𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 |𝐒𝐍𝐊/𝐀𝐎𝐓|

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟏

William smiled attempting to assure me.

Nothing could calm the storm of nerves within my stomach though. Because today I'd officially be meeting Historia's royal advisors. A few names had been passed within the last two weeks, but I'd only remembered two.

Zackly and Pixis. Zackly seemed to be fairly stone-cold but his sense of justice prevailed. He was the judge who ruled in favor of using Eren's abilities to fight against the titans under the Scout Regiment if I'm not mistaken. He's older and he's allowed the years of following rules and remaining stoic to ease him into a playful old man. Once you get to know him... Erwin tells me.

Pixis on the other hand is a drunkard. Apparently he's smart, strategic, and crazy. Which is to be expected after years of leading the Garrison and when you have the first name Dot.

I was thankful William was to be at my side today. I was quite uncomfortable with the crown resting atop my elegant braids, but Historia insisted. Knowing the crown would really sell the story. Lake, Oliver, and Noah would be joining Erwin, Levi, Hange, and Moblit on discussing the strategies for retaking Wall Maria. We'd be joining them in the afternoon after a light lunch.

Oh, jellyfish. I'm gonna be sick. Why am I gonna be sick? What's wrong with me? Get it together. You can do this.

"Your highness," William called out, pushing me from my thoughts, "you're doing it again."

I blushed looking down to my hands, "Sorry," I separated them knowing I could break a finger without even realizing it.

He stopped in front of me, causing me to nearly run into him, he steadied me with his hands, "relax."

I took a deep breath but the sick feeling in my stomach only got worse. I shook my head, my hands shaking as I realized I was about to have a panic attack.

"Crap," I muttered as I blinked, attempting to get rid of the unshed tears, my breaths got quicker and quicker and I seemed to be falling.

Get it together I tried telling myself over and over but I was on the verge of passing out as my vision blurred.

I felt bad for William. Usually, Noah is here to calm me down.

"Delphine, please come on," I heard the desperation as my throat closed up. I needed something, anything, one thing to keep me grounded.

My hands hit the stone-cold floor. I shook my head over and over as I tried to focus on that instead. I'd really hate for the others to see me like this. A warrior Queen with anxiety. So mighty. I scoffed at myself.

The insistent beating at myself seemed to wake me up. My vision cleared the blurriness replaced by a worried William. I was thankful we were still alone.

"I..."

I looked away, guilt filling me instantly, "Sorry if I scared you."

William's face immediately changed, "Delphine, please don't ever apologize for panicking, I'm sorry I didn't know what to say."

I shook my head, "William," I wanted to say I was sorry, but he and the others were right. I said it too much, but it just felt right. I was sorry. For so many things, but right now wasn't the time to apologize. Right now I had to be a Queen.

So instead I sighed, "Please tell me you brought the sand dollars."

He smiled, lifting up two boxes I hadn't seen on our ride over.

"Ok," I took a deep breath, "let's go."

I stood up, forcing away as much of the fear as I could. I knew one of the downsides of being compassionate and choosing to feel everything was second-guessing myself and having the panic attacks, but if it kept me from making a careless decision, it was worth it.

"Right," I could feel Williams' agreeance as we moved through the building. I was very surprised no one had walked down the hallway, but then I remembered all of the soldiers should be training.

As we rounded the corner I could see Historia wave, "whew you made it, I'm glad," she stated as I bowed acknowledging her status. She returned the bow causing me to smile, "I apologize for the delay, we had a few things to discuss," I stated as professionally as I could.

She shook her head and waved dismissively. "I understand, they just got here anyway." She leaned in to whisper in my ear, "Besides I only invited the ones who mattered, which just happens to be Zackly, Pixis, and my old instructor, Shadis."

My heart stopped. Not because she'd mentioned a new name, but because she was kind enough to consider me in today's meeting. I'd only be attending as a guest but she made sure I was comfortable as her guest. My respect for her grew immensely.

I smiled immediately, "I wish I could hug you, but that would be very unprofessional," I whispered back, causing her to blush but she was quick to replace it, "who said anything about being professional. I like hugs," and shrugged.

I smiled and wrapped my arms around her, immensely grateful for her thoughtfulness.

William chuckled behind me.

I pulled away at noticing my crown tilt, I adjusted it quickly as I stood to her height. I'd never noticed this before, but I was barely an inch shorter than her. A clearing of the throat broke my thoughts causing me to look up.

I bowed immediately, "it's a pleasure to meet you all," I stated causing them to rise. They bowed as well.

"You're just as beautiful as the soldiers described," one of them smiled sweetly, "the names Pixis, your highness."

I returned his smile, "thank you," partly wondering which soldiers he meant, "the stories do you no justice."

He seemed surprised, however before he could continue, Historia stepped in, "this is Commander Shadis, trainer of the Cadets and Judge Zackly."

They bowed as well, keeping their indifferent looks.

"Pleasure to meet you both."

Historia stepped forward causing me to follow her thankful William was close behind. We took a seat, "let's begin the meeting," she announced as the doors closed.

𝐚/𝐧: it's been a while. i really need to get back to writing. but i haven't had a chance to finish Chapter 22 and that's the baTTLE scene and why is that too hard to write.

anyway enjoy guys byeee