Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

FORTY-FIVE

'The strength of nobility is a strange thing. Conventional power is that of gunshots, steel, and brutality. The noble's power is the ability to stand unwavering amongst their world's harsh opinion. In my belief, it takes a different kind of strength entirely to exist in their world at all.'

-An extract from the book 'Royal Questions' written by scholar and journalist Aksel Briggs.

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FORTY-FIVE

Wall Sina, Interior, Mitras, Royal Palace

The night was still young.

Lorelai and Erwin were having a great time dancing at the royal ball. After the first few dances were over, the crowd loosened up and the waltzing dissolved from rigid and proper to just innocent fun.

Erwin remained a gentleman as always, but Lorelai managed to bring out his mischievous side in how they made fun of nobility. Perhaps it was because it was so late, but everything seemed that much more hilarious. From the way the elder nobility sneered down their noses to the ridiculous animal hats some ladies wore, they found much entertainment laughing together as they danced.

Hange was also having tremendous fun terrorising the poor gentleman she had asked to dance. She went on and on about titans, describing her experiments in such gory detail he had to excuse himself to the bathroom.

Levi, of course, was still lingering on the rooftops, watching everything play out below. He was more content to do so than you might've thought. The rain didn't bother him, the music calmed his nerves, and getting to watch Lorelai was worth it.

A new type of waltz was beginning below him. The music picked up speed a little, and Levi watched as the dancers spun from partner to partner.

His eyes widened as he realised Lorelai was now paired with Lord le Blanc. How awkward, Levi thought, watching more closely.

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"Lord le Blanc," Lorelai grimaced, taking the elder gentleman's hand with maximum reluctance. She recalled their brief conversation after the first meeting. It seemed she couldn't even relax for one night; how irritating.

"You cannot evade me, Lady Bervik."

Lord le Blanc was an unsettling sort of man— snow-white hair, wrinkled skin and lips that turned up into a sneer. He had rat eyes— slim, cunning pupils overpowered by the near-grey blue of his irises. Lorelai's skin began to burn where they touched.

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean, sir," she countered softly.

"Your manner suggests otherwise, my lady." Le Blanc glanced around, as if checking if anyone was watching. "Who are you?" he hissed under his breath.

Lorelai's nerves were on fire; she needed to find Erwin. She tried to keep hold of her quickly splintering composure. "My name is Lorelai Bervik. You know that."

He scoffed. "Drop the act, girl. I know from whence you truly hail."

She stayed silent. Larken help her; this man was too goddamn observant. She should have never come here. If there was one thing Lorelai could do, however, it was lie like it was going out of fashion.

"My Lord, I am most flustered at your interrogations. I must insist you leave me be. I have a weak heart; please, have pity. I do not know what you imply." She batted her eyelashes pathetically at him, making a few tears prick at her eyes. His demeanour immediately softened.