Unexpected

Chapter 1

Historia woke up with the rustling of curtains. She opened her eyes to reveal a young woman with strawberry blonde hair that seemed to glitter in the sun. The light flooded in the big, spacious room that was Historia's bedroom. Historia sat up, rubbing her eyes and yawning.

"Good morning, Historia," the woman chirped happily. Historia smiled and replied with a "Morning Petra," and asked, "Is there anything planned for today?"

Petra shook her head. Historia's heart soared at the thought of a free day until Petra added, "Though there is an event taking place at the extra ballroom today. To find your fiance, didn't King Ross tell you about this?"

Historia glared at the crimson wall opposite of her, shaking her head. "No."

Petra bit her lip. "Oh...well, there's that. Your father just wants you to be prepared the whole day until it takes place at six..." Petra said, walking to a nightstand that held clothing for Historia.

Historia was tired of not knowing. Her father always kept her in the dark. Sure, he would hint at an answer but never confirmed until the last minute. She was fed up. Historia reminded herself to have a talk with her father on the matter as Petra started to dress her.

When Petra was done, Historia dawned a baby pink, flowy dress with simple white flats. Her hair was put up in a simple bun, a little messy by some peoples' standards. "You're more than likely to start changing into something more extravagant soon so I might as well make sure you're comfortable," Petra said, putting away Historia's night clothing.

Historia smiled in thanks and the two were off to the dining hall where Historia would have breakfast with the King. The king, however, was not present in the dining hall and Historia ate practically alone. Of course, there was Petra and other butlers and maids around her, but no one to talk to. Even if the king wasn't straight to the point, he was a person she could talk with and share ideas. 

When she was finished, she glanced at an old clock next to her. 12:47. "Petra, when did I wake up?" Historia asked, walking with her to the gardens. "I don't know... I think around 11:00. I thought you should sleep in more considering you'll have to be well rested for the evening..." Petra said, glancing at Historia every now and then.

Historia shrugged and kept walking towards the flower gardens until she spotted a man. This man was fairly short, only ten or so centimeters taller than herself, and had graying hair. He had a simple white button up shirt and black vest but dawned a golden crown on his head. His eyes were sunken but lit up when he saw Historia. "Ah, there you are! I need you to start getting ready immediately. You only have four hours," The man called out, walking towards the two. 

Petra curtsied when he stood in front of them and asked, "I thought it was to start at six, King Reiss?" The king grinned wearily. "About that, it seems I had gotten the time wrong. It is to start at four." Historia crossed her arms and looked up at him. "And why wasn't I notified? I only learned about this event today and now the time changes? When will you stop evading me until the last minute?" She asked. 

The king waved his hand in dismissal. "In due time, when you're older." He turned to Petra, "Now, you take her back up to her quarters and get her dressed. I'm certain that I sent someone up to lay out her evening clothing. She is to be properly bathed and clothed and her hair is to be better than anyone else in this kingdom. Understood?" Petra nodded and the king turned on his heel and left.

Historia glared at the spot he was once standing in. "Come on, Princess Historia. We need you to get dressed," Petra said, aware of other servants near. "Yes, of course." 

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Historia loved baths. They were the most relaxing thing she could think of. She watched the bubbles pop as Petra massaged her scalp and washed her hair. 

After the calming bath, Historia was dried and began to be clothed. She wore a simple white dress with some golden accents and a red cape with white fox fur around the edges. Her hair was put into an extravagant bun with twists that seemed to go on for ages. Lastly, but most precious, she wore a light golden crown to signify that she was a princess looking for her prince. 

The bun took up the most time and when Petra looked at the clock which read 3:51, she gasped. "Historia, we need to get down to the main hall right away. Do I look presentable?" Petra asked, tiding things up as best as she could. Historia smiled and nodded. "Of course. Let's go shall we?" 

The two girls arrived at the hall at exactly 4 o'clock. King Reiss had looked no different except he was wearing a dress coat and shoes. The hall was large and bare with just a red rug running down the middle when it was not housing events. But now, it had an endless sea of tables and a large chair at the head of one of the more new-looking tables. On one side of the room, it had an area filled with snacks and wine and the other side with a spacious ballroom floor. 

The color scheme was blue and silver to signify the Wings of Freedom, the kingdom's military. "Historia, there you are! Goodness Petra, did I not say four?!" The king shouted. Petra winced and Historia wondered as to why. "I'm sorry your highness, her hair took longer than expected. It won't happen again." Petra apologized, bowing in the presence of him. 

The king looked as if he was going to shout some more until the door opened to reveal a handsome young man. His hair was dark brown and his skin tan. He was tall and dressed in a gray button-up shirt, black slacks and black shoes. He also had a crown similar to Historia's and his eyes were absolutely gorgeous. 

They looked like the sea that Historia had only seen paintings of. They even held the restlessness of the sea, though they calmed when he stepped into the hall. "Ah, Prince Eren! I am honored that you are here, and your father?" King Reiss said, walking towards him to shake his hand. Eren was about to answer but was cut off by a girl beside him. 

"His father will be arriving shortly with his butler, they just got caught up in some business. I am sorry if that is an inconvenience to you, your highness." She said. Her eyes seemingly held no emotion and were black. However, not as black as her hair which seemed even darker in comparison to her bright red scarf. She was a beauty, and Historia noticed. 

The king's smile faltered for a split-second but returned. "Of course not! Please, feel at ease." He said, gesturing them to sit down at the table with the largest chair, no, throne. For the king. "I'd like you to meet my daughter, Historia." He said, beckoning her to come. Historia walked to them as Petra went to go get something to serve them. 

"Hello, I'm Eren Jeager. You're Historia, right?" He asked, giving a kind smile. Historia nodded. "Yes, I am. Historia Reiss. You're the prince of Maria, correct?" He also nodded in confirmation and they sat. 

The two conversed about random royal duties, getting along well. The girl was watching closely as was King Reiss. Until more people started arriving and he got up to greet them. 

"And one time, my father got scared because I had misplaced his key. I got locked up in my room for two months, you think you can top that?" Eren asked smugly. Historia grinned. "Of course I can. I got locked up in my room for half a year because I destroyed a needle filled with some unknown liquid." Eren gaped at her and shook his head. 

"One of these days, I have to get locked up in my room for a year. There's no way I can let my shiny reputation get ruined!" Historia let out a laugh.

"I'm not sure that's something you want to keep."