There were many stories and legends recounted to Mikasa in the nights before bed, but one in particular stands out.
In the high mountains of Hizuru, there is a river. Not just any river though — this river had the power to wash away a person's memories.
No one knows if this story has any truth to it. Supposedly, it flows through a deep valley hidden away in the crevasses of the mountains. Its beauty is unparalleled with clear, blue-green waters surrounded by luscious green fields, all kinds of blooming flowers and plants, trees that bear mouth-watering fruit and a wonderful bright sky with birds flying in the horizon.
The description sounds like a paradise — a heaven only visited by the immortal gods.
However, legends say that once someone goes near the river, everything fades away. The water calls out to you in a gentle, alluring voice. It tugs you closer and closer, lulling you with its sweetness and beauty. It tempts you with pleasure and serenity, freeing you from whatever thoughts you've had in the past. The pull overtakes you until you're not even conscious of your being.
Instead, all you desire to do is to jump into its depths and forget everything.
The reason why Mikasa remembered this story more than others is because she couldn't imagine it.
She couldn't imagine forgetting her home: the lively streets, the picturesque scenery, the lanterns that light up the sky, the fragrant and delicate cherry blossoms, and so much more. She couldn't imagine forgetting every memory made in her life, every laughter, every smile and every moment of joy.
She couldn't imagine forgetting her family. She couldn't imagine forgetting her loved ones.
Mikasa was undeniably happy with her peaceful life.
And she couldn't imagine anything changing that to desire to forget everything that defined her.
Whenever his father would visit his chambers, Eren would be told that he would do great things.
He was the youngest of Emperor Grisha Jaeger's many sons, but it didn't stop his father from showing favoritism. As he sat on his father's lap, Eren was told he would help their family rule the nations that their empire has reached. His older half-brother, Zeke, was already in line to govern Marley, one of the greatest states under their reign; now, he needed to prove himself to the royals, courts, ministers, governors, and the people that he was worthy of being the successor to the entire Eldian Empire.
Even from a young age, Eren was ambitious in reaching for the stars. He was persistent, headstrong, and stubborn. But even though the boy was confident in his abilities, he also knew it wouldn't be easy.
Not when there were snakes everywhere he went in the palace, plotting for his demise and their own ascensions. Not when there were leeches that outwardly feigned kindness but secretly went behind his back to subdue him and his mother from rising in status. Not when there were sharks swimming in the water, waiting for the opportunity to circle in and take away his freedom to live in this world.
The court was split between various princes: people arguably smarter, better and more capable. Murmurs spread through the halls that most of the ministers and officials deemed the youngest prince as one without the talent necessary to lead the empire.
But Eren knew that he wanted to protect those he loved; whether it was his mother, his friends or this nation, the young prince knew that unless he had that power, he wouldn't be able to do so.
He needed to be special.
So, he studied hard to understand philosophy, economics, math, literature, politics, war strategy and many more subjects. Eren trained hard in swordplay. He interacted with the commoners in disguise to understand how to be a ruler for the nation. He learned to not show his fiery temper at the mere sight of injustice, instead maintaining a blank expression and betraying no indication of his feelings. He learned to use his wits to outmaneuver those around him, deciphering the trickery behind words and — at times — manipulating people to do what he intended.
But while Royal Consort Carla Jaeger was on her deathbed, she told him that he didn't need to do all those things — he was special because he was already born into this world.
Eren knew his mother wanted him to live a happy life — a peaceful life. She wanted him to be free. She wanted him to live a life for himself, away from the schemes and plots of the cruel world that surrounded them.
But the prince also knew that if he didn't win the crown, then he'd die. If he won, then he'd live.
If he didn't fight, then he couldn't win.
So, he moved forward in pursuit, resolving to gain the power he needed to obtain that freedom in this bitter, dark world.
The first time Mikasa Ackerman, Princess of Hizuru, sees him, it's unexpected.
She's out for a walk in the city, having snuck out the palace. Hizuru is in the last stages of summer as the petals from the cherry blossom trees flutter lightly into the wind. The leaves of the tall trees are beginning to take on a tinge of orange, red and yellow. The temperature is no longer stifling but is now cooler and milder.
One of her favorite things to do is to be among the streets, exploring the markets and stalls. The people are lively and bustling with energy, calling out to bystanders and advertising their products. The aroma of food makes her mouth water more than the smell of any food given in the palace. Children are carefree and joyful, playing games and flying kites when the weather is nice.
Right now, it's relieving to be away from the increasingly stifling atmosphere of the palace. The Eldian Empire and Hizuru have always been on peaceful terms; however, Hizuru's economy has been flourishing more than ever for the past decade, causing Eldia to turn their sights toward her nation's success.
Mikasa has heard whispers of a political treaty offered by Emperor Jaeger of the Eldian Empire to benefit both Hizuru and Eldia. However, they all know that the terms will cause harm to Hizuru's sovereignty. She knows her father will refuse the terms, maintaining ways the things are currently. She just doesn't know how Eldia will react.
When she rounds the corner of a street, Mikasa pauses. This shop is new: she can't remember seeing this store the last time she visited this area.
Glancing up, the sign reads "PATHS Tea Café".
Curiously, she peers through the windows: the place doesn't have anyone else in it. At a quick glance, the decoration and layout are dissimilar to any of the Hizuran tea houses she's visited.
For one, it's incredibly tiny: many of the tea houses she's visited in the city are large and spacious, delegating rooms to give customers privacy and silence. Another reason is that the window gives her a plain view of a few high tables with chairs. Unlike the tea shops she's seen before, this one doesn't have floor tables with mats for seats.
It looks… foreign.
Intrigued, she treads through the door, a bell tinkling to signal her arrival. The inside appears incredibly clean (something her cousin would greatly appreciate). A small vase of flowers is in the center of each table, livening and brightening the room. Various fragrances fill her senses, and the smell is soothing. The sides are lined with shelves of different varieties of tea leaves and blends.
"Hello, what can I get you?" A masculine voice sounds behind her.
Turning around, she sees a young man about her age behind the counter. The first thing she notices is that he's not Hizuran. His skin is tan, almost a light golden-brown. He's tall and broad, his body framed by his white shirt and brown vest. His dark-brown hair is tied up into a messy bun, some wisps falling out and tickling his cheeks.
And then the second thing she notices is that he's extremely handsome. Even though more and more traders and merchants from other nations have begun setting up shop in Hizuru in the past decade, Mikasa hasn't met someone like him before. Her heart stutters when her dark-grey eyes meet his vibrant green ones. The shade reminds her of the towering trees in the forests by the palace that she used to explore in her youth.
Mikasa's too busy staring that she doesn't notice that his eyes widen the slightest when seeing her. After a moment of no response from her, he gives a small smile and tilts his head. Upon his reaction, she immediately blushes and stammers, "Uh—I was just passing by… I'm not sure what's good here."
His smile grows a little bit larger, and he replies, "If this is your first time, I'd recommend the Earl Grey Lavender."
She nods quickly and instantly says, "I'll take that then."
The young man tilts his head down in acknowledgment and then disappears to the backroom.
Hastily clearing her throat, a sudden shyness overcomes her which she immediately shakes off. Sitting down on a chair, Mikasa lightly runs her fingers over the smooth surface of the wooden table. The cushion is soft and squishy beneath her. In that moment, she's reminded of the discomfort from sitting on her knees for hours in her childhood while learning the routines of the traditional Hizuran tea ceremonies.
This shop is definitely not one for Hizurans. Nevertheless, she can't help but remain drawn to the store and its uniqueness as she patiently waits for her tea.
"Here you are," the man's voice sounds to her right.
Swiveling her head, she looks up at him peering down at her with a smile as he sets down her tea. Mikasa dips her head in thanks and gingerly picks up the cup. It's different from the ones she typically uses: the top curves outward and there is a large handle for her to grip. Inwardly, she notes that these are similar to the ones that Levi sometimes brings over whenever he returns from Paradise.
First inhaling the fragrance, she finds herself enamored with the way the earthy, yet floral, scent lingers in her nose. After taking a sip and letting the liquid touch her tongue, Mikasa allows the flavor to sit in her mouth until it dissipates warmly down her throat. The tea is bitter, but the floral provides a sweeter aftertaste.
It's different from the gentle flavors of the tea she usually drinks, but it's not unpleasant. Rather, it leaves her wanting more. Looking up at him, she smiles sincerely and comments, "It's delicious—may I please know your name?"
He beams at her compliment, his green eyes twinkling lightly. She doesn't fail to notice how small dimples form at the corner of his mouth at the action. "My pleasure. My name is Eren Kruger."
She ignores the quivering of her heart. "Thank you, Eren."
Eren tilts his head down in gratitude. He looks like he wants to say something more, but at that time, two other customers come into the store. Immediately greeting them with a smile, he turns away from her and begins to serve them their tea.
Mikasa continues sitting there, drinking her tea leisurely and letting the aroma wipe away the events of the day. However, it doesn't immediately wash away the way his name sounds in her mouth.
The princess also doesn't notice the way the teashop owner's forest-green eyes linger on her before he goes back to the kitchen.
Eren sees her by accident the first time.
He's recently arrived in Hizuru. His papers say that he's from Paradise, the youngest son of a family of wool merchants.
But his father sent him here, wondering if Eren can exploit any intelligence for the Eldian Empire to leverage. His father has set his goals on bringing Hizuru under the Empire. However, after initial rounds of talk, the Emperor decided that they need a backup plan in case negotiations don't work out. Therefore, he wants to know how the nation is doing from the inside and if there will be any future opportunities Eldia can capitalize on.
It's a good chance for him to showcase his abilities to become Crown Prince. The court is becoming increasingly more tense. Zeke already has the necessary support for his appointment. But Eren's finally gotten his chance after being side shacked for the past five years. This past year has been a turnaround for him. He's been handed more important responsibilities and he won't let any potential opportunity go to waste.
As he steps through the port, he resolves he'll do anything to get the appointment.
One week after he arrives in the new nation, it's the Festival of the Sky Lanterns.
Eren learns from the locals that the nation lights lanterns and floats them into the air every summer. These lanterns are supposed to represent a person's dreams and hopes. Little stalls are open everywhere on the sidewalks so that people can buy different designs to decorate and write their wishes on. Everyone celebrates in the streets, pointing in awe at the glowing lights, watching performers and entertainers, and eating merrily to their heart's content.
It's an interesting tradition. As he maneuvers his way through a horde of people, he doesn't think the descriptions he's heard about Hizuru are far off. Overall, the people seem happy here. The merchants are thriving. Trade is amiable between foreign nations. The monarchy is benevolent towards the kingdom. The country is beautiful and prospering.
But every nation has a chink in the armor and the young prince is determined to find it. He's in the middle of considering writing to his father to ask for an extended amount of time to stay before he hears someone exclaim, "Here comes the Royal Family!"
Eren turns his head. Indeed, a group of people are crossing the street on horses and in carriages. At the front is who he assumes is King Ackerman. He's fair with a kind face as he smiles down at the commoners bowing before him. Flanked behind to his right is a man with a fedora, chewing on a toothpick as he peers around with a grin on his face. On King Ackerman's left, however, is a short man with dark-hair and a scowl written on his expression.
Based on his knowledge, he can only deduce those two are Generals Kenny and Levi Ackerman.
The Ackerman's were originally a prominent and highly respected military family from Paradise, a strong country that has always been on peaceful terms with Eldia but has kept its sovereignty. About 30 years ago, Hizuru was on the verge of decline until the late King of Paradise, Uri Reiss, proposed a marriage alliance between the head of the Ackerman's and the eldest princess from Hizuru.
During that time, the marriage was something unheard of — a royal marrying beneath their status was considered eccentric. Nevertheless, the union between the two families proved fruitful: Hizuru slowly recovered their strength and prospered. Paradise and Hizuru benefited from mutual trade, improving each nation's economy. Moreover, with the Ackerman's fronting both Hizuru and Paradise's forces, their combined militaries also became incredibly powerful.
The way Eren sees it though, Paradise has been leeching off Hizuru in the past eight years, when Uri Reiss's younger brother, Rod Reiss, succeeded the throne. During this period, Hizuru has been flourishing more than ever — more so than Eldia.
Based on what he can gather, Eldia would lose too many resources if they fought against the combination of the Hizuran and Paradisian military and the two respective nation's allies. Therefore, they may need a more… creative solution.
Eren is broken out of these thoughts when he sees a grand carriage pass. He can only assume that it carries the Queen and Princess. From what he knows, the King and Queen struggled to have children for a bit. However, they eventually welcomed a daughter, who would be around Eren's age.
Around him, he sees the commoners lower their heads even further to the ground to pay their respects. Hushed whispers emerge from the crowd as they sneak glances at one another, wondering when to get up.
Inwardly, he raises a brow. From what he understands of Hizurun culture, no commoner is supposed to know what the princess looks like until she is officially introduced to them upon her coronation — something about virtue and respect.
Nonetheless, Eren doesn't kneel, nor does he lower his head to the ground. This isn't his country anyways.
At that moment, a gust of wind blows through the curtains of the carriage, exposing the face of the princess inside. Eren is standing at the back, leaning onto a lamp post. However, he sees the princess clearly, as if she were standing directly in front of him.
Time stops.
Everything about her seems like a doll.
Her black hair is fashioned elaborately into a bun, adorned with jeweled pins. She's wearing a lavishly embroidered lilac-purple kimono. Her face is painted with rouge and powders, accentuating the paleness of her face, the darkness of her brows, the redness of her lips and the light pink of her cheeks. The contours and ridges of her face are well-defined and angular, but soft and round. Her cheekbones are high and prominent, emphasizing her regal air.
The most striking thing that draws him, though, is her dark-grey eyes — like the churning sky before a storm — gazing at the streets serenely.
After they pass and the commoners get up to continue their business, Eren remains in that position, staring at the spot that he saw her.
The image of her face is imprinted into his mind. In that instant, he knows that he doesn't think he could forget it, even if he tried to.
He's not sure why this momentary encounter is so resounding to him. But it doesn't stop him from thinking that the Princess of Hizuru is the most beautiful girl he's ever seen.
Eren writes back to his father, telling him he'll stay longer than the original time of three weeks. He's begun preparations to set up shop there, under the guise of gathering more intelligence on potential weaknesses in Hizuru.
Already, he knows that part of the court will go into a frenzy, deeming him arrogant and overly confident. The prince also knows, however, that part of them will look on in intrigue, wondering how — and if — the events will turn in his favor.
What the court doesn't know — and even Eren doesn't know — is whether that decision was influenced by the first sight of the Princess of Hizuru.
A/N:
Hello! Long time no see :) I've been super busy and this was something that has been in the WIP for a lonnnnng time haha. I now have some free time before real life starts again and want to get this out!
So, this is based off a c-drama called "Dong Gong" or "Goodbye, my Princess". If you've seen this drama, I won't be following the plot completely, but I will be following some of the main aspects.
If you haven't seen this drama, that's cool! You don't need to watch the drama to understand what's going on. However, I will warn anyone who is an easily emotional reader that this is going to be angsty. There will be some happiness but mainly sadness (nothing new with me) mixed with AOT themes and unhealthy relationships. Also, if you're familiar with my writing, you know I like evoking emotions (sorry, not sorry). If any of those things bothers you, then either please read with caution or find another story.
Obviously don't want to scare anyone haha and I could def be overreacting right now, but just wanted to be upfront in case anyone does find this upsetting. Not sure when the next update will be because I'm still in the process of editing, but hopefully will be soon! Please let me know your thoughts, if you have any!