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My wondrous resting time was beyond magical as I rolled over with the covers pulled tightly against my neck. Three full hours sleep. What did I do to deserve such a blessing?

I immediately silenced my thoughts once several gentle knocks against Prince Levi's chamber door forced my eyes to widen. Oh... I remember... the maid. I slowly rose from Levi's comforting bed and traveled across the luxury carpet. I hope she's nice... I cautiously opened the ivory green door.

My assumption was proved correct as the familiar, lifeless maid I met a full year ago stood bowing in front of me. I quickly mirrored her actions in response, shakily apologising for wasting her time.

The maid raised her head, only she stiffened and looked beyond shocked once we met eyes. I surprised her... well, I suppose that's natural considering we met such a long time ago...

"You..."

I averted my gaze, looking into her eyes was difficult - she looked so shocked that her dull, empty stare sparked to life. Similar to a fire... I gently extended out my hand as we awkwardly shook for a moment.

"I'm Mikasa. Prince Levi ordered me to run a bath and make you comfortable."

I smiled gently; yet felt a wave of self consciousness wash over my body. I must look disgusting... I've been in a cell for nearly two weeks. Newly introduced Mikasa - lead me towards Prince Levi's washroom.

I reluctantly followed behind and once I reached the bathroom - admired all the beautiful arrays of soaps and fragrances that adorned the light blue walls. Such luxury...

I froze once I finally caught a glimpse of my face. A stunning glass mirror attached to the turquoise walls allowed me the most horrific sight of myself.

Mud and grime smudged my face and my hair looked tangled and knotted. My clothes were dirty and old, making me look like some sort of prisoner or incredibly poor peasant.

I've never seen myself look so... useless. I suddenly felt ashamed I'd let Prince Levi look at me for even a second. What on earth was he thinking when he saw me like this?

Mikasa remained quiet out of respect as she silently began to run a hot bath. I lowered my head, tightly clenching my fists. I feel pathetic... Mikasa suddenly cleared her throat, extending out her arms as she mumbled:

"Please undress."

I nodded and began to do so, first removing my dirty button up jacket and then my lower gi trousers. Once I remained exposed, I lowered myself into the bath of warm water as the once clear, pale liquid began to turn black from the dirt that stuck to my skin.

"Would you like any assistance?"

I gently shook my head as Mikasa stepped away from the bath and gently sat onto a small wash stool, removing a book from her apron and flicking through the pages. I sunk deeper into the bath as I lathered myself with soap and began to scrub my hair.

"Thank you."

I muttered, only Mikasa's dull eyes remained trained to her book. I assumed to avoid the embarrassment of seeing me so... naked.

"You're welcome... M'lady."

                               |~~~~|

Prince Levi Ackerman, royal descendent.

Piles upon piles of paperwork seemed to be my main priority. My worry over (Y/N) forced me to neglect extremely important work. So many folders to arrange... My quill traced another tax as I signed my name for the one hundredth time.

I was told by my mother to make my signature as complicated as possible so imposters couldn't sign illegal documents using my name. My mother was french so her intricate handwriting influenced my now regularly used signature.

Her advice was correct as many thieves have tried to sign illegal papers using my royal name, but upon inspection they can never copy the splatters of ink caused by twisting the quill while forming the 'A.'

I'm grateful for her clever advice - something I plan to tell my children in the future. I must father a baby boy to claim my throne and continue my bloodline. Eren's words at the stables infuriated me. My night with (Y/N) wasn't about risk - it was about love.

Plus I would not be troubled in the slightest if she happen to fall pregnant with my child. But those are thoughts for another day. My brat certainly cannot be overpowered with the thoughts of childbirth during this troubling time.

Once the trial is over and my kingdom has calmed... then I shall bring up the topic.

I clicked my tongue upon realising my quill hadn't moved from my previous tax - hinting I'd been lost in thought for a full twenty minutes. Shit... I'm low on time... I glanced upwards once my office door slowly creaked open and Petra leant her head around the light green wood.

"Sorry to disturb you, Levi... I hoped we could talk for a moment. I haven't seen you in quite a while..."

I cast my eyes to my large pile of paperwork and then to Petra.

"I have time."

Nice one, Levi.

Petra closed the door with a soft smile, whispering: "wonderful!" under her breath. I leant back into my chair with a low groan, stretching my aching joints. Petra sat opposite and cleared her throat. I expect Petra wishes to discuss something important. She always sat opposite me when something was on her mind.

"I walked past your chambers today and happened to overhear the foreigner's voice... have you released her by your own instruction?"

I stiffened; Fucking wonderful. Exactly what I need to be discussing right now. I let a loud sigh escape my lips as I lowered my arms onto my oakwood desk.

"Yes. I removed her using my royal blood as justification."

Petra frowned, neatening a few wrinkles from her light purple dress. She's right. We haven't spoken in a long time. Since when did I start neglecting our friendship? Petra smiled weakly, raising her head to meet my intimidating stare.

"I won't say your actions were incorrect. But by removing the foreigner you've put the trial in great risk. If you cannot stand the thought of the foreigner sitting in a cell, then you must not be able to bear the idea of her being killed."

I angrily clenched my fists. Just who the hell does she think she is? Is she lecturing me? All of a sudden, I felt deflated. Is this... lack of hope?

"You're in no position to tell me my judgment was incorrect. Yet I understand what your insinuating. (Y/N's) life is at risk of a potential assassination or uprise from the Kingdom."

Petra nodded silently, lightly twirling a small strand of strawberry blond hair around her matching lilac nail. I wonder what (Y/N) would look like dressed in such finery? Petra seemed unnerved by my stare and blushed softly.

"You're quick to understand things, Levi. I always admired you for that. I hate to be so forward, but what will you do if the trial fails?"

My muscles tensed from the sudden seriousness of her usually gentle voice. Petra seems concerned... question is - for my wellbeing or (Y/N's)? I removed another paper from my never ending pile and decided to complete taxes while talking. Petra didn't seem to mind.

"I have a plan arranged should the worst happen. Naturally, I won't discuss it with anyone - not even (Y/N) herself in case information leaks from her lips."

Petra's eyes widened from the second use of (Y/N's) first name. I no longer call her 'foreigner' due to the disrespect the insult is to her village and self esteem. I signed my name with a quick flick of my quill and moved onto the next bank statement.

"I know it sounds false, but I'm concerned over the foreigner since she's important to you. Although, you must understand why I'm cruel at times... I still care deeply for you, Levi."

I ceased my quill mid signature - essentially ruining the paper's worth. I loudly clicked my tongue in annoyance and glanced upwards for a brief moment.

"My words are cruel, but I'll say them so you know I will not change my mind on our once hopeful marriage. I do not care for you that way- nor will I ever do so."

Petra lowered her head, distress and upset tainting her angelic features. I unfortunately happened noticed tears prick the corner of her eyes. My words must be said to eliminate false hope. I reluctantly tore my ruined paperwork in half, wincing as a large sum of money turned to scrap paper before my eyes.

"I understand, but please know I hold nothing but your best interests at heart."

I nodded my head a single time, sternly rising from my wooden chair. Damn bastard wood is digging into my back.

"I also hold you in high regard. We remain strong allies. Don't forget this."

Petra smiled gently and bid me farewell, swiftly leaving my office and closing the door behind her with a soft 'click.'

Shit. Now I'm really behind schedule.

                                   |~~~~|

A loud sigh escaped my lips as I sunk deeper into the warm, blissful bath. Mikasa changed the water several times to rid the dirt, so now I'm clean, I can finally relax. Mikasa glanced upwards and nodded her head in approval upon noticing my lively behaviour.

I felt far better now the grime and misery had been washed off me in rose scented shampoo and lavender infused soaps. I must thank Prince Levi for his bathroom... perhaps I should do something nice for him? He's always going out of his way to ensure I'm safe.

I must remind myself these luxuries are temporary. By being removed from the cells using Prince Levi's words as justification is bad news to those who are oblivious to our relationship.

Prince Levi's at risk, the trials at risk, and I'm at risk.

Once my fingers started to shrivel, I knew I finally wanted to leave my hot bath behind. If the human body didn't go all wrinkly like that, I'd stay in the bath forever and live my life as some sort of fish.

I sat quietly for a few seconds and once pure silence filled the room. Mikasa quickly realised the hint and swiftly rose from her little stool. Being so exposed in front of a stranger unnerved me slightly, but once Mikasa handed me a towel - my uneasiness slowly melted away.

Mikasa informed me of some clean clothes originating from Chi were kindly provided by Prince Levi in the other room. I tightly clutched my towel and waited for Mikasa return. She left the washroom door open and I thought nothing of it.

Until Prince's chamber entrance suddenly opened as a loud, deep sigh erupted throughout the room. Sadly, the entire world was out to get me as I met eyes with Prince Levi.

In nothing but a towel.

"S-Stop looking!"

Prince Levi remained silent as his eyes lowered to my exposed legs, almost drinking in the sight. I turned away, clutching my towel in case any of my... parts... were seen by Prince Levi's watchful stare. I hastily slammed the bathroom door shut and pressed my back against the wood.

I can't believe he walked in right at that moment! Just what are the chances of that happening?

"That was a very rude thing to do, your majesty."

Mikasa's incredibly scary voice defended my embarrassment by talking back to the Prince. I'd never seen, let alone heard anyone talk back to the Prince - so listening in on the conversation felt painful.

"My eyes lowered by accident."

An amused smile graced my lips. What a reply... Mikasa's questioned backed Prince Levi into a corner so his responses were very limited. To think he'd give such terrible reasoning... Mikasa cleared her throat and after announcing her presence - opened the washroom door.

"Don't mind Prince Levi, he hasn't seen a naked woman for such a long time."

My eyes widened as Mikasa empathised her witty comment and loudened her voice to a level Prince Levi could clearly hear. I shook my head and tried to ease the sudden tension.

Once I heard the dreaded:

"Tch."

I knew Prince Levi was frustrated and punishment was inevitable. I hope Mikasa isn't upset... I like her presence and overall 'cold kindness.'

Mikasa told me when we very first met that the Prince pays her a good wage. Could she be one of the most trusted maids inside Prince Levi's palace? That would explain her sassy attitude...

"Here, M'lady..."

Mikasa handed me a creamy beige shirt and matching gi trousers - a little on the big size, but the material was clean so I gratefully accepted. Anything other than those dirty prison clothes.

I quickly dressed and felt so much relief wearing something sourced from my village. Village Danba... my prison sickness even felt considerably better thanks to a hot bath.

I felt a little warm. I suppose my fever has yet to fade. Prince Levi informed me of chicken soup... I must admit I'm rather looking forward to eating that... Mikasa opened the washroom door and bowed to me a final time.

"I wish you a pleasant evening, M'lady, Prince Levi."

Mikasa gritted her teeth upon mentioning Prince Levi's name - but bowed again to show her respect. The Prince merely clicked his tongue and muttered:

"You're lucky I don't kick your ass."

Mikasa glared and neatened her uniform to a presentable level. I'm glad Prince Levi has someone he can speak to informally. Being a Prince must get tiresome sometimes. It's refreshing to see he has friends scattered around the palace.

"Good evening."

With those two words she left Prince Levi's chambers behind. I hope to see Mikasa again. She's awfully kind... yet not afraid to voice when things go wrong.

She also looks strong willed.

"You clean up nice, brat."

I averted my gaze as a hot, intense blush spread across my face. Paired with Prince Levi's compliment and the towel incident - my temperature increased by a lot.

"Thank you..."

I shyly searched the room for my beloved chicken soup, but felt disappointment flood my stomach once I spotted nothing food related.

"Looking for this?"

Prince Levi pointed towards a tray, hidden behind a yellow vase of flowers. I admired a large ceramic bowl, filled with chicken soup.

"C-Can I eat it?"

Prince Levi clicked his tongue as he approached my hungry presence with a gentle glare.

"I suppose so."

I smiled gently but was abruptly stopped by Prince Levi's tight hold - his left hand lowered to my waist, while his other hand held my chin in place. I blushed profoundly, averting my gaze to my steamy chicken soup.

"Attention on something other than me? How frustrating."

I parted my lips as Prince Levi leant close, gently pressing his lips against mine for a heated kiss. My heart raced in anticipation as I let a small sound of pleasure leave my throat.

"Nn~"

My back hit the wall - a little forcefully as Prince Levi deepened the kiss by entering his tongue. It's so wet and warm inside my mouth... I swirled my tongue against his heated muscle as we passionately french kissed. Such a sensation...

Sadly, my hunger overpowered my lust. My stomach rumbled rather loudly - ruining the loving moment completely. Our lips disconnected as a small strand of saliva trickled from the Prince's mouth.

"I-I'm sorry..."

Prince Levi smirked softly, wiping his lips and sighing loudly. He looks a little stressed... I'll make sure to calm him...

"Forget it. Go eat, you brat."

I averted my gaze, swiftly walking towards my desired meal to avoid humiliating myself any further. I'm ecstatic to eat such a humbling bowl of soup.

While I was bathing, Mikasa took the liberty of changing the dirty sheets - which I thanked her religiously for. Prince Levi nodded his head in approval, allowing me to sit down and eat.

"While you're recovering, I'll inform you of the trial which is in three days time. I've removed you from the cells - which looks emotionally weak to all."

I rose a large spoonful of chicken soup to my lips and silently blessed all the chefs that took the time and care creating such a beautiful, rich tasting broth. I nodded my head to let Prince Levi know I was listening intently while enjoying my soup.

"You're at great risk. I don't doubt your skills in swordsmanship, but fear people will disprove of our relationship so much that they'll sentence you to hang without undergoing a trial or even giving a second thought."

I frowned; blowing on my lovely soup for a couple of seconds. Surely people wouldn't sentence me to hang without a trial? The chances of that are unlikely... the only main threat is Eren, but he's in the cells for another two weeks.

At least my friends are safe for now.

"I've thought carefully about a plan (Y/N)... would you like to hear it?"

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