Enjoy~ ♡

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Informing General Pixis of Reiner's murder was possibly one of the hardest, most soul destroying moments of my entire life.

General Pixis responded to my letter with thousands of beautifully written pages - all on Reiner's memory. Not one word was about his suspicions over what exactly had happened.

I wrote to Reiner's family who quietly resided in Chi - his parents were old and no matter how hard they tried, Reiner would always leave on some crazy adventure with his beloved Master. I received no response from his parents - not even a single mention about his funereal.

As I wrote to Reiner's friends and family, Levi sat beside me for hours at a time. Neither of us spoke, we merely sat beside each other in silent comfort. When I felt like giving up and tearing apart what I had written, Levi would hold my hand and lightly encourage me to try again.

Levi hadn't see me cry, I broke down after Reiner's death and attempted to remain positive after the incident. Reiner wouldn't want me to constantly cry over him. I longed to weep deeply over his absence, but reminded myself how removing my life essence from the world would not help in the slightest.

Instead, I focused nearly all of my attention on Levi's proposal. I tired my absolute best to think about the happiness of eventually marrying Levi. When I occasionally reflected on our moment in the royal hall, I always managed to smile some how.

Levi completed paperwork along side me, I noticed his beautiful wedding ring tap against his ink quill every now and then. I leant away from my completed letters with a shaky exhale.

Almost to calm my nerves, I glanced downwards at my matching ring. Clearly Levi spent a lot of money on this item as the (F/C) jewel sparkled brightly under the light. Levi eventually noticed my small pile of letters and gently extended out his hand.

"Good work, brat."

"I tried my best... I hope Reiner's friends attend the funeral."

I watched with great distress as Levi tucked my depressing letters into his ebony coat pocket and reassured me every word would reach the specified locations. Levi and I hadn't spoken much about the incident - an action I didn't blame him for.

Reiner's death was abrupt, crushing, and immensely infuriating. Levi knew the very mention of Eren would set me off and provided pure emotional comfort over the death. If Levi weren't by my side, I'm certain Eren would be dead. I value my love for Levi over revenge, something I knew Reiner would respect and understand.

Reiner wouldn't want me to be sentenced to death in the town square for murdering Eren. He would want me to live my life with Levi and finally receive a happy ending. I know this... so why do I want Eren dead? My anger was intoxicating, an emotion that consumed me whenever Eren's smirk flashed across my mind.

"(Y/N)? Are you listening, brat?"

I eventually faded away from my void of overpowering emotions and glanced upwards from my slouching position over Levi's oakwood desk.

"I'm sorry... I spaced out for a moment."

Levi crossed his arms with a dismissive sigh and pointed towards the old cuckoo clock in the corner of his luxury chambers. It's late... it's only been a day since Reiner's death. I sluggishly stood up from an uncomfortable office chair and began my travel towards Levi's linen sheets.

"You should rest, (Y/N). I'll work on some paperwork for a little while."

I muttered a brief reply of acceptance and gently began to settle down for the night. I noticed since Reiner's death I'd been relatively quiet throughout the day. Our memories together will never be forgotten, but since he's no longer with me - I wish to forget everything.

I recoiled in disgust upon realising my blatant selfishness. How could I desire such a thing? I'm truly a terrible person after all... I hastily pulled the soft material of Levi's duvet against my neck and awaited the warm embrace of sleep. Sadly, that never happened. I lay awake; dazed and confused as my memories began to haunt me.

Reiner... forgive me.

My eyes snapped open as the sudden weight on the left side of the bed derailed my train of nightmare thoughts. I instantly felt the warmth of another individual known as Levi. I welcomed the tight embrace from him, quickly discovering my thoughts lessened in unpleasantness.

"You do understand my actions, (Y/N)? I long for us to be together. I won't allow anything to come between our relationship."

Levi spoke words that confused me for a brief moment. I remained silent until his little treasure trove of meanings finally clicked within my brain. 'Actions' refers to holding me away from Eren. The second part hints his desire to keep anyone from driving a wedge between our love.

"I appreciate what you did now I've had time to think about it all. We wouldn't be together like this if I had done something irrational."

"I'm glad you see it that way, (Y/N)."

Levi breathed a quiet sigh of relief and proceeded to lower his heated hands around my waist. Since Levi was heavily built, his lean structure wasn't the most comfortable pillow. I suppose he made up for it in body heat.

"We'll get through this like all the other shit we've endured in order to be together, (Y/N)."

"I hope so..."

Levi lightly took ahold of my hand and encouraged me to sleep well for the rest of the night. Our fingers remained tightly entwined as I eventually began to close my eyes. I cherish Levi so much... he's truly a wonderful man.

I listened to the gentle chime from Levi's old cuckoo clock and discovered he was right about the 'late' claim. Twelve o' clock... we have to be up early tomorrow. The Kingdom wishes to know more about our wedding plans. I must admit, I'm rather excited for our wedding.

Somewhere up in the sky, I know Reiner is too.

|~~~~|

Surprisingly, I awoke to the loud slam of some sort of heavy wooden door. My eyes fluttered open, but my body jolted awake.

"Are you stupid? I said: 'be fucking quiet' what part of that did you fail to understand?!"

Once my vision cleared from faint rays of sun, Levi stood in the middle of the room yelling at Hanji for her lack of consideration. In the heat of the moment, I briefly no longer felt the heavy weight of guilt taint my heart. Hanji seemed immediately apologetic and lowered herself to the carpet.

"I'm deeply sorry. Please forgive my insensitive actions."

She bowed with her head pressed firmly against the shaggy carpet.

"I-It's perfectly fine, Hanji! No need to bow like that!"

Hanji frowned; lifting her head after a full three seconds - the exact amount of time required in order to show genuine apologies. After I clumsily removed an extra blanket from my fatigued body, I realised the morning sun was nowhere to be seen. Levi had allowed me to sleep far into the afternoon.

"I decided not to wake you up - you looked pale."

Levi sensed my sudden confusion and slight annoyance by announcing he was merely looking out for my wellbeing. I accepted his reasoning with a gentle smile and a faint "thank you," under my breath. Hanji slowly stood up from her bow and offered her deepest condolences after hearing about what had happened.

"I'm truly sorry, please accept my deepest apologies for my rude behaviour during such a troubling time."

"L-Like I said, it's completely fine..."

I remained speechless; never before had I seen Hanji make such a serious face. I didn't even know such a side of her existed. Levi smirked softly and lightly took ahold of my arm - assisting me out of bed. I gratefully accepted his charity, walking towards his private washroom hand in hand.

"Do not worry about our wedding plans, I arranged for the meeting to be next week."

I smiled warmly and lightly squeezed Levi's hand in a silent 'thank you.' I noticed Levi studied my appearance for a brief moment and without another word, pushed me into the washroom.

"Bathe, you dirty brat."

--Don't think too hard about the times spent with Reiner. I know how much we loved to climb trees and laugh together, but I can remember them fondly like this. No need to cry now. Please just focus on the positive--

I chuckled lightly and began to undress. Levi swiftly closed the door behind him and loudly cleared his throat.

|~~~~|

King Levi Ackerman, new ruler.

I listened to the light splashes of water and faint sighs from (Y/N) on the other side of the door. Hanji sat opposite my desk and cast me a worried glance.

"Is (Y/N) managing things well? I suppose Reiner was an extremely close ally... they survived the fire together, Levi."

I sighed loudly and abruptly lowered my feather quill. (Y/N's) health remains my top priority, no matter how long her healing process takes. Hanji's words are true, I did not know the full extent of their relationship, but I'll support her until my very last breath.

Reiner was awfully important to (Y/N). I'll see she marries me when the time is right. Hanji leant back into my office chair with a light sigh, pushing her glasses further up her nose.

"I'm... sad for (Y/N). It happened a little after you proposed to her right? Talk about unlucky..."

I tensed my jaw; lowering my quill onto my oakwood desk and stretching my arms above my head. Hanji's words - which I knew were pure - angered me slightly. I desired for my proposal to be flawless, maybe if I wasn't such a chicken before my coronation, (Y/N) would be in a better condition?

"Try not to overthink things, Levi. What's done is done."

I reluctantly returned to the pressing paperwork stacked to the left of my elbow. Hanji is right; I could wish until I passed out, the outcome will always remain the same. Our proposal was unpleasant - truly something she can never reflect fondly upon again.

All of a sudden, Hanji snapped her fingers and hastily leapt from her stool.

"You could do it again! Take her ring somehow and either present her with the same one or buy another! You could propose on the balcony or something..."

I inquisitively raised an eyebrow; Hanji usually thinks up the most dangerous, pathetic plans known to man, but this one is definitely reasonable.

"Not such a bad idea, Hanji..."

"So you'll do it?"

I placed my final completed tax to the right side of my desk with a drained sigh. Hanji's idea is completely functional. I desire for
(Y/N) to smile should she ever think about our relationship in depth.

"I'll think about it."

Just as those words left my lips, (Y/N) closed the washroom door with a soft smile. Her angelic features were slightly damp from her bath - her hair also looked a little wet.

"Think about what, Levi? Is it something important?"

Fuck.

|~~~~|

(Y/N), future Queen.

Hanji and Levi looked incredibly stiff.

I immediately sensed my presence had interrupted an important conversation. I shakily apologised for my intrusion and offered to leave the room once again.

"No! You didn't interrupt anything! We were just discussing... fruits! Yes, Levi was thinking about ordering some cherries next week, right Levi?"

Levi hastily cleared his throat and averted his gaze for a second. Suspicious... what on earth were they talking about? Maybe I was the topic of conversation... I hope I haven't upset them in any way.

"Tch. Something like that."

I nervously smiled and scratched the back of my neck. I should let it go, if that's what they say, then I have no reason to distrust them.

"I love cherries... General Pixis managed to get his hands on a fallen wagon - he shared them with us once."

Levi stood up from his uncomfortable work chair with a deep groan. You'd think someone with such large amounts of money would buy the worlds softest chair, but since Levi's so busy - he's never gotten around to actually doing it.

"That so?"

I nodded my head and gingerly sat beside Hanji. Since the three of us were now in the room, I sensed the tension rise ever so slightly. I'm a little nervous... I really don't feel too well.

"Come here, (Y/N)."

Levi lightly patted his lap, similar to how one would summon a dog to return. I blushed profusely, shaking my head out of blatant refusal. Honestly! Requesting something like that in front of Hanji! Has he no care for what poor Hanji sees?

"Don't mind me~ I approve of your relationship one hundred percent!"

Levi gently patted his thighs again, to which I reluctantly stood up from my chair and approached Levi's awaiting lap. The very idea was embarrassing, but I desired Levi's comforting embrace.

As I reluctantly reached Levi's newly made bed, he extended out his arms with a fierce glare and proceeded to pull me onto his lap. I averted my gaze as Levi wrapped his arms around my shoulders and lightly grazed my fingertips.

Just what is he doing? Levi isn't usually this affectionate... have the two of them planned something devious? Levi's fingers continued to graze my hands, tracing my ring in particular. Maybe he just wants to admire the jewel?

I allowed him better access; thinking nothing more of the action. Hanji pointed towards some sort of luxury painting and began to explain the history behind it. In the painting, Levi stood holding his father's sword. I wonder how old he was?

Throughout the palace, only a few paintings decorated the walls. Levi ordered for the majority of them to be removed and destroyed. I understand... he wished to eliminate his father's rule from his palace.

"Levi is nine years old in that painting... amazingly he's smiling."

"Shut up, shitty-glasses. All children smile."

Hanji pushed her glasses up and began to explain Levi's childhood was one of complete turmoil. Levi's father - who's name isn't allowed to be spoken inside the palace - brought Levi up to rule completely emotionlessly. He's endured a lot... I'm glad we met.

"Have you eaten today, (Y/N)?"

"Not yet..."

In all honestly, I just couldn't bring myself to eat after what happened. Reiner's smile remained forever within my heart, he also loved to eat. I felt guilty indulging myself in luxury foods while Reiner was no longer with us.

"Are you stupid? You're going to get sick."

Hanji nodded her head in agreement and questioned me on what exactly I would like to eat. I really can't manage any luxury foods right now... Hanji seemed to understand my facial expression and opted for a more lighter meal.

"How about soup?"

"T-That sounds nice..."

I didn't feel like arguing against Levi and Hanji since I knew they were only concerned about my health. To upset them for helping would be selfish and spiteful. I reluctantly agreed to Hanji's idea and she even offered to deliver the meal to me personally. Once she left the room, Levi and I were all alone.

Levi tightened his grip on my shoulders and gently buried his chin against my neck. I listened to his gentle breathing and soft heartbeat against my back. I found the whole situation rather calming.

"Whats your favourite flavour of cake, (Y/N)?"

I smiled gently; this question hinted what type of cake we should have at our wedding. Since my background was poor, I never really had many opportunities to taste such desserts.

"I suppose... Victoria sponge? That's the only cake I've tried so far.."

Levi seemed unimpressed, shifting his weight underneath me and muttering his dissatisfaction over my choice. I suddenly realised I knew next to nothing on foods, topics, and games he liked to play. He likes chess... I know that.

"What's yours, Levi?"

"Lemon,"

Levi briefly explained his choice, informing me of his mother's love for the fruit. He even told me his mother would make the cake fresh every week, something Levi loved more than anything as a child. How lovely... that's truly beautiful.

"I see... then I definitely wish to eat that after we marry."

Levi stiffened behind me; tracing his lips against my earlobe with a deep sigh. No matter how small Levi's touches were, I always shivered against him. Levi... my heart throbs only for you.

"You've never tried such a flavour before... what if you dislike it?"

I lightly took ahold of Levi's chin and leant close. Since my head was a mess, I wondered why on earth I wished to kiss him at a time like this. Levi noticeably tensed in response to my actions, but merely smirked softly after calming from my touch.

"I'll like it because you do~"

I gently pressed my lips against his, lifting my hands just that little bit higher around his shoulders. Levi enjoyed the sensation as his hands elegantly grazed my sides for a brief moment. Our kiss was passionate, but not in the slightest sexual. I wanted to display how much Levi meant to me, hopefully he knows.

Levi seemed eager to return my emotions; his thumb lightly touching my chin and circling my bottom lip. My heart feels like melting... I don't know what to do. After I felt satisfied with my display of affection, I bashfully pulled away and averted my gaze.

"You kiss very well now, (Y/N). All my training paid off."

I remained silent as my racing heart distracted me from Levi's teasing. To think I'm going to marry a King... I'm awfully excited, yet scared too. Levi suddenly hinted his desire to stand up as I hastily removed myself from his lap. Right at that very moment, Hanji appeared around the corner with a small blue tray.

I watched with great delight as Hanji approached my red face with hot tomato soup and brown crusty rolls. I even noticed a small salad resting to the left of the tray.

"Eat up, (Y/N)."

I smiled gratefully and accepted the tray with open arms. I have such wonderful friends. Reiner most definitely wouldn't want me to give this all up. Whenever I miss Reiner, I can look back on all the happy memories we shared in Chi.

I miss you, Reiner...

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