Princess Ackermann

IV: Prince of the North & Princess of the West

As the three returned, Mr. Ral greeted them warmly. He saw the load of wood on Levi's arms, and he frowned. "You got that much?" Serhilda nodded. "I will go back if it isn't enough." She offered and Mr. Ral chuckled.

"No need for that, kid. You've helped out, that's what matters." He gave her a reassuring smile, and calmly asked Levi to set the wood under the fireplace. Petra and Serhilda went to the kitchen to help prepare dinner.

Mr. Ral then set the table and put the utensils, plates, and glasses on each spot on the table. Levi finalizes his work as he sets fire onto the wood. It became a cold night when they came back.

In the kitchen, Petra was brewing tea and Serhilda was making stew. The two worked efficiently in the kitchen, and finished within a couple of minutes. The Rals plus Levi and Serhilda sat on the chairs as they began to eat.

+•+

After dinner, Serhilda went to her room and lied on her bed, thinking about what happened earlier afternoon. She suddenly smiled at the thought of it. She was able to make friends outside.

She felt like she never had friends.

Serhilda grabbed the pillow next to her and clutched it. She felt like she was missing something, but she could not tell what it was. She let herself dream about other things that wouldn't worry her and closed her eyes.

The wind blew the candle through the window, and the room was now dark.

+•+

Another morning passed and the empty throne of the East was absent of light and chatter; though the priest, maids, butlers, and chefs still remained.

The Counselor of the Ackermann royal family branch had called for the Kingdoms in the North, South, and West. The North and West had their Prince and Princess to respond, although the South gave no response.

The South were simply not wanting to concern themselves with the matter. Despite this issue occurring for more than 6 years, the Kingdom of the East (this kingdom), didn't give up.

They were looking for the royal family branch. They knew the Princess and concluded she was lost. So they called for the Prince of the North and the Princess of the West to search.

Then again, they gladly responded.

Two carriages set foot on the castle grounds. The Counselor of the East welcomed them and prepared for their coming. Maids gathered 'round and attended to their needs.

A small yet beautiful figure of a blonde woman with round cerulean eyes appeared. Her gown reached the floor, and her hair was put to the side in a neat way. A small crown is seen on her head, and she had an intimidating look on her face.

She is known as the Princess of the West.

Then to the tall, and broad figure to her left. His brown eyes were intense yet small. His face looked proud and his light-brown hair was shaved in a messy, but pleasant undercut.

He is known as the Prince of the North.

"Welcome Your Majesties," The Counselor knelt down in respect. "It is indeed a fine and lovely morning, isn't it?" The Prince smirked. "It sure is, Counselor Ackermann!" The prince answered.

"We received your letter regarding this matter. Prince Jean and I will search for the Princess of the East with whatever means necessary. She will return here no matter what." The Princess declared.

"Of course, Princess Historia."

"I suppose you called us because we were best suited for the job?" Jean mused. "We sent all the knights home. Since there was no one taking over the throne yet. We will find her, and she will become the next Queen of the East."

"Tell me, Counselor, is the Princess of the East pretty?" Historia rolled her eyes.

+•+

Mikasa, or temporarily known as Serhilda, looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was fully down, and the scar on the very corner of her forehead was hidden by her bangs.

Even if people saw her from the accident, they wouldn't know if she belonged to the monarchy. Or if even she's by royal blood. The carriage was nowhere to be found, neither were its coachmen.

The accident left no such trace behind.

There was only a rose that dropped out of the carriage, and was left there under a rock. It was most likely wilted by now. But how can she remember that? She took a deep breath and changed her outfit.

As she went out of her room, she was greeted by Petra. "Hello Serhilda." She gave her a smile, and she returned the gesture. Serhilda's head shifted left and right. "Where is Levi?"

"He went out to gather wood."

"We sure do run out so fast..." Serhilda mumbled, with Petra chuckling. "Our family uses fire all the time." Serhilda cracked a laugh and went to the kitchen to have bread.

"Oh, good morning, Serhilda." She jumped back since she found Mr. Ral cooking breakfast. "S-Sorry, Mr. Ral!" The black-haired woman said. "No, that's alright. Did I scare you?"

Serhilda hesitated for a moment, but nodded her head.

"Sorry about that. Hm... will you and Petra do me a favor and buy food in the market? We are running out. I've got lots of work to do and I simply cannot find the time to buy food. Forgive me."

"It's alright, we will do it, sir." She bowed down in respect. "Thank you kid." Serhilda felt her stomach grumble, but she was too shy to get bread for herself. "Serhilda, I bet you would want to eat this first!"

Mr. Ral tossed a loaf of bread to her direction, to which she caught with one hand. "Thank you, sir." After that, she started to take a big bite, the taste and the weight satisfying her stomach.

There came a loud gulp, which made Petra laugh. Serhilda blushed, "I'm sorry..."

"No worries. I think you were really hungry." Serhilda made a shy smile as she put down the bread on an empty plate.

With her mouth now clear of food, she spoke, "Mr. Ral told us to go to the market. We're running out of food." Petra looked at her and nodded. "Just a second, I will get us a basket."

Serhilda nodded and continued eating her bread.