Imperial Affairs (Levi X Reader) AU

72. Afraid To Lose Him

Levi's POV

A minute later, the Imperial Family collected itself and focused their gazes of scrutiny on the prince who looked like he was desperately trying to avoid them.

The prince got on one knee to greet the Emperor and the Empress who were already seated. I followed the custom like I had been ordered to by the prince. The silence after he offered his greeting seemed prolonged. I heard mocking sneers and giggles as I bore through the pain. I knew they were directed at the prince and no one else. I couldn't bear to turn over to look at his pained face.

"Rise," I heard the Emperor's voice and I could sense the prince's relief. I guessed he was expecting to be further insulted.

The prince rose and so did I and I got my first look at the Emperor. 'Powerful' was a word too weak to explain what vibe he gave off. He looked almost exactly like the prince and Y/N, down to the same murderous and stern look in their eyes. He looked like someone who used to be like the prince before he was shown what life really is and the sacrifices that are to be made for power. I thought the prince's attire was extravagant; that was until I saw his.

The prince quietly got seated in the single empty seat next to a princess who also had the same look in his eye as I stood behind him.

"You're late," The Emperor narrowed his eyes harshly at the prince. It was taking everything for him to not shake in fear, "I thought you weren't attending. I was about to send my troops to your palace."

"I told Your Majesty already," The Empress smiled, "I told you he was attending because I saw him earlier. It must have taken some time because he may be nervous...or scared?"

"I apologise for my tardiness. Please excuse me, Your Majesties. My guard was feeling unwell and I waited for him so he could go back to my carriage to fetch his medicine," The prince regained his composure.

"Speaking of...your guard...he seems rather...unusual...," The Emperor eyed me, "Wherever did you get him?"

"Her Majesty was kind enough to find someone of his skill and talent and gift him to me," The prince flashed the Empress a smile that completely hid the hate behind it, "Thank you, Your Majesty. He is irreplaceable in my palace now."

"Ah," The Empress went quiet, looking disappointed, "Well, I'm glad you like him."

"What is your plan?" The Emperor glared at the prince, "Another business deal you prioritise over your reputation, perhaps?"

"I'm afraid I haven't the slightest clue of what you speak of, Your Majesty."

"I am speaking of the guard."

"What about him, Your Majesty?"

"His name?" The Emperor raised an eyebrow.

"Levi," The prince answered for me, "Just Levi."

"Are you forcing him to undergo this pain because he's an assassin?" The Emperor was direct. It seemed he knew about my pain too.

"Your Majesty, he is not an assassin. He is my guard. I can't see why you would even think that a gift by the Empress would be a curse in disguise."

"So you choose to keep lying," The Emperor sighed, "I wonder why you didn't take after your mother...."

"It seems I took after my father then," The words slipped out of his mouth and I immediately knew that he fucked up. What he had just said was a perfectly fine response, or even a weak insult someone could give to their bitch father, things in the Imperial Family didn't work the same as the Underground.

The room went silent.

Before the Emperor could make an order to punish the prince, the prince fixed his mistake.

"Oh, what an honour to take after such a great man," The prince's blood was boiling. I knew he would be mocked for sucking up to his father.

The Emperor let go of the topic, doing everything in his power to finish the dinner quickly, "We've wasted enough time. Let's get this dinner over with. I know none here want this to last longer than it has to."

At his command, the trays holding the food were rolled in by servants as they set the plates, lifted the dome things and refilled the now empty glasses of wine. A few servants remained there on different sides of the table, holding bottles of wine in special wheeled trays beside them, displaying a variety.

I scanned over all the plates, looking at the prince's first, trying to figure out who had gotten the poisoned food. It was in front of the Empress. I signalled to the prince who had it and it seemed that he had accepted my response, looking rather pleased.

The prince looked relieved-

"Your Majesty," I heard the Empress's voice, "You know I hate-"

"I have more work to do than memorise what dishes you like," The Emperor grumbled, "Don't bother having another one prepared because I can't bear to spend any more time here. Just switch with me."

The prince froze. My eyes widened.

Had she known...?

The servants switched their plates. The dinner would begin the moment the Emperor ordered it to. And he would die. The Emperor would die. And I would be the one who killed him.

Maybe it's not so bad. Now he won't be able to investigate who killed who because he himself would be dead. The prince has a large military so he can wage a war for the throne. Or maybe the Empress will just let the prince be in power because he torturously killed the Emperor.

And so all would be fine-

"Your Majesty," I flinched at the prince's voice, "I do remember when you said that you are allergic to that kind of meat."

"I am," The Emperor sighed, "But like I said, I will do anything and everything that can be done to not have to prolong this dinner."

"If Your Majesty wishes then you may switch with me," The prince smiled, "I'd rather Your Majesty doesn't get sick."

...huh?

What?

But it...it's poisoned...and he knows that...and he doesn't care about his father anyway...so why?

The servants switched the plates again on the Emperor's command.

The dinner began.

The prince used his cutlery to slice the piece of meat and eat it with his fork. He knew it was poisoned but he pierced it. He brought that fork up to his mouth and ate it. He knew it would kill him but he swallowed it.

Without the slightest hesitation.

I couldn't do anything. The prince was knowingly doing it. Probably to save the Emperor.

I didn't know why he would do that. I didn't know why he made all the sacrifices he did. I wish he didn't have to almost die every day. I didn't know why I wished that.

And I didn't know why I was afraid to lose him.

A/N = Sorry for the late chapter. Btw, I made a new story and posted it like 15 mins ago and I'd really appreciate it if you checked it out!

What is blue and not very heavy? Light blue.

November 2, 2023

- Heliaxa