𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 |𝐒𝐍𝐊/𝐀𝐎𝐓|

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟒

There was a long wooden table, with 15 chairs. At the end of the table stood a short woman, with blonde hair and gorgeous blue eyes. She had a smile on her face, a regal look coming naturally to her as she bowed and I generously returned the gesture. Her hair was pulled into a messy bun, strands falling under her crown. A beautiful blue dress obviously built for moments like this. I doubted she was the kind of queen to walk around all day every day in a different gown. Just from looking at her, I could tell she was down to earth.

"Please, come in," she gestured, causing me to smile. I attempted to stop at a chair in the middle to show my humility, but she merely shook her head, "next to me," following her hands I walked closer to her standing behind the chair.

She held her hand out, allowing for me to shake it, "My name is Delphine, your majesty, it's a pleasure to meet you."

She blushed deeply, I wonder how long has she been queen? Was this the first time she'd met another royal?

"I'm Historia, and the pleasure is all mine," she smiled, before leaning in causing me to do the same and she whispered, "pardon my manners or nervousness, you're the first queen I've met, and I've never done this before," she shyly laughed her cheeks darkening even more.

My smile grew, "Historia please forgive our intrusion if I had time to send a messenger I would have. I'm deeply sorry for causing your nerves, it was not my intention."

She shook her head quickly, "No please, I apologize for the tense atmosphere, living outside the walls is a concept no one has adjusted to quite yet. This kingdom is still learning to cope with the war raging outside the walls and within," she closed her eyes, a pain evident, "so many things have happened to my people within the last hundred years or so and I intend to fix as much as possible. I had a feeling you'd visit our kingdom sooner or later."

I instantly relaxed. Something in her words seemed genuine and heartfelt.

"I'm sure we have so many questions for one another, but it brings me great joy to find another queen such as yourself who understands war to my level," I turned to her "and I feel deeply welcomed by your presence."

"I'm glad," she nodded before turning to the newly accumulated guests, obvious curious and cautious eyes scanning us, "Everyone, please meet Queen Delphine, the Queen of Atlantia the kingdom that resides beneath the water."

Murmurs broke through as everyone furrowed there eyes, "Beneath the water?" Eren questioned as Hange's eyes widened, "You know these people?"

Historia nodded, "It seems as if my family denied the peace treaty they graciously offered many years ago, the 'kings' curse clouding my great grandfather's judgment. His greediness forced Delphine's grandparents into a war," she turned to face me, "I'm deeply sorry for that," bowing to show respect, causing me to shake my head my cheeks darkening, "No it's not your fault. The past is behind us, it's time we make our own future and peace treaty."

She agreed instantly, "I know it will take time to give them your trust and if I could show you what I know about them I would, but for now, let us enjoy a friendly meal. Please sit," she gestured. Everyone followed her order, a wonderful feast set out before us.

Silence filled the table as everyone dug in, "How'd the new weapon work today?" Mikasa, the girl who approached Eren in the courtyard, questioned, causing Levi to look up from his teacup, Hange smiling at the question.

Levi let out a heavy sigh as if preparing for a long speech, "great," and muttering under his breath.

Two boys snickered, as a girl stuffed her face, "Sasha, slow down," Historia chastised. I smiled to myself it was obvious this group was close... however, there was a missing seat. I wonder who it belongs too.

Lake called out to me, "Your majesty," grabbing the others attention, "Lake what have I told you, my name please," I scolded, causing her to grumble, "Sorry. Delphine?"

"Yes."

"Have you tried the meat, it's quite delicious, different than fish," she commented causing me to shake my head, "Not just yet I was taking everything in."

She nodded slowly turning back to her food, only to be pulled into a conversation by Hange.

Historia turned to me as I began sipping at my cup of water, "So how are preparations for restoration?"

I sighed, "It takes a lot to run a kingdom, some days I wish I was back on the frontlines," I nodded slowly, "diplomacy was hard to learn, but the people welcomed me with open arms," I smiled fondly, "What about you?"

She covered her mouth as she chewed, "I can't say it's been easy, I opened a shelter for orphans closer inland and convincing the lords and captains of that idea wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. The challenges appear every day, but with everyone's help it's been smooth sailing."

I chuckled at her analogy.

I looked down at my empty plate, suddenly not hungry. Was it the nerves? Maybe.

"Oddly enough," Historia began, "it feels as if I've known you forever, the memories your grandparents shared with mine fresh on my mind. Is the sea still red?"

That caught a few people's attention.

I sighed thankful to find something I could talk about, "It's the prettiest blue it's been. It's clearer, cleaner, and safer. My parents were not good to the people, they took so many lives," I gripped my fist in anger, "and it was hard enough to keep the people mindless, the sea-monsters threatening in every way."

"Now that I think about it, our homes are not that different," I sipped slowly my eyes raising from my empty plate to scanning those around us, "our enemies are the same. They kill what they do not understand."

Levi's eyes darkened but Armin was the one to ask, "Who?"

Historian interrupted, "Who did they hurt?"

I looked down. I was only 7 when it happened.

"My sister, when it did not work..." I didn't bother to finish, "if you would like to see the sea I can show you after dinner."

Armin and Eren grinned there eyes lighting up, "please," the blonde nearly begged.

I smiled, "I offered, so of course I will."

Armin and Noah found themselves in a back and forth. They were eagerly discussing the theories Noah came up with as to why the beasts or titans as they called them ignored us. Lake putting in her input.

Oliver looked up to me, "are you not going to eat your majesty?"

I shook my head, "I think the nerves got to me," and stated with a soft smile.

He nodded slowly, causing Historia to groan, "I'm so sorry you were nervous. I'll be sure to have the cooks prepare a few snacks for the late-night in case you get hungry."

I attempted to stop her but she shook her head, "no you traveled all this way, please feel free."

I smiled.

That settled the offer and the others stood up, their plates cleaned for dinner.

"Can we see it now?" Eren asked shyly, causing me to chuckle, "of course."

"Please let's retire to the family room," Historia gestured as she pushed open a door.

Maybe allowing them to see this part of my abilities will help me to gain there trust.