Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

FORTY-FOUR

'The playground of nobility is a fickle and faithless thing. Their ballrooms and palaces may suggest they have the entire world figured out, that they harbour not one care in the world. For, how could something so lovely ever carry darkness within? I teach you a simple lesson; beauty is the single best cloak of sin.'

-An extract from philosopher Adette Briggs' autobiography.

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FORTY-FOUR

Wall Sina, Interior, Mitras, Royal Palace

Lorelai looked up at Erwin as they walked down the corridor. The air of the night and the feeling of his arm on hers... it was all oddly nostalgic. She and Warren had attended many balls together once upon a time; she felt like she was back in those golden times.

     She quickly cast the thought of Warren's warm smile away. Those times were over; she couldn't let herself forget that.

     "How do you feel?" Erwin asked softly. Similarly, he was thinking of Marie as she thought of Warren.

     "Nervous," she admitted. Lorelai stole a glance backward at Levi; he was still standing there, staring at the floor, locked in his own thoughts. "Do you think Levi will be alright? I feel guilty leaving him alone while everyone's at the ball."

     Erwin looked backwards. "Don't worry yourself. I'm sure our Captain is just glad to escape the ball."

     "I suppose," Lorelai turned back around. They made their way gracefully to the ballroom.

     It was situated at the back of the palace. Lorelai hadn't seen it yet, but she didn't doubt that no expense had been spared for the evening. As they approached the doors which led into the room, she realised they were one of the last couples to enter.

     Perfect, she thought to herself sarcastically, subtlety was going out the window. All she could do now was find some entertainment in the shocked faces of the crowd.

     She and Erwin approached the doors, getting in line behind a few other couples. They would be announced and descend a grand sweeping staircase; there was always a grand staircase in these events.

     The announcer furrowed his brow at Erwin and Lorelai together. She doubted he would be the last.

     They stepped up. Lorelai could feel Erwin growing tenser. Though he was far higher born than someone like Levi, Erwin still did not share Lorelai's blue blood. Unlike her, royal balls were not something he attended in abundance.

     She squeezed his hand reassuringly. "You'll be fine, sweetheart. You certainly look the part," she pressed a fleeting kiss to his cheek.

     He smiled at her, and the doors opened. They were blinded as the spotlight focused on them.

     "Commander Erwin Smith of the Scouting Regiment and the Lady Lorelai Bervik of Havas," the announcer proclaimed clearly.

     Many in the ballroom turned to catch a glimpse of them with wide eyes. There they stood, arm in arm, their clothes glittering in the spotlight.

     Erwin was decorated with medals, his crisp navy military suit unwavering and impressive. On his arm, the Havasian noblewoman that outdressed even the most affluent of attendees. Her figure was strewn with the rarities and gold that spoke volumes about her wealth, reaching all who bore witness.

     Individually, they were each a credit to their causes on that night. But together... they would be each other's downfall.

     Lorelai and Erwin exchanged a subtle nod and split apart with the staircase, descending to the marble floors with grace.