Princess Ackermann

XXI: The Feud

Breakfast was done and the Ackermann princess stood up from her seat, politely excusing herself to go to the throne room. At the same time, Historia left her table with no greeting and walked out. Mikasa walked to the center of the hallway adjacent to the throne room. There was a big grand podium covering the entrance. As she stepped on the podium, she looked at the big seat. She will be sitting here soon. And she could tell her coronation was nearing. She just needed a little more time to readjust, and she'll be glued back to her destiny as ruler of the Eastern Kingdom. Before Mikasa took a seat on her tentative throne, a voice spoke, "Well hello." The black-haired princess turned around, facing a certain blonde.
"May I help you, Princess Historia?"
The blonde clenched her fist from behind, still smiling. "So, you are back. And you will claim the throne to fulfill your destiny as Queen, correct?" Mikasa nodded. There was a long pause before Historia spoke again, "Well, you are not getting that place. Ever."

Mikasa frowned. "I beg your pardon,"
"If I have to say this again, you will not get into the throne. Nor will you damage the reputation of the monarchy. That ends, right here. Right now." The Ackermann scoffed. "You can't fight with destiny. I will be the ruler of the Eastern Kingdom. And soon you will be the Queen of the Western Kingdom. If you are so desperate to rule your country, then why don't you go back."
"It is not that simple!" The blonde princess spat and Mikasa grimaced.
"My family fought for centuries to strengthen the monarchy, and finally get rid of the system our ancestors solely created which almost destroyed the world. Your family relived that system, thinking it would help your country, now look at all your knights, your staff, and your assistants - all gone! All because your family had to relive old traditions!" While Mikasa couldn't argue with the fact, she knew what was best. She didn't agree with Historia, but she wouldn't say she's wrong either. In fact, reliving old traditions would've been a good cause if her family had changed some customs that weren't so rigid. That way, the people in her palace wouldn't have decreased and feared the Ackermann Royal Family so much.

"I can assure you that I won't be like them, Historia. In fact I can take the mantle of queen so easily and change traditions. The Pope gave me that power." Historia glared at Mikasa. "Why should I listen to a princess who went missing for 12 years?! As if she'd know anything about being a queen!" No matter how much she hated to admit it, her history somehow got twisted into living among commoners in Hermina. Serhilda was no princess or queen material. She was just Serhilda, a simple girl in the village. Little did she know of what she's been doing for the past 12 years, but all that is gone now. It's all in Serhilda. She's Mikasa now. The heiress to the throne. She has no time for past connections. Her duty was the one thing she's worrying about, and since her parents' death, she was willing to change the condition of the country for the better. She would like to heal old wounds. She couldn't care less of Historia's grumbling that she wasn't suited to become queen, as long as she fulfilled her duties and improved her nation. After all, she needed to do what needed to be done.

"I believe you should go back to your country now, Princess Historia. Go and fulfill your... 'queenly' duties. You have fulfilled your quest searching for me. Now I ask that you leave and go do what you must in your kingdom. My problems are my own." Mikasa turned back, putting her statement bluntly; Historia narrowed her eyes, leaving the throne room. She stopped before she proceeded back to the dining hall. She now had a malicious grin on her face.

+•+

Eren and Armin were in the village when they saw Petra and Levi walking together on the streets. They were out in the market, buying ingredients for dinner probably. Judging by the potatoes and vegetables they were buying, it seemed they were planning to make soup. Armin wanted to make a round in the public library and grab the books that he forgot to read about. Eren was there wandering around to look for new supplies for their next hunting mission.
"Eren. What're you doing here?"
Eren looked at Petra. "I was... I... where is she?" He almost stuttered saying her name. "Gone. Out there being a princess. Where else?" Levi replied. "She lied to me... I can't believe her." Eren muttered and Petra looked down. "I'm sure Serhilda didn't mean to cause any trouble to your family. After all, her parents were to blame. She'll be crowned queen soon, so there's nothing to worry about."
"Of course there is! I won't let that wretched liar take over the throne with that cursed Ackermann blood inside of her! They're murderers! They should be ashamed to be in the throne of the Eastern Kingdom! Because of their reign, taxes increased, people started leaving for another country, and harsh death sentences were being announced in public! My father was a victim!" Eren vented out.
"As an Ackermann, I'm sorry to hear your sob story. But my uncle, I believe so, was a victim. So stop being such a whiny brat and stand up for it." Levi replied straightforwardly.
"Oh I will, alright? I'm initiating an act that will remind them that the Ackermanns are no more. It'll be the first heroic act that no one has ever seen, and it'll make a mark. I am changing this country. Who needs a ruler, when we can rule ourselves? We don't need a queen! We don't need her to ruin our lives again!" Eren vowed.
"What, are you going to lead a revolution and expect the monarchy to just give in?" Levi deadpanned. "Eren, you can't just waltz in and declare war over a kingdom! To them you're just like everyone else! Haven't you learned anything?" Petra retorted.
"I learned that their customs are what's making me sick. That is why I am breaking those customs and-"
"Enough. The monarchy also carries the power of the Pope. If you even make a wrong move and declare war for no right, you will be killed. Brutally." Levi stated. "My uncle participated in a lot of death sentences. And let me tell you, those experiences weren't bright at all. The kingdom won't even spare time to let you build up a revolution, they'll just eliminate you in the best way possible. That's why if you want to confront whatever issue you have, be versatile with it." Levi said. Meanwhile, Eren thought of the most reasonable way to end the Eastern Kingdom - kill its Queen.

+•+

Mikasa was out there by the garden. It was surrounded by roses, as she requested to the royal gardeners. The chancellor was waiting for her by the doorway and she turned to walk to the grand hall, where she was to escort the Princess of the West. The Prince of the North was also leaving to arrange his own matters with the Princess of the East. When she walked to the carriages, she held a straight face, sparing a glance at Historia before waving politely to her. Before Prince Jean left for his carriage, he kissed her hand and gave her a proper farewell before leaving. She could've sworn she saw Historia rolling her eyes.