Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

FORTY-SIX

'Rich and poor alike, human kindness is universal. We must not scorn or turn our noses up at those who have less, or those who have more. It is my belief that only when wealth divides us no longer can a person can truly be rich. Nurse the sick, feed the starving, and never believe you are above your neighbour.'

-An extract from the book 'Evolutions' written by philosopher Adette Briggs.

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FORTY-SIX

Wall Sina, Interior, Mitras, Royal Palace

Lorelai's knife clattered to the ground, and she stepped back in surprise. "Levi? What in Larken's name are you doing here?"

Levi was about to form some sort of an excuse when he was tackled with a hug.

"Honestly, thank Larken, it's just you. I was getting worried there." She pulled away quickly, frowning at his wet cloak. "You're soaked! How long have you been out here? And I'm so sorry I attacked you— my fault entirely, I reacted too quickly."

"I-"

"You know, you really shouldn't be crawling around on rooftops with a black cloak; you could give people the wrong idea. Larken, Levi, it's so late; why are you still awake? Wait, why are you even out here?"

Levi blinked. As usual, Lorelai was a whirlwind of conversation and emotions.

She looked at him expectantly. "Well?"

"I'm sorry I didn't catch a word of that."

She sighed, composing herself. "Why are you out here?"

"...I was concerned about your safety," he managed out. It wasn't a complete lie, but it wasn't the whole truth either.

"My safety?" It seemed Levi's instincts were as sharp as people said. "Well, your concern isn't misplaced," she admitted, moving to lean against the railing with him.

"What happened?" he asked quietly.

"I guess I'm just realising how many people don't like me here," she shrugged. "I had a close encounter with some poisoned wine. It put me on edge."

"Did you drink any?"

She shook her head, looking up at the twinkling stars. "No, I caught it in time. I came up here thinking you were some sort of assassin."

He chuckled, rubbing his throat. "I can see why you thought that."

"I'm sorry, Levi. We do this too often... don't we?"

He smiled at her softly. "It's okay." Levi shook out his stiff arm. "Reminds me of back in Islet. God, how long has it been since then now?"

"Gotta be almost six months now. And you still can't break that hold," she teased.

"Whatever. You'll have to teach it to me when we get back to Noaks."

"About that..."

He sighed knowingly. "You don't want to go back, do you?"

How could she? Here, in this glittering capital, Lorelai was herself. She was at home in these marble ballrooms— another part of this two-faced, lavish world. And, most importantly, only here could Lorelai really help her people.