To Love A Prince

Prologue

    For many years, Ackermans have ruled the kingdom, giving Maria to the Smith's and Rose to the Reiss'. They ruled these manors, but the Ackermans still had most control and made decisions for these rulers.

    The Smith's were the strongest clan behind the Ackermans and for that, they were given Maria. Maria is rich in agriculture, however, military was low. The Ackermans care very little for the people, so as long as the Smith's could defend themselves, everything was fine.

    The Reiss clan was by far the weakest, yet the most valuable for their beauty. Many bandits from Maria try to capture a Reiss for prophet. For this reason, they were given control of Rose. Rose is well known for its military and nobility. Their soldiers protect and serve.

    Then there is Sina. The Ackerman's central territory. This clan being undefeated, held the throne of Sina to show dominance over the rivaling kingdoms. Why Sina? Many, many years ago, Sina was once owned by the Jaegers. This clan was the strongest or rather the smartest there was. The Ackermans worked by their side as their 'hounds', until they committed treason and they were ordered the death penalty.

    The Ackermans favored the Jaegers and everyone they supported and supported them, but once they were executed... Things were never the same. The Ackermans took total control of everything and destroyed the government. Absolute monarchy was established.

    Everything went downhill from there. Riots broke out when laws weren't fair, economy plummeted and military decreased. The clans considered bringing back the government, until the Grand Ackerman's son, Kenny Ackerman rose to power. Despite being a delinquent, he showed great leadership in his honesty, loyalty and strict attitude.

    With the help of his dear sister, Kuchel, he gave money to the main clans to distribute to the people and companies to get them back into business and fixed laws to how he saw fit. In return, the clan granted her a wish. "I want to leave this manor." was her request.

    She left and headed southwest to Maria where she met 'the love of her life'. After a year, she brought him back with her to her brother in Sina, but they weren't alone. She carried a 2 month old baby in her arms. Kenny was outraged. He knew the man that was standing beside her. He was a criminal, no fit to be king and despite his sister's desperate pleas to let him go, he sent him to prison.

    Kenny became king in his place helped Kuchel raise her child until he was 4 when he decided to set the criminal free to take his title. Big mistake. While Kuchel and her child were playing a little game of theirs called 'i hide, you seek', (Kuchel discovered this game from a group of children back in Maria, hide and seek) the supposed king came in behind her while she was searching for the boy and raped and killed her.

    A servant was nearby and witnessed the commotion. Kenny was notified and hell broke loose. The king was murdered and Kenny was sent to prison by word of his father. Grand Ackerman took his title back as king until Kenny learned his lesson.

    The boy was never found that day. It turns out, he had been hiding in the room his mother was murdered in for three straight days. He heard what happened. He knew his mother died, but still waited for her to find him. Clinging onto the smallest bit of hope he had that she would return.

    Grand Ackerman found him and explained everything the lightest way he could, but nothing could sugar coat the death of a loved one. However, the boy never cried, but he never smiled again either.
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    About 3 years later, Grand Ackerman decided to start a competition to find the most loyal, honest, strongest and smartest servant to protect the prince. The other clans' people were allowed to participate. The Smith's and Reiss's believed the competition was useless considering his age and the characteristics needed were far from the person being human. To top it all off, the boy didn't trust anyone.

    The competition lasted two years and by the end of those years, there were only twenty people remaining of about five thousand. No matter what the boy said or commanded them to do, they followed through. Especially one in particular who's aura matched one of a dog's. The prince gave up and allowed all of them to be servants. All except one.

    "Boy. What is your name?" he asked. "Eren, M'Lord." he replied with a bow. "Eren... You will be my personal sla-... Servant." he said taking a stand. One of the other servants snickered. "Oi! Man-chick! Who might you be and why do you laugh?" he snapped at the boyish girl. "Forgive me your highness! My name is Hanji Zoe!" she cheered. The prince froze at the name.

    Zoe. One of the clans that the Jaegers respected. The Grand Ackerman had taught him about them. "On second thought.... Forget it. You are forgiven. Zoe." he said. Hanji smirked. "I'm a member of the Zoe clan as you know. Does this make me your friend?!" she asked slyly. "Don't make me laugh!" the prince snarls and turns away. "You are all dismissed! Guards! Take these brats away! Show them their places and have Grand A's servants teach them! I don't want any mistakes." he ordered.

    "Eren... You come with me." the prince says pulling him away with him. "U-uh! Y-yes, M'Lord!" he strained as he was being tugged by his collar.

    "Eren. Is there a surname?" the prince asks once they reach his room. Eren froze for a moment. "J-Jaemen." he says. The prince makes a face. "Strange... Eren Jaemen?" he mumbles, walking away to his bed. "Um... M'Lord, if I may ask... What is your name?" the prince turns to him.

"...Levi."