Reiner folded his arms. "Huh. I guess every family has their secrets."

Rain increasingly pelted Flora's dress, causing her to glance up at the darkening and cloudy sky. "I hate to say this, but I think we might have to make camp if it rains any harder. There is no way the cart will make it through the muck."

"I worried that may be the case," Armin sighed.

"I always pack a tent just in case. It'll be a tight squeeze, but I think we can all fit; it covers the whole cart."

"We can buddy up," Ymir winked.

Jean analyzed the forest. "Are there bandits around? It might be better to sleep in shifts."

"This area is safe. If it would make you feel better, feel free." Flora's mind wandered back to her children and Levi. She wondered how they were doing.

"Open up!" Sasha encouraged. She opened her mouth and took an exaggerated bite of cheese slice. Connie raided the pantry to their right, looking for anything that could possibly satisfy a fussy child.

Levi rubbed his temples and sighed. "He's a baby you nut jobs. He wants milk. Flora's, specifically, it seems."

A cup of spilled cow's milk on the floor proved testament to that fact.

"It's like I adopted six more kids. Give him a cookie or something."

Connie's face lit up as he pulled a jar out of the cabinet. "A pickle?"

Levi groaned. At least Mikasa, despite being standoffish, was good with older kids. Eros seemed to have developed quite the crush on her and enjoyed every minute Mikasa spent taking care of the animals with him.

"Eros," Levi called. "What does your mother give Rowan when he throws a fit?"

His son put his hands in his pockets and wandered over, followed by Mikasa and Eren. "Umm," he thought, "well she checks his butt, gives him toys and picks him up. Bounces him around a little bit. Puts him in her sling and carries him around while saying nice things until he falls asleep."

Levi could have smacked himself. "Sleep. He's been up all day. Flora's going to kill me." He scooped the baby off Sasha's lap amidst a fresh torrent of wails. "I'm going to put him down. Don't set the place on fire."

It took Levi close to an hour to finally get the baby asleep. Deep down it was a blessing; being away for months at a time, especially with young children, meant Levi often felt like a stranger to them. It was nice to spend some alone time together no matter how much Rowan hated it at first. Levi analyzed the baby's features. He was quite a big bigger than Eros ever was at this age, and his initially red hair turned more and more blond. Those big blue eyes spoke volumes alone.

Levi stifled a yawn. If it wasn't for the scouts, perhaps he could nap as well.

After putting the baby in the crib, Levi tiptoed as silently as possible out their half-broken door. I should really fix that. Maybe I'll make Eren do it.

Sasha hid the jar of pickles under her skirt as soon as Levi returned to the living room. He checked the sun outside. If Flora and the scouts weren't back in the next hour or two, they wouldn't make it all, he imagined. Did they run into trouble?

Levi attempted to suppress his growing feeling of dread-unsuccessfully. When it came to any possible danger to Flora, or heaven forbid his children, it was difficult to maintain his legendary composure. His nerves were already dangerously frayed as it was just having his home invaded. His sanctuary, his solstice, the one place he could show even an ounce of vulnerability, gone. Erwin, you prick.

"Listen up recruits. Whoever wakes the baby will be shoveling pig shit for a week."

"Do you really think we will be here for a week?" Eren asked. The tone of his voice sounded almost hopeful.

"I don't know. Maybe less, maybe more. Only Erwin knows, and who knows what shitstorm he's dealing with. You hide here until you're told otherwise. No drama, no theatrics, no stupid decisions. Flora and the others should be back soon; I want this place spotless."

Sasha sniffed the air. "It smells like it's going to rain again. If they don't come soon, whatever trails they took will be nothing but mud again."

"I could bail them out with my titan form if they get stuck," Eren offered.

"We will cross that road if it comes to it."

"This is not as comfortable as I imagined it would be," Ymir grumbled. "I think I'm getting to know you all a little too well."

"It's better than being in the rain," Bertholdt said optimistically.

The six of them huddled together in misery underneath the canvass tent within the cart. Even though the tent formed a makeshift covered wagon, it was certainly not the warmest of creations, nor the most leakproof. Sacks of food were rearranged into makeshift furniture. Jars, cans, and other durable items were moved underneath to provide a little more moving space, however the cart was still too small for all six to stretch out comfortably.

Flora sat on a sack of flour with her knees drawn up to her torso. Jean, Armin and Christa sat to her right, with Reiner, Bertholdt and Ymir to her left. "It blows we are stuck out here. But I am glad we came to town—who knows what you have happened to you guys? You could have been stuck there for a lot longer."

"So what happened when you went down the stairs?" Christa asked eagerly.

Flora smiled. "I haven't bored you to death yet? I'm glad."

Jean wrapped his cloak tightly around his body. "You finally just got to the good part, where you and Levi were finally reunited." The boy turned redder than a tomato when everyone turned to look at him. "What? I'm curious."

"Well, me, Levi, and Erwin went to my grandmother's cottage after that. As promised, she told them everything."

"I thought you said you would tell us everything," Erwin frowned. Flora's grandmother looked particularly eccentric today, having cleaned herself up only the bare minimum after the ritual. Erwin looked back at Flora. "You really have healing abilities? Why haven't you told me?"

Grandma Niamh sat next to Erwin with an exasperated scoff. "Because that negates a family secret. You think we go around telling people about it? That would go great until the next maniac comes along and steals one of our women, forcing them to heal them. We learned the ability to drain life for a reason."

Flora crossed her arms. "I still don't like it. It feels wrong."

"It won't feel wrong when you're in trouble. No gifted descendent of mine will be so helpless. Of course, it still won't do you any good if the royal family ever decides it desires the McKenzie's services in the future-the Compulsion is far too powerful to ever allow you to drain one of their members."

Next to her, Levi looked at his hands. "It truly felt like the life was being sucked out of me."

"You dumb shits deserved it." Flora's grandmother shook her head before patting Erwin's sizable arm. "Not you, Erwin."

"So, dumb shit?" Erwin clarified. Levi shot him a glare.

"You are lucky she loves you both-or else she would have killed you both. Back in the old days the men in our family actually guarded us instead of being lazy assess. "

Flora blushed furiously. "Grandma. Your tongue is salty this morning."

"It is salty. Because I am worried—worried these buffoons will betray our secret. Not you, Erwin dear." Her grandmother continued patting Erwin on the arm.

This time Erwin couldn't contain his amused smile. "I think she means you, Levi."

Levi's scowl deepened.

Flora sensing the growing tension in the room. "I think Levi and I need a moment alone."

"Greatly."

Flora bid goodbye to her grandmother and Erwin who planned on staying behind to pick her grandmother's brain. As she hugged Erwin, she whispered into his ear. "Don't drink more than a cup of her tea unless you want to sleep with another McKenzie woman."

The look on his face was priceless.

Flora led Levi away from her grandmother's cottage and into the unkempt wooded grounds nearby for, finally, some peace and quiet.

"It's been so long. You look colder. Sadder."

His eyes scanned the trees. "I am. I lost my two best friends recently."

Flora stopped her walking and analyzed him. The grief was still present on his face when he talked about it. "I'm sorry."

"At least I'm out of the underground. I almost killed your boyfriend in the process."

"Erwin? He's not my boyfriend. He's my best friend."

"Right. That's why he stumbled back to the barracks the other night looking like he lost a fist fight with a titan."

Flora gasped. Her defenses were prickled by his tone more than anything. "That's not fair. I've never dated anyone. I've rejected every chance of love based on the slimmest hope you would find me. Every year it grew smaller and smaller." Angry tears filled her eyes. "I thought you were dead, or got married, or forgot me. No sign, no trace, and yet here I still waited years like an idiot. So yeah, maybe I did break down and sleep with a beloved friend. Do I feel guilty? Maybe. Can I change it? No."

"Are you done ranting yet?"

The look of white-hot rage on her face made Levi realize he messed up. He quickly backpedaled. "I'm sorry. But listen," he grabbed her hand. "Maybe I was upset at first. But then I realized you slept with Erwin fucking Smith. The man's built like a titan. I'd be more concerned if you didn't sleep with him given the chance."

Flora eyed him with suspicion. "You're joking."

"I'm serious. And after knowing your appetite firsthand, I'm surprised it was just him."

Flora looked away, but Levi touched the side of her face and guided it back to him. "I've waited for you every day for four years. I don't want to spoil our reunion by talking about things we can't change."

Flora's heart ached desperately for him despite her anger. Her hands locked behind his neck while his settled around her waist. The moment was only ruined by her name being called in the distance. "My brothers. If they would leave me alone for one second..."

Even though Flora knew she did nothing wrong, and to be honest with herself, she didn't care if she was doing something wrong, the look on her brother's faces were surprisingly odd. They appraised Levi not with utter distain like most nobles would, but with apprehension. Like Flora was holding hands with a twenty-meter titan.

"You two really shouldn't go off like that. It's not good for your dignity."

Flora found the statement hilarious. "Like I have so much dignity."

"Besides, mother is going to be back from town soon. I suggest Levi make himself scarce if he doesn't want to cause a scene. Don't forget we need to rehearse for the banquet as well."

Levi spoke before Flora could protest. "It's alright. I should probably see what Erwin is doing, make sure he isn't getting taken advantage of right now. I'll find you later Flora." He kissed Flora on the cheek as a parting gift before leaving.

Flora and her brothers watched him walk to their grandmother's cottage. Her fingers touched her face where his lips had been. "For such a small man, he sure has big balls," Seamus said, shaking his head. "Whatever. Let's go practice, I might be more than a little rusty on the guitar. At least Liam found his drums in the root cellar. A little mouse bitten, but they're fine."

Flora followed them inside. Liam eventually sighed and wrapped his arm around her shoulders while they walked. "I know we seem like buzz kills, but we just want you to be careful. You've always acted on the impulsive side, and we've let you, but I want to make sure you actually like this guy. I don't want him taking advantage of you."

"You should spend some time getting to know him."

Seamus scoffed. "As should you. Have you spent more than a day together in the past decade?"

"Maybe not a day. But a night..."

Liam playfully pushed her away. "The sad thing is that I know you're not kidding. We kept that night to ourselves, you know. If mother discovered her precious daughter lost her purity to street urchin, she'd kill you. After that she would have Grandma Niamh revive you, and then she'd kill you again."

Flora rolled her eyes. "Let's just practice."

Levi walked into the cottage without knocking.

"Have another cup dear, I truly insist."

"Oh, no thank you Niamh, I really should be going."

"And you will, after you have another cup..."

Levi kept a blank face, but deep down he wanted to laugh. Flora's grandmother had Erwin's arm in a vice grip and attempted to lead him to her kitchenette. Erwin's cheeks were flushed. "I came to grab you, Erwin, if you aren't too preoccupied. I didn't see a sock on the door."

Niamh dropped Erwin's arm and fixed Levi with a glare. Erwin straightened his shirt and bid the old woman a goodbye and thanked her for the information. Once they were a sufficient distance from the cottage, Levi couldn't resist ribbing his friend. "I'm glad I came before things got too heated, you would have killed her with that sword of yours."

Every few feet Levi thought of another tease.

"I think you should have carried her back home instead of Flora."

"I marry Flora, you marry her grandma. We both win."

"Was it really just information you wanted?"

"By the walls Levi, leave it alone. I found out some interesting family history alright? And maybe that included some things about June."

"Flora's sister? I've never given my condolences about her passing. I'm sorry."

Erwin shrugged. "It's been over a year now. I'm sorry for sleeping with Flora—I think we both felt confused and lonely. If it's worth anything, I think she's better in your hands than mine. The closer I got to her, the more distracted I get from my true goal."

"Which is?"

"I want to lead the survey corps after Commander Shadis. I've come up with several new strategies to reduce our loss of life that he doesn't even consider. The next expedition is set to happen two months after the banquet if I can close the supply deal with Flora's father. Maybe if I can finally demonstrate how superior my ideas are."

"I was worried you were going to put up a bigger fight."

"About Flora? No. She's my friend. I want her to be happy. If I thought she could ever be happy with a conventional life perhaps I'd be more protective, but anyone that knows her could tell you the thought of her settling down with another noble is laughable. I think you should pursue her—if she wants."

"Her family is going to be a problem."

Erwin laughed. "Her brothers are good guys. So is her father. Her mother on the other hand...picture Flora's free-willed nature, her nomadic spirit, her healing light and spirituality, and then picture the opposite. That's her mother Caoimhe. Her brothers want what's best for her, but her mother has always sought to control her. I've seen the two but heads more than you can comprehend. It's amazing Flora's made it three months without a screaming match—but that just means it's overdue. Stay away from her until it's unavoidable."

Levi and Flora met in secret over the next few days. While they shared a kiss here, a smoldering look there, they mainly focused on reacquainting themselves with one another after their extensive time apart. Flora's love for him quickly rekindled.

A week after Levi's reappearance and only two days away from the banquet, Levi's mother returned home like a whirlwind, interrupting Flora's practice with her brothers. Erwin and Levi listened in the background along with Flora's nieces and nephews. "Flora. I ran into the most interesting gentleman at the market today."

"Actually," Flora glanced at Levi, who straightened his spine. "I have something to tell you."

Seamus touched Flora's arm and shot her a warning look. "For the love of Maria, Rose and Sina, please don't do this until after the banquet. Indulge her until then, for all of our sake's."

Flora frowned and bit her tongue. Anger rose hot and quick inside her, but her brothers looked desperate enough to make Flora attempt, poorly, to maintain a cool exterior.

Her mother continued as if Flora never spoke. "I ran into the young Lord Kessler!"

Flora resisted a groan. She was glad she did, because immediately after, the Lord stepped into the doorway. He wasn't an unhandsome man in the traditional sense; he was nearly as tall as Erwin, though of much lighter build, with a strong jaw, dark brown eyes, and equally brown, slightly wavy hair that sat right below his ears. He was older than her, she remembered, by at least ten years. He ran in Liam's peer group.

Flora remembered his taunts as a child. He teased both herself and June mercilessly about every possible trait from their hair, their eyes, even their bony knees. Flora politely stood and curtseyed after he bowed to her. "Lest my ears deceive me, I hear an angel singing. I apologize for the intrusion, but I couldn't help but see for myself if the rumors were true, if Wall Sina's most beautiful and talented woman had really returned to us. Once your mother informed me of your unwed status, well, I couldn't resist at least taking you on a date."

Levi's attempt at standing was cut short when Erwin placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Oh, thank you," Flora lied. "I wish I had the time, but with the banquet only two days away, I have so much to rehearse."

Flora's mother grabbed her by the arm and dug her nails in. "Nonsense. Indulge me, dear."

"And not to mention I'm in no state to attend a date."

"You look perfect. I'll see you this evening."

"This evening?" Flora squeaked, glancing at Erwin and Levi. Levi's eyes shot daggers at the oblivious Lord.

Lord Kessler extended his hand politely. "I have quite the day planned for us."

Before Flora took it, Erwin cleared his throat and stood. "It would be only fitting for me to come as her chaperone, of course."

Lord Kessler retracted his hand. "Of course, I forget formalities. I apologize Caoimhe, but I may have to vie for your daughter's hand another day, as I am woefully unprepared; my carriage only has the space for two."

Flora almost breathed a sigh of relief until her mother spoke. "I've always adored you for your commitment to the rules, sweet Erwin, but I won't let lack of carriage space prevent my daughter from courtship. I'll allow an exception in this case."

Every instinct told Flora to run. Instead, to her shame, she allowed herself to be led out of the house and into his intimate two-person carriage. Inside, Flora fanned herself and pressed her body into the farthest corner. "I'm sorry if I seem reluctant, it's just that I'm surprised that you would have any interest in me at all."

"If it's because of what I said as teenagers, allow me to apologize. I've done a significant amount of growth since then along with reflection. My interest in your hand is no lie; with your family's ties to the Survey Corps, and mine to the Interior Military Police, I think both families and both factions could benefit from our union. But, setting aside all strategy and scheming, I am truly keen in seeing the legendary Flora up close."

"Legendary?"

"Your feats in the survey corps clinic are impressive. Some would even say impossible."

"I guess I'm just skilled. Healing is in my blood."

Lord Kessler didn't press his luck by moving any closer. "I'm just curious as to why you've remained single for so long. I don't take you as a whore."

Flora's glare could shatter glass. "That's none of your business. Where are you taking me?"

"I want you to see my estate."

"An estate on the first date, with no escort? If you are anything, you are bold. Perhaps too bold; you must think I really am a whore."

"Mhm. I see the stories left out the Lady's feisty tongue."

"Most people don't get to see it," Flora snapped. "And those that do quickly regret it."

Lord Kessler smiled. He looked almost...excited? "I see then. Allow me to apologize for my...boldness. And perhaps compliment you again on the beauty of your voice. I've never heard anything like it."

Flora's face burned. She was desperate to escape the small confines of the carriage and focused on looking out the window as the two fell into a painfully awkward silence. After half an hour the carriage arrived just within the borders of the Kessler Estate before abruptly coming to a halt. "Get out!" Voicers shouted outside. "All of you!"

Flora cursed. Thieves?

"It's alright. Let's just do what they say."

The carriage doors were thrown open. Lord Kessler was hauled out by his hair and dumped on the cobblestone road while Flora was pulled out by her wrists and slammed against the carriage by three men of all varying heights and builds and a single blond woman. The woman checked Flora for goods while two men held guns to Kessler. The woman cut off Flora's waist purse and eyed her necklace with obvious interest.

"Hey!" Flora strained. "That's mine!"

The last bandit hauled the Kessler's driver, nothing more than a fresh-faced teen, onto the ground and began to viciously beat him. "Stop!" Flora screamed, fighting against her female captor, but her attempts were useless. It was clear she was much stronger than Flora.

Watching the beating was unbearable; in response, the Compulsion, swift and powerful, rose quickly within her; but this was no mere tingle or itch down her spine. It was consuming, ravenous, and shot down her arms. Her newly awakened power arched into the blond bandit through any skin contact and leached the woman's energy. The impact was immediate, as after only a moment, Flora was endowed with a rush of energy while her assailant's grip loosened before she completely collapsed.

The Compulsion spurred her to act without self regard to end the driver's suffering. Although she was no fighter by any means, Flora easily grabbed the knife from the woman's limp hand before rushing ahead and stabbing it into the driver's assailant, landing a blow deep to his right shoulder. She removed the blade and went to stab again, but the man cursed and grabbed her by the arm. His mistake, because as with the woman, he immediately fell to his knees in sudden weakness.

With the beating halted Flora regained a small amount of control. The power was still unstoppable, but she was able to direct it slightly more. She whirled around, sparks dancing across her skin-a byproduct from holding far too much energy for one person-ready to face the last two assailants.

The two men pinning Kessler to the ground had already abandoned the scene with their female friend limb in their arms. When Flora turned back around, the stabbed and bloody attacker was crawling away as well. With the imminent danger gone, Flora dropped down to her knees in front of the boy. She had to release this power; she could barely hold it for much longer. Flora directed it into his body through her palms, detecting his wounds, and mended them more than she meant to thanks to the energy she stole. The boy looked good as new by the time she was finished. Even his acne scars were healed.

Lord Kessler looked at Flora with amazement and extended his hand toward her. "Flora, what did you..."

Flora stumbled away and ran the entire distance home.

Meanwhile, in the McKenzie living room, Erwin, Levi, Liam and Seamus sat on couches and proposed, officially, a courtship between Levi and Flora to Caoimhe. Levi's temper was not helping his case.

"She's a grown woman! She doesn't need permission, and neither do I—this is ridiculous."

"Hmph! I would expect such talk from unrefined underground trash. I've seen you hanging around these past few days and thought you were simply one of Erwin's friends. I never knew you had such sinister intentions!"

"He's not underground trash," Erwin said in an even voice. "Be reasonable. Although new, he is indeed my friend, and also a valuable member of the survey corps. When I become commander, I'll see to it that Levi becomes Captain if a title means that much to you."

"You've no money, no future, nothing to offer my daughter. I simply won't consider it."

"Mother, please," Liam pleaded. "We all know Flora doesn't care about any of that. There's no stopping her when her heart is set on something, so it would be less painful for all of us if you gave them your blessing."

"My blessing?" Caoimhe nearly shrieked in horror. "Do you give yours?"

Liam glanced at Levi. "Yes. I do."

"And you Erwin? You're like a son to me. Look me in the eyes and tell me you trust this man with my daughter."

"Absolutely. I trust him above all others."

Caoimhe sunk deeper into her sofa as if otherwise deflated. "You've never told me your last name, boy."

Erwin took a deep breath.

"Ackerman," Levi answered after a long pause.

Caoimhe stiffened. "Ackerman? From the Ackerman Clan?"

Levi crossed his arms and waited.

"Your family was nearly hunted to extinction!"

"If the wider world knew what the women in your family were capable of, perhaps yours would be too." Levi leaned in closer, face deathly serious. "Erwin and I witnessed Flora's abilities firsthand. If the military police knew she could use her own energy to heal life, or now, thanks to your mother, drain life, what do you think they would do to her? Allow her to work in a military hospital? Allow her to live here? If you ask me, marrying your daughter to an Ackerman would be the best way to ensure her absolute protection-if you truly care about her, that is."

Liam looked particularly disturbed. "A king's guard and king's healer? It seems oddly poetic."

Caoimhe trembled in her seat. "My mother...taught her...I can't believe it. That devil woman. I need some time alone. I have to think."

Levi stood up in disgust. Negotiating with this woman was impossible. Erwin was right about her and then some. Taking a deep breath to calm his escalating temper, he took a moment to lean against the window frame and froze. "Flora?" Everyone's head snapped to look at him, with Erwin getting to his feet the fastest. Levi was already out the front door by the time Erwin took two steps.

Flora's pace slowed when she saw Levi race from the house. Her exhausted legs quivered and finally gave up, causing her to collapse painfully on the grass. Her chest heaved with the exertion of her run, and she took a minute to recover while Levi crossed the remaining distance with Erwin, Liam, and her mother tailing him. He kneeled down as soon as he reached her and looked her over for injuries. He looked to be both protective and aggressive as he embraced her but also scanned behind her for threats.

"What happened? Are you injured? Did Kessler hurt you?"

"We were robbed," she said between pants. "They beat the driver right in front of me." Flora's eyes looked at the ground in a mix of shame and dread. "I couldn't stop myself Levi. I drained two of the attackers and stabbed one. Then I..." Flora bit her lip, tearing up. "I healed the driver. I healed him too well. He should have died, or at the very least be crippled, but he was just a kid. With the power I held from the draining it just happened-I think Kessler knows. I'm such an idiot."

"Hey," Levi said gently, pressing her head into his chest and his lips into her forehead. "You saved a life." The reassurance was all Flora needed. Her adrenaline died down while her emotions rose.

"What happened?" Erwin barked. Seamus wielded a fire poker and looked around for assailants.

"Kessler and her were robbed," Levi said shortly.

Liam eyed the property behind Flora grimly. "We should get her in the house. Quickly. Who knows if they are still around?"

"If they did, they'll regret it."

Levi helped Flora to her feet. Her legs burned terribly, but she was able to walk to the house. She looked a frightful sight in the mirror with her pale, sweaty skin, frazzled hair, rumpled clothes and missing purse . She sunk into the couch while her mother fetched water.

Deep down, Flora felt unnerved by the attack—but it wasn't from the attack alone. The ride with Lord Kessler, his keen interest in her healing...something felt wrong. Flora hung her head in her hands. "I should really find Grandma Niamh. I messed up."

"She's out in the market." Her mother said, returning from the kitchen with a pitcher of water. Flora did her best to not drain the liter in a single swig while something out the window caught her mother's attention. She straightened her spine and pulled back the curtain slightly with a frown. "Hm. It's that Lord Kessler."

Erwin put a hand on Levi's shoulder to keep him in the couch. "Stay with Flora. I'll see what he wants."

Everyone attended to the door while Levi sat with Flora. The both of them were highly on edge. "I'm sorry for going with him in the first place."

"Same old Flora, drawing trouble wherever you go. Did they seem to target you specifically?"

"I don't know. The whole event was strange. The attack happened right when we turned onto the Kessler property, and while it started off as a robbery, why did they beat the driver? And on the drive over, Lord Kessler seemed strangely interested in my work in the hospital. I know he and Liam used to run close back in the day, I'm wondering if he knows something?"

Levi glared toward the door. "I could ask him a question or two. I'm almost hoping he doesn't want to talk—my nail pulling skills are getting rusty."

"I don't think it's that serious. Just strange is all." Flora itched to change the topic. "Did you talk with my mother?"

"We all did. She's not enthusiastic about the idea."

Flora rested her hand on top of his. "Thank you for at least trying. What she thinks doesn't change anything."

Levi turned his hand over and embraced Flora's. "I was hoping you would come with me to Shiganshina—your mother's blessing or not. We have about two months until the next official expedition."

"You know I don't need her blessing. Of course I'll come with." She brushed his fringe out of his eyes. He leaned forwards slightly as if to kiss her, but the clicking of her mother's shoes made him stop. If Flora's mother disproved of their intimate position, she said nothing.

"What did he want?" Flora asked, trying to calm the blush in her cheeks.

"To talk to you. Alone. We sent him away of course." Erwin watched from the window to make sure the Lord was indeed leaving the property. "I can't put my finger on it, but there's something strange about him. I would recommend Flora be put under protection for the near future. I'd volunteer myself, but I'm too busy assisting Commander Shadis with supply deals. I think you know who I'd recommend in my place."

Flora's mother glanced at Levi and Flora; more particularly, their interlaced hands. A storm passed across her face even after Liam returned from the doorway. "There's no better bodyguard than an Ackerman, mother. Please do it for Flora's sake."

Clearly unpleased, her mother wrung her hands together. "A single male guard who wants to court her? Never."

Erwin stroked his chin. "How about I recommend two guards?"

Levi cursed quietly next to her. "Not her."