Enjoy~ extremely sorry for delays :'(

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Prince Levi's condition hit an all time worst as he lay gasping for clean air in between trying to reassure me of his "fucking perfect health."

I sat beside him in a similar state, deteriorating soon after Prince Levi. I coughed deeply as my lungs remained tight and heavy. I can't breath... just what is this smoke doing to us? I cast my eyes to a fatigued Levi who questioned my worrying condition in between shaky breaths.

"(Y/N)... are you okay, (Y/N)?"

I spluttered out a hazy reply, my head hitting the back of Prince Levi's royal resting quarters. Will we recover from this? Prince Levi cannot die.

His rule is priceless.

Plus he has no children to inherit the throne.

Prince Levi spoke again, this time turning his head to the side in attempts of working out how bad my breathing had become.

"Oi, look at me."

My vision blurred for a couple of seconds as the faint outline of pale skin and raven hair caught my attention. My throat... I can't breath...

"(Y/N)... look at me."

Medics surrounded Prince Levi as he rose his voice to a forceful yell, something that must of been incredibly painful. He's angrily shouting... my heart hurts hearing the blatant distress in his voice.

The medics disregarded my life, focusing only on the wellbeing of Prince Levi. We are not married... Prince Levi's coronation is due in three months. I understand why I'm of little importance right now...

"Tend to my wife! She's dying!"

I forced myself to cast my eyes upwards, focusing on bright lights to stop the darkness threatening to fill my head. Prince Levi continued to struggle against the medics who lightly took ahold of his shoulders and advised him not to yell - claiming I'd be attended to after he was considered "safe."

Prince Levi and I cannot afford to be in such a weak condition. Eren only has two days remaining in the cells... Prince Levi is in no position to propose or make rational decisions.

We're in trouble.

Minutes felt like hours as I began to feel constricted and gentle. Similar to floating. I reflected on Marco who met such a gruesome and cruel fate. I feel content... with Prince Levi by my side I feel... happy and warm.

I gasped softly, turning my head to check on Prince Levi who seemed to be unconscious from such large amounts of yelling. Two medics stood with their fingers on his pulse before nodding their heads with a shaky sigh.

They look panicked.

I could no longer defend myself from the consuming darkness. I'm going to rest for awhile... I'll feel better soon. I closed my eyes and lost my sense of reason.

|~~~~|

"You better have a good excuse for sleeping this long..."

Prince Levi... he's awake? I gently opened my eyes which blurred violently. I also happened to feel a certain young Prince place his hand under my chin and raise my head. Prince Levi's thumb parted my lips as I inhaled deeply, meeting the intense silver stare of a familiar royal descendant.

"Rise and shine, brat."

I gasped for air, immediately raising my hand against my throat which Prince Levi dismissed in a matter of seconds. My throat feels clear and free of smoke. How long has Prince Levi been recovered for? Is Eren free?

"Don't touch, shitty brat. Just focus on breathing."

I sat up and harshly placed my hand onto Prince Levi's arm, my eyes swirling with a question he knew I longed and feared to know the answer. Is Eren free from the cells? Prince Levi crossed his arms with a loud sigh, loosening his cravat with a dismissive click of his tongue.

"Only a day remains."

I sighed in relief, neatening my clothing with a faint groan. So I've been asleep for a day or two... not bad. I rose my head to inconspicuously check on Prince Levi, but he instantly caught my attempt.

"I'm fine. I fired multiple medics for failing to protect their future Queen."

I stiffened, wiping my eyes of any sleep and fatigue. Fired? All for placing his wellbeing first... truly he cares for my safety over anything else. I bowed my head, tugging lavish blankets away from my body.

"Thank you... I appreciate your worry more than you could possibly imagine."

Prince Levi crossed his arms, lightly taking ahold of my chin and parting my lips with a deep hum of approval. I'm blushing... I can't control my embarrassment whenever he touches me so lovingly like this.

"Don't say such kissable things. The medic informed me: 'strictly no sex' due to our lungs."

I spluttered on my words, averting my gaze away from Prince Levi's amused and taunting smirk. Saying such straight forward things at a time like this! Prince Levi traced the shell of my ear, muttering dirty nothings into my skin.

"Getting all worked up from just the mention of it~ so lewd, (Y/N)."

I bowed my head, remaining silent as I could form no words. Prince Levi chuckled deeply, leaning away with a soft:

"Such an endearing brat."

I shifted my weight and lowered my bare feet onto the luxury carpet below. Prince Levi lightly took ahold of my arm and assisted me to a standing position. Such a gentleman... yet he speaks such dirty words.

"Spare me of such praise~"

I muttered with a gentle smile as Prince Levi lowered his grip and nodded his head a single time upon noticing how well I could talk and stand unaided.

"I'll praise you until the end of time."

Prince Levi swiftly walked towards his oakwood desk and collapsed into his red leather chair with a loud, slightly concerned sigh. We must join together and figure out how to prevent Eren from harming or killing my allies.

I blushed softly, nervously approaching Prince Levi's desk. I'm a little troubled over Eren's plans... plus we don't know who started the fire. I lowered myself into an uncomfortable wooden chair opposite piles of uncompleted paperwork.

"How are you feeling, brat?"

I smiled and neatened out my collar. My clothes are rather dishevelled after sleeping for such a long time. Prince Levi tapped his finger onto his expensive oakwood desk, awaiting my reply.

"Much better now I've slept for awhile... how is your throat? I saw you faint after yelling..."

Prince Levi stiffened and crossed his arms. I also noticed how his thin brows furrowed in clear confusion.

"Hah?"

Oh god... he doesn't remember... what should I say? He yelled some pretty embarrassing things. I know Prince Levi dislikes presenting himself as 'vulnerable.' Well, I suppose being called his wife isn't necessarily 'embarrassing' just... a little forward?

"Any day now, (Y/N)."

I jolted against the sharp wood pressing into the middle of my spine with a soft exhale, nervously scratching the back of my neck.

"I couldn't really hear what you said... I was worried when you fainted is all."

Prince Levi leant back into his chair with a unconvinced frown. I chuckled nervously, hoping to avoid his calculating stare. He's assessing me...

"Is that so? Well I'm pleased to inform you I'm in perfect health from this point onwards."

So modest... but I can see the red tinge peeking out from under his cravat. I reluctantly nodded my head, brushing my fingertips under my bruised throat.

"Don't touch it, you idiot."

Prince Levi glared fiercely, neatening his cravat, but failing to tighten the material correctly. I knew smoke inhalation prevented him from doing so.

The two of us are in weakened states. Prince Levi's putting up a front in order to ease my worries... but if anything... his actions concern me even more.

"I believe a plan was already formed about how to deal with Eren. I shall summon your ungrateful friends here - then I'll..."

Prince Levi hesitated, lowering his eyes to a heavy stack of bank statements and taxes. Interesting stuff... I awaited his nervous words, but I already guessed what he longed to say.

Marriage.

Prince Levi told me he'd propose in court as a shock tactic... but he didn't follow through on his arrangement. I never questioned why, nor did Levi bring up the topic again.

Maybe now is a good time? I cleared my throat, parting my lips to announce the subject myself - only Prince Levi interrupted me.

"Then I'll propose to you."

Even though I'd mentally prepared myself for his words, hearing them aloud flustered me to no end. I felt a soft warmth rush to my face, exposing my embarrassment in plain sight.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I didn't propose in court... I wish for it to be proper."

I smiled gently, lifting my head to meet Prince Levi's conflicted and iron stare. I believe his words... with such a stern look on his face I can't possibly disregard his statement.

"I see..."

Proper? As in romantically? I urged myself to question further, elegantly neatening my collar for a second time. Prince Levi looks so stern... is he planning the proposal? Or is he worried about where to do it?

I can't believe a royal descendent wishes to marry me... I can't even believe being married in the first place. So many dresses, flowers and crowds.

I'm awfully nervous about the situation. I've only ever known stealing and fleeing. I abandoned marriage a very, very long time ago. Plus I'm marrying such a handsome man... so incredibly good looking... the most stunning man I've ever seen-

"Are you deaf?"

I chuckled nervously, scratching the back of my neck as if to rid the forbidden thoughts from my mind. Strangely, we hadn't discussed the fire. I assumed Prince Levi wished to put the entire incident behind him, but I refuse to forget my second set of burns.

"I'm sorry... just a little spaced out."

Prince Levi lowered his arms onto his oakwood desk and placed his hands under his chin. Almost as if he was offering me something to sign. I crumbled under the intense pressure and abruptly averted my gaze.

"Fuck~"

Prince Levi removed his cravat, revealing some sort of yellow blister. That doesn't look good... hopefully the medic's treated his injury to the best of their ability. I frowned, tracing my now healing burns which littered my fingertips and cascaded down my knuckles.

"Who caused the fire?"

Prince Levi's injury provoked my inconsiderate question. I spoke without thinking... although he looks confused and angry... I suppose he has no idea either. Eren was in the cells... could he of hired someone else to start the fire?

Prince Levi rolled his eyes, briskly standing from his chair with a loud sigh. I also rose from my wooden seat, but not as quickly due to my exhaustion.

"I have no leads at this current moment. I suppose a hitman or someone seeking death."

Seeking death? That must mean an individual of close attachment to me or maybe even Prince Levi started the fire... Reiner would never so he's automatically off the list. What about his friend that stood beside him? The tall boy...

"You know any important information?"

Prince Levi seemed tense and awfully stern. Like he wouldn't tolerate hidden evidence or lying. I nodded softly, crossing my arms as if to silently comfort myself.

"I saw a tall young boy beside Reiner at the trial... I've never met him before."

Prince Levi clicked his tongue, lightly taking ahold of my hand as we sluggishly walked towards his chamber door.

"That so? I'll look into it."

Prince Levi's grip on my hand tightened slightly as he froze for a second. We stopped walking... he's completely silent. After a couple of seconds, Prince Levi finally spoke up.

"Remain in good health. I can't stand the idea of being separated. Don't annoy me anymore."

I chuckled lightly, nodding my head in acknowledgment. He expresses his emotions through words terribly... a large jumble of sensations. Prince Levi strictly crossed his arms, scowling once he realised I found his words humorous.

"Something comical?"

I shook my head, lightly brushing my thumb across Prince Levi's bandaged fingers. Such a painful injury... he spent extra time inside the courthouse trying to locate me.

"Nothing at all."

Prince Levi clicked his tongue, shifting his attention back onto his paperwork covered desk. I know he's busy... the fire must of deeply affected his work. Prince Levi sighed loudly, deciding against leaving his chambers and returning back to his important files.

"Rest some more. Eren is released tomorrow. I should start the process of summoning your brain dead friends."

I glared, returning to my much loved linen sheets and lowering myself onto the comforting pillows with a soft groan. I glanced upwards, scanning the marble ceiling in awe. Truly an expensive and magnificent palace.

"Reiner isn't 'brain dead'... I treasure our friendship the most out of all my allies combined."

Prince Levi seemed surprised, lowering his quill into a pot of dark ink with a smirk. Why is he smiling like that? Is he mocking me? I dismissively rolled over, closing my eyes with a faint yawn.

"Rest until you can walk down my hallway and back. I sense Eren plans dangerous things."

I hummed in agreement, quickly discovering my mind remained fully awake, yet my body felt heavy and stiff. Marriage... I wonder just what exactly a royal wedding looks like... Prince Levi must have a vague idea...

I wonder how he spent his childhood... I would love to see Prince Levi as a little boy. I bet he was very sweet. How long exactly has Prince Levi lived here?

I know next to nothing about his previous life stages... yet he knows some information about mine.

After all this, he still wishes to marry me.

"Levi..."

I spoke his first name, something I rarely do out of genuine discomfort and fear over guards dangerous assumptions. But since we're alone like this... it feels nice to address him so casually.

"What is it, you shitty brat?"

I asked a question which plagued my mind regularly. Since my face was hidden and my back shielded my embarrassment, I figured now was a perfect time to sort out my swirling thoughts.

"Do... do you really wish to marry me?"

I've asked this question before, but couldn't help feeling doubtful. Prince Levi has his pick of any woman in the world, yet he's choosing to marry an... idiot like me.

"I do believe I've answered this question before, so I'll only answer it once more: yes."

I visibly stiffened; Prince Levi's confirmed his desires twice now. Hearing such a straightforward response eased my worries greatly. To this day I can't believe he desires to wed me. I need to have more faith in myself.

"Do you dislike rich women?"

Prince Levi loudly clicked his tongue, shifting against his leather seat for a brief moment. I desire to wed him too. I hope he knows that. I did yell my marriage hopes at complete strangers...

"What is this? Twenty one questions?"

I smiled gently, deciding to face Prince Levi after all. Looking away is rude and hurtful. I sat up with a soft sigh, allowing my back to press against the wooden headboard.

"Something like that..."

Prince Levi continued on with his paperwork, clearing his throat with a uneasy cough. Maybe I should question him another time... we are trying to heal after all.

"As a rule, yes. Although there are some who are... average."

Average? Does he mean personality wise or appearance wise? When I first met Jean he claimed Prince Levi 'despised the courtship scene.' I assumed it was because many ladies were only after his money and crown.

"I can't stand facetious women. I also dislike self centred personality traits, which is sadly a common trait in most wealthy women." (Facetious= treating serious issues with deliberate humour.)

Oh... so that's what he means. Prince Levi is a wholesome man after finding out such interesting facts about him.

A little odd, considering he's a kind guy even though he was raised the richest of them all. His mother did an excellent job.

"Are you done, nosey brat?"

I shook my head, smiling brightly as Prince Levi seemed to roll his eyes upon noticing my intrigued expression. I want to know about his childhood... I long to know every little thing about him.

"Have you ever attended a royal wedding? I saw a glimpse of one on the streets a few years ago."

Prince Levi crossed his arms with a satisfied smirk, lowering his quill with a teasing lick of his lips. I'm glad Prince Levi's gaining some sort of enjoyment out of this.

"I attended one on my father's side when I was six. I don't remember much, but I believe someone painted a picture of me beside a palace dog at the time."

I eagerly sat up, lowering my feet onto the soft woolly carpet and began to approach Prince Levi's desk. I'm excited to see a painting like that!

"Really? Can I see? I'm sure you were such a cute child~"

Prince Levi glared softly, rising from his leather chair with a loud groan, stretching his joints with a soft 'click' as he headed towards some sort of draw.

After digging through important paperwork, Prince Levi pulled out a small framed photo - he reluctantly held the painting out for me to see.

My eyes widened in disbelief; Prince Levi looks so sweet and innocent. He's even wearing his beloved cravat, except the material is smaller.

"Wah~ you look so cute!"

Prince Levi harshly snatched the painting away and proceeded to bury the image deep within his document draw. I smiled brightly, lightly brushing Prince Levi's injured fingertips with my own.

"I was a child. Naturally I'd be making stupid faces like that."

I chuckled in amusement as Prince Levi turned to face me with a slightly flustered glare. He's distressed after showing such a precious painting from his childhood.

"Go the fuck back to bed~"

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