Three weeks before the Lunch in the Reiss Green House Farm
Levi
One early evening, He was at the stables to see the white horse that was under his care for years. He made up his mind; he has to come up with a better solution upon dealing with this matter. He believes that it is urgent, so he decided to take Glorious for a walk.
Not just long ago in the headquarters of the Scouts, three soldiers were badly injured by Glorious... Levi was unfortunately not around that time as he was working out at the training hall. A scout came to him and informed him that his horse was causing trouble again. He immediately went just to see the scouts on their feet to cease the horse with all their strength. Some of the soldiers just stood at the side and were hesitating to help and some of them were determined to catch Glorious, just like these five soldiers who are now restraining his horse to the ground...
They got her through net and ropes. The horse has struggled on the ground as the five scouts are holding the nets. Dust flies onto the air as the horse resists. Levi observed that five scouts are not enough to keep Glorious still on the ground, he can see how their feet were dragged when Glorious pulled them in another direction.
She's a strong horse indeed.
Levi dealt with the scouts and ordered them to release Glorious. They hesitated but after he gave them his dangerous glare they submitted to his order. he guided the horse to get free from the ruffled net and just when the time the horse was set free, the horse got up on her feet and was making a loud neigh sound and turned to the five scouts, Levi thought that the horse already calmed herself but suddenly she began to chase the scouts who were holding the nets. Good thing he held on to the rope but Levi failed to strain the horse as it ran toward the five scouts one by one. He was too late and was now chasing the rope that was connected to Glorious. It took him a few moments to grab it until he saw that the scouts were kicked on their stomachs. She chased them and used her beak to grab their hair.
She was attacking them like a wild bull. They were utterly scared and some scouts in the place were backing down and refused to help as the horse has her blue and fiery eyes on every person who tries to approach he
Well, he's confused now, if this beast was a horse or something else. She's so strong and smart to manage.
"Ugly beast! Stop!" Floch, one of the scouts that were attacked and were now lying on the ground shouting,
When Glorious finally stopped and walked towards Levi at a calm pace, Levi saw the five scouts lying on the ground, whining in pain. The horse did buy time to do this to them. Well, after that incident, he managed to control Glorious and brought her back to the stables.
Now, he'll take her with him as he knows what will happen. The commander was surely on his way. Glorious made too much commotion, and he doesn't want Erwin to come and ask for the matter.
For sure these scouts had made errors while serving Glorious on the stables. She likes to be cleaned right away when her water spills on the ground. Or when the stables smelled like shit, the horse would always make a screeching sound when she sees you wiping her filthy rug. Her eyes were reluctantly suspicious when a new face would come and tries to be friendly with her. Well, she shuts them down by kicking them out or scares them by snapping her jaws towards them.
He rolled his eyes.
Now, He's riding another steed and brought Glorious with him for a walk. They were strolling away from the headquarters near a forest to cool his white mare down. Levi 's a little bit tired to be embarrassed by his horse. The scouts were aware that Glorious have never been taken on an expedition or being used by another soldier on a mission. She was just residing at the stables for a good long time ever since he bought her. He would just ride on her when he needs to attend a meeting, or he will just use her to stroll around the HQ to exercise her a bit.
"Glorious, you fucking beast" He uttered. "You're causing too much problem than the other horses, you know. You can't just run around and kick their ass just like that. You know how much Erwin wanted to get rid of you, you damn horse." Levi preached. He admits that the horse was way too spoiled and uncontrollable, but he doesn't intend to give her away and he won't bring Glorious on an expedition or operation, he can't afford to lose this horse. The merchant who sold her to him said that she was a special breed, expensive as a diamond. And after recognizing the horse's personality, no wonder why the merchant sold her away at such a low cost.
They were now walking towards the main road, it's a little bit dark with the trees at both sides, but Levi can manage to roam his eyes around. The moon's giving them enough light to stride in the night. The horse beside him just groaned on her reign and continued to walk. As if she's listening to him.
"I can't blame you if you want to kick those faces, but thanks to you, we had three seriously injured scouts. Not a good time since we were preparing for an expedition." He glanced at the path that he was passing. "I'm afraid that I have to find you a new owner."
Measuring the damage that she has done at the headquarters, for sure Erwin will take the horse under his custody. So let's just say Levi was taking the beast say before Erwin come and make her a visit.
The horse made a low protesting neigh, she tried to tag on the rope to pull away from Levi but she just seems to do it to show disagreement.
"Now stop whining. You did this to yourself. Don't act as if you understand" He knew that he has to find her a new place to stay or probably he will find her another home. "I'm not abandoning you, but I'd rather place you away from a crowded headquarters than seeing you kicking their asses." The horse breath forcefully through her nose, she snorted.
"Tch, you're not their damn Queen to make them obey you."
Queen...
Suddenly his imagination began to run while saddling. The Queen's gentle and wide blue eyes were enough to seal his praising words, her yellow-golden straight strands that were covering her innocent youthful face.
Levi will give Glorious to Historia. He's not quite sure if the kid can handle the mare's greedy personality, but if ever the Queen will refuse to have Glorious, he will still ask her to take Glorious under her stables.
A face of beauty that any man would think at night and during a daydream, her little laugh when he admitted defeat on their small debates while walking on the corridor, all those ordinary days made his heart flip secretly. Her childish gaze always makes him thought that she's looking up to him. That he's someone that she can rely on in this cruel world...
But he shall remind himself that many people were still relying on him at this point. The Queen was one of them and this is all his responsibility, any personal feelings should be out of the question.
He slightly smirked as they strode calmly in the pathway. "She's royal and I can guarantee you that you will gain special treatment under her stables"
He won't deny it. He pictured out Historia in his mind, he didn't know why he was suddenly reminded about the kid, is it because he hasn't attended the meeting this morning? The Queen didn't ask for him to come.
Oh. . He definitely wouldn't be needed because her appointment was all about her educational studies. It was not about the projects and he believes that he's not her guardian to think about her wellfares.
Glorious neighed softly. He knows that sound. It's what she usually makes whenever they were about to meet someone whom she trusts. The horse thought that they were going for a walk to see someone. It's an old habit for them.
He remembered that there were only a few of them that the mare likes or considers as her allies. She let them come and rides her back. The mare was fucking choosy about people.
Only Petra was around, she would always make time to take Glorious for a walk. None of his former squad can handle Glorious, except Petra. She never had a problem dealing with this white mare, which made things peaceful because she kept the mare under her control.
But. . .
Ever since that day, Glorious had to dealt with the other scouts, reports of being kicked and injured by this beast were now constant until Erwin asked Levi to use the mare as the commander's personal horse to make the mare useful.
But Levi refused.
Then his imagination played again on a flashback, during the months when Glorious was just calm, loyal and obedient horse.
He remembered riding Glorious into the woods late at night. Making his way deep into the forest, Petra was sitting behind him; her hands were around his waist. Her head rests on his back. He felt her warmth. So soothing, they were searching for a place to be alone. . She's wearing that blue dress which he bought secretly from a merchant.
"Captain. . ." he heard her whispered behind him . . . he can only see the trees as a dark shadow in his eyes, they had no lamp along the way. They were in the middle of the forest now; away from the camp, bumping into a wild animal might be possible for them. . But Levi 's pretty sure that there won't be any wild animals around them that night. Then he felt Petra's arms tightened on his waist, her fingers crumpled his well-ironed black suit. He's been wondering what bothered her so much these past few days. She seemed different and distracted, "I'm. . . pregnant.". Then suddenly his world stopped by hearing her words.
Pregnant. . .
Her voice stayed at his mind like an echo blown by the wind. The last word keeps on repeating endlessly that it almost sends him a headache. He thought about Farlan and Isabel.
Levi will have a child. What would they say? What would everyone say? Her parents? Erwin? His mother
Then he heard a child's cry, an innocent creature with his blood. . A child.
He's going to raise a child.
Then the day came . . . the 57th expedition took place when she saw Petra was still on her uniform, and ODM gear. . He gritted his teeth and dragged her to the corner of the head quarter's house where there was no one... "Go home," he growled. She gave him a fierce gaze; her eyes were filled with determination and defiance. They fought secretly in the middle of the night and that because she was stubborn and hardheaded.
"Then marry me." she whispered angrily, lowering her voice so the other squad member won't hear the both of them. "If you say yes, I will not come with you in the expedition, I will stay here."
"I can't answer that. You know what's best for you! Come on Petra! Go home! Leave!" He pinned her to the walls.
"I won't! If you can't give me an answer then I'm afraid that I have to come with just admit that we are lovers, then why would you push me away?"
"We don't have time for this Petra; go home to your father."
"You always say that! If you refuse to answer me, then leave me alone. If you will lose me, then thank the walls because you will be free, I'm one month pregnant, and I can still fight. And if I live after this, then you shall marry me. I already told my father that I am engaged, but I didn't mention your name." she grabbed his cravat and pulled him closer. He stared at her eyes and all he found was her concrete resolve. A wall that even he can never destroy, a decision that even his stern personality can't change "I swear to the Queens, I will live and marry you, Levi ."
Then it all happened.
Levi snapped out on his senses as the two horses made a sound while saddling. He glanced around and remembered that this night was different from that very moment. He let out air from his mouth and ran his finger to his hair.
He glanced to the white mare beside him.
"Stop missing her" He snarled at the horse.
Or rather he was referring to the other way around.
Historia
She sits on her bed holding the book that she just got from the library.
A white towel was still covered around her thin body and her hair was still damp on her shoulders. She's staring at the front covers of the book; she thought that she's not quite sure about reading this thing. It's all about ecological dynamics and she still can't relate herself to this kind of genre.
She wanted to read a novel but she needs to read something relatable to her responsibilities as a ruler. So picking up the best-selling novel won't give her any ideas about negotiations, leadership, and political games. Love stories should never be an option in her genres.
Instead of staring at the book, she placed it down on her side table and went to her closet. It's getting cold and she needs to wear on something to sleep. She grabbed her nightgown that was perfectly hanged in her closet. It's pearly white sleeveless with a thin strap on her shoulders. It flows down above her knees. After slipping in her dress, she walked towards her full-body mirror to check herself. The garment was a little bit see-through so she can see the visibility of her breast and her white undies.
A blonde young girl was staring back at her. She's smaller than she thinks and she's aware that she maintained her figure despite not having a proper workout. Every night she wears something like this, thin fabricated, soft, and comfortable dress. Its design was a little bit provocative to her taste but she doesn't mind since it's just a dress that she only wears during night time. Who would dare disturb her at her resting hours at this moment? The guards were properly instructed not to allow visitors this time. So worrying about getting exposed would be the last thing that she can expect.
As she posts herself in front of the mirror she tried to bring her arms on her nape and tried to lift her hair more seductively. Her breast emphasized and her back arched. Her body curves on her hips and she can see her perfect flawless armpits.
This dress was something else. Why would they provide her a dress that looked like for seducing?
Is it a thing that she would have to be worried about? It's too revealing. It's exposing her underskin.
She sighed. As if no one had seen her under her clothes.
She tried to turn on her back and check her backside.
Then suddenly, an image of Ymir kissing her nape flashed on her thoughts. Ymir usually praised her when she gets to see all of what she is under her skin.
"Boys will go crazy if they'll see you nude" Ymir commented on her body once, way back when they took a bath together. She imagined how Ymir touched her body and it made her feel special in so many ways.
Her eyes rest on her lower nape, and her exposed back. Ymir would usually leave her dark marks at this spot.
Now she missed her so bad. The comfort that she felt from her was out of this world. Though Historia would let Ymir touch her body, she never relied on her promises to marry her one day. She just laughed at her freckled face.
Now, no one would ever hold her just like how Ymir did. But she can't imagine doing it with another person.
She was about to take her dress off to change into other clothes but she stoppedl when someone knocked on her door.
"Come in," she instantly announced and stayed on her spot. It must be her maid for sure. At this hour, Farrah will usually bring her a pot of tea. So she didn't bother herself by asking who was knocking on her door because she knew that it's time for Farrah to come.
She heard the door open and she didn't bother to look at the person who stepped inside her quarters.
"Place the tea at my desk please. . . Uhm please stay for a bit, will you? what do you think about this nightdress, Far-" she turned around to face the person whom she expected to come but when she met the eyes who entered the room, her mouth fell open, her mind freeze as she took a step back, bumping her body to the large mirror behind her.
A man with a lined scar from his right eyes to his left cheeks smiled back at her. His teeth were all perfect and complete with one gold tooth in them; he had a white fair complexion, with lots of gold necklaces on his neck. The top of his head was bald but he still had hair left on his lower portion, it was long enough to be ponytailed. He wore a white suit, white slacks, and white shoes.
He's known for being the rich nobleman in his early eighties
"S-Sir F-Frigoz?" She stammered on her feet, terrified of how the hell did this old man get in her quarters so freely. Oh, she just remembered that she let him in without asking who was knocking.
"Where's Farrah? I- I mean, what are you doing here?!" She tried to face him by turning her body towards him but she thought of how revealing her dress was tonight so she reached for her towel on the bed and covered her body.
"My Queen, relax. I'm not here to threaten you" his light green eyes with a touch of grey stared at her, "but I have some important matter to discuss. Since I can't get near to you, I managed to come here where no one can ever disturb us. I've been dying to talk with you, but the scouts won't let me near you even once. "
Historia felt weird now that this cunning nobleman dared to enter her premises, she had seen this man many times during their meetings with the sponsors for the projects, but during that period, he never approaches her. He just always has this calculating look on his face, he was one of the few people who seem to not be fond of her projects but with the help of Captain Levi, these people end up cooperating with her. But she won't forget that this man was one of the board members who voted not to pursue the orphanage because they think that it was not that important, that there were more important matters than raising a bunch of children and running a garden.
There were times that he would smile at her but he never showed fondness to her, He always had this unforgiving crooked smile on him, which makes him looks like a dangerous man like his crimes were written all over his face.
"Looks like they have a good reason to keep you away from me, how dare you come into my quarters, Get out before I call someone! What did you do to the MPs?" She snarled at the man.
He laughed at her, throwing his gaze from her foot to her head. "Well, I just told them that they were needed downstairs." She felt a cold wave ran along her spine as he placed his hands on her desk. Each of his fingers moved, tapping each digit one by one to tap on the wooden table, while his scheming eyes rest on her.
"I just want to ask you, your Grace, what's your relationship with the Captain? Is he your lover?"
Historia dropped her jaw when he asked those words. Lover? What did he mean by that? "What has the Captain got to do with you coming here?"
"Because he's showing his support to you, you know as a matchmaker, I can see how attached you are to the guy. It's confusing your reputation as a new Queen kid. I'm talking about promoting your name to the public. All of us were wondering what he is to you?" he continued.
"If you are confused, then accept the fact that it's none of your business. Get out."
"Your Majesty, I might not look trustworthy, but I can be the most reliable and useful person for you. I am a good huntsman and an investigator, I have so many professions, I can give you the background information of every person that you want to know, locate a missing person, and can even identify a nameless corps that was hidden under your bed Even the long-dead lost miner's name was written in my book of records. I know history, about your mother, father, and everyone in the military. I can search and find answers to every question you make. That's why I am here." He smiled at her as if she gets his point. But to be honest? She didn't have any idea what he was talking about.
"I- I'm sorry, I don't have any concerns about my subject's identity. Or my parents, Except you. Who are you? What do you want? Why did you come here?" She may be scared of him, but she prepared her body into hand-to-hand combat in case this man tries to do something else to her. How she wishes someone would come and shoo this man away.
"Oh, that's why I'm here. And to answer the first question, I am Frigoz, just Frigoz and I am one of the shareholders in the Monarchy, I have my money on every projects that you made as a sponsor and supporter, as for the second question, I am here to offer my help and I came here to open an opportunity for you to make use of my role. I can be your legal advisor if you want. I've been loyal to the Monarchy for 40 years of service and I humbly introduce myself as none corrupt official in our government. You can dig my identity if you want." he smiled at her again. "But ok. I'm sorry if I came here unannounced, but at least... I knocked and you let me in." He laughed raggedly at her. "But. . . In case you needed my help, I am always here. And I can assure you that I work with clean hands, just give me a list of persons that you want me to investigate and I can find every one last person on the list" he stood up and walked to the door.
Historia stared at the man's height. He's a very big man, same as Reiner's body built and height.
"Just go out." Historia raised her voice. She wants the man out of her sight. "This is all inappropriate." She warned as the man steps outside but he stopped at the entrance and glance at her while holding the doorknob.
"Ok, I'll go, but only if you promise me that you will have a meeting with me next month. I know that you are busy these days, but I can wait till next time." He showcased his teeth to her.
Historia was stunned by his nerve; he must have been a veteran in entering private quarters since he didn't get nervous by facing her. For sure, he's been dying to and waiting for this moment. Historia greeted her teeth. "Ok."
"I deeply apologize for interrupting you tonight, I promise to make it up to you, Your Majesty. Please forgive me. I don't mean to disrespect you, I'm just concerned about you, I think there are things that you don't know about the people around you. However, I hope you will consider me as your ally someday, but keep in mind that I came to you because I see that you were sincere to yourself. I don't usually come to people and just offer them my service. So I want to congratulate you for gaining my trust, and for that your Majesty, my doors are open for you. Please forgive me and goodnight." Frigoz bowed his head before leaving.
Shutting the door in front of her.
As soon the door shut, Historia ran to the door and locked it.
What the hell was that? That man was so relax entering her room. Where did the MPs go? She thought she's safe?
She ran to her wardrobe and flip all the hanging clothes to search for something else to sleep in. she's going to change. . What if that bastard will show up again? What if she's not prepared? What if he's not yet done?
She immediately took off her clothes and took clothes from the wardrobe. White long-sleeved nightdress, less revealing compared to her first choice.
She changed into new clothes. It's a little bit comforting now; it doesn't reveal what color of her underwear. She sighed. Should she call Frigoz attention tomorrow for a question or...
Never mind.
She went to her window and glanced outside. She can see the gates and the shadowy figures that were striding towards her location. Three MPs were guarding the gates.
She was about to leave the window when she recognized the man outside the gates.
She felt a sudden relief as she can see Captain Levi on his horses. Her heart was pounding, thanking whoever heard her prayers about asking for someone to come for her tonight. She will probably tell him that Frigoz came to her. She glanced back at the chair where the man sat long ago.
A private investigator and a none corrupt official?
She thought about it for a while, is it really necessary to act so sudden about his visitation tonight? Or maybe he's right. She might use his role soon. As she analyzed the situation, the only wrong thing that happened this night was allowing a person to enter her premises without asking who they are after they knocked.
She glanced back down at the window and saw the Captain just came in the gates. She opened her windows just as the time when the Captain look upon her. Their eyes met and Historia was very happy to see the man who backed her up all this time. She spent this day without him around.
He nodded to her "I brought something for you, can you come down to the stables?" The Captain pointed out to the white horse beside him.
Something for her? Historia's eyes twinkled.
"Yes." She immediately replied. Historia didn't waste time. She came down the building and went to see the Captain.
Certainly, the MPs were not guarding her quarters when she went outside her room, maybe she will just ask the Captain to take her with him at the quarters. She doesn't feel safe here anymore.
She rather lives at the scout's headquarters than living in this boring residence.
Upon arriving at the stables, she saw the Captain standing outside, holding the rope of the white mare . . . she was confused.
"Kid, are you alright? You don't have to run? What if you get trip?" Levi scowled at her. She's still chasing her breath by the time she stood in front of him.
"It- it doesn't matter. What did you have for me?" She smiled at him
Levi stared at her for a moment; his eyes were cold and suspecting. Historia remembered the presence of Frigoz in her room. If she tells the Captain that the man came unannounced in her room, then for sure the Captain won't feel at ease. He will be concern about her. Then he will advise her to move to the scouts HQ and spend the night there. But of course, he will get furious about the MPs again, gets mad at Frigoz, and confront him and it will be a big issue if the board of officials will know bout it. And it will create tension and it will be chaos.
Better not say a word from now. She guesses, she will let Frigoz getaway this time. Maybe she's just overreacting.
And suspicions about the two of them will arise.
"Call her Glorious. I guess she can use a new owner." The Captain directly announced as she neared the beast.
This horse is huge, probably not an ordinary one.
"What a beautiful girl you are?" She neared the horse, it calmed down against her touch. "I've never seen a horse like this."
"Just . . . consider it as a special gift from the Scouts. She's not just a horse, she's a special breed and I think the last one of her kind. ". Levi placed his hands on the horse's forehead. "I know you will take care of her. I never brought her in any operation; I just can't waste a special horse like her. But please, make her useful to you. She's smart."
Historia looked at the Captain. Is he serious about this? He's giving this special horse to her? Had he lost his mind? He's so kind.
"A gift? I'm. . W-well, thank you, Captain. This is a very special gift from you." She glanced away as she can feel her cheeks warm. "It's very kind of yo-"
"Make it general kid; the entire regiment will be pleased if you will accept this from us, not from me. And for the horse, She's making troubles within the Scouts Headquarters, I guess the environment doesn't match her that well so I guess it would be good to hand her over to you. Will you accept her? "
"I'm good with her Captain. Thank you so much." She smiled at him while she ran her hands on the white mare's furr.
"Ok. Then I think I should get going now. Your attire's telling me that I disturbed your good night's rest." The Captain glance at her nightgown and turned away.
Well, she's aware that he's staring at her nightgown. But she doesn't feel awkward by the way he put his eyes on her, unlike the way Frigoz stared at her a while ago. She cringed by the way that old man stares at her. Now that she saw the Captain, she felt safe around him, but the idea of going back to her quarters would make her feel terrified again.
Because she'll be alone and have no one to talk to.
The Captain started to take a step towards his horse, but Historia grabbed him by his grey shirt. She won't know why but it's what her body was doing involuntarily.
"U-Uhm, wait!" She tightened her grip on his shirt that she almost pulled him closer to her. The Captain froze and glance at her. He's raising an eyebrow and his cold eyes were confused. Historia just realized what she did; she does going to cross the line if she continues. She knew that they always had this invisible barrier between their civil relationships. They were always there next to each other but it doesn't mean that they were free to touch each other, they were not that close.
But he's a guy, a grown-up guy. . So why would she pull him like this? It could mean anything if anyone may see them, there were still MPs around here. She let go of him right away. What a shame. She's been driven by her freight, but she can't tell him.
Is he your lover?
Frigoz voice echoed on her head.
She glanced at his face. His undercut hit his stoic eyes, forehead, nose, and lips. With all that features, she thought that they never made his face look older. And being this close, she thought about the people who thought that they were lovers.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
Historia lifted her eyes to meet his grey orbs. She felt weary and she wants to tell him what happened in her room. But. . She can't. She just stared at him for a long time. Hesitating...
"I-."
I'm afraid
She whispered in her mind because she can't afford to tell him that directly. She can see how his eyebrows meet and glanced at her hands that were gripping on his shirt. She just stared back at him, wanting to let him know that she wants him around.
"Don't give me that look kid, I won't read bedtime stories or cuddle you to sleep." He moved away from her until the fabric slip from her grip. She knew that he's not the type of person who would stay and comfort her but for the times that he was there with her, she just felt so right.
Having him around this close was kind of a normal thing with her. Like this was the right thing, he has to stay close to make her feel safe for the entire time. But sad to say, she doesn't have any right thing to say to make him stay nearer around her, it would just give a wrong impression to the people around them and most of all, she doesn't want to thicken the line that was drawn between them.
"As if you know how to cuddle." she tried to sound cold to mirror the level of his mood.
He looked at her with a trace of disbelief and disgust, did she hit a nerve?
"Then what do you want?" He asked impatiently. "You want to sleep with me?" He asked instantly without hesitating. But he's wearing his cool face.
She smirked as her heart flipped with the question. She can feel her face in a red blush while imagining the two of them. "You think so?" She twirled her finger to her hair.
She can see how he breathed heavily as she locked her eyes with him. Wondering what would happen if they keep on staring each other. His eyes glanced on her fingers, and then he swallowed.
"You're not at the right age to sleep with a guy, kid. Do you understand that?" he looked away but stayed in his place. Historia was thankful that he didn't move away, it means that he's not that disgusted.
Well, she thinks she won the game. He can't keep his gaze with her and Historia wants to know why?
"But it won't be long; I'll be turning eighteen anyway." She smiled, hiding the awkwardness of the topic. She felt weird but she likes to see if how he reacts in this situation.
"Three years were not that long? Save it. As if I care." he crossed his arms. She smiled and bit her lower lip.
"Anyway, can you escort me tomorrow? I'm going back to the orphanage." She wiped a few strands of hair on her face. She knew that asking him to escort her was already like an ordinary line from her. "But if you're busy, it's alrig-"
"I'll be here in the morning." He spoke and looked at her. His expression was unreadable and she wondered if he ever felt her uneasiness. She still doesn't want to go back to her room and she's dying to hear a word that he will secure the area before he leaves her in this place.
Does she want to tell him that a man just entered her room tonight? Those MPs were leaving her unguarded?
She just stood there while the Captain fixes his saddle. Glorious was taken by an Mp and settled inside the stables. Historia didn't speak again, her thoughts about asking the Captain to walk her back to her quarters were already gone... But she still stood behind him waiting for nothing... When the Captain noticed her, he turned to her and stepped a little closer. She can see that he was observing how tall he is by looking down at her head.
"When you go to sleep, lock your door. I can't walk you back to your room, so take the initiative." he gave her a soft look on his face. "You may go now. Thank you for taking Glorious." He moved his hands and placed them on top of her head. He tapped her lightly and brought his hands away from her immediately.
Historia was a little bit amazed; all the feelings of being terrified were wiped out from her body. That was what she has been waiting for, a small touch of comfort and assurance from the Captain. She smiled and felt her cheeks warm. He never failed to reassure her when she can't speak out her fears.
"Ok, Good night then." She replied and went back inside the building. She left the Captain at the stables and headed to the stairs. MPs were now lining up at the corridors until she reached her quarters. The two MPs were back at the side of her door; she walked past through them and went inside her bedroom. She wanted to ask where had they been, but she chose not to. She was even amazed that they didn't react when she came back from downstairs.
Now, something was wrong with the MPs. She wants to meet Nile as soon as possible. It seemed that the Captain was right about not trusting the MPs for her safety.
About Frigoz, nothing will be lost if she tries to negotiate with this kind of person. She is the Queen, so she must be prepared for any trial. She needs to get to know the people working under her crown. So Frigoz should not waste the opportunity if they talk again.
Four days after the Lunch in the Reiss Green House Farm
Historia
Its morning and the kids were already in their daily classes. As days go by, Historia was able to adjust to the repeated air ambiance, ordinary days with the noise of the children in their classroom hums all over the place from morning to afternoon.
Though she wanted to feel irritated because she can't find a quiet place in the orphanage during weekdays, but she thought that this was what she wanted. So she has to get used to it.
Anna and Diana did the other house chores and prepare lunch for everybody, Historia roams around the orphanage to check every corner, do few things like cleaning the table, moving in new arrangements, and dusting the windows. And when afternoon comes, she usually spent her time in her office to comply with her job as a Queen. Sending letters, checking schedules for visiting the capital, signing papers, and trying to read a few lessons on her bookshelves.
But since its morning, she's heading to the stables while carrying a bucket filled with water. It's time to visit her precious friend whom Anna says has been so moody these last few days.
Maybe the mare was just grumpy due to the hot weather. She didn't see Glorious ever since she placed her at the stables four days ago and she doesn't want to bore the horse since the beast needs to be brought outside the barn to breathe fresh air and to exercise. She will spend her time with her special pet.
Historia opened the stable door where Glorious resides. There were other horses in the stables, but Historia had her special attention to the white mare that seems so special in appearance and value.
Anna told her that the horse was a little bit irritable and won't let anyone near her. She met the white mare at her stable filled with hays; the horse nickered when it saw her but later turn its head away. It made a sighing tone that was so harsh as if it was not happy to see her royal visitor. She can feel the horse's shady mood while standing beside her.
Glorious reminds her of the cranky Captain. They have the same grumpy personality when they felt not so entertained about people. Usually, the Captain always had this kind of attitude to intimidate people whom he never likes. He only speaks few words at them and glares at them which would only make the person scared and intimidate.
She smirked.
No wonder the horse and the Captain get along.
"Hey lady, are you in a mood for a guest?" She tried to talk to the white mare. The horse didn't budge as she placed her palms on its back, brushing her white pearly furs. Her body warmth was normal, so the horse might feel normal today.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling alright?" She runs her palm on her back up the lump before her tail. She reached for her white tail and trailed her fingers through the hair of the mare's white long strands at the ends. She has these pearly white streaks; her white coat was something else. It's so white that you can't even see grey and pale-colored furs. And the muscles were so visible, like a mighty horse that knights usually ride when they go to battles.
She didn't know that this horse truly has a shady personality. She only heard complaints from her staff that the horse won't eat and cooperate with them. But when she visits her, she's fine.
Sometimes she would just laugh at them when they make a report to her. She tapped the horse's back lightly and brought her hands to Glorious head. The horse flattened its ears.
Something was wrong.
"Wait, are you in heat?" Historia frowned at the mare's behavior. She ran her hands from the horse's nape up to the end of her body near its tail and checked.
When she was still a kid, and she resides at the farm where she lives with her mother, she already encountered a horse with this kind of behavior. Her grandparents were talking in the kitchen discussing the strange behavior of their horse. It kicks; it bites and doesn't want to comply in any assigned jobs. She remembered her grandfather said that female horse tends to be irritable when they are on heat. They have to find her a mate or a male horse so that it can die out its mood. But it doesn't mean that they will allow the horse to get pregnant. Placing the horse next to a male horse is enough. Then it will go back to normal.
Historia tried to lift the mare's tail, it suddenly squirmed and the horse suddenly felt uneasy, Glorious started to drag her toes on the ground aggressively.
Historia takes a step back as the horse made a loud protesting noise.
"Hey, calm down dear." She tried to stay calm as she let the mare's anger decides to leave her for a bit but she would have to get the bucket under the mare's space. It was placed under the horse's body. When she tried to bend and reach for the bucket, the horse noticed her, it suddenly groaned.
"Glorious, relax okay?" she softly speaks to the horse.
She started to move down again to reach for the bucket but the horse turned its head towards her and threatens her by snapping its jaw. She's wagging her tail angrily.
Historia took a step back, the horse didn't act this way towards her, the people in the orphanage met the mare's grumpy personality, but Glory never showed this side of her whenever she's around. Historia's confused.
Again, she tried to reach for the bucket and raised her palm facing the horse as a sign that she's not harming her. Slowly she bends down and extends her arm to the bucket.
Glorious was moving her body forward and backward restlessly until she steps on the bucket. When her foot entered the bucket of water, her legs jump up in the air and kick in displeased. The bucket tips to the side as the water splashed to the ground.
The mare made a loud noise, kicking the bucket. Again and again, Historia wanted to reach for it but she's afraid.
Glory went out of control.
Historia was suddenly in panic as the bucket was kicked by the horse's legs. "G-Glory, w-wait."
She moved forward to reach for Glory's head but suddenly its body moved to the side and the next thing Historia sees was the mare's feet aiming towards her and then kicked her directly to her stomach.
She flew outside the stable cubicle, hitting her head at the wooden boxes.
She landed on the ground opposite to the stable of Glorious; her stomach was out of air. She can't breathe as if someone punched her directly to her guts. She can't get herself to move to inhale, as her stomach felt a sudden pain and deep pressure.
She struggled to help herself into a sitting position as her head hurts like hell and her vision was spinning.
At the same time, she heard a group of horses arrived outside her stables.
"Captain, we brought the wagon in front of the doorstep of the orphanage, shall we bring the goods inside?" She heard a familiar sound. It was Jean's voice.
"Yes." Historia can hear his reply, in a few moments; she heard the sound of the horse's footsteps. Not far from where she was. She wanted to speak so they would know her situation inside the stables, but she could not because of the pressure on her stomach.
"Ana, where's the Queen?" it was the Captain's solid voice, He's inside the stables, but she believes that the Captain can't see her since she lay on the floor behind the piled boxes.
She attempted to speak but there's no voice.
"She's in her study room, I guess Captain." Anna replied.
Ok. I need to see her. Thank you." then the Captain walked away.
She wants to let them know that she's just behind the boxes, why was it so hard for her to make a noise when she needed help here.
She was about to decide to lay there for a moment until she remembered that she left her study room with a mess. Her eyes widened as she recalled that she left the letters on top of the desk. If the Captain will see the letters, she will be in big trouble. Petra's letter was still on the table. Because of that thought, Historia struggled to stand on her feet, not minding the pain on her chest. She staggered and held on to the boxes for support. She felt discomfort when she stood straight but she finally took a step until she can walk. When she reached the outside, she realized that nobody stayed to mount their horse inside the stables; she immediately went to the orphanage.
When she entered the house, nobody was there, until she reached the stairs.
"Historia!" someone called on her when her foot stepped on the stairs.
She looked back and saw Jean, carrying a pile of fabrics.
"Oh, J-Jean!" she just called his name; her mind was occupied by the pain on her stomach and with the Captain's presence in her office.
"Where's the Captain?" she wants to ask again, hoping that Jean will tell her that the Captain didn't go upstairs.
"He went upstairs. She's looking for you," he replied with a trace of confusion on his face. Well, she wishes he won't wonder about the fuss that she was making for today.
"Ok. See you later." she immediately ran upstairs towards her office. The Captain will not be pleased to see her study, she hasn't cleaned it since she spent all night in her office to study and stare at Petra's letter.
Then she's too confident not to tidy her things, even though she knew that the Captain can enter her study in the orphanage anytime he wants.
"Historia wait! What happened to you? You have hays on your dress!" she heard him asked.
Historia just shut her eyes for a second and clenched her fist; she didn't fix herself when she got up from her feet. Storming the stairs, She wants to fix herself for a moment but the walls have forsaken her she's chasing the Captain before he can enter her study.
How reckless she became. She can't imagine his face if ever he sees the letter.
After running upstairs, she finally reached the floor of her study.
Historia felt anxious. The door is now open and the Captain was already standing inside.
Astounded by his presence in the room, she froze at the doorstep and grip on the doorknob. She forgot to clean her desk when she left. The Captain would come to her study whenever he wants to discuss something urgent. Well, according to their activities and preparations, she won't be surprised if he will tell her about the updates. The end of the preparation is near.
"C-Captain?" she asked nervously. The Captain was not listening since his eyes were locked on the letters on top of her desk.
The Captain lifted one letter on his other hand and turned his demeaning eyes on her. He was not happy. Just like how he looks like when he left them in the garden. She finally saw his eyes, she can tell that he's been busy these few days, his dark circles were visible. He didn't get enough sleep.
"What's the meaning of this?" his eyes that were dripped with spite were set on her, his eyebrows were pulled closer together demanding an explanation.
She felt paralyzed.
"It's. . ." she stepped inside and closed the door. She drew herself closer to the table across the Captain. She set her eyes on the scattered letters and glanced at the paper on the Captain's hands. It was Petra's letter...
She's too late.
