'Levi, please, I 'm begging you, come to your senses! Your grace, please let him go. Please have mercy on him. I do not care if I die, but spare him from having to live with the burden of having to have killed me. '

'I am your Czar. What reason should I have to listen to anything you say? '

'I 'm begging you, your grace. Spare him. Please. '

'Levi, use the iron on her. '

'Yes, sir. '

You look into Levi 's eyes as he draws closer to you. Your body is broken and on the verge of giving out. You see the emptiness in his eyes. The void of emotion and the lightness of his hand that comes with it.

'Levi, ' you beg with a broken, hoarse voice that no longer carries. You have screamed too much. 'Do not do this. For your own sake. You love me, just as I love you. We belong together. Our bodies and blood have been bound. This will destroy you. '

'Quiet. '

The scorching hot iron makes contact with the back of your hand. Your scream.

-

Another nightmare, you idly think to yourself as you sit up. You cannot remember much, only a heart-clenching pain of losing something important. You just can 't recall what.

Only when something wet falls on the back of your hand do you realise you 're crying. Confused, you bring your fingertips to your cheek and feel the wetness there.

Around you, the castle is getting ready for the day. Maid Springer hasn 't come to you yet, so you know it 's not breakfast-time yet.

'Levi, ' you call to your guard.

'What? '

'Did I scream in my sleep? '

'No. You just writhed and sobbed, ' Levi answers from the door. You turn to give him a small glance.

It 's been a few days since

the incident

. Ever since then, Levi has kept a firm distance to you. He still humours you with his presence and conversations, but he makes sure to never touch you unless he absolutely has to.

He must be like you, he doesn 't trust himself around you.

You still feel his touch on your skin if you close your eyes and concentrate. You feel the palm of his hand slide up your cinched waist. You feel the thrill of his fingertips, trailing a path up your smooth thigh, under the hem of your skirts. You feel his breath against your lips, your throat, on its way down to the cleavage of your chest.

It makes you shudder, and there is a large part of you that wishes you never got interrupted. That you would now sit here knowing what it feels like to be held by Levi Ackerman.

Maybe it 's because Levi longer comforts you in your sleep that you have suddenly started waking up to nightmares again.

Levi doesn 't meet your eyes. He keeps them firmly ahead as you wipe your tears off and pull your fluffy covers aside.

Ever since you were released from the room arrest, you 've dined with the rest of the royal family. You have successfully acted as if nothing 's wrong and gossiped about otiose matters with Historia. In private with her, you 've put on an admirably skilful act of terror and paranoia.

She has retained her position of insisting you tell your brother, and each time she suggests it you pretend to be just a little more convinced you should.

'I think you should go meet your fianc ' in the near future, ' Levi starts slowly as you walk to the balcony to open the curtains and let in some fresh air.

You pause mid-movement, hand grasping the heavy red satin, and turn to give Levi an incredulous stare.

Is he now trying to pair you up with Eren? Despite all you saw him do with Historia and all you 've gone through with Levi?

'Why? ' you ask and cross your arms. 'He wants nothing to do with me. Why would I pursue him? '

'I don 't care what you discuss with him. Discuss the weather for all I care. But it would open the opportunity for me to converse with Mikasa Ackerman outside. '

'You want to ask why she spared us? '

'Yes. And if she could be convinced to work for us, that would be an invaluable asset. '

You mull it over in your head. It would be a good move. If you could get Mikasa on your side, it would make things a ' lot easier. You could maybe find out what Eren and Historia 's end game is.

'Do you promise to be careful? ' you ask slowly. Levi gives you an unimpressed frown.

'Little miss, I 'm a military captain. I 've extracted information from harder targets than her. '

'Do not maul her, ' you feel the need to add. He scoffs.

'Only if it 's necessary- '

'Do. Not. Maul her, ' you repeat, emphasising each word.

He gives you a long look before finally smiling a bit.

'I know, little miss, I was just messing with you. '

'You are talented at doing that, ' you mutter to yourself, the memory of him pinning you down on the bed and mouthing at your pulse point invading your thoughts.

-

As you walk into the dining hall, you can immediately tell you 've interrupted something. Zeke and Czar Yeager are standing in the middle of the hall and whatever they were arguing about, they fall quiet the moment you walk in.

Eren, Historia and the Czarina are already sitting at the table, looking very uncomfortable.

'I 'm sorry. Did I arrive at a bad time? ' you ask. The Czar gives you a forced smile.

'Not at all, my dear. Zeke and I were just discussing something. '

'Are you free this afternoon, your grace? ' Zeke asks and disregards the enraged glare he gets from his father in return.

Immediately, you 're wary even though you skilfully keep it off your face.

'How come, your grace? '

'I would like to take you out, ' he announces.

'As I said, it 's most inappropriate for a

czarevich

to take out his brother 's fianc 'e- '

'I don 't mind, ' comes Eren 's dull response from the table. Historia bites her lip and gives you a worried glance.

'Where were you hoping to take me, your grace? '

'To see the Varsikovian-Novarynians in the capital, ' Zeke enlightens you. Taken aback, you blink. The what?

'Varsikovian-Novarynians? ' you utter. 'I did not even know such a thing exists. '

'Oh, they exist alright. I was hoping to introduce you to them. '

The way Zeke 's eyes flash behind his glasses promises nothing good, but you 're intrigued now. You glance at Levi, who suddenly looks extremely tense.

'I don 't know if that 's a good idea, ' The Czarina weighs in with a troubled look.

'Oh but surely you meant it, father, when you told us to trust our dearest guest? ' Zeke hums with a lazy drawl. 'Or was it just for show? Has she given you no reason to trust her? '

Why is Zeke suddenly vouching for you? It 's certainly suspicious. Yet you 're not going to lie; you 're interested, even if this could be a trap.

'I would like to go, ' you tell Czar Yeager earnestly. 'I 'm interested to see these people for myself. '

Czar Yeager releases a long sigh, clearly at a loss.

'I don 't want to hide things from you, Cora. But there are certain affairs I 'd prefer to keep from Novaryn. '

'I will not blabber to Novaryn, ' you easily promise. 'I have not even told them that I almost died, I can keep a secret. '

'I know, ' Czar Yeager sighs. 'I 've read all the mail you sent while you were in room arrest and you didn 't say a word about anything unfavourable. If anything, you 've painted us in a good light. I 'm grateful for that. '

You pretend to be mildly shocked about the fact that the Czar was monitoring your mail. You curtsey and feign a pained smile.

'In that case, I apologise for not appearing trustworthy enough for you to not do that, ' you say. Immediately, the Czar hurries to grasp your shoulder.

'Goodness, my child, no! ' he says, horrified. 'You 've done nothing to violate my trust. I was prejudiced and paranoid like the old fool I am. That 's all there is to it. Forgive me, Cora. '

You offer him your trained smile and gently grasp his hand on your shoulder.

'There is nothing to forgive, your grace. You did what you must for your country, just as I kept the assault a secret for the safety of mine. These negotiations mean the world to me. '

You see Eren roll his eyes at the table, clearly having caught onto how you 're slowly but surely twisting his father around your little finger.

The Czar looks positively delighted with your mature response. He squeezes your hand between his.

'My child. I 'm happy you got sent here, and that Eren has the opportunity to marry such a mature, gentle woman as yourself. '

'You are flattering me too much, your grace, ' you argue with a small smile. You curtsey and move to sit down. As you do, you turn your attention to Eren.

'Before I leave with the

czarevich

, I was hoping to visit you in your chambers to exchange a few words. '

Obviously suspicious, Eren cocks his chin up and looks at you for a long time. Then, he finally sighs and turns his attention to his plate. He must have realised he can 't really decline without his father intervening.

'Do whatever you wish, ' he grunts and grabs the tray of fried potatoes. Happy, you reach for the greens the maids just brought in.

The meal goes by uneventfully. You properly gush with Carla Yeager about the scandal of the Czarina of

Chekovna

, who, upon losing her husband, opted to marry his cousin soon afterwards. A rough and unyielding land up Northeast, it 's rare to hear news from there and the few pieces of information are always old wives ' gossip like this.

Zeke finishes his meal before you, and as he does, he pauses behind you as he passes you by.

'Be ready in four rounds ' time, ' he leans in to murmur, his breath uncomfortable against the nape of your neck. Despite yourself, you shudder. You feel Levi 's dark eyes on you.

You nod and follow his retreating back with your eyes as he marches out of the door and closes it after himself.

The Czar sighs deeply and gives you a small wince.

'You don 't have to go with him if it makes you uncomfortable, ' he earnestly says, but you shake your head with a small smile.

'It is rather alright. '

You finish your breakfast and excuse yourself with a curtsey. You wait until there 's a safe distance between yourself and the dining hall before speaking up.

'Anything? ' you ask Levi, who 's walking quietly behind you. You asked Levi to keep an eye on Historia to see if you setting up a private meeting with Eren would make her tick.

'No. She 's every bit as good at acting as we surmised, ' Levi tells you with a quiet grunt. You can sense it in the way he speaks, something is bothering him, and you feel like you have a good idea of what that something is.

As he closes the door behind you, leaving you alone in your quarters, he immediately crosses his arms.

'I don 't think it 's a good idea to go with the czarevich today, ' he tensely says. You place your hands on your hips and give him a questioning look.

'And why is that? '

'It might ' Disturb you, ' he avoids the truth vaguely. With an unimpressed sigh, you try to decipher his uncomfortable expression.

'Why would it disturb me? '

'I can 't say, ' Levi admits.

'Another order from the Czar? '

'Yes. '

'I will find out either way, ' you point out. Levi shakes his head.

'That doesn 't matter. I still can 't tell you. '

'But you can watch me find out on my own? ' you ask as you walk to your desk and sit down. You carelessly cross one leg over the other and lean your head into your hand.

'Can the Czar take back orders? ' you inquire. For now, it doesn 't pose an issue since the Czar is on your side, but should he ever turn against you, you 'll be without any kind of protection. You both know that.

'Yes, but he rarely does, ' Levi replies.

'I guess there 's no reason for him to bother just for your comfort, ' you mutter. You place an idle hand on your throat and force the tug in your chest, pulling you towards Levi, to subside.

The faint marks he left on your throat have already faded, and all you have left of his touch is a longing memory that makes your chest ache.

You watch the way his eyes flicker to your throat with a hue of recognition, and suddenly you want to address it.

'Does it ever cross your mind? ' you quietly ask, your hand resting on your throat. Your eyes seek his.

Levi allows you a short moment of his honest eyes. You can see the lonely, pining pain. The yearning to do it all again, over and over until his betrayal of the kingdom no longer stings.

'I- ' Levi cuts himself off when he faintly hears a pair of soldiers ride past below your window, as if afraid their hearing is on par with his.

He averts his eyes with a long sigh.

'The czarevich should have eaten by now, ' he finally says. You get on your feet. Without a word, you walk to the door. You pass him by and when you see the pain he 's desperately trying to hide from you, you can 't help it. Your instincts take over, and you extend a hand towards his jaw to cup it.

'Don 't. '

The bite of his hiss makes you jolt and pause.

'You 'll make it worse, ' he then continues, voice gentler but still strangled and pained. You watch him for a moment, open and longing, and then nod. You pull the mask back on and when you step out of your quarters, you are no longer his

little miss

but Cora Reader, the 13

th

Princess of Novaryn.

'If she seems like a liability, don 't press her. More than risking her telling Eren everything, I prefer having her keep quiet but otherwise uncooperative, ' you tell Levi.

'I know. '

As you make it to Eren 's room, Mikasa is standing outside like usual, back straight and face as stoic as always. She gives the two of you a brief look and then simply knocks on the door.

'Admit her in, ' you hear Eren 's sullen voice from inside. Mikasa opens the door for you and you nod to her as you enter.

Eren 's room is much like you recall it. Scattered and unorganised, with wonky piles of war books here and there. The curtains, carpets and sheets are not red and grey but deep brown. On the wall, you see a painting depicting a knight on horseback, charging forward towards a crowd of hooded figures carrying torches.

You pause to look at the painting, ignoring Eren for now where he 's sitting on the small couch by the wall, sharp eyes following your every movement.

'Legend of the Moravlak War, ' he grunts at you after a second of silence. 'According to the myth, a single Varsikovian commander successfully defended himself against a horde of angry Novarynian heretics who used strange magic. That was the first time our kind came in contact with Alchemy. '

'I never heard Alchemy came from Novaryn until now, ' you admit. 'After it was outlawed, it seemed like our kings were eager to censor it out of stories. '

'I doubt Alchemy was ever widespread in Novaryn. It seems like only fringe groups of heretics practised it. '

You turn to look at Eren, who 's leaning against the corner of the couch. He doesn 't look friendly, but he 's still more well-meaning than usual.

'It is interesting. To think that the very thing that made my country attack yours originated from Novaryn, ' you chuckle joylessly. It 's such morbid irony. Without Novaryn, none of this would have happened.

An awkward albeit non-hostile silence falls between you. Finally, Eren sighs and scratches his neck.

'What did you want to talk about? '

You bite your lip and wrap your arms around yourself. You didn 't come here just to offer Levi a chance to talk to Mikasa. You do have things you wish to tell your fianc '.

'Your gr- I mean, Eren, ' you start with an uncomfortable cough. You pause to wonder how to say things, but eventually, you decide to be honest with him.

'What happened to me has scarred me, ' you say. 'And I know you have told me that I 'm not to expect any kind of affection or consideration from you, but I- '

Eren 's face turns darker and for a fleeting moment, you see clear guilt on his features. He 's not like Historia. He 's not a diplomat who can settle on a mask and keep his feelings in check.

'I do not care if you have no interest in me as a woman, ' you tell him. 'I do not care whom you fancy, whom you lay with, whom you share your loneliest moments with. I do not intend to cling to you. I just ' Wish you would at least give me- '

'Give you what? ' he interrupts you, his eyes looking up at you defiantly. He seems defensive. You watch his expressive, conflicted eyes. You know he 's younger than you, inexperienced and sheltered. And he 's currently trying to keep the woman of his affections happy by shutting you out.

You can 't make yourself hate him too much. That doesn 't mean you 're going to make it easy on him.

'Basic human decency. ' You give him a tired, dejected shrug. 'That is all I 'm asking for. To not feel like I 'm invisible and meaningless. I was confined in my room for weeks and you did not even send me a card to wish me well after I have just been brutally attacked. After I have been cooperating with your kind, after I protected your country from mine by not seeking comfort from my family and instead suffering on my own- '

'No one asked you to do that, ' Eren points out and cocks his chin up just a little.

'Your father did. He knows, as well as I do, that if word gets out to my brother, he will call off the wedding and the war is all but reignited. '

'That 's on you, ' Eren argues, and you feel your temper flare dangerously. You want to yell at him, but you know it would just make Mikasa rush to the room.

Thus, you keep your voice down, but it 's considerably colder when you reply to him.

'That is, indeed, on me. It is not a position I asked for nor enjoy, but I will protect my country until I either die or my will is completely cracked. If you wish for me to leave this kingdom, then, by all means, do not visit me and hope that I will eventually lose my mind because of loneliness and blue feelings, but if this marriage falls through, it is the blood of your kind that will be spilt as a result. '

You walk to the door and pause just before opening it.

'Your country 's future or your personal agenda. Which one is more important to you? Eventually, you will need to decide, Eren. Make sure you do not regret anything when this is all over. '

With that, you walk out, your feelings in check and dignity intact. You can feel Eren 's eyes on you as you march down the corridor, Levi falling in step behind you.

Staying quiet until you 're in the safety of your room again, you slump down on the bed and kick your shoes off the moment you 're inside, clearly frustrated.

'I take that it didn 't go well, ' Levi makes an educated guess as he leans against the doorframe and watches your dissatisfied figure on top of the covers.

'He does not care. What else is new, ' you mutter with dry sarcasm. 'Please tell me you got something out of the guard. '

'I asked her why she covered for us. The only thing she said was

'I didn 't do it for your princess '

and when I asked clarifying questions, she remained silent and opted not to answer them. '

'That does not help all that much, ' you sigh. 'I never thought she did it out of her never-ending fondness for me, a princess she has never as much as talked to. '

'Whatever the reason, she wants to keep quiet about it. For now, our best bet is to stay out of her hair and hope the czarevich doesn 't think to ask her about that night. '

'Can you lie to your Beneficiary? ' You prop your head up to look at Levi.

'Not if he specifically prefaces his questions by ordering you to answer honestly. '

'But otherwise? '

'Otherwise you can lie, ' Levi confirms.

'I 'm impressed you can tell me details like this. '

'He said I 'm not allowed to tell you the chip exists. He never said anything about replying questions once you 've already found out. '

'So, one must be ridiculously detailed to not have things slip through the cracks, ' you summarise and sit up. With a sigh, you glance at the clock.

'I should get ready for going out. Call for Maid Springer, please. '

'You 're still sure you want to go with the czarevich? ' Levi tries even though he knows it 's futile. You stand up, give him a harmless smile and walk to the bathroom.

-

The ride to wherever Zeke is taking you is spent in tense silence. You pretend not to notice how both Reiner and Levi rest their hands on the handles of their rifles and stare each other down.

Looking out of the window, you watch the plain-dressed peasants going about their daily lives. Stores, stalls, carriages pulled by donkeys, the whole city is oblivious to your presence.

Half of you was expecting the Novarynian-Varsikovians to live in their own separate neighbourhoods that are isolated from the rest, but to your surprise, the carriage stops near the centre of the city, in front of a large industrial building.

It doesn 't look inviting. It 's made from dull, grey bricks with bar-covered windows, heavy wooden doors and a tall fence around the premises. There are at least a dozen chimneys, smoking so heavily you can smell the pollution all the way inside the carriage.

There 's no grass or vegetation in the yard, you doubt anything would grow in the midst of all this smoke. Instead, it 's covered in gravel with a brick-covered pathway leading to the guarded front doors.

Soldiers are patrolling around the premises, heavily armed.

Suddenly, you 're scared to go inside and find out what 's going on.

'Is there where all of them are? ' you ask carefully. Zeke looks exhilarated and you can see his eyes twinkle with glee as he sees your hesitation.

'No. Some are in other factories. '

You recall what the old man from the store told you all those weeks ago, how you 're the only Novarynian who would be admitted into the country unchained and free. You wish you would have connected the dots earlier.

Zeke and Reiner step out of the carriage first and lead the way inside. As you move to follow them, you feel a hand on your shoulder.

'You don 't need to do this. We can still go back, ' Levi reminds you, eyes meaningful on yours. He looks worried.

You shake your head and climb out to the yard.

'I can handle this, Levi. Do not worry. '

'You know I can 't not do that, ' he points out dryly but lets it go.

You follow Zeke to the front entrance, and a grumpy-looking soldier admits you in with a small bow. Though, his eyes pause on you as he puts the pieces together and realises who you are.

The inside of the factory is as bleak-looking as the outside. The first thing you see is a large, barren hall with a row of soldiers keeping watch by the walls. The floor is cold stone, the walls are naked, and the ceiling is tall with rows of gas lamps illuminating the space.

Your footsteps echo in the large room as Zeke guides you to one of the heavy steel doors lined up by the walls.

'This is one of the gun factories, ' Zeke explains lightly as if he 's your tour guide for seeing sights. You can hear the thumping, whirring and clanks of heavy machinery.

'The machines do most of the work. All the employees do is keep the machines running. '

'With what? ' you ask warily as you walk down a wide corridor. You can smell the pungent metal and smoke. It all unnerves you.

'Coal, ' comes the simple reply.

'And which colony do you get the coal from? ' you ask with just a bit of snark before you can stop yourself. Zeke gives you a grin over his shoulder.

'Jaldor. '

'Where is that? '

'It 's a small island country by the Northeast shore of Zwanma. '

The same continent Nambala is located in.

'Just how many colonies do you have? ' you mutter as Zeke brings you closer to the sounds of the machinery.

'Not too many. Enough to keep up the war if need to, ' Zeke answers with a conversational tone. At the end of the hallway, he pauses and gestures for the heavily guarded soldier to let you in.

As the door opens to a huge hall, it takes your eyes a moment to see through the steam and smoke. You cough a little, the air being anything but clean, and when you make out what 's inside, your eyes fly wide open.

The hall is filled with steel firepits with roaring flames inside, fuelling the cogs of the huge machinery. Next to the rows of ovens are metal rails, used to haul around carts full of coal.

It 's not the impressive machinery that has got you so distraught, but the people working by them. Dirty and anaemic, you see men and women shovelling in coal, faces tired and expressionless. They look so malnourished and skinny it 's a wonder they can move the tools they work with.

Instinctively, you let out a whimper that 's instantly drowned in the deafening sound of the machinery. Without you realising it, your hand leaps to grab Levi 's for comfort. You feel him stiffen for a second. His hand subtly squeezes yours once and then disentangles from your hold before someone else notices.

'Let me introduce you to the Varsikovian-Novarynians, ' Zeke ceremoniously shouts over the noise. Your chest clenches, and suddenly it 's not only the smoke that 's making it hard to breathe.

These must be prisoners of war and their descendants. People caught from the battle or raided cities, hauled here for free labour.

You turn to look at Levi, shocked and deep sense of betrayal in your eyes. No one told you. And now, you only know because Zeke relishes in seeing you suffer.

Zeke walks you through the narrow path across the large hall. Levi 's tense and on full alert, but luckily most of the workers are so focused on not toppling over by exhaustion that they don 't notice, let alone recognise you.

Your mouth dries, your windpipe closes with blinding guilt. You want to close your eyes, but you know you don 't deserve to. You 're a royal, and under that disguise, you 're allowed leeway in Varsiko these people could never even dream of. You have to own the privilege you 're protected by.

You almost make it out of the hall before someone stops you. You feel a faint tug at your hems, and when you turn, you see a boy. Covered in soot and sweat, he looks young. You doubt he 's older than fourteen.

You see his mouth open as he speaks to you, but you can 't hear what he 's saying over the loud noises. He tries to shout, but the years in this smoky room have taken his voice.

He reaches a hand toward you, just to be harshly stopped by Levi batting it away.

'It 's okay, Levi! ' you shout over the noises. 'Let him approach me. '

You move closer, Reiner and Zeke watching on as you allow him to lean in.

'Are you the princess they speak of? The one from ' From home? ' he talks into your ear. His voice is raspy and weak, and you need to concentrate a lot to make out what he 's saying.

You nod, and a relieved smile raises to his cheeks.

'They say the war will end and we will all be freed when you marry the prince of this place. Is that true? '

Another clench in your chest.

'I will do my best, ' you promise him earnestly.

'I was captured from East Novaryn during a raid a year ago and brought here. My name is Solomon Nae. If you ' If you ever see my mother in East Novaryn, Esther Nae, can you tell her I 'm alive? '

It feels like someone is sitting on your chest. You take a shuddering breath and place a hand on his shoulder.

'I will, Solomon. If I ever see her, I will tell her, ' you reply.

'They say you are a good princess. That you will help us. I will tell the rest. We will be waiting for you, ' he says with a hopeful smile, and leaves before the soldiers can give him a beating for leaving his post.

You look at his distancing back and bite the inside of your cheek, troubled and disturbed. Without a word, you follow Zeke out of the hall to another narrow corridor.

'These factories have been in operation since the early stages of the war, ' Zeke tells you with an awfully light voice. 'Some residents were born here, some were brought from Novaryn. '

'And what do the children who are too young for work do here? '

Zeke stops and gives you an unreadable look.

'They stay with their mothers while she works for the first four years of their lives. Then ' '

'Then, they go to nurseries? School? ' you suggest desperately even though Zeke 's face tells you the truth.

'When they turn four, they start working. Sometimes, the machinery gets stuck. Something in the airways, an air shaft needs repair and so on. We need small, nimble people. '

'You send them in tight, dark spaces to repair the machinery you use to prepare weapons for killing their relatives and countrymen, ' you state rather than ask, voice thin and stressed. 'How many die before adulthood? '

'Roughly half, ' Zeke announces. 'But you might find solace in the fact that not many workers have the time and energy to make babies. Not many are born here. '

It 's a relief, but only a small one. As the shock subsides a little, it 's replaced with scorching anger.

'How can the Czar-? '

'My dearest father has nothing to do with this. Did you already forget the part where the

de facto

leader of this country is Darius Zackly? '

Darius Zackly, the admiral of the Varsikovian Army and the leader of all four Wings of it. Of course, his family lineage is behind this inhumanity. You want to argue, but you know it won 't do any good right now.

You 're led through a cramped dining hall, consisting of splintered wooden tables and long benches, an off-putting smell coming from what you assume to be the kitchen.

Zeke briefly shows you their sleeping quarters. Rusty bunk beds rowed close together, small puddles on the floors (and some unfortunate people 's beds) from leaky pipes. The pillows are obviously filled with straw and the blankets are thin and worn out.

When Zeke leads you back towards the hallway, you sigh.

'Why are you showing me all this? ' You drop all pretences and allow yourself to sound just as dejected and frustrated as you feel. You can 't do anything for them now, all you can do is hold onto your conviction to not make the peace negotiations fall through.

Once the war is fully over, you can negotiate for returning these people to Novaryn, or at least freeing them from their slavery.

'All in due time, pet, ' comes Zeke 's simple answer. He has the decency to take a way around the hall, so you don 't need to see the despair of your people a second time. You walk through what feels like hours of endless, barren corridors, and the silence gives you the perfect opportunity to fall deep into blue thoughts.

Another reminder of how hostile Varsiko is. How little power even the Czar has. How minuscule your influence is. You can feel Levi 's eyes on your back, obviously gauging your mental state.

As you step outside, to the shrilling early autumn breeze, you shudder a bit. You feel immense guilt for walking away from the factory, yet it 's your only option for now.

Zeke opens the door for you and gives you an unnerving smile.

'After you, your grace, ' he hums. You narrow your eyes a little bit but climb inside nonetheless.

It all happens so fast. Zeke nods to Reiner, who grapples Levi down to the ground on cue. Zeke jumps in the carriage after you, signals for the driver to start moving and slams the door shut.

Immediately, your eyes widen. You leap to open the door and throw yourself out, but Zeke is ahead of you. He grabs your arms and holds you back forcefully.

'Wouldn 't do that if I were you, pet, ' he murmurs in your ear. You watch through the window, wide-eyed and helpless, as Levi fights Reiner furiously, his eyes trained on the carriage. He uses every bit of leeway he gets from the blonde man to try and claw after you, but he can 't shrug Reiner off.

The carriage takes you away, and your struggle against Zeke is futile. He 's stronger than he lets on.

'What are you trying to do to me?! ' you ask, alarmed and crept out. Zeke chuckles.

'If you promise not to do anything stupid, such as cast yourself off this carriage when it 's going at such speed, I will release your arms. I don 't intend to harm you, pet. '

You think it over for a moment, forcing your heart to calm down and those intrusive thoughts of that traumatising night to subside. Then, you nod shortly.

Zeke lets you go, and instantly you scramble to get as far away from him as possible.

'Forgive me for deceiving you, but it was the only way I could separate you from your guard dog. There 's no reason to fear, we 're

en route

back to the castle. I simply wish to speak to you privately. '

'About what? ' you ask. You know better than to trust him.

'The reason I showed you that factory was because I want to offer you my help. I can help you set them free. '

'Free? ' you frown. 'Whatever do you mean? '

'I mean, I will help you smuggle them out of the country if you want to, ' Zeke enlightens you with a nonchalant shrug.

'There is no need for that. Once I marry Eren, I 'm sure a part of the negotiations- '

'Your father has already agreed to drop the issue of enslaved Novarynians in any forthcoming peace agreements. It was one of the key issues Admiral Zackly pushed for when he authorised the negotiations. You can ask him when he arrives if you don 't believe me. '

That makes you pause.

'Arrives? ' you frown, and Zeke gives you an infuriatingly condescending look.

'Oh, don 't tell me he didn 't even tell you he 's coming to Varsiko? Our countries are no longer at war, so it 's customary that he 's present, like any other royals from nearby non-hostile nations, when the heir apparent gets married. He 'll be arriving in two or so weeks and spend a few days here advancing the negotiations with your father before the wedding. '

You didn 't expect the news to sting as much as they do. You know your father has little regard for you, but for him to not even announce he 'll be visiting, it really makes you feel insignificant.

'Either way, he won 't be of help releasing those slaves. I, however, can help you, ' Zeke says.

'And how exactly would we do that? '

'I have my ways. '

'And why would you want to do that? What do you want in return? ' There 's no way Zeke would help you out of the goodness of his heart.

'I 'm not fond of slavery, as much as that might be hard to believe, ' he replies with a shrug and grins. 'But, you 're right. I 'm offering you my help because I want you to like me. '

'Why would you want me to like you? What is in it for you? ' You cross your arms. Zeke chuckles and moves quite suddenly. Sitting down beside you, he quickly grabs your waist before you can move away.

You struggle in his hold, alarmed, as he leans in and tilts his head.

'You know why, ' he hums. 'I haven 't exactly been subtle about it. '

Your eyes harden and you wipe off the panic to give him a long, cold glare. Zeke, obviously enthralled, chuckles fondly.

'I love it when you glare at me. It 's exciting. Historia does exactly as I tell her to, it gets boring. But you rebel against me. I love that. '

You feel sorely tempted to tell him that Historia is doing things behind his back. Things like trying to kill you. But, you know better.

'Why can you not tell me all this in Levi 's presence? ' you ask as you try to struggle. Zeke 's hold over you tightens and he snorts.

'Please. He would advise you against this and not allow you to cooperate with me. '

'How do you know that? I 'm sure he does not condone slavery- '

'He 's a part of the military, and his fundamental loyalties are not with you, ' Zeke assesses mercilessly.

'Are you saying the loyalty chip prevents him? '

That gives Zeke a pause. Then, he laughs.

'So, you found a way to discover your hound 's little secret. I 'm impressed. '

He affectionately bops the tip of your nose with his finger. Immediately, you bat his hand away. Unaffected, Zeke continues speaking.

'Even if the loyalty chip doesn 't prevent it, he 's not going to want you anywhere near me. Don 't tell me you haven 't noticed how possessive your guard dog is. He 's just aching to mount you. '

At that, your eyes flicker down. Zeke immediately catches onto it.

'I wouldn 't if I were you, ' he says. 'It wouldn 't be the first time a princess gets involved with her guard, but those tales never end well. '

'And getting involved with her fianc 's brother is the better option? ' you ask and place your hands on his chest, trying to push him off.

'Who knows, ' Zeke chuckles. He places his hand on your neck, his arm tightening around your waist, and rubs you just under your ear. You pull your head away with an unhappy groan.

'What are you doing? '

'Just leaving a bit of my scent on your neck. I like seeing your guard dog lose his mind when there 's someone else 's scent on his precious princess. It 's amusing. '

'Let go, ' you growl and stomp on his foot in an effort to get free. This unbelievable bastard.

Zeke lets you go, but only when you 're getting dangerously close to the castle. He reaches for his pocket and throws you a small key just as you arrive on the castle grounds.

'If you ever manage to shrug off your guard dog and want to hear my plan, feel free to visit me in my quarters. '

'This is the key to your quarters? '

'Yes. '

'And you are just giving it to me? '

'Yes. '

You narrow your eyes. Under no circumstances do you believe anything Zeke is saying. Why would he suddenly extend such generous help your way, just to make you like him? It makes no sense.

'There will be no deal. Take your key and leave, ' you tell him as the carriage pulls to a halt. You hold out the key to him, but he doesn 't take it.

'You can keep it, ' Zeke hums. 'In case you ever feel like you want to talk to me privately. It 's not good if anyone sees you waiting around my room, so I want you to be able to just go in. '

There 's no one here to witness you two, so you dare to drop any resemblance of a polite act.

'You are delusional if you think I will ever visit you in your quarters, ' you hiss at him. Chuckling, Zeke shakes his head.

'You were almost killed. Do you honestly think you 're in any position to reject people willing to be your allies? '

'I have all the allies I need. My guard and I- '

'Your guard will turn against you the second my father snaps his fingers, ' Zeke reminds you.

'The Czar has no reason to do that. '

Zeke leans in. He places his hand over yours and closes your fingers over the key, securing it in your hand.

'Yet, ' he whispers into your ear.

Then, you hear a thud from the door. You turn your head just in time to get a blurry glimpse of Levi as he yanks the door open and practically rips you out of the carriage.

He 's drenched in sweat and furious, his grip is bruising as he throws you behind him and turns to face Zeke.

Calm and seemingly unaffected despite the fact that his guard is not here, Zeke gets out of the carriage and gestures for the driver to leave. Then, he scratches his ear and meets Levi 's enraged eyes.

'Down, boy, ' he orders with a grin. 'I didn 't do anything to your precious princess, and you know better than attacking me. '

Levi 's eyes flash, and his hand leaps to the handle of his rifle, but you hurry to stop him.

'Levi, stop. It is alright, I 'm fine, ' you attempt to soothe him. Zeke is obviously entertained, and he licks his lips with ominous glee.

'You sprinted all the way here? I 'm impressed. What a devoted guard dog. I hope you didn 't maim poor Reiner too much. '

'Leave it, Levi. He is just trying to get you in trouble by riling you up, ' you murmur to Levi. Your pleading eyes meet his, and he contemplates for just a second. He inhales deeply to calm his nerves, and frowns. Then, in a heartbeat, his confusion turns to anger.

Before you can register it, he grabs you with bruising power and practically hauls you over his shoulder. You let out a surprised shriek as he turns without a word and carries you back into the castle. Just before the main entrance slams shut behind you, you hear Zeke call out to you.

'Think about it, pet. I 'll be waiting. '

You see the amused glint of his eyes. You want to address him, tell him he can wait forever and you won 't come, but you 've got more important issues at hand.

'Levi, people are seeing this, ' you try to reason as you dangle over his shoulder, but you 're only acknowledged with a hostile growl.

'Shut up, if you know what 's good for you. '

You frown. Levi ignores all bewildered looks you get from passing maids and soldiers as he carries you back to your room with haste. You subtly hide the key in the folds of your dress, deciding to address that only when Levi 's calmed down.

Levi takes you to your room, kicks the door closed after himself and slams you down on the desk. You whimper a little at the mild pain, still more confused than scared. He leans in, eyes twinkling with danger.

'What did he do? ' he insists. Instinctively, you reach your hands to place on his chest to stabilise yourself, but he grabs your wrists and pins them down against the wood. You lean back a little, the closeness affecting you with memories of his lips on yours. You suddenly feel light and dizzy again, in the most wonderful of ways despite the way he 's currently handling you.

'Whatever do you mean? ' you breathe. Levi leans closer, takes another deep breath, and groans. His hands tighten around your wrists.

'His disgusting smell is all over you. Where did he touch you? '

His pupils are dilated, his breathing is off, his jaws are gritting together as his jealous thoughts eat him alive. He 's showing you himself at his ugliest as the thought of Zeke 's hands on your skin drives him mad.

He 's already claimed you, Zeke has no business touching what 's his.

A look of understanding spreads on your face, and you feel a fleeting moment of fondness for Levi. It 's just as Zeke said. Levi might be holding back because he 's your guard, but that doesn 't erase his possessiveness.

'My waist and my neck, ' you admit. Levi 's hands twitch on your wrists, clearly aching to overwrite Zeke 's smell with his. He trembles just the tiniest bit. Clearly contemplating his options. You feel the pull between you, the obvious temptation to just re-do what you had a few days ago, the frantic touches and heated kisses.

Only, this time he keeps himself in check because he 's been constantly reminding himself what 's at stake.

Making up his mind, he pulls back just to roughly drag you to the bathroom by your wrist. You don 't put up much of a fight, you know it 's not worth it.

And, you hate to admit it, but you find his rough attitude rather arousing.

'Get in the bath, ' he orders. He releases your wrist, crosses his arms and wrinkles his nose. 'I want his scent off you. '

'Why? ' you ask, forcing yourself calm despite the way your heart hammers in your chest because of the closeness and the knowledge he cares this much. He can pretend all he wants, but when he treats you like this, clearly disturbed and angry, you 're not about to let him off without a proper explanation. Even if you know the answer already.

A tense silence falls between you.

'Because smelling him on you is driving me insane and my brain won 't work properly until you smell like yourself again, ' Levi finally admits through his teeth.

You sigh.

'He did it because he knew it would bother you. He enjoys seeing you riled up over me. It entices him. Try not to lose your cool in front of him like that. '

You take his hand and place it on your waist. Then, you put the other one on your neck.

'Wipe his scent off then. If it bothers you, ' you dare him. He sighs and pulls his hands back even though it 's obvious it 's taking him a lot of resolve to do it.

'You know I can 't do that. I 'd rather you just smelt like yourself, ' he says. 'Please, just wash his odour off. '

You get where he 's coming from. Should anyone rub her perfume all over Levi, you 'd be equally pissed off. It just feels odd, after Levi going to such lengths to avoid talking about your intimate moment and demanding you pretend there 's nothing between you.

As much as Levi appears stoic and aloof, his temper is proving to be a hair-trigger once it comes to you.

'Alright. But afterwards, we should talk about what he said while we were alone. There is a lot to discuss. '

Levi nods and excuses himself.

Left alone in the bathroom, you look around at the neatly polished porcelain appliances and let out a long breath.

You take out the key and look at it, puzzled.

What a mess. The factory, Zeke 's offer, you and Levi 's relations. All of it. You start pumping out the water, knowing that in a moment you will have to get out of here and start making sense of things.

One thing remains clear, however; you and Levi, as much as you pretend otherwise, are past the point of no return. Sooner or later, the flame will consume you with disastrous results.