I WILL PROTECT YOU

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟔𝟏

3rd POV

Y/n laid silent on the stiff bed of the stockades, her mind wrapping around the memories she lived through. The dam from earlier broke, allowing her to see memories previously blocked. Felix was to blame. He wanted the relationship between mother and daughter to mend, and for that to happen, the past had to be revealed.

She just wanted me to live.

Y/n thought. She turned to her side facing the wall. When Armin checked on her, it seemed like she was asleep.

I was wanted by her at the end of it. Pretending to want nothing with me just to protect me. How cruel. How sad.

Tears slipped from her eyes. Everything to do with her conception, Cameron's pregnancy, and her birth was utterly traumatizing. She was from her mother's womb untimely ripped.

She could hear Armin and Eren talk but was too engrossed in her own dilemma to pay attention.

"I know none of it excuses my actions. I hid everything—"

No, you don't have to explain. I said I would forgive you back then. I intend to keep my word. Y/n told her. Giving peace of mind to Erwin before death, gave her one as well. Wiping her eyes quietly, she wanted to keep what she saw secret from the others. It was far too personal. There were only the details of the Fate Titan to share, however.

Details she knew Erwin would enjoy hearing.

The thing was...Y/n was scared. It didn't consume her like it did Cameron five years ago and probably now, but it was in the back of her mind. The idea of going crazy over the end of the world. Felix had warned that Y/n would likely fall to the curse that affected members of his family. The Founding Titan did technically land in the wrong hands when Grisha stole it, but it has been used for good ever since.

She shouldn't be scared then. Right?

Brushing her troubles to the side, she heard familiar voices.

"What are you doing?" Hange asked, mimicking Eren's actions. Though it was only audible to Y/n who had the furthest cell from the conversation.

Y/n decided to get up from the bed once she heard Eren yell in annoyance. The cells were being opened despite having ten more days of discipline. Y/n couldn't complain.

"We had a talk with Premier Zackley, so don't worry about it. If we jail the heroes and royal who toppled the Armored and Colossal Titan, it kinda sends a bad message, you know?" Hange explained as Armin opened the rest of the cells. When he got to Y/n's, he was surprised to see her standing.

"You're awake. Did you just— have you been—"

Y/n shook her head and told him to not worry about it. At the sound of her voice, Mikasa appeared around the corner.

"Y/n." He called. He was so happy to see her. She had been asleep for so long, suspecting she had gone to Limbo. Eren showed up next. Like Y/n, he knew of Cameron's past but only in the eyes of Grisha. While Y/n knew how much Cameron loved Grisha, Eren knew how much Grisha hated Cameron. It made eye contact between the siblings awkward.

"Hi." They managed to say to each other. Y/n suddenly felt sluggish. She hadn't eaten in so long.

"Let's go." Levi walked past, leading the group outside the stockades. "Get dressed quick."

"Where are we going?" Eren asked, helping Y/n to stand on her feet.

"To an audience. Her Majesty has come to Trost."

-

Walking into the room, they all stood in a line in front of Historia. Armin, Eren, Y/n, Mikasa, and Levi. The teenagers were now dressed in their formal uniform, Y/n wearing a sash over her coat. She didn't want to wear it, so Levi made her. They were going to an audience of not only the Queen but high-ranking officials.