𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 |𝐒𝐍𝐊/𝐀𝐎𝐓|

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟕

A knock broke my concentration as I pulled down my two braids. Waves adorned my hair causing me to pull the top back into a gold flower pin matching my turquoise dress.

For some reason, I felt nervous to be fully decked out in royal wear. I didn't bother with my crown the dress enough for me.

I opened the door only to be greeted by Historia. I automatically bowed causing her to shake her head, "it's going to take forever to get used to that," she chuckled nervously before returning the bow, "I get exactly what you mean."

I shut my door behind me, walking with her down the steps. My gold flats wrapped around my legs stopping below my knee.

"Your dress is beautiful," she complimented causing me to sigh, "it feels like it's a bit much, but blue looks wonderful on you," I returned.

"Yes it's not every day I wear a gown, it won't be long before I return to what I'm used to," she explained causing me to sigh in relief, "as much as I love dresses I feel greatly out of place. So tomorrow, to our regular clothes?"

She stopped to shake my hand, "Tomorrow."

Thankfully we stopped in front of the doors. I pushed them open allowing for her to enter first.

I smiled happy to see those of my party already here standing and waiting for our arrival. Every seat was filled... well other than Historia and I and surprisingly Levi. I wonder where he went.

Yesterday's empty chair was filled with a blonde man who nodded at our entrance.

Once we took our position everyone bowed once and took a seat. I folded my legs, choosing to go with the black tea in front of us.

"Delphine," Oliver caught my attention, "this is Commander Erwin of the scouts," I bowed, "a pleasure to meet you and those who serve under you, I now see who trained these wonderful soldiers."

He chuckled slowly, "You flatter me too much, many people had a part in teaching these soldiers how to fight and when to use discretion," he stated humbly.

I smiled, "In any case, they're wonderful soldiers."

Erwin returned it easily. I guess my charm isn't rusty after all.

Everyone began eating quietly. I found myself looking to the chair the short captain occupied just the night before. He must be doing something important to miss his morning tea.

From the little I knew about him... it was clear the tea had a special place in his heart.

"Where's Captain Levi this morning?" I muttered to Historia, causing her to look up almost surprised at the question.

"He's watching over the training for the 105th Cadet Corps," she explained eating what I could only name as an egg. Along with potatoes and meat.

I nodded slowly, "why?" She questioned setting her silverware down to sip whatever was in her drink.

I blush set in without me even realizing it, "I uh.... ran into him last night, he walked me to my room," I explained, causing her to smile.

"That's kind of him, I served under him as a scout," she began, filling me in on how she became queen while I listened intrigued with her life story.

___

Historia and I seemed to have the same idea because right after breakfast we both changed.

I was dressed in a simple white button-down, fit with a black vest at my torso, and a red skirt. Along my legs were knee-high boots, the skirt falling at my knees. I left my hair as is, deciding I'd watch the training today.

Historia was brought into meetings for the day and I found myself admiring Lake and Oliver in the midst of a battle, Noah had disappeared to speak to Hange, and William remained at my side.

Mikasa was watching Lake and Oliver Armin, and Eren discussing something among themselves. This would be the perfect time.

I approached them nervously, my hands tucked behind my back. I still felt overdressed.

I shook those thoughts away, "Excuse me," Eren tensed before turning to face me, "your majesty," he clumsily bowed causing me to smile softly and shake my head, "please I'm just Delphine. I had a question."

Armin turned to face me, bowing in the process but keeping his words to himself as he nodded, "What does Brat mean?"

They furrowed there eyebrows. Is the term brat not widely used?

"Give us an example," Armin was the first to respond causing me to blush. Why had I blushed so much?

"Uh," I sheepishly looked down, looking everywhere but in their eyes, "if it comes from Captain Levi? He said uh," I thought to myself, what had he said? "Stop apologizing too much brat."

Eren nodded slowly, "I see, well coming from him it's usually a nickname for those he cares about," he explained causing me to smile to myself.

Wait. No.

I shook my head quickly.... but yes?

No.

Yes.

No.

"So, you got him to call you brat?" Mikasa suddenly stated causing me to look up in alarm, "ahaha what?"

She smirked.

Armin added quickly, "Usually it's seen as a 'mean' name but when it comes from him it's seen as his way of showing his care or concern," I nodded slowly.

"So how'd you all end up in this war?"

Armin and Mikasa turned to Eren, who suddenly had a hard and determined look in his eyes. I got comfortable, clasping my hands together knowing a story would be coming from his mouth.