Chapter 18: Lost and Found
(Historia)
The queen was in the tea room enjoying her midday hearing a violinist playing music and her handmaidens giggling while they danced to the music. Some of the noble women gossip about the latest scandal of some noble lady who had a strange eating disorder. Historia doesn't understand what's so funny about others suffering. She rolled her eyes while pouring tea into her cup. Her gentle fingers picked up the china tea cup handle then pressed the rim on to her plump pink lips to sipped the sweet bitter taste of black tea. It's such a shame her love was not able to drink this good tea.
How long has it been since she saw her husband or her son? HIstoria frowned from thinking about her son, Atticus. Her precious newborn was on the other side of this world without her and Levi. She had hope he was being looked after well. At least Sasha was there raising him until this war is over. Also, she worried about what they were doing to her husband? Is Levi suffering from being tortured? Oh god, it kills her knowing he's in pain but trying to be brave about it.
While she was lost in her own thoughts, a male servant said her name. "Your Grace, you have an audience." He whispered to the queen.
"Let them in." She gave the order.
The male servant nodded then went to the double doors and opened. Historia glared when Zeke, Floch, Yelena and Eren entered. Behind them there were two more figures. A man and a woman. Historia felt regrettable for allowing the Jaegerists to have an audience with her.
"Ah Queen Historia, you look better than the last time I saw you!" Zeke spoke.
Historia stared coldly at Zeke. "Whatever it is you're here, speak now. As you can see, I'm trying to enjoy my tea time before I have other duties to deal with after." She sipped her tea slowly.
She noticed how Eren hadn't looked at her but to the woman next to him. The same woman took a glimpse at him to give a warm smile. A smile that Historia can tell when you share mutual feelings with each other. Then Eren in return smiles at her back. Oh it looks like he had found someone. This made Historia happy for Eren but she was still upset for his odd behavior when he and the Jaegerists kidnapped her.
The blonde haired, blue eyed queen pulled her attention back to Zeke who frowned at the way she responded to him. What does Zeke except that she welcome him with open arms like one big happy family? All it does is give her more reasons to kill him. Historia was getting moodier when the Jaegerists move into the palace as the Grandmaster Templar's henchmen.
"We apologize for interrupting your tea time, but here to introduce you to your new official personal handmaiden. The King had chosen her to serve you as a gift." Zeke glanced at Floch to gesture him to bring the other woman upfront for Historia to see properly.
Floch had a smudge on him when he grabbed the woman's arm and pulled her upfront. The woman glared at Floch with those murderous silver eyes. The queen felt her heart stopped. Those eyes remembered her Levi. She felt tears wanted to come out but made sure to bottle up those sad feelings.
"Floch, I don't appreciate the way you handle this poor woman." one her blue eyes fiercely glanced at the red haired Jaegerists. "Come here, miss. What is your name?" Her icy tone shifts to soft and warm for the woman in front of her. The woman was brown with wavy long hair. Her skin tone was olive. She had nice cheekbones. Her eyes are grey/silver. Historia can tell this woman was around her age. This woman has natural beauty.
The woman bow her head as she gracefully courtesy a bow in respect. "My name is Eveline Potts, your majesty." Eveline had been perfecting her Eldian accent to blend here. Thanks to Eren who helped how a native Paradisian acts.
Historia smiled at Eveline. "Eveline? What a pretty name? Well Eveline, it's a pleasure meeting you. Lady Janelle will show you the protocol how things work as a handmaiden. You will be given a gown until the tailor makes a new one as all my ladies in waiting have." The queen gestured Lady Janelle to lead Eveline away to start her tutorial as the queen's handmaiden.
Historia once again observed how the brunette bowed to her and followed Lady Janelle out of this room. She glanced at everyone annoyingly. What else does the Jaeger brothers want?
"Eren, you have been quiet. Do you and brother want to say something? I know all of you aren't here just escorting my new handmaiden here." Of course, she was not an idiot to see they want to discuss more matters.
"I don't have much to say, but Zeke does." He looked at his brother and female Jaegerist.
"Very well, continue." Historia's focus on Zeke once again.
"His majesty had kindly gifted one of the Reiss family's land to me. He informed me to tell you." Zeke had said.
Historia felt her knuckles turned white from gripping the handle of her chair too tight. How dare him? How fucking dare Nathaniel gave one of her own family's property to this beast? The queen felt rage boiling inside her. She was trying to be calm and collective.
"Oh really? I was not aware he is able to give away my lands to you or anyone responsible for screwing my people." Her jaw was tight from grinding her teeth. She breath slowly to regain her thoughts. She would let him or anyone have the satisfaction to make her explosive.
"But as my lord and king; it's his right to handle my lands." Historia wanted wine or something stronger as these words coming from her lips made her feel sick. What else he wanted to control? Can she at least have something that's hers alone?
"I will make sure the land will be maintained well." Zeke smirked.
"I see. Is that all? All of you are dismissed if there's nothing important to say." She waved her hand in dismissal.
The Jaegerists bow then they leave the room. Historia noticed how her ladies got quiet when Zeke mentioned one of her lands was given to him. The queen wanted to also dismiss them just to be alone for a while. Suddenly, her tea time was over as her next scheduled duty was about to start.
"Ladies, enjoy the rest of the tea, music, and dance. I have meetings to attend to." Historia gets up to walk out of the Tea Room.
For the rest of her day, the queen attended small meetings that involved charity and social events. As Historia was a queen consort not the queen regnant anymore, her role was to handle domestic events to make the monarchy look good for the public. It irritated her. She wanted to make a difference by helping those in need. The only thing she was happy to handle was some charities to support the poor and those in need.
Historia yawned from a heavy schedule today. She walked into her chamber and flopped on the sofa. A soft femnine welcomed the queen.
"Welcome your majesty. I hope you had a wonderful day. Would like a warm bath? I had already prepared for you just now." Eveline just came out from the bathroom preparing the queen's bath if she desires to be clean.
"Oh, I didn't see you. I forgot I have a personal handmaiden instead of relying on my ladies in waiting." The blonde queen giggled.
Eveline smiled when the queen giggled from being startled. "I apologize, my queen. I didn't mean to startle you."
"No no it's fine." Historia said while taking off her shoes.
"But that warm bath does sound nice to use." She continued.
Historia got up and walked to the bathroom. The handmaiden followed her to go assist her. The queen began to discard her clothes. Her clothes fell onto the floor which Eveline bent down to pick up each of the queen's clothes to place them into the clothes dispenser for later to be washed. After removing all her clothes, Historia carefully dipped her leg into the warm tub and moaned in joy from feeling the warm water on her skin. Now her body submerges from the water. Only shoulders and her head were not touched by the water. The handmaiden began to wet her golden hair and pour shampoo to massage her head to clean her hair.
Historia let her body relax from being intense all day. This is what she needed. She was angry seeing the Jaegerists in her presence. They played a part in overthrowing her and the military. The military knew they were terrorists who tried to use her as their puppet to bring back the glory of the Eldia Empire. She won't allow that to happen. Ever since Ymir guided her from her subconscious, she smiled and played the perfect royal consort while secretly exploring hidden areas the queen never knew this palace had.
She let her handmaiden wash her arm with a sponge. The queen noticed an emerald ring on her handmaiden's finger. Her blue eyes glanced at the woman. "What a beautiful ring you have here? I'm surprised a woman of your status can afford a ring like that."
Eveline paused to mentally want to smack her forehead from forgetting to remove her ring and place it somewhere safe. "It is beautiful. If you assume I stole it then you are mistaken, your majesty." Historia noticed the way her handmaiden sounded annoyed.
Historia felt a bit guilty to jump into conclusion thinking this woman must have stolen. The blonde woman has mixed feelings with this strange woman. Her handmaiden could be a spy for Zeke or to Nathaniel. She doesn't trust this woman yet.
"I see. May I ask where you got it from? It seems this ring is very precious to you." Historia wanted fish out information from the woman if she's working with her enemies.
Eveline pour water on her skin to rinse the soap out. "My fiancé gave me the ring to propose a marriage. This ring was his mother. It was passed down from women in his family for generations. As he is the last member and only son, he inherited it and gave it to me. I don't usually like jewels but I made an exception because it belonged to his dead mother."
"Congratulations on your proposal. You must love your fiancé to accept it." The queen said.
"Of course, I love him always and forever. We may share different ideologies but he does have other qualities that made me fall in love all over again." Historia could tell this woman sounded sincere from the way she spoke about her fiancé.
"Is your fiancé Eren Jaeger?" Historia was bold when she asked the main question. This startled Eveline.
"I- I don't know who this Eren Jaeger you're mentioning about, your majesty." Eveline trying to deflect the question.
"Don't pretend that you don't know what I'm talking about. I saw the way you both looked at each other in the Tea Room. He was uninterested until he glanced at you. His smile was full of life and hope. I have not seen him ever like this at all. Not even when he and I were cadets." Historia said.
Eveline frowned from not keeping up her usual act. She usually was good at deceiving people, but with the queen was difficult. Maybe meeting her grandmother in this era made her feeling a bit guilty to lie about her own existence. She could have told her who she is and the future her grandmother will face. Of course, the woman from the future could not. It would alter the future more than it already has been.
"So you know about Eren like you personally know him?" Eveline curious how her grandmother knew Eren?
"We were acquaintances but also comrades, that is until I was crowned as queen. He was a boy soldier with a hatred against titans. He was vocal about it. Everyone knows he, Mikasa, and Armin were victims and survivors of the fall of Shiganshina. They had seen their fellow town people and their loved ones get eaten by titans. He used his titan shifting powers to help save humanity which at that time we had thought we were the last humans on in this world. I remembered how I once admired his dedication to save human-kinds, but after the medal honor ceremony he became quiet and reserved. That fire in him had dim down. He began to distance himself from everyone including his best friends. One day, he ran away to join his brother and his followers to fulfill their mission. It was supposed to help our kind the Eldians to be free from this awful curse, but no one knows what's the real plan." Historia continued while Eveline washed the rest of the queen's body.
"Have you liked him? As romantically find him attractive?" Now it was Eveline being the bold one. The way Historia talked about Eren seemed more than an acquaintance talking about someone else. She doesn't blame her grandmother especially Eren is a good looking guy. She had been surprised Eren hadn't had a girlfriend. A part of her was relief for not worrying about some ex trying to sabotage their relationship.
Historia turned her head at the woman. Why asking that ridiculous question? The queen observed small details from her handmaiden's expression. Eveline had a curious expression.
"No. I only admired him as a comrade and a friend. Nothing more. However, Eren did claim to have strong feelings for me at one point. I was pregnant and just recently married to the man I love. Eren along the Jaegerists had kidnapped me. They planned to turn me into a titan as Zeke's Thirteen years curse was almost up. They found out I was with a child and who was the father of my son…" She doesn't understand why telling this woman who's a stranger about everything that had happened to her within a year. The pain of being separated by her family and friends.
"I see...I'm sorry for what he did to you in the past. He didn't tell me too much about his time with these extremists. Probably the less I know the safer I am." Eveline finally finished washing the queen.
"You don't need to apologize for him. It was him he needed to own his errors." Historia said. The queen was handed a towel which she had got up to wrap around her body.
"I would advise you to hide your ring. People will suspect you have stolen it or try to steal it. Maybe wear it like a necklace." The blonde woman suggested to the dark haired woman.
Eveline nodded while rubbing the ring on her finger. "I will consider it. Thank you, your grace."
Historia smiled. "Well, I think it will be all for the rest of the night. I'll handle the rest for myself. Sometimes being alone is good for you."
"Oh yes of course, but your dinner is on the table. If you want it to warm it up, I don't mind taking it back to let them know." Eveline said.
"No, it's fine. I don't mind eating cold. I just want to go to bed as quickly as possible. It's been an exhausting day. Have you been assigned where your new resident room is?" The queen was concerned if her new handmaiden knew where she'd rest.
"Yes, I already placed my personal items there. Alright, if there's anything that you need, please let me know. I will let the guards know if you request my assistance. Have a well rested night, Queen Historia." The handmaiden bows.
"Don't worry, I will let you know if I do. Goodnight. Rest well, Eveline." Historia gave a smile while dismissing her for the rest of the night. She watched the other woman exited her chamber.
Finally Historia was alone. She planned on wearing comfortable clothes for this new mission. This night will be the day to explore more. She walked out to the lounge area of her wing to where her desk was located. Her hand gripped on to the handle to pull the draw then grabbed a long paper with designs and labels on it. It was a map of the palace. Thank goodness, Historia was thinking ahead before the Templars invasion. The queen didn't have the opportunity to use it as she mostly explored day time when everyone was too busy. Now, with her false husband was too busy for other matters; Historia grinned as her opportunity was starting.
She placed the map on the hard surface of the desk. Her eyes scanned to find the dungeon cells. Levi must be there. They must have held him. She will find him to see he was safe and alive. Then she'll plan out an escape route for them to be reunited with the last remaining soldiers and warriors. This plan needs to be perfect or they will be screwed.
(Eve)
The hallways were dim with few candle lights to see enough where she's going. Eve or Eveline the Queen's handmaiden sighed from feeling overwhelming being close to her grandmother. Her grandmother was youthful and beautiful. She thought people were being too exaggerating that her grandma looked like an actual goddess. Low key, Eve felt self-conscious just being around her own grandma. After what she had learnt from her, Eren had strong feelings for her. This made her heart drop. It's stupid to compare herself towards her own grandmother! She felt ashamed for having these pity jealousy thoughts of her grandma. Eve loves her. The American did have some good memories with her grandmother as a child even as an adult. Yes, both argued with different views or other dumb shit that it should not matter. In the end, they are family. Family is very important to Eve. Probably, that's why when a serious argument happened Eve felt hurt for not being understood by most of her family members. Of course, she had tried to bottom up her feelings as it was pointless for them not vailding how she felt.
The thought of Eren might still have some feelings towards her grandma was now constantly on her mind. The brunette doesn't know whether to confront him or not. Perhaps it's not the best time to prioritize personal matters right now since she's on a mission being a spy for the all military regiments and the Brotherhood. She needs to be focused and worry about her love life later. Besides, Eren was probably busy with whatever his brother made him do. Eve kept walking until she bumped into a figure.
"Well hello there again, Eveline." You got to be fucking kidding me?! Out of all the people she had bumped to, it had to be that creep Floch.
Her annoyed grey eyes glared at the Jaegerist man. "Oh. It's just you. What do you want, Floch?" She cautiously steps back to have space between them.
"Evie, do you have to be so rude? Here I thought we have a little chemistry going on." His tone was wicked and playful, but not in a good way. He took a step toward her which she took a step back until her back pressed to the wall. The dim candle lights made it worse for Floch's expression becoming sinister. When Eren, Rick, and Eve reached the capital and found Zeke, Floch had company with him and had his eyes on her. Eve felt his vibes were off and creepy. He had tried to be close to her and making disturbing comments which he believed it's his way of flirty. The female Ackerman had tried to ignore him. Eren didn't notice as he was too busy having a conversation with his brother and the other woman, Yelena.
Rick was observing everywhere. Eve felt in some way she had become Floch's target. She will try to defend herself if Floch crosses the line. But it would that give away if they figured out she was well trained to defend herself? Damn it, this is not the dilemma the dark haired heiress wanted to be in. Floch had already passed her personal space as his face leaned too close for her liking.
"Can you please back away? I need to rest." Her tone was assertive, but he didn't care. Floch chuckled darkly. "Why would I do that? I am finally alone with you, doll."
She felt his unpleasant fingers brushing on her curvy side. Her hand instinctively slapped his hand away from her. The heiress was about to slide under his arm to escape, but Floch grabbed her arm to pull back then pinned her to the wall a bit harshly. She groaned from her back head smashed into the hard surface of the wall. Eve started to panic as her heart was pounding hard. Her throat became tighter, but had enough strength to speak.
"Let go of me!" She struggled while Floch laughed and groped her.
"Don't be such a bitch. You enjoy this just as much as I do." Floch said. Everything had happened so fast as Floch now was on the floor crying in pain while pressing his side face with his hand.
"You, fucking whore! You'll pay for that." He growled. Floch got up but Eve kicked him just like what her Grandpa Levi taught her. She looked down at her assaulter. Her body was shaking in rage and disgusted.
"Don't you dare ever touch me. You fucking pig." Her eyes were glowing silver. Floch was too busy feeling pain at his jaw from her strong kick. His head was staring at the ground trying to get up.
Eve could see some blood on the floor. Floch's mouth was bloody. His cheek was forming a green and purple bruise. She saw a couple of his teeth on the floor. What do you expect? Let him have his way with her? Fuck no. He had it coming. Eve brushed off her dress and fixed her hair to look neat again. She didn't bother to look at him. The heiress walked away leaving a whimpering Floch on the ground enduring from the pain she had inflected. The brunette wanted to leave soon because her anxiety from PTSD was coming soon. What Floch was so closed to had triggered a deep trauma she had tried to bury for many years. If she was not on this mission, Eve would have ripped him into pieces. Her titan was craving justice. She had to mentally calm her titan down as they are spies temporality.
Just when she was about to make a turn that led to her room, her head moved a bit to notice Eren and a woman talking. This woman had blonde hair and blue eyes, but those eyes are pale not sapphire blue. It was some stranger, but she reminded Eve of her grandma only taller and average looking. Her blonde hair was short into a ponytail. The dark haired Ackerman hid behind the cornered walls to hear their conversation. To be honest, she doesn't want to see Eren at the moment from the conversation she had with Historia earlier. The heiress knew she had no right to be upset about his past dating life. She was no better for dating many guys before him. Maybe, it's best to keep walking. She'll need to trust him...right? Her hand subconsciously placed on her stomach. She remembered what Ymir said in her dream. She's pregnant with Eren's kid and it's gonna be a girl. Eve frowned at the thought of having a kid. She was not ready to be a mother. She had planned not being anyone's mother. The tragedy of the death of her Mother and her baby brother had made her not ever wanted to have kids. The thought of losing someone so innocent and pure; she would lose her humanity and go berserk. The last time she went berserk was that day. Also, the same day her Ackerman genes were activated. Plus, she has cousins and aunts and her uncle to continue their bloodline. Why does it matter anyways? Eren had mentioned he wanted to have kids…
She planned to have that talk to him soon. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard that woman's voice.
"Eren, why are you ignoring me? You loved it when I made you feel good." The blonde haired woman said. Eve's eyes widened from what the woman said. Her head peeks a bit to see the woman's hands under his chest. What the fuck was this slut doing? Why isn't Eren doing anyway to stop her? Her silver's eyes were wet as tears fell from seeing this sight. Please do something that you're taken Anything?! She mentally screamed to herself.
Eren sighed. His expression looked uninterested. He finally removed her hands
From under his shirt. "Because I don't need you anymore. Our time as sex partners is gone. I have other matters that need my attention since I'm back to resume my main mission."
The blonde woman pouted. "Fine, I will leave you be, but on condition." she smirked.
Eren raised an eyebrow. "What would that be?"
Eve was wondering too. She listened and watched them.
"Let's just have one last fuck before this ends permanently. It's the least you can do from the times I covered for you when your brother and Yelena kept interrogating me to know where you went? Come on, it's not like you got a girl. Do you have a girlfriend?" She said curiously.
Eren stared at the persistent woman. "No. I don't have a girlfriend." He said.
The woman grinned. "Then my last request shouldn't be a problem."
Eren knew what he was about to do would eat him alive. He is just doing this for her sake. He wanted to protect Natasha. If they found out he had a fiancé, his brother or the Grandmaster Templar will use that against him and hurt her. He can't let that happen. He pulled the woman close to him then moved her to the wall as the woman smirked victoriously. Eve was shocked when Eren was actually going to do her request. Eve started to hear unpleasant moans. She peek again to see exactly what they were doing. Eren thrusting into the woman in a bare back position. The dark haired future woman was sobbing from the heart break of seeing Eren fucking some girl. Eve had her hand cover her mouth from not making noise. She could catch them in the act, but why should she give him the chance to explain? This is too much. Eve's body was trembling from witnessing an awful act of betrayal. The female Ackerman had enough listening mostly the girl's moans and quietly walked away.
Just as she's away from them, Eve felt a sharp pain on her abdominal. "Ow." She hissed while hold on to her stomach. She dragged herself to where the door of her room was located. Another sharp pain appeared. She fell onto her knees. The Eldian- American felt warm fluid coming out between her legs. Quickly, she hiked up her dress to see blood running down her legs. She placed her hand between her legends to stop the bleeding. One of the female staff was walking with towels then gasped seeing Eve in this stage.
"Miss! Here you need to go see the palace doctor. I think you are miscarrying." The lady ran to her to help her up and lead her to where the infirmary room is.
"Miscarrying? I'm actually pregnant?" Eve was disoriented from witnessing the miscarriage.
"Yes yes, we must go quickly or you could lose more blood or worse get an infection." The lady kept leading her until they reached the doctor who was reading a book. The doctor saw Eve with bloody hands and dress. He noticed the poor young woman was in the state of shock. He hastily rushed to both of them and helped Eve to be on the bed.
"What happened?" The doctor asked.
"I think she miscarriage the baby. I don't think this poor sweet girl didn't know she was pregnant." The lady felt sad from what she had witnessed too.
"We need to make sure the fetus is disposed of or she'll get an infection from the decomposing fetus." The doctor grabbed essential equipment to clean Eve from the blood. Eve looked at her hands and they were close together until she opened to reveal a tiny dark ball. This was her child. Her daughter that Ymir claimed it would be strong. yet , it didn't make it. How ironic that she was thinking of her not being ready or want to have a kid. Now, she lost one. She had lost her baby and it crashed her fragile heart. An agony scream and sobbing let out from her. All in one night, she had to experience this fucked up shit. First being sexual assault by Floch then watching Eren betraying her heart now losing her baby. She could hear her titan mourn the loss of her offspring. Eve became numbed after crying.
After cleaning up the tragic mess, the doctor dismissed the lady who brought Eve here. The brown haired heiress was on a clean bed laying down. The doctor placed a cup of tea on the nightstand.
"Here, miss. This tea is specially blended with lavender and chamomile to relax you to go to sleep. I add some medicine to help you recover." The doctor said as he helped her sit up.
Eveline grabbed the tea cup including the saucer plate then sipped the hot tea. It would have been comforting but the medicine ruined the taste. She placed the tea back onto the nightstand.
"Rest now miss. Tomorrow I'll let the queen be informed of your situation." The old doctor said.
"Wait, you don't have to tell her grace. I will be ok by tomorrow morning." Even though she was emotional in pain from the miscarriage and heart break, Eve needed to get through this mission if it gets her grandparents safe and win the war.
The doctor frowned at her comment. "Miss, I recommend that you rest tomorrow. I'm sure her majesty will agree."
The brunette sighed then nodded in agreement. "Fine, but only tomorrow."
He smiled from convincing her to rest one more day. "Good. Now, I'll be right back. I need to do late night errands." The doctor held some documents as he walked away from the infirmary wing.
Eveline was alone. She wanted something to distract her from tonight's events. While the heiress was contemplating, a footsteps was heard echoing the hallway that connects this wing.
Eve glanced up to see the last person she ever wanted to see. Eren was standing in front of the bed where she was resting. "Eve, what happened? Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?"
The dark haired woman glared at him. "Why do you bother to care?" her tone was low but still has venom in it.
This confused Eren on why she was acting cold towards him. He took a step forward to try to comfort her, but she jerked her body away from his comfort. "You know why? I love you and it pains me to see you hurting." His tone was soft and sincere. To Eve, it doesn't means nothing. He broke her trust and heart. How dare he come here?! The burning feeling of overwhelm by anger, pain, and agony. She lower her head so he doesn't see her tears.
"Liar…" She whispered harshly.
"Eve, why are you being like this? Did I do something-" Eren was trying to understand her.
"Don't! Just fucking don't pretend what you did hours ago." Her steel colored eyes glanced at his emerald eyes.
"What the hell are you talking about?" He was getting irritated with her vague words.
"I saw you…" Once again her tears fell. As Eren could see the pain and broken heart written on her face.
"You saw what?" Slowly Eren was figuring out what she meant. His heart felt scattered as he now knows why her attitude came off cold towards him.
"I fucking saw you fucking that Jaegerist whore. How could you do this to me, Eren? Am I not enough?" She let her tears turn into sobs. Her heart felt tight as her hand gripped on her clothes where the pain was located. Eren tried again to hold her. Eve felt his arms around her which wiggled to reject again.
"Don't touch me! I can't even look at you." She was trying to break free but Eren was stubborn and kept holding her tight.
"Please...Natasha please hear me out. I didn't do it to hurt you. I did it to protect you. If anyone is suspicious about me having someone that I love, they'll hurt you to hurt me. I won't allow anything to harm you. Baby..please understand I did it for you. It was once." He nuzzled on to her neck to beg her forgiveness.
Eve scoffed from his explanation. "You could have not fucked her. You don't understand the image and sound I heard both of you making. I was crushed. You broke your promise and my heart is shattered. I was so distressed and hurt that I lost our baby...I lost it! I won't get the opportunity to see her born and being loved by us!" She screamed from pain and sorrow.
Eren in shame lowered his head pressing onto her back shoulder. His tears fell from what he had caused. It was his fault. He was reckless to do anything to protect her. All he thought about was Eve when he gave what the blonde woman wanted. He had avoided her when she tried to seduce him; that's when her suspicion was becoming a concern for him. Belia was once just a bed warmer but nothing more before he and his brother had decided to separate. The titan shifter was not right on his mind from being under the influence of the Apple of Eden. He finally was free from it and met Eve. His beautiful, smart, and fiery Eve. He'll go through hell to make atonement with her. Eren needed her. She is his freedom and happiness. All those years of anger and pain from losing loved ones, fighting titans, and fighting for his birthright for freedom. Right now, his freedom is slipping away from his actions.
"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I thought I did what was right to protect you. Forgive me please, Natasha. I love you so much. I will do anything to have your forgiveness. Tell me what I need to do to earn your trust and forgiveness?" She felt his lips gently kissing on her neck. How ironic that it's him he's begging her to stay with him.
"This is something it will take a long time for you to earn my trust, Eren. Whatever perspective you have on trying to protect the people you care about; it needs to be stopped and find a new perspective. All it does is hurting us. Your friends, family, comrades...they all care and have hope about you. It's best for now we need some space until this war is over. If i'm your weakness then we can't be together." This is the only way for them to have time to reflect and deal with their obstacles. If fate allows it, then maybe she will consider forgiving him and take him back.
"Natasha, please don't give up on us. I can't be without you. I want to marry you and have children. I'm sorry baby. I love you always and forever." He whispered to her ear.
Of course, this makes it harder for Eve to let him go. Despise for what his actions had caused her, Eve still loves him. Always and forever. She's realistic sometimes and at the moment this is one of them. He has his part to play in this war and so does she. If they survived the war, maybe this will help them to be together like they had promised. As right now her anger and broken heart needed time away from him to be healed.
"You said you'll do anything? I want us to have space and when the time is ready, I'll be clear minded and ready to forgive you. I beg you let me go." Even though they both needed it, it killed her for being away from him. He is her half.
"Alright...but I have few conditions. I know I have no right to ask you but please hear me out.." He said as his tone became more shaky from fighting the urge not let her go no matter what.
At first, she was ready to scowl at him for considering his demands. Eve sighed in defeat to let him be heard. "Fine, what are your conditions and I might consider them."
"My first condition, I want you to keep the ring. Keep it safe. It's always yours. My second condition, let me have one last night to hold you until tomorrow dawn. I will be gone by the time you wake up." Eren said.
Eve paused to contemplate his conditions. If she says yes, it will make things harder for her to be away from him. But if she says no, she'll regret not having one last moment with him. She looked away for a bit then made a decision.
"Alright, I will consider your terms." She stared at him. Eren knew deep down he didn't deserve it.
Eve shuffled to lay on the bed but facing away from him. Eren carefully lay close to her and cuddled her tightly. He took a deep inhale to remember her scent that he won't get to be near her for a long time. Seeing how she gave a small hope that one day they will be together again. His fiery determination has awoken again. Eren Jaeger will win Natasha's heart and trust again.
Morning had appeared. Eve woke up to stretch her arms. She remembered the events of last night from being harassed by Floch to Eren's betrayal. She let Eren spend the night with her as they departed. She turned to the empty spot where he had laid. He was gone as he had promised. Eve looked away and quietly cried. It hurts more being away from him. Her heart, soul and titan yearning for him. This was a torture.
(Historia)
Blue eyes stared at the map that leads to the dungeon cells. Historia barely could see from the dim halls of the unwanted area of the palace. She constantly looked over her shoulders in case someone was following her. She stopped to glance at the wall where the entrance to the dungeon was supposed to be. The queen sighed in annoyance. Did they conceal it? Historia doesn't understand why the map claims the cells in there. Maybe the map needed an update. The blonde woman placed her hand to rest from feeling exhausted for an hour or two finding this dungeon.
A grinded nose was made when Historia pulled her hand back to see the wall slides to create an entrance. Huh? So there is a dungeon. How many secret doors are there in the palace? The royal woman glanced at both sides to see no one. She started walking down the stairs as the wall slide to close. It was dark until the fires ignited to light up the pathway down to the cells.
She made her way down until she was in the cells. Historia gasped when she saw many people in the cells. Some were noble families that disagreed with Nathaniel taking the throne and the rest were soldiers and higher ranking officers. They all looked dirty and miserable. She felt crushed seeing her supporters being locked up. The queen slowly walked the aisle to find Levi if was placed here.
Most of the prisoners were asleep. She pulls her hood down to cover most of her face. It's best no one knows who she is here. The guards could over hear and report back to Nathaniel or one of the templars. The queen walked further as there was another row of cells from all the way back. Most cells in this row were empty except two. She was Premier Pixis who was resting against the cell bars. Next to him was Levi. Her tears fell from finally seeing Levi for the first time since he came to rescue her. The joy seeing him made her pace her steps towards him. He was laying on the cold ground sleeping while his hand stuck out the gap of the bars. He looked pale and exhausted. She frowned from what they did to her husband.
Historia bent her knees low to reach his hand and hold it gently. Her face leaned closer to the bar where his head was pressed to it. "Levi, are you ok?"
Slowly Levi moved a bit. He heard a familiar voice. Probably, he was imagining it. The raven haired man opened his eyes to see the same ocean blue eyes that he fell in love with. Historia is here. She is real, not some hallucination.
HIstoria felt his hand squeezed hers. She smiled seeing he was responding. The queen pulled Levi's hand on to her cheek to nuzzle affectionately. Her lover caressed her soft blushed cheek. Her presence felt so surreal. The male Ackerman slid up to be closer to the bars to be near as possible with his wife.
The blonde woman scoot closer to feel his body. She leaned in to give kisses on his hair and temple spots. Oh how she missed him. Historia was so glad he was alive. It was one of her fears that Nathaniel would send him to be executed.
"Oh god, Levi I missed you so much. I'm so sorry you're suffering here." She whispered to him quietly.
He barely made a sound except his famous tch sound until he finally spoke.
"I missed you too. Did they harm you or better yet, did that pretty face shithead touch you?" His tone was rough due to exhaustion.
"No, he hasn't...but enough about me. What about you? What did they do to you? You looked terrible. I don't have a lot with me but eat this and have some of my water." She opened her small bag to pull out a meat pastry snack for Levi to eat. She carefully fed him the food.
Levi ate slowly since he knows if he ate too fast it will cause him a stomachache. After he finished the pastry snack, Historia shared her water canteen. Why did she bring them? She didn't finish her meal and packed up those meat pastries if Levi was found.
"They haven't tortured me yet. I was put in some table with a transparent screen that's attached to a machine to see my ancestor's memories." Levi explained to her.
Historia was confused by what he met by his words. "What machine? To see your ancestor's memories? Is that possible?" She asked.
Levi nodded. "Yeah, I was reliving one of my ancestors that started the Ackerman bloodline that was known now. Get this; my ancestor wasn't an Eldian. He was a long lost prince from some European nation, I think it was called England." He said.
Historia was intrigued as he had learnt. "Oh, that's a shock. What else did you find out?"
Levi was thinking. "He was kidnapped as a baby to be into the slave market in the Eldia Empire or now as Marley. Two middle aged couples bought him to raise him as their own kid. So far, he got married to a noblewoman who ran away from her marriage ceremony." He said.
"Oh no. That's horrible. It's a good thing he was saved by kind people. Hm, you Ackerman men are into women that are from nobility." She made a joke which Levi smirked and despised him looking like shit.
The captain looked into her eyes to memorize her beautiful blue sapphire eyes. He used his arms to slide between the bars. His hand reached to pull his wife and kissed her. The gap of the metal bars was where they pressed both their faces to kiss passionately. Historia was blissed from embracing his lips against hers. It's been a long time since she felt his lips or any physical contact. This was right. Her love for Levi had always yearned to be beside. After their kiss, slowly they pulled away.
"Historia, even though I'm glad I get to see you again, what you did was risky. I don't want anything bad to happen to you. You hear? Go back to your chamber before someone comes and find you." He warned his queen.
Historia sighed. "I'll go now, but I am coming back." She gave him one last kiss then got up. She looked at him feeling guilty and sad to leave him here in the cold dungeon.
"I love you, Levi. I promise I will find a way to get you out and the rest of them." She said with determination.
Levi couldn't convince her to not do more reckless things but she was determined and stubborn. "Just be careful please. I love you, Historia. This nightmare will be over soon."
She gave a warm smile at him then started to head out now. Once she exited the dungeon and closed the wall. Historia looked both ways as no one was there. The blonde woman walked through the hallways to try to get back to her chamber.
While she was walking, Historia saw a glimpse of the infirmity wing where Eveline her handmaiden was laying on the bed sleeping. Next to her, Eren Jaeger was laying down sleeping next to her as he held her tight. Who would have thought Eren would find love, especially what he was capable of? That's one of the respects Historia has with Eren now. There was hope for him. Her friend was becoming who he used to be before. Later in the morning, she will ask why her handmaiden was in the infirmary wing at night time? The queen has to wait and she doesn't want to wake them up. The queen continued walking to her chamber. Once she got there, the blonde woman got ready for bed. Tomorrow will be a bit brighter as she finally got to see Levi alive.
A/N: I've been distracted again which it's why it took longer than I usually do. So here's chapter 18. What do you guys think? Until next time.