Princess Ackermann

XIII: Confession

It was an early morning when Eren decided to go to the very tree he would very much lie down and be in his own world. For what reason? A certain girl was in his mind.

He couldn't bring himself to stop thinking about her, not after the recent turn of events. First of all, they met each other all because he thought she was a hunted animal.

They happened to meet each other again because of the very tree he would always go to when in deep thought. The third time, she invited him and Armin to the festival in her village.

The fourth time, was unexpected, since he saw her half-dead on a pile of leaves, near a clear road towards their cabin. She was previously attacked by a grizzly bear, which left her wounded and almost poisoned. Luckily, they saved her before she got infected.

What shocked him, aside from finding her unconscious that other day, was because she mentioned the Prince of the North. She told him that she encountered the Prince in an unorthodox manner.

Plus the way she mentioned the Prince, she sounded dreamy. For some reason, it irked him. What was so special about the Prince? Sure, every girl would notice because he's of royalty.

It'd depend on his attitude, then he'll deem her feelings for the Prince worthy. He already knew deep down he was stunned from when he first laid eyes on Serhilda. He wouldn't call it love at first sight, but he had the urge to talk and get to know her more.

He observed how her black hair flew through the wind, and how those calm black orbs would stare through his bright-green ones. He would fall into space, at first, he couldn't call it love yet.

If he could compare Serhilda's beauty to a rose, she would mean more to him. He didn't want her beauty, nor her personality, but he wanted her herself. He has never seen a cheerful and pretty person like her.

He wasn't gonna let her surrender her heart to the Prince of the North just yet. He needed to confront her himself so he could confess. Yes, confess. It may have been days since their first encounter, but why not get the chance?

He calls himself brave after all. He was up for the challenge. And so Eren ran to the secret garden, and plucked a red rose. He plucked at least 5 so he could make a bouquet.

+•+

"Serhilda." The jet-black-haired snapped out of her thoughts and whipped her head to Levi who gave her an irritated look. "What?" She responded dryly. "Dinner is set, did you even hear me?"

She exhaled and got out from her window ledge. "Sorry." She whispered sheepishly and went downstairs to the dining room. Mr. Ral and Petra were waiting for Levi and Serhilda by the table.

"Forgive me, sir." She bowed down in shame. "It's alright Serhilda. Are you alright though? Something in your mind?" Mr. Ral watched as she took a seat beside Petra. "No, f-father." Serhilda lied.

At first he knew she was lying, and something was indeed in her mind, but he shrugged it off and cracked a small smile, removing himself off of worry before starting their dinner.

It ended quietly, not much conversations going on. But Levi and Petra went out to take a night walk. As the two had been frequently spending time together, Serhilda found herself quite frustrated.

Lately, images had been appearing inside her head. Yet she couldn't even decipher what it meant. Who're the people inside her thoughts?

How significant are those images?

But it's not like she's anything special, is she?

A knock on the living room door broke her thoughts. She stood up from the couch and answered, coming face to face with a certain man. "Eren? What're you doing here?" She questioned.

"Sorry if it seems kind of late...but, I've been meaning to tell you something." He said, and it made her more curious. "What is it then?" She asked, a little impatient due to his fumbling of words. Sweat was running down his forehead as he handed her a bouquet of roses.

Her eyes widened. "What's this for...?" She uttered, accepting the token reluctantly. "It's...er, my way of saying..." She waited for an answer, but he shook his head and walked away. A part of her was confused.

Why couldn't he just tell her?

What seems to be the problem?

She sighed, closing the door. But as she did, she found a parchment lying on the side. It came unnoticed, which must've been the reason why Eren walked away. More importantly, why would he come here late at night to send a letter, and a bouquet of roses?

But she appreciated it. He was sweeter than she thinks, and certainly is outgoing and loud. She didn't really expect him to walk away without saying a word. Was there anything wrong?

She picked up the parchment from the floor, went upstairs to her room, and sat herself down on her bed to read the letter given to her by none other than Eren.

Dear Serhilda,

I know we've only met days ago, but I couldn't even imagine to say these words:

You are the most beautiful woman I've ever met.

Your beauty couldn't be compared to a rose, because you mean more than that.

And because of that very reason, I meant to say...

I love you. I want us to be together. You are wonderful in the most ways, and not only that, you always manage to make me drown in my own thoughts, simply about you.

So...if you please...

-Eren

The whole night, she prevented her mouth from screaming as it was clearly late. Her heart was literally beating to no end, and her mind was circled with possible thoughts of her and Eren ending up together.