This Love Is Forbidden

1: The French Prince

Levi was born into a royal family. His father was the king, and mother was the Queen. When he was about the age of five, his beloved father passed away to a disease that was spreading across the country.

His mother stayed the queen, though she found it hard to run a whole country and have time for her child, so Levi would consider himself lucky whenever he could spend time with her; whether it's for royal duties or even just passing each other in the hallways.

Of course, this gave him more time to study. Even at such a young age, he learned to speak fluent in French and English, and knew more than other princes that were his age. He also was able to become friends with some of the children who also roamed the castle.

There was Petra, who was a maid and the daughter of the queen's most trusted servant.

There's also Hanji, who was the daughter of a doctor, and though she has an inability to shut up, she is still Levi's most trusted friend.

He's also fond of Eld and Gunther, both are sons of knights, though Eld is more into philosophy and Gunther still wants to be a noble knight.

Then there's Oluo, just a year younger than Levi but still adores the prince so much as to praise him almost every time they bump into each other.

Levi was also watched over by Erwin, his personal guard which he became almost best of friends with.

This was Levi's life for the next 10 years.

~

It was a normal day like any other. Levi was studying with Eld and Gunther about philosophy on the stone balcony of the library, about 5 floor levels up.

"Wow, we are believed to be born selfish? This is some deep thinking. Don't you think so, Prince Rivaille?" Eld casually said. Things like this really interested him.

"Well think about it. Everyone cares for others to some extent before thinking about themselves, so nobody is ever really clean of their doing." Levi simply replied.

Erd slightly laughed, "Ah, you're as smart as ever I see."

Tch. Don't praise me like I'm perfect.

"Philosophy is a waste of time! Rivaille, I finally mastered that move that my father taught me! Mind if I use it on you?" Gunther interupted.

Erd protested, "Gunther! Address the prince properly and don't pick fights with him! It's rude and we all know he's going to win!"

"Yeah, it'll be me!"

"You're so stupid..."

"Let him fight, Erd. And there's no need to address me in such a polite manner. We've been the best of friends for more than 10 years, I've told you this before." Levi interrupted the two other's dispute.

Though with that, Gunther lit up like a candle. "Really?! Awesome! Let's go to the garden. Up here is too dangerous." With a nod, Levi led the other two to the clear field which was made just for Gunther and Levi's fights.

~

After about five minutes of fighting, Levi got Gunther pinned under him, begging to be released.

"Okay!" He cried, "You win!"

With a snicker, Levi mused, "Say mercy."

"Mercy!!"

"Ah, ah, ah. Say it in French."

"Shit you know I'm horrible at French!!"

"Say it."

"Miséricorde! Miséricorde! Prince Rivaille just let me go, my arm feels like it'll snap!"

With that, Levi released Gunther from his grip and laughed, "You're too easy to pin down."

Eld was concerned for both the prince and his friend. "Prince Riva- I mean Rivaille, please stop agreeing to Gunther's fights. You always win so what's the point?"

Another laugh left Levi's lips. "He gives me the exercise. Helping Petra clean doesn't do the trick, but Gunther always finds a way to entertain me. Which reminds me, I'm going to help Petra tend the garden if you two don't mind."

Eld nodded as he helped Gunther up. "Okay, maniaque de la propreté."

For the third time, Levi laughed. As he walked away waving, he couldn't help but say "Au revoir, ne merde votre pantalon de mon absence."

~

"So Rivaille," Petra said as she was trimming a hedge. "Have you met any other princes? Your mother has had a lot of other royalties visit, I wonder what it must be like."

Levi shrugged. "Never met a prince, though I met the princess of Russia, she's a quiet one. She's supposed to come to here soon for my birthday. Mother suggested it."

Not mentioned before, Levi has his sixteenth birthday coming up and his mother plans to throw a ball for him.

"It's annoying. Only royalties are allowed inside and servants and other stay on the outside grounds."

Petra just continued smiling and cutting away at twigs and leaves. "It's just one night, Rivaille. We can celebrate the night after or before with just us friends, since the others and I are only servants."

Levi nodded, "That would be great. After all, I do only enjoy the company of you six besides my mother. Speaking of, you found any information on her schedule today?"

It's not uncommon for Levi to ask this. He and Petra were so close, that she would sneak information of when Celia wouldn't be busy so Levi can spend some time with her.

The rule says regular servants aren't supposed to know, but Levi makes sure Petra gets away without being chastised.

"Ah, about that," Petra chirped. Maybe the queen wouldn't be so busy today? "She's wanting to spend the rest of afternoon with you."

Levi's eyes slightly lit up. He can really be able to have a normal chat with his mother for that long? Before he could thank Petra, he heard a familiar voice.

"Rivaille, dear." That soothing voice. It was no doubt, his mother. "Maman, what brings you to the garden?"

Levi pretended to not know she was expecting to see him. Either he's the best at faking, or she can read him like a book and pretend as well, she went on.

"I want to have a talk with you. Very sorry to intrude on you and your friend's conversation, but I'd like to take as much time as I can, so I can be able to eat lunch with you."