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Editing completed 9/7/2017

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Jean panted softly as he clutched a small piece of paper with Eren's familiar ocean logo stamped in the top right corner. Looks like I'm cancelling my trip to the medic's office... Jean stumbled into me, grazing my burn - which caught me off guard as we fell to the floor.

Sadly, and unluckily for me, Jean just happened to fall straight onto my burn, reopening the wound.

"Ah!"

I stifled a cry as Jean groaned loudly, clumsily rising to his feet with a snort of laughter.

"My bad, (Y/N). Here."

Jean extend out his hand as I quickly took ahold of his kind gesture. I stained his tan skin with fresh blood just a little.

"I'm sorry... how unprofessional of me."

Jean studied my saddened expression and glanced towards Levi who had been silently studying our interaction.

"I sense Eren has charged you more money for the stables?"

Jean muttered a quick apology and approached the Prince's table, placing the bill onto the glass for Petra and Prince Levi to examine. I glanced downwards at my now bleeding hand, deciding on ignoring the wound for the moment.

"Eight thousand gold already? Seems Eren's upped his prices quicker than I expected."

Jean lowered his head, sheepishly scratching the back of his neck. I know for a fact Jean hasn't got that sum of money.

"You don't have to keep paying... I'll give up on the land I signed for."

Prince Levi shook his head, glancing at the bill for a moment. In Eren's contract - you can't escape so easily... there must be a consequence if Prince Levi stops paying. I certainly don't wish to find out what that consequence might be.

"You can't get out that easily. You were an idiot to sign in the first place."

Jean seemed tense, loosening his tie with a frustrated sigh. Petra sat quietly, reading the bill and admiring the colours of Eren's ocean logo.

"I like to be independent. You of all people know this, Levi."

Prince Levi sighed and began to write some form of cheque. I walked to the Prince's side, standing quietly. Prince Levi has nice handwriting...

"Money isn't an issue."

Just how rich is the Prince? Surely he'll run out of coin eventually? The villagers pay tax but the Prince is considerate to the poor - so they don't pay much. Jean reluctantly accepted the cheque, bowing in greeting to Lady Ral.

"Sorry to trouble you, Petra."

Petra smiled gently, continuing to colour her roses, she then started work on an pear tree. She really is talented...

"No worries, Jean. Excitement is always welcome in the mornings."

I lowered my eyes to my bleeding burn, small droplets trickled down my fingers and stained the palace tiles below. How much blood must you lose in order to pass out? I can't remember...

"That should cover this month before he charges again. Come and visit me as soon as the bill arrives."

Jean nodded his head, thanking the Prince and turning on his heel to leave. I smiled gently in a silent goodbye as Jean attempted to wipe my dried blood off his skin.

"You should get that seen to, (Y/N)."

I nodded, watching Jean's figure walk down the throne room, glancing at the painting of Prince Levi for a second before passing under the marble decoration and turning the corner.

"One of the 'issues' you mentioned earlier?"

Petra questioned, sipping her sweet morning tea.

"Yes, Prince Eren and his contracts."

I bowed, interrupting their conversation due to the pain of my injury. I'm going to get this wrapped up... the burn is hurting me...

"Dismissed, (Y/N)."

I flinched upon hearing my first name once again. Especially in front of Lady Ral, who looked just as shocked as I was. Prince Levi knew his mistake- but didn't correct himself. Were his words intentional... or an accident?

"Y-Yes sir..."

I swiftly left the table, the silent tension becoming too much for me to handle. My heart raced inside my chest as a pink blush tainted my once usual (S/C). The way my name was spoken... makes me feel... fluttery? That's the best I could describe my emotions...

|~~~~|

I glanced at my bandaged hand, gently neatening the wraps with a soft sigh.

"Be more careful next time."

I jolted in surprise upon hearing Prince Levi's voice. W-Where is he? I quickly realised the Prince stood with arms crossed, leaning against the palace walls.

"I-I will..."

Prince Levi glared and briskly clicked his fingers, silently requesting I follow behind him. I nodded, trailing behind the Prince in silence.

"I'm leaving the palace to visit an... acquaintance of mine."

I frowned. Would I be left behind? Surely not... I'm his royal guard... Prince Levi noticed my confused expression and sighed loudly.

"Naturally, you'll be guarding me, since people of Hanji's kingdom will be aware of my presence."

I felt strangely relieved I wouldn't be leaving Prince Levi's side. I've become rather accepting of being his guard. I don't plan on leaving his side...

"Yes sir..."

The Prince merely clicked his tongue, looking like he had more to say, but silenced himself. I should really inform him of my feelings... not mentioning the topic is cruel...

"I... uh..."

Although I couldn't do it. My heart raced far too much as my face began to flush red. Prince Levi rose an eyebrow suspiciously, drinking in my flustered expression.

"Hn. What is it?"

I lowered my gaze to my hands, clearing my throat and mentally preparing myself for my next words and the Prince's possible angry reaction.

"I-I know disregarding your feelings is wrong... but could I have three more days? I need to think for a little bit longer..."

Prince Levi stiffened, clearly not expecting his emotions to be the topic of conversation. His steel eyes widened as he crossed his arms.

"Take as long as you'd like. I won't pressure you."

How nice... I rose my head to meet his warm, grey eyes staring at my red face.

"W-What if you stop liking me? I'm really not that great..."

I voiced my doubts, my words needed to be said - my mind couldn't put up with these bottled questions for much longer. Prince Levi smirked, adjusting his crown with a small chuckle. I admired his brief happy expression, these moments were very rare.

"You think there's a shitty switch I'll just flip on and off? What an idiot."

The Prince's words reassured me as I smiled gently in response.

"I won't touch you without permission any more... so can I kiss you again?"

I bashfully nodded my head as the Prince stepped close, raising my chin with his thumb. I blushed deeply as he leant close, lowering my bottom lip and smirking softly.

"Cute~"

Prince Levi gently pressed his lips against mine, a loving gesture which warmed my heart for a moment. I sensed his genuine feeling behind the kiss, instead of confusion like before.

I whined softly as his right hand remained firmly on my shoulder - another reminder not to lose so much of himself during the kiss. I lightly held his free hand as our fingers entwined together.

We're holding hands...

My heart raced inside my chest as the Prince gently parted my lips, his tongue entering my heated mouth. He didn't release his soft hold on my hand as he deepened our kiss.

"Nn~"

Prince Levi pressed himself against me, his lips lowering to my neck as he mumbled against my skin.

"Can I, (Y/N)?"

I mumbled a soft: "yes" as the Prince traced his tongue across my throat, turning my neck to the side. I let a small cry of pleasure escape my lips as the Prince nipped softly at my exposed skin, leaving a mark in a place I could no longer hide. Our hand holding continued as the Prince didn't release his grip like I suspected he would.

"Mn~"

Upon hearing my embarrassing sounds leak out, the Prince roughly pressed his lips against mine for a more forceful kiss. I gently squeezed his hand as his actions seemed to calm, his initial lust fading into a soft, final chaste kiss. Prince Levi pulled away, releasing our hand hold and wiping his lips with a soft breath and loud sigh.

"Better."

I bashfully averted my gaze as the Prince clicked his fingers, ordering I remain close. I wiped my lips of any wetness and attempted to hide my purple mark, but the Prince spoke up about the issue.

"Hide the mark if you want."

I furrowed my brows, slightly confused over his words. If I don't hide his hickey people will see and assume things... doesn't he care? Or does he mean hide the mark but his feelings will be hurt? I trailed behind in a daze from the kiss and from his words. My high temperature stopped me from thinking rationally.

"Wipe that shitty expression off your face. It's distracting me."

I nodded, attempting to calm myself as we travelled down the hall, a quiet silence surrounded the two of us. I'm glad yesterday's kiss is forgotten about. I much preferred today's... Prince Levi spotted a guard patrolling the halls and called out to gain his attention.

"You. Arrange a carriage. I leave in half an hour."

The guard saluted, swiftly walking down the golden halls with his new orders. The Prince's words really are law inside his palace... I studied Prince Levi's broad shoulders, his intimidating presence scared all.

But I found myself... liking being so close to him... my heart is weakening... I shook my head, blocking out any more potential thoughts.

|~~~~|

The carriage wheels rolled softly against the cobblestone path as we left the palace at a leisurely pace. I couldn't help but be reminded of my last situation with Eren... his carriage was scary.

I remained opposite the Prince, who sat crossed legged with his head against the red leather seat - his eyes shut. He's resting... probably because he doesn't sleep well.

I focused on the outside world, admiring thick tall trees and large overgrown bushes. Maybe Petra should create a design on the outside world? I focused my attention on a small village on the outskirts of our destination. The poor area.

I could tell due to the small camp fires and loud yells of working peasants. I'm sure thieves similar to me are among them. I smiled gently when a young girl crouched down to pet her little dog, grinning happily.

"Tch. I sense your enjoying the journey?"

I flinched upon hearing the Prince's voice break my intent focus on the window. I smiled gently, bowing my head.

"Aha... yes..."

Prince Levi merely clicked his tongue, his steel eyes glancing downwards at my exposed mark. I decided against covering his hickey as I didn't wish to hurt Prince Levi's feelings... the Prince smirked softly, his eyes resting on his dark purple mark with a prideful sigh.

I blushed a soft pink and averted my gaze to the window once more. Only a beautiful palace quickly replaced the previous depressing view.

I marvelled in disbelief, studying the ebony swirls crafted into a large, giant wall. Who on earth is the Prince visiting? Another royal descendant?

"I'm visiting an annoying, time wasting, pathetic women called Hanji - she's a crazed noblewoman obsessed with science experiments. She's also highly intelligent, not that she looks it. I hope she'll inform me on how to free Jean from the contract he's signed."

I nodded my head, smiling gently. Prince Levi's gone out of his way to help a friend. My nerves spiked once the carriage began to slow and eventually halt outside the magnificent palace.

"Guard me well."

I bowed my head, placing my hand onto the carriage handle and leaving the intricate design behind. I lowered myself to the ground, glancing at the palace's beauty once again.

Such an amazing structure... greens and pinks melted together to form a lolly pop look. I knew just by the palaces design the woman inside would be lively and friendly, regardless of Prince Levi's berating description.

"Let's go, brat."

I inhaled deeply and let out a breath of relief, calming my neves as I followed behind the Prince, who passed several guards with no problem at all. His status as Prince is blatantly clear.

Upon entering the palace, I noticed the walls were pastel colours, green yellows and pinks. All beautifully painted. This person is clearly fond of brightness and overall positivity. Prince Levi, on the other hand, looked sick, rubbing his forehead with a loud sigh.

"Gives me a headache..."

He muttered, looking rather displeased. I felt curious and slightly excited to meet this lady, surely with such a bad, harmless reaction from the Prince, she'll be interesting.

"Yaho, Levi!"

I covered my ears from the loud yell as a women wearing a pristine lab coat and thick black glasses appeared just a little distance down the hallway. She looks messy... yet educated at the same time...

"Don't fucking yell, shittyglasses."

Newly introduced, 'shittyglasses' frowned, pushing up her frames with a manic giggle. Definitely a scientist.

"Oh? A girl! You've never brought a guest with you, let alone a female one!"

I bowed politely, smiling and attempting to look presentable. I have a bad habit of embarrassing myself.

"Oh, no need to bow, any friend of Levi's is a friend of mine!"

I felt overall impressed with this lady, awfully polite and strangely cheerful. I feel the two of us will get along well.

"I'm Hanji, nice to meet you!"

I winced, it would've been very bad if I addressed her as 'shittyglasses' like the Prince did. Is that his nickname for her? How odd... yet expected of Prince Levi.

"I know you don't visit me for fun, Levi... do you have a problem?"

Hanji smiled weakly, walking towards some sort of lab as Prince Levi and myself followed behind. Hanji's lab smelt strongly of smoke as test tubes littered the area. She must work a lot...

Prince Levi closed the door with a loud sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose - disgust written all over his face. I forgot the Prince has a thing for cleanliness.

"Jean singed a contract with Eren."

Hanji ceased her pouring of a purple chemical and lowered the beaker. She looks shocked...

"Is he crazy?! Why did he do that?"

Prince Levi glared in response to the sudden noise, neatening his crown with a quiet click of his tongue.

"He was running out of money and felt embarrassed to ask me for a large sum - so Eren offered him a new patch of land and fresh stables - if he signed a contract."

Hanji poured another green liquid into the purple and stirred, nodding her head.

"Go on."

She mumbled, watching the mixture fizzle and melt together. What is Hanji making? A potion?

"Well now Eren is sending bills that increase in numbers every month. He knows Jean can't afford them - so I think he plans on bankrupting me."

Hanji frowned, looking rather angry and displeased with the news, increasing her mixing speed with a careless sigh.

"Don't worry. I think I know the consequence Eren has in store for Jean."

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