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Guards abandoned me.

People fled.

I was left alone in the courtroom surrounded by thick, suffocating smoke. I inhaled the toxic fumes, reflecting on my decisions ever since I first involved myself with Prince Levi. Charred wood began to crumble from the intense heat, blocking off the courtroom hallway as the flames slowly began to consume me.

I brought my knees against my chest, a mix between suffocation and a sob clenching my throat. I'm scared... I can't move. People's cries of terror slowly began to fade away as the ferocious roar of the fire took control.

I thought Prince Levi and I could finally be together... now I'm going to die in a courtroom because my muscles won't move.

Reiner... forgive me... I haven't overcome my fear of fire at all.

I'm terrified.

I lowered my head, sweat and tears leaking from my lips, nose and eyes. The heat... it's unbearable... I'm going to faint soon. A loud crash followed by dozens of little crackles hinted part of the ceiling had collapsed. Forgive me, Levi... my legs won't move... my body won't move...

I still have so much hope and joy I wish to share with Prince Levi... I desire to see our marriage we fought so hard for.

I don't want to be apart from him in death.

Get up!

Get up!

I won't die here! Not like this!

I clenched my entire body, hastily rising from my weakened position. The roof! I need to get up onto the roof! I must find fresh air before I pass out!

|~~~~|

Prince Levi Ackerman, royal descendent.

"The courtroom really went up in flames..."

Petra muttered, eyeing the once grand courtroom now glimmer and crackle with heat. I crossed my arms with a dismissive sigh. I expected sabotage - not a fire. Luckily, I ordered silver shield guards to escort (Y/N) into a nearby carriage.

I'm aware of her fear.

General Pixis's warning was incredibly vague... but now I understand what he was trying to say.

I clicked my tongue as another part of the courtroom began to collapse under the crushing heat. I can feel the hot air from here... someone intended the fire to consume the entire area.

But why at the end of the trial?

I swiftly turned towards Petra - who was staring intensely at the burning courthouse. In a matter of minutes... only ashes will remain. I glanced upwards once a familiar sound of galloping hooves against cobblestone gained my full attention.

(Y/N)... her court trial went well. I'm free to marry my brat at any time. I informed her of my proposal - which was supposed to take place during court... but I wish to demonstrate my heart alone with her.

I'll propose to her properly... inside my palace.

I approached the golden carriage, opening the door expecting to see my red faced brat, but what I saw instead - frightened me deeply. Two silver shield guards, covered in grime and dark streaks of smoke sat panting inside the elegant carriage.

"Y-Your majesty! The foreigner wouldn't move! The flames came far too close! We fled... please forgive us..."

My eyes widened. Wouldn't move? Don't tell me fear is holding (Y/N) back? I immediately cast my eyes to the roaring fire, which now spread to the left side of the roof. If she's sat on the courtroom floor... she's... she's... tch. (Y/N) is not dead. I refuse to believe so.

Fear consumed my soul, tainting my body like some sort of poison. I feel like throwing up... such a disgusting sensation... my heart can't take this filthy ache. Slowly, once the shock finally reached my brain - anger overtook me.

Rage blinded me.

"So you left your Queen to die?! I'll have you hung for treason!"

I couldn't focus on anything other than the heated courtroom. (Y/N's) inside... there's no way in hell she gave up. I can't stand this... my eyes... I angrily clenched my fists, preparing to end both of the guards pathetic lives myself. I'll kill them. Abandoning my wife so cruelly.

"Levi..."

Petra's concerned and weakened voice broke through my rage, forcing my eyes to fall upon her shaking form. Shit. I forget about Petra. I think she burned herself on the way out...

"It'll be okay... (Y/N) is a strong lady... she'll find a way."

Petra's words gave me little reassurance. The courtroom is surrounded by flames... is there a way in? I must help (Y/N)... if she's sitting on the floor... she might still be alive. I brashly began to undo my maroon coat, discarding the material onto the disgusting ground below.

I need something to cover my face... will my cravat do?

"L-Levi?! What in the world are you doing?!"

I scowled; sensing the apparent fear in Petra's voice. My actions are obvious. I intend to risk my throne in order to see (Y/N's) smile once more. The trial is finally over. Only Eren remains.

I'll marry her if it's the last thing I do.

I loosened my cravat, pulling the material away from my neck and rising the cloth against my nose and mouth. I mustn't inhale too much smoke. I can't afford to die in this fire... I have no children to accept my throne.

The kingdom would fall into chaos.

"Levi... you can't be serious... what you're doing is suicide."

I crossed my arms with a dismayed frown. Now her words make sense... my rule as King will be honest and true. I planned to teach my children the same technique... if I die... some evil royal descendent will take my place.

Possibly Eren.

But I can't rule my kingdom effectively without (Y/N) by my side. She's my wife...
I can't stand and watch the courtroom burn without trying.

"I'll survive."

Petra angrily clutched the sides of her black dress, approaching my dishevelled presence. She looks pissed. Just what I need right now. I glanced towards the treacherous courtroom which began to burn faster the more oxygen fuelled the flames.

I don't have much time. It's now or never.

"I appreciate your guidance this far, Petra."

I swiftly turned my back, nearing the dreadful courtroom which began to produce thick black smoke. Loud crashes only meant the ceiling was near collapsing.

Wait for me, (Y/N).

|~~~~|

I will marry Prince Levi.

I fought so hard in court. I survived Chi's flames.

I can do it again.

My heart hurts so much... its excruciating. I shielded my panting, dehydrated throat in attempts of avoiding the carbon dioxide. The room spun before me as flames danced my vision. I'm scared... my village...

It's blurry... the smoke is so thick... I fell to my knees, coughing violently as the roaring fire followed after my fleeing body. I can't... my throat is too tight... I can't breath. I cast my eyes around the scorching room - desperate to catch a glimmer of fresh air or a potential escape.

The roof is just a little further... Prince Levi might be able to spot me on the roof. Does he even know I'm trapped in here? Is he waiting at the palace?

'Hang in there, brat. I'll buy you a pretty dress. '

I smiled gently, hastily rising to my feet and began walking through the thick smoke once again. Such exposing words to speak during a trial... he seemed amused though.

Forgive me for not moving earlier, Levi.

I rose my hand, wincing as the heat scorched my fingertips. My skin... not another burn... I shakily rose my legs upwards, feeling for some sort of stair structure.

Once I felt wooden slats, I hastily began to run upwards, gasping for air as my hands pressed against each wooden step. How many are there? I need fresh air or I'll damage my brain or throat. I pressed my hands against something square, which was covered in flames. I burnt myself for the second time.

Although this time hurt a lot more.

I stifled a scream as I took a final step backwards, kicking the lock with all my remaining strength.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

My desire to break free and reach the roof was my only wish. I'll do anything! Please just open! I desperately kicked my foot, switching to the other once I grew tired. Please... not when I'm so close...

I prayed.

I begged.

Flames consumed the surrounding area, burning my fragile hands and weak fingers. I cried, sobbing loudly as the awful smell of burning skin filled my nostrils. Please... please just break the door open! Hot tears rolled down my cheek, cleansing the black smoke from my flushed skin. Levi, Reiner, Connie, Sasha.

I remember Reiner throwing apples at my head during sword training... why am I thinking of such things? Is this... my life flashing before my eyes?

My kisses with Levi.

Eating noodles with Sasha.

Becoming a master of the curved sword.

My cherished memories. My beautiful memories. I hold them ever so dearly inside my heart. Even if I die here, I'll still have such wonderful thoughts to take with me. I won't ever forget the blessing of meeting Prince Levi Ackerman. Forgive me, Levi. I'm closing my eyes now. It's dark... but I can hear the slight crackle of flames.

"(Y/N)! A-Are you there?"

My eyes shot open as I lay completely silent on the burning wooden floorboards. My throat is dry... I'm trying to yell... the rescuers voice was dark and shaky from the smoke. Clearly a male is searching for me.

"Here..."

Is all I could manage to speak. I not even sure the noises I'm making are audible. I parted my lips, attempting to raise my voice to a higher level. I need to yell if I want to live. I listened again, hoping my rescuer would shout for a second time so I could try and pinpoint their location.

"(Y/N)! I-It's so smoky I can't see you!"

I noticed my saviours voice was scratchy and dry. Like he'd been the building for a lengthy amount of time. I rose my leather boot as high as humanly possible and proceeded to hit the door with all my willpower.

"Here..."

I muttered again, clinging to consciousness by listening to my rescuers voice. I know that voice... a little deep and condescending. Once I heard the awful break of wood and a flood of fresh air flush my windpipe - my chances of survival increased dramatically.

"I've got you, (Y/N)."

Prince Levi?! How is he here? Did he enter the building and try to rescue me? I rose from my wooden grave and inhaled deeply against Prince Levi's heaving chest. He's coughing and spluttering.

I noticed Prince Levi wore his cravat tightly around his lower face. An odd style... he's trying not to breath in the toxic smoke. I also happened to take notice of his smokey clothes and tarnished white shirt.

"Levi... Levi... please forgive me."

My voice was strangled and incredibly croaky, but Prince Levi immediately told me not to speak and only focus on breathing. I tightly clutched his neck, apologising over and over as my environment started to clear. Where are we? Is it the roof?

"Stay awake, brat. You can't sleep yet."

My eyes are closed... I don't remember feeling or doing such a thing. Heavy winds and bright flames heated my skin once again as Prince Levi lowered me to the ground, crouching down and pressing his fingers against my neck.

A pulse check.

Stones or gravel covered the roof as I felt the material beneath me creak and shake erratically. We'll fall down into the fire... I groaned loudly and rolled onto my shoulder, shakily rising to my feet as Prince Levi took ahold of my arm to steady me.

"Stay close, (Y/N). We'll have to jump down."

My eyes widened. Jump? Jump down onto the floor? We'll die. I shook my head, tightly gripping Prince Levi's smudged shirt.

"There's bushes below. If we jump carefully we'll live."

I soon heard a loud exposition as the gravel section began to shake and erupt with flames. The roofs on fire. Time to jump. I met Prince Levi's panicked steel eyes - wide and alive with worry. But our hands remained tightly clenched. Our fingers which were burnt and tarnished from the flames remained entwined together.

"Jump on three, (Y/N)."

"One."

"Two."

"Three!"

I lunged my body forward, jumping with magically sourced adrenaline. Prince Levi's tense shoulders remained beside me as our hand hold clenched the longer we remained in the air.

The wind raced past my ears and tangled my hair, after a couple of intense seconds - we collapsed atop of a leafy green hedge. Thank the lord for this beautiful hedge. I shakily exhaled, glancing sideways in attempts of checking Prince Levi's condition.

Levi's chest heaved heavily as he pulled his
smokey cravat down from his face, revealing a small cut. I winced as our hold separated - hot blood trickled down my wrist as my skin fell off like paper.

"You idiotic brat! I thought you died!"

I parted my lips as Prince Levi rose from the leafy greenery and extended his hand out for me to take. I shakily did so, staggering to my feet with a hesitant gasp. How did we survive such a horrific ordeal? I can't believe this... I'm with Prince Levi... I survived.

I bowed my head, frowning softly as I pulled Prince Levi into a overjoyed embrace. Tears welled the corner of my eyes. We're together... We escaped the fire... I let out a loud cry of distress.

"Look at me, you brat."

Prince Levi took ahold of my chin and forcefully pressed his lips against mine. I whined softly, tightly clutching his ripped shirt. My heart feels like it's about to burst. Such overpowering emotions... I don't know what to do with them.

My lips parted as Prince Levi continued to mould his lips fiercely against my heated mouth. I couldn't taste usual saliva - only heavy smoke and burning wood.

"Mnf~"

I blacked out for a couple of seconds, pulling away with a deep sigh. I mustn't stop myself from breathing clean air. Prince Levi crossed his arms with a frustrated sigh, wiping his face of any sweat before he placed his burnt hand onto my arm.

"It's over. Let's go."

So calm and collected... such a difference face from his expression on the roof. I slowly took Prince Levi's assistance as the two of us began to walk away from the terrible ordeal in search of guards or Petra. I wish to go to the palace and rest.

We turned a corner, appearing before three worried guards protecting Petra - who stood crying with her makeup all smudged. Poor Petra... she must of thought me and Prince Levi died...

"Levi! (Y/N)!"

I smiled weakly as Petra and her loyal guards immediately ran to our aid. The guards began to tend to Prince Levi, who cleared his throat and insisted I receive medical attention first.

"Her not me. Tend to the Queen."

Queen?! He can't say things like that if we aren't married! I coughed violently, sensing a painful clench around my lower chest. My lungs in particular.

"Escort us back to the palace. We both need burn treatment."

I merely followed behind the guards who obeyed Prince Levi's orders without dispute or hesitation. Petra watched with a pained expression on her face, casting her eyes to Prince Levi and then myself. She looks a little injured as well...

"I'm so glad you two are okay. When I saw the roof collapse... I thought-"

Prince Levi couldn't click his tongue due to the smoke which tainted his windpipe - so he dismissively crossed his arms instead. Petra looked incredibly dismayed, wiping her eyes of any tears with a shaky sigh. Petra loves Prince Levi... seeing the roof collapse must of been torture.

"All is well. Don't fret over our safety. (Y/N) and I survived. I'd like to forget about risking my throne and put this incident behind me."

Petra nodded enthusiastically, bowing her head with an apologetic frown.

"I'm ever so sorry... how are you feeling,
(Y/N)?"

I studied Petra's warm honey eyes - admiring her natural beauty and caring nature. She started off salty at first, but I suppose with her status, I would be too.

"I feel a little dizzy... but other than that I'm right as rain."

My voice croaked every now and then but Petra paid no mind. Like our status was equal. Prince Levi seemed stiff and distracted, removing his cravat which hung loosely around his sweaty neck.

Finally, after a short walk we arrived outside the palace. I want to remain beside Levi and rest for a while... I'm awfully tired.

"Send for a medic. See my wife is treated accordingly."

I blushed furiously, my lips parting almost to scold Prince Levi for his words. But I enjoyed his desire to call me his wife. Me of all people. The guards hurried off with Prince Levi's orders as we past under the metal gates.

"Get inside, (Y/N). I must make sure your lungs are okay."

Prince Levi leant close to my ear, lowering his voice to a whisper. Such a heated gesture... my heart is racing over such petty things...

"I won't be able to ravish you properly otherwise~"

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