Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

FORTY-SEVEN

'To Commander Erwin Smith of the Scouting Regiment,

It is with a heavy heart that I, Lord Auguste, must inform you that my noble household will be halting all relations with the Survey Corps henceforth. Furthermore, I will be advising my acquaintances to take similar action.

Though your cause is noble, I, like all of us, must protect my family and name. Your recent improper display of affections for the Havasian Ambassador, Lady Lorelai Bervik, at the night of the Royal Ball has led both I and a number of the nobility to question the sanctity of your character.

It is one thing, my dear sir, to do business with the Havasians and another to welcome their zealous witches into your bed. Your conduct is frankly unpatriotic and unseemly. Many have come to wonder how it is you have dismissed the bloody aftermath of the Siege so quickly.

I dearly hope that this does not end in a scandal that brings about the end of your career, sir. That would be an enormous shame, as I am sure you have much left to give.

...

I am telling you this not to shame you, but to offer you advice. A smart man does not mix business and pleasure. Take my advice, Commander, and bestow your affections on one who would lift you up rather than pull you down.

Until such a time as I am sure such indecency is behind you, I cannot retract nor alter this statement. Henceforth, the Survey Corps must move forward without the support of a regional lord such as myself.

Warm regards,

Lord Alistair Auguste.'

-A part of a recent letter addressed to Commander Erwin Smith from Lord Auguste.

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FORTY-SEVEN

Wall Sina, Interior, Mitras, Royal Palace

"Keep talking," Levi ordered.

He was still in bed, with Lorelai watching over him. It was about 1700 hours now, and she was insistent that he still needed his rest.

"You can be kind of demanding sometimes; you know that?" Lorelai teased. "I've been talking your ear off for hours. I'm surprised you're not sick of me by now."

Levi huffed, resting his head against the headboard. "If you weren't so paranoid about me staying in bed, we wouldn't be in this situation. The least you can do is entertain me."

Lorelai chuckled, getting up and walking across the room to the table. "I did not spend the last few years getting my medical certification for you to call me paranoid."

"Keep talking," he repeated, giving her a blank stare. He watched her prepare him a cup of tea.

"Drink this first." She passed it to him.

Levi took a sip. "Blegh. It's too sweet." He turned to her accusingly. "You know I don't take honey in my tea."

"It's honey and lemon; it's good for your throat," Lorelai explained, sitting back down beside him on the bed. Levi just grimaced at the tea. "Drink up, sweetheart."