𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 |𝐒𝐍𝐊/𝐀𝐎𝐓|

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟕

I found it funny how walking through the darkly lit castle brought me back to the first night we stayed here. I couldn't believe it'd been nearly 5 weeks.

It felt like almost yesterday, I waved to Hange and Levi both of them very untrusting of me. Now, we spoke as if we were old friends. It felt nice to know them personally. All of them.

I pulled at my silk skirt, my arms covered in a sloppy robe I hastily grabbed as my hunger won over my need for sleep.

I almost tripped, the sound of a soft chatter scaring me to bits. I'd need to work on knowing my surroundings better and sneaking past. Laughter filled the hall, bouncing off the stone before it became silent again.

I wonder who else is up at this hour.

I found myself forgetting the memory of hot tea and tiptoeing towards the barely opened door, a fire lit causing light to shine through.

"It's been so long since we've had a moment like this," Sasha commented, sounding relaxed.

I wanted to join them, but they probably wanted a moment alone.

I turned away, only to come face to face with Eren.

"Oh, your highness," he stated surprised, the door opening behind me as Mikasa stepped through.

I began rubbing the back of my head, a sheepish chuckle spilling from my mouth, "I uh, I'm sorry," I attempted to step away from between the two, "I was going to get a cup of tea and I heard you guys. I'll uh, leave you alone," I began walking away backwards, almost turning down a random hallway.

A soft voice entered the hallway, "Wait," it was Armin, "Delphine, come join us."

I turned around, hoping to hide my smile but it seemed it was not hidden when Eren smiled too, "Yeah, come on."

Attempting to hide my excitement, I looked down pulling at my skirt as I slowly walked towards the door.

Mikasa smiled, pushing the door open as I met her, Armin stepped away, allowing for me to enter.

I smiled and waved as I saw Connie, Sasha and Jean. They returned it with a tired smile present.

"Luckily, I was on a snack run, I got some tea too!" Eren exclaimed, giving me the tea cup causing me to nod in thanks.

I was thankful they began talking again, treating me as one of them.

Connie sighed, a faraway look in his eyes, "If only my family had a chance to meet you all."

I looked at the others, noticing there expressions.

Sasha began, "I know we would have loved them," she set her hand on his shoulder.

Jean it seemed was trying to hide something as he smiled crookedly, "Hey, it's okay, when we get back you guys can meet my mother."

Eren looked up in surprise, "Yes even you suicidal b......d," Jean commented almost rolling his eyes.

Eren shook his head, "Who knew Jean-boy would be one for sentiments."

Jean shook his head quickly, "I don't want you there believe me," he cleared his throat adjusting his spot on the floor, "my mom's been adamant about meeting you guys."

Armin smiled, "That means you must be talking about us," he stated slyly, causing the boy to groan, "No that's not it."

Sasha grinned, "Come on Jean, we know you loveee us!"

He rolled his eyes defeated, falling back to his previous relaxed position.

I smiled, the friendly banter relaxing, I leaned against the warm stone wall, the fireplace causing me to lean closer. Who knew nights could be so cold?

I looked up just as Sasha choked back what sounded like a sob, everyone turned to her surprised, "Has it set in.... that tomorrow could be our last battle? That... either one of us could die?"

Nobody dared to say anything, the room hit with a wave of fear that made the pit in my stomach fill. The reality of life had set in. Anyone could die tomorrow. For freedom.

I'd come to terms with it before, a long time ago. Even I was ready to die.

When did I start fearing death? Was it when I had people to care for? No, I'd always had people to care for. Maybe it was when I became afraid to lose what I worked so hard to gain. Funnily enough, I didn't deserve any of it. I deserved to die, more than they did.

In my 27 years of life... I'd done horrible things and now when I'm happy I fear death. How pathetic.

I shook my head, they needed to be uplifted.

I leaned forward, "Hey now, don't forget when you win you'll be coming to my kingdom for a ball, don't you want to see how I live?" That got there heads turning there eyes widening.

Connie beamed, "That's right! You live near the sea, or something like that," he shook his head, causing Eren to grin nudging Armin, "We'll get to the see the sea when this is over," he turned to the others, "all of us, no matter what."

Mikasa nodded, the others suddenly rejuvenated. To keep there minds off the battle, I began, "So what was your training like? And what friends did you have? Tell me everything."

Grin's broke out there faces brighter than the fireplace, everyone turned to Armin the one who seemed to be first. I had a feeling, this night would be our last for a while, so I did my best to stay up.

I did my best to laugh at all the right parts, adjusting myself to lean on the couch Armin and Mikasa occupied. Then it got quiet, as they spoke of the hidden Titan shifters Annie, Reiner and Bertholdt. Jean took over the conversation as Sasha and Connie fell asleep, there snores drowned out by the light crackling of the fire.

Jean spoke so fondly of his friend, Marco. It felt as if I'd personally known him. As we finished it was almost hard to believe they endured so much loss and were still fighting. I felt an overwhelming pride surge me as my eyes gazed between each soldier.

I felt like a proud mother in some way.

It made me smile.

Jean sheepishly shrugged, "Sorry for talking your ear off," causing me to look to him, my smile hopefully warm and heartfelt, "No, I enjoy this. Marco sounds like he was a great friend, I would have loved to meet him."

He shook his head, "He would have been honored to meet you, he had a very big respect for Kings and Queens. He wanted to serve the King, he was more noble than me," he sighed.

Causing me to nod as silence fell through the room, Jean let out a sharp yawn as I noticed Armin and Eren had finally fallen asleep.

When Mikasa and Jean did too, I rose, my eyes set on a few blankets on the edge of the couches. I pulled apart a few, laying each one over them individually. Sasha pulled at it, as Connie yawned, rubbing his eyes before settling in a different position. The warmth of the fireplace, pulled me back to my original spot, my own blanket covering my shoulders as I leaned on the leg of the wool couch.

I closed my eyes once... and they stayed closed.

𝐚/𝐧: 

omg my favorite chapter is coming up- honestly are you guys ready?

like this story will take off soon. i'm so excited. it's gonna get so good.