Enjoy~  { I made the novels in Hanji's lab up- any related scenes are unintentional. }

Editing completed 9/7/2017

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"What exactly do you think Eren has planned?"

Hanji lowered her purple mixture, studying the bubbles and furious fizzing. Just what is that? I'm a little uneasy about that liquid...

"Jean adores his stables right? If you were to stop paying... I think Eren will destroy his stables and his horses."

Prince Levi stiffened, as did I upon hearing Hanji's accurate guess. Destroy the horses... he'd kill them? How cruel... the Prince neatened his cravat with a curt sigh.

"How troubling."

Hanji swirled her beloved beaker with a small chuckle, raising the glass to her lips and hastily downing the strange potion. My eyes widened in surprise as a loud gasp escaped my lips, the Prince lunged forward and hastily snatched the glass from her tight grip with a loud yell.

"Fuck! Are you trying to kill yourself?"

Hanji wiped her lips with a manic giggle, pushing her black glasses further against her nose. Just what did she drink? Not something bad I hope...

"Relax. It's all for science. If I die... I die for a worthy cause."

Hanji seemed lost for a moment before snapping back from her daze, neatening her lab coat with a wide grin.

"Right! Let's go eat shall we? I'll even invite
(Y/N) along."

Hanji lightly patted my shoulder with a crazed smile and gestured for the the Prince to follow. If she drinks strange potions no wonder she's a little... abstract. I leant forward into a half bow, nervously announcing servants cannot eat with royalty.

"S-Servants can't do such a thing..."

Prince Levi looked agitated with my respectful response, brushing shoulders with me as he began to walk down the pastel hallways. I upset him... surely he must understand servants are forbidden any where near a Prince while he eats...

"Psh. I eat with Levi all the time. I make sure my guards are away."

My eyes widened slightly. Friendship... the Prince appears to have at least two people he trusts fully. Three including me... well maybe he doesn't... I'm sure that topics debatable. I followed behind the two rich individuals who quickly arrived outside a wooden door craved into the shape of a large circle - an archway if you'd like.

"I usually eat lunch here... the foods already been set up."

My gaze travelled towards an elegant light green table, set with many varieties of teas and sandwiches. An expensive lunch indeed... the Prince swiftly reached the table - only set with two chairs- so I couldn't eat regardless.

I studied the Prince who sat down with a deep sigh, pouring himself a cup of hot black tea. Hanji arrived second, taking a large bite form a egg and cress sandwich. Delicious.

"Do you have a plan, Levi? I sense Eren could easily bankrupt you eventually."

Prince Levi glared, lowering his tea cup from his strange position. Truly a Prince... such authority... I feel a little out of place... just like standing in Eren's palace and at the ball.

"I haven't. Bankrupting someone like me will be nearly impossible. I have plenty of time to think."

Hanji frowned, selecting a ham and cheese sandwich and taking a smaller bite than before. Hanji's smart... the Prince was right about her...

"I think time is of the essence. You really must hurry... if you go bankrupt... you'll lose everything. I know this sounds bad... but money really does make the world go round."

Prince Levi looked incredibly displeased, crossing his legs and sighing loudly.

"I know this fact already. I'll lose my servants, my palace, my kingdom. Don't remind me of what I already know."

Hanji lowered her sandwich to a small rose painted plate, thinking for a moment. I remained silent, neatening my uniform. I don't know what to say... I should keep quiet.

"I think you should 'accidentally' pay the incorrect amount and see what Eren does to Jean's land... then we'll get an insight on what Eren's consequence might be."

Prince Levi nodded, looking rather confident with the sudden plan. I think this is a good idea... a test.. similar to science. Hanji rose her arms high into the air, stretching her joints with a loud sigh of relief. She must be hunched over experiments or in a chair for hours...

"You've been awfully quiet, (Y/N)... nervous maybe?"

Hanji rose from her chair and pulled me into a tight embrace, giggling loudly. A-A hug? I slowly returned her gesture with a small smile. So friendly... Hanji pulled away with a soft grin, pushing her glasses up.

"Always nice to break the ice. I hope we get along well... you guard Prince Levi, right?"

I met the deep steel eyes of the Prince who clicked his tongue and took a sip of black tea. He looks rather content... I nodded, chuckling lightly in attempts of calming the awkwardness.

"Yes. I'm his servant... I protect his person at all times."

Hanji nodded approvingly, questioning my heritage and overall ability to protect further than most would dare to ask.

"I don't mean to sound rude... but clearly from your voice and appearance... you're a foreigner?"

Prince Levi glared at Hanji's directness but I merely nodded my head with a small smile. I've been questioned and insulted far worse than this, not to mention Hanji is a nice person.

"Yes... that is correct."

Hanji marvelled and began to study my face in more detail, her eyes lowering to my curved sword. A foreign weapon.

"How exactly did you come across Levi? If you used to live in Chi, clearly the fire forced you to flee... how did you two meet?"

The contract. No one must know. Prince Levi sighed loudly, quickly earning Hanji's attention. Will he tell her? Or lie?

"None of your damn business. Don't question or attempt to befriend my guard."

Avoiding the subject. Hanji seemed disappointed, but dropped the topic obediently. I sensed this was a strange action for her to make.

"Eh? Is that so? I'll find out sooner or later~"

I felt slightly relieved. The contract is a secret. If anyone discovered this fact... I'm sure many people would twist and manipulate Prince Levi's intentions. It's better our meeting is kept a secret. It'll be convenient for all.

"All I desire is for a smooth resolution to this issue."

Hanji nodded, lowering herself back into the green wire chair with a sigh of confusion. I glanced towards a huge window which took up most of the palace walls. It's getting dark... the journey is quite long... large black clouds circled the skies, threatening rainfall.

A storm? Travelling in the carriage will be dangerous... is this kingdom know for bad weather? Maybe Hanji or Prince Levi knows this?

"Brilliant. The horses won't be calm enough to pull a carriage through heavy rain."

Hanji chuckled, noticing the cloudy skies draw closer towards the palace. I think I know where this conversation is going... Hanji merely smiled, offering us rooms for the night.

"All is well! The palace has plenty of rooms. Plus I'll enjoy the company... a small issue though... I'm assuming you gave (Y/N) some sort of luxury room? Most of the servants here share rooms in this palace..."

Prince Levi immediately tensed, shaking his head with a frightening glare.

"I won't allow my servant to mix with other peasants."

Hanji seemed surprised by the Prince's words, furrowing her brows in blatant confusion. I'm sure she's used to seeing the Prince make sadistic choices with his previous servants...

"How odd... though I'm afraid my hands are tied, you know who owns this palace - a nobleman who's in a contract with Eren. He wouldn't have this palace if Eren's money didn't purchase this luxury home in the first place."

Prince Levi's glare deepened. I sensed his decision was final. I know he won't allow me in a room with other servants.

"Are the servants separated into rooms of male and female?"

Hanji shrugged her shoulders, looking unsure and slightly disinterested. She's a noblewomen, naturally sleeping arrangements for the poor wouldn't concern her.

"I believe the servants just rest with whoever is on shift at the time."

Prince Levi sighed loudly, clicking his tongue as he muttered:

"Very well."

"Oh no!"

Hanji suddenly rose from her chair, shock etched all over her face. I watched as she fled to her lab just a little distance down the hallway.

"I realised I have an experiment on a timer! I'll be back!"

Hanji's flurried footsteps soon faded as I stood beside Prince Levi, who's eyes darkened once again. It's so quiet... yet Prince Levi looks so tense. A couple of seconds past before the Prince spoke up. 

"Listen to me brat. I won't allow you to sleep with other peasants."

I furrowed my brows, leaning forward into a polite half bow. Why? Surely sharing a room can't be so bad... heck, I've slept on the streets... anything is better than that.

"Why so?"

Prince Levi glared and crossed his arms, almost thinking of a reply. How strange to see the Prince hesitate while thinking. Usually he's ahead of the game in most situations.

"Don't question me. I'll see we share rooms."

I tensed up. Sharing rooms?! I hastily rose from my bow, my face flushing red from the very thought of sharing a room with a Prince, let alone... Prince Levi.

"I-I can't do that... sleeping with servants is fine."

Prince Levi glared, loosening his cravat. He looks upset... almost as if I hurt his feelings. I can't sleep with the Prince... if anyone sees... or he does something... dirty.

"You'd rather sleep with some random, possibly male, peasant than with me? Someone you know well?"

I realised how my answer sounded. I'd disregarded our trust and the Prince's feelings rather harshly.

"F-Forgive me. I didn't mean it like that. I'm not... I can't just sleep... with you."

I stammered, bashfully averting my gaze to the large glass window as heavy rain began to fall, dampening the outside world with cold, harsh winds and water from the skies. Prince Levi sighed loudly.

"I won't allow you a compromise on this. Do as I say, just this once. I won't ask anything else of you."

My eyes widened at Prince Levi's sudden words, he almost sounds like he's begging. I bowed my head, nodding in response.

"V-Very well..."

The Prince seemed relieved, finishing his black tea with a small sigh. I watched as he rose from his chair, lightly brushing my chin with his thumb.

"There's no need to be scared. I said I wouldn't touch you without permission."

He read my mind... I flushed red, nodding my head as I remained speechless. My mind is blank... I can't reply. Prince Levi leant close, giving me instructions for the night.

"You're to be outside my allocated room at ten o' clock. If you sleep with the peasants - I'll punish you deeply, understand?"

I frowned, nodding my head with a shaky exhale. Prince Levi gently traced his thumb underneath my chin, muttering softly:

"Can I kiss you now?"

I nodded as he quickly pressed his lips against mine. My heart raced as several thoughts of being caught filled my mind, preventing me from focusing on the kiss. Prince Levi held me close against his chest as I whined softly into his lips, fear being my main emotion. Prince Levi parted my mouth, his tongue teasing my heated inside.

"Nn~"

Fear overwhelmed me as I lightly pulled away, wiping my wet lips and scanning the room for any potential servants walking in and seeing a future king, kissing a servant.

"I won't upset you."

Prince Levi sensed my distress as he clicked his tongue and dismissively began to walk down the pastel pink hallways in search of Hanji. I felt nervousness eat away at my insides, hurting my racing heart. We soon reached Hanji's lab which had been smoking as a slight metallic smell tinged the air. 

"Ah! You two stay outside! My experiment hasn't gone to plan, it's a mess, so wait out in the hallway, okay?"

Prince Levi sighed loudly, leaning against the wallpaper he found so distasteful with a simple click of his tongue. The Prince looks troubled... is he worried about Jean or our sleeping arrangement?

I stood opposite the Prince as we stared in silence, his steel eyes remained deep and unforgiving, yet ever so slightly warm. Maybe even loving? I kept our eye contact, my skin flushing red as the two of us refused to look away.

"Whew. All fixed... zinc is explosive, ya know."

Hanji opened her lab door, stepping out into the hallway, forcing our stare to break. My hearts racing... over a little look? Hanji wiggled her eyebrows, almost linking the sudden tension.

"A little romance? How nice."

Prince Levi glared and shook his head, proceeding to enter the lab, followed by me and Hanji.

"You must be completely brain dead. All those potions are damaging you."

I wiped my face, hoping to hide my blush, but Hanji soon got an eyeful. I studied Hanji's lab in more detail, metal desks - almost like examination tables surrounded the room, covered with medical herbs, bottles of pills and skins of animals. How... fitting.

"Denial is the first stage of love, Levi."

The Prince tensed before falling silent for a couple of seconds. Each second felt like minutes. At last, he replied with a heart felt reply:

"Shut the fuck up."

Hanji laughed loudly, neatening her brown messy hair tied back into a ponytail. I admired the sound of heavy raindrops tap against the palace roof, a rather calming sound. Prince Levi looked up with a small sigh, listening to the rain.

"The horses won't enjoy this weather."

Hanji nodded her head in agreement, pulling on her plastic gloves - preparing for something which I assumed to be extremely gruesome. Prince Levi rolled his eyes, walking towards a disorganised book shelf - selecting a novel to read.

I bet Hanji has tons of interesting books. I followed after him, my eyes skimming the spines of many colourful books. All of them seemed unfamiliar, until the Prince handed me one.

'The Ocean's Beauty.'

"That is a good read. It's about a mermaid who lures in a sailor - they fall in love, but the two end up shipwrecked and she eats him to survive."

I lowered my gaze to the blurb, a brief overview of what Prince Levi described, minus the eating part. I bowed my head, smiling warmly in thanks for the recommendation.

"Sounds... interesting."

I muttered, still checking the messy shelf. I noticed there was an old, clearly foreign section. A deep purple cover quickly informed me of a novel I used to read as a small child. I selected the novel, scanning the book and reflecting upon my solitude days as a little girl.

"I'm assuming you've read that one before?"

I smiled weakly, almost trying to forget my deep reflection and sudden blast from the past. I spent a lot of time reading in the grass fields... I quickly placed the novel back onto the shelf, turning away from the wooden case of knowledge.

"That's right. I read that book in the grass fields as a child."

Prince Levi seemed surprised, removing the book and studying the cover, which of course had been written in Chi. I noticed the Prince looked displeased, instead he flicked through the pages, studying the pictures.

"About a young boy and his old dog?"

Prince Levi gathered accurate information just from looking at the pictures, he remains incredibly perceptive.

"Not quite... the old dog is a forest spirit who longs for the boys body to claim as his vessel to life."

Prince Levi looked interested, slowing his pace turning the pages.

"Go on."

I smiled gently, pointing towards the final image. I really enjoyed this book as a child... I believe I reread it about eight times...

"The dog quickly realises the little boy loves him more than anything - the boy gives the dog his meals and affection and when the dog goes to claim his owners body - he can't do it and decides to live out his life as an animal."

Prince Levi sighed loudly, placing the book back onto the shelf - looking rather disappointed.

"A shame I can't understand the language."

I smiled gently. The watercolour paintings of the spirit dog really are magnificent... without thinking, I spoke my mind in the heat of the moment.

"I'll read it to you... if you'd like."

The Prince tensed up, seemingly surprised by my words. I hastily realised my mistake, stuttering in attempts of correcting myself.

"Ah! I-I'm awfully sorry. I didn't mean to intrude."

Prince Levi clicked his tongue, selecting another novel from the shelf and turning to face me with a soft glare.

"I accept. Feel free to read that novel to me whenever you wish."

My eyes widened, shocked into silence by Prince Levi's words. I hadn't expected him to accept my offer. Yet I feel a little excited he did. The Prince swiftly walked away with a different book in hand. How nice...

"Aha! Gotcha! The liver of deceased animals are hard to get out!"

I winced, following behind the Prince with his recommended novel pressed tightly against my chest. Hanji continued to work on her gruesome dissections until late into the evening.

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