Tale of Two Tails

Chapter 17

As Eren, Armin, and Levi walked through the village, Eren on Levi's arm, the village people were in awe. Whispering was heard everywhere hushed voices asking questions. Some a little louder than others.

"Who is she?"

"Where did Prince Levi find her?"

"What a beauty." And things of the sort. Eren was nervous, but looked around the village. When her and Levi went out to court each other these past few months, she was more focused on Levi.

"The village is nice." She said, golden eyes turning to Levi's blue-gray.

"Glad you think so." Levi said as they came to the palace steps.

"Ready?" Armin asked the other two from Eren's other side.

"As ready as we'll ever be." Levi said, and they started up the stairs. Eren decided to actually look around. Partly acting, but also because she avoided coming near the steps at all costs. The castle sat on the top of a hill, covered in forest, the village being at the base of said hill. It was beautiful.

"We're here." Levi said as the doors opened and they walked in.

They were in a long hallway with a door at the end and two on either side. One door lead to the dining area, the other to the corridor with guest rooms. The royals and residents used a door connected to the throne room to access the rest of the palace. It was different than any other castle, but it was a good lay out, considering that if anyone visiting the castle wanted to assassinate the emperor while he slept, they had to go through the throne room first.

Upon entering the throne room, the emperor, who was in the middle of speaking with the Commander, with Mikasa at his side, stopped discussing what to do with the blond kitsune. He turned to look at Levi and his potential bride.

"You must be Eren." The emperor said. Eren nodded her head politely, before bowing.

"It's pleasure to meet you, My Lord." She said, biting the inside of her cheek to keep the sarcasm from her voice. When Eren turned to Mikasa, she smiled. "And My Lady. Pardon for me asking, but where is My Lord's son, the prince? I would be certain he would be with you to learn. If the rumors are true, he should be coming of age soon." To say that Levi was impressed with Eren's acting skills was an understatement. She was good at it.

"Yes, my brother should be here t learn, but he has been courting a beautiful woman these past few months. In fact, you are currently on his arm." Mikasa said, smirking lightly. Eren turned to Levi, faking shock.

"My Lord!" Eren said, bowing slightly. "If I had known, I would have treated you better and not spoken so casually." Levi rolled his eyes.

"Eren." Levi said. "I didn't tell you for a reason. I didn't want you to speak to me like I was royalty. Don't act any differently to me now that you know who I am." He reached out, gently grabbed Eren's chin with his index finger and thumb, tilting her head to face him. "Don't act formal, I deal with that shit enough as it is." Eren giggled, unable to help finding Levi's foul mouth amusing.

"Alright. As long as you are no different to me." Eren said with a soft smile.

"Not to interrupt My Lord, but what happened to your fox?" The Commander, Erwin, asked. Eren turned her face away from the others, Levi awkwardly rubbing her shoulder.

"Eren, My Lord's fox, and Eren's fox went to repopulate. My Lord had told fox Eren that he was not allowed to bring other foxes here when he first found him. The fox kept his word, and went to start his own family."

"I miss my Minmin." Eren said quietly. "But she'll be happier now."

"I see." The emperor said, obviously happy to not need to deal with the foxes. "Well then, there will be a feast tonight to celebrate my son finding you, Miss. Eren. One of the servants will escort you to your room to get ready." Eren nodded as a servant came and took her from Levi. This was the first time in a long time that Eren would be without Levi, Armin, or Mikasa. And to be truthful, Eren was nervous.