rosierocks30

[rosierocks30]

Hidden: CH. 23

Chapter 23: The Rise And The Fallen

(Reiner)

A normal newlywed couple would be too occupied with each other during their honeymoon. A couple like Reiner and Mikasa; their honeymoon was at paused for the time being until this war was over. 

“So how are we going to get the rest of the Paradisian military soldiers and assassins here?” Porco said while glancing at the massive map of Marley and Paradise Isle. 

Reiner was in deep thought of the plan. He got an updated message from Commander Hange that they had moved to their location closer to deep woods by the coastline of the island. He wondered how the invaders didn’t notice them when the soldiers left the Wall of Maria. Maybe they only focus on populated areas to keep it on lockdown. 

“We can use a boat to sneak them out? If only we had some underwater ship to use them. It will make this mission go smoothly without getting caught.” Armin said. 

“What I remembered is that Hizuru had a submarine. Mikasa, could you check with Ambassador Azumabito if the nation, Hizuru, has any active submarines?” Reiner glanced at his wife. 

Mikasa nodded. “Yeah, I’ll go now.” She went to the communication room while Reiner watched her leaving the big room. 

He felt lucky having a woman like Mikasa as his wife. In fact, he’s lucky enough to have a wife. Not in a million years had Reiner ended up married before his time ended. He will cherish every moment with Mikasa. 

“Alright, we’ll proceed with this plan once Mikasa checks in with Hizuru about the submarines then will go from there to contact Commander Hange about escaping to Liberio.” Reiner concluded his meeting. 

“You’re all dismissed.” He gestured to everyone to get back to their positions before coming here. 

Later that day, Reiner stretched his arms up due to being sitting in his chair for hours to finalize the plan before executing it.  He checked the time as it was late. Reiner decided to clean up his desk to organize and seal important documents. Hopefully, Mikasa is not waiting on him again. After he finished putting away his documents into a filing cabinet, the Marleyan Commander headed out of his office and walked to go to his room. 

“Reiner! Wait up.” A familiar voice got his attention. He turned around to see it was his younger cousin, Gabi.

“Gabi, why are you still up around this hour? You should have been in bed a few hours ago.” His tone sounded like a father would scold his child. 

Gabi rolled her eyes annoyingly. Ever since Gabi became an orphan, Reiner had been taking the role as her paternal figure. He had already been acting like a father figure when Gabi joined to be a candidate warrior for the Marley army unit. So pretty much this dynamic was already familiar between the cousins. 

“I was hungry so I sneaked into the base’s kitchen to get a glass of milk. Aren’t you supposed to be with Mikasa to try to make a baby?” She said so casually.  

Reiner blushed from hearing what his little cousin had said. How does she know already about making babies? Did Mikasa give her the talk already?

“I- how do you know about babies?” He coughed from being flabbergasted. 

“Annie said that now you two are married; a baby will be made soon. So I asked her how babies are made and she told me to ask you since you’re an expert on making it whatever the hell she meant.” Her big light brown curiously stared at him. 

Now, Reiner felt trapped with that complex question. Oh man, he was not ready to give the bees and the birds explanation. Oh why Annie could have just kept her mouth shut?

“Um...see when-” Reiner spotted Armin walking the same hallway towards them. The commander felt a relief when the other blond man interrupted their potentially awkward conversation. 

“Sorry, Commander Braun if I’m interrupting anything important, but we have got a message from Hizuru.” Armin said while looking at both the Braun cousins. 

“That was fast. Alright, let’s go.” Then Reiner turned his attention back to Gabi. “Gabi, we’ll talk later ok. Try to go to sleep. Night little cousin.” He gave her a warmth smile and hugged her then kissed the top of her head affectionately. 

Gabi sighted but understood. “Fine, goodnight, big cousin. I’ll go check if Mikasa is awake. She promised to give me a goodnight hug.” She hugged back her older cousin and waved goodbye to Armin as she ran to go find Mikasa.

(Mikasa)

As the day had gotten dark, Mikasa was already tucked into bed while doing some homework for her kin, Ambassador Kiyomi. It’s been 7 months since their marriage. Time had passed so quickly for her liking. How long does Reiner have left now? 3 or 2 months? It doesn’t matter. This fucking war is taking away their time together. She prays for any higher being to hear her prayers. Mikasa placed her book aside and reached to the drawer next to her. As she pulled the handle and saw a box with the word pregnancy test label on it, her hand had picked up the small rectangle box and unboxed it. Thank god for Annie an extra or two. The blonde titan shifter had brought a few of them as she was fascinated on the other side of the world, there’s sticks that predict if you’re pregnant or not. Lately, Mikasa was stressed for many reasons like time is ticking away from Reiner’s life span, the war, and not having any signs of being pregnant. 

She had wondered if something was wrong with her not being able to be with a child. Maybe using this stick device, there will be hope for her to have a part of Reiner. Mikasa gets up to go to the bathroom. The newly Empress begins to follow the instruction. After peeing on the stick and leaving on the countertop of the sink for ten minutes.  The raven haired Ackerman was about to look at the next step of the instruction until she heard a child's voice in her room. 

“Mikasa! Are you there?” Gabi barged into the room. 

“Oh shit.” Mikasa mumbled while walking out of the bathroom then closed the door behind her. 

“Hello Gabi, do you need something? It’s late for you. Why are you still awake and not in bed?” Mikasa glanced at the young girl. 

Gabi pouted as she made a groaned sound. “Ugh, I’m not a little kid anymore. Besides, I have been in a war and killed a few. So I don’t need a bedtime anymore.” 

“Just because you have been in a war, it doesn’t mean you are not still a child. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with being a kid. Try to be a child as much as you can. Because once you reach adulthood, you will regret it.” Mikasa was trying to give advice.

“But I’m not sleepy and I’m here because I do have a question that no one will answer. Not even my big cousin.” The brunette pouted. 

“Oh? Then if it’s a question, come sit next to me and tell me and I’ll try my best to answer.” Mikasa patted the mattress for Gabi to come sit next to her. 

The brown haired girl went to sit next to her. “So here’s my question. How do you make a baby? Reiner said to ask you when I asked him earlier. Annie said to ask you two since you’re an expert on making one.” 

Mikasa felt her face become hot from what Gabi just asked her. How do you explain to a kid about sex and having kids? Her mother had the talk with her when she found out her parents were expecting another baby. The conversation was vague as the female Ackerman got older. Her mother told her it was the mother goddess who blessed the true lovers with fertility by praying. Now as an adult, it sounds full of shit. She must have guessed her mother felt nervous to try to have the talk with her. What made it worse Mikasa had asked that same question to Levi and oh boy it was awkward for the both Ackermans. Levi had made a snarky remark because her praying to some goddess will magically make a baby appear for her. That was the time when she was in love with Eren. Levi had given her a reality check. 

“Um...that’s a good question. Well, why do you want to know where babies come from?” Mikasa asked her. 

“I’m just curious. Because maybe one day, I will want one when I’m grown up.” Gabi said. 

Mikasa nodded. “Alright but remember to be careful on who you want to have a child with in the future. It’s better to...make them with someone who you are really in love with but also they love you as well. Also wait when you get married, it makes it more meaningful.”

Gabi nodded and waited for Mikasa to start explaining. Mikasa began to explain as much truth as she could. She doesn’t want to taint Gabi but at the same time being vague about it. She doesn’t want the young girl to be naive and become embarrassed as she reaches adulthood. After finishing explaining, Gabi was blushing awkwardly. 

“Ew, I think I don’t want one anymore.” Gabi made a grossed out face. Mikasa laughed from her reaction. 

“When you find one, you will completely forget all about the gross part.” Mikasa finally stopped chuckling. 

“I guess but thanks anyway.” Gabi finally yawned. 

“I see you are finally sleepy. Go on now to bed. I will wake you and Falco up in the morning.” Mikasa gives her a smile which Gabi smiles back then goes to hug her. 

Once they hugged, Gabi pulled away then  walked toward the door. “Goodnight, Mikasa.” 

“Goodnight, Gabi.” The raven haired woman said as Gabi finally left the room. 

As Mikasa was now alone, she sighed and flopped her back on the mattress. In the morning she will spar with Annie and maybe take it out on her for putting her into an awkward situation by explaining to Gabi the fundamentals of procreation. 

The raven haired Ackerman was lost in her thoughts as her husband was already here. His arms wrapped around her waist while burying his face on her shoulder to give sweet kisses. 

“You’re still up?” His husky tone pulled her back to reality. 

“Huh? Oh yeah. I was waiting for you.” Mikasa said while embracing his kisses on her shoulder and now her neck. 

“Mikasa, you don’t have to wait for me. I want you to get your full sleep, especially as we will very soon help defeat the Templars and the Jaegerists.” Reiner said.  

Mikasa glanced at the bathroom’s  door. She remembered the pregnancy stick was on the counter sink. She turned her sight at her husband. “Ok, let me throw away the trash on the sink.” 

The raven haired woman went to the bathroom and picked up the stick to read negative. She frowned then threw the stick including the empty box into the trash can. Mikasa was not pleased with the result she read. All she could hear was the time ticking. This is torturous for her. 

Reiner noticed how his wife had changed her mood rapidly. They both tuck into bed. “Mikasa, what’s wrong?” He asked. 

“Nothing. Reiner. I’m just grouchy from being tired.” She gave an excuse for not wanting to give the real reason. She doesn’t want to give him false hope. 

“Alright, let’s try to sleep then.” He smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist to cuddle her. 

Mikasa felt a kiss on her forehead and cheek from him. “Goodnight, my warrioress.” He whispered. 

“Night, my warrior.” She gave him a smile. 

(Arne)

Halonus, Eldia Empire 1556

The captured farmer had been dragged to a spacious room. Arne was forced to kneel in front of the altar where a huge man sat on the throne made of gold. All he saw was the fine leather boots the royal ruler was wearing. So this must be the King? He thought to himself. 

“Stay kneel, farmer. You’re in the presence of our mighty King.” One of the guards said while the other gripped on to Arne’s back neck to make sure he was kneeling. 

“Arne!” Ingrid cried as she tried to run towards him. She was worried about the way he looks. 

When he heard her cries, the dark haired man was relieved she was still alive and safe. He mumbled in low tone to the gods and goddesses in thanking them for hearing his praying. 

Ingrid was being held back by two more guards. “Let go of me!” She screamed and raged at them. 

The king had enough of the noblewoman’s wailing since the kidnapping. He glared at Ingrid with cold malicious eyes. “Woman enough of your wailing.” His hand was back slapped her cheek which left a reddish mark on her pale skin. 

“You bastard! Don’t you ever lay your hand on her!” Arne growled in anger when he heard the slap sound echoing the room. Now Ingrid was whimpering quietly. He felt useless right now for not being able to protect her. Just hearing her whimpering in pain, something in him telling to kill these guards and the king to protect her. He doesn’t know what it was but it sounded so promising to listen to that sinister voice he’s hearing. Maybe some demon had possessed him in the dungeon? Whatever it was; it’s becoming stronger. 

“Silent, boy. You both should feel lucky that I have not let my son get what he wants by executing both of you. As you both are spare for now, be grateful.” The king’s voice was stern. 

“The reason why I let you live is because I needed a “volunteer” for my scientists that I funded. It’s been weeks since you were injected with a very special serum to make you stronger and lethal. I need a loyal soldier who will protect me and my bloodline.” The king continued. 

“W-what did you do to me?!” Arne used enough strength to lift his head to glare at the king. The king was pleased to see his result was progressing as Arne’s eyes flickering glowing silver. 

“This is such a promising result. The scientists have done a good job. I’ll reward them handsomely once the experiment is completed.” The king chuckled. 

“Many lab rats before had died or turned into a mindless titan. On the other hand, you had survived the first phase. The second phase is starting by the look of your eyes. Oh what a majestic sight! Soon you will only obey me and serve me. One day, I'll kindly grant you a new bride and you will start a bloodline of warriors to serve and protect my bloodline for centuries.” The king said. 

“No! No! You can’t do that! We’re married. Please, your majesty. Don’t-” Ingrid was silent again. 

“What have I told you. Silent! Your marriage with this boy had been annulled by me weeks ago. That bastard you had was miscarried, so it’s best you don’t have a burden with you for my son to deal with. As a merciful king, I allowed you to live and give you another chance to make up for the humiliation you caused for me and my son. Do you understand?” The ruler glanced at the sobbing woman. 

Arne felt his world darken. His unborn child won’t get to live. Perhaps, it was for the best. The unborn child would have suffered the sins of his and Ingrid’s. It was still heartbreaking that he would ever meet his unborn child with Ingrid. Ingrid must be devastated. Arne wanted to take her away to comfort her. They are not husband and wife anymore and soon. She will be sent away to be married off with that fucking prince. 

He knows what must be done in order to protect Ingrid. The King resumed talking. 

“Women and their crying.” He scoffed. “Once phase 2 is complete, the last phase will be testing your abilities and how you respond to my orders. If this has turned out well, you will not need to be at the dungeon. I will provide you a room with a bed and clothes, and warm meals. Maybe if you do well, I will reward you with money and women until I see fit in finding you a proper bride. See how generous I can be?” The huge king smirked. 

With a defeated tone, Arne was feeling exhausted as this strange power in him was taking too much energy. “May I speak to Ingrid alone to say farewell before our departure?”

The King was contemplating for a bit then gestured to the guards to let him go. “Hm, you are a smart man, Ackerman. If you do anything to jeopardize both of your chances, I will kill Ingrid and your farmer parents. You would watch them being executed and live with guilt and sorrow for the rest of your miserable life.” The king threatened him.

The king got up and walked away with most of his guards. Only a few were in the room guarding the two lovers. Now Arne and Ingrid were together for a short time.   

“Arne, my love. What have they done to you?” She ran towards him to help him up. 

“Ingrid...I’m fine. How about you?” Arne glanced softly at the woman he loves. 

“I’m hanging in there...I lost the baby...our child. I’m so sorry. If this would have happened, I would have not reached out to my family. This is all my fault. I should have listened to you.” She felt tears falling while speaking. 

“Shhh Ingrid. Don’t blame yourself. You thought your family would help you. I should have tried to get a better job to support you and our baby better. I’m sorry that I fault you as your husband.” He whispered with sorrow. Ingrid felt her heart crumbling from hearing his sadness. 

“I don’t want to be away from you, Arne. I love you…” Ingrid pleaded with him. 

“I know my love, but this is the only way. I loved you but we need to let go of each other. Maybe in the next life we’ll be together and grow old with children.” His words were comforting for Ingrid. 

“Then, I’ll see you in the next life. Promise?” Ingrid said. 

“Yes, I promise. I’ll see you in the next life to marry you and build a family with you.” He promised her. 

Ingrid struggled to let go of his hand. The guards felt they had enough time saying goodbye. They pulled apart from them. Ingrid screamed and cried from knowing what her fate would come. Arne hoped in their next life, the gods would allow them to be together no matter what. 

“This isn’t a goodbye, Arne. I love you always and forever ok!” She screamed at him one last time until the guards dragged her away. Now he was alone with two more guards. 

“I love you too forever and always.” He whispered. 

(Historia)

The queen remembered the conversation with Nathaniel about her elder sister. She was shocked that a nice compassionate woman like her sister was in love with someone who’s cruel like him. 

(Flashback)

“So, let me get this straight. You and Frida were engaged to be married? Was it for love or arranged by my father and yours?” Historia said curiously. 

“It was arranged but I fell for her at first sight. You can say it was a love match.” Nathaniel said. 

“I see….aren’t you into men?” Historia said with a careful tone. 

“I am, but when I met Frieda; it felt like peace. I would do anything for her.” He said with a soft tone. 

(End of Flashback)

This got her thinking more on who Nathaniel really is? Historia had been on her mind of what he said to her. The way his tone had changed when he talked about her big sister. It felt pure love just like she has with Levi. Of course, in the beginning it was lust and filling the void of her pain from losing her close friend, Ymir. 

Oh Levi, I hope he made it out safely, Historia thought to herself. Her hand was placed on her empty womb. She is still counting down the days since her baby boy was born. Most nights, she dreamt of raising her son like the good mother she had dreamt to be. All the promises Historia whispered to her son were becoming empty as days passed. 

Sometimes when the queen couldn’t sleep, she began to sing a lullaby that her older sister, Frieda used to sing to her as a small child. Historia’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door. 

“Yes, come in.” She didn’t bother to look at the door. 

Behind her one of the servants came in with a tray of teapot sets. “Your Highness. Your tea is here. Shall I pour a cup for you?” 

Historia glanced at the lady then nodded. “Yes, please.” Usually, Eveline would serve her tea, but her handmaiden hasn’t come to work for a while. This made her worried. Historia had seen her as a sister. 

“Babara, where’s Eveline? She missed work today. Is she ok?” The queen was concerned. 

The maid, Babara stopped pouring two handed the teacup to the queen. “I don’t know your majesty. But I heard Zeke had forced her to rest for her pregnancy’s sake.”  

“If that would be the case, she or Eren would have notified me.” This made her feel suspicious. 

“I guess, but it’s all I know, your majesty.” The maid said while shrugging. 

“I see. Babara, help me dress up properly. I will be going to visit Eren and Eveline.” Historia got up while placing her tea on her desk. 

“Oh, Eren Jaeger is in the palace. If you want, I can go get him for you.” Barbara said. 

“Alright, but I still need help to dress up with one of my gowns.” Historia said while walking to her closet. 

“As you wish, your majesty.” Babara went to the queen and helped her choose a gown for her to wear. 

(Eren)

*On the day, Eve was kidnapped*

It’s been an hour since he was waiting for his fiancee. He began to worry and went back into the palace. His gut feeling was telling him something wasn’t right. He glanced at the big clock tower from the plaza of the capital. 

“Damn it Natasha, what’s taking you so long?” He sighed. 

Eren looked at the main entrance of the palace as some staff members were coming in and out. Finally, he stopped waiting to go back inside the palace to find his fiancee. As he walked through familiar hallways, someone called out his name.

“Eren!” He turned around to see Queen Historia walking towards him. 

“Your Majesty, is there something I can help you with?” Eren said while feeling agitated from not seeing Natasha with the queen. 

“Yes, of course. I wanted to go with you to check on Eveline. I heard she wasn’t feeling well again and I wanted to cheer her up.” The queen gave a warm smile.

This alarmed Eren from what Historia had said. 

“What do you mean she wasn’t feeling well? Eveline was ok when she went to work.” He paused for a moment. “Don’t tell me she hasn’t come to work?” 

“No, she didn’t return back from her break. I thought she went home because of her pregnancy.” Historia said with concern. 

Eren’s eyebrows furrowed as his anxiety started to show. “Something must have happened to her and I think my brother knows something about it.” 

He glared at his brother having a chat with Yelena and Filch from the second level of the indoor balcony. Before Historia could say anything, Eren already went upstairs towards where his brother and both trusted Jaegerists were. 

“Ah Eren! I’m glad you’re here. We were discussing the plans to defend ourselves from Marley–” Zeke was interrupted by his brother while he was pinned to the wall. The blonde older Jaeger was startled by how his little brother’s aggressive approach towards him. 

“Where is she?” Eren’s green eyes glowed with anger. His worst nightmare was coming true. The multi titan holder remembered Zeke’s hint of threat on him if he did anything to betray Zeke’s trust. Perhaps Zeke or Yelena found out of him being a spy for the Assassins and the last remaining soldiers of the three regiment. 

“W-what are you talking about?” Zeke was choking as Eren’s hand gripped on his throat to choke him with firmness.

“Don’t play dumb with me, big brother! Where is she? If you hurt her and my unborn child; I will eat you to take your titan power away.” His tone changed dark. His body began to let out static around him.

Before Eren continued to morph into the Attack Titan form, he felt a needle injected into him which he let go of his brother to fall on his knees. He suddenly felt light headed until he passed out. Zeke gasped for air once his brother let go of him. The older Jaeger glanced up to see it was Yelena who injected Eren with the special serum to knock out a titan holder. This serum was recently made by one of the scientists who works for the Templars.  

“Shit, that was so close. Thank you, Yelena.” His voice was still wheezy from the strong grip from Eren. 

Yelena silently nodded at him. Filch looked down at Eren’s unconscious body. “So what do we do with him?” His smirk was flashy on his face. He was happy that Eren finally fell down from hero of the Eldian Empire to a fallen disgrace. 

“We will put him in a deep sleep until the time is right. All he does lately was being distracted from that future Ackerman girl.” Zeke said with disappointment from his little brother. This wouldn’t happen if Eren kept going the path he was destined to do. Zeke looked down from the balcony to see Queen Historia’s shadow disappearing from his view. Now, it’s time to show the king of Historia’s involvement in freeing Levi. 

A/N: Ok, I’m just going to end this chapter. I know; I took too long but I had personal reasons. I want to thank you all who have been keeping up this story. I really appreciated it! Your comments, reviews, and kudos or likes are what kept me being motivated to continue this story. Until next time with a new chapter. Love you guys! 

[rosierocks30]

Hidden series Ch.22

Chapter 22: The Legendary of the Infinity Stones

(Gilbert)

Most of the day since Nathaniel had come home was dull. He had to spend time with Nathaniel with the queen. It was absurd how much he had to put effort in getting his old lover’s attention while Queen Historia who doesn’t try and received more attention. Luckily, he has a plan to make this blonde whore fall from Nathaniel’s grace. Few of the templars who were only loyal to Alexander had discovered the culprits of Levi’s escape. Oh this made him grin in joy when it was Historia and also Zeke’s younger brother, Eren Jaeger. He had already informed Alexander about Historia and Eren involved in Levi’s escape. 

Since a month had happened both Alexander and Gilbert were planning and waiting for the right time to execute the plan. At this moment, Gilly is about to meet Zeke Jaeger, the current leader of the Jaegerist. He wondered how Zeke would take in his little brother’s betrayal? Even though Eren was known to be one of the dangerous titan shifters, he was too overhead on his heels for the handmaiden. It’s such a shame he was not into men. Gilly had always wondered how good was he in bed? He heard so much of it from that other whore, Belia. It got him curious but annoyed at the same time. 

Gilbert quietly knocked on the door and heard Zeke’s voice for him to enter. He opened the door to enter the room and saw only Zeke and Yelena. They probably were having a deep conversation. “Good evening, Gilbert! What brings you here? Please have a seat.” Zeke politely greeted the other man. Yelena guides Gilly to a chair then goes to pour whiskey for all three of them. She handed one to Gilbert then to Zeke.

“I hope I’m not interrupting both of you. I do have a message from the Grandmaster that I think you want to know.” Gilbert said that this had Zeke and Yelena interested. 

“Oh really? What message does the Grandmaster have for me?” Zeke took a sip on his glass of whiskey. 

“He believes it’s time to have a new King since Nathaniel hadn’t kept his bargain of the deal to keep his crown by letting one of our most valuable assets escape.” Gilbert said. 

Zeke thought about it for a moment. “You mean about that monster Levi Ackerman escapee? I was disappointed when I heard Captain Levi had escaped.” 

“Yes, we all are. So, the Grandmaster and I have thought of putting the rightful ruler to the throne.” Gilbert kept talking. 

“Is Historia gaining her full power to rule? That’s very bold for the Grandmaster to assume she will comply.” Zeke had his brow raised in curiosity. 

“I did say a king not a queen. We believe you are the perfect choice. Think about it? You being a ruler will help your group strengthen the support of the people of this island. And you at one point used to be part of Marley’s military. With that knowledge, you can command a new military who will do anything to fight against Marley. The people will glorify you as their savior instead of your little brother who's nobody.” Gilly resumed.  

“I would be careful how you talk about my younger brother if I were you. He may be a hothead sometimes but this group would not exist if it weren’t for him!” Zeke glared at Gilbert for the way he disrespected his little brother. 

“My apologies for offending you. It just saddens me how you care and love your brother so much and yet it doesn’t seem like he does based on his actions.”  Gilbert coaxed Zeke as the other titan shifter paused for a second in confusion. 

“What is the meaning of this, Gilbert?” Yelena had intervened when she looked at Zeke’s expression with a doubt. 

“What I’m trying to say is that Eren Jaeger along with Queen Historia had conspired together to make sure Levi Ackerman was able to escape.” He finally pulled the trigger and waited for both of them to react. 

“Wait what? So Eren was the one to let Levi escape?” Yelena said in shock. 

“Yes, and I have evidence. What nobody knew but only very small members of the inner circle of the Grandmaster about there are small spy cameras installed in the palace. Week by week, they had tracked the queen’s and Eren’s movements. They had allied together to free Subject 18. We have videos.” Gilbert had his phone and showed the video evidence of Eren and Historia meeting together then it showed another scene of Historia meeting Levi in secret in the dungeon. Then it showed how Eren had helped Levi escape from the castle.

Zeke felt hurt by his little brother’s betrayal. So much rage surged inside him. Of course, he had to be calm and clear minded for now. 

“I see, this is disappointing.” Zeke said. 

“I know this truth is hurting you but you must know this.” Gilbert said. 

“He is stupid for being reckless especially it can endanger his new little family. Alright like my father, putting his personal agenda first than his family’s safety. I was alright growing fond of my soon to be sister-in-law. I have no choice but to end her life along with my potential nephew or niece that she’s carrying.” Zeke sighed. 

“I’m afraid you are not allowed to harm the handmaiden for now. She has something that the Grandmaster had been searching for years.” Gilbert said. 

“Oh? Like what?” Zeke was curious again. 

“The infinity stones. They are real and she is the wielder of all six. So if you accept our offer, you can help your dreams come true.” Gilly continued. 

“What will you do about Eren and Historia? And how will you dethrone Nathaniel?” Zeke was now intrigued. 

“With Eren being connected to the Path and Ymir, he will be difficult to get rid of. As for Historia and Nathan; I will expose this secret of her being responsible for Levi escaping and probably the king will lose his interest in her and execute her which will make the people rise up and dethrone him then place you as king. What do you say?” Gilbert said.

At first Zeke thought about it. “I see as long as I get to deal with my brother. So tell the grandmaster I accept his proposal as king.” The Beast Titan shifter shook Gilbert’s hand while Gilbert smirked in victory of phase 1. 

“We have a deal then.” Gilbert said victoriously. 

(Historia)

Shit. It’s like the day of the wedding with Nathan again. She was in her room waiting for Nathan. Naked and alone. He had told her to be ready for him at night. 

Don’t let your fear show to anyone Historia..

The queen heard Ymir’s voice again. She had been quiet for a while. “I can’t help it...the thought of him touching me again is just too much for me.” The blonde woman whispered. 

My Krista, I wish I was there to protect you and hold you like when we were in the scouts..

“Same...I do think about what would happen if you were still alive. I read your letter and if you were still alive, I would have married even with the short time you have before the curse takes you away from this fucked up world…” Historia felt a small tear slipped from her ocean blue eye. 

But you shouldn’t feel regret in any decision that you made before. You have now Levi and your son, Atticus. Think of both of them when fear consumes you. You’re not giving yourself some credit of how strong and capable you are in fucked up situations.  

“Atticus? My little boy...I missed him so much. I envied Sasha for raising him, which I should be the one.” Historia had always thought of her baby boy. For being Levi and Historia’s son, he wasn’t a tiny baby. Her hand wiped the tears off. She must endure these acts for their sake. Levi was caught once. She will have to be stronger and not be a burden to cause more misfortune. A queen can make many moves and has a chance to win this twist game in politics. 

Suddenly, the doors opened and Historia glanced to see Nathaniel entering the room. The usurper noticed his wife was ready for him. 

“I see you have been waiting for me, my wife.” Nathaniel smirked. Historia felt the urge to slap his smirking face, but she was composed. 

The beautiful golden haired queen got up from the bed then let the white sheets fall on the floor to reveal her nude body. Nathaniel walked towards her and caressed his fingers on her soft creamy fair skin. 

“Would you believe me if I say I have missed you?” Historia was not expecting his words. She knew he had hated her for many reasons but that feeling is mutual too. This does not make sense. She felt his lips on her neck slowly traveling down to her collarbone. No matter how hard she tries to enjoy it for her mental sake, these lips are not her true husband. Levi had always made her crave more. Her thoughts drifted to remembering their first time together. It was a grieving night for everyone from the betrayal of Reiner, Bertholdt, and Ymir. From feeling lonely and grief, both Historia and Levi had blossomed into a prue love.

“Historia, you are beautiful like your sister, Freida.” He muttered. 

Historia glanced then took a step back from him. “How do you know my sister?” She whispered.

Nathaniel realized Historia was confused but alert. Maybe it’s the alcohol in him but he felt it’s time for her to know that long ago he was in love and engaged with Freida. He sighed and went to sit on the bed and pat the mattress for her to sit beside him.

“Come Historia, I think it’s time I tell you about the time I used to be engaged with the woman who was my first love.” He said. Historia was hesitant at first, but she went to sit next to him so he could tell her about her sister. 

(Natasha)

The sky was beautiful with clear blue and white puffy clouds. A little girl with brown hair was plucking out wildflowers at the meadow. She carefully tried not to get her summer dress dirty. Her mother will scold her as today will be an important day. Natasha, her mother, and her baby brother Damon will go visit the palace to see Grandpa and Grandma. Her mother, Morgan Ackerman nee Stark had decided to fly from Hawaii to Paradise Isle two days before planning to see her in-laws. Long ago Atticus bought a private land away from the capital when Morgan became pregnant with Natasha. 

For two days Morgan wanted to have some time to herself with her children. Life as a widow was too heartbreaking for her. She lost the love of her life just when their marriage was still new. This must be how her mother felt when her father died so many years ago. Natasha looked up to see her mother who’s in the cottage cradling her baby brother. The little girl smiled  and resumed plucking out flowers. Her mommy loves flowers. This will make her smile again. Her mommy had a pretty smile. 

It felt so long that little Natasha was surprised her mommy didn’t call her name to go see grandma and grandpa. Maybe mommy had fallen asleep with Damon again? The little girl skipped back home. When she saw the door was opened, Natasha was feeling weary but didn’t think too much into it. She entered and went upstairs. 

“Mommy! I got flowers for you!” She heard no one.

As she got closer, the little girl heard a grunt and whispers. Huh? Who is with her mommy and brother? She slowly pushed the door to open for her to view a gruesome scene. Her silver grey eyes widened in horror to see two men were looking down at her mother who looked frozen from seeing a small body on the floor. There was blood soaking the wooden floor and from the look of these strange men's faces; they were laughing. 

Did they hurt her little brother? Why? Why would they do that?

Her mother finally noticed her and shouted. “Natasha ran! Run to safety!” 

Natasha gasped when another man grabbed her before she had the chance to run away. 

“Oh no you don’t brat.” The man who grabbed her was struggling from her wiggling and kicking to be free. “Noo! Let go! Mommy!” She was calling for mother to save her.  

“YOU PIECES OF SHIT! YOU MONSTERS!” Her mother was screaming and crying from seeing her baby laying on the floor dead. “WHY?! I have told you I don’t have it!” 

“Don’t lie, woman. Your father was the last one to hold all six stones. Our sources say you found it five years ago with that Ackerman prince you married. So, tell us where those stones are and this time your last remaining child.” The sinister leader said. 

“Fuck you. Fuck all of you, Jaegerists! I have told you. I don’t have them anymore. Please, please spare my daughter.” Her cries were heartbreak and full of agony. The worst pain to see your own child being killed. 

“Tell us where was the last time you left it?” The Jaegerist man said. 

Morgan was sobbing as she realized it’s pointless to beg for mercy since she was telling the truth. The stones literally disappeared as she used them to have her first pregnancy to make it to full term to birth a healthy child. Her daughter was the result of it. The one wielding the power of the six stones. They must not know the truth. These monsters will do anything to get the stones. The leader was losing his patience. 

“Very well. Kill the other brat.” The leader ordered. 

Morgan looked panicked when the other man who held Natasha placed the dragger on her small throat. Slowly, Natasha screamed in fear. 

“Stop! Stop! I will tell you the truth! Please don’t take her away from me too…” The grieving mother begged them. 

“Fine, now tell us.” He gestured to the man to not harm or kill the crying girl. 

“They are inside...me. I absorbed them accidently.” Morgan said. 

“I see and yet you are not unable to use them? What a terrible mother you are being unable to protect her children.?” The man mocked her. Morgan glared up with rage and charged at him with the knife that was used to kill her infant son. 

The man used defense moves to disarm the knife and lock his arms around her neck and pinned her to the floor harshly. “You asked for this, bitch.” 

Everything had gone to hell when Natasha saw the man pinned her mother and now he’s unbuckling his pants while her mother wiggling and screaming so many bad words. Then herding her mother crying and screaming in pain whatever the man was doing to her mother. All she know, that man’s hands with her baby brother’s blood smearing on her mommy. Then the man started to choke her in the process until no cries or screams were heard from her mommy.

Natasha stopped wiggling and whispered. “Mommy…?” She had a devastating expression. 

“Such a shame. She’s dead.” He had finished violating the mother.  The men groaned in disappointment since they wanted to have a turn. 

“Stop being whiny brats. The body is still warm enough to have fun.” The leader said then chuckled. 

Natasha felt her world became dark. Rage, sorrow, and feeling useless consumed her. A faint whisper was heard from her ear. 

Take your ravenge...they have spilled blood now; they must pay for it…

Who was that? Natasha said mentally. She could hear the same voice again. 

Use it..use your gifts form the stones they so eager to have…

Mommy had made me promise not to use it.

I’m sorry sweetheart but you must break your mommy’s promise...look what they have done to her and your baby brother? They must pay. You are an Ackerman and Ackermans must do whatever it takes to protect and survive. The least you can do is honor your mother, child…

You didn’t answer my question. Natasha said in her thoughts. 

My apologies, I’m you...well the titan in you. Awaken first and let me and the power of infinity stones handle the rest…

Natasha snapped back to reality to glare at these awful men. “You will pay for it!” 

Now the men started to laugh at the little girl’s threat. “Oh, she has fire in her. Men just end her so we can leave.” The leader said. 

Suddenly a rush of electricity spread inside her as some unfamiliar power burst out. She now felt stronger and aware how to fight. The little girl let out a roar while using that strength to bring the man down to the ground surprisingly. The rest of the men were shocked to see a small girl was able to throw a full grown man onto the ground. Then she grabbed the knife the man was holding to stab repeatedly on his chest. Blood spilled everywhere while hearing the man screaming from the pain. All he could see was glowing silver eyes until he died. 

Natasha dropped the bloody knife and turned herself to glance at the rest of the men. The men looked so scared and ran to try to leave the cottage. 

“Where do you think you are going huh?” Natasha’s voice was distant but not like a human. With the power, she made the door closed and locked from the room so they wouldn't escape. The men tried to open the door. 

“I just want to play a little game.” With her glowing hands, she made them lift up into the air without touching them and threw them to the wall for them to crash roughly. 

“Please, please! Don’t hurt us. Have mercy..” Her hearing those words from their mouth had enraged her. “Mercy? Where was that mercy when my mother begged you not to harm my baby brother. Where was your mercy when you hurt her and killed her?! You deserve no mercy.” 

Natasha slowly crushed their insides into liquid and watched how they coughed out blood. Now they look like a blob with human skin. She hadn't noticed the wind was causing it while she flew above ground. Little by little, she started to get back in control and saw what she had done. Her reaction was dizziness as darkness took over her and slumped down to the ground. 

Night time had arrived when Natasha woke up. The cottage was dark but only the moonlight shined down the room to see blood all over the walls, floor, and furniture. Slowly, she got up and went to her mother’s body hoping she’s still alive. Her tiny hands shook the corpse but no response. 

“Mommy, please wake up. We’ll be late…” her tears falling seeing no life in her mother’s once brown eyes. She let out an agony scream until the house phone rang. The little girl could hear it from downstairs in the living room. She quickly ran downstairs and picked up the phone. 

“Hello? Who is this?” Her sniffles were loud enough a familiar voice was able to hear. 

“Natasha? Is your mother there? Why are you crying?” Her grandfather Levi called. 

“I-I..grandpa!” She cried. 

“Hey kiddo, calm down. Tell me what's wrong?” Levi was trying to calm his granddaughter. 

“M-mommy...they...kill her...and Damon too….I’m scared. Please come get me..” She was still sobbing. 

It was quiet on the other side of the phone; only heavy breathing was heard. Then a growl of anger and a punch sound was heard. 

“Honey, who was it that killed your mother...and Damon.” Levi’s voice felt like they were about to break. He and Historia had lost their son, Atticus a year ago, now two members of their family were killed. 

“I think...they were called Jaegerists? I don’t know. Please I’m scared..come.” She begged. 

“Natasha, it's going to be ok. I want to stay inside the cottage and don’t open the door to anyone besides me and your uncle. We’re going to get the military police to investigate. Can you do that, soldier?” Levi uses his affectionate tone while giving her an order. Whenever she visited her grandparents, Grandpa Levi played soldiers for fun. He sometimes teaches her some moves to protect herself. 

“Y-yes Captain Grandpa.” She sniffled. 

“Good girl, stay there. We’ll get there in half an hour.” With that, he hung up. 

Natasha goes lay on the couch to wait for her grandfather. She began to chant to herself to calm down. As he had promised, a half hour had passed. A knock was heard but she was quiet. 

“Natasha? It’s Grandpa. Open the door, kiddo.” She sprinted up and ran to unlock the door and open it. In her view, Levi and behind him were several military police men and Uncle Erwin. The little girl jumped at her grandfather to hug him tightly. He instantly held her and carried her. 

“Shhh it’s ok. I’m here.” He whispered to comfort her. Levi entered the cottage with her holding onto him. He was grateful that she survived. 

The police made their way into the cottage and explored all over the cottage. Her Uncle Erwin was beside his father. “Natasha, where are the bodies? Can you show us?” 

She nodded and pointed them upstairs, they went and reached Damon's nursery room to see a bloodbath nightmare. 

“Oh fuck. What a mess…” Levi glanced at each body and spotted his infant grandson’s corpse then his daughter-in-law’s. What is he going to tell his wife about this tragedy? And Pepper...too. 

(Eren)

The green eyed titan shifter was dabbing a cold wet cloth on his lover’s forehead. He stared at the woman he loves while his hand caressing her hair. Eren was in disbelief at what he saw earlier with Natasha. She is full of surprises. The Eldian man got up and started making tea in case his fiancée woke up. 

“Damn it, Natasha...you literally will be the death of me.” He sighed while turning on the stove to have the kettle pot boiling for tea. 

He was stuck in contemplating other matters when a soft groan was heard. This got his attention. He glanced on the couch to see Natasha waking up. Eren went to be by her side. 

“Hey…” It’s the first word she had said to him since the incident. He took her hand to gently kiss. 

“How are you feeling, babe?” He asked with concern. 

“I feel...like being hit against the wall.” She chuckled lightly and carefully tried to sit up. Eren stopped her so he could help her without struggling. 

“Luckily I got a special tea just for that.” He smiled then got up as the kettle began to make a whistle sound. 

Eren goes to turn off the stove. He poured the hot water into two mugs. The tea bags were already in the mugs as he poured the water. Carefully, he holds the handles to carry the mugs to the couch. Natasha watched the way he had prepared the tea. By the time she received her tea mug, she had enough strength to sit better. The heiress took a sip of her tea. 

“It’s not green tea?” She was a bit disappointed. 

“Doctor recommended not to let you consume caffeine while you're pregnant.” Eren informed her. 

“Wait, is this ginger root tea?” She sipped again. The taste was familiar with earthy and spicy all in one. The Burnette loved ginger root tea especially with lemon to add the zesty flavor. 

“Yeah, it’s good for you and safe for the baby.” Eren said while sipping his tea. 

“I hope there will be more because I love ginger.” She gulped down her tea. 

“Natasha, don’t drink too fast.” He warned her. 

“Alright, alright. Any medical advice Dr. Jaeger?” She smirked. 

“Dr. Jaeger is my dad.” He scoffed. 

“Yes, but I can see you being one too. Imagine you wearing a white uniform coat or blue scrubs. I think it looks sexy on you.” Her hands rub on his chest. Usually he would respond to her flirty actions but right now it’s not appropriate. He had seen her use so much power and it almost drained her energy. If he hadn’t been there to try to calm her down, the situation would have gotten worse. 

Eren sighed in disappointment and grabbed her hands gently to remove them from his chest. “Natasha, you have a lot of explaining to do. What was that earlier that you just did? It nearly drained your energy. You were unconscious since the incident. Fuck, I was scared for you. I just need you to be honest to me. What other surprises do you have?” He ranted. 

Natasha was biting her lips nervously. This is where she needs to tell him what he saw was not what she had wanted anyone to know for many reasons. One of them is being used as a weapon by others. The American heiress placed her mug on the table stand. 

“I don’t know where to start...this isn’t easy for me to tell anyone about my powers.” She said. 

“You can start on how you got them.” Eren looked at her. 

“I was born with them, but I don’t remember much of what my mother had told me long ago.” She paused as she was trying to remember the conversation with her mother on keeping her gifts a secret to everyone. 

“Is it genetic?” He was concerned. If it was, there’s a chance their unborn child will inherit. It would put any of his children with Natasha into a dangerous situation. 

“I don’t know. This had never happened to any wielder. It was one of the reasons why I joined a secret organization to help me know more about it and be in control. All I knew was that these stones inside me had killed my late grandfather, Tony Stark.” She began to explain. 

“I see. So, no one knows about the stones besides me?” He asked. 

“My grandmother from my mom’s side, Director Maria Hill who’s in charge of the organization I joined and now you. I don’t tell anyone about it so please can you not tell anyone?” She gave him a pleading look. 

“Hey of course I won’t tell. Your secrets are mine now. I will not let anyone hurt you if they know the truth. I’m here for you, Natasha.” He wrapped his arms around her to reassure her that her secret is safe with him. 

“Thank you..” She was grateful of having her secret being kept for good. 

Eren was about to say something when her stomach made a loud growl. He saw how she blushed embarrassedly. He chuckled at how cute she looked.

“You haven’t eaten at all today. Tell me what you're craving and I’ll make whatever you want.” Eren offered to make something for her. 

“Hmm...I am craving a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup?” Natasha glanced at him.

“You got it, rest here while I make what you request.” Eren smiled then kissed her forehead. He went to the kitchen to start making food. 

Natasha watched Eren cooking from the couch. She had thought if it’s time to tell him the cause of her PTSD. She was lost in her thoughts when Eren was calling her name.

“Natasha, I got your soup and your grilled cheese.” Eren had already placed the tray of soup and grilled cheese on the coffee table. He sat on the couch next to her. His hand grabbed the bowl and spoon to help feed her. She was reluctant at first but let him feed her. 

She moaned from having tomato soup in her stomach. Her eyes glanced at the delicious melting grilled cheese sandwich. Eren noticed where her eyes lingered and chuckled form the way she stared. 

“This is why you can’t skip meals, my love.” He placed the bowl down on the table to grab the sandwich and let her bite down as the cheese stretched. 

Natasha just made a grunt sound from having her mouth full from the grilled cheese. Her finger pointed to the bowel to have something to help her swallow down her food. Eren switched the sandwich to the soup and watched her slurp the soup. 

“Thanks my love. Seriously, you have magic hands whenever you cook. Did you learn from your mom as a boy or was it on your own?” She gleaned into his rich emerald green eyes. 

“I learnt just the basics from her, but mostly from during my time in the military.” Eren was a bit quiet from hearing the mention of his mother. His memories as a boy gave him a nostalgic feeling. His mother did teach him how to make soups, and sandwiches including grilled cheeses. He missed her so much. 

“Hey...I’m sorry about our fight at the clinic. You were right. I wanted to forgive you and move on, but that pain was still there...I wasn’t being honest to you or myself.” Out of the blue, Natasha decided to  apologize for her behavior towards him. 

“Shhh it’s fine. I knew deep down what I did to you will take a long time for you to heal and forgive me completely.” He said.

“Um also...I think I’m ready to talk about my mother’s death..” She struggled to let it out in sentences. 

“Babe, you don’t have to…” Eren gently grabbed her hand to kiss it softly.

“But this is important...it’s mainly the reason why I struggled to control my powers. My past has always haunted me where my pain and emotions get out of control and create chaos. I don’t want to end up hurting an innocent.” She glanced at him and hoped he let her talk about her past.

Eren sighed but nodded. “Alright if you’re really ready, I’ll listen to you.” He gave her a warmth smile. 

Natasha smiled back and began to speak. She started every beginning of the summer, her parents and her had always visited Paradise Isle to spend time with her grandparents. When she was 4, her mother decided to go to the cottage that her father had built for my mother as when she was pregnant with Natasha. What she could remember was being in the meadows to pick at the flowers and smell them. She had collected a few for her mother and went back to the cottage. What she had seen was blood spread on the floor in her baby brother’s room. A small body laying in the pool of blood. Her mother’s face went pale than glared at the men who were responsible. Her mother yelled and screamed at them but all they did was laugh and it got to the point where it led Natasha to seeing red for what they did to baby brother than later witnessing her mother being raped. A child should never have witnessed such a gruesome scene. Then all she remembered was blackout until she woke up to see what she had done to these filthy men. She had heard a ring in the living room and went downstairs to pick it up and it was Levi who was concerned when they would come to visit them. She had explained what had happened and quickly her grandfather hung up to go to the cottage.

“So yeah...he brought the police and they were horrific from the scene. I told them what they have done and I torture them until their bones and organs were melted. They looked like a blobfish out of water, but they probably thought it was my Ackerman gene that killed them. I mean I was awoken on that day too but mostly the power of the stones did the damage.” She had stopped to see the way Eren was trying to compose himself. His knuckles were white from how his fists tightened. 

“Do you know who were those men that did these awful acts on your mother and baby brother? Why did they do it?” Eren’s voice was cracking from feeling angry and disgusted by what these men have done to her and her family.

“What I heard from my mother before she was killed; they were…” She doesn’t know how Eren would act if he knew these men are part of the Jaegerist faction. Her grandmother, Queen Historia had been slowly gaining back her power throughout the years and she had restricted them until the Jaegerists had lost their power seat in Paradise Isle.  

“You can tell me, Natasha.” He slowly calmed down for her sake. 

“I don’t think you would like it if you knew who they were.” She said cautiously. 

“Why? Don’t tell me it’s related to me?” Eren felt his heart beating fast as he became afraid of her answer.

“Y-yes...but I know it’s not you. It’s never you nor your brother since he's been dead for a long time. They belong to the Jaegerist. I don’t know who was the real leader during that time when I was a small child.” She felt Eren got up quickly. All she heard was an angry growl and a punch to the wall. 

Natasha looked up to see he made a hole. She got up from the couch and slowly walked towards him. “Listen Eren, this is not your fault-” 

Eren turned around to face her quickly. “Of course it is! I made the Jaegerists. I caused the revolution for Eldia not to fucking brutally kill an infant and raped then kill a mother. They stole your childhood away and yet I was not able to be there to prevent that. Was I there to protect you?” 

“No, I haven't met you yet. Eren, I told you. This is not your fault. You didn’t kill them. You didn’t send them to kill my family.” She placed her hands on his cheeks. “I know what type of man you are and what you're capable of doing but you are not a monster. They are my love.” 

Eren’s tears fall from the guilt. If he knew his followers would cause this kind of trouble, he would’ve not made Jaegerists. He was surprised that the Path didn’t let him access Natasha's timeline. He will need to have a talk with the Founder Ymir. 

“But my name. My family’s name is tainted by causing pain to the mother-in-law I wouldn’t ever get to meet or your little brother.” What bothers him  the most is when his child is born, how will he look at him or her without guilt.

“You shouldn’t feel guilty. They should feel the guilt for what their action had done to my family. I will not let those fucking Jaegerists take my happiness too by having the love of my life feeling the guilt and burden of their crime!” She could feel her body shaking with hatred from thinking about the Jaegerists. 

“You really do hate them huh?” Eren said. 

“I do. They took almost everything from me. My mother, brother, my birthright. I was supposed to be My grandmother’s heir but few Jaegerists who are still in power were prevented by passing a law to take my title I was born with and the line to succession. I am tired of the way they ruled over the government far too long and my family had to pay the price. I’m glad times are changing in the future era because my generation has been protesting to give my grandmother’s power seat full control. I only go visit Paradise because my father’s family lives there. Kuchel had been studying overseas to become a diplomat to best handle the government to help her family to survive there. The aftermath of the three Jaegerist’s acts of crime, the police had to cover the truth. I was angry and furious. My grandparents had to shut me up for my sake. So I had to play the fucked up heiress who sleeps with strangers and parties and drinks into my misery.” She finally calmed down from her outburst. 

“It was not meant to be like the last government was before the uprising. I did it so the Eldians can open their eyes to know the truth and not live in some delusional lifestyle where we’re the last humans on this planet and these fucking walls are our life support. I can’t believe it fires back at my ideology.” He took a deep breath and joined Natasha to sit beside her. 

“So what do they want from your mother? There must be a reason they went to your cottage on that day?” He resumed.

“They wanted the stones. My mom is the daughter of the late Tony Stark. He was the last person that used it to save the earth’s population from an alien invader, Thanos. She didn’t tell them that I have them in my body, instead she told them she had them inside her...to protect me.” Her lips quivered as tears fell. All Eren could do was hold her and comfort her.  

“I won’t let the Jaegerists get you and our baby. If they or anyone tries to hurt my family; I will personally shed their blood like a river.” His tone was dark. This is one of the promises he will keep. 

He needed her. His Eve. His soulmate. His freedom. 

(Natasha) 

The following morning both of them had woken up early to go back to the palace. At first, Eren was reluctant to let Natasha go back to work from yesterday's incident. She had to persuade him that she was better now. They entered the palace and looked at each other before they departed for their duties. 

“Let me know if you don’t feel well. I’ll pick you up.” Eren said while she nodded. 

“I promise I will. Now go before your annoying brother comes to find you. I’m not in the mood to greet him.” Natasha said. 

“Alright, but I will see you later.” He gave her a kiss on her forehead. 

“Yeah, I’ll see you later.” She smiled back while embracing his kiss on her forehead. 

She had watched him leave, then went to Queen Historia’s chamber to start her work. Later as half of the day reached, Natasha finished her morning chores. It’s lunch hour so she will wait for Eren to come by to get her to go eat. The brunette heiress was about to go inside the Queen’s chamber to grab her stuff. 

“Ms. Potts, is the queen busy with an audience?” Yelena walked towards her. Natasha turned to see the stoic woman. 

“Hey Yelena. Um, I think she is at the moment since she left in the morning to a bunch of meetings with the high ranking ladies, after lunch I will let her know you stopped by to have an audience with her.” Natasha said. 

“I see. Then after lunch it is. Are you on your way to lunch?” Yelena asked her. 

“Yes, but I’m waiting for Eren to come. You know how protective he has become lately.” Natasha chuckled. 

“Yes, Eren will be a great father and husband too. SPeaking of husband, when will you two be wed?” This threw Natasha off guard. 

“I don’t know. We haven’t picked a wedding date yet. Maybe after our baby is born?” From so many events had happened, it didn’t accrue to her or Eren to pick a date to be married. Only thing Eren ever mentioned was he just wanted to get married now and be his wife. She forgot the culture and society in this island was way different than most modern societies. Maybe she will give a date for the wedding before their child is born even though it's ridiculous to wed so rushly because society will label their baby an unwed bastard. Oh well, she’s just doing this for Eren. 

“I’m sure Zeke and I can offer help for the wedding to happen as soon as possible. Queen Historia adores you. I’m sure she’ll happily help too.” The female Jaegerist said. 

“Thank you, I’ll have a talk with Eren about your offer.” Natasha finds it suspicious that Yelena all of the sudden decided to talk to her so casually.

“Oh I forgot to mention, but Eren would be busy during lunch. He sent me a message to let you know he’ll see you later after work.” Yelena said as she noticed the way Natasha became disinterested and was about to leave.  

“Really? He said that, huh?” Natasha sighed and felt a bit sad that her fiance will not be able to have lunch with her today. 

“Of course. If you want, you can have lunch with me. I might have to come back here later anyways.” Yelena offered. 

“I guess having lunch with you is better than eating alone. Shall we head to eat then?” Natasha gave in and walked with Yelena. 

They went to the hall where most of the staff, Jaegerists members, lower ranks Templars have their meals. It’s basically a cafeteria to her but one day it will be one in the future. She preferred to have lunch outside of the palace since drama had always come to find her. As her pregnancy started to show, few people who had annoyed her before avoided her. Especially, her relationship with Eren was public so they don’t want to be on Eren’s bad side. Oh my god, she was so embarrassed the way he announced everyone the day after the ball. She remembered how her face was red and dying the need to hide herself. If she was in control of the situation then she wouldn’t feel embarrassed. 

As for today, many people stared while walking through the aisle of tables to go wait in line for a meal with Yelena. This felt like her high school days where she was always the center of attention. Being the heiress of Stark Industries and the family’s fortunate, the public was always eyeing on her. It gets too much when she needs her privacy. Once they got their meal, both Yelena and Natasha sat on an empty table. 

“Eat Ms. Potts. The child will need his or her strength.” Yelena gave a smile and began to eat her meal.  

“You can just call me, Eve. I felt like those ladies during the Regency Era.” Natasha said while putting her meat. 

“Very well, Eve.” Yelena said politely. 

 The rest of the meal hour, they were silent while eating. They barely had small talks which bugs Natasha. Maybe having lunch on her own would have been better? They finally finished their meals and Yelena spoke again. 

“It’s almost over lunch, would you be alright if we take a detour? I need to drop off a letter to one of the members in their office.” Yelena waved an envelope letter towards her. 

“Yeah, we got time before the Queen expected me to be back to serve her.” She said. Natasha got up to grab her tray. 

“Good.” The other woman got up as well and took her tray. 

Both women place the tray with empty dishes into a bin where kitchen staff pick up to wash them later. They walked out of the hall in silence. The detour walk was a bit long until slowly it got dim further away than the hallways Natasha was familiar with. She started to feel anxiety. 

“Yelena, are you sure this is where the office leads?” She was getting a bit worried. 

“Yes, I have come here a lot. There are some offices further down.” Yelena said casually. 

“I see…” Maybe Natasha was just feeling a bit sick again. The meat was a bit heavy for her. 

“We’re almost there.” The other woman said. 

As they walked further, Natasha was getting frustrated as her feet were killing her. She stopped to take a small break. 

“Sorry I am going to need a minute.” She begin to panting. 

Suddenly, a hand was placed on her mouth to keep her silent. Natasha panicked and wiggled to free herself. Before she can use her Ackerman strength, she feels something poke on her neck and slowly sees the view blurry. She saw Yelena with a smirk along with two more people. Where did they come from? Why are they doing this? Shit, did they find out she was one of the spies for the Assassins and the last remaining Paradise military?

“W-what did you do to me, Yelena?” She was struggling to speak. 

“Don’t worry this injection is not titan serum nor will it affect your child. We just need you for our special project. We know you have the stones in you. If we do not keep you until you give birth to the child, we’ll remove them from your body.” Yelena explained. 

“Y-you bitch! Eren will notice. He will-” Natasha felt a slap on her cheek. She glared at all three with hatred. 

“Be good and stay silent. The serum is working. Soon we’ll have you unconscious. Speaking of Eren, Zeke will handle him. Sleep well. Ms. Potts.” Natasha’s view slowly darkens. 

Slowly her eyes began to open. All she saw was white surrounds but there were blue lines glowing. In front of her, there was a holosign doing a countdown. It felt like she was in a virtual game that’s becoming popular in her time. 

Welcome to Animus Project. Name: Natasha Eve Ackerman-Stark. Code: 2467489

Shit. She’s in the Animus machine. They know her true identity. Oh where are you Eren?

New subject. Subject 19. Resuming Arene Ackerman arc. 

Halonus, Eldia Empire 1556

It’s been forever since being knocked out by the king’s guards. Arne lost count being held in the cell. Is Ingrid alright and safe? He wondered about his wife. Arne heard the footsteps coming closer and the keys chain making noises as it unlocked his cell. The guard looked at him. 

“The king had summoned you.” The guard said as he dragged Arne out of the cell. Arne prays to the gods and goddesses to protect his small growing family. 

“What the hell? Where am I? Who are you?” Natasha suddenly sees white but as her vision became clear, there were many people staring at her. Some familiar ones like Zeke, Yelena, Floch. 

“How intriguing. Girl, we should be asking you that. Who are you?” Alexander Di Lorenzo stands before her to observe like she’s some mythical creature. 

“It’s pointless to answer that question when you have me hooked up into an Animus machine.” She with a bitter tone. 

“True, but we wanted to give you the chance to speak, Eveline or should we call you Natasha? Tell me Miss Ackerman? What year are you both?” Alexander said. 

“2041…” She whispered. 

“Just as I expected. Gentleman and ladies. Who would ever think the handmaiden is from the future and even better a direct descendant of Levi Ackerman and Queen Historia. I presume that’s on your father’s side? The infant prince is your father?” Alexander chuckled from seeing how her expression became pale. 

“Go fuck yourself.” She spit on the Grandmaster's face. The templars quickly aimed their gun at her ready for their leader to give command. 

“Lower your guns.” Alexander ordered his men. 

“You’re a hothead woman. It doesn’t matter now. You are the key to my goals. Knock her out again and gather any info since her grandfather decided to escape.” Alexander said. The scientists nodded. 

“Hold up. Alexander, she is pregnant with my brother’s child. My niece or nephew might not make it.” Zeke was concerned. 

“Don’t worry the baby will survive. It’s mother is an Ackerman. We’ll give you the baby as its legal guardian. If the child inherits the gifts, we’ll raise it as our weapon.” Alex smirked. 

Zeke stayed silent, this is what he feared having an innocent being born in this cruel world and will be used as a weapon. He felt conflicted from knowing how his little brother will not hesitate to use The Rumbling on them instead. 

A/N: Ok, this is where I’ll stop until the next chapter. I’ll see you next time.

[rosierocks30]

Hidden: Ch. 21

Chapter 21: The Infinity Witch 

(Mikasa)

Mikasa was kneeling on a comfortable cushion while some of the ladies were doing makeup and her hair for the wedding ceremony. Earlier, she and Reiner had gone to see Lady Kiyomi talk about wanting to be married as soon as they could. 

(Flashback)

The sun barely peek out from the horizon. The sky was colorful with purple, orange, and yellow as the stars slowly vanished. On the deck of the ship Lady Kiyomi was sipping her tea enjoying her early breakfast along with Mikasa and Reiner. Both couples arrived an hour ago to have a traditional Hizuran breakfast with the ambassador. The ambassador was happy to have them joining her for a nice morning meal. 

“I’m so pleased that both of you stopped by to have breakfast with me.” Lady Kiyomi smiled at Mikasa and Reiner. 

“Thank you for having us here to join you even though we came by unannounced.” Mikasa bowed her head in respect. 

“No, my dearest. It’s alright for you to come anytime especially now you’re our sovereignty. I should be thanking you for wanting to join me for breakfast with me, my Empress.” Lady Kiyomi said while bowing back to Mikasa. 

Mikasa was still not used to taking the role as a ruler yet. It would take time for this role to sink into her mind. If she can use her new position to have a quiet ceremony to be wed to Reiner, then both Reiner and her can be at peace to fight to end this end as a married couple. They don’t know how long this war will last. It’s best to do the things that you want to do now before the war gets too heavy and difficult to do anything. 

“Ambassador Kiyomi, we have a favor to ask you if it’s possible to make it happen as soon as it can.” Mikasa said. 

“Oh my, this must be serious. Of course, whatever it is; as empress your wishes will be granted without questions.” Lady Kiyomi said as she was curious about this favor both of them wanted to ask. 

“As we’re in war and with Commander Reiner’s curse, he only has 11 months left until it’s affected; we want a wedding ceremony. We’re in love and I wanted to be Reiner’s wife when he passed away. Could it be possible to have a wedding to be ready tonight or tomorrow?” Mikasa was a bit nervous asking her kin about this. She doesn’t know enough about the culture if it is appropriate to have a sudden wedding ceremony especially if she is now Empress. 

The Hizuru’s ambassador was silent at first, this gave her a mixed feeling. She doesn’t have against her young empress taking a non Hizuran man as her consort, but doing this in a rush? The people and the government might take this as an insult. The elder woman could understand why Mikasa and Reiner wanted to be wed as soon as they could. Their situation was a bit complex especially Reiner is the holder of the Armor Titan with only less than a year to live. Besides, they are at war. If Mikasa dies; once again the nation will be left without an heir to take the throne. To save her nation from that fate again; Lady Kiyomi will need to use her cunningness to persuade the councils to allow both Mikasa and Reiner to be wed by tonight or tomorrow. If they had an heir, it would be born not out of wedlock. 

“Hmm, I will make sure the government approves your request and hopefully by noon or night I’ll let you know what they say.” The ambassador gave her a serious expression. 

Of course Mikasa and Reiner understand there’s a chance the government might not accept it, but if they don’t accept it; she will personally write a letter to them saying that they are fools for not accepting it. The nation will be in jeopardy as she will not marry or have heirs unless Reiner is her husband, consort, and the father of her children. She can be stubborn when she needs to be. After all, for years being with Eren by his side; she had grown some stubbornness in her. 

“Thank you so much. We are grateful for your help.” Reiner humbling bow at the ambassador. 

“It’s no problem, Commander. It warms my heart to see you’re the reason why Mikasa is smiling often.” Lady Kiyomi chuckled heartily. 

Reiner couldn’t help it to be blushed a bit from Lady Kiyomi’s comment. Sometimes he asks himself what Mikasa sees in him. 

(End Flashback)

“Your majesty, what do you think? I think you look like a beautiful bride.” One of the servants complimented her while she handed Mikasa a mirror for her to observe her new look.  

Mikasa had to snap her thoughts and glanced at the mirror. Even though their makeup ceremony is traditional and had different meanings based on the colors, she felt her skin gasping for air. If she didn’t know about the meaning behind the make up style, she would have thought herself looking like a clown, a pretty one. In fact, any makeup style looks ridiculous in her opinion. She preferred no makeup at all. 

“It looks nice. Thank you for your help, ladies.” Mikasa turned her head to glance at the girls who beamed with joy to have the opportunity to get an empress ready for her wedding. 

“No your majesty, we thank you for giving us this opportunity to prepare you for your wedding.” One of them said as they all bow respectfully. 

Mikasa nodded and slowly got up as the traditional wedding outfit was heavy and she didn’t want to lose her balance. Her helpers quickly helped her up and made sure there were no wrinkles or misplaced areas of the outfit. The newly Empress mumbled, thanking them as they all walked away from the room to go to the other location where the ceremony will be held. 

Reiner was waiting patiently at the altar where a high priest was blessing and mumbling chant prayers. Lady Kiyomi was by his side quietly waiting for the bride as well. He doesn’t know how Lady Kiyomi pulled it off in having the council members agreeing to Reiner’s and Mikasa’s request, but by noon she gave them good news. It's the least they can do properly because Mikasa deserved to have the best in his opinion. Finally the doors open to reveal his girlfriend in a traditional Hizuran bridal gown. Reiner couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She is the epitome of beauty as Mikasa walked towards him.

Mikasa looked around to see how dim the room was. Only candles were lit to make the room as visible as possible to see. Under the veil she’s wearing, barely could see Lady Kiyomi, the priest, couple officials, and most important her love, Reiner. All eyes were on her as she made her way walking to her groom. 

By that time, she had reached the altar. Reiner goes towards her to hold her hand and lead her to where the priest stands. He helped Mikasa to kneel on her knees since her wedding dress was heavy with layers of robes wrapped around her body. The Paradisian assassin glanced at her husband who was kneeling beside her. She gave a small to ease him. Reiner was feeling anxious but happy also. When he noticed Mikasa gave him a sweet smile, his anxiousness had been lifted. The priest began to chant in Hizuru native language while cleansing both bride and groom with sage smoke. When he was finished both couples bowed where their forehead touched the floor. Mikasa barely understood what the priest said. She could understand the part where he was asking the gods to bless her and Reiner with good fortune, prosperity, good health and fertility. Of course that part made her blush. Yes, she may use to having amazing sex with Reiner, but it does made her shy after and before.  

Once again the priest chants to wear off negativity, bad spirits and energies then the couple bows again as this has become  repetitive until they finally stop. The priest bowed in front of them and spoke in Eldian with a heavy Hizuran accent. 

“May your reign be blessed and live long, my empress and your highness.” The priest said. He had concluded the ceremony which made Mikasa happy because this outfit was heavy and hot. She needed to get out of these layers of robes. She saw Reiner's hand to help her get up from the floor. 

She smiled as her now husband gently pulled her to him. “How are you feeling, my wife?” He whispered softly. 

“I feel the most happy, my husband.” She whispered back. Now the newlyweds felt this will be a new beginning for them. They know there will be obstacles both have to face together like ending the war and retaking the island to give back to the Paradisian. Later, both and the rest of this half side of the world will work on peace.  

(Levi)

The horse ride to meet the rest of the soldiers and assassins was long and irritating. Levi was caught up with Rick and Reggie telling him what had happened to the Scouts which the MPS and Garrisons were working together with the Survey Corps along with the assassins. He hoped Historia could wait a bit longer until they marched in and retake their island. This island was his, Historia’s, most of the soldiers' home. Also, this land will be safe for his son to come back home and be raided by him and his queen.

The silent ride was too long for anyone's liking. Levi noticed they passed through the gates of Wall Sina, Rose, and Maria. They are now in the open area where many years ago, this land was roamed with Titans. So many tragic memories reminded the captain of the expedition days when Commander Erwin was leading them. Of course, this had saddened the raven haired Ackerman. He was a devoted soldier to lead humanity into freedom from titans. 

“How long is the camp?” Levi said. 

“We’re almost there, Captain.” Reggie said. 

Levi focuses closely to see faded smoke in the sky view. Tch, making a campfire was not a smart move as it can give out the location from their enemies. He also understands why they did that. It was cold as hell so it’s instinctive to make fire to keep the soldiers and assassins warm from the cold. The trio made their way into the dense trees. Once they reached there, Jean spotted them. He ran towards the trio to greet Captain Levi and the two men. 

“Captain Levi! Welcome back.” Jean gave a salute gesture to his higher ranking officer. 

Levi gave a nod but didn’t say much as he got off his horse. “Are the rest of the squad made it out here safely?” The dark haired man finally spoke. 

“Yes sir, everyone is here in this new location. Sasha is still in New York guarding the young prince. We got a letter from her recently. I will give it to you once you’re settled.” Jean said. 

“Very well.” Levi said then paused to glance back at Jean. “Where’s grandfather and Hange?” 

“Oh both Mentor and Commander are in the tent with most of the top assassins and soldiers in a meeting. Both other Commanders are with them as well.” The light brown soldier said to his captain. 

“Alright, I’ll go join them.” Levi goes to a big tent. In front of the tent, there were two soldiers guarding. When Levi stood in front of the two guards, both guards were startled by his presence and stepped aside for him to enter.  

Levi entered the big tent to see most of everyone he knew. His grandfather, William Miles sat on the head seat on the left while Hange was sitting on the right of the head seat. Both Commanders Brzenska and Dok were sitting opposite each other. The rest of them were filled by soldiers and assassins.

The tent became quiet when everyone stared at the silver-eyed man. If it wasn’t the years he dedicated himself as Erwin’s captain during the expeditions to win against the titans, Levi would get awkward from being stared too long for his taste. He may still despise getting attention but he’s used to it. 

“Levi, you’re safe. You reckless, boy!” The male Ackerman felt arms being wrapped around him as he was being pulled to a big hug. At that moment, Bill held his oldest grandson. The elder man was worried ever since Levi ran off to go save Historia. 

Levi embraced his grandfather’s warm hug. “I know..I know..” He mumbled. 

“Welcome back, Levi.” Hange gave a smirk at her captain which Captain Levi in return smirked at the commander. 

“I see for once Jaeger was keeping his word.” Commander Brzenska said. 

Levi took a quick glance at Rico then made a tch sound. Ackerman goes to the head on the table where his grandfather was sitting before. 

“Listen everyone. From the weeks I have spent being their lab rat, the only reason these motherfuckers are here is because they’re looking for a stone.. no six stones.” Levi said as everyone began to mutter what he said.  

“What do you mean six stones? What’s so special about these stones?” Dok was curious about what Levi said. 

“Each stone is part of the cosmos of the universe. When they’re used together chaos and crazy shit will happen and no one will be safe.” The raven haired man glanced at Nile. 

“Levi, how do you know about the infinity stones?” Miles interrupted. 

“Huh so those colorful stones have a name? I had a bleeding effect while I was resting at the dungeon cell. All I remembered, seeing images of the stones and what they're capable of doing. SO many used it to literally wipe out people, land, and unknown worlds.” Levi resumed. He was terrified of the power it could cost. He wanted to do whatever it takes to find them to hide them away from any beings no matter their good or bad intentions. 

“I see…” Bill was concerned about his grandson’s bleeding effect episode. If it’s not under control it leads Levi into madness until he takes his life away. It had happened to some using the Amius far too much in which it caused the Bleeding Effect. 

“Ok so all we need to find these stones but the world is a big place so how are we going to have time to find them before the templars find them and use it on us to rule the world?” Rico had a point. Time is a luxury now. They still have to take back their homes. At least Marley proves it’s possible to have victory.

“Actually, an old friend of mine can help us to find them.” The Assassin Mentor said. 

Everyone looked at the Mentor. “That’s good news. Who is it?” Hange said while glancing at her boyfriend. 

“Nick Fury.” William said. Everyone including Levi were curious but clueless from not knowing this Nick Fury guy. But if this will help to find these stones then Levi will accept any help and resource before it’s too late. 

(Natasha)

Natasha looked around to see the view in light purple with neon blue. She sees a big tree on top of the pinkish hill. Did she wake up in a fairytale world? The young woman looked down to see her elegant but revealing gown from the ball charity last night on her still. Maybe this is a dream...right? The woman from the future mentally said to herself while walking on the grass. The pink grass felt so real. It was wet and cool. Her feet were bare which it’s why she knows it’s wet and cool. 

As she went a bit further, Natasha saw a stone table instead of the tree. Huh? That’s strange. She could have swore the tree was there. She shook her head to keep walking until she had reached the top. Gently, Natasha placed her hands on the table stone to rest a bit. Sometimes pregnancy makes easy tasks like walking difficult. 

She widened her eyes to see six beautiful glowing stones. The more she glanced at them Natasha heard voices. 

“With great power comes great responsibility…”

“I am inevitable.”

“And I’m Ironman…”

This began to startle her until another distinctive voice whispered in her ears.

“This is part of you..”

“You are now the Infinity witch. Only you are able to harness them. Unlock them. It’s your destiny.” Natasha shaking her head in fear. No. She doesn’t want to use them. She had promised her grandmother she would never use the stones even if she was born with them hosted in her body. 

“NOO! YOU WILL NOT MAKE ME!” She screamed. 

It’s who you are...girl. Embrace…

These other voices are coming back and it’s driving her insane. Suddenly another voice was calling for her.

Natasha...Natasha...Natasha…

Finally she blinked her eyes as it opened to see familiar emerald green eyes staring at her with worry. 

“Hey doll face. Are you ok? What’s wrong?” Eren caressed her cheek as tears streamed down from her eyes. 

“It’s nothing, baby. Just a silly little nightmare.” She gave him a small smile which Eren frowned as he didn't seem convinced.

“Natasha, it doesn’t sound anything from the way you were screaming. I won’t be surprised if the neighbor would yell by the window at us. Come on, you can tell me, baby.” Eren was trying to persuade his fiancée. 

Natasha doesn’t know what to tell him besides that she’s wielding all six infinity stones . In fact, she was the first ever known to be immune to the power of these stones without having consequences like Thanos and her late grandpa; Tony Stark. Only certain people like her grandma, Pepper and Director Maria Hill. It was best no one knows about her true abilities. No one knows how she had the stones inside her body beside her mother. If Natasha could talk to the dead, she would talk to her mother to have these questions be answered. Her titan was able to adapt because Natasha was born to have these stones inside her. 

“I’m scared...that I will lose you too.” She whispered. Even though her statement was true, she needed to distract him to change a different topic. Eren already has things on his plate. She doesn’t want to overwhelm him with her having powers to cause chaos and destruction. 

“Babe, I promise nothing will stop me being there with you, especially the birth of our kid.” Eren was already hovering over her. His green eyes were staring into her silver ones.

“What about if I did end up back in my time and gave birth there? Will you be alive to be in our lives?” She said in wanting to feel reassurance. 

Eren’s smile was full of warmth and comfort. “I’ll make sure to keep on fighting to live just to be with you and our baby in the future. You two are what kept me from finding a different path to freedom for our people.” His lips lightly brushed against hers. 

Natasha smiled while feeling Eren’s kisses on her neck. “If I do end up going back, I will find you. I promise.” She whispered to him. 

After the ball, both Natasha and Eren had been working on their fragile relationship to the point they bought a home outside of the palace. It’s in Mitras which it’s perfect for them. They are near the palace but they have their privacy. 

It’s been a month since the ball had happened. Today it’s their first appointment to the doctor since the discovery only one of the twins survived of th miscarriage. She had asked to have today the day off which it’s one of the perks working closely to the queen. Speaking of doctor’s appointments, what time is it now?

“Eren, what time is it?” She said while her boyfriend was too occupied kissing her neck and shoulders. 

“It’s almost 8 am.” He mutters while being attentive on your body as his lips over lower to the valley of your breasts. 

“Mmm E-eren...we have an appointment in an hour. I don’t think we have enough time-” She was cut off with his tongue licking on her nipple. A moan was let out from her lips. Her hands grips on his hair.

“Don’t worry doll face, we’ll make it on time.” His tone became husky. Natasha glanced up to see his green eyes were clouded by lust. 

Eren latched on to one of her nipples to suckle while traveling his fingers below where he could hear her wet folds waiting to be attended. He slowly strokes her throbbing clit as her panting escalates more. Before he could insert his fingers into her hole, Natasha grabbed his hand to stop him. Eren stopped sucking her nipples to look at her. In a sudden move, she wrapped her legs around his pelvic waist to flip their positions. Now she’s on top of him. The heiress felt his cock poking her. 

“Time is luxurious, my love.” She smirked then removed her nightgown to reveal her changing body as her baby bump had grown a bit more than the last doctor’s visit. Eren chuckled while his hands gripped on her hips to gently lift her up enough to have her insert herself on his hard cock. While feeling his length entering deep inside her, she grips her hands on the top of the bed board. Slowly, she took the lead by rocking her hips on his cock. 

Eren let his hands wander around her body admiring the way her hips rolled on him. Morning sex were one of the best to start the day. Natasha starts to increase at a fast pace. Both parties were already panting as their bodies became hot and sweating. It won’t matter since the pleasure and adrenaline made it feel euphoric. 

Even though they could last longer like they usually do, this time they needed to wrap it up. The brunette heiress felt she was at the peak of the climax. It wasn’t that long when Eren released himself inside her. She took in the last pleasure before her orgasm came. After their high from pleasure came down, Natasha looked at the clock to see more than half an hour had passed. Her eyes widen from the time and pull off the covers from her. 

“Oh shit! Eren, we’re going to be late.” She got off the bed and ran to the bathroom to clean herself quickly. 

On the other side of the bed, Eren groaned in annoyance from realizing his girlfriend won���t let it go on them about being late. If only their day off was just laying in bed for the rest of the morning, but nope; the doctor’s appointment is in the morning. Why didn’t Natasha schedule for later in the afternoon? It doesn’t matter now since he saw her coming out of the bathroom looking fresh from showering. 

“Come on, my love. We only got twenty-five minutes.” She sighed at him from still laying on the bed. 

“Fine, fine. I’m up.” He finally got off the bed and headed to the bathroom to get ready. While Eren enters the bathroom, Natasha goes to get clean clothes for Eren to wear. She lay them on the bed. Finally, she put on her outfit. The maternity clothes in Paradise Isle only have long skirts or dresses. They really need to add comfy trousers. By the time she was ready, Eren walked out. 

“Babe, just wear the clothes I laid on the bed.” Natasha pointed to Eren where the clothes are. Eren nodded and thanked her. Once Eren was ready, both couples head out to see the doctor. 

Barely they made it to the clinic by three minutes from the actual appointment. The pregnant woman from the future stopped to take a long breath. Eren was behind her. 

“Eve! I told you not to run. I don’t want you to have more reasons to be in the hospital.” Eren looked at her with concern.

“I’m fine, Eren. Besides, think of this as a cardio workout.” She chuckled to brush it off.  

“Stubborn woman.” He muttered. 

Natasha rolled her eyes with annoyance then walked to sign in and wait for her name to be called. The green eyed titan shifter followed her until they sat on a chair to wait. It’s a good thing there weren’t many people today. Soon her name was being called and both of them got up to follow the nurse to a room to meet the doctor.  

After checking her vitals, the nurse left to get the doctor. Now, Eve and Eren are alone in the small room. The room was old and made out of bricks and wood. She forgot most of the buildings on this island are old since a century from the last king brought the rest of the Eldians from the Great Titan War. The silver eyed woman glanced at her lover to see his expression looked conflicted. What is he thinking right now?

“Eren? Are you alright? What’s bugging you?” Her tone was soft and compassionate while placing her hand on top of his. 

Eren came out of his deep thinking. “Huh? Oh yeah, I guess.” 

“You guess? Tell me, my love. I’m here for you if you are worried about something.” Her fingers intertwined his fingers to give him comfort. 

Eren leaned his back to the chair as he sighed. “I was wondering what would happen if my mom and dad were still alive. How excited they will be knowing they will be grandparents?” 

“Yeah, I have always thought about that too. Probably my mom would shriek in excitement and my dad would try to choke you to death.” Natasha chuckled from imagining the scene of her parents’ reaction if they were alive.  

Eren also chuckled from that thought. “ Oh shit, I think I’m more scared of Levi being the one who will try to kill me.” He heard a snore from her. 

“Oh god, I found out about my grandparents’ reaction. They would make you shit your pants.” Natasha doesn’t know how she will tell them if she gets back to her time period. 

“Levi I can understand, but Historia? She’s too sweet and nice to hurt a fly.” Eren said. Of course, Natasha laughed at his statement. 

“Oh babe, you will be in for a rude awakening. My grandmother is not the same person as she is here.” She glanced at him. 

“How bad is it?” Eren looked at her confused. 

“In the future, she’s firm and assertive. If anyone tries with her, they will face consequences. Both grandpa and grandma are different but similar. It makes sense because they both compliment each other.” She continues.

“Historia? The good girl Historia? Huh, I mean she did told her father to fuck off and humanity while kicking his ass.” Eren wondered what event that led her to wash away her good girl attitude. 

“I’m surprised that you weren’t aware of her many sides. Weren’t you guys comrades or you had a thing for her?” The last statement made Eren scoff irritatedly. 

“I never liked her like that. Why are you bringing it up when I had alright explained it long ago?” His tone was stern. She had pushed his buttons to bring up this topic. 

“Eren, I didn’t mean that-” She was trying to justify her statement. 

“Natasha, I know you enough when you haven’t let go of something. What’s next? Still paranoid about Belia and I?” He whispered harshly.

She was about to say something but decided to close her lips. Seeing Eren angry was not something she was in the mood for to deal with. 

“Exactly what I thought.” He said that it pissed her off too. Before she was about to give a piece of her mind, the doctor walked in with a cheery mood.  

“Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Jaeger. Are we excited to see how your baby is doing so far?” The doctor closed the door and sat on his stool. 

“Morning Dr. Dobber and it’s actually Ms. Potts. We’re not married.” Her comment made Eren glared at her. Tensions start to build up between them. 

“My apologies, Ms. Potts.” The doctor chuckled awkwardly. 

“Tch. You didn’t need to apologize, doctor. Either way she will be Mrs. Jaeger soon.” Eren said. 

If it wasn’t for this appointment, she would have walked out of the clinic and given him the silent treatment. Right now, she wants to be away from him. Her temper was simmering in her. 

“I see. Natasha, from the looks of your vitals; it seems everything is in order. Do you still have enough prenatal vitamins?” The doctor had changed the subject as it was getting too tense or his liking. 

“Yes, I still have some left.” Natasha answered the doctor’s question. 

“Very good. Let’s have you lay on the bed to check on your growing child.” The doctor got up to drag his stool to a machine to do an ultrasound.

Natasha didn’t bother to acknowledge Eren as he tried to help her out. She quickly got up to go lay on the bed and rolled up her blouse to expose her baby bump while the doctor poured the cool jelly on a hard small object. He placed it on her belly as an image on the screen started to show. 

Eren saw the image of a forming fetus. It’s still tiny. He was amazed how it’s possible to see the baby growing in the belly. This moment was so surreal. He forgot their heated argument, but the moment got ruined when her hand pulled away from him when he tried to give a loving gesture. He leaned back on the chair as his arms crossed over his chest with a sour mood on his face.

After the doctor checked the growing baby, he cleared them to go. Once Natasha finished adjusting her blouse properly, she headed out leaving Eren behind. Ugh, the nerve of him! She just needed to be alone for a bit. Due to her mind being clouded by anger, she wasn’t able to pay attention where she was going. She bumped into three men. 

“Oh sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going.” She said with embarrassment. 

“Well well look what we have here guys? A pretty doll face standing before us.” The leader said with a mischievous tone. 

Well shit. She was not in the mood to deal with them. “Listen, I’m not in the mood to have a chat.” 

She was stopped by one of them and grabbed her arm to pull her back to them. All three trapped her.  Natasha observed her surroundings to notice she was in the dark alley. 

“That’s too bad because we want to chat with you.” The leader had his hand caressing from her cheek down to the valley of her breasts. The dark haired woman was disgusted. 

“Don’t fucking touch me.” Her tone was dark. The men laughed as they thought it was hilarious. 

“Oh boss, we have a feisty one.” One of them commented. 

“My men and I love feisty women. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, doll face.” The leader gave her an ultimatum. Eve’s eye has twitched from being called doll face. The fact only Eren was allowed to call her and not anyone. Seriously, that name really pissed her off.   

“Fuck off!” She growled in anger and slapped the leader’s cheek hard. The leader fell on the ground which surprised him and his men. This woman was strong. 

“Listen you bitch. You’re just asking for it.” One of them shouted at her. They charged at her and she gave one of them a roundhouse kick. One of the men fell on the ground from the impact. The unharmed man ran towards her to try to knock her down. Instead, a punch in his nose was met. His nose was bleeding from the force of her punch. 

The suck part was her stamina was not great from her pregnancy. Her energy was mostly low and she had taken small naps between her breaks or days off. She should have seen this coming when the leader recovered and wrapped his arms around her before she did any more damage. 

“Now you can’t do anything to us. So give up.” The leader said. Of course, Natasha was struggling under his grasp. 

Fuck now she’s in huge trouble. This is what she gets for letting her anger clouded her sense of direction. 

“I am warning you. Let go of me.” She warned him. The two men that were on the ground had recovered and followed their leader to the deeper alley. The female Ackerman was getting exhausted as she was being dragged. She was now pinned to the dirty ground as their hands wandered around on her body groping and touching. Her silver eyes glared at them with hatred. 

“Let go of me. Get. The. Fuck. Away. From. ME!” She screamed. It’s like the atmosphere had changed. All three men felt a force knocked them away frm her. They were surprised. When they tried to get up, their bodies were being lifted which reality hit them as fear took over. 

“W-what are you?!” He stuttered when he saw her eyes glowing with different colors. Natasha used her glowing hands to use her abilities to pinned them on the wall. 

“I fucking warned you, didn’t I?” Her tone was cold. Slowly, she made crushing hand gestures to make them suffocate in a slow death. First her argument with Eren and now these assholes think they can just try to assault her and get away from it? No. Now they must pay. 

All three begged her for mercy. She scoffed at them while resuming causing them pain. Just feeling the power of the infinity stones makes her alive and in control from others. The adrenaline in her blood kicked in to watch how they beg for their lives to be spared.

“Natasha! What are you doing?!” A familiar voice caught her attention. It was Eren. 

“They deserved the pain of the women they caused pain….what my mother had dealt. Men like them deserve to die in agony!” She yelled at Eren. 

Eren was a bit scared at what she’s doing to these men with her powers. This shocked him from more secrets his lover had kept from him. He was a bit hurt for her not to trust him of her powers. His feelings needed to be set aside to calm her down. She looked like on the verge of a mental breakdown. 

“Natasha, baby. I understand these men deserved to be punished but not like this. Your hands will be strained by their blood. Please, let them go and we’ll get the military police involved to charge them.” Eren was trying to convince her to stop torturing them. 

“Ha, that’s rich coming from you. Didn’t you plan on wiping most of the global population for the sake of Eldians to have a peaceful life? Besides, my hands had been stained as a child. How do you think the men that raped and murdered my mother and baby brother were slaughtered? By my hands...and I don’t feel any remorse.” She told Eren while letting out a laugh. 

It’s true. What gave him the right to judge her when he was about to commit a genocide. All she wanted was to give justice to the people like her mother, baby brother and the victims from people like these disgusting men in front of her. In a way, both Eren and Natasha are like-minded people. They think the same but in different situations. 

Slowly, Eren gets closer to her. “You’re right. What right do I have telling you what to do? Natasha, that’s the thing. We both have so much in common watching our mothers die before our eyes. I am so fucking sorry you had to go thorugh that. I know the pain and anger you are feeling, but please for our child’s sake; let them go. This isn’t you. You’re the compassionate one.” 

She understood what her boyfriend was trying to say but her mood hasn’t calmed down. She dropped them as they fell to the ground. All three were unconscious. The superhuman turned to glare at him. “What do you know about me? You can’t dictate what’s not me or what is?!” 

“Babe, you’re right. I didn’t mean it that way. Your feelings are validated but hurting others won’t change the situation. Please, let’s get home and have a warm tea while you lay to rest on the bed.” The titan shifter noticed his words slowly calming her down. She was hovering midair until her feet landed on the ground. The grey clouds started to disappear. Her hands stopped glowing. Her eyes changed back to silver. 

“I’m fine...I’m not tired.” She said stubbornly. Her body yearned to rest from using so much energy that her powers had drained her. 

“Uh huh. You don’t have to be alright. Let’s go home and we’ll talk about it.” Eren said as he gently reached out to hug her. 

“Hold on, I need to do something.” He didn’t want to let her go. Natasha looked at him. “Please at least trust me on this.” She said to him. 

He let her go as she walked towards the unconscious men and used her two fingers to place on their side of the heads to erase their memories of encountering her. With the soul stone power she was able to wipe their memories of meeting her and seeing her power in action. 

“What are you-” Eren saw what she did. 

“Relax. I’m just erasing their memories of meeting me.” She said then went towards him. Once she reached Eren, her body collapsed on her. With the last energy, she erased the men’s memories. Luckily, Eren caught her in time and carried her in bridal style. 

He looked down at her as she fell unconscious. “You really are full of surprises.” He whispered. The green eyed titan shifter walked out of the dark alley to get to their home.

What they didn’t see was a shadow figure hiding from their view to watch everything that just happened. The figure walked while using a communication device. 

“Sir, we know where the stones are. It’s our lucky day for the templars.” the mysterious figure said. “Guess who has them. It’s Eren Jaeger’s girl; I think Eveline Potts. Yeah, the queen’s personal handmaiden.” The templar man reported to his superior.  

(Nathaniel) 

Finally it has been mostly a month since he had left for Europe on a business trip. Nathan exited out the vehicle and right in front of him the two people he was happy to see. Both Historia and Gilbert had greeted the king. 

“Husband, welcome home. I hope the trip went smoothly.” His queen spoke with eloquence and grace that he forgot she still despised him. At least her pretending to play her part had gotten better. 

“My beautiful queen and wife. It’s good to see you again. I heard the ball was successful! I am pleased with the work you put into it.” Nathan said with a joyous expression. 

“My king, I can’t take all the credit. Lord Gilbert was the one who contributed the most.” Historia humbly spoke. Gilbert looked a bit surprised from the praise he was received. 

“Your Majesty, I couldn’t have done it without you to make the ball successful.” Gilly said quietly. 

“I’m glad everything worked out while I was gone. Thank you both.” Nathaniel smiled. 

The false king had big plans as he received a message from one of his spies that the mythical infinity stones were found. Once his men capture the handmaiden, he will try to gain its powers and eliminate obstacles like Levi, the assassins and the Grandmaster. Nathaniel will conquer the world and no one will stop his ambition. 

A/N: Wow, I know I took too long to update this chapter. All I can say is, life just happens so I can’t promise you guys I’ll update like I usually do; but it will be at a slow pace. I hope you guys enjoy this new chapter. Let me know what you guys think?! Don’t forget to comment and kudos please. See ya in the next chapter!

[rosierocks30]

Hidden: Ch. 20

Chapter 20: Dancing with the Devil

(Levi/Arne)

It was dark and smelly. He can hear drops of water from wherever he was placed. Arne woke up from being knocked out at the tarven. He realized this was a cell and his wrists were cuffed to the wall. The son of farmers felt anxious from wanting to know where his wife was. Is Ingrid safe? Are they harming her? Is their unborn child safe too? So much fear of what ifs ran through his mind. 

Arne heard noises of the guards coming towards his cell. The sound of keys shuffled as the guard inserted the key into the lock and unlocked the cell’s bar. Once the guard opened, he shouted at Arne. “Prisoner, I see you’re awake. We’re moving you to the other dungeon.” 

Arne barely noticed the guard had a dark mask on his head. Probably concealing his identity. As Arne was uncuffed from the chains, the guard dragged him away from the cell. His body was a bit weak from who knows what they use to knock him out. 

The silence was killing him. All he saw the cold hallways leading to the other parts of the dungeon. The dark haired prisoner glanced at a room where a wooden like table was in the middle. 

Two others went to grab Arne and placed him on the wooden table. They strapped him down tightly with thick leather belts. 

“As a punishment for crimes, the king made you his labrat for risky experiments. The scientist will arrive soon.” The guard said. 

Not too long, a man arrived and looked at Arne. “Aw this is my latest subject?”

Latest? So there were other unfortunate lads before him? He won’t be surprised if none had survived from whatever sick experiment the king had approved. 

“Hello there! I’m Gabriel Hange, the king’s new scientist. You looked well fitted than my previous subjects. Good good. We’re gonna need a healthy one. Hopefully, you will be my breakthrough!” He giggled with excitement. 

Arne was already irritated with this mad lad. The scientist Gabriel dismissed the guards when they left the room. Now it was him and this deranged man. “It;s just you and me. Before I start, what questions do you have?” 

Arne does have many questions but most of them won’t get answered as this scientist might not know it. “What do you plan on doing to me?” He asked. 

“You’re a man of getting to the straight answers? Well, let’s start at the beginning. The king had wanted a loyal knight to serve and obey him only. So I was granted an audience with him when he heard about my theory of it’s possible to create a titan in it’s human form without shifting into one of the nine titans or being pure mindless ones.” Gabriel explained to Arne. 

“So basically I will become a weapon?” Arne said. 

“Yeah, something like that if you survive.” The scientist said. 

Arne doesn’t have a choice since he was tied to the table. He closed his eyes to pray to the gods and goddesses to protect his wife and their unborn babe. “Let’s just get this over with.” He mumbled. 

“Yes, yes. I hope you make it through, sir.” The dark brown haired man said. 

“I’m not a knight. Just a peasant farmer.” He glanced at Hange the scientist. 

“Of course, then what shall I call you?” He said. 

“Call me Ackerman.” Arne said. 

Gabriel nodded in accepting the other’s request. “Alright Ackerman this will hurt.” 

Arne took a deep breath to mentally be prepared for the pain he will endure. As he felt a burning pain inside his veins, Arne grunts from trying to not let this pain consume him. Gabriel had injected a small dose of blue liquid into the bloodstream of Arne’s veins. The scientist wanted to start off a small dose before giving the all the blue serum like fluid to his test subject. The dark brown haired man with glasses watched how this man endures the pain. Usually, the other test subjects begin to scream for mercy. Their bodies become purple as the serum slowly deteriorates their organs and melts them until blood comes out from their noses, eyes, ears, and mouth. It looked like a deadly poison killed them. Technically, this serum is like poison. This prisoner hasn’t shown signs of bleeding from nothing of the areas the scientist had seen with others. 

“You are strong for enduring this small dose. Let’s see if you can handle half of the serum I have.” Hange said. He connected a bag with serum to the tube that’s connected to a needle on Arne's arm.  He slowly squeezed the bag as the fluid went into Arne’s bloodstream. Arne felt sweats and heat from his body raising its temperature for trying to kill off the foreign fluid inside his body. Finally, the scientist finished the bag. 

“Alright, all done. We’ll just have to wait until the next day if you make it or not to add another bag of fluid into you. For now, I will observe how your behavior and symptoms react to the serum.”  He said. 

Arne couldn’t answer him as he still felt his body on fire. He began to scream when the fluid began to boil in his blood. Oh gods, this is the worst torture ever. He was thinking death would be more pleasant.

No...he can’t think like that. He must get this through to escape and find Ingrid. Ingrid and the babe need him. He must survive. He’ll live and protect his family. 

The sequence turned white and Levi Ackerman woke up with sweats and fever. The raven haired man grunts from the fever and the pain he felt from his body. Davos and his assistants rush to get him stable. Levi’s vitals were going off the chart. The captain felt hallucination of seeing a familiar blonde beauty that he loves and cherishes. 

“Historia….” His wife’s name whispered breathlessly from his dry chapped lips then darkness greeted him. 

Levi’s eyes opened slowly as the view was not the white room nor the dungeon cells. Where the fuck is he? Where did they move him this time? He slowly sit up and heard heavy chains move. He glanced down to see his wrists were cuffed and chained to the bed. He could smell sterile and medicine. Did they put him in a hospital? A figure appeared before him. The figure was an old man with few hairs on his head. He has a genuine smile on his face which Levi senses this man must be the doctor from the uniform white robe they wear. Right next to him was a familiar brat he used to kick the shit out of him to save his life. 

“Had a nice nap, Captain? The doctor had to make sure you won’t die on us, but you are Humanity’s Strongest. You’re too hard to die anyways.” Eren smirked. 

Eren is lucky Levi was chained and weak at the moment from kicking his ass again. Levi glared at the Titan Shifter. 

“How unpleasant to see you, Jaeger.” He mumbled. 

“You might find it hard to believe but I’m not the enemy, captain.” Eren said. 

Levi scoffed as he does find it hard to believe. “Tch.” 

“We have a lot of catching up to do because Historia has begged me to help you out to escape the palace and sent you back to the Assassins and the soldiers.” Erren whispered. 

Levi glanced at him in confusion. Is this a joke? Eren had decided to play the good guy? Levi doesn’t want to fall for this brat’s tricks. Did Historia contact Eren to help out?

“Look Levi, Historia and I made a pact to help you get out of here. Most of the soldiers are planning to strike soon. I am spying for the military and the assassins. I had to convince Davos to let the doctor check up on you. As to him and the templars, you’re valuable to them.” Eren said. 

“Didn’t you want the whole world to end to save Eldia or some fucked up shit?” Levi finally spoke. 

“I did, but my perspective had changed.” Eren’s thoughts were on Natasha when he said that. 

“You have done fucked up shit. So give me a reason why I should this time believe you have changed?” The assassin may be weak from recovering from a high fever but his tone was dark. 

Eren frowned; he remembered the atrocious he had committed for the sake of freedom to the Eldians. In his mind, he had to become a great villain for the world to be untied and defeat him while freeing the curse. Now, his selfish desire had altered his destiny. He wants to do whatever it takes to protect his girl and their unborn. He wanted to give them peace and freedom without causing the majority of the world into chaos. 

“We both have something in common.” Eren said. 

“Like what?” Levi said. 

“Being a father. My kid will be born in nine months and I want this mess that I create be dealt with before he or she comes into this world. I want to keep my family safe. I know you want that too for Historia and your son. So, this is what’s going to happen. While most of the people are busy attending the ball, me and two others, Rick and Reggie will help you out to sneak away from the city. But I won’t go out of the city since I need to be here to play the “good brother”.” Eren explained to Levi. 

“What about Historia? I am not going to leave without her.” Levi hissed. 

“I understand you want to take her away from this hell, but she needs to be here in order to work. Her alibi will be the ball as queen she will be too busy attending guests at the ball. I promise to you that she will not be harmed. The Brotherhood and Paradis needs you as much this nation needs the soldiers. Marley finally regains their country from the Templars’ soldiers. Reiner is one hella Commander in Chief.” He chuckled.  

“The Armor Titan was made into a Commander? Didn’t know Marley had sympathy to allow an Eldian to rise from the ranks.” Levi said. 

“Yeah, I guess it was the templars who made this side of the world more united than I did.” Eren chuckled darkly. 

“Promise you will keep her safe if I go?” Levi finally gave in. 

“Yeah, I’ll make sure she will be safe.” Eren confirmed. 

Levi nodded. “Alright, but I’m holding on to your promise, Jaeger.” The shorter man said. 

Both men begin to plan out to sneak Levi away from the Templars’ grasp. It’s a good thing the King was still out of the country to deal with some templar business. 

(Gilbert)

Ever since he accepted Alexander de Lorenzo’s offer, Gilbert had been receiving expensive gifts from many places around the world. Whenever he meet up the Grandmaster, they had an amazing sex. It felt exhilarating and forbidden. Gilly still received love letters from Nathaniel as the king was on a business trip along the Grandmaster. But Alexander somehow convinced Nathaniel to let Gilbert be in charge of the templars and the people of Paradis even by law it should be the queen. As if he’ll let that man stealing harlot gain more power than him. He had worked his ass off to get where he is. Right now, he had to attend the ball along with her. Ugh they have to work together to make this charity ball successful. This will show both of his lovers that he is capable of taking on a big role. He will not fail. The tailor was adjusting Gilbert’s outfit for the ball. It came from Italy where Alexander was from. 

“My Lord, this suit is at it’s finest. Such a luxurious material can’t be found on this side of the world.” The tailor praised him. 

“Yes, this is one of a kind.” Gilly gloated. 

“It’s all set to be used at the ball. I hope you have a wonderful time. You will be the center of it tonight!” The tailor said. 

“Yes, of course.” he smirked. 

The ball had started and Gilbert was wearing a viper mask made of gold and crushed diamonds which it’s one of the gifts Alexander gave him. The guests had arrived with their masked on and the outfits were filled with so many colors. The tables of food from all over the world were displayed. The music plays with joy to dance and mingle. So far the ball was looking perfect. It would be magical if this bitch next to him was locked in her room and not greeting the guests. This was supposed to be his night instead the guests praised the queen how beautiful and breathtaking she looks. She was wearing a silver ball gown with the top silk material and the hem was puffy with flower patterns. The chest of the gown was shaped into a heart as her breasts were pushed up a bit. It would be inappropriate but since the Templars took control, Alexander had encouraged Nathaniel to bring in modern fashion and lifestyle even though Nathan wanted the old ways when King Karl had reigned in this island.  

Historia’s mask looked like a delicate swan with white and silver. The eye shape had dark shade. She was a Swan Queen as the nobles and Higher class praised. After greeting, he took a glass of champagne to drink and tried to not let her ruin the rest of the night. He will be praised and admired by the end of the night. 

(Hange)

Today half of the people are heading out of the walls to prepare to meet their allies across the sea. It’s clear Mikasa had made Hizuru their allies again. Marley had become their allies as well. This was a historical moment. For centuries these two sides were enemies until now. 

The Commander of the Survey corps had been alone writing her journal since who knows if her journal could end up in some museum or used as a school research paper.

She and William had been strategizing to give a surprise attack to the templars. But first they are waiting for Eren helping Rick and Reggie to sneak Levi out of the palace. Once it is done, they will give their second base which it’s at the coastline of this island. To let their allies in and heading towards here to take back their home. If Marley was capable of winning their nation so the Paradisian can. 

(Sasha)

The female Eldian soldier was having the time of her life residing in the city that never sleeps. New York City was so pretty with light during nights. She had tried many cuisines of different cultures. She was in heaven. The baby had been so far easy to take care of. Atticus had been a good boy. He rarely cries unless it’s necessary. He was a curious baby when toys were given to him to play. Only soft ones as he is just a month old. For a month old, he was a big boy. Sasha thought this kid will be tiny like his parents. Maybe the prince inherited a tall gene from somewhere. That would be funny if the baby grew up to be taller than both of them. 

Sasha was strolling with the baby stroller to enjoy nature in Central Park. It’s not like the nature she grew up with back home in her village, but this will do. She spotted a nice big tree where she can place a big blanket and have Atticus lay down to enjoy the fresh air. He had been cooped up in the house for weeks. A child should start embracing nature at this age. Sasha's parents had taken her outdoors when she was days old. As it was tradition back at her village. 

She may not be a pro at raising babies but she will from now raise the boy as the way she was raised. Once the blanket was spread Sasha placed the big bag on the blanket then gently picked up Atticus who giggled with joy from being picked up. He loves being carried. This kid was definitely a prince. 

“What a cute boy you are?” She coos at the infant. 

Atticus squeals in delight. He was laid on the blanket. Then Sasha places his toy jungle gym over him so he can kick and play. Today was a clear warm day with a breeze. Is this what it feels like to be free from discrimation, oppression, war, titans and corruption? This was a true paradise. Sasha didn’t have to worry for her life, but she felt guilty because back home her comrades and family are there where danger lurks. 

Sasha smiled at Atticus who was too entertained with his toys dangling over him. She didn’t notice someone’s presence when her mind was drifted away from thinking nostalgia memories with her friends from Levi’s squad. 

“What a cute baby you have?” The man looked at Atticus which the infant stopped playing to glanced at the stranger. 

Sasha quickly sits up to be on alert if this man gives any bad intentions. “Yes, he is cute. Isn’t he?” Her brown eyes stared at his brown eyes. 

“I mean it makes sense since he got his cuteness from his mother.” The man gave a flirty smile at her which Sasha responded with a blush from his bold comment.

“Thanks but I’m not his mother. I’m just his auntie well sorta. It’s really complicated.” She chuckled. 

“Oh I’m sorry, I thought he was yours, but that’s a good sign because you’re not with anyone, right?” He grinned. 

“I- right. I don’t have a boyfriend if that’s what interests you.” She said while her brow raised up. 

“That definitely interests me. By the way, the name is Niccolo Browns. What’s your name?” The man with blonde short wavy hair smiled. 

“My name is Sasha Braus and this cutie is Atticus Ackerman.” She glanced at the baby who was again busy playing with his toys. 

“Oh what a beautiful name you have, Sasha. The kiddo got a cool name. His parents must have out a lot of thought into his name.” Niccolo said. 

“Thank you. Your name sounds fun to say.” Sasha repeated his name especially because she likes the way his name sounds. 

“Thanks, I’m glad my name sounds fun to you.” He laughs from hearing her saying his name in different ways. 

“So, I notice you’re not from here? Your accent is hard to figure out where you’re from.” Niccolo had been thinking where her accent came from. It’s definitely not any European country. Is she from a Marleyan colony region? 

Sasha paused to think if it’s safe to tell this man where she’s from? There’s a chance he may not have heard the Eldian people and the conflict the Eldians dealt with most of the nations from the other side of the world. She took a glimpse at Atticus. The female soldier made a promise to protect the prince at all cost. She can’t let her selfish desires jeopardize the child’s life. 

“I’m from an unknown country that not many people knew about.” Sasha said. 

“Ah I see...trying to be mysterious?” He grinned. “It’s fine. You don’t have to tell me yet.” 

“Sorry, I’m a refugee so this place is still a culture shock, but the food here feels like heaven.” Sasha felt a drool escaping from her mouth at the thought of food. 

“Oh a refugee? I’m sorry to hear that. I bet it’s hard to adjust to a new life here? Hold on, you’re a foodie? This makes it easier to woo you.” Niccolo crossed his legs to sit on the grass to be comfortable. 

“It’s ok. One day, I will be able to go back home.” Sasha was curious what he meant about wooing her with food? “You know good places to eat?” 

Niccolo’s eyes sparkled as she asked him where are the best places to eat in NYC. “I have a restaurant in the Upper East Side.”  

“Wait, you’re a chief? That’s so cool. I will happily be your food taster.” Sasha grinned with joy. Food was her passion. She loves to eat that sometimes her friends have to drag her out from a tavern before they get kicked out. 

Niccolo was happy to hear she will taste his food whenever he creates a new dish for his customers. 

“I would be honored for you tasting my food. Maybe this weekend, I'll show you my restaurant and I’ll make a spectacular dinner. You’ll be the first to try a dish I have created recently. What do you say? A date?” Niccolo glanced at Sasha in hoping she accepted to have a dinner date with him. 

Sasha contemplates whether to go on a date with him or not. If she asked her new friend to babysit Atticus maybe she’ll agree to go on a date. 

“Yes, it’s a date.” She smiled. Niccolo was pleased she said yes. 

(Eren)

It was now the perfect hours to get Levi out of the clushes from the enemies. He had a little meeting with Reggie and that Rick guy. They plan on meeting him and Levi with a carriage full of metals. 

The green eyed Titan shifter had Levi dressed up as one of the Jeagerists. Both former comrades could hear the sound of the music and the people chatting. Eren thought of Natasha being there probably bored. He remembered her telling him how she hated going to social events. She dealt with her boredom by drinking and probably flirting with some random guy to where she takes him home for the night. Of course, this is different. She’s with his child. He hopes this escape plan with Levi will go smoothly. Eren wanted to be with his lover to hold her and give sneaking kisses. 

The quad holder titan shifter stared at the entrance where the ball was held. Right where Queen Historia was greeting, Eren spotted the woman he loved was also greeting and talking to the arriving guests. He was struck by what Natasha was wearing. Her dress was hugging her body. It looked like it’s her skin, only there were sprinkling diamonds on the top of the dress. Down where the hem of the dress was split on both sides to let her legs exposed including a bit of her thighs. Her mask was a gold and emerald venetian butterfly shape. It covered the upper part of her face. To Eren, she looks mystifying and beautiful. 

Levi interrupted him from gazing at Natasha so far away. “So is that your woman huh?” He whispered. 

Eren glanced at the captain then nodded to confirm. He could tell that Levi was also staring at Historia so far away. He understood how painful it was to not be with their lover without putting them in danger. 

“We’ll get through this, kid. One day, we’ll be with them, but right now we need to be focused.” Levi’s tone was compassionate towards Eren. Long ago, Levi was like a mentor and older brother towards Eren during the time when he was a soldier with one purpose to destroy all titans to free humanity. Now that purpose has changed overtime from learning the truth. 

“Right…” Eren takes in this rare moment of Levi being understanding. 

Both men resume to walk away the entrance of the ball before they get caught. By the time they exited the palace. Rick and Reggie were already on the carriage with leftover materials covered by a heavy cloak. Quickly, Eren led Levi to hide under the cloak where the materials are. 

“Alright guys, be safe and careful. There are many guards tonight because of the ball in this city, but once you get out of the city, you’ll be fine. Send me a letter when you guys make it so the queen can know this escape plan has worked.” Eren said. 

Rick and Reggie nodded. “Understood.” Reggie the assassin said. However Rick had one thing on his mind. 

“Eren, please let Eve and Maggie know that I couldn’t make it to the ball.” Rick said with a guilt on his expression. 

“Alright. I’ll let them know.” Eren said. 

“Oi, we should go now before we get caught.” Levi said from under the cloak. All four nodding then the carriage begins to stroll away. Eren watched them leaving the palace. As he can’t see them anymore, the former leader of Jeagerist goes back to the palace. 

While Eren was walking to go to his room, Floch stopped him. “Hey Eren, your brother was looking for you.” The green eyed man glanced at the red haired man. He noticed how Floch’s face was covered with bruises and a swollen eye. His cheeks were puffy due to being kicked repeatedly. This looks like how he had looked when Captain Levi beat the living shit out of him to save him from being executed during the first trials of the discovery of being a titan shifter. 

“What the hell happened to you?” Eren looked at the red haired Jeagerist. 

“Eh, it was some bitch that was playing hard to get.” Floch mumbled annoyingly. 

“Playing hard to get or you can’t take a no?” Eren’s sly comment made Floch glared at him. Once upon a time, Floch was one of his loyal followers. This guy admired and praised him like he was some god. When he came back to be a spy for the Assassins, Floch’s behavior became estranged and mad. He assumed power got over his head. As Floch now became the second powerful man in the Jaegerist group, Eren can see him being too entitled, especially having women coming to him. Of course, he had heard rumors Floch won't’ hesitate to cross the line if a woman doesn’t respond to his advances. It disgusts Eren to the core. Floch reminded Eren the First Fritz King when he took Ymir the Founder as his concubine/consort. 

“Shut up, Eren. You can’t say shit when you use Belia to warm your cock.” Floch scowled at him.��

Eren’s facial expression became dark. He didn’t hesitate to pinned Floch to the wall to remind him who is still in high rank.

“Whatever me and Belia had was an agreement we used each other to fulfill our needs behind closed doors.” His hand gripped tightly on to Floch’s neck. Between him and Floch, Eren is stronger than him. The power of being a titan holder gave him abnormal strength. The only who can compete with a titan shifter’s strength are the Ackermans. They were created to defeat a titan shifter or a pure titan. 

He watched how Floch’s eyes widen with fear. The coward forgot not to pissed off a titan shifter like Eren Jaeger. 

“T-that’s not what she told me. She thought you and her were together.” The other growled.” 

“And you believe her? You know what, don't answer that. Like I said, there was no us between me and Belia so you can tell her to stop with her lies and tell everyone we’re together. She’s too delusional.” Eren scoffed and dropped Floch as he wouldn't waste his time on Floch nor whatever Belia had been telling the Jaegerists. He should have not pursued sleeping with Belia in the first place. It’s one of the main reasons he distanced himself from her. She’s just batshit crazy. 

“Of course, she is my cousin, you fucker.” Floch coughed while being on the ground. 

Eren didn’t bother to give him attention. He kept walking to find Zeke. Finally, he entered Zeke’s study room which Nathaniel provided him when their alliance was formed. He knocked on the door to hear his brother to tell him enter. His hand turned the knob to open the door and saw Yelena there. It’s rare to see Zeke without Yelena being with him. Even when Eren needed to have a private discussion, she was always there. It irritated him. 

“Ah little brother. I’m glad you’re finally here. Make yourself comfortable.” Zeke glanced to see Eren entering. 

Eren goes to lean against the wall instead of sitting on a chair. He waits for Zeke to say whatever it was. 

“Eren, had you visited Ymir through the Path lately?” Zeke said. 

“No, I haven’t. She has been quiet lately, but I will try tomorrow night.” The younger Jaeger brother said. 

“That’s strange. She usually keeps in contact with you. Yes, try again when you can. You should wear something formal for the ball, little brother.” Zeke was already dressed in his suit for the ball. His mask was laying on the desk. 

Yelena was for once wearing a dress and not a suit like she usually does whenever she attended a social event. Her dress was surprisingly shiny where the flowers pattern spread from the top to the bottom of the gown. Probably, Zeke convinced her to wear something nice for this ball. She was already wearing her mask. 

“I’ll think about going to the ball or not.” He said. 

“Ah come on Eren. Live a little. You need to have fun once in your lifetime. You dance or flirt with some pretty girl at the ball. Maybe take Belia with you. I heard you two have been very familiar with each other alone.” Zeke grinned. 

The dark hair titan holder scoffed when he mentioned Belia. He will have a talk to her. This was all a misunderstanding. If Natasha hears any of these rumors, his chance with her will be over. That’s something he can’t allow. He won’t let anyone come between him and her and their unborn child. 

He pushed himself off from the wall. “Is that all you wanted to talk about?” 

Zeke noticed how his brother got irritated when he mentioned Belia. What Eren doesn’t know? He had spied on him and the handmaiden girl, Eveline Potts. It makes all sense how Eren behaves around her. His eyes were full of love and compassion. Something he had never seen his little brother act. This had worried him since there’s a chance his brother might not go with their plan. There’s two alternative plans both Zeke and Yelena could do. Either offer Eren to let his child born if he continues the plan or cause an accidental death of Eveline Potts. Something Levi's words had sunk in his mind. His little brother is a hot blooded man and he did spend so much time with Eveline, but he also spent time with Belia. Maybe he should ask Yelena to check if Belia is not with a child too. Zeke will only let one child from his brother exist. 

“Yes, we are done here. You can go now. Oh, if you do have fun tonight make sure you are extremely careful. You don’t want to end up having some poor bastard child born into this hateful world.” He said. 

This made Eren’s hand shaken on the doorknob. He was now suspicious what his older brother meant by that? Maybe it was nothing since he had once slept with Belia many times. Yeah, that’s what Zeke meant.

“Don’t worry about that. I am careful.” Eren opened the door then walked out. He shut the door. He was panicking inside. Does Zeke find out about Natasha and the baby? Damn it. He should have made Natasha leave with Rick, Levi, and Reggie. Fuck what Rico and the others will say. His growing family’s safety is his main priority. Guess he’ll be going to the ball to talk to her about leaving the palace. 

When Eren reached his room, he saw a suit already laid out for him to wear. Next to it was a mask for the ball. He sighed then began to get ready for the ball. 

(Eve/Natasha)

Earlier that night as the ball had just begun, Eve finished getting ready as she put on the emerald earring studs her grandmother let her borrow for the night. For the final touch she slipped the ring that Eren proposed to her. His mother’s ring was perfect for the dress she was wearing. It’s too controversial, but the Templars wanted to bring a modern lifestyle to this island. Let’s see if the crowds are ready for her entrance. Natasha is a Stark and the Starks are the center of the attention. Tonight, she is the late Tony Stark’s granddaughter. 

After being ready, she went to Historia’s chamber, who gasped seeing how beautiful Eve looked. Eve blushed from receiving praises from her own grandmother. Of course, Eve complimented Historia’s gown. She looked like a queen in her own rights. 

“Are you ready, your majesty?” Eve said. Historia gave a smile and nodded. 

“I am. Let’s leave. The guests should arrive by now.” The blonde woman came out of her bedroom and saw a few of her ladies chatting excitedly about the ball. One of them was Belia who happened to be a Jaegerist. What Natasha researched on Belia? She is the daughter of some lord and a mistress who’s related to Floch. Basically, both Olivia and Floch are cousins. That woman had given Eve hateful glares. It doesn’t bother the female Ackerman, but it all makes sense how they resemble each other. 

At the moment, Eve ignores her and focuses on the queen. The queen was in lead. Eve was almost next to her but a few inches behind her the rest of the ladies were behind Eve. She won’t be surprised if they all were offended in why the queen allowed a handmaiden in front of them who are noble blood. Eve may have royal blood but this time era no one knows beside Eren. By the time, they all entered the ballroom. People made eye contact with them, especially when the queen had arrived at the scene. The guests praised the queen on how beautiful and elegant she looks tonight. The brunette could hear the noble ladies were giggling and enjoying the attention they are also getting. Natasha was walking like the ballroom floor was the runaway. She may not have been a model but she was a fast learner whenever she had attended a Fashion show with her nana long ago. 

The queen began to greet the guests along with this guy Gilbert. Eve was quiet waiting patiently for the queen to be finished greeting. Meanwhile, she observed the crowd. She spotted Eren all the way at the hallways before entering the ballroom. He’s probably busy dealing with whatever a Jaegerist does. Finally, the greeting was over and Historia gave her ladies including her a dismissal for them to enjoy the event. 

Now, Eve goes to find her friend and his girlfriend. They were supposed to be here by now. As she was browsing through the crowds, some men had their eye on her. She can see the way they look at her like she’s some prize to possess. Eve noticed she was not the only one wearing a controversial outfit. Oh god, she hopes they don’t come towards her to ask for a dance. Just when luck was not on her side, a man approached her with confidence while sipping a glass of champagne. Wonderful. She is craving for a glass or more of champagne. 

“Hello you, majestic beauty. I haven’t seen you before. Shall I be your first to dance?” He smirked. The pregnant woman was about to reject the man but a certain obnoxious woman decided to step in for her. 

“Yes, she would love to dance with you, my lord.” Belia pushed her towards the nobleman which he caught her from falling. Eve can feel his hands on her waist. The heiress glared at the other woman who had a smirk. 

The man dragged her to the dance floor. Eve observed how the people are dancing. It looks like waltz so she positioned herself to dance. His hand gripped on her hip which he was supposed to place it on her back. She glared at the man. 

“Hey you’re supposed to have your hand here.” She removed his hand from her hip to place it on her back. 

“I do apologies, my lady. It seems my hand has a mind of its own.” He grinned. 

“Huh right.” She rolled her eyes but started to waltz around the dance floor. The music was playing as she danced with this stranger. 

While she was dancing, partners were switched to the nearest pair. Eve was dancing to another stranger then once again she was switched. 

“Ms. Potts, what a delight to see you here?!” Zeke smiled as he led the dance. 

“Oh hello Mr. Jaeger. Yes, I finally decided to come to the ball.” She said. 

“I’m glad you decided to come. You look beautiful like a butterfly. I’m sure you have already got some suitors wanting to dance with you.” He smirked. Zeke noticed her gown was revealed on both her legs and shoulders. Even he can’t help how irresistible she looks tonight. His brother has a good taste. It’s a shame. She’s taken by his little brother. The way her dress was tight around her body, it seems she isn’t showing yet of her pregnancy. 

“Thank you and you look handsome as a bird?” Eve couldn’t tell what kind of mask Zeke was wearing. 

“It’s a peacock.” Zeke said. 

“Ohhh I see now because of the feathers.” She said. 

“Miss Potts, I’ve always been curious about where you're from?” Zeke wanted to fish for as much information from her.

“Where I’m from?” This caught her off guard. “I’m from Trost District. I’m curious why this interests you?” She felt a bit suspicious on why Zeke wanted to know where she’s from. 

“It’s the way you behave towards people. It’s not how a native of this island acts. I know you’re not from Marley or other nations where Eldians are being segregated.” Zeke said. 

“And where do you assume where I’m from, Mr. Jaeger?” Her brow raised up as she suspected where this would lead. 

Just when he was about to answer, Floch interrupted their conversation. “Zeke, you don’t mind if I steal this gorgeous creature?” 

“No, you can dance with her.” Zeke said, feeling disappointment their conversation was interrupted. He let go of Eve and bow to end their dance. “It was a pleasure to dance with you. Miss Potts.” Zeke left her with Floch which she was not pleased being alone with this creep. 

Floch already grabbed her hand and placed his on her lower back close to her bottom. He led the dance as a different song was playing. It was a bit faster to waltz. 

“What do you want now, pig?” She hiss at him. 

“I suggest you don’t make a scene. You’ll embarrass yourself in front of this stuck up rich and noble people.” Floch glared.

“Apparently kicking your ass once wasn;t enough for you to leave me alone.” She cynically responded. 

“Listen bitch. It wouldn’t get to that point that night if you give in. I would have made you crave my touch.” He leaned in to whisper seductively. 

This guy doesn’t have any self respect or to anyone if he thinks she’ll just let him do whatever he pleases. “You’re full of yourself if you believe I’ll beg for you to fuck me? Why are you so stubborn to want me? There are other ladies who gossip in wanting to get fucked by you.” She scowled. 

“Because you’re the mysterious woman every man in this palace wants to have. I will be the first to have that taste before any other man. Beside, that dress; you’re making it difficult not to ignore you.” Floch’s eyes stared up and down slowly. She felt he was undressing her with his eyes. How repulsive he was to her? 

“I’m not some sex object for you to keep being persistent like a child who doesn;t get what he wants.” She was about to free herself when a familiar voice cut in. 

“Floch, you heard the woman. She has no interest in you.” Eren placed his hand on Floch’s shoulder which the red haired man flinched cowardly. 

“Fuck off, Eren. She just hasn't been with a real man.” Floch tries to be brave and not let Eren take this woman too.

Eren ignored Floch’s hostility as he preferred to give his attention to Natasha. “Eveline, may I have this dance?”  

She gave a warm smile to her lover. Yes, she may be mad at his actions from a week ago but seeing him here may her heart beat fast. He always has a way to make her melt and he doesn’t try to do anything. 

“Yes, you may have a dance with me, Eren.” To free herself from Floch’s grip, she stomped his foot a bit hard to cause him hiss from pain. He let her go and Eren grabbed her hand to pull her away from him. 

Both couples left Floch alone as they headed away. Eve sighed in relief. “Thank you for saving me from not kicking his ass again.” She said.

“Again? He- oh it was you who gave him those bruises? What did he do to you?” Eren realized she was the woman who caused Floch pain for a week. 

“Let’s not talk about it. We’re at a ball. Let’s enjoy ourselves tonight, my love?” She doesn’t want a fight to break out if Eren finds out what Floch had tried to do with her that week ago. 

Of course, Eren sensed she was deflecting his question and became insistent. “Babe, tell me what did he do to you? Did he try to hit on you?” Eren’s tone was getting a bit aggressive yet it was low enough for only them to have a private conversation. 

“Eren, please can we talk about it after tonight? I promise I will tell you, tomorrow. I know you will cause a scene and fight him which the ball will be ruined.” Eve pleaded with him. 

Eren scoffed annoyingly but accepted her plea. “Fine, but tomorrow promise you will tell me then I will happily kick his ass.”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh my hero.” Her tone was sarcastic. 

He smirked and leaned into her ear. “I can be more than just your hero. “ His tone was husky. Eve felt her body getting warm from how it reacted from his tone. 

Damn it her pregnancy hormones are acting up. She had read it’s possible that pregnancies can cause sex drive but randomly. She took a better look at what he was wearing. He wasn’t wearing a suit like other men were wearing tonight. 

“Why aren’t you wearing a suit?” She asked. 

“Oh, Zeke or Yelena had chosen an outfit for me but I used a black dress shirt that I bought earlier and a black dress pants. I picked the devil mask cause it represented me.” He said. 

She does see the horns from his mask. He does look like the devil which it made more difficult for Natasha not to make it obvious she desires him right now. They danced the fun happy music until it’s over. 

The group on the dancefloor clapped. Eren noticed the ring Eve was wearing on her finger. He gently grabbed her hand and smiled. “I’m happy that you’re wearing my mother’s ring. You make it look beautiful. And your dress. You love making people eye on you huh?” He teased her. 

“It goes with the earrings. That’s why I’m wearing it tonight.” Eve said. She was trying not to give him ideas of him being forgiven. Her fingers playing with the ring on her other finger. This jewel had gone through so much and yet it still looks good as new. 

Eren couldn’t help himself to brush a strand of hair from her elegant loose lower bun hairstyle. He carefully observes every detail of her. 

“What are you thinking, my love?” he whispered to her. 

“I am thinking of wanting a glass of champagne.” Her lips pouted when her steel eyes glanced at a waiter carrying a tray of glasses of champagne. Eren chuckled how adorable she looks. 

“You know you’re not allowed to. It’s bad for the baby.” He still whispered. She groaned and rested her head on his chest. 

“It would be simple if I feel repulsive like most of the foods I eat. Seriously, your kid doesn’t let me enjoy meals without throwing up.” Eve peeked up at Eren. 

“You should tell the kitchen staff to serve you mashed potatoes with lemon water. It will help the food go down to your stomach and the water will stop the nausea whenever you eat.” Eren said. 

Eve was amazed how Eren knew this vile information. “Where do you learn from?” 

“Remember my dad was a doctor? Sometimes as a kid I used to go with him to see his patients including Mikasa’s mother when she was pregnant.” He explained. 

“Oh right. Hmm, would you be a doctor if you didn’t choose to be a soldier to fight the titans?” In the background, a new song was playing to dance slowly which both pairs danced together. Eren held her hand to spun her gracefully. Once she spun, Eren pulled her against his body. 

“Probably or I might be a military doctor instead.” He admired the way her dress flowed when she spun around. 

“But instead you chose to fight alongside.” Natasha said. Eren nodded. Both remained quiet as they danced. 

“Wait for me here. I have a request to make to the musicians.” Eren whispered to her ear. She nodded but was curious what kind of request he would ask of them.

Eren let go of her then walked away from the dance floor. Eve was alone as others around her danced to the soft music. At first it felt awkward standing around alone until the music had changed to a melody that it sounds familiar but doesn’t remember where she had heard this song. It felt time had stopped and only saw Eren walking towards the dance floor. She noticed the dance floor was empty. Her thoughts wonder how she is going to dance this song which sounds medieval only a touch modern.  

“What song did you tell them to play?” Eve asked him. 

“Volta.” He said. 

Natasha didn’t know how she knew the dance moves to Volta but her legs began to carry her away. She danced around him in a way seducing her partner to dance with her. His emerald eyes focus on her. Once she made a few dance steps around him, he bowed mockingly. Natasha smirk then curtsy  to him. Her arm reached out for Eren to grab on. Natasha moved towards him but stopped as she held his arm. She slid her hand down to his hand. The heiress let go of his hand to dance around him but much closer. 

Eren could feel her warm alluring presence as his eyes watched her like a predator. Her dress flows from the twirls. Her legs exposed as she showed her dancing skill. In his eyes, he was looking at the temptress that seduced him from his once destiny to cause chaos to save humanity and his people. Eve was charismatic and mysterious which had intrigue some of the men in the palace. That irritated Eren by listening to them talking about his woman. Then his train of thoughts were interrupted as he felt Eve’s hand clap on to his front throat. She squeezed it but stroked up to his chin and held on to his jaw while her silver eyes gave off her seductive stare. Oh he knew what she wanted from him. Both could feel their lips hover teasingly. 

They can feel the desire and passion for each other as their dance turned into a battlefield of sexual tension. If it was possible, Eren would take her right here on the dance floor. He took a few steps forward making her take a few steps back. Their sights on each other haven’t broken once. The music begins to pick up the beat a bit fast. They may not hear the crowd excitedly watching them dancing, but they were aware of how their dance will give them something to talk about after the ball. 

Eren held her hand to spin her around then stopped her while her back was facing him. In the crowd, few faces watched with different expressions. Historia smirked with joy as she knew who was the person behind the devil mask dancing with her handmaiden. Zeke and Yelena had neutral expressions. On the other hand, Floch was making a distasteful expression. It didn’t take rocket science to know both Eren and Eve have a strong chemistry for each other. The red haired man glanced at his cousin who had a dark look. Belia understood why Eren had not given her divine attention. All this time he had someone and it was this lowly handmaiden. How dare this lowly harlot took what belongs to her. Just when Belia was thinking about the truth of these two, she noticed Eve made eye contact with her and gave a victory smirk. 

Belia’s mood became sour as she quickly snatched a glass of champagne from a waitress and gulped down furiously.  It looks like war had been declared between her and Eve. The noble woman didn’t bother to stay until the dance ended.

Natasha was pulled to have her back pressed onto Eren’s body as his hands moved to grope her breasts then slide down to her hips. She turned around to face him and took a few steps back to walk fast towards him and hop. Eren lifted her to have her legs wrapped around his waist while he spun both of them around. He places her down but holds on to her arm when both spin together again. He made her spin towards her to latch his hands onto her waist. Natasha could feel his warm breath on her ear which makes it hard to stay composed. She heard him whisper something huskily but her trance of euphoria prevented her from understanding what he said. Whatever he said, she instantly nodded. Once again he lifts her up but a bit higher and spins around. Eve was lifted up in a lying position until he let her down. Her hand movement was elegant and graceful and she was placed down.  Both intertwined their arms to have their hand pressed together while spinning slow. Carefully, his arm snaked around her waist as she leaned back to arch her body. He let his fingers to caresses from her neck down to her breasts. Finally, one last turn to Eve facing away from him but their bodies pressed each other. Her face was tilted away while regaining her breath from their intense dance. As the music stopped, the crowd applauded and cheered for them for the entertainment they provided. Their trance was broken when reality abrupted their own world. Both pulled away from each other and smiled at the crowd. 

Eve leaned to him to whisper. “Meet me outside by the hall that’s connected to the royal garden.” Just like that the Eldian-American left Eren alone. He gave her a smirk and waited until she disappeared from his view. Once a few minutes passed, the titan holder make way to meet his lady. 

(Eren)

The night sky was clear with stars twinkling. The weather was cool. Eren walked through the open hallway outside of the palace. He saw her leaning against the big pillar by the edge of the garden. The emerald eyes man walked towards his lover. She was still wearing her mask. Eren lifted up her mask to see her face completely. 

“You took a little long.” Eve said while she pulled him to her. Her lips crashed against his to passionately kiss him. In response to her aggressiveness, he pinned her to the hard surface pillar. His hand groped her thigh to lift up and place on his hip. Both lovers breathe heavy from the fiery intensity for each other. His fingers brushes on her exposing thigh then down to her leg and up back to the thigh. Eve let out an erotic moan. Eren smirks from her reaction. 

He breaks away from their kiss to sloppy kiss down on her neck to the valley of her breasts. He noticed her breasts looked  bigger than what he remembered. His hand pulled down the top of her dress to have her breasts free. Eren cupped one of them to greedily latch on to her nipple and suckling. Eve’s eyes widen while whimpering from how sensitive her nipples are from the changes of her pregnant body. It may hurt but the adrenaline and lust she felt turned into pleasure. Her hand stroked his dark brown hair then gripped harshly the move he sucked and pulled her nipples. 

“E-eren, which room is the closest?” She tried to form a sentence as her moans were increasing. 

“Mmmm my room is not that far from here.” His voice became raspy. 

“Take me there.” She mewls when his finger makes way where her wet core is. 

Eren chuckled how demanding she was being when she was at his mercy. “What’s wrong here? The night sky looks perfect for a passionate love making.” Just like the devil, he encouraged her to give in right here. His finger circles her clitoris teasingly. He could feel the amount of slick she produced. She was probably wet when they were dancing the Volta. He let his thumb attend to her clit while his two fingers entered into her hole to finger in a slow teasing pace. Natasha closed her eyes as she took in the pleasure he was giving. Her hips buck to rock against his fingers. 

“Dollface, if you can contain yourself  while I taste you, we’ll go to my room to resume our fortification.” He said then Eren pulled his fingers out to suck on them. She never disappoints him with how delicious she tastes. 

He kneel down to the ground and place her leg on his shoulder. Her back leaned comfortably as her eyes gazed down to watch him lifting the hem of the dress. She bit down her lips when his tongue stroked her core. Subconsciously, her hand gripped and pulled his hair while he feast between her legs. This will be harder than she expected for her not making any noises. He continues to ravish her until a wave of orgasm rush into her. A small whimper escaped from her lips which Eren pulled away from her core then got up to take a look at his work. Her face was flushed while her chest rose up and down from regaining her breath. Her hair came undone. He felt satisfied in leaving her like this. His hands help pull down her dress. He helped tucked her breasts back into the top of her dress. 

“Can you walk to my room?” He gave her a grin. 

She glared playfully then smirked. “Of course I can.” 

With that, both of them quickly walked to Eren’s room to finish off what they had started. 

(Alexander) 

He picked up his phone while it rang. Once the phone was answered, a breathless man began to speak. 

“Sir, Subject 18 had escaped.” The Grandmaster frowned at this news. 

“How did you let that happen? Your job was to make sure Subject 18 was locked with tight security. You have failed me. I will immediately take a leave back to Paradis. Once I arrive, you better find the culprit who let him escape.” His tone was dark as this news had ruined a perfect day in his villa home in Italy. Alexander hung up and sipped his wine trying to calm down. He will need another descendant to complete data if they can’t find Levi to bring him back. If his theory was true, the Eve had led the revolution to free humanity. With her memories, he could find a particular item to dominate the world. 

A/N: If you guys needed an idea how the Volta dance looks like, I use the one in The Tudors where Anne and Henry danced together in a small gathering. You can find it on YouTube. Other than that, enjoy this chapter. 

[rosierocks30]

“If you want, you’re welcome to use my office. It’s a bit big for a one person.” Mikasa said. She felt the company gave the spacious office because of who she is and not of her earning achievement. 

Both head out to go to lunch. The raven haired woman followed Reiner to where the restaurant he had mentioned earlier was located. 

When Reiner opened the door for Mikasa, she observed how cozy this place looks. She likes how the atmosphere of the restaurant. a waitress greeted them and lead them to an empty table. Mikasa was about to sit, but Reiner being the gentlemen goes to pull out a chair for her. She thanked him with a light flushed face. She sits on the chair then Reiner gently pushes the chair towards  the table helping her. Finally, she  sees him sitting across the table. 

The waitress smiled at them. “What an adorable couple you two are.” She coos. Mikasa hid her now noticeable flushed face with the menus. The Hizuran woman wanted to clarify to waitress that they are just business partners. But the way the elder woman smile, Mikasa doesn’t want to be a buzz kill for the older lady’s mood.  

“Alright you youngsters, what can I get for you?” She asked as her hand hold on to a pencil on a notepad to be ready taking their orders.

Mikasa doesn’t know what to get so she glanced at Reiner. “Do you have any recommendations what I should try here?” Her tone was soft as she was still feeling bashful from the older waitress’s comment. She wonders what he was thinking from the older woman’s comment? 

@caesarwrites

Mikasa is getting ready to go to a work as he woke up late. She rushes herself putting on her business outfit which it’s her long sleeve white collar blouse tugging into her black knee length pencil skirt. She puts on her black heels with red on the bottoms. After putting on her outfit, Mikasa begins to apply her make up lightly just to enhance her beautiful face. Now, she focus on doing an upper hairdo bun with few strands tiny hairs sticking out from her sides. 

Mikasa sighs as her clock shows, she has 15 minutes to arrive at her new job. She got transfer here in Liberio, Marley from Hizuru. Originally, Mikasa is from Paradis Isle. When she was 12, her mother had made the family moved back to Hizuru after her father died from a car accident. He left a wife and two kids, her and her younger brother, Kaname Ackerman. As Mikasa has gotten older, she applied to the university of Sina in Paradis to be closer with her father’s family. Once she has graduated, her mother’s family company had beg her to work for them. At first, Mikasa was reluctant. Her mother persuaded her to take the offer which she did. The only thing she will accept the offer if she make her way to up by earning it and not be given because of her relation to the Azumabito family. 

She had worked for her family’s company for couple of years until they asked her to work in one of their branches in Marley. Mikasa accepted the offer and packed up to move to the city of Liberio in Marley. This will be a new scenery in her predictable life. The raven haired woman is tired being suffocated by the members of Azumabito clan telling her what to do. It was getting too much for her. This was one of the reasons she took the offer to be away from her stuck up family. 

Now on her first day, she’s already going to make a bad impression to her new colleagues and her boss. Mikasa made her way to the top, but not enough to be ranked as VP or CEO yet. Of course, her family excepted her one day to take over the family empire. Meanwhile on her father side, most of them are in the military or had serviced in the military.  

Finally, Mikasa is ready to leave. She grabs her keys and purse to go to her car. She unlock her nice luxurious car and gets in. Once she has buckle her seat belt, the car is on and drives away to her work. She will get food during lunch. Right now, she’s too nervous for being late and being in a new work environment. Hopefully, the people won’t think ill of her because of her family’s name and being born from Paradis where both Eldians from Marley and Paradis has their feud since the war that happened a century ago. 

@caesarwrites

[rosierocks30]

Hidden: Ch. 19

Chapter 19: One Chance

(Natasha/Eveline)

Another week had gone by fast. Natasha or Eveline as most everyone here called her. She was busy doing Historia’s bed neatly. Her grandmother or Queen HIstoria had interrogated her the day after of the miscarriage she had. She had to explain why she was in the infirmary wing that night. 

(Flash back) 

Eveline was walking to the queen’s bedchamber. It was now morning. The doctor had insisted she stayed another day, but Eveline was stubborn. She thanked him and walked back to start her day. When the brunette got there, Historia was already having breakfast. 

“Good morning, Eveline. I hope you are feeling better. Caroline told me she found you bleeding from miscarrying your child. I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the pain you are going through. I want you to take a couple days off.” The queen said with a concerning tone. 

“Your majesty, I’m grateful for your kindness, but I must reject your request. I prefer to resume my work. Please...I need to keep myself distracted.” Eveline begged the queen. 

Historia frowned. She doesn’t want any of her staff or ladies in waiting to push themselves to work hard and forget to self care for themselves. Eveline is touched how her own grandmother was caring for others. 

“I see. Already then, have you eaten breakfast at least?” Her tone said motherly. Eve missed hearing her grandmother's motherly voice. It gave nostalgic feelings. Eveline shook her head to gesture a no. 

Historia used her foot to push the other chair a bit away from the table. “Come sit. If you want to work today, I need my handmaiden fed. This meal is too much for one person. I don’t mind sharing.” The blonde woman smiled at her. Eveline at first hesitated. 

The brunette slowly walked towards the empty chair to sit. She scooted the chair closer to the table. Her grey eyes stared at the food on the table. There were bacon, sausages, eggs, fruit pastries, toasts, orange juice and teas. To be honest, she had lost her appetite when the smell of food had hit her nose. Eve tried to conceal her nausea as she doesn’t want to be rude to the queen’s generosity in sharing her breakfast with her. While taking her time, Eve grabbed a plate to serve eggs and toast. The handmaiden nibbled her toast and eggs. The young woman wanted to prove she was capable of working today. 

The queen smiled as she saw her handmaiden eating breakfast. She needed to gain her strength. “Why haven’t you mentioned you were pregnant?” 

Eve paused and looked down at her food. The dark hair woman didn’t know she was carrying a child. Despise, Ymir told her in her dreams that she was with a child, but Eve didn’t believe it. Now, it was too late. 

“I didn’t know that I was pregnant.” Her tone was quiet. She remembered last night how scared and heartbroken Eve had felt. 

Historia sipped her tea and nodded from what Eveline said. “Does he know?” 

Eve glanced at the blonde woman and nodded her head. “Y-yes. I think he was devastated when I miscarried, but it doesn’t matter. We are not together anymore.” The last phrase had left her tongue feeling bitter. Eve still felt the pain of his action. 

HIstoria was alarmed at what made them end their relationship? Was Eren that devastated to break up with this poor woman? Relationships are difficult to maintain but they are worth it especially with the right person that is willing to get through the ups and downs. 

“Don’t tell me that Eren decided to ended the relationship with you all because of the miscarriage?” Historia was feeling upset. 

“No, no it was I who ended the relationship. I just can’t be with him not after what I saw that broke my heart.” Eve gently pushed the plate away from her. She was done eating. 

“What did he do that made you not want to be with him?” The queen was curious what Eren had done to hurt her. 

“He betrayed me by being unfaithful. I saw him with some woman while walking back to my room. That’s when I felt pain and loss of the baby that I didn’t know I was carrying.” Eve was fighting her tears. She doesn’t want to cry in front of her grandmother. It was difficult for her to talk about what had happened last night. 

Historia made a silent gasp. She carefully placed the tea cup on the saucer. “Really? That’s seemed out of his character, but I’m sorry for the pain you went through.” 

Eve wanted this conversation to end. Just talking about Eren had made her on the verge to cry. Her anger, sadness, and pain begin to overwhelm her again. 

“Your majesty, if I may be bold. May I be excused? I want to work to keep my mind on other important things.” Eve looked at the queen. 

The queen nodded in understanding and gave her approval. “Yes, of course. But if you’re not feeling well, please go rest. I will have Lady Janelle to take over.” 

Eve nodded then got up to go begin her day working. 

(End Flashback)

Eve was finishing organizing Historia’s clothes into colors for aesthetic purposes. Today has been a good day so far. She grabbed the dirty clothes and placed them into a basket. The dark haired woman felt a wave of nauseous all of sudden. Her hand pressed onto her lips to make sure she doesn’t throw up on the beautiful expensive rug. Her eyes looked all over to search for a safe place. She ran to where an opened window and leaned to vomit. 

Oh god is she catching a flu? Maybe it’s food poisoning. If it keeps happening, she might stop by the same doctor to diagnose her. Hopefully, it’s nothing. She wiped her mouth then went to the bathroom which is all the way on the other side of the chamber. Eve turned on the water from the sink to rinse her mouth to get rid the acid aftertaste of the vomit. 

After she was finished, the spy and handmaiden picked up the basket of dirty clothes to go give it to the staff that do laundry on the lower level of the palace. While walking to the laundry area, the female Ackerman spotted a familiar face.

“Hey Rick, you’re on your break?” She gave a warm smile to her friend. 

Rick smiled back at her. “Hey Eve, I see you have been busy.” He chuckled. 

“Yeah, these dirty clothes won’t pick up on their own.” She said jokingly. 

“So what do you plan doing around lunch? I’m going on break in half an hour. Wanna get out of this stuffy place to get lunch. Maybe some fresh air will do good for us.” He said. 

Eve was going to decline since not that long ago she was feeling ill and didn’t feel hungry. When Rick mentioned food, her stomach growled loud. She blushed embarrassedly. Looks like her appetite is back. 

“Yeah, sure. This place is driving me crazy anyways.” She chuckled. 

“Good! I’ll meet you at the gate in half an hour. See you soon.” Rick had a happy smile and waved goodbye to her as he walked away. Eve waved him goodbye as well. 

“Sounds good.” She watched him leaving then resume going towards the lower level. 

What both Rick and Eve didn’t realize was that a paired of green eyes observed them a bit further away from them. The figure was scoffed then walked away. 

Once an half hour had passed, Eve quickly walked through the halls until she was stopped by a blonde figure. She glanced at the figure to realize it was Zeke Jaeger, Eren’s older brother. 

“Ah, good afternoon, Miss Potts.” Zeke said with a friendly smile. 

Eve was at halt when she’s standing before the infamous Beast Titan shifter. Her grandfather had always rant how he hated that giant apeshit as he liked to call it. Both her grandparents told stories of what Zeke planned on doing to the Eldians for the greater good supposedly. Eren felt no hate nor love towards his older half sibling. The one thing he didn’t agree with his brother was the euthanization plan, but his plan was no better either. Both are extremists for the greater good of the Eldian people which it bothered her. 

“Good afternoon. Mr. Jaeger. Is there something that you need?” Eve used her acting skill to play the nice newbie that some staff and Jaegerists talked about in the palace. Heck even some templars gossiped about her. It felt like high school all over again. Only with a bunch of adults with fucked up plans and ambitions.  

“Oh no. I'm just wondering how the queen is doing lately? As her distant cousin, I am concerned for her health sometimes.” He said. 

“Her majesty is doing fine. I made sure she is properly taken care of.” She said with a meek tone.

“Ah I’m pleased that Eren found a good handmaiden for the queen. We need to have her in the best condition possible.” He said. 

This gave a trouble feeling for Eve, but kept her act in place. “Don’t worry. She will be in the best condition.” 

“Good, good.” He was pleased to hear. A group was heading towards them and both Zeke and Eve saw it was Yelena, Eren, and that blonde woman. Just seeing Eren and her close made Eve’s blood boil in anger. Of course, she was masking her true emotions. What kind of spy is she if Eve can’t contain her emotions? She was an S.H.I.E.L.D agent before ending up in the past. The woman from the future had promised to herself that she’ll do whatever it takes to survive this era and get back home. After all, maybe in the meantime the brunette could begin secretly working on a cure for the Eldians to be officially free from the curse of Ymir.  

So much work to do, but she is a Stark. This kind of challenge will keep her mind occupied. Eve didn’t make eye contact with Eren as it’s awkward for her to be around him and that slut in the same room as her. 

“Please excuse me, but my lunch break has just started. I have someone watching for me.” The heiress said. 

Eren finally said something. “Where will you be? I’m sure Queen Historia had let you eat in her chamber.” 

Of course, he has to be noisy about her business. It doesn’t matter anymore. He can’t be the overprotective boyfriend when he fucked things up between them. 

“Eren, why all of sudden you wanted to know a handmaiden like her own business?” The same blonde who Eve saw her with Eren a week ago. She wanted to leave now before she snapped and caused a bloody scene. 

“Because she’s new around here. Plus, I brought her and the other man to work here.” He said annoyingly. 

The blonde woman rolled her eyes then trying to cling around his bicep. Eve literally tried to stay cool. She may have ended things with Eren but her feelings have not gone away. The heiress itched to  teach this bitch a lesson on not to pissed off a female Ackerman. Deep in her subconscious, her titan screams wanting to tear it’s competitions into shreds. 

We must destroy our obstacle. She is touching what’s ours. 

Shut up. She can have him. I don’t need him. 

Lies! Who are you fooling, you insolent?

Have you forgotten what he did? We lose our child from the hurt and distress. Why should we be with him if he doesn’t value our love? 

Our mate...didn’t mean too. He said it was to protect us. He loves us. 

Oh for goodness sake! I’m not going to have this argument with you. He made his choice and I won’t let myself be a victim. 

Our offspring needs her father. 

What are you talking about? Do you remember the miscarriage? There’s no offspring. Not anymore. 

You, stupid human. All those nauseous from having sensitive senses are still there because you are still carrying his offspring. Well, one of them. Your ancestor, Ymir was not lying, you are carrying a strong seed. It’s painful to lose another potential offspring, but that’s how life goes. Only the strongest survive in this fucked up world. You are an example of surviving the ordeal you had gone through as a child once. 

We don’t ever speak about that. Understand. After lunch, I’ll go to the doctor to have a check up. Maybe you are wrong about me still being pregnant. 

I am never wrong, Hostess. 

Outside of her mind. Eve was in a trance. Until Zeke snapped her out of it. 

“Miss Potts? Are you alright?” Zeke said. 

“Huh? Oh sorry I was contemplating on which outfits the queen will wear for the charity ball tonight.” She quickly came up with an explanation. Why was her Titan being a pain in the ass? Eve doesn’t want to have her hopes up if she was still pregnant. 

“Ah yes, the ball. I forgot it’s tonight.” Zeke said. “You will attend the ball, right?”

“Um, I don’t know. I’m not a big fan of parties.” Eve is trying to make this conversation short. 

“Ah, I see. But you haven’t been this ball. I’m sure the queen would want her handmaiden to have fun.” Zeke was being persistent. 

“If the queen wants me to go then I see no harm in attending.” She sighed. 

“Excellent! Well, we’ll see you tonight.” Zeke said excitedly. 

“I’ll see you all tonight at the ball then. My lunch date is waiting for me.” Eve gave a sly smile. She glanced a bit to see Eren’s jaw became tight. The dark haired woman turned around and walked towards the entrance of the palace to meet Rick at the gate. 

You have angered our mate, Hostess. 

Have I? That’s not my problem. 

You foolish girl. Don’t expect me to save your skin when our mate confronts us. 

Let me be clear. Eren is not our mate. Will never be our mate. He lost that chance. 

How will you raise the growing offspring? She needs a father just as much as she needs a mother. 

I’m a modern day woman. I can survive being a single mother if I’m still pregnant. 

You are a prideful fool. Humph. 

Eve rolled her eyes being irritated and felt headaches appearing. She saw Rick waiting for her. The heiress smiled at him then both walked to the plaza of the city. Right now she will have a nice normal lunch with her friend. Later, if the queen allows it; she will see the doctor if her titan was right about her still being pregnant. 

(Mikasa)

Ever since that day Mikasa’s titan appeared to Reiner, it had become a bit awkward for the both of them. Mikasa felt so embarrassed and upset that her titan took over her. She felt bad to make Reiner concerned over her. Mikasa just needs some time to figure how to confront him without humiliation from her titan. 

The Hizuru government had responded to their plea. Lady Kiyomi, the ambassador and Mikasa’s distant relative on her mother’s side, wanted to have a meeting as kins. Mikasa agreed to meet alone with her kin.

“Mikasa, my dear girl. It’s good to see you.” The ambassador of Hizuru greeted her long lost kin. 

Mikasa had learnt a little bit of Hizuran customs to at least properly greet the Azumabito ambassador. 

The Ackerman bowed respectfully to her elder kin. Lady Kiyomi bowed back with a smile. 

“Hello Ambassador Azumabito, it’s good to see you too.” Mikasa said. 

“My dear, I’m pleased you have remembered some of the customs I taught you.” Lady Kiyomi went to sit down on a sofa chair. 

Mikasa followed her lead as well to make herself comfortable. “Yes, I remembered how my mother used to tell me to respect your elders; it shows my character.” 

“Ah, you’re mother was a wise woman.” The elder woman smiled. “Since we are now here. I will provide whatever resource you and your allies need, but I do have one condition.”

Mikasa raised her eyebrow curiously. “What condition would that be?” 

Lady Kiyomi gestured her hand at the man standing beside her. The man who looked like her bodyguard, handed her a folder. She grabbed the folder to place it on the coffee table and slide towards Mikasa. 

“This document is for you agreeing to be Hizuru’s heir to the once great throne. Besides, I’m asking you to be our rightful Empress. You have Azumabito blood in your veins. You can rule.” The ambassador encouraged her. 

Mikasa was reading the document. It’s a good thing it’s in Eldians since Mikasa barely knows a few words in Hizuran. The Eldian-Hizuran woman gasped at what her kin had said. 

“You’re asking me to take the throne that had been empty for a century? Won’t the people of Hizuru protest to have some foreign ruling over them? This request is just too much. I’m just a soldier from Paradis who wants to protect the people who don’t have a voice. I am tired of this endless war and hatred both sides are doing. I don’t think I’m qualified to be a leader and lead a nation…” Mikasa said. A part of her felt scared that she’ll screw up as a ruler. 

“Mikasa, my dearest...the people of Hizuru will be rejoiced that their long lost monarch will take the throne as Empress. The throne was empty because we the Hizuran prayed our lost  prince’s or his descendants will one day take back their birthright as sovereign rulers. You may not believe in yourself, but I see so much potential in you. I have the heart of a warrioress who fights for humanity. You seeing this pointless conflict between the Eldians vs the world isn’t bringing anyone’s well being. Children were raised to be soldiers or to just hate a certain group that had no fault for being different. With you as our Empress, you will have the power to help your friends and allies. The great rulers from history have one thing in common.” Kiyomi said. 

“What is it?” Mikasa glanced at her kin. 

“They will protect and fight for what’s right and see each party is at fault in a conflict; but also see there are some innocence  and monsters in each party.” Lady Kiyomi shared her wisdom to her younger kin. 

“I see...but I’m curious. Why aren’t you ruling? You’re also an Azumabito. Should it make sense since you become the Empress?” Mikasa had wondered why isn’t she the one ruling. 

The elder woman chuckled. “Oh my dearest, I may be Azumabito, but I’m not direct descent from the Crown Prince Hirito. I’m one of the descendants of his brothers. You are from bloodline. When the Emperor became devastated that his first born son was trapped on the island from King Karol’s order, he shocked our nation that he’ll be the last Emperor until one day his first born or his descendants claimed the throne. At first my ancestor felt injustice for not being named as heir, but he obeyed his father’s wishes and made sure the nation had council members to run the country.” The ambassador explained. 

Mikasa was taking all this information. She sighed as her headaches began to appear which she was used to yet they still annoyed her. 

“I understand..so if I accept this role; will I have the power to protect my friends and their innocence?” The young Ackerman said. 

“Correct.” Kiyomi confirmed. 

“Alright, I will accept your request but I do have one condition as well.” She said. 

“Of course, I’m listening.” The older woman smiled. 

“I will keep my surname. I’m not saying to disregard my mother’s last name. I want to hyphen both my parents' surnames until my children will pick which last name they want to inherit as they become older. My other kin from my father’s side and I had talked about reviving the Ackerman clan that once was a protector to the Paradisian royal family. We’re the last three in the world.” Mikasa said. 

“Three? There's another Ackerman?” This brought Kiyomi’s attention. 

“Yes, Captain Levi and Queen Historia recently had their son born into this world.” She said. 

“This is shocking news. A royal Ackerman. Well two if you include yourself.” The Azumabito elder chuckled. 

“Still I didn’t know these two were lovers.” She continued. 

“Yeah, we were all surprised that both of them got married and had a child together. They may not act like a couple publicly for many reasons, but in closed doors they really love each other. I haven’t seen Levi smile only when Historia was around. That should have been one of the signs. I’m happy for them. They deserve some happiness in their lives.” Mikasa said with a soft smile appearing on her lips. 

Lady Kiyomi nodded. “Love is powerful. It can motivate someone to protect or to destroy in the name of love.”

Mikasa agreed with her since at one point she was in love with Eren that motivated her to be there for him no matter what. Even deep down she knew he had never felt the same feelings as she had done.  Mikasa grabbed the pen and hovered on the sign here line. 

“So it’s a deal?” The raven haired beauty stared into her estranged relative’s eyes. 

Kiyomi nodded as she watched Mikasa finally sign her name on the paper. “It’s a deal, my dear Empress.” 

This is it. Mikasa had agreed to be the sovereign ruler of Hizuru in order to protect those she loved and have a bright future for the next generation. 

After they finished talking about important business, both of them talked casually to resume the bond that Mikasa had wanted to know more of her mother’s heritage. As hours went by, Mikasa had left the ship where Ambassador Kiyomi resided temporarily due to the battle  outside of Liberio city limit against templars’ soldiers. The good news they won the battle from inside Liberio and pushed the frontline of the enemies out of the city. Her lover, Commander Reiner Braun ordered the city to have barricades and other towns and cities that won too. He may be here commanding this small part of the army, but with better communication he was able to lead the soldiers of Marley and other nations that Marleyan soldiers were deployed. 

Annie had surprised everyone with her creation of better equipment to send longer distance communication. Thanks to her trip with Armin to the States, Annie had learnt so much of the advanced technologies that existed. Mikasa felt a bit guilty for assuming Annie was just a reserved titan shifter who is good at kicking anyone’s ass. The blonde Female Titan shifter was a lowkey nerd who likes to learn modern technologies to improve this side of the world. Mikasa finally understood that both Armin and Annie have some things in common. 

This whole week was victorious for this side of the war. Reiner was a good leader whether he doesn’t think so. The raven haired assassin thought about to finally confront Reiner since the day her titan made an appearance. Besides, she needed to tell him and the rest that they have an ally with Hizuru but also mention in order to gain their alliance; Mikasa will take the throne. 

She walked on the empty streets. Kiyomi had insisted on sending guards for her as Mikasa had accepted to be Hizuran Empress. Of course once the war is over, the female Ackerman will have a coronation ceremony to be officially crowned as their sovereign Empress. She spotted some soldiers from Marley's army. This city most of them already were familiar with her so Mikasa doesn’t have to worry of being shot or harassed. 

Behind her, two guards walking to keep up with her pace. She was annoyed to have bodyguards. Can you believe it? An Ackerman needing bodyguards? Mikasa reached the entrance of the military base. One of the soldiers greeted her and opened the gate. She gestured to her bodyguards to follow her. When she entered the Headquarters, she searched for Reiner until one of the soldiers told her he was in an important meeting. She sighed but understood not to disturb him. 

Mikasa decided to go to his office and wait for him. She told the guards to give some privacy. They bow to her and distance themselves from her. The uncrowned empress sat on Reiner’s big chair. She sees he had left his jacket on the chair. Mikasa grabbed it to inhale his scent. He smelled like pinecones and his favorite aftershave. While she was busy in her own world, the door opened to reveal Reiner walking into his office. Once he closed the door, he was startled to see his lover on his chair nuzzling and inhaling his jacket.  

“Oh shit Mikasa! I didn’t see you there. Are you sniffing my jacket?” Reiner looked at what Mikasa was doing. 

Mikasa peeked to see Reiner standing with a surprised expression. She blushed embarrassingly from being caught red handed from inhaling the scent of his jacket. 

“Um...no. I was just admiring the material of the jacket.” She gets up to neatly place the jacket how he left it. Oh god, he’ll think she’s some weirdo. Maybe it’s best to leave before she does any more strange behaviors again. Her titan is having the time of her life laughing from how flushed Mikasa’s face is. 

“I’ll just leave. I’m sorry.” She walked past him, but he grabbed her forearm to stop her leaving. 

“Wait Mikasa. Don’t leave please...can we talk? I missed you. I try to give you space but sometimes it hurts you have been avoiding me all week.” His voice was gentle. Mikasa felt her heart pounding from the sound of him begging to talk to her. She has missed him all week too. Her stupid pride made her difficult to confront him earlier. She didn’t mean to hurt him. A part of her is scared he’ll reject her because she's a monster. 

She stayed still without saying much. Reiner gently pulled her to him as his arms wrapped around her to hold her from behind. His chin rested on her shoulder. Mikasa can feel his breath on her ear. Reiner was waiting for her to say anything, but he sighed. He broke the silence. 

“Is this about that night when Styx appeared?” Reiner whispered. 

Mikasa’s body became tense from him mentioning her titan’s name. The blonde man figured this is one of the reasons his girlfriend was avoiding him. 

“Mikasa, I want to hear it from you on why you’re avoiding me? I promise this won’t change this between us. I love you. I love all of you including your titan.” He continued whispering to her ear. It felt sweet to her ear the way he should affection to her. Her grey eyes closed tightly as tears formed and slipped down. Why is this so hard to say to him? Is her fear that great? The raven beauty took a deep breath and used the courage to speak. 

“I was afraid...that you will not treat me the same and see me as a monster, a true devil. Just like the insults my fellow Paradis Eldians were called as. I was already heartbroken once; I don’t want to go through again but this time with you. Whenever we spend time together, my walls from both my heart and mind crumble to let you in. I grew to fall for you until I know for sure I am in love with you.” Her tone was soft. 

Reiner leaned to give feather-like kisses on her neck. “Mikasa, my beautiful strong warrioress, don’t ever say, feel, or see yourself as a monster. You are a pure hearted woman who sees good in others. I admired the way you see the world. I was envious at one point. I still see you as my future wife and mother of my children. Besides, Styx is very intriguing. I want to get to know her too. Will you allow that? For you to be one hundred percent of  yourself? She is part of you and you’re part of her.” 

Mikasa slowly turned around to face him. She had her arms wrapped around his neck. Reiner smiled at her while she leaned in to kiss him deeply with passion. Both lovers become lost into their heated make out session. Mikasa gently pushed him to his big chair for him to sit. She climbed on to his lap to straddle comfortably. Their kiss hasn’t been broken during this. Her fingers quickly unbuttoning his white shirt. Their body temperatures rise with their desire and lust for each other. 

Reiner takes off her tank top by lifting up then tosses it to the wooden floor. Mikasa let out a soft moan when Reiner began flicking his tongue on her nipples. The assassin pressed herself down to feel his bulge becoming hard as she grind slow. He pants hard from his cock throbbing. The Commander-in-chief of Marley's army resumed being attentive on her hard perky nipples. He gave sloppy kisses between the valley of her breasts then went further down to her stomach which arched her back from the pleasure Mikasa was receiving. Reiner lifted her up so he could get up from the chair and place her on the desk. Mikasa quickly tried to undo her pants to kick them off. The urge of wanting him to be inside her had increased. 

Finally she was free from her pants and panties. Now Mikasa focuses on undoing Reiner’s pants. When she saw his hard cock pop out from his pants and briefs, the raven haired beauty pressed her thumb on the tip to gently massage. She could hear Reiner growled from the pleasure he was receiving. She smirked watching him panting hard as her hand wrapped around his length to slowly pump it. 

Mikasa kisses his neck up to his ear to nibble the earlobe. Reiner began to spread her legs wide and pushed her laying on his desk which she let go of his cock. She waited to feel his cock inserting into her wet hole. Instead, his tongue licked slowly on her clitoris. She closed her eyes to let the blissful intense pleasure kick in. Her moans became erotic and a bit loud. Quickly, she gasped while clapping her hand on to her mouth to be quiet. That would be so embarrassing if anyone passed by Reiner’s office to hear her moans.

On the other hand, Reiner was too zoned out from eating her out. He felt pride in himself for making his girl moaning loud because of him. While he continues sucking her clit, the female Ackerman grips on his golden hair roughly from being lost into ecstasy. 

“Mmm R-reiner….I-I n-need y-you.” She barely could form a sentence to speak. 

He chuckled deeply then pulled away from her sensitive area to level eyed her. He held her chin softly to take in the time to admire her flushed face that he caused. 

“How bad do you need me, Mikasa?” His tone was husky and rough. 

She let out a growl. “Reiner don’t tease me. I want you now.” Her eyes are glowing silver. Of course, Reiner smirked and kissed her passionately. 

“Your wish is my command, baby.” Finally, he positioned his cock hovering on her entrance and thrust it into her with a bit roughness. Mikasa rolled her eyes of how it felt so great of his cock stretching her walls. 

“Ahhhh y-yes, R-reiner!” She yelped. 

Her legs automatically wrapped around his waist as Reiner thrusted into her hard and fast. The desk made a screeching noise. Mikasa listened to him talking in very explicit words. She blushed and moaned. He was so close to reaching his climax. 

“I’m so close, baby..” He grunt as his thrusting increased faster. 

She nodded while feeling her orgasm being near too. Both moan rhythmically together as their orgasms made them cum. Mikasa felt the familiar warmth from Reiner filling up her womb. Since a month had passed of them being together, Mikasa hasn’t felt any symptoms of expecting yet. She wasn’t in a rush at the moment, but with him having almost a year left; she wanted at least to have something a part of him. Mikasa doesn’t know what she’ll do when he dies. She knew what she was getting herself into, but the fear losing him was already planted in her mind. The raven haired future empress wants to give her boyfriend the best moments he’ll have before he passed away.  

After they came, Reiner glanced at his girlfriend to see her crying. He kissed her forehead and cradled her with love and compassion. “Hey, don’t cry. Shhhh what’s wrong, beautiful.” He coos her. 

Mikasa cupped her hands on his face to kiss his lips. “I know what we’re getting ourselves into, but it's still scary that soon I would lose you. I selfishly want us to grow old and be there for the memories we won’t get the chance to share together.” 

Reiner uses his thumb to caress her cheek and kiss her temple spots. “I’m sorry, I will cause you heartache when I leave this world, but I want to say thank you for giving me joy and peace I haven't felt since I was a small child. I’m glad that I have the chance to know you, Mikasa Ackerman. If we don’t have a child by then it’s alright because you had already made me a happy man. This is the one thing I will never regret was to love you. I understand that it would be better if I have the chance to grow old with you. Our children grow up in a peaceful world with their own children. We would smile and hold each other while watching the sun sets.” 

Hearing his preferred ideal dream had made Mikasa sobbing. How much did she want that too? Sadly, she would do all that alone without him by her side. If the Hizuru government forces her to marry someone else, she will not hesitate to reject the idea. Her heart, body, mind, and soul belongs to Reiner Brauns. His child or children will sit on the throne after her. Mikasa was capable of ambition when it’s convenient to her. 

“I don’t regret loving you as well, Reiner. We may have once been just comrades then enemies and now lovers. You have made me the happiest woman. I will give you a child because I prefer any child of mine from you to sit on the throne instead of some man’s child.” Mikasa said. 

Reiner looked at her confused. “Mikasa, what do you mean sitting on a throne? What I know Paradis has Historia as the queen.”

“That’s the thing I came here earlier. I finally got an alliance with Hizuru. They will assist us as long I order them as their Empress. That was the deal.” Mikasa waited for him to process. 

“So you are now Hizuru’s Empress? I didn’t know you have some royal blood in you.” Reiner was still taking all in. He doesn’t know how to feel, but he knows there’s no negativity in him of how he felt about his girlfriend being a ruler.

“I found out on my mother’s side, she was a direct descendant of the Crowned Prince Hirito of the Azumabito clan. Ambassador Kiyomi Azumabito told me of my family’s origins.” Mikasa showed him her tattoo of the Azumabito clan sigil on her arm. 

“This is to prove I am the last living descendant of the trapped prince. With me being the Empress, I’ll have enough resources to help win us the war. We’ll bring peace and harmony.” Reiner stared at the tattoo. He let out a smile and kissed her forehead. 

“Who would have thought of us changing the world?” He chuckled. Mikasa smiled and nuzzled against his bare chest. 

“Yeah who would’ve thought.” She mumbled. 

“That explained why I saw two Hizuran men glaring at me and not allowing me to enter into my office until I told them I am the Commander and this is my office.” He gave a hearty laugh. Mikasa groaned from thinking she needed to have a talk with her bodyguards about the do’s and the don'ts.

“I’m sorry about that. They are my bodyguards as it’s a protocol for my safety which it flabbergasted me they forgot I’m a trained soldier and an Ackerman.” She said. 

“Oh that’s hilarious; you need bodyguards? I’ll have one of the privates to find them a room so they can rest when they need to.” Reiner wipes his tears from laughing. 

“Thank you that would be appreciative.” She smiled and kissed him tenderly. 

“Of course anything for you, my darling.” He grinned. Mikasa blushed from giving her an affectionate nickname. 

“So Empress Mikasa. That has a nice tone to it.” Reiner said. 

“Mhm it’s Empress Mikasa Ackerman of the Azumabito clan. Reiner, will you willingly become my Prince consort if the war was over before your deadline? So basically, will you marry me, Reiner Braun?”  Mikasa asked. 

“I don’t know how long this war will be over. We may be winning on this side, but we still have to defeat them in Paradis Isle. We don’t need to wait for marriage. We can get married. I want to die as your husband. So, yes. I will marry you, Mikasa Ackerman.” He smiled. 

Mikasa hugged him while kissing him with joy. “Tomorrow, we’ll go to Ambassador Kiyomi to have us be married unless you have a Marley’s custom that you want us to do?” 

“Not in particular we don’t. I don’t care how we get married as long as it's you.” He said. 

“Alright that’s good to know. Let’s put back our clothes. I need to talk to Armin and Annie so they can send the news to the Assassins and tell the troops about our alliance with Hizuru” She said. Reiner agreed and started to button his clothes. Mikasa had to pick up hers and put it on. Once they were fully dressed and looked presentable, both walked out of the office. Mikasa realized both her guards were standing by the door the whole time. 

“Oh my god, how long have you two stand here?” Mikasa felt red from thinking they had heard her sounds. 

One of them answered. “A long time, my empress.” 

Mikasa was so embarrassed. Reiner felt a bit shy but chuckled seeing Mikasa’s face red. “I- please pretend you didn’t hear anything.” 

“As you wish, Empress.” The other one said. 

Mikasa sighed and walked along with Reiner while the other two followed them. 

(Eve)

Eve was at a nice café with Rick enjoying their lunch break. Both friends were laughing and talking carefree. This is what she needs to make her day. Just feeling normal and herself. Back at the palace, Natasha was walking on eggshells to make sure no danger of being harmed or discovered as a spy. 

“Seriously this guy was weird. He stared at me then at you.” Rick said. 

“Rick, that’s Yelena. She’s a woman.” Eve laughed from her friend assuming Yelena was a man. 

“What?! Really? I thought she was a guy. That explained why she glared at me often.” He chuckled embarrassingly. 

“You’ll be fine. She’s too occupied giving puppy love to Zeke. She barely acknowledges your existence.” The brunette sipping chamomile tea. 

“True.” He grinned. 

“So, Eve...what’s going on with you and Eren?” He asked boldly. 

The handmaiden paused from sipping and set down her teacup to have his full attention. “We are on break until things are steady enough for us to focus on our relationship.” Her tone sounded very diplomatic. 

Rick feels it's more than a break, but the way she said it felt she doesn’t want to talk about it. “Ah ok that’s understandable. As long you guys are fine with it.” 

“Yeah…” She resumed sipping her tea. “So, I heard there’s a charity ball tonight. The queen might force me to go to have fun, but wanna go together? I will feel weird and awkward around strangers.” Eve was not into going balls or social events. Her grandmother Pepper Stark had dragged her to many events to represent as the Stark Industries heiress. She was never a people person. What had made her go through it was drinking to tolerate most of the people’s bullshit.  

“Ah, Eve I would have gone with you but I asked this girl who I like.” Rick blushed when he was thinking of the girl he met at the palace.

“Really? Oh my god! That’s great. Who is she? Maybe I have seen her.” She said excitedly. 

“Her name is Maggie. She worked in the laundry section.” He said. 

Eve trying to remember who this Maggie is. “Ohhhh I met her a few times. She’s a nice person. I’m glad you found someone.” 

“Yeah, she’s so cute, but you can join us at the ball. Maybe this time you will have a great time. It’s a masquerade ball so no one will know who you are if you embarrassed yourself.” He said jokingly. 

Eve made a dramatic gasp. “Excuse me, I never embarrassed myself. Thank you very much.” She said with confidence. 

“Pfft ok.” He was skeptical. “We should start heading back.” 

“Oh right, let’s go before we get into trouble.” She gets up and uses the currency to pay for her meal. Rick stopped her. “I don’t mind paying for us.” 

“It’s fine, I can pay for my meals.” She said, insisting. 

“I know but I invited you for lunch.” He pointed out. 

“Fine, but next lunch; I will pay for our meal and bring Maggie with you too.” She said. 

Rick nodded while placing his money on the table. “Alright I will.” 

After the meal was paid, both head back to the palace to their work. Eve was walking into the tea room to see Historia alone reading a nice thick book. The dark haired woman bows to the queen. “Your Majesty.” 

Historia glanced to see it was her handmaiden. “Oh Eveline! Did you have a wonderful lunch?” She said. 

“I did, your grace. I hope you had a good lunch as well.” Eve smiled. 

“I have and thank you. So, I don’t know if you have heard, but tonight there’s a charity ball. So tonight I am giving you the night off so you can attend to have fun.”  Historia was in a chirpy mood. 

“Oh, yeah I will go since my friend will go.” Eve said. 

“That’s wonderful to hear! Do you have anything to wear?” The queen said. 

“No, but I can ask a friend of mine to let me borrow something to wear.” Eve doesn’t know what to wear. She’ll try to ask one of the ladies to burrow one of their outfits.

“Oh no, don’t worry about that. I will let you borrow from my wardrobe. Come let’s go pick out dresses for the ball. This will be fun.” Historia grabbed Eve’s arm to drag her to the queen’s chamber. 

Eve didn’t get the chance to kindly reject as she was inside the bedroom of the queen’s wing. She watched Historia open her wardrobe to check which dress will look perfect for her. 

“Let’s see. What do we have here for you to look drop dead gorgeous.” Historia pulled out a few dresses for Eve to try it on. 

“Let’s start these first and we’ll see how it goes.” The queen said. 

Eve nodded while picking the champagne color dress with embroidery of diamonds. The dress was silky and long but there’s a slit on both sides. The sleeves were long but split to look flowy like a cape. The material fabrics on the sleeves are transparent golden-tan. The only thing was it was too scandalous to wear on this island.

“Your grace, where did you find this gown? It looks too modern and very revealing.” Eve asked.  

“Oh, one of the foreigners gave me a gift. He said it’s the latest fashion from the other side of the world. It’s really too much for my taste but I didn’t want to offend the man.” Historia explained. 

“I think I want to try it on. Someone has to be brave to start a fashion trend.” Eve gave her infamous smirk as she went to the fitting area. 

Eve started to undress her current clothes then put on the gown. The only thing she struggled was zipping the back so she came out of the fitting area. 

“Your Majesty, could you please zip up the dress for me?” She showed her back to the queen. 

Historia nodded and went to zipped up the dress. Finally, Eve adjusted a bit. Historia gasped excitedly. 

“Oh my goodness. You look stunning! You’ll be the catch of the ball. You should wear it.” Historia encourages her handmaiden. 

Eve admired being praised by her grandmother. She blushed shyly which was unusual for her. “Thanks. I think I will take this one.” 

“Oh you can wear these emerald studs earrings I have. With your ring, it will look perfect for you. Now, let’s find a pair of heels to go with the outfit and a mask. After all it’s a masquerade ball.” The queen gave a smirk. Eve smiled in agreeing. 

By the time they finished finding outfits for tonight's ball, Eve left the chamber to go talk to the doctor. As she entered the hospital wing of the palace, the doctor was busy attending a patient who had a head injury. Eve patiently waited on a chair. Once the doctor finished attending the other, he turned around to see her. 

“Ah Miss Potts! How are you feeling? Is there something bothering you for me to take a look?” He said. 

“Right now, I’m well, but for a week I have been feeling nauseous and the smell like food has triggered. I have been vomiting random moments. I feel better after I did that. So is it possible to still be pregnant even thought I just had a miscarriage? Or is this some aftermath of miscarrying?” She said. 

“I see, that should be impossible unless you were carrying twins and one of them didn’t survive. Come to the bed and I will check by using the ultrasound machine.” He gestured to her to lie on an empty bed. 

The dark haired woman goes lay down and lifts her blouse to expose her belly while the doctor sets up the machine and squeezes the bottle of cool gel on her skin. Then he presses the rod that’s connected to the machine to massage on her belly to find anything on the screen. 

On the screen he could see a small circle. He turned on the heart beating sound. “Well, I was right. It’s a miracle this baby had survived the miscarriage, but unfortunately it’s twin didn’t. I suggested you have to be careful from now on. Even though the whole pregnancy you should be cautious but during your first trimester is where normal miscarriages occur. Get some rest and eat and hydrate well for your and the baby’s sake.” He said. 

Eve was in trance listening to the heartbeat. It was loud and strong just like Ymir and her titan said. 

I told you so

Shut up! 

Hehehe

She could hear her titan laugh in joy for being right. Eve can’t believe her baby is still alive and growing. This is a second chance to try to be optimistic about her child. After checking everything is well so far, the doctor gave her prenatal vitamins. 

“Alright, I want to see you here next month.” the doctor wrote a reminder on a paper then handed to her. She took it and nodded. 

“I will and thanks for everything.” She smiled and left the wing. 

Eve walked down the hallways until she was stopped by Eren. She frowned seeing him blocking her path. “Yes? May I help you?” Her tone was friendly towards him. 

“Natasha, why were you coming out of the hospital wing? Are you ok?” Eren was concerned for her health especially when he found out of the miscarriage. 

Eve was about to say something snarking, but her titan won’t stop talking. 

Tell him! He must know. 

I- don’t 

Don’t be stupid! This isn’t the time to show your pride. He needs to know we’re still carrying his offspring. Our mate deserves to know.

I don’t know….I can’t. I don’t want to get hurt again. I don’t want him to hurt the baby. 

Our mate will never do such a thing! He will adore her. He still adores you. Why can you see that, you stupid child?!

Ok enough with the name calling. Can you just leave me be for today?

No, until you tell him right now.

Ugh, you’re such a bitch. 

“Eve?” Eren trying to get her snap out of her trance. 

“I’m still pregnant.” Eve was snapped back to focus on Eren. She realized what had come out of her lips and gasped. Oh great she blurted out to him. 

“Wait what? Eve, is this a joke?” Eren doesn't know how to take this revelation news. 

The brunette Ackerman sighed. “This isn’t a joke, Eren. I was seeing the doctor because I still had symptoms from the pregnancy after I miscarried the baby. Apparently, I was carrying twins, but one of them didn’t survive. So that’s why I’m still pregnant. So yeah, you’re gonna be a dad.” 

Eren looked at her then he hugged her. “This is the best news I ever had. Eve, let’s get married. Our child deserves to be raised by us.” 

Eve would have agreed if it weren’t his betrayal from a week ago. She shook her head and pushed him away. “No, how can I be married to you when you broke my heart.” 

She can feel tears forming. “Don’t you understand seeing you with that whore made me distressed! I love you so much that you, Eren Jaeger, made me feel my soul was ripped away.” 

Eren felt the guilt from causing her pain. He really didn’t mean it to hurt her again. He wanted to protect her. He slowly goes towards her. “You’re right. What I did was terrible and I’m so sorry for hurting you. Natasha, I love you. No woman will have my heart but you. I want you. Only you. You’re my future. Our baby is my future. I will figure out to end this war and bring peace for both of you. Our growing family is my first priority. Please, give me the chance to make up to you.” 

“It’s not that simple. Every time I’m with you, all I can see is her moaning with you. Just imagine you being in my shoes? You would feel crushed too.” She cried while confronting him how she felt.  

Eren holds her again to calm her down for the sake of the baby and her. “I know I know. I’m sorry I don’t know what I was thinking. You’re the only woman I love. Natasha please try to be calm for both of your sake.” He whispers to her ear then kisses her neck. 

Natasha at first tried to free herself from his grip, but gave up as he continued whispering comforting words. She stopped and let him hold her. “One more chance, please.” Eren begged. 

She was scared to give him that chance. Will she be a fool for giving him that opportunity to make amends? Eve took a deep breath and looked into his eyes with courage to give her answer. 

“Don’t make me regret it, Eren. I will give you one more chance because my love for you is too strong. But this doesn’t mean I forgive you yet. Don’t expect me to show affection until I know for sure you have earned it. We’ll have to be a team when our child is born. Right now, I need to go change for the ball so please let me go.” Eve said. 

Eren nodded to her and one last time he kissed her forehead. “Thank you. I really don’t deserve you.” He mumbled. 

Eve didn’t bother to reply to his comment. She nodded while feeling his warm lips onto her forehead. 

“I’ll see you later. I need to go.” She said and walked away to leave him alone. 

Somewhere hiding in the corners of the hallways, a blonde figure listening to their conversations. Zeke frowned from knowing his little brother is going to be a father soon. This is not going well with his plans. Zeke quietly walked away to make sure he was unseen to have a private meeting with a few important people. 

A/N: So what do you guys think? Enjoy this chapter.

[rosierocks30]

Hidden: Ch. 18

Chapter 18: Lost and Found 

(Historia)

The queen was in the tea room enjoying her midday hearing a violinist playing music and her handmaidens giggling while they danced to the music. Some of the noble women gossip about the latest scandal of some noble lady who had a strange eating disorder. Historia doesn’t understand what’s so funny about others suffering. She rolled her eyes while pouring tea into her cup. Her gentle fingers picked up the china tea cup handle then pressed the rim on to her plump pink lips to sipped the sweet bitter taste of black tea. It’s such a shame her love was not able to drink this good tea. 

How long has it been since she saw her husband or her son? HIstoria frowned from thinking about her son, Atticus. Her precious newborn was on the other side of this world without her and Levi. She had hope he was being looked after well. At least Sasha was there raising him until this war is over. Also, she worried about what they were doing to her husband? Is Levi suffering from being tortured? Oh god, it kills her knowing he’s in pain but trying to be brave about it. 

While she was lost in her own thoughts, a male servant said her name. “Your Grace, you have an audience.” He whispered to the queen. 

“Let them in.” She gave the order. 

The male servant nodded then went to the double doors and opened. Historia glared when Zeke, Floch, Yelena and Eren entered. Behind them there were two more figures. A man and a woman. Historia felt regrettable for allowing the Jaegerists to have an audience with her. 

“Ah Queen Historia, you look better than the last time I saw you!” Zeke spoke. 

Historia stared coldly at Zeke. “Whatever it is you're here, speak now. As you can see, I’m trying to enjoy my tea time before I have other duties to deal with after.” She sipped her tea slowly. 

She noticed how Eren hadn't looked at her but to the woman next to him. The same woman took a glimpse at him to give a warm smile. A smile that Historia can tell when you share mutual feelings with each other. Then Eren in return smiles at her back. Oh it looks like he had found someone. This made Historia happy for Eren but she was still upset for his odd behavior when he and the Jaegerists kidnapped her. 

The blonde haired, blue eyed queen pulled her attention back to Zeke who frowned at the way she responded to him. What does Zeke except that she welcome him with open arms like one big happy family? All it does is give her more reasons to kill him. Historia was getting moodier when the Jaegerists move into the palace as the Grandmaster Templar’s henchmens. 

“We apologize for interrupting your tea time, but here to introduce you to your new official personal handmaiden. The KIng had chosen her to serve you as a gift.” Zeke glanced at Floch to gesture him to bring the other woman upfront for Historia to see properly. 

Floch had a smudge on him when he grabbed the woman’s arm and pulled her upfront. The woman glared at Floch with those murderous silver eyes. The queen felt her heart stopped. Those eyes remembered her Levi. She felt tears wanted to come out but made sure to bottle up those sad feelings. 

“Floch, I don’t appreciate the way you handle this poor woman.” one her blue eyes fiercely glanced at the red haired Jaegerists. “Come here, miss. What is your name?” Her icy tone shifts to soft and warm for the woman in front of her. The woman was brown with wavy long hair. Her skin tone was olive. She had nice cheekbones. Her eyes are grey/silver. Historia can tell this woman was around her age. This woman has natural beauty. 

The woman bow her head as she gracefully courtesy a bow in respect. “My name is  Eveline Potts, your majesty.” Eveline had been perfecting her Eldian accent to blend here. Thanks to Eren who helped how a native Paradisian acts. 

Historia smiled at Eveline. “Eveline? What a pretty name? Well Eveline, it’s a pleasure meeting you. Lady Janelle will show you the protocol how things work as a handmaiden. You will be given a gown until the tailor makes a new one as all my ladies in waiting have.” The queen gestured Lady Janelle to lead Eveline away to start her tutorial as the queen’s handmaiden.

Historia once again observed how the brunette bowed to her and followed Lady Janelle out of this room.  She glanced at everyone annoyingly. What else does the Jaeger brothers want? 

“Eren, you have been quiet. Do you and brother want to say something? I know all of you aren’t here just escorting my new handmaiden here.” Of course, she was not an idiot to see they want to discuss more matters. 

“I don’t have much to say, but Zeke does.” He looked at his brother and female Jaegerist. 

“Very well, continue.” Historia’s focus on Zeke once again. 

“His majesty had kindly gifted one of the Reiss family’s land to me. He informed me to tell you.” Zeke had said. 

Historia felt her knuckles turned white from gripping the handle of her chair too tight. How dare him? How fucking dare Nathaniel gave one of her own family’s property to this beast? The queen felt rage boiling inside her. She was trying to be calm and collective. 

“Oh really? I was not aware he is able to give away my lands to you or anyone responsible for screwing my people.” Her jaw was tight from grinding her teeth. She breath slowly to regain her thoughts. She would let him or anyone have the satisfaction to make her explosive. 

“But as my lord and king; it’s his right to handle my lands.” Historia wanted wine or something stronger as these words coming from her lips made her feel sick. What else he wanted to control? Can she at least have something that’s hers alone?

“I will make sure the land will be maintained well.” Zeke smirked. 

“I see. Is that all? All of you are dismissed if there’s nothing important to say.” She waved her hand in dismissal. 

The Jaegerists bow then they leave the room. Historia noticed how her ladies got quiet when Zeke mentioned one of her lands was given to him. The queen wanted to also dismiss them just to be alone for a while. Suddenly, her tea time was over as her next scheduled duty was about to start. 

“Ladies, enjoy the rest of the tea, music, and dance. I have meetings to attend to.” Historia gets up to walk out of the Tea Room. 

For the rest of her day, the queen attended small meetings that involved charity and social events. As Historia was a queen consort not the queen regnant anymore, her role was to handle domestic events to make the monarchy look good for the public. It irritated her. She wanted to make a difference by helping those in need. The only thing she was happy to handle was some charities to support the poor and those in need. 

Historia yawned from a heavy schedule today. She walked into her chamber and flopped on the sofa. A soft femnine welcomed the queen. 

“Welcome your majesty. I hope you had a wonderful day. Would like a warm bath? I had already prepared for you just now.” Eveline just came out from the bathroom preparing the queen’s bath if she desires to be clean. 

“Oh, I didn’t see you. I forgot I have a personal handmaiden instead of relying on my ladies in waiting.” The blonde queen giggled.  

Eveline smiled when the queen giggled from being startled. “I apologize, my queen. I didn’t mean to startle you.” 

“No no it’s fine.” Historia said while taking off her shoes. 

“But that warm bath does sound nice to use.” She continued. 

 Historia got up and walked to the bathroom. The handmaiden followed her to go assist her. The queen began to discard her clothes. Her clothes fell onto the floor which Eveline bent down to pick up each of the queen’s clothes to place them into the clothes dispenser for later to be washed. After removing all her clothes, Historia carefully dipped her leg into the warm tub and moaned in joy from feeling the warm water on her skin. Now her body submerges from the water. Only shoulders and her head were not touched by the water. The handmaiden began to wet her golden hair and pour shampoo to massage her head to clean her hair. 

Historia let her body relax from being intense all day. This is what she needed. She was angry seeing the Jaegerists in her presence. They played a part in overthrowing her and the military. The military knew they were terrorists who tried to use her as their puppet to bring  back the glory of the Eldia Empire. She won’t allow that to happen. Ever since Ymir guided her from her subconscious, she smiled and played the perfect royal consort while secretly exploring hidden areas the queen never knew this palace had. 

She let her handmaiden wash her arm with a sponge. The queen noticed an emerald ring on her handmaiden’s finger. Her blue eyes glanced at the woman. “What a beautiful ring you have here? I’m surprised a woman of your status can afford a ring like that.” 

Eveline paused to mentally want to smack her forehead from forgetting to remove her ring and place it somewhere safe. “It is beautiful. If you assume I stole it then you are mistaken, your majesty.” Historia noticed the way her handmaiden sounded annoyed. 

Historia felt a bit guilty to jump into conclusion thinking this woman must have stolen. The blonde woman has mixed feelings with this strange woman. Her handmaiden could be a spy for Zeke or to Nathaniel. She doesn’t trust this woman yet.

“I see. May I ask where you got it from? It seems this ring is very precious to you.” Historia wanted fish out information from the woman if she’s working with her enemies. 

Eveline pour water on her skin to rinse the soap out. “My fiance gave me the ring to propose a marriage. This ring was his mother. It was passed down from women in his family for generations. As he is the last member and only son, he inherited it and gave it to me. I don’t usually like jewels but I made an exception because it belonged to his dead mother.” 

“Congratulations on your proposal. You must love your fiance to accept it.” The queen said. 

“Of course, I love him always and forever. We may share different ideologies but he does have other qualities that made me fall in love all over again.” Historia could tell this woman sounded sincere from the way she spoke about her fiance. 

“Is your fiance Eren Jaeger?” Historia was bold when she asked the main question. This startled Eveline. 

“I- I don’t know who this Eren Jaeger you’re mentioning about, your majesty.” Eveline trying to deflect the question. 

“Don’t pretend that you don’t know what i’m talking about. I saw the way you both looked at each other in the Tea Room. He was uninterested until he glanced at you. His smile was full of life and hope. I have not seen him ever like this at all. Not even when he and I were cadets.” Historia said. 

Eveline frowned from not keeping up her usual act. SHe usually was good at deceiving people, but with the queen was difficult. Maybe meeting her grandmother in this era made her feeling a bit guilty to lie about her own existence. She could have told her who she is and the future her grandmother will face. Of course, the woman from the future could not. It would alter the future more than it already has been. 

“So you know about Eren like you personally know him?” Eveline curious how her grandmother knew Eren? 

“We were acquaintances but also comrades, that is until I was crowned as queen. He was a boy soldier with a hatred against titans. He was vocal about it. Everyone knows he, Mikasa, and Armin were victims and survivors of the fall of Shiganshina.They had seen their fellow town people and their loved ones get eaten by titans. He used his titan shifting powers to help save humanity which at that time we had thought we were the last humans on in this world. I remembered how I once admired his dedication to save human-kinds, but after the medal honor ceremony he became quiet and reserved. That fire in him had dim down. He began to distance himself from everyone including his best friends. One day, he ran away to join his brother and his followers to fulfill their mission. It was supposed to help our kind the Eldians to be free from this awful curse, but no one knows what’s the real plan.” Historia continued while Eveline washed the rest of the queen’s body. 

“Have you liked him? As romantically find him attractive?” Now it was Eveline being the bold one. The way Historia talked about Eren seemed more than an acquaintance talking about someone else. She doesn’t blame her grandmother especially Eren is a good looking guy. She had been surprised Eren hadn’t had a girlfriend. A part of her was relief for not worrying about some ex trying to sabotage their relationship. 

Historia turned her head at the woman. Why asking that ridiculous question? The queen observed small details from her handmaiden’s expression. Eveline had a curious expression. 

“No. I only admired him as a comrade and a friend. Nothing more. However, Eren did claim to have strong feelings for me at one point. I was pregnant and just recently married to the man I love. Eren along the Jaegerists had kidnapped me. They planned to turn me into a titan as Zeke’s Thirteen years curse was almost up. They found out I was with a child and who was the father of my son…” She doesn’t understand why telling this woman who’s a stranger about everything that had happened to her within a year. The pain of being separated by her family and friends. 

“I see...I’m sorry for what he did to you in the past. He didn’t tell me too much about his time with these extremists. Probably the less I know the safer I am.” Eveline finally finished washing the queen. 

“You don’t need to apologize for him. It was him he needed to own his errors.” Historia said. The queen was handed a towel which she had got up to wrap around her body. 

“I would advise you to hide your ring. People will suspect you have stolen it or try to steal it. Maybe wear it like a necklace.” The blonde woman suggested to the dark haired woman. 

Eveline nodded while rubbing the ring on her finger. “I will consider it. Thank you, your grace.” 

Historia smiled. “Well, I think it will be all for the rest of the night. I’ll handle the rest for myself. Sometimes being alone is good for you.” 

“Oh yes of course, but your dinner is on the table. If you want it to warm it up, I don’t mind taking it back to let them know.” Eveline said. 

“No, it’s fine. I don’t mind eating cold. I just want to go to bed as quickly as possible. It’s been an exhausting day. Have you been assigned where your new resident room is?” The queen was concerned if her new handmaiden knew where she'd rest.

“Yes, I already placed my personal items there. Alright, if there’s anything that you need, please let me know. I will let the guards know if you request my assistance. Have a well rested night, Queen Historia.” The handmaiden bows. 

“Don’t worry, I will let you know if  i do. Goodnight. Rest well, Eveline.” Historia gave a smile while dismissing her for the rest of the night. She watched the other woman exited her chamber. 

Finally Historia was alone. She planned on wearing comfortable clothes for this new mission. This night will be the day to explore more. She walked out to the lounge area of her wing to where her desk was located. Her hand gripped on to the handle to pull the draw then grabbed a long paper with designs and labels on it. It was a map of the palace. Thank goodness, Historia was thinking ahead before the Templars invasion. The queen didn’t have the opportunity to use it as she mostly explored day time when everyone was too busy. Now, with her fasle husband was too busy for other matters; Historia grinned as her opportunity was starting.  

She placed the map on the hard surface of the desk. Her eyes scanned to find the dungeon cells. Levi must be there. They must have held him. She will find him to see he was safe and alive. Then she’ll plan out an escape route for them to be reunited with the last remaining soldiers and warriors. This plan needs to be perfect or they will be screwed. 

(Eve)

The hallways were dim with few candle lights to see enough where she’s going. Eve or Eveline the Queen’s handmaiden sighed from feeling overwhelming being close to her grandmother. Her grandmother was youthful and beautiful. She thought people were being too exaggerating that her grandma looked like an actual goddess. Low key, Eve felt self-conscious just being around her own grandma. After what she had learnt from her, Eren had strong feelings for her. This made her heart drop. It’s stupid to compare herself towards her own grandmother! She felt ashamed for having these pity jealousy thoughts of her grandma. Eve loves her. The American did have some good memories with her grandmother as a child even as an adult. Yes, both argued with different views or other dumb shit that it should not matter. In the end, they are family. Family is very important to Eve. Probably, that’s why when a serious argument happened Eve felt hurt for not being understood by most of her family members. Of course, she had tried to bottom up her feelings as it was pointless for them not vailding how she felt. 

The thought of Eren might still have some feelings towards her grandma was now constantly on her mind. The brunette doesn’t know whether to confront him or not. Perhaps it’s not the best time to prioritize personal matters right now since she’s on a mission being a spy for the all military regiments and the Brotherhood. She needs to be focused and worry about her love life later. Besides, Eren was probably busy with whatever his brother made him do. Eve kept walking until she bumped into a figure. 

“Well hello there again, Eveline.” You got to be fucking kidding me?! Out of all the people she had bumped to, it had to be that creep Floch. 

Her annoyed grey eyes glared at the Jaegerist man. “Oh. It’s just you. What do you want, Floch?” She cautiously steps back to have space between them. 

“Evie, do you have to be so rude? Here I thought we have a little chemistry going on.” His tone was wicked and playful, but not in a good way. He took a step toward her which she took a step back until her back pressed to the wall. The dim candle lights made it worse for Floch’s expression becoming sinister. When Eren, Rick, and Eve reached the capital and found Zeke, Floch had company with him and had his eyes on her. Eve felt his vibes were off and creepy. He had tried to be close to her and making disturbing comments which he believed it’s his way of flirty. The female Ackerman had tried to ignore him. Eren didn’t notice as he was too busy having a conversation with his brother and the other woman, Yelena. 

Rick was observing everywhere. Eve felt in some way she had become Floch’s target. She will try to defend herself if Floch crosses the line. But would that give away if they figured out she was well trained to defend herself? Damn it, this is not the demila the dark haired heiress wanted to be in. Floch had already passed her personal space as his face leaned too close for her liking. 

“Can you please back away? I need to rest.” Her tone was asservert, but he didn’t care. Floch chuckled darkly. “Why would I do that? I am finally alone with you, doll.” 

She felt his unpleasant fingers brushing on her curvy side. Her hand instinctively slapped his hand away from her. The heiress was about to slide under his arm to escape, but Floch grabbed her arm to pull back then pinned her to the wall a bit harshly. She groaned from her back head smashed into the hard surface of the wall. Eve started to panic as her heart was pounding hard. Her throat became tighter, but had enough strength to speak. 

“Let go of me!” She struggled while Floch laughed and groped her. 

“Don’t be such a bitch. You enjoy this just as much as I do.” Floch said. Everything had happened so fast as Floch now was on the floor crying in pain while pressing his side face with his hand. 

“You, fucking whore! You’ll pay for that.” He growled. Floch got up but Eve kicked him just like what her Grandpa Levi taught her. She looked down at her assaulter. Her body was shaking in rage and disgusted. 

“Don’t you dare ever touch me. You fucking pig.” Her eyes were glowing silver. Floch was too busy feeling pain at his jaw from her strong kick. His head was staring at the ground trying to get up. 

Eve could see some blood on the floor. Floch’s mouth was bloody. His cheek was forming a green and purple bruise. She saw a couple of his teeth on the floor. What do you expect? Let him have his way with her? Fuck no. He had it coming. Eve brushed off her dress and fixed her hair to look neat again. She didn’t bother to look at him. The heiress walked away leaving a whimpering Floch on the ground enduring from the pain she had inflected. The brunette wanted to leave soon because her anxiety from PTSD was coming soon. What Floch was so closed to had triggered a deep trauma she had tried to bury for many years. If she was not on this mission, Eve would have ripped him into pieces. Her titan was craving justice. She had to mentally calm her titan down as they are spies temporality. 

Just when she was about to make a turn that led to her room, her head moved a bit to notice Eren and a woman talking. This woman had blonde hair and blue eyes, but those eyes are pale not sapphire blue. It was some stranger, but she reminded Eve of her grandma only taller and average looking. Her blonde hair was short into a ponytail. The dark haired Ackerman hid behind the cornered walls to hear their conversation. To be honest, she doesn’t want to see Eren at the moment from the conversation she had with Historia earlier. The heiress knew she had no right to be upset about his past dating life. She was no better for dating many guys before him. Maybe, it’s best to keep walking. She’ll need to trust him...right? Her hand subconsciously placed on her stomach. She remembered what Ymir said in her dream. She’s pregnant with Eren’s kid and it’s gonna be a girl. Eve frowned at the thought of having a kid. She was not ready to be a mother. She had planned not being anyone’s mother. The tragedy of the death of her Mother and her baby brother had made her not ever wanted to have kids. The thought of losing someone so innocent and pure; she would lose her humanity and go berserk. The last time she went berserk was that day. Also, the same day her Ackerman genes were activated. Plus, she has cousins and aunts and  her uncle to continue their bloodline. Why does it matter anyways? Eren had mentioned he wanted to have kids…

She planned to have that talk to him soon. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard that woman’s voice. 

“Eren, why are you ignoring me? You loved it when I made you feel good.” The blonde haired woman said. Eve’s eyes widened from what the woman said. Her head peeks a bit to see the woman’s hands under his chest. What the fuck was this slut doing? Why isn’t Eren doing anyway to stop her? Her silver’s eyes were wet as tears fell from seeing this sight. Please do something that you’re taken Anything?! She mentally screamed to herself. 

Eren sighed. His expression looked uninterested. He finally removed her hands 

From under his shirt. “Because I don’t need you anymore. Our time as sex partners is gone. I have other matters that need my attention since I’m back to resume my main mission.” 

The blonde woman pouted. “Fine, I will leave you be, but on condition.” she smirked. 

Eren raised an eyebrow. “What would that be?” 

Eve was wondering too. She listened and watched them. 

“Let’s just have one last fuck before this ends permantly. It’s the least you can do from the times I covered for you when your brother and Yelena kept interrogating me to know where you went? Come on, it’s not like you got a girl. Do you have a girlfriend?” She said curiously. 

Eren stared at the persistent woman. “No. I don’t have a girlfriend.” He said. 

The woman grinned. “Then my last request shouldn’t be a problem.” 

Eren knew what he was about to do would eat him alive. He is just doing this for her sake. He wanted to protect Natasha. If they found out he had a fiance, his brother or the Grandmaster Templar will use that against him and hurt her. He can’t let that happen. He pulled the woman close to him then moved her to the wall as the woman smirked victoriously. Eve was shocked when Eren was actually going to do her request. Eve started to hear unpleasant moans. She peek again to see exactly what they were doing. Eren thrusting into the woman in a bare back position. The dark haired future woman was sobbing from the heart break of seeing Eren fucking some girl. Eve had her hand cover her mouth from not making noise. SHe could catch them in the act, but why should she give him the chance to explain? This is too much. Eve’s body was trembling from witnessing an awful act of betrayal. The female Ackerman had enough listening mostly the girl’s moans and quietly walked away. 

Just as she’s away from them, Eve felt a  sharp pain on her abdominal. “Ow.” She hissed while hold on to her stomach. She dragged herself to where the door of her room was located. Another sharp pain appeared. She fell onto her knees. The Eldian- American felt warm fluid coming out between her legs. Quickly, she hiked up her dress to see blood running down her legs. She placed her hand between her legends to stop the bleeding. One of the female staff was walking with towels then gasped seeing Eve in this stage. 

“Miss! Here you need to go see the palace doctor. I think you are miscarrying.” The lady ran to her to help her up and lead her to where the infirmary room is. 

“Miscarrying? I’m actually pregnant?” Eve was disoriented from witnessing the miscarriage. 

“Yes yes, we must go quickly or you could lose more blood or worse get an infection.” The lady kept leading her until they reached the doctor who was reading a book. The doctor saw Eve with bloody hands and dress. He noticed the poor young woman was in the state of shock. He hastily rushed to both of them and helped Eve to be on the bed. 

“What happened?” The doctor asked. 

“I think she miscarriage the baby. I don’t think this poor sweet girl didn’t know she was pregnant.” The lady felt sad from what she had witnessed too. 

“We need to make sure the fetus is disposed of or she’ll get an infection from the decomposing fetus.” The doctor grabbed essential equipment to clean Eve from the blood. Eve looked at her hands and they were close together until she opened to reveal a tiny dark ball. This was her child. Her daughter that Ymir claimed it would be strong. yet , it didn’t make it. How ironic that she was thinking of her not being ready or want to have a kid. Now, she lost one. She had lost her baby and it crashed her fragile heart. An agony scream and sobbing let out from her. All in one night, she had to experience this fucked up shit. First being sexual assault by Floch then watching Eren betraying her heart now losing her baby. She could hear her titan mourn the loss of her offspring. Eve became numbed after crying. 

After cleaning up the tragic mess, the doctor dismissed the lady who brought Eve here. The brown haired heiress was on a clean bed laying down. The doctor placed a cup of tea on the nightstand. 

“Here, miss. This tea is specially blended with lavender and chamomile to relax you to go to sleep. I add some medicine to help you recover.” The doctor said as he helped her sit up. 

Eveline grabbed the tea cup including the saucer plate then sipped the hot tea. It would have been comforting but the medicine ruined the taste. She placed the tea back onto the nightstand. 

“Rest now miss. Tomorrow I’ll let the queen be informed of your situation.” The old doctor said. 

“Wait, you don’t have to tell her grace. I will be ok by tomorrow morning.” Even though she was emotional in pain from the miscarriage and heart break, Eve needed to get through this mission if it gets her grandparents safe and win the war. 

The doctor frowned at her comment. “Miss, I recommend that you rest tomorrow. I’m sure her majesty will agree.” 

The brunette sighed then nodded in agreement. “Fine, but only tomorrow.” 

He smiled from convincing her to rest one more day. “Good. Now, I’ll be right back. I need to do late night errands.” The doctor held some documents as he walked away from the infirmary wing. 

Eveline was alone. She wanted something to distract her from tonight’s events. While the heiress was contemplating, a footsteps was heard echoing the hallway that connects this wing. 

Eve glanced up to see the last person she ever wanted to see. Eren was standing in front of the bed where she was resting. “Eve, what happened? Why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant?” 

The dark haired woman glared at him. “Why do you bother to care?” her tone was low but still has venom in it. 

This confused Eren on why she was acting cold towards him. He took a step forward to try to comfort her, but she jerked her body away from his comfort. “You know why? I love you and it pains me to see you hurting.” His tone was soft and sincere. To Eve, it doesn’t means nothing. He broke her trust and heart. How dare he come here?! The burning feeling of overwhelm by anger, pain, and agony. She lower her head so he doesn’t see her tears. 

“Liar…” She whispered huarshly. 

“Eve, why are you being like this? Did I do something-” Eren was trying to understand her. 

“Don’t! Just fucking don’t pretend what you did hours ago.” Her steel colored eyes glanced at his emerald eyes. 

“What the hell are you talking about?” He was getting irritated with her vague words. 

“I saw you…” Once again her tears fell. As Eren could see the pain and broken heart written on her face. 

“You saw what?” Slowly Eren was figuring out what she meant. His heart felt scattered as he now knows why her attitude came off cold towards him. 

“I fucking saw you fucking that Jaegerist whore. How could you do this to me, Eren? Am I not enough?” She let her tears turn into sobs. Her heart felt tight as her hand gripped on her clothes where the pain was located. Eren tried again to hold her. Eve fely his arms around her which wiggled to reject again. 

“Don’t touch me! I can’t even look at you.” She was trying to break free but Eren was stubborn and kept holding her tight. 

“Please...Natasha please hear me out. I didn’t do it to hurt you. I did it to protect you. If anyone is suspicious about me having someone that I love, they'll hurt you to hurt me. I won’t allow anything to harm you. Baby..please understand I did it for you. It was once.” He nuzzled on to her neck to beg her forgiveness. 

Eve scoffed from his explanation. “You could have not fucked her. You don’t understand the image and sound I heard both of you making. I was crushed. You broke your promise and my heart is shattered. I was so distressed and hurt that I lost our baby...I lost it! I won’t get the opportunity to see her born and being loved by us!” She screamed from pain and sorrow. 

Eren in shame lowered his head pressing onto her back shoulder. His tears fell from what he had caused. It was his fault. He was reckless to do anything to protect her. All he thought about was Eve when he gave what the blonde woman wanted. He had avoided her when she tried to seduce him; that's when her suspicion was becoming a concern for him. Belia was once just a bed warmer but nothing more before he and his brother had decided to separate. The titan shifter was not right on his mind from being under the influence of the Apple of Eden. He finally was free from it and met Eve. His beautiful, smart, and fiery Eve. He’ll go through hell to make atonement with her. Eren needed her. She is his freedom and happiness. All those years of anger and pain from losing loved ones, fighting titans, and fighting for his birthright for freedom. Right now, his freedom is slipping away from his actions. 

“I’m sorry...I’m so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I thought I did what was right to protect you. Forgive me please, Natasha. I love you so much. I will do anything to have your forgiveness. Tell me what I need to do to earn your trust and forgiveness?” She felt his lips gently kissing on her neck. How ironic that it’s him he’s begging her to stay with him. 

“This is something it will take a long time for you to earn my trust, Eren. Whatever perspective you have on trying to protect the people you care about; it needs to be stopped and find a new perspective. All it does is hurting us. Your friends, family, comrades...they all care and have hope about you. It’s best for now we need some space until this war is over. If i’m your weakness then we can’t be together.” This is the only way for them to have time to reflect and deal with their obstacles. If fate allows it, then maybe she will consider forgiving him and take him back.  

“Natasha, please don’t give up on us. I can’t be without you. I want to marry you and have children. I’m sorry baby. I love you always and forever.” He whispered to her ear. 

Of course, this makes it harder for Eve to let him go. Despise for what his actions had caused her, Eve still loves him. Always and forever. She’s realistic sometimes and at the moment this is one of them. He has his part to play in this war and so does she. If they survived the war, maybe this will help them to be together like they had promised. As right now her anger and broken heart needed time away from him to be healed. 

“You said you’ll do anything? I want us to have space and when the time is ready, I’ll be clear minded and ready to forgive you. I beg you let me go.” Even though they both needed it, it killed her for being away from him. He is her half. 

“Alright...but I have few conditions. I know I have no right to ask you but please hear me out..” He said as his tone became more shaky from fighting the urge not let her go no matter what. 

At first, she was ready to scowl at him for considering his demands. Eve sighed in defeat to let him be heard. “Fine, what are your conditions and I might consider them.” 

“My first condition, I want you to keep the ring. Keep it safe. It’s always yours. My second condition, let me have one last night to hold you until tomorrow dawn. I will be gone by the time you wake up.” Eren said. 

Eve paused to contemplate his conditions. If she says yes, it will make things harder for her to be away from him. But if she says no, she’ll regret not having one last moment with him. She looked away for a bit then made a decision. 

“Alright, I will consider your terms.” She stared at him. Eren knew deep down he didn't deserve it.

Eve shuffled to lay on the bed but facing away from him. Eren carefully lay close to her and cuddled her tightly. He took a deep inhale to remember her scent that he won’t get to be near her for a long time. Seeing how she gave a small hope that one day they will be together again. His fiery determination has awoken again. Eren Jaeger will win Natasha’s heart and trust again. 

Morning had appeared. Eve woke up to stretch her arms. She remembered the events of last night from being harassed by Floch to Eren’s betrayal. She let Eren spend the night with her as they departed. She turned to the empty spot where he had laid. He was gone as he had promised. Eve looked away and quietly cried. It hurts more being away from him. Her heart, soul and titan yearning for him. This was a torture. 

(Historia)

Blue eyes stared at the map that leads to the dungeon cells. Historia barely could see from the dim halls of the unwanted area of the palace. She constantly looked over her shoulders in case someone was following her. She stopped to glance at the wall where the entrance to the dungeon was supposed to be. The queen sighed in annoyance. Did they conceal it? Historia doesn’t understand why the map claims the cells in there. Maybe the map needed an update. The blonde woman placed her hand to rest from feeling exhausted for an hour or two finding this dungeon. 

A grinded nose was made when Historia pulled her hand back to see the wall slides to create an entrance. Huh? So there is a dungeon. How many secret doors are there in the palace? The royal woman glanced at both sides to see no one. She started walking down the stairs as the wall slided to close.  It was dark until the fires ignited to light up the pathway down to the cells. 

She made her way down until she was in the cells. Historia gasped when she saw many people in the cells. Some were noble families that disagreed with Nathianel taking the throne and the rest were soldiers and higher ranking officers. They all looked dirty and miserable. She felt crushed seeing her supporters being locked up. The queen slowly walked the aisle to find Levi if was placed here. 

Most of the prisoners were asleep. She pulls her hood down to cover most of her face. It’s best no one knows who she is here. The guards could over hear and report back to Nathaniel or one of the templars. The queen walked further as there was another row of cells from all the way back. Most cells in this row were empty except two. She was Premier Pixis who was resting against the cell bars. Next to him was Levi. Her tears fell from finally seeing Levi for the first time since he came to rescue her. The joy seeing him made her pace her steps towards him. He was laying on the cold ground sleeping while his hand stuck out the gap of the bars. He looked pale and exhausted. She frowned from what they did to her husband. 

Historia bent her knees low to reach his hand and hold it gently. Her face leaned closer to the bar where his head was pressed to it. “Levi, are you ok?” 

Slowly Levi moved a bit. He heard a familiar voice. Probably, he was imagining it. The raven haired man opened his eyes to see the same ocean blue eyes that he fell in love with. Historia is here. She is real, not some hallucination. 

HIstoria felt his hand squeezed hers. She smiled seeing he was responding. The queen pulled Levi’s hand on to her cheek to nuzzle affectionately. Her lover caressed her soft blushed cheek. Her presence felt so surreal. The male Ackerman slid up to be closer to the bars to be near as possible with his wife. 

The blonde woman scoot closer to feel his body. She leaned in to give kisses on his hair and temple spots. Oh how she missed him. Historia was so glad he was alive. It was one of her fears that Nathaniel would send him to be executed. 

“Oh god, Levi I missed you so much. I’m so sorry you’re suffering here.” She whispered to him quietly. 

He barely made a sound except his famous tch sound until he finally spoke. 

“I missed you too. Did they harm you or better yet, did that pretty face shithead touch you?” His tone was rough due to exhaustion. 

“No, he hasn’t...but enough about me. What about you? What did they do to you? You looked terrible. I don’t have a lot with me but eat this and have some of my water.” She opened her small bag to pull out a meat pastry snack for Levi to eat. She carefully fed him the food. 

Levi ate slowly since he knows if he ate too fast it will cause him a stomachache. After he finished the pastry snack, Historia shared her water canteen. Why did she bring them? She didn’t finish her meal and packed up those meat pastries if Levi was found. 

“They haven't tortured me yet. I was put in some table with a transparent screen that’s attached to a machine to see my ancestor’s memories.” Levi explained to her. 

Historia was confused by what he met by his words. “What machine? To see your ancestor’s memories? Is that possible?” She asked. 

Levi nodded. “Yeah, I was reliving one of my ancestors that started the Ackerman bloodline that was known now. Get this; my ancestor wasn’t an Eldian. He was a long lost prince from some European nation, I think it was called England.” He said. 

Historia was intrigued as he had learnt. “Oh, that’s a shock. What else did you find out?” 

Levi was thinking. “He was kidnapped as a baby to be into the slave market in the Eldia Empire or now as Marley. Two middle aged couples bought him to raise him as their own kid. So far, he got married to a noblewoman who ran away from her marriage ceremony.” He said. 

“Oh no.That’s horrible. It’s a good thing he was saved by kind people. Hm, you Ackerman men are into women that are from nobility.” She made a joke which Levi smirked and despised him looking  like shit.  

The captain looked into her eyes to memorize her beautiful blue sapphire eyes. He used his arms to slide between the bars. His hand reached to pull his wife and kissed her. The gap of the metal bars was where they pressed both their faces to kiss passionately. Historia was blissed from embracing his lips against hers. It’s been a long time since she felt his lips or any physical contact. This was right. Her love for Levi had always yearned to be beside. After their kiss, slowly they pulled away. 

“Historia, even though I’m glad I get to see you again, what you did was risky. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. You hear? Go back to your chamber before someone comes and find you.” He warned his queen. 

Historia sighed. “I’ll go now, but I am coming back.” She gave him one last kiss then got up. She looked at him feeling guilty and sad to leave him here in the cold dungeon. 

“I love you, Levi. I promise I will find a way to get you out and the rest of them.” She said with determination. 

Levi couldn’t convince her to not do more reckless things but she was determined and stubborn. “Just be careful please. I love you, Historia. This nightmare will be over soon.” 

She gave a warm smile at him then started to head out now. Once she exited the dungeon and closed the wall. Historia looked both ways as no one was there. The blonde woman walked through the hallways to try to get back to her chamber. 

While she was walking, Historia saw a glimpse of the infirmity wing where Eveline her handmaiden was laying on the bed sleeping. Next to her, Eren Jaeger was laying down sleeping next to her as he held her tight. Who would have thought Eren would find love, especially what he was capable of? That’s one of the respects Historia has with Eren now. There was hope for him. Her friend was becoming who he used to be before. Later in the morning, she will ask why her handmaiden was in the infirmary wing at night time? The queen has to wait and she doesn’t want to wake them up. The queen continued walking to her chamber. Once she got there, the blonde woman got ready for bed. Tomorrow will be a bit brighter as she finally got to see Levi alive.  

A/N: I’ve been distracted again which it’s why it took longer than I usually do. So here’s chapter 18. What do you guys think? Until next time.

[rosierocks30]

The raven haired woman glances at her project partner. “Huh? Oh didn’t minded to wait a bit more since it was my fault for arriving here a bit late.” She gives Reiner a polite but a sincere smile. She feels her stomach causing butterflies sensation. 

Mikasa is touch for this soldier being thoughtful for her well being. His mother must have raised him well to be such a nice gentleman. 

“If you wouldn’t mind, we can go drop this file at my office. I actual having check since I just started today.” Her tone became soft as her shyness starts to show. 

Mikasa hold on the thick blue file with one. When she gets a respond from him, the beautiful foreign woman nod in gratitude. Both walk towards to her new office. As she open the door, Mikasa gasp that the view shows the busy city of Liberio. 

She saw her new desk then place the file on the oak wooden material desk. Mikasa will definitely enjoy this place working. She inhale the scent of new office. Her raven hair gently flip as her head turn to look at the blonde man. 

“Do you have anywhere to stop by first before heading to lunch?” She ask him. 

@caesarwrites

Mikasa is getting ready to go to a work as he woke up late. She rushes herself putting on her business outfit which it’s her long sleeve white collar blouse tugging into her black knee length pencil skirt. She puts on her black heels with red on the bottoms. After putting on her outfit, Mikasa begins to apply her make up lightly just to enhance her beautiful face. Now, she focus on doing an upper hairdo bun with few strands tiny hairs sticking out from her sides. 

Mikasa sighs as her clock shows, she has 15 minutes to arrive at her new job. She got transfer here in Liberio, Marley from Hizuru. Originally, Mikasa is from Paradis Isle. When she was 12, her mother had made the family moved back to Hizuru after her father died from a car accident. He left a wife and two kids, her and her younger brother, Kaname Ackerman. As Mikasa has gotten older, she applied to the university of Sina in Paradis to be closer with her father’s family. Once she has graduated, her mother’s family company had beg her to work for them. At first, Mikasa was reluctant. Her mother persuaded her to take the offer which she did. The only thing she will accept the offer if she make her way to up by earning it and not be given because of her relation to the Azumabito family. 

She had worked for her family’s company for couple of years until they asked her to work in one of their branches in Marley. Mikasa accepted the offer and packed up to move to the city of Liberio in Marley. This will be a new scenery in her predictable life. The raven haired woman is tired being suffocated by the members of Azumabito clan telling her what to do. It was getting too much for her. This was one of the reasons she took the offer to be away from her stuck up family. 

Now on her first day, she’s already going to make a bad impression to her new colleagues and her boss. Mikasa made her way to the top, but not enough to be ranked as VP or CEO yet. Of course, her family excepted her one day to take over the family empire. Meanwhile on her father side, most of them are in the military or had serviced in the military.  

Finally, Mikasa is ready to leave. She grabs her keys and purse to go to her car. She unlock her nice luxurious car and gets in. Once she has buckle her seat belt, the car is on and drives away to her work. She will get food during lunch. Right now, she’s too nervous for being late and being in a new work environment. Hopefully, the people won’t think ill of her because of her family’s name and being born from Paradis where both Eldians from Marley and Paradis has their feud since the war that happened a century ago. 

@caesarwrites

[rosierocks30]

Ship: Rivahisu

Prompt # 10: “Jealousy seems to be a great motivator for you.”

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@caesarwrites

Smutty One-Liners

“I dreamed of your legs wrapped around my waist.”

“Don’t act innocent when we both know where your mouth was two minutes ago.”

“We should probably leave, before we start a scandal.”

“Stop looking at me like that or my knees will not hold me any longer.”

“I think you lost your underwear somewhere.”

“My tongue still remembers the way you taste.”

“Is there some space left in that bathtub?”

“The way your eyes get darker when you get aroused, is making me lose my mind.”

“I want to count every one of your freckles with my lips.”

“Jealousy seems to be a great motivator for you.”

“Oh no, there is only one bed, what will we do now?”

“I could make you feel better.”

“Get back down here, we’re not done yet.”

“Later you will definitely need to tell me where you learned this.”

“I know I should care about the reason why you’re naked in my bed, but I will just enjoy it for a moment.”

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[rosierocks30]

Hidden: CH.17

Chapter 17: Paranoia 

(Eren)

It’s been a few days, since Eren found Eve or Natasha. He had noticed how his girlfriend had been acting strange. She was distant towards him. Eren wanted to know if he had done something wrong to make her feel like that. He thought about it. Deep down he didn’t do anything to pissed her off recently. Maybe she’s just naturally moody. He’ll let her be for now. 

The titan shifter was walking along with the group to the location where Commander Hange and her last remaining soldiers were. The forest was dense. Everyone stopped to see two Scouts soldiers and two men who dressed like Connor. Probably they’re assassins. Connor had mentioned it at one point. 

“Halt. Enemies or Allies?” One of the soldiers said with their rifle pointed at them.

Both Commanders Rico and Nile reassure them. “At ease, men. I’m commander Rico Brzenska of the Garrison Regiment. Your commander, Hange had sent one of her men to find us to work together.” Rico said. 

The other soldier lowered his rifle. “I’m sorry Commanders, we have been on edge for days or weeks. We couldn’t recognize either of you. Please follow us. We’ll lead you to our cabin.” The group followed the soldiers while the assassin hid in the shadows to patrol for any danger. 

Eren used his hood to hide his face just in case. This will be the first time he’ll see some of his old friends and Commander. He knows what’s waiting for him. He deserved it for being misguided. He noticed Eve also hid her face. She had her reasons for being Levi’s granddaughter from the future. Soon, she’ll meet her young version of her granddaughter. 

As the group got closer, Eren felt nervous. He will get a legendary beating from his friends and mostly from his former captain, Levi Ackerman. Sadly, he won’t get to see Armin nor Mikasa since they are in Marley for a mission. One day, he will be reunited with his best friends. 

Finally, they reached the cabin. There are people busy outside. Only a few people  entered the cabin in which he was one of them. Natasha was outside sitting alone on a bench. Before he turned away, he noticed that Ricky was walking towards his girl and sat next to her. This asshole, why all of sudden he decided to talk to her again? Didn’t he distance himself from her? It doesn’t matter right now. Eren may be irritated about seeing Rick being close to his girlfriend, but he has other important matters at this moment. He trusts his girl. That's all it matters. 

Once he’s inside the cabin, Commander Hange was standing in the middle. On her left, a man he never met; but Connor gave a description of William Miles, Mentor of the Assassins. On her right, Jean, his former rivalry and comrades glared straight at Eren. Fuck, here goes nothing. 

“Oh look, the traitor is here. What the hell are you doing here, bastard?” Jean was pissed off when he saw Eren in her view. 

Commander Hange raised her hand to gesture Jean to stop talking before things got ugly. “He’s here because Armin had vouch for him as an ally now.” 

Jean shut his mouth. He doesn’t see why they should trust Eren. Wasn’t he the one of the reasons this nation became shit? Sure, the Templars made the first move to attack Paradis and Marley, but Eren and his precious Jaegerists had secretly worked against them before this sudden war. 

Niles spoke as a reminder why they are here. “In these difficult times, we will need allies to defeat these invaders. We will need Eren the most especially Zeke and the Jaegerists still believe Eren is on their side. This is an opportunity to defeat them and that imposter, Lord Nathaniel. Our true ruler is Queen Historia Reiss.” 

“That’s wonderful news. This will make it a bit easy to make a surprise attack.” Hange said. 

William nodded in agreement. “We only have one of my assassins acting as a spy. So far, he mentioned, the Queen is safe but apparently, my grandson got caught.” He frowned at the thought of his grandson, Levi being kept on the animus machine. The same machine he and his youngest son, Desmond had been on. The side effect was served. The longer you spend time in that machine; you start developing the Bleeding Effect which could lead to sucide from the madness it causes. One of the victims, Clay Kaczmarek or Subject 16 took his life because of the madness of the Bleeding Effect. 

Rico Brzenska was confused. “Your grandson? You mean the Captain Levi is captured? As Humanity’s Strongest is held hostage?” 

Hange and Niles looked at each other then at the new Commander of the Garrison. 

“We have a lot to discuss to catch you up.” Hange spoke. 

Rico looked concerned in what had happened since  she and Niles had been in hiding.  Eren on the other hand was more concerned in the condition about Historia. He heard rumors that the queen gave birth to the baby but it had lived for a few minutes. He doesn’t know if it’s true or not. After all Natasha is the granddaughter of Historia and Levi. Either the baby had survived and was saved somewhere or both Levi and Historia had another child. 

“Let’s all sit. I’m sure both commanders are exhausted from your journey here.” William gestured his hand to lead everyone to the table ahead. 

Everyone nodded then started to walk towards the table. They all sat on to their chairs. Once they are comfortable enough, both Hange and William explain to Rico from Historia’s pregnancy to her secret relationship and marriage to Levi. Finally, they mentioned the birth of the prince. Eren sighed in relief the child survived and now Sasha is protecting him all the way across the world. 

“Huh, the Captain and her Majesty? That’s a pairing you never see coming.” Rico said. She had absorbed what had been said to her. 

“I was actually surprised too when they told me to be their witness. Armin was the first when he accidentally eavesdropped on them.” Hange chuckled from remembering when they came clean to her. 

“Still I didn’t expect Captain Levi Ackerman to pursue a relationship with the queen. He’s so-” Rico was interrupted. 

“Stoic, aloof, cold, and reversed…” Eren  spoke out in a soft tone. “But, I can see why Historia had fallen for him. He’s dedicated, loyal, empathic. He and the queen have so much in common it’s hard to believe if we don’t know them too well.” 

“I’m surprised you’re telling us this especially from your little stunt the last time we have seen you, Jaeger.” Hange raised her brow curiously from his words. 

“I was not myself that day…” Eren looked down in shame. The odd artifact he has in his possession was powerful to control him. He was the thing he despised most. A slave. He still has it but made sure to be very careful so it won’t possess him again. Historia is a beautiful woman. If he was a normal man, he would crush on her like his old former comrades had done. 

Dating or having a crush on any girl wasn’t on his agenda until he met Natasha. Before meeting her, he had dreams about her. That time he didn’t know who she was or what she would be for him. The first dream about her had awakened his sexual desire. He remembered that first dream still. She wore a white see through dress with a flower crown made of lavender and winter roses. The setting was in a dense forest with some sunlight shining through the trees. Eren could feel a heavy mystical energy. He had thought she was some goddess trying to contact him like this Minerva being. He had followed her as she playfully ran and giggled. It sounds so innocent and pure so he thought. Finally, she turned around to face him to speak. 

“If you want me, you have to seduce me…” 

“Show me, how much you desire me...only me.” 

 Then that innocent phase had disappeared when her dress slipped off from her flawless body. Her long wavy chocolate brown hair flowed from the light breeze. Her breasts were covered by her long. The way her eyes stared was full of daring, lust, and passion. He wants to get closer to feel her if she’s real. She had a mischievous smirk while taking a bite of a red apple then a yellow snake slowly slither down from the tree to her shoulder and further between her breasts. 

That’s when he woke up with an erection. It was painful too. Eren shook a bit to focus on why he’s here. 

“I see. You looked like a mad man that day, but if you show any signs of madness or an act of betrayal, I would hesitate to put a bullet in your head but your a titan holder of three so don’t worry, I won’t hold back to make you pay for it, so don’t test me. Do we have an understanding?” Hange glared firmly as her tone was dark. Eren thought Levi was scary but Hange had taken first place in that category. 

“Yes, Commander Hange. I swear on my mother’s soul.” Eren said with a serious tone. 

“But you still have a long way to have our complete trust with you.” Rico added. 

Silence had took over the group. Then Will broke the silence. “We are going to need two more spies for the plan to work.” 

Everyone stared at the Mentor Assassin. They all wanted to take their home back and end the war for good. 

“Armin is going to ask Mikasa to have her convince the nation, Hizuru, to ally with us again. In return, we’ll give them what they want, our resources. Since Marley is under attack by the Templars; Armin vouchers for the new Commander in Chief wants to make a peace treaty and ally with us to defeat this war. Since the three of you are the last hold that represent this nation and Her Majesty’s military, it’s your call. But I would let old grudges go for the sake of this island and the rest of the world. If the Templars win to gain control of this side of the world, the next will be the other side where my home is and the infant crown prince is located.” Will said. 

“Even though we do like the Marleyans for their attacks from many years ago; I will put aside my differences to save my country, my people, and my family.” Niles said. 

Rico sighed. She can’t let her bad judgment ruin the opportunity that will ensure a better future. “I agree. We’ll have a peace treaty and allied with our former enemies.” 

Will turned to his lover to await her answer. “Hange?” 

Zoe Hange was contemplating while tapping her finger on her chin. “Oh I’m all forward with teaming up the Marleyans. So who’s the new guy in power in their military?” She asked. 

“Reiner Braun, the Armor Titan.” Will said. 

Everyone was shocked. The Marleyans would have never chosen an Eldian as their higher up. This explained why all the sudden they want to have peace and have an alliance. 

“So, do we all agree to accept this new alliance with Marley?” Jean said. 

“Yeah, I will use the telecommuter to talk to Armin.” Hange said. 

“Zoe, it's called a laptop.” William corrected her. She chuckled embarrassingly. “Oh how silly me. I’m still getting the hang of it.” 

 “Who do we choose to spy on Jaegerists and the imposter?” Rico said. 

“Hm, Eren can be a double agent to spy on the Jaegerists. For the templars, we have Reggie spying on the templars and the grandmaster. So that leaves for spying the imposter.” Niles contemplated on who they should pick for that part. 

Rico glanced at the window to see certain figures sitting on the bench talking to each other. “We can use Rick and Eren’s girl as spies. One spy for the King and the girl can play the queen’s handmaiden.” 

Eren glanced at where Natasha was outside still chatting with the other guy. He glared at Rico for considering that. 

“No. She’s not part of any of this! Are you trying to put her in danger? Absolutely not.” He was angry for the Garrison Commander wanting to put his Eve in danger. “Can you choose someone else?”

“Eren. Stand down. Remember what I said earlier?” Hange said. This made the titan holder stop talking but the expression was still upset. 

“Take it easy Jaeger. The girl is perfect since she’s not recognizable. Plus, having you and Rick close to her; I’m sure she will be safe. The Jaegerists are allied with the templars and Lord Evans. So having a few more spies in each factor, it will give us the chance to get enough information to destroy them once and for all.” Rico continued.

Eren sat back down trying to contain his anger. This is what he’s afraid of. Having his girlfriend in a dangerous place and being killed. Oh fuck, he hopes it does not come to that or he’ll awaken the Rumbling to have the world wipe. She’s the reason why he’s considering his original plan to be at halt. The thought of losing her will be the same pain as the day he lost his mother. 

While he was absorbed in his paranoia, he didn’t realize one of the soldiers had already called Natasha and Rick to enter. He could hear her light hearted laughter when she made her appearance alongside Rick. He turned his body to peek a glimpse at her. Eren can’t believe how lucky he is to have a woman like her loving him. She may have so many flaws, but she always has a fiery spirit that overshadows her other qualities. His green eyes stared into grey ones. Natasha gave a warm smile then her sight focused on all three commanders, the Mentor, Jean, and him. 

“Rick and Eren’s girl, we have a very important task for the both of you.” Rico said which Natasha became annoyed at how Rico didn’t bother to say her name. Eren had told both Nile and Rico of her name yet only Rico kept calling her Eren’s girl, Girl, or Useless wanderer. 

“What task would it be, Commander Brzenska?” Rick curiously to his superior officer. 

“I’m glad you ask, Private Rick.” The Garrison Commander continued. 

“We want both of you along with Eren to be our spies. All three of you will go undercover but you guys will go into different factors. Eren will go back to the Jaegerists to play his role as their leader. You, Private, will go undercover as one of the king’s trusted guards. The girl will go undercover as one of Queen Historia’s closest handmaidens.” Rico was interrupted by Natasha. 

“I’m not Girl or any of the names you label me. My name is Eve. E...V...E. Eve.” Her tone was feisty. Rico grunted from being disrespected. 

“You should watch your tone when you're speaking to a commander.” The platinum blonde woman glared at the brunette. 

“Thank god you’re not my commander or I’m not in the military when I could get court martial for defining a superior officer.” Eve said. 

“Ok ok both of you. We’re not here to fight, right Commander Rico?” Nile glanced at Rico hoping she doesn’t keep provoking. These two had always argued ever since they met. They just don’t like each other. 

“Eve? What a unique name for a lovely woman.” William said to get Eve on their side. 

“Yeah, my parents were very religious.” Eren knows that’s a lie but she needed to invent some background so suspicious won’t arise. 

“Eve what?” William continues. 

“Eve or my full name is Eveline Potts.” Natasha continued. 

“Your accent is familiar. Are you from the States?” He said.

“Yes, I’m from New Orleans, Louisiana. I was here by accident. I was adventuring in the ocean with my boat then I got caught into a storm that drifted here on this island.” Her tone seemed very convincing if Eren didn’t know the truth. She’s seriously a very good liar. 

William nodded and took her words for it. “Very well. Can you perform this task? I promise you once the war is over. My assassins and I will happily take you back home.” 

“I can. If you need me to be a queen’s handmaiden, then you got the right person.” She made a graceful courtesy that high born ladies do. She had one of her famous smirks. 

Hange was observing. To her, this girl has a bit resembling a dear friend of hers. Maybe the commander is seeing things. Well, it doesn’t matter. They got their spies. 

“Tomorrow, all three of you will go to the capitol and play your part. Assassin Garcia will assist both Rick and Eve on getting into the new positions as royal guard and handmaiden.” Will said. 

Once everything was settled, both Eren and Eve were finally alone in a room where they will rest for the night until the following day. Eren had held his feelings of agreeing letting his girlfriend take the role as a spy. 

“Eve. Why did you agree in taking the task? You don’t have to join the cause or anything. It’s dangerous. You could get caught or worse get killed.” Eren sounded frustrated but also worried. 

“Eren, I know you're upset and worried for my safety, but I can handle this. Please, trust in me? You will be in the same area.” Eve goes to wrap her arms around Eren’s neck as Eren pulls her close to him so he can hold her tight. 

“I’m scared that something could happen to you. I can’t lose you. You’re the one who gave me hope. You’re helped me realize my plans are too extreme and there’s another way. You have already changed this timeline in a good way by saving the majority of the human population. That’s how important you are to me.” His head nuzzled on her chest. His tears fall from being scared of losing the woman he loves. 

He can feel her fingers softly brushing his long dark hair. Eren can feel how relaxed he becomes under her touch. “I will not hesitate to awaken the Rumbling if the world takes you too. 

Natasha bent to eye level him. “Eren, listen to me. You have to promise me not to use the Rumbling at all cost. Promise me, Eren. Promise...me.” Her hands were placed on his cheeks.

He could see how it frightens her that he’ll bring destruction if she dies. He didn’t mean to scare her. All he wanted to wake up from this nightmare and glance at her sleeping form. But this is a cruel world. The only beautiful thing the world had to offer was her. His Eve. His temptress. 

Eren turned around to grab his bag where all his possessions are inside. He dug his hand to find an object. Once he pulled it out, it was a small silver case that has aged throughout time. He slowly holds both hands to place it on his lap. His emerald green eyes stared into steel grey eyes. She was curious why he held that case. Slowly Eren shuffled which Eve stepped back to give him room. The titan holder slowly goes down on his knee. Natasha gasped as she realized what he was about to do. 

“Natasha Eve Ackerman Stark….I can’t live without you. These short weeks had been up and down already. But I know the moment I met you, you were becoming special to me. You’re my light to this madness world. Even if we get separate by time, I will one day find you. We are meant to be. I’m so crazy about you, I kept asking myself what had you done to me?” He chuckled then kissed her hand softly. 

“I know it was not that long I have hurt you. I’m still sorry for the reason that made you cry. I just want to say. I love you. I love you always and forever.” He saw how her eyes got watery then watched how her tears fell from her beautiful face. 

“Will you marry? I want to be your husband. If one of us dies, I prefer I will be the one. I can’t bear the thought of letting time pass and not having you beside me. Be my wife, Natasha.” His soft passionate tone made her sobbing on how his proposal speech was romantic. 

She sniffled and tried to find the words to speak. “Will you still love me even if I had a past that labels me as being an easy girl?” She feels if he wants to marry her, he needs to know her past of the party and sex life she had. “Becaause in my time, I was known to be a party sex addict girl.” 

“I don’t give a shit about your past. That was you before. All I know, I fell in love with a strong, confident, funny woman that is capable kicking my ass if I fuck things up.” He chuckled which she did too. 

“Then yes. I will happily be your wife. I love you 3000, Eren Jaeger.” She whispered to him with a sweet velvet tone that made him go crazy.  He gets up to sit back on the bed but this time; he pulled her to sit her on his lap. His hand still holds the case. He opened the case to reveal a bulky ring that’s shaped like a huge teardrop. The jewel had a perfectly cut shape, real emerald and outside of it there’s small diamonds.

Natasha gasped at how antique and beautiful it looked. How could Eren afford this ring? “Eren this is so beautiful.” Natasha picked it up gently to see inside the ring there was something written. It’s not in Eldian for sure. It looks Turkish. Why does he have an Turkish ring? 

“Try it on. I asked a jeweler to make the band into her size finger. Natasha nodded as she slid the ring onto her finger. It does fit a perfect match. “Where did you-?” Eren interrupted her. 

“It was my mother’s. Long ago before she died. She showed her most valuable possession which was this ring because it was a family heirloom. I don’t remember much but she said many centuries ago. A beautiful woman  who came from a far away land. She ran away from being assassinated at her family’s palace. I don’t know if she was a princess or a bastard of some king. It had passed down through generations of females until I was born. Maybe one day, we’ll have kids and pass it on to them.” Eren explained. 

“The only thing I can’t figure it out is the writing inside the ring along with some sigil it has.” Eren gently grabbed her finger where the ring was. 

“It’s in Turkish. This ring looks so old that you might be a descendant of some Sultana who had escaped. You probably have Turkish royal blood in you.” She teased him. On the other hand, he rolled his eyes. 

“Then my dad must have a thing for royal women.” He said in a joking tone. 

“Well, after all you are his son. You’re forgetting I got royal blood.” She giggled. 

“It’s a good thing I don’t care because I love you for you.” Eren learns to give a soft kiss. 

“Good, because I love you for you. Even if you did try to activate the Rumbling because I know you have a good heart. You’re a good man, Eren Jaeger. Just remember that. “ She leaned in to kiss him more. 

(Mikasa)

Mikasa had been busy doing small errands that Reiner kindly asked her to do. So all day, she ran around the base to send messages to other ranking officers. Sometimes she takes turns to help out the soldiers defending their last frontlines against the enemies. The raven haired woman was so occupied that she forgot to check in with Mentor Miles. Luckily, Annie got her back to check in for her. These several days, the Marleyan soldiers were slowly warming up to Mikasa, Armin, and Annie. Even though Annie is an Eldian-Marleyan, they label her as a traitor in the beginning. The Female Titan holder doesn’t seem to be bothered by being spew insults at first.

One day Armin had enough and defended Annie. Mikasa was shook and amazed how Armin began to gain confidence to speak out. He usually stayed quiet and let things go. She was proud of Armin in what he’s becoming. Annie had been good for him. 

Speaking of relationships, Reiner had been busy being the commander in chief that he rarely had time to spend time with her. It’s fine for her since this is war. They are lucky to be together despite having heavy burdens in trying to stay alive and win the war. Mikasa was now sitting on her desk writing in code to send to Ambassador Kiyomi for help. Armin had told her to have the nation, Hizuru, to help them in time of their need. He was sure they would not reject them because Mikasa was a kin towards the Ambassador. She is an Azumabito as much as she's an Ackerman. 

Her mind shifts to her other estranged kin, Captain Levi Ackerman of the Survey Corps. She may have issues with him due to her being overprotective towards Eren. Other than that, Mikasa was worried about him. News had reached to her that Levi was captured. She wanted to go back to the island to rescue him, but Reiner talked her into some sense. Mikasa is now trying to do her part so the government of Hizuru can assist them to fight off the templars. 

Mikasa sighed once she finished coding her message. The letter was folded to be placed into the enveloped and sealed. She heard heavy footsteps coming towards the room. As the door opened, she turned around to see Reiner. 

“Hey, what have you been up to?” Reiner hugged Mikasa. 

“I was writing a letter to Lady Azumabito for help.” She hugged him back. 

Mikasa gets up to be comfortably hugging her lover. Her cheek pressed on his chest to nuzzle gently. This is one of their rare times to embrace each other. As both couples had been busy doing their part in the terrible war that is happening.  

“Armin already told you?” The blond haired man was starting to kiss her neck affectionately. 

Mikasa let out a soft moan from having his warm soft lips on her skin. They haven’t had this type of contact since they had sex first time with each other. She uses her fingers to run through his golden hair. “Mhm...he did. I- n-need to g-give this letter to be s-send.” 

The Asian-Eldian woman was losing in her thoughts. Reiner had a smirk when he noticed how distracted Mikasa was. 

“Don’t worry about that, baby. It’s a good thing I, your boyfriend is now the commander in chief.” Now his tone became deep with husk in seducing his lover. 

Mikasa was feeling her knees wobbly from the way his tone changed. Her hand traveled down to give a teasing squeeze on his covered manhood. A deep moan came from Reiner when she groped his bulge. 

“I’m aware of your position, Commander.” Now Mikasa uses her seducing tone on him as she’s in control. “Try to be patient for a few seconds, baby. I am going to send this important letter then I’m all yours.” She smirked back at him. 

The female assassin stepped back and went to the desk to pick up the envelope letter. She turned around to give a tender sweet kiss to Reiner. Reiner kissed her back from enjoying the kiss. He saw her walk away from the room to go send the letter. 

Mikasa didn’t take long to come back to Reiner who had been waiting patiently in the room. She opened the door to see him lying on the bed staring up the ceiling.  Once she has closed the door, Mikasa goes to Reiner and straddles on top of him. 

“What have you been thinking?” Mikasa stared at Reiner who was lost in his own thoughts. 

He noticed the weight of her body on him. Reiner glanced to see Mikasa laying her head on his chest while running her finger on his small exposed part of his chest. 

“I’ve been thinking about you. How lucky I am having an amazing strong woman by my side.” He smiled at her. The raven haired beauty blushed from his comment. Her hand already started playing his buttons which some were undone. 

Mikasa slowly rubbed his chest as she leaned in to kiss him again. They let the sweet kiss become passionate and hunger for more. Reiner slowly undoing  her trousers. She kicks off her pants then goes back straddling on his lap. The blonde man hovered his lips on her neck to mark her skin. Her breathing pattern became shallow from attending his lips to her neck. Mikasa loves feeling his lips on her neck. It’s one of her favorites he does to her. She pressed herself down to feel his throbbing bulge as her hips rolled slow and steadily grinding on him. 

Reiner groaned when her body grinded on him. His eyes were dark with lust. The Eldian from Marley stared at his girlfriend while she zones out from grinding fast. The titan shifter groped some parts of her body until he flipped her underneath him. 

“Reiner...I love you.” Mikasa said breathlessly. Her steel colored eyes stared into his amber eyes. 

Reiner gave a soft smile from hearing Mikasa saying those three words. He thought it would take her months or probably the last minutes when he dies for her to say it. He kisses her softly with love and gentleness. 

“I love you, Mikasa.” He responded back. Mikasa was feeling shy as she expressed her feelings towards him. She rarely showed her emotions in general unless she saw her friends happy or in danger. She used to be reckless when it came to Eren but once she realized his feelings will never be mutual, Mikasa slowly disciplined herself to control her emotions. Being an assassin had also helped her with containing them. 

She had removed his shirt as her lips kissed on his bare chest. In return, Reiner took off her shirt too. It didn’t take that long for them to be completely bare nude. Mikasa moaning from his fingers teasingly caressing her exposing body which her skin started to get goosebumps from this intimate pleasure. 

Her body made an arch the more her body temperature had risen. Mikasa placed her palm on his chest to add pressure for him to shift their position back to how they were earlier. She climbs back on top of him, but this time she gently slides herself onto his hardened cock. Both groaned together when their pleasure intensified. 

Mikasa felt his length stretch her walls. She slowly rocks her hips. Her hands were on his solid chest to steady herself. Reiner had already placed his hands gripping on her curves. His eyes can’t stop watching the way her hips roll gracefully. It’s like seeing an artistic dancer blowing away her audience with her skills. He’s a man who got hypnotized. 

Reiner moaning along hers as their pleasure increases more. Her pace began to shift with speed. Now, he started to thrust upward onto her body rolls which she’s bouncing. 

“Fuck Reiner...I love you…” She chanted again and again like a spell while being lost into pounding him on top. She leans in to roughly kissing his lips. Mikasa knows something within her wants to take over. She doesn’t know what it is, but for years she was scared to let that thing take over. 

It’s one of the reasons she tried not to let her emotions get out of control. Sometimes when she dreams, the thing had always taunted her for being blinded with love to a human who had rarely appreciated her enough to be her potential mate. The thing in her dreams had looked like her. The only difference was that her eyes glowed silver. Her smirk looked devilishly. Her look-like stand proud like the warrior she was. Mikasa is the opposite based on whoever that monster was with her face. For years, it had neither given a hint who or what the monster was. When her eyes locked on Reiner officially on the day they spar together, that demon in her had awoken. Mikasa had swept under the rug to deal with that thing. 

Reiner could hear her mumbling ‘I love you’ over again. She’s getting comfortable with expressing her feelings. He thought mentally. He was close to reaching its peak soon. The sound of their wet skin making slapping sounds echoes the room. He won’t be surprised some of the soldiers will hear them. 

“M-mine...mine, mine..” He doesn’t mind Mikasa getting a bit possessive but it doesn’t sound like her the way she said. His eyes took a glimpse to see her beautiful dark grey eyes he adore had become glowing silver. This had raised concerns for him. 

“Mikasa?” He said worriedly. 

Mikasa was still riding on him, but her warm shy smile turned into a devious smirk. Her facial expression had lost her shy, reserve, caring that made her genuine to love. The titan shifter was in a dilemma because a part of him felt a bit scared but also felt Mikasa won’t  cause harm to him. He felt her nail from her index finger tracing his face as if she’s toying her prey. 

“Shhh my darling mate. Mikasa is asleep for now, but don’t you worry about that handsome face of yours for her. She is safe. My host can be stubborn in fighting to keep in control from me.” This new Mikasa rolled her eyes annoyingly at the amount of times both titan and host fought to be in control. She would have been cooperative if Mikasa had embraced who and what she truly is. An Ackerman titan. 

Reiner was speechless. Nobody knows where the origin of the Ackermans is or how they are able to gain superhuman-like abilities to slay titans or massive armies. After all they are legendary to his people in Marley. His mother used to tell scary stories about the mythical clan of the Ackermans. When he went on his mission to Paradis Isle and encountered Mikasa Ackerman, he was scared and worried that their mission would not succeed. Turns out she was just a quiet girl who protected and smothered Eren Jaeger. During his betrayal, his perspective had changed when he saw how deadly Mikasa and Levi were capable of while fighting off them. Yet, he was still astounded how beautiful and strong Mikasa is. She was like a goddess of war raging into the battlefield. 

“Y-you’re not Mikasa?” He said with confusion. This possessed Mikasa let out a velvety chuckled. 

“Oh no, my darling.” she purred. “I’m Styx, it’s a pleasure meeting you, Reiner Braun.” 

“Styx? Like the Greek mythology Styx?” He was still turning to understand what was happening. 

“No, not really. But I picked that name when I was awoken when this woman saw her family being murdered. Poor child. We needed to survive. It’s who we are.” She leaned close to him to take a long sniff. 

“Oh you do smell very nice. I have tried to get Mikasa to open up by taking you as our mate. I swear, do all Ackermans are stubborn and blind to meet their other halves?” She sighed. “Anyways, no where are we? Let’s resume our mating. I loved how you give me euphoric pleasures.” 

Reiner was about to say something but he forgot his cock was inside her as she teasingly rocked her hips. He moans while letting Styx/Mikasa bounce on him. The blonde man let her continue until they both reached their orgasms. Both let out a final loud moan and Reiner cums inside her fill her with his hot seeds. 

“Please don’t be scared of us. We’ll never want to hurt you. You’re ours, mate.” She cupped her hands on his face to kiss him passionately soft. 

Reiner is still grasping on what this Mikasa or Styx had said. He nodded to ensure her, he understood. Styx nuzzled on him while resting her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her to hold her tightly. He knew now that Styx is part of Mikasa and he will always be by her side no matter what. It will be strange, but eventually he’ll get used to it and grow to love the titan Styx too. 

(Levi/Arne)

Kahr, Eldia Empire

 One year had passed since their wedding. Arne and Ingrid had moved to a small home in the port town of Kahr. The town was bigger than Leira. After all, there’s many merchants from parts of the world. The trade routes from the Empire to other kingdoms  like Hizuru, France, and Italian Provinces. They rent their home from a wealthy landlord who Arne’s father knew long ago. 

Both couples worked hard to meet their ends. Lady Ingrid was determined to work hard in her job as a barmaid. She struggled at first to figure things out but eventually she got the hang of it. For Arne, he worked in construction for new homes. This was their daily life. For the past year, they had an awkward rocking marriage until a month ago they cave in and confessed to each other about their feelings. Since then their relationship blossom. Today, it was gonna be a busy day.  It was morning, Arne woke up to see his wife not sleeping on the bed. 

“Hm. She’s probably left early.” He mumbled sleepily. He got up to get ready. By the time he was dressed and walked to the small kitchen, he saw Ingrid making breakfast. Usually, she never makes breakfast, only supper. Arne was fine with it. He understood Ingrid was never taught how to be a wife of a mere peasant like him. She was a noblewoman who was betrothed to a prince. 

He was amazed she had prepared a hearty meal for the both of them. Maybe someone taught her how to increase her cooking skill? The grey eyed man made a sound to get her attention. 

“Oh? Good morning, Arne! I hope you slept well. Come sit down. I made breakfast. I have learnt a lot from working at the tavern.” She gave her warm cheerful smile. Ingrid placed a basket of fresh berry muffins. 

Arne was still processing seeing her here in the morning making breakfast. He sat on the chair and glanced at the table that’s filled with two bowls of porridge, a pile of strips of bacon. Inside his porridge, there’s two slices of lemon and drizzles of honey with some brown spice sprinkle on it. He was curious where Ingrid got all these pricy ingredients? They barely could afford a ration of porridge for supper. Yes, that’s what they eat everyday for supper. It annoyed him since he was used to eating a variety of meals from his mother. One time Ingrid was frustrated because that’s all they could afford. Living in a town like Kahr was too expensive for them to live. 

“Ingrid, where did you get all these ingredients? I appreciate you putting your time to make breakfast, but we can’t afford to buy lemons or whatever spice you bought.” He moves the lemons to see better the spice on his bowl.

“I didn’t buy them nor the ingredients to make our porridge more tasty. My boss gave me leftovers because they were gonna go bad by tomorrow so he was kind to give me. Don’t worry, I’m not an idiot to spend our money carelessly.” She gave off  a hint of cynicism. The one thing she doesn’t appreciate from him was his thought of her being an ignorant person. 

Arne sighed and took his spoon to scoop into his bowl and eat the porridge. His eyes widen from the amount of flavor in one scoop. His tongue feels the explosion in his taste buds. He moaned enjoying his breakfast. Once he swallowed the porridge, his eyes glanced at an smirking Ingrid feeling proud of her porridge recipe. 

“Sooo what do you think?” She said. 

“It’s not that bad. So what’s the brown spice stuff you put in the porridge?” He asked. 

“It’s grounded cinnamon.” She said while scoping her spoon into her bowl to eat her porridge. 

“I like it. It’s zesty, sweet but nutty too.” He began to eat a bit more face pace. 

“I’m glad you are enjoying it. Here is a muffin. I just took it out of the oven.” Ingrid gave a warm muffin to Arne. He grabbed it and thanked her. 

“Arne, I need to tell you something. I got a letter from my cousin, the leader of the clan.” Arne dropped his spoon to stare at his wife with worry. “He found us? When did you get the letter? You could have told me when you got it, Ingrid. Damn it. We need to leave right away.” He was panicking. Who knows her family or the king’s guard would be here very soon or they’re on their way here. 

“Please Arne be calm. He’s not going to turn us to the king. He made a promise to me. He said in the letter that he wants us to go see him in my ancestral home in Völse. I know this sounds suspicious but he will keep his honor of not sending us to the king.” Ingrid pleading with her husband. 

“Ingrid, didn’t you once mention that he was vouching for you to be married off with the prince? How can you be sure he’ll not trap us to our doom? I’m more concerned how he found us.” He rubbed his temple spots from the anxious feeling he was getting. 

Ingrid looked down while playing her food. It’s best to come out clean to her husband. “I’ve been keeping contact since ten months ago…” Arne was in disbelief in what his wife had said. 

“Wait what? You have kept this secret for ten months? Why? Do you have any idea you put both of us at risk? My parents' effort to make sure we are safe will be in vain. What has gone into your head, Ingrid?” He can feel his anger rises. He was trying to stay calm and level headed but this is a betrayal to him. 

“I’m sorry….I know I should have told you in the beginning, but I thought you will shut down the idea to have help from my family.” She tried to explain her reason. 

“I might at first but I would have considered it after. What gave you the idea to trust your cousin? We don’t know 100 percent if he’ll backstab us. He didn’t give a damn about his honor when you told me he sly his way to be the leader of your clan when it should have been you to lead.” He pointed it out. Arne gets up. 

Ingrid couldn’t help to let tears slip from her eyes. She knew that her betrayal had hurt her husband. She loves him so much it broke her heart to see the look on his face. She thought it was the right way until for sure her cousin was being honorable this time and will help because they are family.  

“Please Arne understand that I just wanted to know he was being honest about helping us. He regrets pushing me to be married to the prince. He thought he was doing right for our clan’s survival. I was selfish for not understanding how in danger my clan is. I didn’t mean to hurt you..” She sob from the situation she causes in their peaceful marriage. A month ago, they finally confessed to each other and consummated their marriage with love and passion. That result now led her expecting their first child. She just found out last night from a local midwife when Ingrid was having her sickness. 

Ingrid feels if it’s the right time to tell him this news, but that’s what got to their argument right now because she had kept things to herself from him. Maybe telling him that she’s pregnant will calm him down and end this argument. My gods and goddesses, she hates crying in front of anyone especially to her husband. 

Arne had been quiet. He looked down to not aggravate which he sees how Ingrid is crying. He didn’t mean to get over worked up for this secret she told him. It just hurts that the woman he loves doesn’t trust his judgment enough to know the letters she kept in contact to her family. This is one of his issues he had mentioned to her. Trust is very important to him in a relationship. He needs to leave to have time for himself before he says something to make her upset and hurt. He felt ashamed to make her cry. 

“Arne...I also need to tell you something important.” She struggled with her words as he was still angry but quiet. 

“What? Is it another secret you didn’t bother to tell me?” His tone was dry cold that made his wife flinch in hurt for now being labelled as untrustworthy in his eyes. 

“I..I’m with a child. I just found out last night by the old midwife. You were asleep when I got home..I didn’t want to wake you up.” She sniffled while whipping her tears away. 

Arne lifted his head up to glanced at her. He doesn’t know what to say about this news. It should be the happiest moment but all he can think about is the fear they will do something terrible to Ingrid and their unborn child? He’s now a family man. He can’t trust anyone around. What if their child grows up and is being used as a pawn for their political game? He needs to pack up and run away with his growing family to protect them. 

“Arne? Please say something?” She looked scared and worried. 

Arne walked to her and kneel to eye level her. “You’re with my child.” He placed his palm on her flat belly. He made a small smile at the thought his love of his life is carrying his seed, their child.

“How long are you?” He asked. 

“A month exactly. I have been feeling ill and you told me to stay home to rest but I was stubborn to stay so at work; I passed out and the old midwife was there having her meal to check up on me until she found out I’m pregnant.” She said. 

Arne had his hand cup her face while his thumb caressing her soft cheek with dry tear stain. “You really are a stubborn woman.” He whispered softly then leaned to kiss her lips. 

In return she kissed him back. She was glad how his reaction was good about her pregnancy. They pulled away from their sweet kiss. “You married one.” She tried to make a joke. 

Arne nodding then gets up. “It’s getting late. I need to head out to work. I want you to try to rest. Please?” 

“How about I work until noon?” She negotiated. 

“I will stop by at the tavern so we can have lunch together then we come home and talk about leaving town.” He kissed her forehead affectionately. Arne is still hurt for lack of trust his wife has on him, but at this moment. He doesn’t want to distress her in her vulnerable time. 

She nodded in agreement and watched him grab his stuffed then packed some muffins. Probably to share with his worker buddies. 

“Arne, I love you..” She said gently as he was about to exit their home. 

He glanced at her. “I love you Ingrid.” He stepped out of her view and walked to his work. Ingrid sighed and started to clean up to get ready to go to work. 

The rest of the morning goes by quickly and noon arrives. Arne was off earlier as the few homes were built for the day. He was walking on the streets to get to the tavern where his wife works. He entered the place to spot his Ingrid cleaning the mugs. 

Arne went towards the bar and sat on the stool. Ingrid glanced up to see her husband in front of her. 

“Arne! I’m glad you’re here. How was work?” She placed the mug orderly on the shelf. 

“It was well. We finished the houses for today and I got my pay for this week.” He smiled. “How about you? Have you been feeling well with the baby?” His tone was concerned for her well being. 

“Yes, I’ve been ok and our baby had made me get hungry that the cook kicked me out from kitchen duty. That’s why I’m at the bar.” She giggled. 

“I’m happy you’re ok.” He smiled and admired her giggles. 

“Let me get some lunch in the kitchen. Take any empty table and I’ll meet you right up.” She said. 

Arne goes to pick a table to sit and waits for his wife. At the entrance, there were two men with strange foreign clothing coming. Suddenly, the sound of gunpowder was heard and all hell broke loose. The people duck under the tables to protect themselves. He glanced to see his wife frozen in place with two plates of warm meal. She whimpered in terror. Luckily, no harm towards her yet. 

Arne Ackerman saw a knife on the floor and grabbed it just in case. 

“It’s her.” One of the men said to the other. The other unscrolled the parchment to double check the image matched her. 

“Take her. The king has been looking for her.” He mumbled. 

Ingrid uses the plates to throw at them then make a run. When she was about to reach Arne, a third man snatched her. She screamed and struggled to get out of his grip. 

“Arne!” She glanced at her husband. Arne had a fear expression as his worst nightmare is happening right now. 

Arne roared in rage to use the knife and take charge to both of them. He barely made a slashed mark on one of the men’s faces as they screamed in pain. The other was behind him and knocked Arne down unconscious. 

“Take this one too. Since the king wanted to punish him as well.” The men grabbed both Arne and Ingrid. Ingrid curses at the kidnappers while they drag her away. 

Noooo Arne you gotta get up…

Fight or fly…

We’re Ackermans. We protect our family…

Back on the other side of the Animus, Levi was moving his body in despair. He knows the familiar feeling in what Arne is going through. Feeling useless and despair. Dr. Andersen pulled him back to reality as he stopped the machine. 

“I think that’s enough for today. You’re showing signs of the Bleeding Effect.” His tone was concerned for Levi’s well being. 

Levi opened his eyes and gasped from what he just witnessed. He sits up quickly while mumbling with anxiety. “I need to save her. I need to save her, my wife…” 

Davos Andersen observed Subject 18’s behavior. Huh? Very Intriguing. “Historia?” The scientist assumed. 

“Who is HIstoria? I meant my wife, Ingrid. Who are you?” Levi's accent changed. 

Davos assumed Levi is Arne as the Bleeding Effect sometimes can make you believe you’re one of your ancestors. It will come and go unexpectedly, but it doesn’t last long. 

“Arne, everything will be fine. We’ll help get your wife.” He said. This was the only way to calm Levi down until he was back to himself. 

Slowly the male Ackerman blinked his eyes and he glanced around to try to remember what had happened. “What the fuck was that? How long was I blacked out?” He rubbed his head from the intense headache he’s familiar with. 

“Ah, I’m glad you’re back to normal Levi. The Bleeding Effect has got you already. We will take it slow the next session. You can go back to your cell. Guards escort him back to his cell. We’ll continue tomorrow.” Davos said as two guards escort Levi out of the white room. 

It was a short walk since the white room is very close to the dungeon cells. One of the guards opened the cell and pushed Levi in, then cuffed him to the chains as he is one of the dangerous beings to be held captive. Once they chained him and locked the cell, they left the dark dingy cells. On his right, he spotted a familiar figure next to his cell. Pixis was in the cell along with other important rank military men and women from different regiments. Some noblemen were locked too on the other side of this dungeon; there were extra cells but they were less dark and there were brightness from the outdoor ray’s. 

“Captain Levi, I see they pushed your limit to be able to use the machine?” Pixis observed the younger man next to him. 

Levi chuckled darkly. “You can say that.” He started to feel drained from exhaustion. 

“Try to rest, soldier. You are our humanity’s Strongest but also our hope. Especially our beloved queen’s hope. I understand this is bs for you, but you, the queen are our hope. We are inspired that we’ll win this war.” The older general continued. 

“I want to destroy those who crossed the line with us. I missed my Historia and our son..” He mumbled. Levi doesn’t care if the rest of his cellmates know about his relationship with the queen and that they have a child together who is alive and safe. 

Just as he predicted, most heard what he said and started to mumble. The raven haired man scoffed annoyingly then rested his head on the hard stoned walls to try to rest. Soon everything was quiet. He can hear his titan counterpart talking in his mind. 

Very soon, well drained the city with our enemies’ blood. It’s been a long time since we have feast on them.

A/N: This felt like a month had passed that I barely finished this chapter. There were some parts I struggled to where I wanted it to lead. So, enjoy the chapter and let me know what you guys think? Until next time!

[rosierocks30]

I let Krista brush my hair since I can’t say no to this precious angel. I see Levi has already left the room. He’s probably doing his protocol security check ups. Old habits are hard to die. I don’t blame him. The years we went through hell to survive had caused us a permanent damage. 

I haven’t told Levi that I sometimes get night terrors. The scenario always changed. I don’t want to burden him more worries that he was already dealing. I glance at my daughter to admire how happy she is just brushing my hair. Maybe I should have a talk to Levi about trying to give Krista a sibling. Perhaps this time having a little Levi running around in our lives. 

“Mommy, all done!” My little princess smile at her accomplishment of brushing my hair.   

“Thank you, my darling.” I hug her tightly and kiss her temple spots. I made a promise to myself that all my children will not lack affection from me. Every chance I get, I hug and kiss Krista because she’s my world. 

“Sweetheart, go get your backpack. Your father should return very soon.” I told her. She smile in delight while skipping to go get her cute pink with flowers backpack. With my position as queen, I asked a bag marker to make a special school bag for Krista as a gift for her first day of school. Krista wore her cute custom made school bag and shows off to me. 

I heard the door knob made a click and I glance to see the door open. Levi has return from making rounds. When he said let’s go, I nod and grab Krista’s hand to walk out of the room. Levi has a habit to be in the back just to watch for danger even I told him there’s no need to worry. While we pass through halls, maids and guards bow to us in respect. Since we are the last royal family for this nation, majority of the people had showed respect and affection. I’m just happy my days as queen will be over. I will get to spend time more with my family. 

Since the palace is right in the city, there’s no need to use transportation. The school is few streets down. Levi had choose the one that's near the palace. He is very overprotective, but I got use of it. I know his intentions were good plus I don’t want him to get paranoid again. As today it will be difficult for him because of Krista not being around with us for few hours, I might know a way to make him very relax later at night. I smirk while chuckle to myself at the idea for later. 

@garnetwrites

rosierocks30​:​

From the reflection mirror, I could see how Krista shows her father her school uniform. She looks so adorable the way she twirls around to make her dress spin airy with grace. I can’t believe it she’s growing up so fast for our liking. Krista already learnt how to dress up for herself. While I continue brushing my golden hair, I smile seeing Levi pick her up to give his love and attention to our baby girl. 

I know he struggles in giving compliments or anything that involves with his feelings. Levi is a man of action. He had a rough upbringing as a child, but I know deep down he is a empathic loving man who will not hesitate to protect or shows his loyalty to those he cares. I’m proud of him how far he has come along. Fatherhood does sooth him. He always try to show his feelings and compliments towards his little princess. Of course also with me too. At first, when our paths intertwine due to the orphanage things had changed between our dynamic. We were just queen and soldier but it slowing became to acquaintances to friends and slowly into lovers. 

Levi has been changing throughout the years when we overthrow the pretender king. What shocks me still is our daughter is still alive and healthy. I remember my pregnancy was not the most happiest months. Levi and I were separated by roles. He was a soldier with a duty to protect his comrades and made a promise to his fallen commander the late Erwin Smith. May his soul rest in peace. I had to stay and be the obedient queen that was knocked up. Luckily, those months no one knew about it until I went to labor. I remember how I sat on the rocking chair on the front porch for hours everyday, hoping my knight comes back home alive or changed his mind to be with me. It was agonizing. I guess that experience made me afraid to have another child.

I had told myself I can’t be selfish so I let him go to do his duty. When I gave birth to Krista, I was overwhelm with many emotions. I was happy that my daughter was alive when I thought, I was losing her from being distress from the Rumble. I was scared and vulnerable what the Jeagerists will do to me and my baby. I was feeling heartbroken and alone because Levi was not here to see our baby being born. In the end, Levi and the rest of the soldiers ended the war. He finally came back home alive. When he met Krista for the first time, he cried. I have never seen him cry before, but he did. He hold her and whisper to her that i was not able to hear. I do know that we will be alright from now on. That things will get better for everyone including us. 

My thoughts were interrupted when Levi spoke. “Huh? Oh she has?” I glanced at the man I love with a smile then our beautiful miracle daughter. She is dressed and ready for school. “It’s ok, my love. We’ll go have breakfasts then you can help pack her a snack then we’ll go take her to school.” I place my hairbrush on the countertop of the sink. I place my hands on his cheeks again to give another sweet kiss to show how much I love him. “Give me few minutes to dress up appropriate to take her to her new school.” I whisper to him then let go of him to get ready. I don’t want to be the reason for Krista being late on her first day of kindergarten. 

@garnetwrites

✘ —; My heart always flinched then fluttered whenever Historia kissed me. It was like I had to feel guilty first before allowing myself to feel happy. I look over at Krista who had her mother’s brush in her hand, an eager look on her face. She wants to help Historia brush her long hair – even though she already did.  Krista always wants to help – didn’t matter if it was something she couldn’t do; she always wanted to try. 

This forces a smile from my lips before I turn on my heel and move towards the door. It was a habit I couldn’t throw away even in this peaceful world – I had to secure the area. Even though there were guards, I want to do it on my own and on my own terms. I leave the pair, sharp eyes looking all around me. The tapping of my shoes echoes through the long empty corridor and some of the soldiers stop to greet me.

 I simply nod my head in return but keep on with my mission. Historia didn’t know it – but I still keep that small blade hidden on me at all times. I feel guilty sometimes for not being able to completely embrace this new reality we all fought for. She would probably scold me for keeping something dangerous around Krista. 

But, I’d rather be ready then leave my family vulnerable.  I pause and gaze out the towering window, I see people going about their lives. Historia never expected anything out of me – but I want to be better not just for her but our child. I do not want to continue being this broken, tormented man when she gets old enough to see my flaws. Right now, I’m her hero – but I fear the day she will come to realize just how weak and scared shitless I really am. Even now, I don’t like the idea of leaving her – alone where anything could happen.

 When she was born, even though I was severely injured, I spent my nights sleeping against the bars of her crib. I sigh heavily before turning around to return to our chambers. As I draw closer to the door, I pause with my hand above the knob – listening to Krista’s warm giggles. It tugs at the strings to my heart, telling me that so far, I’ve done well enough as her father. She is happy – that is enough for me. I enter the room and shine a small smile at the pair before me. Historia is ready so I keep the door open for them before saying, 

“Let’s go to school, Krista.”

@rosierocks30​

[rosierocks30]

Mikasa nodding in agreement. Finally, she sink into her familiar routine in working only this time with a someone else. She notice the way Reiner is engross into the project with passion and dedication. He is very well organize minded man. Another quality she likes in a man. She does like having a good conversations and debates. Mikasa is pleased that Reiner is a compatible working partner. 

 As time passes, she didn’t realize it was already lunch time. She heard a growl from Reiner then glance at him. Then her stomach also growls. “No, you’re fine.” Mikasa chuckles. She place her pen down. “Yeah, let’s have our lunch break. I haven’t ate breakfast because I got here late.” She gives him a warm smile. As she put her chair to get up, her arms are stretching from being in the same position for hours. 

“I can’t wait to try that place that you mentioned earlier.” Mikasa starts to pick up the papers which Reiner helps her. Once again, their hands made contact. This time her hand is on Reiner’s rough warm hand. For some weird reason, she had a flash moment where a man who looks like Reiner glared at her. In this vision, she was wearing black but has weapons on her. it looks like she was a warrior or some soldier. 

Mikasa shakes her head to get rid of that vision she saw. That was strange. What the hell was that?

@caesarwrites

Mikasa is getting ready to go to a work as he woke up late. She rushes herself putting on her business outfit which it’s her long sleeve white collar blouse tugging into her black knee length pencil skirt. She puts on her black heels with red on the bottoms. After putting on her outfit, Mikasa begins to apply her make up lightly just to enhance her beautiful face. Now, she focus on doing an upper hairdo bun with few strands tiny hairs sticking out from her sides. 

Mikasa sighs as her clock shows, she has 15 minutes to arrive at her new job. She got transfer here in Liberio, Marley from Hizuru. Originally, Mikasa is from Paradis Isle. When she was 12, her mother had made the family moved back to Hizuru after her father died from a car accident. He left a wife and two kids, her and her younger brother, Kaname Ackerman. As Mikasa has gotten older, she applied to the university of Sina in Paradis to be closer with her father’s family. Once she has graduated, her mother’s family company had beg her to work for them. At first, Mikasa was reluctant. Her mother persuaded her to take the offer which she did. The only thing she will accept the offer if she make her way to up by earning it and not be given because of her relation to the Azumabito family. 

She had worked for her family’s company for couple of years until they asked her to work in one of their branches in Marley. Mikasa accepted the offer and packed up to move to the city of Liberio in Marley. This will be a new scenery in her predictable life. The raven haired woman is tired being suffocated by the members of Azumabito clan telling her what to do. It was getting too much for her. This was one of the reasons she took the offer to be away from her stuck up family. 

Now on her first day, she’s already going to make a bad impression to her new colleagues and her boss. Mikasa made her way to the top, but not enough to be ranked as VP or CEO yet. Of course, her family excepted her one day to take over the family empire. Meanwhile on her father side, most of them are in the military or had serviced in the military.  

Finally, Mikasa is ready to leave. She grabs her keys and purse to go to her car. She unlock her nice luxurious car and gets in. Once she has buckle her seat belt, the car is on and drives away to her work. She will get food during lunch. Right now, she’s too nervous for being late and being in a new work environment. Hopefully, the people won’t think ill of her because of her family’s name and being born from Paradis where both Eldians from Marley and Paradis has their feud since the war that happened a century ago. 

@caesarwrites

[rosierocks30]

“Oh, cool.” Mikasa glance at Reiner when he offer the idea to have lunch together. “Yeah, that would be great we have lunch together.” 

The raven haired woman looks away form him from thinking the idea going to have a nice lunch with Reiner. A hot guy like him with military background is the type Mikasa likes. 

The last relationship she been with was Eren Jaeger. She had a major crush with him since childhood until she moved away. When she applied to the University of Sina, she and Eren had met again to the point they started dating. Of course, it took her five years to realize Eren was not the boy she use to admired. It broke her heart after their relationship ended, but that’s the past. She had moved on from him. 

Only this attraction takes a hold different level. Mikasa feels like a hot mess from being around Reiner. All this took her few second to crumble like a puddle of goo. With Eren, she was still in control but admired so far away until they had dated. All that feelings she is having right now was not how she felt with her ex. Maybe this whole time she just admired Eren and was confused with having strong feelings with her ex. 

It’s not like she suddenly have strong feelings with Reiner. She just met the guy. Maybe she’s feeling this strong lust attraction towards him. Hopefully, this strong attraction will diminish over time. But god damn, look how handsome and manly he is. His thin bread and mustache make him look sexy it should be a crime. 

Mikasa wants to feel her hands on his face to caressing the rough texture. All of sudden she started to daydream on the way he whispers beautiful and erotic things to her ears. The was his hands moving up and down on her body. Inside her head she’s lost in her imagination, but outside; Mikasa subconsciously spread a dreamy smile.  

All of the sudden, she heard his deep rough voice making a cough sound to get her out of her dream state. “Um, so let’s begin. Shall we?” Her hand pulls the papers to begin to work with her new sexy partner.   

@caesarwrites

Mikasa is getting ready to go to a work as he woke up late. She rushes herself putting on her business outfit which it’s her long sleeve white collar blouse tugging into her black knee length pencil skirt. She puts on her black heels with red on the bottoms. After putting on her outfit, Mikasa begins to apply her make up lightly just to enhance her beautiful face. Now, she focus on doing an upper hairdo bun with few strands tiny hairs sticking out from her sides. 

Mikasa sighs as her clock shows, she has 15 minutes to arrive at her new job. She got transfer here in Liberio, Marley from Hizuru. Originally, Mikasa is from Paradis Isle. When she was 12, her mother had made the family moved back to Hizuru after her father died from a car accident. He left a wife and two kids, her and her younger brother, Kaname Ackerman. As Mikasa has gotten older, she applied to the university of Sina in Paradis to be closer with her father’s family. Once she has graduated, her mother’s family company had beg her to work for them. At first, Mikasa was reluctant. Her mother persuaded her to take the offer which she did. The only thing she will accept the offer if she make her way to up by earning it and not be given because of her relation to the Azumabito family. 

She had worked for her family’s company for couple of years until they asked her to work in one of their branches in Marley. Mikasa accepted the offer and packed up to move to the city of Liberio in Marley. This will be a new scenery in her predictable life. The raven haired woman is tired being suffocated by the members of Azumabito clan telling her what to do. It was getting too much for her. This was one of the reasons she took the offer to be away from her stuck up family. 

Now on her first day, she’s already going to make a bad impression to her new colleagues and her boss. Mikasa made her way to the top, but not enough to be ranked as VP or CEO yet. Of course, her family excepted her one day to take over the family empire. Meanwhile on her father side, most of them are in the military or had serviced in the military.  

Finally, Mikasa is ready to leave. She grabs her keys and purse to go to her car. She unlock her nice luxurious car and gets in. Once she has buckle her seat belt, the car is on and drives away to her work. She will get food during lunch. Right now, she’s too nervous for being late and being in a new work environment. Hopefully, the people won’t think ill of her because of her family’s name and being born from Paradis where both Eldians from Marley and Paradis has their feud since the war that happened a century ago. 

@caesarwrites

[rosierocks30]

“Oh sure, that would be great.” She stared at her hands while her fingers moving against each other. Mikasa contemplated whether to ask him to join lunch with her. The though of her asking him out to eat with her had made her collar from her blouse feeling tight around her neck. 

It’s not like she’s asking him on a date, right? She’s just doing this for being a good work partner. If she does ask him to have lunch with her, he’ll probably think it’s some date and rejects it. Having some family members that are in the military, they come off as imitated. At least, Reiner is nice enough not to pull an imitated expression. Maybe in the future when they are comfortable around each other. 

“Where is this restaurant? Maybe after we get some work done, I’ll give it a try to eat there.” Mikasa reached to where the folder is place and open it wide. Her fingers accidentally brush lightly his knuckles to try to grab some papers. The raven haired beauty feels her heart rate increasing from having skin contact from Reiner. Even if it’s a light touch, his skin was rough but in a nice and hot way. Subconsciously, she begin biting her bottom lip. Oh boy, they haven’t start the work and she’s already thinking using the bathroom break as an excuse to cool herself. 

@caesarwrites

Mikasa is getting ready to go to a work as he woke up late. She rushes herself putting on her business outfit which it’s her long sleeve white collar blouse tugging into her black knee length pencil skirt. She puts on her black heels with red on the bottoms. After putting on her outfit, Mikasa begins to apply her make up lightly just to enhance her beautiful face. Now, she focus on doing an upper hairdo bun with few strands tiny hairs sticking out from her sides. 

Mikasa sighs as her clock shows, she has 15 minutes to arrive at her new job. She got transfer here in Liberio, Marley from Hizuru. Originally, Mikasa is from Paradis Isle. When she was 12, her mother had made the family moved back to Hizuru after her father died from a car accident. He left a wife and two kids, her and her younger brother, Kaname Ackerman. As Mikasa has gotten older, she applied to the university of Sina in Paradis to be closer with her father’s family. Once she has graduated, her mother’s family company had beg her to work for them. At first, Mikasa was reluctant. Her mother persuaded her to take the offer which she did. The only thing she will accept the offer if she make her way to up by earning it and not be given because of her relation to the Azumabito family. 

She had worked for her family’s company for couple of years until they asked her to work in one of their branches in Marley. Mikasa accepted the offer and packed up to move to the city of Liberio in Marley. This will be a new scenery in her predictable life. The raven haired woman is tired being suffocated by the members of Azumabito clan telling her what to do. It was getting too much for her. This was one of the reasons she took the offer to be away from her stuck up family. 

Now on her first day, she’s already going to make a bad impression to her new colleagues and her boss. Mikasa made her way to the top, but not enough to be ranked as VP or CEO yet. Of course, her family excepted her one day to take over the family empire. Meanwhile on her father side, most of them are in the military or had serviced in the military.  

Finally, Mikasa is ready to leave. She grabs her keys and purse to go to her car. She unlock her nice luxurious car and gets in. Once she has buckle her seat belt, the car is on and drives away to her work. She will get food during lunch. Right now, she’s too nervous for being late and being in a new work environment. Hopefully, the people won’t think ill of her because of her family’s name and being born from Paradis where both Eldians from Marley and Paradis has their feud since the war that happened a century ago. 

@caesarwrites

[rosierocks30]

Mikasa stares into his eyes. She close the folder to properly give her full attention. “Alright, very well...Reiner.” The way her tongue feel when she pronounce his name feels just right and familiar. She went to sit on the table where Reiner is sitting. She could feel how close they are. their chair are right beside each other. 

The Hizuran-Eldian place gently the big folder then slide closer for Reiner to view better. When the man asked her how’s Liberio, Mikasa has a soft smile. She remember yesterday when her plane landed here. The city view was breath taking. Everything that she had learn about the city had met her expectation.

As she had walked out of the airport to see the city beautiful with tall skyscrapers the streets were busy with vehicles and people walking on the sidewalks. It felt alive and fresh scenery. The city where she came from in Hizuru was similar but not that exciting. Here there are many people from different parts of the world. Liberio had become a global economic power after the war. long ago this lively city was under attack by a lone man in a titan form from Paradis. Her birth home. Even this day, bad blood still exist between the Marley Eldians and the Paradis Eldians. Mostly it was from the alt-right movement people from both sides of the countries. Luckily, they are in small numbers and loss their power after the war. 

The woman’s grey eyes glance at the man’s amber eyes. Her hand brushes to move her strands of hair away from her view to look at him clearly. His smile is beautiful. “Yes, it’s nice. I like it. You, Liberion have a beautiful city. If I have time, I would take a nice walk to explore this city.” 

“Do you know any place to eat for later lunch?” She said shyly. 

@caesarwrites 

Mikasa is getting ready to go to a work as he woke up late. She rushes herself putting on her business outfit which it’s her long sleeve white collar blouse tugging into her black knee length pencil skirt. She puts on her black heels with red on the bottoms. After putting on her outfit, Mikasa begins to apply her make up lightly just to enhance her beautiful face. Now, she focus on doing an upper hairdo bun with few strands tiny hairs sticking out from her sides. 

Mikasa sighs as her clock shows, she has 15 minutes to arrive at her new job. She got transfer here in Liberio, Marley from Hizuru. Originally, Mikasa is from Paradis Isle. When she was 12, her mother had made the family moved back to Hizuru after her father died from a car accident. He left a wife and two kids, her and her younger brother, Kaname Ackerman. As Mikasa has gotten older, she applied to the university of Sina in Paradis to be closer with her father’s family. Once she has graduated, her mother’s family company had beg her to work for them. At first, Mikasa was reluctant. Her mother persuaded her to take the offer which she did. The only thing she will accept the offer if she make her way to up by earning it and not be given because of her relation to the Azumabito family. 

She had worked for her family’s company for couple of years until they asked her to work in one of their branches in Marley. Mikasa accepted the offer and packed up to move to the city of Liberio in Marley. This will be a new scenery in her predictable life. The raven haired woman is tired being suffocated by the members of Azumabito clan telling her what to do. It was getting too much for her. This was one of the reasons she took the offer to be away from her stuck up family. 

Now on her first day, she’s already going to make a bad impression to her new colleagues and her boss. Mikasa made her way to the top, but not enough to be ranked as VP or CEO yet. Of course, her family excepted her one day to take over the family empire. Meanwhile on her father side, most of them are in the military or had serviced in the military.  

Finally, Mikasa is ready to leave. She grabs her keys and purse to go to her car. She unlock her nice luxurious car and gets in. Once she has buckle her seat belt, the car is on and drives away to her work. She will get food during lunch. Right now, she’s too nervous for being late and being in a new work environment. Hopefully, the people won’t think ill of her because of her family’s name and being born from Paradis where both Eldians from Marley and Paradis has their feud since the war that happened a century ago. 

@caesarwrites

[rosierocks30]

Hidden: Ch.16

Chapter 16: Deception

(Historia)

It’s been three weeks since Levi tried to take her away from this hell. The only companion she felt safe was with Ymir who somehow was in her subconscious. Historia doesn’t know how it happened, but it helped her get through being Nathaniel’s obedient queen. The blonde woman had started to come out of her chamber to roam some areas of the palace or go to the beautiful gardens whenever she was tired being in her chamber. 

Today, the sun has shined on the west wing side of the garden. It’s one of her favorite gardens from all of them here. This garden has so many wildflowers and ponds with bridges and benches to enjoy. The geese and ducks gathered to swim in the ponds. There are also few swans which she doesn’t know how Nathaniel could afford them, especially the nation has very high national debts it needed to be paid. 

Historia was wearing a light pink dress made of silk with white and red roses as patterns. Her hat was light pink with a big white flower to match. The pearls around her neck were a gift from her “husband”. She hated these pearls and anything, Nathaniel had given her, but Ymir was right. She needed to play her part until it’s the right time to escape. Don’t expect anyone to save you if you want to be saved. So do it for yourself. 

Her blue eyes stared down at a pretty powder blue book made of leather with golden letters for the title. This book was not a storytelling book. It was a dairy; her mother’s dairy. Historia found this book in one of the old studyroom of this palace. Turns out it was her grandfather’s; then it was passed on her uncle then Frieda’s. Probably her older sister found it and hid it somewhere in that room so no one finds it. At first, the queen was reluctant to open the book to read it. Humph. Why should she care about her mother’s life before she existed? She was aware how much her own mother despised her. 

The young queen began to open the dairy and started to read the first page. Her mother was around a couple years younger than her when her father’s wife hired her as a maid. For the first several pages, all it mentioned was how excited she was to work at the palace.  The way she had described inside the palace was familiar how the palace is now. To Historia, her mother was a teenager with dreams of wanting to be part of the upper class’s life. While the queen was reading more into the diary, one of her ladies-in-waiting spoke to get her attention. 

“Your Majesty, the King is waiting for you to have lunch with him at the garden on the east wing.” The lady said. Historia laid the diary on her lap to nod. 

“Very well.” She sighed then gripped the book as the royal woman got up then started to walk to where Nathaniel was. 

By the time she and her ladies reached to the east wing of the palace, Historia entered the garden where Nathaniel was already sitting sipping wine. The servants was serving lunch when the queen spotted them. 

“Ah, my dearest. I’m pleased you’re here to join me for lunch.” Nathaniel glanced up to see his wife coming towards him. 

Historia had her expression neutral as she went to sit on the empty chair. The table was small  and made of marble with glass on top of the surface. She glanced down at the dish being served. Historia gave the servant a small smile to show her appreciation of their dedication to making it look delicious. 

“I was feeling hungry so I decided to come to eat.” She said. One of the servants served wine to her. At first, she was going to reject, but the queen had remembered Nathaniel is here. To get through their lunches, Historia will need something strong to endure this date. 

“It’s good that your appetite has returned. I assume you are getting better from your foolish attempt to escape from a few weeks ago.” He stared at her waiting to see how she would react. 

Of course, Historia wanted to grab the knife in front of her to stab him into his eyes. Her rage was rising up but a familiar voice kept her at bay. 

Hey chill, remember play the goody good Krista in order to gain his trust then strike him. 

Ymir said in her mind which thank the walls Historia was trying to calm herself down. The blonde queen finally stared into his eyes and gave him a smile. This smile was not one of her sweet warm ones. 

“Yes, I had time to think about my actions, husband. For that, I hope you will forgive me. I will do better and remember my place as your queen and beloved wife.” Historia said. 

The blue eyed queen noticed the way Nathaniel gloated at her admitting mistakes. She wanted to throw her wine at him for being an arrogant gullible asshole. Historia slowly sips her wine. 

“This makes me happy to hear.” he smirked. “So, tell me how was your morning? I’m sure you were busy with many duties to manage order in the palace.” 

“It has been a busy morning. I noticed you want to do a charity event ball? May I ask what kind of charity is it, my king?” The way she spoke made her want to gag. It just feels so forced when she said, her king.

She remembered during her mid pregnancy, Historia had considered to give Levi a title. He rejected that offer so many times, but Historia was stubborn not to give up in convincing him to accept it. 

(Flashback) 

 “Levi, I know you don’t like it but can you-” She was interrupted by her husband. 

“No.” He said bluntly. 

She pouted. “My love, you don’t even know what I was going to say.” 

“Whatever it is. The answer is no.” He said stubbornly. 

“Humph. You should have a title.” Historia finished her sentence which Levi raised his brow. 

“You know I don’t care about titles.” His beautiful silver eyes with a hint of blue looked into her. 

“I know, but when that day comes of our marriage and the baby being publicized; the council will make you take a title by their choice. I just brought it up because I want you to pick your own title and not let anyone choose it for you.” She said with concern.  

Levi still stared at her but it softened. He understood what she was trying to say. He leaned to kiss gently on her lips. Oh how she loved his sweet soft lips. His walls dropped from time to time to get where they are now. Levi was not afraid to be soft and gentle with his wife. To Historia, this was happiness. Seeing the man she loves, being his true self around her. There was no mask or anything to separate between him and her. His thumb caressing her soft pink cheek with affectionate. 

“How about the Queen’s heart?” He mumbled. 

Historia grinned when she saw a light blush on his face. “Oh is that a blush I see?” She teased him. 

“Tch, brat.” He said while Historia laid her head on his chest with a victory grin in making the Captain Levi Ackerman blushed. 

(End Flashback)

Historia was trying not to smile so Nathaniel won’t suspect her why she was smiling. Nathaniel took a bite out of a piece of cut fruit. 

“It’s a charity to raise money for security to make sure other nations will think twice in attacking us.” He said. 

“Basically, funding the military?” Historia raised her brow in confusion. 

 Nathaniel placed his eating utensils on the plate. “Yes, but not the ones we used to have. I disband them all to recruit a new army to obey their king. The three regiments had ruled this nation far too long. It’s time for the monarchs like us to retake our divine rights.” 

“I see. Why didn’t you just convert the military’s power to yours instead of disbanding them. We’re on the brink of war with Marley.” She doesn’t know if Nathaniel realized they need their soldiers more than ever which concerned her. 

“I don’t trust them. Don’t worry. Marley is too busy with their own issues. Beside, we have the templar’s support to protect us until our new military is ready.” Nathaniel was so sure of his decisions.

Historia sighed. When she was in power, at least the late Premier Zackely let her have some power in order to help the common people. As long as she doesn’t interfered very delicate decisions. A part of her wanted to have all the power as a ruler should have so she won’t be limited to help others and make life a bit easier for the common people. In her perspective, they are the driving force of the economy. 

Historia stayed quiet as her lips pressed on the rim of her wine glass slowly sipping. The templars were nothing but greedy hypocrites. She wonders if there are prisoners in the dungeon. The queen will make plans to ditch her ladies in waiting to investigate on her own later. 

“If you think this is the best; then nothing can’t go wrong right?” She finally said something. Of course, her words were full of bullshit, but Nathaniel is a gullible man. His ego is too big; it’s suffocating. 

What wonders her the most is that grandmaster. He gives off a cunning backstabbing vibe. She preferred to have Nathaniel in power than a man like Alexander Di Lorenzo. She feels something bad will happen and Historia gotta make an efficient plan to save her people and her loved ones. 

“Of course it does. By the way tonight, I won’t be visiting. Probably not for a few days.” He said. The queen was relieved about this. She doesn’t know if there will be another night of repulsiveness of having him do things only her true husband can make her feel loved and passionate. A faded smirk spread on her lip. She will use those days to explore unwanted areas. 

(Levi) 

He doesn’t know how long he was a prisoner. It’s felt like years for him. Levi was back at the animus to finish the life of his ancestor, Arne Ackerman. The captain waited for the male version of Shitty Glasses to turn on the machine. He took a deep breath as the glass-like hover over his eye view. Levi closed his eyes as the machine made it’s countdown then everything went black again. 

Eldia Empire, 1555

Arne Ackerman was busy helping his father setting the plots of crops on their 10 acres of land. They are almost done as winter solstice will arrive in several months. Arne had grown through the years being raised by two loving parents. Throughout his growing years, Arne had wondered why he never took after neither of his parents in looks or anything. Both of them had lighter hair colors with grays of strands coming out. 

He looked at his father to notice his nose was different than his along his mother’s too. At first, he was curious until one day in the village; Arne was on an errand to buy some minerals for the soils. There were some whispers from old crones near him. They were looking at him as they whispered to each other. Arne rolled his eyes in annoyance. Those old crones are nothing but gossipers. As he paid the man for the special soils, he heard what the gossips were about. 

“Oh my, Hilda’s and Birger’s kid has grown into a fine handsome man. Many village girls gossips how strong and handsome he looks.” the first crone said. 

“Pfft, my granddaughter and her silly friends, that's all they talk about. It gets tiring to hear them squeal.” The second crone scoffed. 

“I’m surprised Hilda was about to have a child; I thought she was barren. The gods had blessed her a fine strong son.” The third crone said. 

“That poor boy is not their blooded child. Hilda is barren. Always has been. They both found him at the slave market and bought him because Hilda couldn’t bear seeing a babe being alone and a slave. So, it’s a win-win for the Ackermans and Arne.” the second crone said. 

Arne couldn’t believe what he had just heard. His parents aren’t his actual parents? He was a slave. An infant slave when they bought him. The young man doesn’t know whether to be angry at. The main question was who his real parents were. Where are they? Are they alive? Did they sell him? These questions were becoming overwhelming for him. 

He didn’t realize his hand was gripping on the edge of the wooden countertop of a stand. His breath was gasping for air while Arne was holding it. His parents had never bothered to tell him of his origin? Maybe there was a reason. 

The dark haired man began to walk away. He was distracted with what the old crones were saying that Arne didn’t realize he bumped into someone else which they both fell on the ground. Arne opened his eyes to see a girl around his age with strawberry blonde hair. When her eyes opened, he could see they were blue like the deep ocean. 

“I’m sorry for not seeing where I am going…” Arne observed the girl to notice she has a teal colored dress with golden embroidery patterns. Her cloak was royal blue. The way she dressed; this girl is a daughter or some high lord or a princess. 

The girl glanced at him then blushed from realizing she’s still on top of him. “Oh dear, I think I should be the one apologizing to you, sir.” The strawberry girl gets up to dust off the dirt on her dress. 

“No my lady, I should have been the one to apologize.” He gets up after she does.

“Good sir, I insist. Take my apology.” Her tone was becoming firm. 

Arne sighed. This woman is a stubborn one. He gave in. “Very well my lady. I accept your apology, but I’m no knight to be called such an honorable title.”  

The high born woman snorted. “Oh please, a man of your status has more what it takes to be a knight than the ones at the castle.” 

The woman glanced properly at Arne to notice his exotic features. “Are you from around here?” She asked curiosity. 

“Yes, I am. I should be asking you the same thing.” He said. 

“I am afraid not. Let’s just say I escape from the chamber of the castle of my betrothed. Honestly, who wants to marry into that Fritz clan. They may be the ruling clan, but they are mad with their god-like persona.” The noble woman said with a cynical tone. 

“My lady, it’s bad luck to speak ill of the royal family. The goddess Ymir and the gods blessed the House of Fritz as our rulers.” Arne was worried for the woman who could have angered the gods for her insults at the royal family. 

“Ymir? She’s no goddess; just a woman who was granted with the power of the Titan. A blessing and a curse. We, Eldian, are cursed for many generations until some fool decides to play god to break this curse.” This woman was peculiar. She was bold to speak her mind. 

Arne couldn’t tell if this woman was completely mad or just knowledgeable. He barely knows how to read and do some counting. His mother was once a servant maiden at the palace during her youth before meeting his father, a simple farmer. She has given the best education she can give. For someone like him, he was educated compared to other farmers’ kids who received no education at all. In a way, he was lucky. 

“Has the gods and the goddess pissed you off?” He asked. 

“In a way, yes. I’m not ready for marriage. I always wanted to explore and learn so many places from the other side of the world. Did you know? There are some female rulers like Mary I of England. I have always wanted to visit Europe. I know I’m not meant to be some prince’s bride or anyone else’s. I was supposed to be the next clan leader, but my cousin took over and offered the king a bride to his heir. The nerve of him.” She stomped her foot on the dirt in frustration.  

Arne doesn’t know why this woman decided to tell him this. A simple apology was all it took for them to go their separate ways. “I’m sorry to hear that.” He said awkwardly. 

The noblewoman noticed how awkward he sounded by her rant. “My apologies, I didn’t mean to lay my burdens on you. By the way, how rude of me for not introducing myself. I’m Lady Ingrid of the Völsung clan. What’s yours, good sir?” 

“I’m Arne Ackerman, son of two humble farmers, Birger and Hilda Ackerman, mi’ lady.” He said. Ingrid stared at him curiously. 

“For a son of a farmer, you are educated from the way you speak.” She said. 

���Yes, my mother Hilda used to work at Fritz's castle when she was a young girl until she met my father. You can say, I’m lucky I was taught the way to speak to nobles and the royal family if I encounter them. Besides, I like learning whenever I have time; I read from the books I borrowed from this village’s bookshop.” Arne’s tone became passionate whenever he mentioned learning or books. His parents praised him for his intelligence. At one point, his mother tried to convince his father to send him to a pedagogue to properly educate him so he can advance his life comfortably. Birger didn’t want to send his son away. Who will maintain this land if Birger Ackerman died? By the law of the Eldia Empire; it’s Arne as the sole living child of the Ackermans. 

Arne was determined to keep the family farm alive with his parents. He was grateful that his father at least allowed him to self-taught whenever he made time. He can understand why his mother was insisting him to become something more than just a farmer. His mother was always dotting him. He may be annoyed sometimes but he does enjoy it nonetheless. 

“Ah I see. You are fortunate, Ackerman. Maybe I can use my position to get you a better occupation? “ She offered her help. 

“I, thank you my lady for your offer, but I must decline. I am humble to be a farmer just like my father.” Arne bows respectfully to Lady Ingrid. 

“Very well. I will respect your decision.” Ingrid gave a small smile. 

Before they leave their separate ways, Ingrid hears a few men with their horses galloping through a busy main road on the village. She turned around to see those guards that were chasing her earlier looking for her. Quickly, she grabbed Arne to run into a random shop. The shop was dark and dainty. The only light it shined was from the hazy window. Both hid as the knight guards passing through the muddy street. Arne could feel the woman’s body pressed too close for his liking. Don’t get him wrong. As a man, he would enjoy it, but this woman was a high born lady. A lowly commoner must respect a high born at all cost plus his mother taught to respect women no matter what status they are. To be honest, he hasn’t ever been with a woman. Most of his time since reaching puberty, he works and reads. It had never considered him courting a decent girl. He did have a crush on a girl who was his neighbor, but she had chosen another for better crops and livestock than his family could offer. 

He remembered how heartbroken he was when Arne came back home and explained that Roslyn had coaxed flirting gestures along another boy who also liked her.  It was also the main reason he lost his best friend. In a way, he was happy for him; but it did hurt his pride. It’s stupid now to let his pride ruin his friendship. Maybe, he’ll stop by their land with a peace offer and have his best friend in his life again. 

“Are they looking for you?” Arne stared at the strawberry blonde haired woman. 

“Yes, looks like they noticed I escaped. Some of them are part of my clan.” She growled in irritation. 

“You are very committed to not marry the royal heir.” His steeled eyes looked over the window

“I rather died than marrying that incompetent imbecile boy. I am a Völsung. I will not have my bloodline tainted with an idiot who prefer to suckle his mother’s tits than grow bloody balls.” Ingrid continued. 

“I see you have colorful vocabularies for a beauty maiden such as yourself.” Arne let a smirk appear on his lips from being amused the way she ranted about Prince Adelrick of the Fritz clan, heir to the Eldia Empire. 

Ingrid blushed from his compliment and the way she used foul words. It’s not that a lady likes to use improper words, but she was never your average high born maiden. So he labels her as beautiful? In her world of high born, most men saw her as a wild maiden that hasn’t been tamed yet. Being a Völsung, she was trained to fight and be in shape as she was supposed to inherit the Attack Titan, but her cousin took it. Her clan was the only one who still allowed their females to train like warriors. Most of the clans became soft and weak. All they worried about was how to appear like an ideal maiden or lord to woo them away and live happily ever after like the Grimm brothers’ fairytale book she was read to as a child. That’s why her clan was in charge of holding the Attack Titan. Most males were born into her bloodline until her existence. Her mother died giving birth to her and her father didn’t take another wife since he had mourned and loved her mother. She had admired her father’s loyalty to her mother. Their love story was poetic to tell.  

“Yes well, if you were forced to marry some royal cunt. You would probably be colorful with your words too.” Ingrid held her chin up as her pride began to take over. 

“I guess I would.” He chuckled humorly. “It makes you look human than some godly being a peasant like me should have been worshipping.” His dark humor came out. 

“I never see myself as some divine maiden. Just like you, I’m a human that’s capable of making errors or has flaws.” She glanced through the window again.  

“Good to know.” He glanced at the window too. 

“I think it’s safe. I guess I should take my leave. Thank you for your company, Arne.” She stepped away from him which Arne felt relieved. If she had stayed closer to his body more, let just say his little friend would have woken up. 

“It’s my pleasure, my lady.” He said. 

“Ingrid. You may call me Ingrid since we are becoming familiar with one of another.” She said. 

“That seems improper for a commoner like me to call your name.” Arne said while blushing a bit. In their society, you get to call someone their first name if you are close like friends, families, or lovers. Like in their situation, people will talk and assume their lovers. Ingrid is definitely a bold wild beauty. She’s like a she-wolf. Untamed, wild, and strong. He doesn’t find women like her these days.  

“It never bothers me on what’s proper or improper. I insist. We can call each other by names. I think we are way passed being acquaintances. Beside you seem a very intriguing person to befriend.” She smirked at him.  

“Hm, very well. As long in public, we still use the proper etiquette for your sake, Ingrid. People are gossipers. We don’t want them thinking the wrong idea.” He awkwardly laughs at the thought of seeing her potential crush. Oh by the gods, he can’t already be attractive to her. She’s beautiful and tough, but seeing him as her equal. 

“What kind of wrong idea? That we are secret lovers?” She teased him to make his face flushed noticeably. 

“Yes, they will think that since we are talking too comfortably. Besides, you’re not my type.” He is trying to play cool. 

Ingrid raised her brow at him. “Not your type? Am I not a beauty as you had put it that way earlier?” 

“I- you may be beautiful, but it takes more than just beauty to have my attention…” Arne coughed as he faced away from the embarrassing position he’s in. Seriously, does this woman have no shame in being too bold. She is lucky it's him and not some other man who would have taken advantage of her. He just doesn’t want to have his heart given away too easily. He had learnt his lesson. 

“Oh I see? You are not like other men I have encountered. Most just want a pretty damsel in distress for a bride. The only reason men wanted me as their bride is because it will boost their ego for being known to tame a Völsung woman into a demure lady-like maiden. So what are your types?” She grinned. “Come, you can tell me on the way to your family farm.” 

“Wait what? Why do you want to go to my family farm? Should you be at least going back to your clan? I can’t promise you my family and I will give you the life of your status.” He was confused about her wanting to go to his home.  

“I can’t go back there. My Lord cousin will send me back to that awful place to be tied down until the wedding ceremony is complete. I am not expecting a royal treatment if that’s what concerns you.” Ingrid tried to convince him. 

“What will you do or go after your stay with my family?” He said. A part of him was concerned for her well being. She won’t last long wandering alone. There are slave traders out there who kidnaps women to be sold into brothels or some disturbing masters. He is admired for her bold and brave persona but this is the real world. She will regret running away from her wedding to have freedom that she might lose to a horrible fate. 

“Um, I’ll probably sell this gown and my jewels to use the money to travel away from this Empire and see the rest of the world.” Her tone was optimistic, but to him it was a naïve idea. 

“I see. For now, my family and I will offer hospitality until you are certain you want to travel out of the world.” He said feeling more worried. Why show he be worried for her? She had made her decision on where to go. Also, he just met her. 

Ingrid had noticed the way he asked questions like a worrying parent. To be honest, she felt flatter that her cheeks were getting warm. The noble woman had dreamt to travel and learn the world. Maybe if she convinced him to come join to travel the world then it won’t be a ridiculous plan as it sounds. Yes, she may be trained to defend herself but there will be tricksters to find a way to harm her or sell her. 

“Very well. Let’s see how it goes. It’s better than going back so, let’s head to your home, Arne.” She smiled then grabbed his arm to link around hers and dragged him away to the main road that leads to the Ackerman’s farm. 

It took a couple of hours to get to the 10 acres property of the Ackermans. Ingrid was amazed how neatly their crops were aligned. The hens and their chicks roaming around freely in the grassy area of the land. The place looks homey and inviting which is a different scenery than she was used to. Arne opened the little gate that he built to make it nice and aesthetic for the house. He had painted white the wooden fence around the property when he was a boy. Around the area, his neighbors hired him to do the same, which that’s how he earned enough money to buy materials to self-teach education.  

“This home looks very innovative. Did your father have some knowledge in architecture or any engineering talents?” Ingrid noticed how the house was so symmetrical that it looks like an experienced engineer had done it.  

He chuckled. “No, it was me who had fixed a little bit the house then added the fences.” 

“That’s amazing. You have very talented hands! Sometimes I read books on engineering and mathematics to learn the most efficient structure to lead a modern era.” The way her tone sounded was excitement and admiration for his work. 

“Um thank you, my- Ingrid. I mean yes, thank you. Ingrid.” Seriously, he’s just making this worse for him being a fool in front of her. She grinned then nudged his side playfully. 

“It’s not a problem, lover.” She smirked. 

Arne mumbled. “Oi woman, I don’t want my parents to get the wrong idea about thinking I brought a potential wife.” 

“Humph, isn’t that a good thing? You are a man of age that should be married with children by now.” She said. 

This made Arne glanced at her with his dark brow raised up. “I should say the same thing about you, Ingrid.” 

“Ok, I had that coming, but if you should know; I would have made a wonderful wife. If I choose to settle down in the near future.” Arne trying hard not to snort into laughter. Will she last to be the wife of a farmer like him? It does sound nice to have a headstrong woman with intelligence like her as his wife. No, what are you doing? Get rid of these nonsense ideas. She is a high born, and you're a low born with no true identity. Arne still remembered the gossips of the old cronies earlier about his unknown origin. Later, he will bring this up with his parents.  

“Probably to a noble or a king.” He said with a neutral tone. Ingrid noticed his tone changed as she frowned. He was being flirty in his own way for a few seconds. Maybe he doesn’t really see her that way. Don’t worry, the high born maiden was known to be stubborn and determined. She never gave her attention to any man until she met Arne. 

The way he looked was different from most average Eldian men in the empire. Something in him does give off any Eldian traits. Is he connected to the curse like the rest of them? It doesn’t matter, she got some time to get to know him well enough. They were already by the front door of the house and Arne opened the door for both of them to enter.

“Mother, father. I have returned home.” He shouted for his parents to hear his arrival. It was not that long his mother walked in fast pace to greet her son, but was surprised to see Ingrid with him. Instantly, Hilda courtesy into a bow as she once did when she had worked at the palace as a girl. 

“Oh my. My lady. This is a surprise to have  Lady Ingrid of the Völsung clan in my home. The gods have blessed my family to have such a lovely lady as you in our presence.” Hilda was still bowing.

“Please, you don’t need to bow. I’m honored to be here. Your son has said so many wonderful things to both of you.” Ingrid smiled humbly at Hilda. 

Hilda slowly rose to stand to glance at the noble woman. “Arne be a gentleman to take off her cloak and hand up.” The older woman gave a look to her son which he knows too well when he doesn’t do something right but doesn’t want to humiliate him in front of a noble. 

Arne nodded to obey his mother and removed Ingrid her cloak to place it on a hanger on the wall. Ingrid let’s him then thanked him. Both of them had another blushing moment from being in too close contact to each other. The Lady Völsung felt his fingers brushing her shoulders as he slowly removed her royal blue cloak. She hopes his mother doesn’t catch on her expression and questions both of them. They don’t have anything to hide since they just met but to others it won’t stop them assuming more. 

“Please do come in. Follow me, we’re about to eat supper.” Hilda smiled politely as she led both her son and Lady Ingrid to the kitchen. 

Once they reached the kitchen, both Ingrid and Arne sat down as Hilda began to serve their meal. Not too long, Birger walked in to see everyone at the table. 

“My lady, welcome to our home. I’m sorry I was not aware you would join us for supper.” He glanced at his wife then his son. 

“Please, don’t bow. I’m just here as a guest since your kind son had invited me here.” Ingrid glanced at Arne then back to Birger. 

“Ah, then please make yourself at home. We, Ackermans, offer our food, shelter and a place to rest whenever you need.” Birger said with warmth.  

“Thank you. I will take on your offer, Farmer Ackerman.” She smiled.

“Shall we begin to eat.” He chuckled as he sat down and looked at his meal already served. 

The Ackermans and Ingrid enjoying the meal that Hilda had prepared for supper. The pot sew was just right in taste. The broth was flavorful with a rich texture of local spice. The vegetables were cut into bite size chunks to enjoy eating along the goat meat from early morning killing. Even the bread was warm and freshly baked as Ingrid grabbed a bread roll. Hilda Ackerman is a very skilled cook. She probably learnt some of the tips during her time working at the castle in her youth.    

“This stew tastes amazing. I never had this tasty stew like this before. You are very talented.” Ingrid looked up to praise Hilda for the tasty meal. Of course, the older woman blushed from being praised by Lady Ingrid. 

“Thank you. Your words mean so much to me. I used to work at the Fritz castle when I was a young girl. I had the opportunity to learn how to master cooking whenever my mistress let me have my breaks.” Hilda said. 

“Oh? What did you do there? Arne had mentioned you used to work there.” This made both parents glance at each other.  

They are a bit concerned for their son and Ingrid after all they are curious how both Arne and Ingrid had met? Hilda had noticed Ingrid’s outfit looked more extravagant for a casual stroll outside of the castle. The older woman figured Lady Völsung was dressed to be wed. She had heard news a few days ago that both the heir and Lady Ingrid were to be wed soon. 

“I was once the head handmaiden to the King’s mistress, Lady Astrid of the Krüger clan. She always had been a picky eater so I was put in charge of making her meals when She had tried one of my dishes I made for lunch.” Hilda said. 

“You used to know Lady Astrid?! She’s a kin on my mother’s side. I believe they were first cousins since both their fathers were brothers.” Ingrid said. 

“Oh you must be Lady Hella’s daughter? Lady Astrid had always said something good about your mother. They were dearest friends.” Both women began to talk more about the Krüger cousins.

Birger decided to interrupt them to ask both Arne and Ingrid. “Pardon to be bold, my lady. We’re curious how my son met you? He usually tells us or acts obvious when he fancies a maiden.” Arne couldn't believe his father was embarrassing him in front of Ingrid. Later, the damned woman will tease him about this. 

“Oh we just met today at the village close to here. I accidentally ran into him. I ran away from...my wedding.” Her face flushed from the embarrassment that a maiden of her age ran away like a child just because she doesn’t like her betrothed. 

“Ah I see. Do you plan on going back?” Birger carefully chooses his words. He believed it would be best to have the noblewoman go back to be wedded. It would cause less problems for his family. The older man does find Lady Ingrid compassionate, but having her here would bring danger to his family. His family was his main priority. 

“No….but I understand me being here will bring your family trouble. So, I’m planning to leave this place to explore the world.” She said. 

“My lady, would it be dangerous for you to be out by yourself? Husband, we can’t let her go out there alone in the world.” Hilda frowned while looking at her husband to plead him to help the lady. 

“Hilda.” He scolded his wife. Hilda became quiet. Meanwhile, Arne was contemplating whether to advocate Ingrid for her to stay. 

“My lady, please don’t take this too personally. I am honored for your presence here, but you are putting us in danger. I need to do what it takes to protect my family, so you are welcome here until tomorrow morning. We’ll give you a bed for you to sleep. Please understand that.” He said. 

“No, father. She can’t leave. I’m sorry….mother and father for our lie to you how we met.” Arne pushed his chair back to stand up firmly. He doesn’t know why he’s helping her out but, Arne rather she’s staying hidden here than being thrown out alone. 

“What is the meaning of your outburst, son?” Birger was a bit shaken for his son’s action. He rarely spoke out like this towards him, his father. Ingrid was confused but held a curious express to watch Arne protesting for her. 

“I can’t allow you to kick her out. I….we had been seeing each other for a while.  I convinced her to run away with me so we can be married instead of marrying with the prince.” He said it. He can’t believe he’s digging his grave further. 

Arne gently grabbed her hand. Ingrid blushed from what he had just said. This man is an idiot. She thought to herself. She understood he was trying to help her out, but not like this. Oh dear, now they will believe they’re forbidden lovers that are ready to run away together. Of course, both parents were a bit overwhelmed. 

“Arne! Do you have a death wish? If anyone figures out you were with Lady Ingrid out in the public, they will send you to the dungeon cells. The worst case scenario, you could have been executed for having an affair with a higher born much less the heir’s bride.” Arne’s father was upset at his son’s reckless action. Things would have been ok if it was some low born girl, but this one will cause serious problems for the family.  

“I understand father. But you can’t help it if you’re in love, right?” Arne glanced at his father. 

Ingrid was biting her lips carefully. She was nervous. Her guilt consumed her. Here she is being selfish again for wanting to have the freedom she craves and not thinking of the action she had placed on Arne and his family. They have not done anything wrong. The Ackermans are a nice and kind-hearted family. She should say something and diffuse the argument.  

“I understand how much both of you are in love, but this isn’t some children’s fairytale where love will conquer all. It takes more for a marriage to work without resenting each other for the rest of your lives until death comes to the door. Give us another reason why we shouldn’t send her to the guards to take her back to the castle?” Birger said with an authoritative tone. 

“Husband please. At least we can be sent to a neutral area like the temples of the gods. We can help her go to the three goddesses' temples. They protect maiden no matter what.” Again, Hilda pleaded. She doesn’t want anything bad to happen to Lady Ingrid or her family. 

“I have a reason. Lady Ingrid and I got… carry away and it’s possible she’s carrying my child.” Why does his honor have to get him into trouble. He would feel guilty for letting her go where she could danger herself so this is the plan he had quickly thought of. His grey eyes glimpse to see how red the girl’s face was. Oh he can understand how this is embarrassing for him as much as it is for her too. Now, it would be a good time for her being her playful bold self. 

“Isn’t that right my love?” Arne caressed his thumb on to her hand like a true lover would do. Ingrid was trying so hard to speak but her throat was tight. The way his thumb caressing her hand made her stomach flutter. Why does he have to act a knight in shining armor? 

“Y-yes, my heart’s warrior. I love your son. I’m sorry for the problems I have caused. He has been nothing but kind and gentle. You are both blessed with a son who treats me as an equal. I am blessed to have met him.” Ingrid steps away from Arne’s gentle gesture to get on her knees. The elder Ackermans’ eyes widened to see the noblewoman was on her knee to bow her head. She was asking for their blessing for their marriage. They don’t know what to think. 

“Please, accept me as your daughter in law. I shall honor to be a better wife for your son and learn the life of farming. I prefer this fate then being some mare to breed royal heirs instead of being seen as a person. I beg of you, give us your blessing.” Who would've thought she was a good actress? Arne for a moment was convinced she wanted to marry him. He doesn’t mind being married since it will get the ladies off his back and he can be at peace. If for some reason they do actually get married, all he will see a friendship. He knows Ingrid will not be into him. She can be bold but she was a playful person who liked jester things. Once he saw her on her knees to bow to his parents, he followed her to do what she did. 

“ Please mother and father bless us. Once we get married, we’ll go to some far away village to be hidden and one day we'll visit you.” He said. 

Birger and Hilda glanced at each other rather than contemplating from their pleads. Finally, Birger broke the silence. 

“As the damage was already done, both of you will wed. My lady it’s best you go under a different name to protect your identity. I know someone who lives on the edge of our great empire, in Kahr. It’s a city-states that’s connected to the port if both must flee from danger.” Birger sighed. They have to do this as soon as possible before they all get caught. 

Both “couples” nodded in accepting the terms. After supper, Ingrid was led to a room to rest  for the night. Arne gave her some spare clothes from his mother when she was young. 

“Here, these were my mother’s clothes. You might need to change to not be noticed.” He said. Before he was about to leave, Ingrid stopped him. 

“Arne, why did you tell your parents that we’re lovers? I’m flatter for trying to protect me but you are a fool. I can handle it on my own.” She said. The noblewoman wanted to know why he did? He doesn’t owe her anything. If everyone knew the truth, their reputation would tarnish. Arne will have it the worst since he’s a commoner. Knowing how their society was, they’ll make it seem he had kidnapped her and forced her to be with him which it was not true. 

“Because I hate to be the reason you get into danger. I know you can handle it, but that would stop the worst men from taking advantage of you. If this is the way for you to stay alive and free then I will do it. As your friend, I want to help.” He said with honesty. 

Ingrid couldn’t help to blush from his words. She took a breath to calm herself. “I see. I’m grateful for your selfless act, Ackerman.” She is trying to be aloof. 

“Oh we're back to surnames, Völsung?” He chuckled then smirked. 

The noblewoman rolled her eyes. “So, are you sure you’re ok with this...us being in a marriage?” She wondered if he wouldn't bother to have a wife like her. Ingrid had always felt she never had met the standards how a proper wife should be. 

“Yes, as I said. I don’t mind. You are someone I would have as a wife even if it’s not love.” He said. 

“I’m a high born lady. Love is a luxury for those who don't have a choice to choose to be with someone.” Ingrid said. 

“But I suppose I am lucky since I made my choice to pick how I want to live. I prefer marrying you who can offer companionship, mutual respect and honorable value than a royal cunt who only desires to tame me as I'm some wild beast. I just knew, I would be miserable if I chose death.” Arne sat on the bed which Ingrid does the same. 

“Even though we just met, I have already felt comfortable around you, Ingrid. I wish I could offer you what you deserve.” Arne had his body faced towards her. 

“You already have. I really don’t care about wealth and status. Yes, I grew up being comfortable as a noble lady, but it has been stressful. I had to try to be the ideal lady and if I showed the real me, oh it would be a scandal that I will get an earful from my cousin. I know you think this is just a game and excitement until reality hits me. I’m a committed person. So, I’m hundred percent sure of this.” She clarified him. 

“Alright, as long you know what you are getting yourself into.” Arne whispered. Now, both of them became silent and felt the awkwardness as they realized they’re in the room alone. 

“So...if your parents believed we might excepting then looks like we’ll have to make that into a reality?” She smirked, giving her playfully. 

Arne grumbled while his face flushed red from that thought that soon he will lay with her as husband and wife. He wondered what their children would look like? He hopes they inherit her spirit-free personality and optimism. If the gods bless them for that is. 

“Woman, are you that eager to have me in your bed?” He gets back at her by being playfully too. 

“I mean in a way I already did since you are sitting next to me on the bed.” She continued. Deep down her heart pounding hard from thinking they will consummate after marriage which what the elder Ackerman couples said tomorrow will be the ceremony. Birger and Hilda already make preparations since they wanted to do as soon as possible for this family’s safety. 

“You’re right. As the groom, I shouldn’t be this close to my bride.” Arne didn’t know what occurred to him in being very intimately close to her. He leaned his body where her body felt warm even though their bodies weren't in contact. 

Ingrid felt her breath become shallow when he got closer. Her blue eyes stared into grey eyes of his. It felt as the room was spinning then stopped with silence. The strawberry blonde haired woman had never been this close toward a man. Heck, not even with her betroth. The prince did try but all he got was his manhood being kneed for not respecting her boundaries. With Arne, it’s different. He was different. This man had made her heart beat like drums. She was conflicted about whether to try to go for it. Their lips are a few centimeters apart. She could feel his breath on her skin. This is what she gets for being a tease. Now, curiosity has won. She wanted to feel his lips. 

“What are you waiting for? Kiss your bride.” She said breathlessly. 

Arne should have not gonna close. Ingrid is a beautiful woman. Any man should be lucky to have a fiery spirit girl like her as a wife. He wanted to keep his boundary away from her due to their status difference. Ingrid is like the forbidden fruit he had become tempted. Just as she gave her signal to do it. The dark haired man pressed his lips onto hers. Just as he expected, her lips were warm and soft. Their kiss was gently passionate. There was no rush or intense hunger yet. 

Finally they broke away to gasp for air. They stared at each other until Arne coughed and looked away shyly. 

“You’re not a bad kisser.” Ingrid said while trying not to blush at their kiss. 

“Oh really? You’re not bad either.” He smiled. 

Both realize how late it is and Arne gets up to leave her be. He walked out of the room while thinking of how sweet like honey her lips taste. He wondered if Ingrid felt a spark from their kiss? 

The following morning, the Ackerman’s farm was busy with some villagers helping out the Ackermans for a last minute wedding. Ingrid was wearing a white simple gown. Her hair was loose with curls and on top of her head was a crown of flowers. 

She looked like a villager bride and she preferred that way. Besides, Ingrid felt comfortable without wearing a corset and heavy fabrics with jewels. It’s too much for her. The bride took a deep breath then heard a knock on the door. 

“Come in.” She said. As the door opened, Hilda entered the room then gasped into admiring the bride's beauty. 

“My lady, you look like a goddess.” The older woman smiled. 

“Hilda, you can’t no longer call me my lady. Soon, I will be your daughter.” Ingrid glanced at the older woman. 

“Then you must call me mother. We are going to be family.” Her smile hasn’t left. Hilda hugged the young bride. 

“Let’s go. They are waiting for you.” Hilda arm linked Ingrid and both ladies walked out to where the wedding will be located. 

Levi…wake up… 

Huh? Is it over? Wait a second, why is that apeshit here? The male Ackerman opened his eyes to see Zeke Jaeger. His eyes glowed silver as he glared at the blonde man who has a smug face on his face. The captain wanted to bash his hairy face to the wall. Just seeing him, making Levi crave to release his violent tendencies.  

“Good, you are awake. Don’t worry. We’re not done yet. I want to know what did your little armies and assassins kept my little brother, Eren? I had rumors he was taken by your rebels. I suggest you tell me what you know or this time you will be the one without arms and legs. I heard an Ackerman can regenerate like a titan shifter but at a slower pace than a shifter.” Zeke glared back at Levi. 

“I do not know or care about your kin, you weakling.” Iapetus took over Levi when Zeke appeared. The titan can smell the shifter’s fear as Zeke tries to mask it. Tch. Such a coward. Soon, he’ll regain his strength to claw his hand into Zeke to tear him into pieces where the room will be painted with guts and blood of the infamous Zeke Jaeger. Both Levi and Iapetus had enough with Zeke’s and his followers’ bullshit. 

“You better be careful with your words, monster. You don’t want nothing to happen to your whore and bastard son of yours.” Zeke threatens him.  

Instinctively, Iapetus growled at Zeke. How did this piece of shit find out about Atticus being alive? 

“Oh, Historia was sneaky for acting like a grieving mother losing her child. I’m impressed by her cunning ability to fool everyone. Once I tell the king and the grandmaster, they will send someone to assassinate your infant son along your subordinate, Sasha Braus. So, start talking, devil. Where is Eren Jaeger?” Zeke said. 

Levi/Iapetus were panicking for their mate/wife and son. Both host and titan are feeling useless being cuffed on the table. Zeke better not take away his family. He had already taken away his comrades along his late commander, Erwin Smith. 

“What do I know? If you haven't notice, I have been on this fucking table for days! I thought you would be smarter than that. Tch, figures being the Beast Titan holder had shrunk your capacity of being intellectual. I don’t even know where that shitty brat? Problem fucking some girl before he goes commit a geocide or something.” Levi regains his control. He spewed insults at his enemy. What Ackerman doesn't know is how accurate he is about what Eren had been doing.

Zeke scoffed in annoyance. “Like my little brother is capable of wasting time for such nonsense. He is determined to follow the path that Ymir opens the doors for him to save the Eldians from doom fate.” 

“You are seriously stupid. Eren is a fucking hot blooded brat. You forget how he confessed his love towards my wife.” He remembered when the Jaegerists kidnapped Historia. Eren went crazy shit that day and kissed his wife. Levi literally wanted to slice him, but his focus was recusing Historia. “I won’t be surprised that he would be sticking his cock into some poor girl and accidentally knocked her up.” 

Zeke didn’t take it well as he punched Levi out of anger. The assassin just laughed darkly. Historia punches better than Zeke’s. How fucking adorable that his punches will cause him damage? Once another punch came towards Levi, he quickly bit Zeke’s wrist to lock his jaw deep into the blonde man’s flesh. Iapetus slowly switched to take over and rip off his enemy’s hand. All you can hear the screams in agony pain. “Try to punch me and your other hand will rip off, weakling.” Zeke whimpered from pain and fear. He glanced at how monstrous Levi looked. So, this is the true power of the Ackermans. They are the real devils in this world. 

(Natasha/Eve) 

It was now night. Natasha slept on the tent that Eren made. He slept outside since Rico and Nile prohibit especially them from not sharing a tent together. Damn that Rico. She probably told the other commander. That’s embarrassing and what’s worse; Rick had been avoiding her when the camp found out Eren and Eve had a little getaway in the deep forest. SHe felt guilty for hurting the garrison soldier. Yeah, she’s a fucked up for using people. The woman from the future wanted to go apologize to him for misleading him and hurting his feelings. Turns out, he thought she was kind, compassionate and innocent. Of course, Natasha is capable of being compassionate, but most of the time she manipulates to get what she wants or needs. She lied to those that care about her for right or wrong reasons. She twists people’s words when they push her limit. Most of the time. She hadn’t felt any regret for her actions. Until the sex scandal happen. In a way, karma was a bitch and she does deserve it. Maybe if she acted like a human being, she would not disappoint her family and have arguments with them every time she visits them.   

The brown haired woman felt tears slipped out of her eyes from reflecting that she was the problem every time she argued with her grandparents. The American missed them. She remembered at one point there were so many fond memories spending time with her father’s side family. Her best friend and aunt, Kuchel, had always stuck by her. They are practical around the same age. Her grandmother, Historia, had taught her how to cook Eldian cuisines. Her grandpa Levi had bonded in silence as they sip fresh brew tea. She prefers green tea or lavender but sometimes black tea is alright. 

The heiress closed her eyes to try to sleep. She fell asleep. Her eyes open to see green grass all over the ground. There were some wildflowers. Along her view, a huge lone tree stands big and tall. The branches stretched out with leaves all over each branch. The woman was confused about where this place was. 

She noticed pathways were made to connect to the tree. Eve walked to the tree. As she got there, a little girl was sitting on one of the thick roots. The little girl had platinum blonde hair, fair skin, a misery expression. She couldn’t identify the eyes because of the bangs covering them. 

The girl looked up to stare at her. Eve felt uncertain and cautious. The girl may come off innocent but you never know what that girl is truly capable of. 

“I see that you’re Eve. What a strange name for a descendant of mine to have?” The girl spoke. 

“How do you know who I am?” This startle Eve. She looked around in an attempt to figure out where she was.

“Because as your ancestress, I know everything about my bloodline. You are a very interesting woman. I misunderstood you. You and Eren are one in the same, but yet so different. I envy you. You felt alone as no one understood you. You crave to belong. Your family slowly leaves you in many ways like death, and different mindsets.”  the girl said. 

“Hm, so you’re Ymir Fritz. Are you sure you’re talking about yourself? You had issues wanting to belong with someone as a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, cousin, niece, or wife. I think instead of being noisy with your descendants you should focus on your yearning belonging with anyone.”  Natasha was getting annoyed. What does Ymir want anyways.

“Your attitude is terrible.” Ymir said. “The reason why I contact you because there is another way to save our people without causing imbalance to the world by eradicating the rest of the human population. With your inhuman intelligence, you can create a cure. For Eldians become immune to the curse.” 

This has Natasha’s attention. “What do you mean? So, it’s possible to find a cure?” 

“Of course, the origin of how I receive it was not hundred percent true. I did make a deal with the devil, but it was an Isu. A race that was responsible for creating humans. I’m sure you know what I’m referring to. His infamous name was Lucifer. He saw a poor slave girl who he felt pity for and helped to grant a gift. A special apple that was modified to give you strength, fear, and power. I took it and ate it. Now, I curse as this power is like a disease that spreads the Eldian race if they indigested my fluid. From throughout time, Marleyans studied some Eldians who reside there and extract their DNA to make pure but weak Titans. It was never meant to become out of control like this. I didn’t know I would be responsible for the pain of my people. All because I was a selfish little girl wanting to belong with someone. So, you are right. I should be focusing on that but it’s too late. I am tired of a two thousand years old conflict. I trust you that you’ll find a curse and stop this curse before it gets much worse.” Ymir pleaded. 

“How will I find a curse? I need time and resources to figure out where Lucifer is if he is still alive. Hell, I need a sample of that apple but you ate it.” Natasha felt frustrated with this new responsibility she was given.  

“Child, you are a Stark. If your late grandfather could discover a new element and solve it to make time travel, I know you will find the cure to break this curse. About the apple, I have not finished it, it’s still out there hidden. You’ll find old scrolls that will lead to the current location of the bitten Devil’s apple.” Ymir explained. 

“Great, I have to go be like Lara Croft from Tomb Raider to be able to pull off finding the apple.”  Eve sighed. 

“Fine, I will do it, but what about Eren Should he know about this too?” The woman said curiously. 

“Eren will know eventually. Right now, he has his own destiny to fulfill. Just make sure he does not activate the Rumbling at all cost. If you must kill him, do it. He may not be planning to know, but in the future he will activate.” Ymir said. 

The thought of killing Eren made her stomach turn. She doesn’t know if she can do it. How could she do it? She loves Eren so much. It hurts from thinking one day it will come to that. She can understand why your great aunt Mikasa took her how she once struggled to be an obedient soldier whenever Eren was hurt or in danger when both were young. Her great aunt had loved him too, but he had never returned her feelings. Maybe Eve was the reason for Eren not loving Mikasa? She doesn’t know. 

“This is asking too much. I can’t kill the man I love…” Her tears form then falls from her steel colored eyes. 

“You will. It’s because you love him that motivates you to give him peace. You will understand when the time comes. There’s one more time I need to mention.” Ymir glanced at her descendant. 

“What is it?” She sniffled from crying. Her hand wiping her tears away.

“Don’t risk yourself, especially if you're in a vulnerable state.” Ymir said in a cautious tone. 

Natasha gave a confusing expression to her ancestor. “Why? I don’t get what you’re saying?” 

Ymir steps closer to her and places her cool hand on Natasha’s stomach. “You're barely still in your first trimester. Your daughter is growing strong like both her parents.” 

The heiress’s eyes widened. She’s pregnant? She’s carrying Eren’s kid. Shit, this is what happens when your boyfriend is too irresistible to keep her hands to herself. 

“No, no. How can I be? I don’t feel any symptoms besides my period should come in a few days.” The American was in denial. 

“Child, you are pregnant just only three weeks. I do want to give you a warning so you would miscarry since you’re a reckless person. Now, you must go back to your world. I will contact you next time.” Ymir disappeared

Natasha woke up with a gasp. It was dark still and cold. She felt warmth close to her. The dark hair woman turned around to see that Eren was asleep peacefully. His arm wrapped around her waist tightly, but not too tight. She took a deep breath then placed her hand on her stomach. Oh god, she hopes Ymir is wrong. A part of her knows it is possible since both Eren and Natasha can get carried away most of the time. They are both passionate people. If she is pregnant, how will she tell Eren about it? She also worried what the Jaegerists that both Eren and his older brother, Zeke had created will do to her and her child. She doesn’t want how her mother and infant brother end up. The Jaegerists were responsible for both of their deaths. The woman doesn’t know the connection they have with her father’s death. She still wants to take her revenge on these extremists. One day, she will succeed. Mark her words. They will be begging for mercy. 

A/N: Finally, done with this chapter. I’m so sorry this took two weeks to finish this. Here’s chapter 16. Enjoy, my loves <3

[rosierocks30]

When Mikasa hears the deep masculine voice from the Major, her heart increases. She can feel her face getting warm. The only excuse she can think of is reading the folder. She mentally counted to five and compose herself to able to respond the man right front of her. 

“It’s a pleasure meeting you Major Reiner Braun.” Mikasa stares into his golden eyes. They are so enchanting like being suck into a hot molten. The half Eldian felt like she had seen the same eyes before. Of course, she couldn’t known him since this is the first time meeting a fine man like Reiner. No, stop it! You much stay professional, Mikasa. The dark haired woman mentally scold herself. This would be an intriguing project.  

Mikasa gives a responsive smile at him. When she begin to open her mouth to speak, her tone came off a bit flirtation. Mikasa want to face palm to herself for coming off wrong to how she tend to stay professional, “I’m Mikasa Ackerman and I’m also looking forward in being partners...I mean in this task.” Oh my god, what the hell is wrong with you?! He’ll probably think you’re hitting on him or worst he’ll think she’s some hussy. 

This has never happened to her in her work. She was known to be cold, aloof, determine, and dedicated worker. Back in Hizuru, her former coworkers called her the Ice Queen. She won’t hold back her criticism if it’s necessary. All of sudden, this guy had made her feel like a foolish woman. She wants to run away and hide forever. Who is this guy? How dare he make her cold professional persona shatter within seconds?!  

@caesarwrites

Mikasa is getting ready to go to a work as he woke up late. She rushes herself putting on her business outfit which it’s her long sleeve white collar blouse tugging into her black knee length pencil skirt. She puts on her black heels with red on the bottoms. After putting on her outfit, Mikasa begins to apply her make up lightly just to enhance her beautiful face. Now, she focus on doing an upper hairdo bun with few strands tiny hairs sticking out from her sides. 

Mikasa sighs as her clock shows, she has 15 minutes to arrive at her new job. She got transfer here in Liberio, Marley from Hizuru. Originally, Mikasa is from Paradis Isle. When she was 12, her mother had made the family moved back to Hizuru after her father died from a car accident. He left a wife and two kids, her and her younger brother, Kaname Ackerman. As Mikasa has gotten older, she applied to the university of Sina in Paradis to be closer with her father’s family. Once she has graduated, her mother’s family company had beg her to work for them. At first, Mikasa was reluctant. Her mother persuaded her to take the offer which she did. The only thing she will accept the offer if she make her way to up by earning it and not be given because of her relation to the Azumabito family. 

She had worked for her family’s company for couple of years until they asked her to work in one of their branches in Marley. Mikasa accepted the offer and packed up to move to the city of Liberio in Marley. This will be a new scenery in her predictable life. The raven haired woman is tired being suffocated by the members of Azumabito clan telling her what to do. It was getting too much for her. This was one of the reasons she took the offer to be away from her stuck up family. 

Now on her first day, she’s already going to make a bad impression to her new colleagues and her boss. Mikasa made her way to the top, but not enough to be ranked as VP or CEO yet. Of course, her family excepted her one day to take over the family empire. Meanwhile on her father side, most of them are in the military or had serviced in the military.  

Finally, Mikasa is ready to leave. She grabs her keys and purse to go to her car. She unlock her nice luxurious car and gets in. Once she has buckle her seat belt, the car is on and drives away to her work. She will get food during lunch. Right now, she’s too nervous for being late and being in a new work environment. Hopefully, the people won’t think ill of her because of her family’s name and being born from Paradis where both Eldians from Marley and Paradis has their feud since the war that happened a century ago. 

@caesarwrites