Tales of Attack on Titan

by RavenJaeger

Multiple one-shots of all our favorite characters of Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin). Pairings if wanted and different scenarios.

17. Day X: Use My Voice

Day 10: Elizabethan Era

There once was a kingdom, not so far away

Where the people were joyous

Each and every day

They had music to play and magic to write

And all of them slept soundly

Through even darkest of nights

For they all believed, wholeheartedly and true

That their queen would protect them

From the violence and flu

A queen made of strength, the kingdom has seen

Hail, Mikasa Ackerman

And long live the Queen

The night was dark in the kingdom of Paradis, wind whispering through open shutters, blowing ash into a kitchen from the fireplace. Not a sound was heard among the streets, or in the houses, even all the bars had closed for the night.

Yes, everything was still, sound, silent.

Now was the perfect time...

He moved silently through the alleys, ducking under windows as careful as a cat, not making even the sound of footsteps.

He moved quickly, efficiently, and grinned when he reached his destination. He did a series of knocks on an old oak door, the snow from this harsh winter falling in frozen clumps from the door arch. Yes, this frozen February night would keep even the most curious of folks in their houses, not wanting to risk the bone chill they would surely receive from daring to open their door.

Footsteps could be heard on a rickety wooden floor behind the door, the man waited impatiently as the door unlocked and opened slightly.

"Oh, it's you Kenny," the man grumbled. "Come in then, don't want you getting frostbite out here." The man opened the door wide enough for Kenny to slip in, which wasn't difficult. He was a tall, lanky man with black hair and a wolfish grin. His eyes were piercing ice blue and his face was lined with age and scars.

He wore a long, black trench-coat with a matching hat, that hid most of his face. His large black boots were slicked with snow, ice, and slowly soaking water, but clinked from the metal gears adorning the heel whenever he walked.

"Aren't you going to take my coat and hat, Sanus. I may not be part of the Queen's court anymore, but I still deserve as much respect!" Kenny gnashed out, the bitterness of the past few weeks weighing on him fiercely. Sanus hastily did as he requested and took his coat and hat, hanging them by the door.

Kenny took a seat in front of the blazing fireplace in the main room. Only lit by the warm glow of candles and fire, it gave off a rustic feeling within the atmosphere. A large desk piled with papers and books stood on the left side of the room in front of a large bay window.

Maroon velvet seats were placed around the fire and pushed against the walls, which were full of art and literature.

Kenny propped his feet up on the coffee table, grabbed a glass of whiskey from the side tray on the table to his right.

"I assume you know why I am here, Sanus?" Kenny prompted when the man got comfortable in the seat but shifted restlessly under Kenny's soul-searching stare.

"You wish to check on the preparations, as I knew you would, but I didn't think you would come in the dead of night, especially in this weather," Sanus said, trying to control his uneasiness of being alone with this man.

"Well, you thought wrong. You know I can't be seen by any of the royal guards, they would arrest me and take me before the Queen. That I cannot have. I have too much to do to add planning a jailbreak onto that." Kenny downed his whiskey and poured another. "Ever since my alliance with Marely failed, the Queen has been up my ass trying to discipline me. Discipline! ME! I was under house arrest for what seemed like eternity. From there I was able to concoct the perfect plan to overthrow her majesty and her court. I won't be denied the power that should rightfully be mine!" Kenny stood and whirled to Sanus. "You agree, don't you?"

Sanus nodded. "I just don't understand how you'll do it, my Lord. Queen Mikasa is on high alert ever since your house arrest sentence was lifted. There's no way we could gather that many people without the Queen's guards noticing. I just-"

"Why do you think you're here, Sanus!? If you were to gather my forces, the Queen would have no reason to suspect you. She would only think, being as naïve as her, of course, that you were gathering a flock of her supporters to pray for her while she went through with this treaty."

"You mean the treaty that had to be created because of your betrayal-"

"I am glad you did your homework, Sanus, but I suggest you shut your mouth before I sew it shut. I don't have a needle, but I'm sure this will do." Kenny flipped a large, curved knife through the air, and it landed with its point buried into the coffee table.

Sanus flinched, and physically gulped. "Carry on, my Lord."

Kenny grunted, pocketed the knife. "As I was saying, the Queen will be too distracted to care much about your actions on my behalf. You've been discreet in the shadows, Sanus, but now's the time to prove your loyalty to me, and fight among the front lines."

"As you wish, my Lord. But what do I do when I've gathered all the people?"

"Take them to my estate in the South City, they can house there until all my bullets are in the barrel." Kenny chuckled at his own joke and moved to the door to put on his coat. "I appreciate the drink, old friend, I hope by this time tomorrow we will be rallying our forces. Don't fail me." He put his hat on his head and opened the door to the wintery night. He disappeared, leaving the room cold with dread in his wake.

The next day had dark clouds hanging over the kingdom, the sun never peeking out enough to melt the slowly freezing snow.

The people of Paradis woke with early starts to clear paths, roads and doorways. Stores opened, school bells rang, and automobiles swerved carefully through the winding brick roads of the royal kingdom.

Above this beautiful, hardworking city, the royal palace soared over everything, casting a shadow through a quarter of the Royal City.

The palace itself was made of polished brick, with arches, towers, gardens and rooms of glass spreading over the entire mountaintop. The halls glittered with gold and quartz, the floors gleamed with marble and velvet carpets. Every railing and doorhandle consisted of pure gold, chandeliers of pure diamond and Amethyst basked over every room.

The palace itself seemed to glow with power and radiance, but the source of that glow, of that power, that radiance, was in the heart of the palace, in the highest tower.

The palace never truly woke up until she did.

And here she lay, in a bed of silk and satin, royal purple duvets, feathered pillows and a mattress that you sink into. A shimmery canopy hung over her resting being, swaying slightly from the open balcony doors on the far side of the room. The birds sang a morning tune, and her eyes opened. Silver as mercury, sharp as a blade, but hazy from sleep.

She lay there still, letting the morning atmosphere envelop her like a nurturing mother. The sound of her people, her city, hard at work was enough to make a serene smile appear on her face.

She closed her eyes again, thinking about a stroll through the gardens after breakfast, or perhaps a sparring match with her cousin, a horse ride with her hand maiden, the one who can tame horses better than the stable hand. So many amazing activities, so little time to do them.

"Your Majesty!" A knock came from the door to her chambers, and she had to shove down a groan of displeasure. A queen was never disappointed or lazy when it came to her royal duties. And at that moment, her royal duties states that she was to sit up in bed, straight, and be pampered with breakfast in bed, her nails, fingers and toes, filed and cleaned, her feet massaged and moisturized.

After, she would be led into her suite where she would be stripped down and placed into a bath, that was run while breakfast was being eaten, with rose scented bubbles, vanilla scented shampoo, and moisturized again with shea butter.

She would be escorted back into her bed chambers, where she will stand in front of five mirrors and be fitted into her gown.

So, when the queen gave the word, so it was done.

The gown worn was blood red, a ball gown, maroon fabric designs of lilies and roses adorned the hem of the skirt, diamonds glittered among the dresses garden design. The sleeves hung short at her shoulders, slipped off so they sat loosely.

The maids who'd dressed her sat, admiring their handiwork, showering the queen with compliments and affection. The queen simply admired herself silently in the mirrors, cursing the moment she needs to use the restroom.

"Shall the guards take you down to the throne room, your Majesty? Your people wish to behold you, some with requests and others with words of praise and luck," one of the maids, Mina Carolina, suggested. The queen bowed her head in agreement; the guards were fetched.

Every morning, the queen would hold a summit for her people, a place and time where they can let the queen know of their life in the city, requests for actions, or simply see the queen and give prayers.

The queen always enjoyed speaking with her subjects, loved the look of awe and adoration they gave her when graced in her presence.

The throne room was packed full of people awaiting to see their ruler. They all murmured in conversation, impatient and giddy. Some argued with each other over a situation they intended to run by the queen, some held baskets of food; baked goods, fruits, veggies, handcrafted items, all objects created through their labor in the kingdom she ruled. Others wished for their children to be personally blessed by the queen, so infant cries echoed like cannon fire within the marble walls of the throne room. But even young minds became at ease when the palace announcer stood in front of the crowd, before the throne.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the awaited arrival of her majesty, Queen Mikasa." The pager bowed deeply and gestured above to the doors above the throne with a staircase framing the throne itself to get to the level of the people.

The grand doors opened and Mikasa stood in the doorway with guards flanking her and the doors. She stepped to the railing to address her subjects as she did every morning.

"Beloved people of Paradis, children of Eldia, it is yet another beautiful day here in our kingdom. I am sure you are all as elated as I to see our empire expand." Murmurs and cheers greeted her introduction, but Mikasa's face took a serious turn. "As you all are aware, many years ago, one of my own counselors betrayed me and exposed the secrets of our warfare to the country known as Marely." The crowd booed and cursed the name that brought chaos to their beloved kingdom. "I am even more sorry to say that that traitor was my very own uncle, but no connection to the royal family will ever stop the justice of our court. Considering these recent events, I have been working ever so hard to ensure a truce between Paradis and Marely, to ensure the safety of our empire."

The crowd cheered their approval, wishing luck and fortune for the queen's success. Mikasa allowed them their time to revel and cheer, for the news she was to break next, would cause the energy to shift drastically.

"I am pleased to announce that my work has paid off, there has been a compromise between the king of Marely and I." Mikasa let the good part of the news linger, before sighing deeply. "In order to ensure the truce between Marely and Paradis, I am to marry the youngest son of the royal family and conceive the next heir to the throne, and wed before my twenty-second birthday," Mikasa announced.

The crowd grew into an uproar of emotion. Most were congratulatory, but others were concerned for their queen's happiness. The preacher from the church within the Royal City stepped forward.

"My Queen, that is in 9 days, 10 if you count today, are you sure you want to do this? You were against marrying when you took the throne-"

Mikasa held up a hand to stop him. "To protect my kingdom and its people, I would lay down my own life. I assure you, Pastor Nick, the decision is made, my mind is clear. King Grisha is a very level-headed man, a king of the ages, it would be most beneficial to go through with this. King Grisha has only two sons, the eldest is already coming of age to take Marely's throne, so the youngest son is to rule by my side here, in order to prevent a war."

"Do you really believe your uncle would go far enough to form a rebellion, your majesty?" a woman holding a child asked.

"I wish for you all not to worry about such things at a time of friendship and union, but in order to put your minds at ease I will be the honest ruler I have been since my reign began. I do believe my uncle remains in my kingdom, whether it's the Royal City. I also believe that it is in his nature to get some sort of revenge on my actions of dismissing his position in my court, and in the royal family."

Mikasa moved to walk down the stairs, speaking as she did. "My uncle has always held a grudge against my father, King Eric, after he chose to marry the princess of Hizuru, who would then borne his daughter. Kenny and my father were two of the three heirs to the throne, the other was Kenny's sister, Duchess Kuchel, who sadly passed away bearing my cousin, Sir Levi, a few months before."

Mikasa sat gracefully onto her throne, sitting upright and straight. "Once the king died, his dying words were him stating that Prince Eric, my father, would be crowned king, as he had proven himself more worthy, and believed Kenny to be too bloodthirsty to rule with a level head." As Mikasa continued to recite the history of the royal family, and the eventual leading to Kenny's supposed rebellion, she heard a teenage boy say, "Oh yeah, here comes my favorite part".

"In a rage Kenny fled the Royal City, taking refuge in the Southern City castle for the years my father was king. He didn't attend the coronation, he didn't attend his birthday balls, or his wedding." The crowd was hanging on to every word she was saying, her words echoing through the room. "The only day he finally came out of the castle was the day he heard the grand announcement, King Eric and Queen Akane of Hizuru had just birthed a baby girl, and she was destined to become Paradis' next queen."

The crowd roared with joy, as the tale was told in truth and not in vain.

"'Hail, King Eric, Hail, Queen Akane. A new heir to the throne. Behold the ceremony blessing the new princess and-',"

"Long live Queen Mikasa!" the crowd finished the line, clapping as they did. Mikasa felt pride in her throat as she beamed with love that her people gave. This was why she loved to rule so much, she could make the biggest difference in the worlds of many, just by reciting a story they all have heard a hundred times over. As the crowd died down, Mikasa continued.

"Kenny presented himself before the king and queen and their courts, stating that he had used his years of solitude to right his mind and heart and hoped that his skills would become useful again. 'I'm a fine warrior', he said. 'Let me have one small piece of the legacy I was blind too, the legacy that I let power take from me'. My father believed him. For the rest of his rule, Kenny abided by his word, his loyalty obvious, his determination for bettering the Eldian empire, strong and true."

"Kenny believed that if he swore his support and loyalty long enough, King Eric would give him rule until I became of age. He expressed this when I was only 15 years old, he stood before my father, begging him for a chance at the throne, as he had deserved it more than him. He was the eldest and should have been crowned for that alone. You see, he was right. My grandfather broke the rules by naming my father the king and not Kenny, but there was a loophole that only the king and the highest of his courts knew about. If the king named the next heir on a dying breath of unnatural causes, the word was truer than a written law. King Eric expressed this, and thought that he had gotten through to Kenny, for he never said a word about it from then on."

Mikasa stood up now. "But when I became of age and I took the throne, Kenny fled to Marely and betrayed our kingdom by revealing our weapons, forts, and the weakness of a queen with no king. I proved him wrong by capturing him and sealing him off back to the South City where a locked down mansion waited for him. For years that's where he stayed, but such as my grandfather, he found a loophole and the charges were lifted. But..." Mikasa gave a look of sheer determination as she addressed her people passionately. "If my uncle does anything more worthy of treason, even the slightest thing, I have the power to stop it immediately, and sentence him to death!"

The summit convened with next to no disappointment, they were bestowed with wisdom from their queen, she'd been gracious with her gifts and honesty, and her citizens could rest easy knowing their queen was ensuring their protection.

Even without all the people in the throne room, the palace still bustled with life and chatter. Chefs and kitchenhands were in the kitchen preparing for Mikasa's mid-morning tea, and the lunch that came soon after. The gardens were being tended, the horses were being fed, the carriages inspected and tuned. Windows were cleaned, floors were mopped, chandeliers were dusted, fireplaces were stocked, and everyone started to prepare for the Marleyans arrival.

That night, King Grisha, along with Princes Eren and Zeke, were to arrive for the engagement ball in honor of Queen Mikasa and Prince Eren's betrothal. The news was only released that morning, and all of Paradis knew about it, and shopped for engagement gifts, and their own party supplies as not everyone was going to the ball; the wedding was to take place on the day Queen Mikasa would turn 22. Time was short.

Mikasa was rushing all through the palace for the majority of the morning, only breaking when teatime came, before getting back to it. She had chosen the fabrics for her wedding dress, as well as the bridesmaids, she has designed the invitations and wrote the list of attendees. Mikasa had final say on every single meticulous detail the wedding had. She was a perfectionist by nature, so this part of the job never drained her

The taste tasting, however, was a different story all together. By the time they had brought out the 12th wedding cake, Mikasa was ready for a nap. Mikasa loved cake, occasionally, but by this point she didn't think she could eat another slice for the rest of the year. But pushing aside her aching stomach and drooping eyes, Mikasa chose a red velvet cherry jam cake with coconut buttercream frosting, designed with red and purple roses. The cake stood 3 feet tall with tapioca pearls ringing around every layer. It was glorious and tasted divine.

After the wedding cake was chosen, Mikasa moved to entrees, mains, and drinks. She chose everything with a careful eye, not only choosing for taste, but for presentation, flavor combination, potency and how everything would look together. The chefs admired her quality of work, how she took every one of her royal duties seriously. Even willing to sacrifice the happiness of herself to ensure the happiness of her people.

Everyone knew how dedicated Mikasa was to her kingdom, how she swore she would never marry or bear children, for it would take away from her focus of running an empire. Even more so, she wanted to be able to choose her own successor, like her father did.

At first, Mikasa was angry at her father for making her become queen, she didn't think she was worthy of the throne at such a young age. Even then though, she knew Kenny wasn't worthy either.

In the end, Mikasa was crowned anyway, and since then she has been an outstanding queen.

At exactly 12:30, Mikasa was led by her guards to the dining chamber. A gorgeous foyer covered with white stone and stain glass. An amethyst chandelier hung above a dark wooden table, about 10 feet long. A white tablecloth adorned one portion of the table, at the head where a chair made of purple velvet and studded with silver stood. A single amethyst adorned the back of the chair, at the very tip. Silver tableware lay on the table in front of the chair, ready for a feast.

Mikasa moved toward the chair, the guards pulling it out for her to sit down. She settled in her spot, sitting straight, and looked toward the door to her left. A man in a nicely tailored suit stood there awaiting orders, once Mikasa gestured, he entered the door to the kitchen.

Usually, Mikasa ate with her court, but they were all too busy upholding the demands of the engagement party. So, she was to eat alone. She relished in the peace of some alone time.

The butler reentered with a silver dome in his hands and set it in front of Mikasa.

"Bon Appetit, your majesty, the mains will be along soon," he said, before bowing and entering the kitchen again.

The sound of Mikasa eating her plate of miso soup, one of her favorites, was the only sound echoing amongst the dining halls. Mikasa enjoyed it quite a lot. The only alone time she usually got during the day was in the morning right when she woke up, and at night in her bed chambers, where she was too exhausted to even consider staying up.

So, she sighed as she finished her soup and was about to call the butler back for the rest when the door to the dining chamber slammed open.

"Your majesty!" a lone figure came hurrying toward her, and Mikasa was quite happy to see him.

"Levi, I thought I said you could-"

"Whatever, Mikasa, the Marleyans just entered the Royal city, my guards just alerted me. I thought they weren't scheduled to arrive until tonight. The preparations are nowhere near complete, and well, you're in the middle of lunch," Sir Levi, Captain of the Royal Guard, said impatiently.

Mikasa, at first, wanted to start panicking and rant about all the things that needed doing, when she finally composed herself. She was a queen, they didn't panic, or rant. They took control of the situation and searched for a solution. But for this, the solution was easy.

"Well, Levi, what are you waiting for? Go and tell the kitchen staff to prepare 3 more placings at my dining table. They will enjoy an amazing lunch after such long travels. There is no reason to panic, only the more input on this wedding of mine. I'm sure Prince Eren will want some say as well." Mikasa took a sip of her wine, eyeing Levi coolly. Levi bowed his head with a slight smirk.

"This is why you were fit to rule, not me," Levi said. At that, Mikasa did let her composure crack a little, looking down with a frown. "Tell me you don't think otherwise," Levi said, making her look at him.

"That's your opinion and I respect it, but you will always be older and wiser," Mikasa stated.

"I may be older, but that doesn't make me wiser, more experienced maybe, but that's just in combat. I can't inspire people like you can, I can't rule an empire like you can. I've seen a lot in my life, done a lot, but none of it would be worth anything on the throne. I belong on the front lines, spearheading your army, while you do all the hard work," Levi said.

Mikasa shook her head. "You always were my favorite cousin."

"I'm your only cousin, now, I'll let the kitchen know of our three new guests they need to feed, I'm sure you don't mind waiting a little longer for the rest of your lunch." Levi started to walk away toward the door leading to the kitchen.

"Of course, I'll wait."

The whole of the Royal City gathered to the edges of the main boulevard to watch the royal carriages of the Marleyan kingdom ride through toward the royal palace. No one could catch a glimpse of the royal family, but the flashiness of their royal guard was enough to have the crowd cheering.

Mikasa watched from the balcony off from the dining room. She could see the whole city below at the foot of the small mountain the palace stood atop of. A long brick driveway led up to the grand gates of the palace, still closed until their arrivals drew near.

The queen waited until the gates started to slowly open, before heading back inside, the balcony doors closing behind her. This was the moment that would seal the future of her empire, whether that fate was good or bad depended on this first impression. She wouldn't waste it.

Down at the main entrance, a pager boy, two of Mikasa's ladies in waiting, and a few royal guards led by Levi stood waiting for the Marleyan carriage to make its way through the front gardens. It circled around the fountain in the middle of the roundabout and halted in front of the grand doors.

A man dressed elegantly in white, stepped off the back of the carriage and opened the door. The pager boy stepped forward with a scroll held tightly in both hands as he read the contents.

"Announcing the arrival of King Grisha Jaeger and his two beloved sons, Prince Zeke and Prince Eren!"

Levi stood his ground as the three men exited the carriage.

King Grisha wore a simple black tux with golden lining, the royal Marleyan crown placed firmly on his head. Prince Zeke had on a black suit with red accents, while Eren wore the same, but with emerald green accents, to match his eyes.

As the three men stood before him, Levi tried to concentrate on how he should greet them, but the two ladies in waiting behind him, were giggling like schoolgirls.

"I'm sure you'll have all the time to giggle and swoon when you continue your duties the queen has asked of you. Take two of my guards and assist in their baggage at once!" Levi commanded. The two girls hurried to obey his orders, and two guards broke off from Levi's flank to join them.

As they disappeared behind the palace walls, Levi finally greeted the newcomers.

"Welcome to Paradis, gentlemen. I'm sure you've had a long journey and wish to rest," Levi began.

"Where is Queen Mikasa?" Prince Zeke demanded. King Grisha chuckled lightly and placed a hand on Zeke's shoulder.

"You must forgive my son; he can be quite..."

"Annoying..." Prince Eren grumbled.

"Now, now, Eren, I thought we talked about this on the way over," Grisha then looked at his youngest son. "We are the guests in this kingdom, we should act as such." Both princes huffed and crossed their arms, both turning away.

"Are you sure they're related?" Levi murmured to King Grisha when he had stepped up the stairs.

"They get that a lot, these two sometimes don't understand the meaning of 'growing up'. Zeke will be King of Marley soon, so he must smarten up for that, eventually. Eren on the other hand, well, I'm hoping the queen would teach him a thing of two about proper royal etiquette." Grisha gestured for his two sons to follow them, as Levi was starting to walk into the castle. The cold was a little too much, even for him.

"I hate to be so forward, but I must echo my son's thoughts, where is the queen?" Grisha asked, letting the butlers take his coat, two others taking Eren's and Zeke's.

"Well, you were scheduled to arrive much later, so the queen has a day full of preparation to fulfill still. Currently, her majesty is in the dining chamber, awaiting the rest of her lunch, she decided to wait for you three to join her for a small welcome feast," Levi explained, letting the bitterness of the change in schedule show strongly.

The king chuckled nervously. "Well, time was of the essence and Eren was being very impatient. He also would like to give a contribution to his big day," Grisha explained. Levi nodded.

"The queen suspected as much, which is why you will meet her during a time when first impressions are the most priority," Levi explained, leading deeper into the palace, past libraries, seating rooms, an amphitheater, rooms of musical instruments of all kinds, and even indoor greenhouses. All the way up to the second floor where the dining room was.

The men approached the grand double doors to the dining room a little slower than expected. Zeke and Eren had been eyeing up every room and corridor they walked through, comparing it to their own castle. There wasn't much to compare as this palace was obviously three times the size of their castle in Marely, a place of serenity and grace, while Marely was a military kingdom, and most of the castle's interior was rooms meant for training and housing soldiers.

Zeke was trying to tell Eren the small flaws that he saw, but most were just made up and stupid. Eren couldn't help the satisfaction of Zeke's envious actions. He always bragged, subtly of course, about his future of being Marely's next king, and once Grisha had told them of Eren's fate, Zeke had poked more fun, saying that the only way to get Eren on a throne was for him to marry into it. Better yet, a kingdom that doesn't run on any say of the king, only the queen's words had validity.

But one look at this glorious palace, Eren could get past his doubts and concerns about ruling in a kingdom that he, technically, wasn't going to rule.

Levi knocked on the dining room door, and they opened with a wide berth. Eren couldn't help the small gasp that left his mouth when he was beheld before the dining room. He hadn't even seen the most imperative rooms, and this one simply took his breath. What was the throne room like? The gardens? The conference rooms? Mikasa's own library/study? What about...the queen's chambers? Were those up to speed?

As the men stepped into the room and neared the table itself, all thoughts Eren had simply slipped out of existence.

There she stood, by the window at the far end of the room. Giant crystal glass windows that allowed the murky light, that the cloudy day gave, into the room, making it seem brighter.

Her gown was a gorgeous blood red that seemed to blend right into her being. Her hair was up in a braid, twirled at the back of her head to create a lovely vortex of midnight black. Two curly strands framed her face, and another strand fell into the middle of her face. Her hair seemed to work around the crown on her head, as if the crown itself was part of her body. White gloves covered hands that were held at the front of her, keeping her posture straight and sturdy.

The only jewels she wore were on the crown, and a single amethyst adorning an ivory chain around her neck, the stone of reign, the queen's jewel of the era.

Her face itself was flawless, high cheekbones, plump lips, dangerous eyes and a glowing complexion. She was a queen worth her name.

"Your majesty, I'm pleased to introduce, King Grisha, Prince Zeke and Prince Eren of Marely." Levi gestured to them, and the queen slowly approached.

"King Grisha, it is an honor to be in your presence. I hope your journey was alright," Mikasa said, holding her hand out. Grisha bowed and kissed it.

"Your majesty, our journey was quite good. As for our destination, I must say, it is spectacular."

"I'm pleased you enjoy it here already, I'm sure you are famished, please join me for lunch," Mikasa gestured to the table and turned to take her seat.

The three Marleyans were led to their seats, and while doing so, Eren couldn't help the rise of anger in his throat. She barely gave him a second look, in fact, he didn't even think she knew which one was Eren. Zeke's beard made it a little obvious, I guess, but any man over 18 could grow a beard, and Eren was 21.

Nevertheless, he decided being a whiny brat that couldn't get a girl's attention, wasn't what was expected of the Eldian empire's king. Although, by the way the castle seemed to prosper beautifully with the queen, he doesn't think he'd contribute to much except to provide the queen with an heir and to be by her side through, well, pretty much everything. Even if he had a name for himself, Mikasa could easily outshine him, any day.

Eren's attention was drawn back to reality when the doors behind him opened and serving maids entered, holding the main course of their lunch.

Smoked salmon, with white rice; sided with beans, peppers, broccoli and carrots. Again, one of the queen's personal favorites.

For the first few minutes of lunch being served, the royals simply ate quietly, until Mikasa picked up her wine and spoke.

"I've already pieced together the reasoning behind your early arrival, might I ask, Prince Eren, what do you wish our wedding to look like?" she asked, looking the prince dead in the eye. Eren cleared his throat and gave the queen his attention.

"The décor and menus already chosen are quite admirable. I don't wish for it to be as fussy as most weddings are, especially a royal one, but a good deal out of it is preferable," he answered. Grisha picked up his wine and gave Eren and satisfied grin. Eren gulped and smiled wanly.

"Well, I assume we just go one with preparations as planned. You're welcome to oversee any imperative operations that seek your interest." Mikasa polished off her salmon before continuing. "I have my wedding dressing fitting after lunch, so I will be available afterward if you have any questions. I can arrange a few of my guards to take you to your bed chambers." Mikasa then looked back to Eren. "Prince Eren, you have the option of your own bed chambers, or...you can share with me, if you wish."

Eren couldn't help a little redness to creep onto his face, as his brother, father, and the queen looked at him intently. He gulped again.

"I-I, uh, wish to spend the first night alone, if that's alright, your majesty," he answered hesitantly. Mikasa bowed her head.

"As you wish. Prince Zeke, the castle is open to you as your own now, please explore what you wish. King Grisha, please, meet me in my study in an hour, I would like to discuss more of this treaty with you before I see to fitting my bridesmaids," Mikasa explained.

She finished her roasted vegetables, and per custom, that meant lunch was over, and all plates were cleared, unfinished or not.

The queen stood, and two guards flanked her. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have a wedding dress to try on. I will return in an hour. Enjoy your stay here, your majesties, the Eldian empire welcomes you with open arms." She was led away by her guards and out of the dining chamber.

"Well, boys, you heard the queen, let's go see to those chambers, huh? I can tell we are going to enjoy our stay here," the king said, standing up himself and signaling the guards.

The three men were led up the stairs, toward their respective bed chambers.

All the way to his own, Eren couldn't help but question if this was a good idea. He knows it's a good idea for this kingdom, and Marley's, as Kenny had betrayed them both so engaging in any kind of war between the two kingdoms would be a lose-lose, but Eren didn't know how he was expected to marry someone like Mikasa. She was so political, driven, and so focused on her own reign that even Eren knew she was only doing this for the sake of business and royal politics.

Eren didn't see an ounce of admiration or love on Mikasa's face when she first met him. Eren, of course, saw her beauty and power almost immediately, but to her, he was merely a business agreement. He didn't awe her with his superiority, or his presence as a royal. He even considered himself handsome, the women in his kingdom certainly thought so, even Zeke didn't get as much attention from girls as Eren did. But no redness on the face, no spark in the eye, not even a stutter of a word.

She was a queen. Not a girl, more than a woman. A being. A deity of hope and strength, of drive and intelligence. She didn't need any help at all running her kingdom, and that how it will always remain. HER kingdom. HER reign. HER rule. Eren was nothing but one of her much-needed accessories.

Eren's bed chamber doors opened before him, and his eyes grew twice the size.

A brilliant, luminescent silver room was beheld before him. A long, canopy bed stood at the center of the room, back against the far wall, with towering windows surrounding it. A jade green set of seating lavished on the right of the room, in front of a giant bay window, overlooking the palace gardens. Grey and white marble floors, stretched across the whole room, only disappearing underneath a blue, silver and green vintage rug. A bar stood on the left in the front corner of the room, with another set of jade-green seating. And of course, doors leading to an amazing terrace, overlooking the city on the north side of the palace. Another set of doors was standing in the corner of the room, far right, which Eren assumed led to an end-suite.

"Holy..." He couldn't even let his dirty mouth run in a place of such elegance and magic. His baggage was piled at the foot of his bed, and Eren suddenly realized just how much he brought. Of course, he was to stay a lot longer than his brother and father. After the wedding, Eren stayed in his new home, while his brother and father returned to Marely, sending the rest of his things. Who knew when the next time he would see Marely would be.

As Eren observed his new chambers, the guards cleared their throats, causing him to turn.

"Your highness, the queen has sent on of her ladies in waiting to help you unpack," he spoke out, gruffly. He stepped aside to let a woman through. She had long auburn hair pulled back into a ponytail, with bangs framing her face. She had large hazel eyes, full of joy and mischief. She was wearing a pale cream dress with a red underskirt. She wore light brown boots, and her hands were callused and worn.

"Your grace, my name is Sasha Braus. I'm here to assist in your settling. Shall I run a bath? A shower? A steam? Which scent of soap do you prefer, warm towels? If your still hungry I can see-"

"That's alright, malady. Just some assistance is good, for now," he answered, holding up a hand to silence her. Sasha bowed again and moved to start unpacking his belongings.

He was grateful for the help, as he wished to see the queen as soon as possible. He knows it's a long shot, but he had hope getting here earlier might also provide the two of them with some time to themselves, to get to know each other before getting married.

But from the way Mikasa had handled lunch, like some business meeting, Eren's hopes for seeing the queen's more sensitive side seemed close to impossible.

With that reality once again setting in, Eren took a seat at one of the chairs by the window. Sasha didn't mind him resting; it was long way to come from Marely, and travel through the days' worth of Eldian land and all the while being cramped into a carriage with two others. It would wear a person out. Even a royal.

"Are you alright, your majesty? Do you wish the bed to be prepared for a sleep?" Sasha asked. Eren shook his head.

"No, no, it's alright, I'm not actually that tired," Eren answered, looking out the bay window at the garden being prepped and tended for the decorations that would soon adorn it. This palace really was beautiful, at least he would have something to do while the queen did her duties after they wed. Exploring every inch of this place could take weeks.

"Why so forlorn?" Sasha questioned again. Usually, Eren would shut down and dismiss the nosy maidens, but he simply couldn't do that to Sasha, for some reason.

"It's not much, malady. I am just simply thinking of the days to come, when I am to be married," he explained. Sasha seemed to make a knowing sound.

"You've met the queen, I presume?" she asked. Eren nodded. "She has that effect on people," Sasha said, lightly. It made Eren turn to her, confused. "She is quite the figure; she has this aura to her that seems to render people speechless. I know she might seem like a robot with no feelings..." Eren couldn't stop the shocked and horrified look he gave Sasha. She spoke like this about her own queen.

Sasha seemed to catch his train of thought, and she laughed. "Mikasa and I have known each other since we were three years old. She has called me much worse, and the same vice versa. Mikasa has 4 main-maidens, I'm one of them, all of us who've known her as Mikasa longer than we've known her as Queen of Eldia," Sasha explained. Eren seemed to get the picture, for he could relate entirely.

Eren had a best friend also, only one, but that's all he needed, but now his friend was seeing to Eren's wedding suit and the wedding rings. One of the demands the queen knew prior to his arrival. Eren trusted his friend to do right on his part.

"You will have time to get to know her, don't worry. I can help make sure of that." Sasha winked.

"How exactly can you do that?" Eren wondered.

"Mikasa is meticulous, but she also is loyal and passionate to her staff, especially her main 4. She trusts us more than anyone else, so I can arrange for our expertise to be needed where the queens usually would be. Also, I can play off how important it is for you two to get to know each other. She can't say no to me," Sasha said, beaming at her plan.

Eren didn't hold much confidence, but Sasha's grin made him smile, and he couldn't help feeling it was worth a try.

Meanwhile, in the depths of the Royal City's underworld, Kenny paced in front of a blazing fire, sipping whiskey from a glass.

"Where are those idiots!" he snapped to himself, taking a pull from his drink. "Time is of the essence!"

The door to his living room chamber opened and three people hastily entered. Two men and one woman.

The tallest of the three, stood at about 6 feet, dark-green eyes, and a mop of black hair tucked underneath a toque. He wore a navy-blue trench-coat and black pants. Dark brown boots littered with snow, as with the rest of them.

The second man was blonde, with hard eyes the color of golden nectar. His face was hard and structured, with broad shoulders and large chest to compliment it. He wore a similar outfit to the first man but wore a hazelnut coat and army-green pants with black boots.

The woman was the shortest of the three, but she seemed to be the one that called the shots. Frosty blonde hair, pulled back into a delicate bun, with a bit of her bangs framing her face, almost hiding her face on the right side. Her eyes were as cold and icy of the February evening, blue as a frozen river. Her face was pointed and regal, with a pale blue coat, white pants and white boots hiding her strong figure.

She stepped forward to address the seething man.

"Lord Kenny, I apologize for our tardiness, the streets are crawling with citizens getting last minute gifts for the engagement ball tomorrow night," she explained.

"And that's why, Annie Leonhart, your tardiness should not go unattended. Your right in saying the ball is tomorrow night, which means that leaves us with only seven full days until Queen Mikasa and Prince Eren's wedding, which means, the alliance will be sealed, and we would have no chance of winning against Eldia with Marely's support! I saw what they were capable of when I visited, and no one would survive it."

"I thought that's what you wanted," the blonde man started. Kenny slammed his glass down on a desk adorning the room.

"I do want that, Reiner, but I want Marely and Eldia to fight each other, not together. My whole army would be wiped out if a war broke out. I wanted Marley and Eldia to feel threatened by each other when I stated that their weapons were fierce and dangerous. The likeability of losing to the other if war ever did break out should have been enough for the queen to demand the surrender of Marley and force a union between the two countries after a battle of wit and sacrifice. The queen would nobly join the fight, her cousin and herself spearheading the whole thing. She would die nobly in battle, and I would unite the nations by bringing to light the power of both kingdoms combined and would be crowned King of the Eldian and Marleyan Empire!" Kenny cackled with his insanity. "But..."

He turned away from the three soldiers, who looked about ready to take on the winter storm again and continued chillingly calm.

"The queen figured out my plan before I had even begun to execute it, she forced a few of my men to betray me, giving them the honor of being part of her royal court. I was forced into exile..."

He poured himself another whiskey, the first glass long forgotten, and turned back to the three, still in the doorway.

"And so, my loyal supporters, do you know what it is I am going to do?" Kenny asked. The three glanced at each other, shrugged, then turned back. "Ugh, I'm going to do the same to her! If I can capture and convince some of those in her court, they would betray the queen, and reveal to me the truth behind her power, why she is so canny and smart. Why is she so inspiring?! I say, WHY is the queen always one step ahead!" Kenny bit out the last line, voice dripping with contempt.

He breathed deep, calming himself, and grinned manically at his three visitors.

"You are to attend this engagement ball and scout out the queen. When you've located her, stay on her tail. Mikasa has four maidens who she would trust with anything. I trust Annie's instincts to tell you which maiden would be the most useful and insighted. Don't look at me like that, boys, you know your job well. Keep eyes off Annie, although, that might be a bit hard when she's wearing the dress, I picked out for her." Kenny had walked up to Annie, and grabbed her chin, cackling madly.

Annie tried not to shiver at the dread dripping down her spine and the alcohol that stained Kenny's breath.

The black-haired man, grabbed Kenny's wrist, and gripped it away from Annie's face. "Don't touch her like that!" he growled. Annie let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

"Awe, come on, Berty, you know I was just kidding! I know, what you're like!" he laughed as he turned back to the fireplace. "Just like to keep ya on your toes."

Reiner tried to calm his fuming partner, but all it took was a look from Annie, and Bertoldt settled.

"I want you to find a way to get those members alone, knock them out, and bring them back here. I will have a carriage waiting for your quick escape by the east exit. I don't care if you must stay there all night. Do NOT fail me. Understood?"

Three heads nodded.

"Good, now get out of my sight, your rooms are down the hall to the left with your outfits for tomorrow night thrown over the bed. Try them on. Then get some rest, you three have a big day tomorrow," Kenny cackled, as the three soldiers moved past him and deeper into the castle.

Back at the palace, the royal families had just finished dinner, and were to end the day with tea in the parlor and then into their bed chambers for the night.

In the parlor, the king of Marley and his two sons, sat alone, the queen not in sight. She was held back for some more taste testing of desserts that were to be served at not only the ball, but the wedding as well.

Eren tried not to pout into his teacup as he relished in the quiet of a cold February night. Snow had begun to fall lightly in huge flakes that blanketed the entire palace and its features. The snowfall was to stop around one in the morning, and then bright sun for the rest of the week, rather convenient.

Eren barely had time to talk to the queen, still. She only spoke to him a few times during dinner, and then she and his father continued their conversation about their meeting that afternoon.

Grisha had concluded in making the day of Eren and Mikasa's wedding a national holiday. A day where they celebrate the union of the two lands and love that their rulers inspired. Of course, there would have to be love for that to happen.

Whenever Eren saw the queen, all doubts of his vows to her faded away. Almost like all the details and planning were worth nothing if she wasn't going to be there, in the center of it all. She was radiant, no matter what she was wearing or doing. The prince felt SOMETHING grip his heart whenever she looked at him. Could that be love? Or just nervousness?

Maybe both?

"Lighten up, brother!" Zeke clapped a hand onto Eren's back, causing Eren to gasp and steady his teacup, then turn to glare at his older brother.

"I don't need you telling me what to do, BROTHER. Why aren't you criticizing the tea, or China, or hell, the height of the fireplace flames," Eren snapped at him.

"Geez, someone's in one of his moods again. I was just going to say that we get to spend the next week in this beautiful kingdom, aren't you even the least bit excited?" his brother asked. Eren shrugged.

"I guess I have more important things on my mind. You two are here to see a wedding, I'm here to write out my destiny, or lack of one," Eren mumbled, standing up to stand at the fireplace.

"Ruling beside a queen is a destiny, Eren," Grisha explained. "The Eldian empire is a praised and beloved kingdom, with respect for them around the globe. We can't exactly say the same about Marely, can we?" Eren narrowed his eyes. "By following your destiny, you are uniting two empires that would surely be at each other's throats thanks to Kenny's actions. You are the bearer of the next new ruler, the future of both kingdoms' rests on your shoulder's, Eren. Just by existing you've saved the world from just one more era of bloodshed. Can't you see it that way?" Grisha questioned, almost a desperate look in his eye.

He hates to have to force his children into these roles, but sadly, being king was the role he was forced into. He had to follow protocol and put the fates of his subjects over his own sons. Zeke was more than happy to accept his destiny of being crowned Marely's next king, but Eren has always had trouble finding his place among his family.

Zeke was born out of sense of duty, but Eren was born out of the sense of love. He carried a lot of it, he tried his best to be involved with the subjects of Marely, spearheaded any event the kingdom was holding. His subjects adored Eren, but the prince just didn't think that was enough.

"You're a royal, Eren, you must start acting like one." Grisha finished his speech, letting the effects of it linger.

Eren opened his mouth, about to speak, when the door to the parlor opened and a stunning figure stepped in.

"Evening, your highnesses," Queen Mikasa bowed. She wore a pale pink evening dress, shimmery and sheen with diamonds studded over the see-through satin skirt. Her hair was down and kept very nicely. Her eyes were glazed with exhaustion, but her face was clear of any worry lines or bags.

"Queen Mikasa, we thought you had prior engagements?" King Grisha stepped forward, bowing as he did.

"Well, it seems I'm a little too loose with my handmaiden's, making them stubborn and defiant. I was forced into submission and ordered to relax with my visitors. Can you believe that?" She laughed lightly to herself as she crossed the room, Zeke adjusting a red velvet armchair for her to sit in.

She did so, and the three men sat around her.

"Your dedication as queen is phenomenal, your majesty, you're an exceptional queen to put so much of yourself into them," the king said.

"Thank you, your grace, but I am merely doing what is required of me. The trust and love of my people is the true strength behind any king or queen, don't you agree, Prince Eren?" Mikasa glanced at the man, who was indulged in a staring contest with his brother.

"What? Oh, yes, forgive me. Of course, your highness. I couldn't agree more," he answered.

"Nice one, blockhead," Zeke murmured, causing Eren to glower.

"No need to be so nervous, Prince Eren, we are to be married within the week. Might as well get past formalities," Mikasa suggested. She brightened a little. "In fact, I insist you call me Mikasa, not 'the queen' or 'your majesty'. Just Mikasa." Eren reddened and had to halt his hand from running through his hair.

"Are you certain, your-"

Mikasa raised an eyebrow at him, and his mouth snapped shut.

"Of course...Mikasa," he corrected. She nodded, satisfied.

The silence carried on, as the King poured Mikasa a cup of tea and handed it to her. She accepted graciously and took a sip.

"I've always loved this brew. All the tea leaves in the palace are grown in the royal gardens, I don't know how my staff do it." She took another sip, almost sighed at the taste and soothing feeling it always gave.

"That is simply amazing, your majesty," Grisha said, taking more for himself.

"Prince Eren, might I ask, what your interests are?" she asked. Eren was slightly giddy that he was finally getting the spotlight but felt awkward talking about himself in front of his father and brother. He hoped a conversation like this would be held, privately, when he had the queen to himself.

"I, uh, I love to ride my horse, and spar. I also love anything to do with the nature, and the ocean. I mostly just like being outside, and the experience of adrenaline." Grisha and Zeke internally slapped their foreheads, he wasn't exactly a regal royal.

"I see," Mikasa countered. "So, you like to adventure and nature, thrills and risks. Am I correct?" she asked.

Eren caught the look of panic from his father, chose to ignore it.

"That is right, Mikasa," he said.

She smiled.

"I enjoy those same feelings from time to time. Horse riding, sparring, the ocean, all on my list of things that bring me joy and tranquility. I would love for you to visit the cove we have on the south side of this mountain; it is truly a sight to behold," Mikasa suggested.

Eren decided to take a bold risk, one that she knew he liked to take. "As long as you would accompany me, Mikasa." He gave her his boyish smile that always made the girls in his kingdom swoon and faint. He was pleased to see her eyes widen a little, but other than that, she kept her cool composure.

"If that is what you wish, I would be happy to." She gave him a smile as well; one he didn't think a queen was capable of. A smile of mischief and mystery, Eren found his nerves lit up when he saw it.

The atmosphere seemed to grow electric, just enough for Zeke to stand and gesture to his father.

"I'm ready to retire to my chambers, father, care to join me?" he asked. Grisha seemed to get the hint and nodded.

"Of course, my son, an exciting day awaits." He clapped Zeke on the shoulder and together they exited the room.

Eren watched them go with a slight panic, but also with some relief.

"Do you wish to retire as well?" Mikasa asked, bring Eren's attention back to her.

"No, no, I'm good. It's nice to get some alone time once and a while," Eren replied. Mikasa halted.

"Oh, I can take my leave then." Mikasa moved to set her teacup on the coffee table, when Eren suddenly stood.

"Forgive me, your majesty, that wasn't what I meant, in fact, I-"

He cleared his throat, when Mikasa gave him a look of surprise at his sudden outburst. Eren cursed himself.

"In fact, I've actually been waiting for this moment, and might also have been the cause behind it in the first place," Eren confessed, slowly taking a seat again.

"Whatever do you mean?" Mikasa asked, curiously.

Eren rubbed the back of his neck, and continued, hesitantly. "Well, when I was led to my chambers, I took the time to let myself think, and I guess I don't control my facial expressions very well when I do. Your handmaiden, Sasha, asked me what was wrong, and, well, I told her."

"Was the chamber not to your liking?"

"No, it was glorious, better than my own back in Marely, in fact. It was just I was a little forlorn with the development of this treaty. I'd never met you before, and you're so beautiful, I wanted to get to know you, alone. Just the two of us, and I'd convinced myself it was impossible. Sasha comforted me, and she said she would try and arrange a moment where I got you to myself," Eren finished, then flinched.

"Not that you're something I own, or anything, I just mean-"

"I understand, Eren. There is no need to be so cautious with me. I am your bride-to-be, and you should treat me as such. I always have time for my future husband," she explained.

"Right, of course, it was foolish of me to be so childish..." Eren investigated the fireplace, not wanting to see the disappointment in the queen's eyes.

"It's not foolish, in fact, I think it's...cute." Eren's head snapped toward her, face heating up.

"You do?" he asked. Mikasa covered her mouth to stop the laugh she felt surfacing. He really was cute.

"You didn't care about the lunch, or the décor, you only cared about the moment in which we met," she explained.

"That wasn't very kingly of me..." Eren muttered. Mikasa did laugh this time.

"Maybe not, but it was very husbandly of you."

The queen rose from her chair and moved to sit beside him. Eren got a wave of rose and vanilla from her, as well as a muskier scent that came from being herself.

"I may act like a queen most of the time, but part of me is still a 21-year-old girl. A girl who couldn't help a stutter in her heart every time she looked at her groom."

They were so close now, Eren realized the queen was blushing. "Really?" he asked, eyes trailing all over her face, capturing every detail and burning it into his memory.

"Of course, I know you have a way with women, Prince Eren." The queen studied his as well, noting the intensity of his gaze, the brightness of his eyes. "In fact, I was quite the fangirl myself growing up."

"You were? But we're the same age."

"All the more reason to like you. In my youth, I promised myself I would never marry. I wanted to prove to the throne's successors that a lone ruler could do just as much as two. Believe it or not, I wasn't as confident in my place as queen as I am now. In fact, I cursed my father for making me the heir just by blood alone. My father was chosen for his intelligence and kindness, for his strength and wit. I was chosen because I was his daughter. I wanted to choose my next successor, I wanted to be the one ensuring the protection of my kingdom even long after I was gone." She turned to Eren, who hung onto every word. He couldn't help but feel a pang of pain when she expressed her dislike of the idea of marriage.

"Of course, I learned to embrace my position within the empire, even if it was one, I didn't believe I deserved. I put my duty above all else, proving to myself that I WAS chosen for my intelligence and kindness, for my strength and wit. I could be the queen I believed this kingdom deserved and rule an era of the ages."

"I'd say you can check it off the list," Eren commented. Mikasa laughed and surprised herself on how joyous and un-proper it sounded.

"Forgive me, but I wasn't expecting you to have such a decent sense of humor," she said. Eren beamed with pride. "In the end, nevertheless, my duties called for me to marry, and my heart needed to be shared with a man." Mikasa faced him, intently. Gazing strongly into his green orbs. "Will you take it, Eren Jaeger, prince of Marely, future king of Eldia? Will you protect it? Cherish it, as I plan to do with yours? If you'll let me..."

Eren smiled, truly. "Yes, Mikasa. Not just because my royal duties insist upon it, but because I want to marry you. I want to rule by your side and bear a child with you."

Mikasa smiled warmly at him, flushing at the implications.

"Yes, we will come to all that when the time comes, but I would like to try out this plan of yours of 'getting to know each other'. I feel I might need it more than I thought," she said.

They talked for hours, until the snow stopped falling. The fire still blazed and kept the room glowing with a beautiful warm light.

The queen and her king, still sat in the jade love seat, sharing their life's stories to their hearts content.

"And that's the reason Armin and I made it a tradition to go to that specific lagoon every August," Eren finished.

"Well," Mikasa began, "you simply must continue it! We can arrange for you to take a trip back for your tradition every year. With a tale like that, I would be guilt-ridden to take that away."

"Mikasa, that's not necessary, I'm sure I can arrange-"

"Think nothing of it. It's the least I can do. Who knows when the next time you get to see Marely would be?" Mikasa stated.

Since Eren had been thinking that exact same thing, he decided not to argue.

"I appreciate it very much, I'm sure Armin will be thrilled," he said.

"And how is your friend taking your newest task of marrying an emporia queen?" Mikasa asked, sipping the last of the tea poured from the pot.

Eren couldn't help the gratefulness of her sympathy toward his friend. "He is happy for me and all; obviously he questioned if this was what I really wanted, if we needed to argue deeper into this..." Eren trailed off, not looking at Mikasa.

"What did you tell him?" She already knew the answer but needed to know if he'd be honest with her.

Eren seemed to think the same thing. That, she, of all people must know the truth from him. "I told him I wasn't ready, in fact, I'd rather not be king at all than marry into the throne," he confessed.

Mikasa's face remained passive, but inside, her heart lurched painfully. "I understand, I wasn't keen on the idea, either, as you know."

"But that's changed now."

Mikasa looked at him, into his eyes. He had a look of determination, a look of pride and perhaps, something more.

"I meant what I said, Mikasa. I do want to marry you. And to prove it..." Eren leaned forward. Mikasa caught on immediately and met him halfway.

Their lips touched slowly, and softly. Nerves sparked, brains short-circuited, and hearts hammered. It was a simple kiss, one light and giving. But it was enough to solve the conflict within each of their hearts.

They did want this.

They leaned away from each other and caught their breaths. Never had they experienced a rush like that. Such a boost of energy and light, they seemed to glow with it.

"I would say that is a brilliant way to end the night," Mikasa said, smiling to herself.

Eren looked out the window, and suddenly realized just how late it was.

"Oh, God, I'm sorry, you have so much to do tomorrow, ah, tomorrow night is the ball, too. Is there a way to-"

"It's alright, Eren, this isn't the first time I've stayed up this late, and it certainly won't be the last," Mikasa assured.

"Right, well, let me escort you to your chambers, at least." Eren stood and held out an arm to her. Mikasa laughed lightly, and stood up also, grabbing his arm.

"Lead the way."

The next morning was filled with bustle and chatter as the final preparations for the engagement ball began falling into place.

The ballroom was filled with white crystal streamers hanging from every rafter and doorway. About 25 tables scattered the room all set and ready for a feast only the imagination can conjure. The floor sparkled and gleamed, the windows glistened and shined.

The gardens were decorated lightly with fairy-lights, lanterns, and amethyst ornaments. The fountain glowed and seemed to spray sparkling water when the afternoon sun hit it.

The palace had the potential for one, magical night.

The queen herself was in her fitting chambers, getting into her ballgown. Her hair had already been styled in a loose bun with only her bangs hanging free, curled.

The dress itself was a gorgeous, deep violet. Her corset was gleaming with diamonds and amethyst, matching her necklace and earrings. Its span was about 1 and a half feet wider than her usual gowns.

The preparations for this fitting were so important, that Mikasa had been standing there for a good 2 hours. Not that she minded.

Queen Mikasa had not been quite herself today. She was acting disinterested and aloof. Constantly getting lost in her own head. Daydreaming.

Of course, nothing about the queen and her actions when unheard of by her royal staff.

She had been acting like this after some alone time with her soon-to-be groom. No one knew exactly what happened behind closed doors, but it was enough for the queen to be wistful and far away.

And so, she stood, high on a dressing table, where the dress maidens tended to her gown, and she was so deep in thought, she didn't even feel it when one of the maidens pricked her with a needle.

"My upmost apologies, your majesty," the maiden said, bowing hastily.

Mikasa came back down to Earth and turned to her. "Hmm?"

"I said I was sorry, your highness, does it sting at all?"

Mikasa felt it once she had said something, but she wasn't bothered. "No, no, Mina, carry on."

The handmaidens exchanged looks. "Are you alright, your majesty? You're very distant today."

"Am I? My apologies, girls. My head is quite hazy today." The girls gave small smirks in the mirror, Mikasa caught them. "What is it?"

The women quickly turned neutral. "It's nothing, your majesty."

"You would lie to your queen?" The girls seemed to realize their mistake and hastily confessed.

"Sincere apologies, your highness, we just all heard about your time with Prince Eren and were just elated that you thought so highly of him." Mikasa sighed.

"Of course, I appreciate your support. But I'm afraid situations like this is one of the precise reasons I didn't want to marry in the first place," Mikasa said, turning back to her reflection.

"Nonsense, your majesty, if we are to be honest, we believe that falling in love would do you well," Mina continued.

"Me well, not the kingdoms wellbeing," Mikasa countered.

"Don't say that now, your highness. Love has a way over others, and a way of creeping up on you when you don't realize it. I can see in your eyes when your deep in thought, and I see the potential of love and adoration. You really like him, your majesty. You're allowed to admit that." Mikasa smiled at her in the mirror.

"Your kind words mean a lot to me, Mina, thank you."

Suddenly, a messenger hurried in and whispered something into the queen's ear. For a minute she listened intently, then her eyes widened in horror.

"Thank you, Thomas, ready my men."

Mina stepped forward, panicked. "What's wrong?"

Mikasa stepped down from her table, and strolled over to a vanity set, opened a drawer.

"It seems we will be having some uninvited guests present at the engagement ball tonight. I need to be ready. Mina, fetch Sasha, Ymir and Historia, I have a plan."

"I can't believe you expect me to wear THAT!" Annie complained, eyeing the dress hanging on the mirror.

Reiner and Bertoldt flanked her, both admiring the dress.

Golden, with sequins adorning almost every inch of it. It had a V-neck halter and a slit down the right side, intended to reveal some skin. A braid of lace trailed down the back and ended at the lower back. Golden stilettos and ruby jewels completed the attire.

Reiner was grinning manically, while Bertoldt seemed to want to look anywhere but the dress, and admired the shoes instead, although, they didn't fare good either.

"Well, you got to admit, the man has taste," Reiner said, making Annie glare at him. She heaved out a sigh and took the dress from its place hanging on the mirror and threw it on the bed.

"Whatever the case, I just want to get this over with," Annie grumbled, taking down her bun, and trying different hairstyles in the mirror.

"Do you really think this plan will work?" Bertoldt thought aloud. The two blondes said nothing, but Reiner patted his shoulder.

"What choice do we have, brother. Either way, people are going to die. We're just the ones who get decide who. This is the only way to prevent bloodshed, even if that means spilling ours," Reiner explained.

"We won't let it come to that, this plan will work," Annie put in.

"I hope so," Bertoldt said.

Dozens and dozens of carriages trailed up the grand driveway toward the palace. People poured through the grand doors, eager and excited to attend one of the biggest events in Eldian history. The alliance between Eldia and Marely was going to be remembered and honored for centuries to come.

Guests were greeted and food was served, conversations flared, and the gardens bloomed. The tension in the air obvious as everyone awaited the moment of the night.

Grisha and Zeke stood atop the grand staircase, on the second landing, into the ballroom, overlooking the party with passiveness.

"I hope the kid doesn't blow it," Zeke muttered into his glass of scotch.

"Would you have some confidence in your brother, for once," Grisha chided. "You know this will be you soon. Do you want Eren thinking stuff like that when your married?"

"Hell, if I care what Eren thinks..." Grisha raised an eyebrow. "...No."

The trumpets sounded, and the whole room quieted as the pager boy stood before the doors atop the grand staircase.

"Announcing the awaited arrival of the beautiful Queen Mikasa and her new husband-to-be Prince Eren of Marley!"

The crowd applauded and bowed or curtsied as the doors opened and the two said people came through the doorway.

Eren wore a black trench suit, with the same deep violet as Mikasa, accenting his vest and cuffs. The crown of an Eldian prince atop his head, glistening. But it was nothing compared to the Queen of Eldia's crown.

The crown itself was crafted from platinum, the design imitating a rose bush, with spines of diamond working their way across the whole top of the crown. A large amethyst sat in the center of the headpiece, capturing every light in the room beautifully.

The crowd held their breath as the couple descended the staircase arm in arm and entered the crowd below. Almost immediately a crowd had gathered around them, showering them with wishes, luck and praise, and all with love.

This part of the ball was always a hassle; greeting guests, engaging conversation, and of course, accepting gracious wishes.

It wasn't the most pleasant first couple hours, but the couple smiled and bore it for as long as it took.

After they finally had a chance to gather some breathing room, that was when King Grisha and Zeke approached.

"Ready to go home yet, Eren?" Zeke cackled, as he grabbed a champagne flute from a passing waiter. Eren didn't answer, just rolled his eyes in response. Of course, Mikasa took this suggestion seriously.

"If Eren wishes to leave the ballroom for a while, he is more than welcome, I can manage the party alone," Mikasa said, smiling lightly at Eren.

Eren, on the other hand, took Mikasa's suggestion slightly insulted.

"You don't think I can handle a few hours at a party?" Eren asked, looking at Zeke, but the question mostly aimed at his bride-to-be.

"I was only messing with you, brother," Zeke said.

"I meant no ill-will," Mikasa defended, slightly concerned with Eren's scowl.

Eren sighed and stole his brother's drink. "I'm heading to the balcony," he said, suddenly, and disappeared into the crowd.

"That was my drink…" Zeke mumbled. Grisha sighed, defeated.

"My sincere apologies, Queen Mikasa. Eren has never attended balls and parties of this magnitude, and even if we did have them regularly, Eren would disappear after an hour or so," he explained.

"There is no need for explanations, your highness, he never did peg me as the type. I will find him after I entertain our guests for a while. I'm afraid at a time like this, my duty comes before my heart," Mikasa explained, half-heartedly. It was obvious she was disappointed in Eren's lack of social skills. Even when he was with her, joining a conversation, he didn't contribute much; he simply listened to the speaker and took in his surroundings.

The queen can understand that having this many people around, all solely focused on you, can be very intimidating. She felt the same on the eve of her coronation, but there was only one of her then, so the attention increased tenfold.

She couldn't be angry with her groom for wanting to take a minute to himself, she's done so many times before, but she hopes that, like her, he would eventually return.

Being left to attend your own engagement ball alone is almost as worse as being left at the altar.

She made her way through the crowd, trying to find her cousin. When she spotted him, he told a few guests to hold their thoughts and he met her halfway.

"There you are, didn't think I'd see you at all tonight," he greeted, handing her a drink. "Where's your hubby?" he asked. Mikasa gave a small puff of a sigh.

"I'm not entirely sure, he said he was going onto the balcony, but if he wants to be alone, it's probably best I don't go out there, bringing along a string of guests. He needs some time," she explained.

Levi couldn't hide his scowl. "Well, brat's going to have to get used to it, eventually. You did. You need me to do something about that, huh? Subtly, of course," Levi guessed. Mikasa grinned a smile only Levi has seen. A smile of pure love and appreciation for her only living family.

"You're never going to tell me how you do that, are you?" she asked.

"Where's the fun in that? I take pride in my ability to read your mind," Levi said. He placed a hand on her shoulder, being not one for affection. "I'll go find him, accidently, and check in on him. Do you want me to send him back to you?"

Mikasa shook her head. "Just make sure he's alright and tell him he's welcome to as much time alone as he needs. Just don't leave his side, I have a feeling our uninvited guests will make their appearance known soon. Keep a sharp eye out. I'm going to locate Ymir, Sasha, and Historia."

Levi silently agreed and melted into the crowd. Mikasa did a quick glance around the room, trying to pin anyone that looked uncomfortable or out of place.

She stopped, suddenly, and she moved, quickly, toward the other side of the room, where she'd stationed Ymir and Historia by the buffet table, Sasha couldn't be trusted anywhere near there.

The two girls saw her approach but waited until she was in ear shot to report.

"Nothing yet, Mikasa," Ymir said, as quiet as she could. "It's a little nerve wracking watching and waiting for something or someone we don't know," Ymir said. Mikasa simply nodded.

"As I've said, I have a plan," the queen assured.

"Yes, but are you going to tell us what it is?" Historia wondered. Mikasa shook her head.

"As much as I trust you four with my life, only she can know the plan. Without her, all this goes up in smoke," she explained.

"Are you sure she can pull it off?"

"There isn't a doubt in my mind."

As Mikasa was making her rounds to her centuries, Levi found Eren exactly where he said he'd be. Levi was relieved his cousin wasn't marrying a liar.

He didn't seem to hear Levi approach, because when Levi spoke, Eren jumped, and his drink sloshed over the side of his flute and down into the courtyard.

"You didn't hear me," was all Levi said as he came to stand beside the man.

"No, too deep in thought."

They stood in silence for a time, before Eren spoke.

"Is she looking for me?" he asked.

"She trusts you to be where you say, and understands your position, a little too well. She just wanted to make sure you were alright," Levi explained.

"There's something she's not telling me; I can feel it." Eren looked at him. Levi didn't give any indication that he was right. "Am I just being paranoid? I thought that last night we had a connection, but ever since this morning she's been acting distant and worried. Did I say something wrong?"

"No, you didn't. In fact, there's nothing wrong with you, or her feelings for you. I can tell you that Mikasa doesn't act much like a regular woman, but that makes her special. She looks at you in a way I've never seen her do, and honestly, it should worry me more than you." Eren looked at him weirdly.

"Why should you be worried?" he wondered.

"Because you're marrying the only family I have left, and I've always seen her as a sister, more than a cousin. The idea of her sharing her life and legacy, her kingdom, with another man that isn't family, well, it could cause some worry. But I don't doubt your abilities to keep Mikasa happy. I think you do that just fine."

"You think so?"

"I know so. No one knows Mikasa as well as me, not even her four main maidens."

They didn't speak for a bit. Both lost in their own thoughts, but then…

"If it's not me that's worrying her, what is?" Eren asked. Levi narrowed his eyes, not expecting Eren to be the type to leave this alone.

"If I could tell you, I would. Truth is, only three people know the real story, and one of them is Mikasa. I am not one of them."

"Is there something going on?"

"It's nothing to get too concerned about. Mikasa can handle whatever it is," Levi said, pointing that this was the end of the conversation. Eren didn't seem to think so.

"But I'm going to be King, shouldn't I know if there's trouble in the kingdom, if Mikasa is dealing with something big enough not to tell her own cousin about it, then-,"

"If there is one thing in this kingdom that everyone learns and abides by, always, it's that Mikasa is more capable than you think. There has not been one conflict that she hasn't either won or compromised. If there is one thing that these people believe in more than their own personal Gods, it's their queen."

That made Eren snap his mouth shut. Levi spoke with such conviction; he must be mistaken for the King at times. Eren hopes he can live up to his expectations.

So far, he didn't think he did. Mikasa was off dealing with some secret crisis, that Eren had no idea was happening until now. Something so big, it was throwing the queen off her game, causing her to become distracted in conversation, and her smile wavered ever so often into a disapproving frown. What is it? What was going on? Why was Eren so helpless?

The plan was quite simple.

Enter through the west side, always enter the opposite of your exit, and slip into the crowd, unnoticed.

When they entered the ballroom, they were to separate as much as they could, circling the party with a hawk's eye.

Once they located the queen, Annie would close in, Reiner would shadow her, and Bertoldt would keep a bird's eye view; Bertoldt was easily the tallest in every room.

Annie would keep a safe distance but linger close enough to read the queen's lips.

It was going smoothly. The three were surprised when they observed Prince Eren of Marley break off from the queen and move on alone.

'Well, guess we can check lover-boy off the list,' Annie thought as she ducked when Zeke looked her way as he walked away from the queen as well.

Annie made quick eye contact with Reiner, who nodded, moving slowly as Mikasa made her way over to her cousin, it looked like.

They tailed excellently, and Annie briefly heard Mikasa say, "I have a feeling our uninvited guests will let their appearances be known soon", and Annie gulped.

They were so close she could taste it.

The two Ackerman's ended their conversation, and Levi moved along; Annie watched silently.

When the blonde looked back toward the queen, she froze in a panic. Mikasa and Annie had locked in direct eye contact.

Half an hour went by, and Eren decided he had enough alone time, and headed inside to find the queen.

He couldn't find her right away, which shocked him. Usually, she'd be easy to spot, even in a giant room filled with hundreds of people.

There was a tension Eren felt the minute he walked back into warm air, and it made him anxious. He scoured the room with his eyes, desperately trying to find that flash of deep purple, but couldn't see it.

As Eren turned hastily in a circle, looking for just about any familiar face by this point, he felt a hand on his back.

He whipped around, hoping to see his beautiful bride, but instead was met with his own brother.

"There you are! Where have you been? Dad's been-,"

"Where's Mikasa?" he demanded, grabbing his brother's collar.

"Whoa, hold on a second, brother. Take a breather," Zeke tried to calm him down, but Eren merely turned away.

"There's something going on, I can feel it!" Eren snapped.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I-I don't know! There's just something wrong, and I can't find Mikasa! God, I've already taken a breather, that's what got me into this mess! I shouldn't have left her side, what if something happened to her, what if-,"

"She's over there!" Zeke suddenly halted Eren's thoughts and pointed. Eren whipped toward his index finger's direction and sighed in relief. The queen was at the far end of the ballroom, at one of the doors, but it wasn't fully open, it looked like Mikasa was speaking to someone through a small crack in the door.

Eren didn't care what was going on, he hurried over, dodging and swooping past guests and waiters to get to her.

When he was a few feet away, he saw that she was already walking in his direction.

"Oh, Eren, I'm glad you- huh?" Mikasa stopped suddenly, as Eren threw his arms around her. After a beat, Eren regained his conscience and quickly let go.

"Sorry, I don't know- I just couldn't find you, and I had this awful feeling that something was wrong and-,"

It was Eren's turn to stop mid-sentence when he glanced at the queen's face. She was staring at the ground with that same frown he's been spotting throughout the night. A frown of worry and disappointment.

"Is there something wrong, 'your highness'?" Eren suddenly bit out. Mikasa looked at him, with eyes of worry.

"Eren, please understand-,"

"No, I don't want to understand, Mikasa! Come on!" He grabbed her shoulders. "If there is something going on, what is it? I deserve to know!"

Mikasa tried to look away, but Eren grabbed her chin. "Eren-,"

"Please, let me have this! Let me know that you trust me, that you-," he let out a deep sigh. "No, no, I apologize. You probably know what you're doing. Who am I to question the queen's authority?" He let go and turned away. "I'll let you do whatever you need to with this party. I'll go find my dad and stay with him until you're done," he said dejectedly, and started to walk away, back into the crowd.

"No, Eren! That's not what this is, I promise it'll all make sense soon! If you just-,"

He disappeared out of ear shot, leaving Mikasa alone.

Mikasa wanted to break down and cry, but she knew that wasn't an option. She was a queen. The title alone spoke for itself. She hoped this cause was worth it, worth betraying an oath to be sworn only eight days from now.

Everything was falling into place.

Every sleepless night filled with hatred and vengeance, every betrayal, every whip to the heart would be worth it after tonight.

He intended to revel in the days to come, for he knew he would succeed. He'd brainwashed and captured three of the queen's finest warriors, promising them a life of luxury and freedom, where every hardship they conquered, they did only for themselves, and not on the behalf of some false deity.

And he had fulfilled those promises, greatly.

Annie lived in a mansion in the North city, with anything and everything at her hand. She wore the finest clothes, had the finest things, ate the finest food, but instead chose to travel through most of her months under Kenny's guidance.

Reiner and Bertoldt chose to share a mansion, although, they lived with women and staff as well. Reiner was known to be popular with the women in his estate, in fact, where there for the purpose of their entertainment. Kenny believed that to be any man's dream, but both men simply talked to them, and spoiled them. They never wanted sexual favours from them, they simply used them for their company and as a nice vessel for spending money.

Kenny didn't particularly care what they did with their riches, just if they heeded his call when necessary. They pulled through every time, and Kenny had grown particularly fond of the trio. Their dynamic was quite amusing.

Reiner and Bertoldt were best friends, almost naturally, both being quite defensive over Annie. Reiner was the lively one, constantly teasing Annie over her height and effects on men that she has, and teasing Bertoldt on the obvious effect she has on him.

Kenny knew that Annie was aware of Bertoldt's feelings for her, but he thinks that there's a mischievous part of her that enjoys seeing him become flustered or downright speechless whenever she was around.

In fact, Kenny's recalls the look on Bertoldt's face when Annie stepped out in the dress that Kenny bought for her. He'd fainted…literally.

Nevertheless, Bertoldt was a much-needed element in the equation. He was level-headed and very intelligent. He knew when enough was enough, and when backing down was the best course of action. He was hard to send on undercover missions because of how much he stood out, but he usually stayed calm under pressure.

Annie was a squadron to herself. She was smart, strong, quick, and her instincts almost equaled his own. She was the cunning one, the one that was always the eyes on the inside. She blended easily in crowds, not only with her height, but with her demeanor, people tended to stay clear. She had a soft side, rarely shown, but present. She was always the unpredictable one…

And so, Kenny waited in his mansion. Getting lost in his own madness and bloodthirst.

Eyes on the clock, it struck midnight.

He sipped from his whiskey glass, a wolfish smile taking over his face.

"Any time now…"

She woke up in complete darkness, laying down on a hard surface.

Almost immediately she realized she was moving.

She tried sitting up, but a massive lurch caused her to yelp and crash back to the ground.

"Don't try moving, we're almost there."

She jumped at the voice but obeyed silently. The speaker was female, and almost familiar. She recognized her tone. As she contemplated in her head where she's heard her voice, a more distant one, outside she reckons, spoke up.

"She awake, Annie?"

She gasped at the revelation. Stumbled to an upright position quickly.

"You're Annie Leonhart? The one who-,"

"Yes, yes, it's me. Now shut up, won't you? We must get past the main gates, they're guarded. We should've tied you down, but we were feeling generous. Don't make a sound, Mina."

Mina nodded but scowled as she shifted in the bonds around her hands. She was grateful for not being tied down but being bound wasn't that much fun either.

As they moved along, horse-drawn carriage style, they finally came to the main gates of Kenny's estate.

Reiner, who had been leading the carriage, stopped before the iron gate and greeted the guards.

"As I'm sure you know, Lord Kenny is expecting us," he stated confidently. "It's Doom's Day, men, let's not waste these precious moments."

One of the guards stepped forward.

"We need to see the prisoner, Kenny isn't taking any chances," one spoke gruffly. Reiner gestured.

"By all means. Annie is in there guarding her."

The guards said nothing, and moved to the carriage, throwing open the door.

They were greeted with the sight of Mina, in her maid uniform, hands bound behind her back, blindfolded and laying on the ground. Annie was seated in the carriage with a rifle loaded and aimed at Mina.

Annie simply stared at Mina the whole time, not breaking her line of vision to look at the guards.

"You mind letting us get a move on? She's a feisty one," Annie asked, deadpan. The guards grunted, slamming the doors shut again, before proceeding to the gate.

They pulled a lever behind a boxed in room, for the controls, and the gate slowly started to draw open.

Before Reiner whipped the horses into a trot, he glanced behind him. The carriage shifted as a large amount of weight was lifted off its burden.

A second later, 2 gunshots echoed.

Kenny laughed manically as he exited his mansion, eyes watching the carriage as it approached the front doors, where he stood.

"Nicely done," Kenny said, once Reiner halted the horses before the man.

"Easier than we expected," Reiner stated.

"Bring her out then, ooo, I hope you captured the blond one," Kenny said, moving toward the door.

He opened it, Annie threw Mina out of the carriage and onto the damp, sleet covered stone.

"Hey!" Mina protested, struggling with her hands behind her back. Kenny knelt and ripped the blindfold off Mina's head.

"Wait a minute…" he said, examining her face. He eyed up her dress and headwear, and his eyes narrowed. "This is a scullery maid! Where is the handmaiden? I thought you knew which ones they were, Leonhart!"

Reiner got down from the carriage's mantal and crossed his arms. Bertoldt got off the back of the carriage, and Annie got out of it.

But what surprised Kenny the most was the other person climbing out of the carriage behind her. Black hair, grey eyes, and a scowl that turned people to stone.

"Hello Kenny," he said.

Kenny stood shocked and surrounded. "What is this?"

"You remember Captain Levi? Your own nephew, of course?" Annie said.

"I-I-,"

"You've got your handmaiden, Kenny, in fact, you've had her since the beginning of all this," Reiner piped up.

Suddenly, soldiers marched up and around the carriage, encircling them.

"What do you mean, you bastards!" Kenny growled, getting into a defensive position.

"Queen Mikasa has four, as you said, but for the past months, she's only had three, because…"

"Her fourth was infiltrating you and your operation," Annie finished the sentence, giving a slight smile at the horror now written on Kenny's lined face.

"Leonhart! You traitor! You stupid-,"

"That's enough, Kenny." Levi flicked his wrist, and the guards closed in, seizing Kenny. "We're going to take you before your niece, she'll decide your fate." Levi started to lead him into the carriage the trio rode in on.

"You were right about one thing Kenny!" Annie called. "Mikasa is always one step ahead."

"Do not speak of her!" Kenny started to scream profanities about Levi, Mikasa, they're parents, until they'd secured him in the carriage and started leading him away.

Annie knelt to untie Mina's hands and help her up. Mina dusted herself off and puffed out a breath.

"Wow, I didn't think it would work. You know a warning before you and Levi come up behind me with a bag on my head." Mina crossed her arms.

"I'm sorry, but the more scared and confused you were the more likelihood of the plan succeeding," Annie explained.

"I understand. The queen really doesn't miss a beat, does she?"

"Are you kidding? She had Annie pretend to betray her and join Kenny's side months ago! Before he even decided his full course of action!" Reiner put in. "Her ability to think ahead is outstanding."

Mina couldn't help but agree, and they all moved to head back to the palace.

Mikasa was in full panic mode. Why had she not considered one of the most important factors in her master plan? Why had she assumed that Eren would be fine with letting Mikasa do her own thing, letting her control everyone's movements, including his? Of course, he wouldn't be. And now, she would have to postpone the wedding, most likely. They can't get married when he hates her, she won't allow it.

The worst of it? She couldn't even go look for him, even though she wanted to, so badly. As a queen, her duties must come first, and that meant she had to stay present to the people because this gamble could backfire so easily, and her kingdom could be in danger.

Sending Annie to recruit some of Marley's best soldiers was a gamble that had paid off handsomely. Also, the incarceration of Kenny while her father was in rule caused him to lose a period of importance in the history of Eldia's timeline. They already had a truce with Marely…well before this wedding was planned. The wedding was a trap to draw Kenny out, and they couldn't risk discussing this reality in public, even within the palace walls, as Kenny had a history of infiltration.

If they could convince everyone, even themselves, that this wedding was the seal on the deal, Kenny would no doubt try and stop a union of Marley and Paradis, unaware it had happened years ago.

King Erik had ensured Mikasa had all the knowledge to bring down her uncle before he died. King Erik and King Grisha at the time, had agreed to keep the truce a secret until Mikasa had come of age to marry a Marleyan prince. Both of their reigns were ending, so it was easy to hide when only two would know until the time came. Kenny couldn't be trusted to remain dormant within the South City while Mikasa ruled, so King Erik had advised her to incarcerate him until she turned 21.

Her father had predicted that Kenny would flee to Marely, angry at his family's betrayal. Also, Kenny believed he could convince this King that Paradis was a threat.

The plan was genius, it had taken years to play out, and Mikasa's role was the one that would determine if it was all for nothing. If she was wrong about this, or if Annie had, Gods forbid, betrayed her, then everything would crumble. She is looking forward to hearing Annie's tale of infiltration if this works out in her favour. It will be quite the story.

Mikasa sat on her throne, alone, observing her engagement party. There was a velvet rope cutting off her mantal from the crowd as a clear sign the queen needn't be disturbed.

The only person Mikasa could consider seeing was her husband-to-be, but she doesn't think she'll see him again tonight. That broke her heart, and it made her angry that that was how she felt. She couldn't believe how fast she fell victim to the prince's charm. He was simply…irresistible. He had such a sad, wide gaze that made his eyes spark and glow whenever he was feeling a strong emotion. She remembered the angry emerald glow when he argued with Zeke, the annoyed gleam as he was crowded by the people of the ball, and, of course, they spark with life and…dare she say it? Love when he looks at her.

She believes hers probably do the same. But is it love? So soon?

"My queen!" Mikasa's head snapped up and she saw a guard that was supposed to be stationed on the west wing exit but was now barreling over to her. He dropped to his knees just before the velvet rope and gasped for breath.

"Nigel, goodness, what is it?" Mikasa demanded.

"They did it, your Majesty? The trio captured Kenny, along with a couple of his allies. They are entering the gates now!" Mikasa stood up, all earlier thoughts evaporated. She glanced around the room and noticed that no one really noticed Nigel sprinting full speed and stumbling through the room, yelling at the top of his lungs. Good.

"Nigel, ready a cell, and get my court together, we are going to end these 2 decades of anxiety and misery. Eldia will be free at last."

"Yes, your Majesty."

Usually, a situation like this would cause Eren Jaeger to go into full rampage mode. Just think about it, when has Eren buckled over and let someone else fight a battle, never is the answer to that obvious question.

If his brother were here, he purposely found a place that Zeke could not get to, he would merely hit him upside the head, and tell him to man up. "You're a Jaeger, brother. Start acting like it."

Eren knew those were the words he would say, he knew his brother too well.

His father, on the other hand, would probably not say a word to him about this conflict within him. He knows he would merely get a passive, you've-got-to-be-kidding-me face. Since Eren can remember, his father, King of Marely, has drilled this life into his head.

Eren was a prince, he was a royal, he was worshipped and respected by everyone within their kingdom, and now, in Eldia's as well. So, why? Why was Eren so ungrateful for this life that so many envy?

He never complained before, sure not to his father's face, and he always would grin and bear any duty or event his kingdom asked of him. That was one thing Eren could never forget. The people came first…

But wasn't Eren a person, too?

When he first arrived at the palace of Paradis, he was willing to go along with anything they asked of him. If he was destined to become their next King, and bear the next heir to the Eldian throne, then that is what he was going to do.

And then, he met her.

The Queen of Eldia. An amazing, graceful being resonating power and respect everywhere she goes. How was Eren supposed to keep up with that? All he knows is fighting and military lifestyles, she lived a luxurious, responsible life, one where she could make any law righteous.

But there was one law, she couldn't change, the law of nature and the human's ability to reproduce. No matter what, a woman could never bear a child without the help of a man, but for Mikasa, it wasn't just any man. Eren believed, even in a different life, one where there was no royalty, one where the world was confined to sorrow and fear, one where one battle could be your last, one where love was almost nonexistent. Even in that world, Eren would never truly deserve her.

Who knows? Maybe they even knew each other in that life.

So, as he waits for his bride-to-be to come down from the heavens and be reunited with him at last, he thinks about all the ways this could've gone differently.

What if he refused his position? What if, hell forbid, he took Armin up on that offer he had so many years ago, when they were only children.

They both had this lifelong dream of being free to see the world as they please. Not held back by responsibilities or a family fate, or any women, as the boys didn't think too much about that back then.

Of course, looking back on it now, they seemed foolish. No one, not even a royal, could ever escape the truth of this world. Everyone has a role to play, it's up to them individually, to choose who they are in their story, and how that affects everyone else's.

Eren chose the role of obedient son and lawful ruler. Is it too late to turn back?

"Prince Eren."

The green-eyed prince turned and came face to face with one of Mikasa's ladies-in-waiting. He hadn't met this one yet.

"Yes?"

"The Queen will be in need of your presence shortly, I'm afraid she's told me to tell you, this is a royal command."

The brown-haired lady-in-waiting simply turned on her heel and walked back into the castle, Eren was within the courtyard in the gardens, without waiting for his answer.

Eren sighed, looking down at his hands, wondering, why he chose this life? Here he was, being requested for his presence by his own bride.

"Cut it out, Jaeger!" Eren growled to himself. He ran his hands through his long dark hair. It started out nice, but Eren has a habit of running his hands through it when he's anxious or feeling any kind of strong emotion. He used to bite his hand, a nervous habit when Eren felt exposed or vulnerable, but Grisha taught him to take out his intensity on something else and after almost passing out from blood loss that one time, Eren stopped.

He couldn't blame Mikasa for her behaviour, during the ball and after he stormed off. Part of him had hoped she would follow, but once he got out there, he realized how stupid he was.

So, he made his way, slowly, inside to reunite with the Queen, wondering if he will finally get the chance to find out what the hell is going on.

He had been so close. Close to victory, close to freedom, close to world domination, close to the power he has been fighting for, and losing a grip on faster by the second.

But now, he had finally slipped off the end of the tether, falling, helplessly, to his death. At least, that's what it felt like anyway. He knew he could be dramatic.

But you try being locked up for years!

How had it come to this? How had he failed, yet again?

"He's in the back, secure! The Queen has ordered to have him publicly court marshaled."

How did the Queen persuade Leonhart to join her side? How had Annie persuaded…

Oh, well, that one was easy. Those two fools would do anything for that girl…

He hadn't seen this coming. WHY? He believed this fool-hardy girl; she said that she was loyal and strong. Well, she certainly wasn't lying, she just wasn't loyal and strong to him.

'I can't believe I got so caught up in more recruits that I didn't even think about the ones I had being traitors!' Kenny thought desperately as he was heaved out of the carriage and thrown to the ground.

He had been blindfolded the minute he was chained up, and since then he hadn't said a word to anyone. He could feel the guns on him, his nephews burning eyes as he silently rode alongside his estranged uncle. The brat was smart enough to know not to ask questions.

Kenny didn't plan on doing or saying anything, he didn't even want to boast that he could've gotten away with it if Mikasa hadn't befriended the little blonde bitch. He wanted to get this whole damn shitshow over with. What was life if he couldn't have the power he dreamed of for so long?

"Is the Queen ready for him yet?"

"No, apparently the Prince took off half way through the ball. She doesn't want to do anything until she's had a chance to explain everything to him."

Kenny had to laugh, but was cut short when a heavy object smacked him in the back of the head, so doubt a sword sheath with the blade still protected within.

"You wish for me to cut your tongue out, Kenny?"

"Damn Levi, I didn't think you'd let the Queen marry some Marleyan swine, knowing you. Honestly, keeping the bloodline pure and all would've been my top priority, hell, maybe it would've been you instead of Eren!" Kenny cackled at his own sick sense of humor, elated that Levi let out a horrified grunt.

"You sick bastard…" he growled. Kenny felt the blow before it even hit him. He probably deserved it, but that awful feeling he made in Levi's stomach was all worth it.

"You three head out to the throne room, I'll keep an eye on this piece of shit."

"Some alone time with my nephew, it's an uncle's dream."

Levi made that famous Ackerman "tsk", before grabbing a hold of Kenny roughly and shoving him against the wall.

"For Mikasa's sake, I hope she goes easy on you. I'm not picking up the pieces of her having to live with murdering her own uncle. I guess I can't say the same for you, can I?"

That one caught him off guard.

"If you really think about it, you were the destruction of your own rebirth. It's funny, you almost got away with it, after you poisoned your own uncle, you believed that would make you King. You were running out of time, and you knew that you'd only rule a short while if you waited any longer.

"But once the poison took effect, it didn't kill him right away, so it let him make the declaration that Erik was going to be King. You were so enraged you flew back to the South City, barricading yourself into your mansion, and what was it you were doing in there? Concocting a mass poison? Recruiting an army?"

Kenny cackled. "Well, if you don't even know that why are you bitching to me about it, ha-ha!"

"I wouldn't say I am completely oblivious to your plans while dwelling away, you obviously spent almost majority wallowing in your own misery, drinking Scotch for days on end, I'm assuming. But you couldn't lay down and take it, so you had to do something. But there was nothing for you to do. King Erik was thriving as the next Eldian king, he was marrying a princess from an allied country, and was destined to have a terrifyingly successful rule. Everyone in the kingdom adored him, you couldn't successfully assassinate him without getting hung directly afterwards, it all would've been for nothing."

"Oh, so what if you figured that part out, you still didn't-,"

"Silence! I'm not done yet! You needed the perfect opportunity to hash out a plan to take your "rightful" place on the throne, so you bided your time. Finally, the time came, King Erik and Queen Akane of Hizuru and birthed a baby girl and it was by decree she would become Eldia's next ruler."

"Didn't feel accustomed to the crown's weight, eh Levi?"

"I am a soldier; I was never destined to be King. It should've been my mother at the very start, I felt partially to blame, even though it's foolish. Mikasa was fated from the moment she was born, not even I could've been up for it. Even so, you were intimidated by this fact, but you also knew this was the moment you had been waiting for."

"We're almost ready, Commander Levi."

"Understood, proceed to the throne room."

"Sad you can't finish your story."

"Oh, don't worry, I can wrap it up quick and take you before your fate at the same time. Unlike you, I can multitask."

Kenny growled. Levi shoved him up and forward, getting him to walk.

"Once the christening was set for the princess, you strolled into the palace and fell to your knees. You even had the gull to ask to see the infant Queen but were denied. That must've hurt."

"Ha! Hardly! I had a syringe hidden in my sleeve and I was about to stick it right through her neck." The grip Levi had on his shoulders tightened. He could sense the Commander fighting the urge to let that fact affect him.

"Either way, despite your pathetic performance of redemption, King Erik allowed your presence to be allowed back into the palace and you acted like the most loyal little lord you could muster."

"Awe, how could you remember at such a young age, huh?"

"Because I was raised to see the darkness in people, soldier's need to, to be able to kill a man, even if their innocent. Everyone has a devil in them. The Queen remained out of your reach as a baby, so it was nearly impossible to learn her movements or gain the trust of any of the royal family or their courts. So, you decided to take a drastic measure.

"You befriended one of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting and charmed her into telling you any plans regarding the princess. You played the act of a desperate uncle trying to bond with his estranged niece and she fell for it; willing to do anything to get close to royalty.

"As time went by, you received almost every little detail about the princess's life, but nothing worth worrying about. To you, she seemed a simple child not even worthy to pour your wine. That is, until you heard the news. Marley was growing strong and Eldia was falling behind, sticking to its traditional values, so you thought of a plan.

"If you could convince the Marleyans of Eldia's weakness, and the benefit of taking the land, you could destroy the Ackerman bloodline, leaving only yourself to take position of the highest lord, second only to the king. It was the perfect plan. That being said, there was one thing you didn't know. The lady, so ecstatic to tell you such imperative news, she ran out before they could conclude the meeting and missed the most important part."

Kenny literally stopped walking at this point. "What the hell do you mean?"

"The union of Marley and Eldia isn't something that happened recently. In fact, it happened that very same night."

Kenny turned to look at his captor but being blindfolded took away from that.

"King Grisha wasn't present during this meeting, but one of his courts was. He stated that he was willing to unite with Eldia, peacefully if they could promise one thing. King Erik's daughter would one day marry his youngest son, who happened to be the same age. These terms were agreed to, then and there."

"Impossible! King Grisha didn't tell me a thing!"

"You honestly believe that Erik thought you had suddenly changed your mind. You tried relentlessly to gain access to the queen, disappeared when one of your new approaches didn't work. You weren't the stealthiest. Fortunately, for you, you bided your time, thinking that if you turned on Eldia at the right moment, it could guarantee your success. That moment was when Mikasa turned 18 and she was declared the next Queen.

"Erik warned Grisha at this point, that he believed you could be brewing a plan to overtake the throne. That was when you fled to Marley, but Grisha was forewarned and played along, but shot your offer down. He refused to engage in battle at that time, stating that he needed to remain present for his sons, as his second wife had recently passed, leaving Prince Eren to be raised alone alongside his brother and father.

"King Grisha told King Erik of your betrayal and he confronted you, but you merely stated that you were looking into Marley's army on behalf of Eldia's survival, and the soft-hearted fool that he was merely instructed for Mikasa sentence you to isolation for 3 years, which was carried out."

Levi stopped walking, Kenny shaking in his hands.

"During that time, both you and the Queen came up with a plan to become the others downfall. You were planning to infiltrate her court, and she was planning for her court to infiltrate you. So, she traveled to Marley, meeting with Grisha and with his finest warriors to be. Annie Leonhart, Bertoldt Hoover, and Reiner Braun. She recruited Annie, taking her in as a lady-in-waiting, training her to become the perfect internal assassin. She was perfect for the part, and with her strong ox-like friends, they were an unstoppable trio created by an unstoppable Queen."

"You saw that in them, too, so once they arrived to Eldia, they immediately offered their services to you, convincing you on their stories of being within the Marleyan army, and how they overheard your offer to their King. You fell for it; not right away, but eventually. From then on, the plan was in the hands of the trio and their ability to blend in. I'm not one for praise, but even I am impressed with those three.

"Annie remained in contact with Mikasa as often as she could, but she kept the intervals between their connections scarce in order to ensure the upmost discreteness. I would say they succeeded."

"This is…I don't-."

"You're done, Kenny Ackerman. Once and for all."

Mikasa waited in the powder room just a couple halls from the throne room, awaiting Eren. She hoped he'd let her get a chance to explain as she wasn't used to discussing her actions with another person, eager for their response.

She didn't just want Eren there for a chance to apologize and explain, but also for comfort. She was about to sentence her own uncle to death; how would he feel? How does she feel?

Ack! There it was again. She was doubting her own authority and wondering what Eren would say. What happened to her? Where was the Mikasa she knew? Is this new Mikasa a good or bad thing? She was confident, always has been. She trusts her instincts and her mind. She could do this. She didn't need Eren here to think she was worth something.

There was a quick, quiet knock on her powder room door, and she sighed in relief.

"Enter."

It opened and in came the man she's been yearning to see all night. She looked at him through the mirror she was seated in front of and tried not to smile brightly. She needed to take control here.

"Prince Eren."

"Mikasa, I'm sorry."

Mikasa's resolve crumbled and she got off the chair.

"I understand you are in a very hard situation, know one would want to be in your position."

Eren's eyes narrowed. "No, I actually wanted to apologize for not appreciating my position more."

Mikasa blinked. "Oh, there is no need-,"

"Hear me out before you say anything else, please, your majesty."

Mikasa almost laughed. "Eren, what-,"

"I know that a king is viewed differently here, and I also know that you have a right to your own privacy. But I can't help but feel a little, I don't know, cast aside? I know we just met, but I do feel a kind of…connection."

Mikasa stared at him, heart racing, and eyes widened. "I should be the one apologizing, I admit I was purposely casting you aside for the sake of my plan, but only until I knew what the outcome was. Success or failure, you would've heard it from me, well, that is, if I was still here to tell you."

"What do you mean?" Eren suddenly grew a little concerned.

"Well, like I said, I was going to tell you what happened, success or failure, and I'm pleased to say that my plan has been victorious."

"That's amazing, but-,"

"Of course, I'm about to tell you. There was a plot against me and my kingdom, Eren. My uncle had attempted to overthrow me, kill me, if he could. Fortunately, this has been expected for many years and I was prepared to do what my family had prewritten out for me…"

So, she told him; every detail she could. She knew there was a court and audience waiting for her, but she needed this time. This time to cope through an event that has haunted Mikasa for years, and that stabbed Eren in the back, blade hot and sudden.

Eren listened well, grasping every line Mikasa threw at him and tying them all together to create the masterpiece she created. He was in awe at her foresight and her deviousness. She managed to outsmart someone who most likely gave her the genes to able to pull this off. He didn't realize just how big this situation was.

"So, now, we're about to head in, both of us, and court martial the crap out of him." Mikasa finished her tale and let out a quick exhale. Eren blinked once, twice, before moving forward in his seat.

"That is insane, in so many ways. I'm not quite sure how to react," Eren confessed.

"It's a lot to take in, I know. But will you come in there with me? I could use you."

"You? Use me? In what way could I help you?"

"I don't know what it is, Eren, but I felt that same connection with you. When you're around I feel strong and fearless. More so than I ever thought I could," Mikasa said.

"Mikasa…"

"I hate to leave it like this, my King, but we must proceed at once with the hearing, and I want to continue this…behind closed doors."

Eren couldn't help it, a tingle ran down his spine. He suddenly just wanted to strut in there, yell "Off with his head!" and then scoop her up to their chambers. Obviously, this thought was ridiculous, and externally he nodded, and he held out his arm to lead her out.

The throne room wasn't as crowded as it usually would've been during a regular court martial. The guests were given the story that Mikasa had an urgent family emergency, attempting to keep most of them in the dark. Mikasa didn't want Kenny ruining her engagement ball. She didn't need to be convinced through any evidence or witnesses, and nor did that matter. Kenny already had past criminal activity that had him persecuted, but on top of this, it was enough to sentence him to the worst-case scenario.

And it was thanks to a lot of different people over a large period.

The final phase has been completed with as much success as the queen has hoped.

She sat upon her throne, observing her court around her. They stood just ahead of her and to the sides, so there was a good amount of space leading up to the throne. Guards were behind her, flanking, in case their needed, and a few more important members of the royal kingdom and guards stood among the halls.

A door coming from Mikasa's left sounded, and no one made a move to react on the entry. A few soldiers carried in a chair, carved from wood, and dazzled with emeralds and jade velvet. They came toward the Queen and placed the chair beside her.

"My apologies for such ill timing, your Majesty, but the prince's throne is finished." A creator of this masterpiece bowed lowly to her.

Mikasa admired the new addition to her throne room, then turned to the prince, who stood adjacently by.

"Do you like it?" she wondered.

Eren stepped forward and admired it. You would think that with a room predisposed to a certain throne, wouldn't allow another gem to be beheld, but, with Mikasa's amethyst and Eren's emerald, seated together, it seemed to make the room even more majestic. The room was absent of any green or purple, only secluded to colors such as white, red, gold, and silver. It truly completed the room, and Eren's smile told Mikasa exactly that.

"Well?" Mikasa prompted.

Eren took his time sitting down, unbelieving he sat beside Mikasa, facing his own kingdom. Of course, the timing was ill-advised, but regardless, not even a beheading could dull Eren's mood right now.

Eventually, Levi entered the room, leading a chained Kenny, and 6 guards. The door slammed open upon his arrival, seemly making the room even more silent with tension. The moment waited for decades was here.

Kenny was positioned almost directly in front of Mikasa, about 7 meters away; his chains were pinned down by bolts, and hooks came up to his cuffs, from below the floor, and anchored him to the spot. He was forced to kneel, and his legs were strapped and bolted to the ground.

No one, not even Kenny, said a word while this was proceeding.

Levi came to stand beside Mikasa, and again through the doors, the trio Mikasa had recruited breezed down the chambers and stood beside Eren's side.

With every soul present, the martial commenced.

The facts Levi had presented to Kenny previously, were repeated.

Throughout the hearing, Kenny had objected, denied, blamed, and refused anything and everything shoved in his face.

There was a few times Kenny had attempted to stand, resulting in a kick from one of the guards, and on multiple occasions he would scream profanities at Mikasa, Levi, Annie, and anyone who happened to be talking at the time.

Combined with the evidence he so evidently denied, he was sentenced to death, with no possibilities of redemption, as his acts were callous, selfish, and in no means benefited the kingdom. There wasn't an ounce of DNA in his system that could make up for his sins.

Ackerman or no, you don't mess with her Majesty.

As the days past and the wedding grew nearer, Mikasa and Eren were almost inseparable. They gained more confidence in their weaknesses; Eren's inability to withstand proper royal lifestyles and Mikasa obsession with only caring about it.

They realized the balance they created in each other's mental equilibrium and braced for each other whenever they felt vulnerable.

They molded like the Ying and Yang, they thrived like flowers in springtime, and they believed their love would inspire future generations to come.

Apologies for the quick wrap-up. I will write the wedding scene in the future, but as you can tell this "one-shot" dragged on. I love this trope too much. Thanks for reading!

~RavenJaeger