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Editing completed 9/7/2017

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The evening had indeed been painfully boring.

I tried my absolute best to remain interested, but once the nobleman started to discuss math - I zoned out from this point onward. We won't release Jean from Prince Eren's contract at this rate...

"Divide by two."

Prince Levi looked deeply engrossed in column sums as I stood stiffly beside him. Many rich individuals had questioned my presence, but the Prince's authority quickly destroyed any arguments.

"Meeting concluded. I'll discuss this at a later date."

Seems Prince Levi grew tired quickly... the meeting swiftly disbanded as many rich nobles headed towards the champagne table for a much needed cold drink. I smiled gently as the Prince merely clicked his tongue and demanded I follow behind him.

"Locate Jean."

I scanned the large room filled with extremely rich guests, dancing or chatting about wealth. Where is Jean? I can't see him... Prince Levi glared softly, neatening his cravat with a low sigh.

"Hn."

Prince Levi glanced to his left as we met eyes for a brief moment. Someone with his authority could be questioned for even giving a servant like me a second glance. I bashfully smiled as the Prince's gaze seemed to darken, his eyes clouding with impure thoughts. Such a dark stare...

"Follow me."

I furrowed my brows upon hearing his new instruction as I slowly followed behind. It's not like I can refuse anyway. Prince Levi briskly left the reception room and stood tensely in the golden hallways.

I remained silent only the Prince sighed loudly, running his hands through his raven hair as if to distract himself.

"Are you feeling sick, your majesty?"

I questioned his strange behaviour as he flinched upon hearing my voice, his lips parting as he stepped closer towards me, roughly placing both hands either side of my head.

"No."

I blushed a light pink, mostly from the fear of being caught by a passing servant or guard.

"N-Not here..."

Prince Levi's smirk widened upon hearing my answer, lowering my bottom lip with his thumb. S-So close! My heart...

"So somewhere else is fine?"

I averted my gaze with a confused frown. I haven't done anything wrong... surely not another punishment? Prince Levi leant close, whispering softly:

"Next time you disobey me, I'll make sure to punish you further."

I nodded my head, glancing away from his dark, lustful stare. I can hear footsteps! Get away! Prince Levi quickly stepped back, just in time as two servants carrying plates of steak and mash potato past the two of us.

I wiped my face trying to rid my blush, but with no success. I look stupid... blushing over such petty actions... I neatened my uniform with a soft sigh, attempting to regain my previous calm behaviour.

"My shitty crown has chipped. I've sent for someone to repair my gold."

I glanced upwards, attempting to locate the damage but Prince Levi's crown remained beautiful as ever. He really does pay attention to detail... as to be expected of a King...

"He's due right about now."

I focused on the time which read nine o' clock at night. The reception evening finishes at ten. Why on earth is a crown repairer arriving so late at night?

"Ah, a wonderful night, your majesty."

I soon met the soft, yet deceitful eyes of my previous jewel seller - Erwin Smith. I originally attempted to sell Prince Levi's jewel, but the ruby was beyond expensive. No one in the land has that type of money other than the Prince himself.

Not even Erwin, a notorious money lover. Erwin instantly recognised me, but after a couple of seconds of shock - pretended he didn't.

"Ahem, lovely indeed... you requested your crown for repair?"

If I call you out Erwin, your going to straight to the cells. I stared, almost smugly - the amount of times Erwin undercharged me for expensive jewels was ridiculous. Maybe I should have a little fun?

"Yes. My crown has chipped to the lower left."

My stare began to psych Erwin out as he clumsily raised a handkerchief to his head and wiped away his worried sweat. Erwin examined the Prince's crown, spotting the chip in seconds and began to apply a golden mixture over the damaged area. Some sort of gold repair?

"There. I've suddenly realised I'm incredibly busy. Please feel free to send the payment to my shop. 'Erwin's Gold.' "

I wanted to laugh, but remained silent. If the Prince discovers the two of us were partners in crime, Erwin will be behind steel bars, not gold. That explains why he left in such a hurry. 'His life is priceless.' I recall him saying.

"How odd. He usually demands payment straight away."

I studied Erwin's fleeting figure, he sped down the hall and didn't look back. Payback! I hid my smile well as the Prince clicked his fingers loudly - in attempts of gaining my attention.

"You know that man?"

I immediately froze. I forgot the Prince is incredibly perceptive. I smiled gently, half bowing in attempts of hiding my surprise.

"Of course not."

Prince Levi seemed unconvinced and immensely displeased.

"If I find out you just lied to me... I'll punish you."

I nodded nervously. I'll go to the grave hiding Erwin's identity. My eyes travelled to the golden hallway, only Erwin remained still for a brief moment. Did he overhear mine and Prince Levi's conversation?

Erwin stiffly turned to face the two of us, suddenly smiling brightly. Don't do this Erwin. Please don't blow your cover just to get me back.

"Hello, (Y/N)."

Prince Levi's eyes visibly widened upon hearing Erwin's greeting, turning to face me with a murderous glare. Erwin approached me, extending out his hand for a firm shake.

"I tried to ignore you but how could I blank my favourite customer?"

This is it. The end of (Y/N). Prince Levi's going to kill me. I can't believe Erwin's risked being sent to the cells just to insult me.

"I-I've never seen you before..."

My lies bewitched no one as Prince Levi clicked his tongue, gesturing for Erwin to step closer. My life... my punishment free days... why Erwin?! You sarcastic little shi-

"You know my guard?"

Erwin nodded, glancing towards his golden watch with a light chuckle.

"(Y/N) used to visit my shop regularly back in the day. I enjoyed her visits."

I parted my lips in attempts of defending myself, only Prince Levi sighed frustratedly. He won't even allow me to speak... I'm done for...

"Save it, foreigner."

I lowered my head, seems I'll be embracing my punishment with open arms. Will Prince Levi remove my clothing? He told me that last time but never followed through on his words. I sensed out of respect for my feelings. But this time... I don't think he'll spare me of anything.

"Tch. I'll have the funds sent to your shop. Leave my presence."

Erwin leant forward into a bow, almost like he'd just finished acting out a famous play. He really loves planning things that favour him...

"With pleasure, your majesty."

Erwin smiled sweetly towards me, which the Prince noticed, before swiftly disappearing down the hallway whistling a soft tune.

"You lying, stupid brat."

My eyes widened as I took a step back, only the Prince took ahold of my wrist until my back remained firmly pressed against the palace walls.

"You dare lie to me about who that man was?"

I can't just tell the Prince I stole all day every day! He'll send me to the cells or punish me even more! I lowered my head, remaining silent.

"And still you won't talk. How disappointing."

Prince Levi rose his knee, drawing soft circles in between my legs. Slowly at first.

"It's not like that!"

I turned my head away, raising my hand over my flushed face, attempting to lessen his movements. But he continued, this time his knee quickened. My fingertips grazed the hilt of my sword as my mind considering drawing my weapon. Prince Levi spotted my actions, leaning close to my lips and brushing my chin with his thumb.

"Don't lie to me ever again."

My mind blanked as his lips met mine for a lustful kiss. I quickly sensed the Prince wouldn't be so forgiving.

"Nm~!"

Prince Levi deepened our kiss by tightly holding my wrist, the pain allowing my lips to part ever so slightly. His tongue entered my mouth, only heating my body further.

"Nnf~!"

I felt rather dazed and slightly frustrated. I'm a servant... he claims he loves me... but why is he doing something like this? Is he angry I haven't given an answer? Or maybe he thinks I don't return his feelings at all?

Tears pricked the corner of my eyes as Prince Levi traced the sides of my hips, testing for any embarrassing sounds. The Prince glanced upwards, only once he caught sight of my face - abruptly stopped his actions. I'd been shaking and to the near point of crying.

A rather frightening sight to see of the person you're supposedly in love with.

I remained still, turning my head to the side with a saddened, shaky exhale. I can't look at him... I tensed up when his hands pulled me close to his chest, securely holding me in a warm embrace.

"Forgive me, (Y/N)."

I flinched upon hearing my first name leave his lips so gently. Prince Levi hasn't addressed me by my real name for quite some time now. I lowered my head against his shoulder, clearing my croaky throat.

"I-It's... okay."

I sound nothing like myself... how strange... I wiped the corner of my damp eyes as the Prince pulled away, muttering deeply:

"Dismissed."

                                  |~~~~|

I remained meditating, or at least trying to for the rest of the night. Prince Levi had been rumoured to be in a foul mood - according to the palace guards. I lowered my head and inhaled deeply, trying to calm myself and reach an empty stage in meditation

But I just couldn't. In order to mediate, one must have a clear mind. My mind was anything but clear - a complete mess.

I flinched when my small, wax candle swiftly went out. The wind? Or have I been trying to rest my mind for a solid three hours? That's how long those candles are supposed to burn for... ouch! The hot wax touched my skin!

I glanced towards a ticking wooden clock, which read one o'clock at night. I assumed the Prince returned to find Jean without me, attending the evening until ten and then retiring to his chambers for the rest of the night.

He's probably sleeping... or maybe he isn't... Prince Levi did say he had troubles sleeping...

'Forgive me, (Y/N).'

I sighed, rising to my feet and neatening my uniform which I had yet to change out from. I feel so restless... how on earth am I supposed to sleep normally after what happened?

I really should give an answer to his feelings... but I remain unsure of what they are... so how can I reply without hurting him or expressing my feelings incorrectly?

I'll try my best to sleep for now.

|~~~~|

A new day in Prince Levi's palace arrived as I stood stiffly beside my future king. Lady Ral sat opposite, drawing some sort of flower against a church window. She likes to design, I see... Prince Levi remained silent, sipping hot black tea from a mint green tea cup.

"Do you think I should pay someone to review my designs, Levi?"

The Prince glanced towards Petra's work, nodding his head in silent approval. He looks lifeless... maybe even distressed?

"Yes."

Petra seemed to smile warmly in response to his one word answer. That hot wax hurt my skin... a little mark has formed... but I'm slightly concerned over the Prince... he looks disheartened...

I suspect his actions from yesterday are on repeat inside his mind. Usually Prince Levi is multiple steps ahead of people... is he having trouble keeping track of his steps?

"I must admit I'm grateful for you suggesting I show a professional in the first place... that's what good friends do..."

Prince Levi lowered his tea cup with a curt nod.

"Don't thank me. Your designs are well thought out... any professional can see that."

Petra nodded her head with a small, excited sigh. Petra looks well rested... she continued to colour a rose from Prince Levi's royal gardens a soft red. Pretty...

"Oh! Your horse... she's had plenty of time to heal, right? I do hope we can go riding soon..."

Petra looked rather hopeful but the Prince shook his head with a disappointed sigh. Horse riding... I'd like to see Prince Levi on his horse again.

"Sadly I have paperwork and issues to attend to, though when I'm free, I'll request after you."

Petra nodded, satisfied with the Prince's compromise. I lowered my eyes to my small candle wax burn, wincing at the sharp sting.

"Tch. You have an injury?"

Prince Levi spotted my fidgeting, his steel eyes lowering to my glowing red hand. He's so alert... all the time...

"A-A little... my candle is made from wax..."

Prince Levi sighed loudly, running his hands through is raven hair to rid the thin strands that fell elegantly atop of his eyebrows.

"I'll dismiss you for ten minutes... get that burn looked at by a medic, then return here."

I bowed, smiling gently to both my future King and ex Queen. I can't help but feel the Prince looks a little relaxed now I've spoken normally to him. I stepped away from Prince Levi's elegant breakfast table filled with toast, marmalade and cooked meats.

I usually eat after the Prince has finished... I walked past an elegant painting which hung royally from the palace walls.

A picture of Prince Levi.

He looked oddly calm and strangely gentle. I glanced towards the corner, reading the date the painting was completed. 3/04/???? The year was strangely scribbled out. I assumed this painting was created when the Prince was first given his fathers crown.

How interesting... why is it here? I most definitely would have seen this painting before... had the Prince decided to move it for a reminder of his soon-to-be King status? I readied myself for a trip to the medic's office, only Jean the nobleman burst into the room, holding what look like:

A bill from Prince Eren.

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