom only deepened with each passing day. The brothel held the promise of information, and with it, they hoped to bring light to the darkness that had been shrouding their homeland. As they sat in the dimly lit brothel, Eren's thoughts were undoubtedly with you and only you. His brother, Zeke, couldn't resist a playful jab, aiming to ease Eren's longing.

"Come on, Eren," Zeke chuckled, raising an eyebrow and grinning mischievously. "This place has all sorts of beauties. Who knows, you might find a woman who looks so much like Venus, you won't even notice the difference."

Eren shook his head, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "You're impossible, Zeke. I'll have you know that no one could ever compare to her... besides I am not one for cheating now am I?"

Levi rolled his eyes, clearly unamused by their banter. "Focus, you two. We're here for information, not romantic diversions."

They exchanged a few more remarks, but their main goal remained clear: to gather the intelligence they needed to keep the kingdom secure and make it back to you as soon as possible. Zeke couldn't resist one last laugh at Eren's expense before standing up. "Well, if you won't join me in my pursuit of pleasure, I'll have to go find it on my own. Don't wait up for me, little brother."

With that, Zeke strode away, leaving Eren and Levi at their table in the dimly lit brothel. Levi maintained a stern expression, and Eren, though his thoughts were never far from you, focused on their mission ahead. As Zeke's laughter and the raucous sounds of the brothel slowly faded into the background, Eren's thoughts were a turbulent sea. His mind swirled with worry for you, concern for the burden of the crown he was forced to bear, and the ever-persistent, throbbing headache that seemed to tighten its grip on his skull with each passing day and with just his luck... the throbbing began once again.

He closed his eyes, seeking solace in the darkness behind his eyelids, a brief escape from the chaos of reality. His memories of you, your warmth, laughter, and touch enveloped him. Eren yearned for your presence, calming influence, and the love you both seemed to have shared.

Yet, that vision, the painful premonition he had seen earlier, haunted him. It had been a vivid glimpse of you in danger, and he couldn't shake the feeling that it held a foreboding truth. Eren had no understanding of how these visions occurred, but he couldn't dismiss them... but something a small inkling told him that it could be anything and yet... he was worried.

In this moment of respite, he made a silent promise to himself: he would do whatever it took to keep you safe. The future might hold uncertainty and peril, but he refused to let it separate him from the woman he loved. With a heavy heart, Eren knew that the days ahead were filled with uncertainties. The towns they had visited had been volatile, and enforcing the king's orders hadn't been easy. The people's loyalty was divided, and they were torn between their allegiance to the crown and their sympathy for Tobias. Eren had been forced to make tough decisions, and he understood that these choices might not earn him any popularity. Yet he didn't seem to care. Hunched over at the brothel as he watched the working women go about their day he couldn't help, but laugh catching Levi's attention.

"Laughing? That's new." Eren could only shrug.

"My headache is back, I am only trying to forget about it."

"I see... drink your ale. It'll soothe your mind, I hope."

Levi's words had tried to reassure him, but Eren's intuition told him otherwise. There was an unsettling feeling in his gut, a sensation of impending doom that he couldn't shake.

For now, he buried his anxieties beneath a mask of determination and commitment to his duty. Eren knew that there were battles to be fought, loyalties to be tested, and a kingdom to be held together. But in the depths of his heart, there was one thing he knew without a doubt—he would return to your side, no matter the cost.

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒦꒷

𑁍┊-TiredBunBun