archived

"Reader, we have a new servant starting today," your father announces. You only ignore him, watching your adopted siblings wrestle in the garden before the kitchen window.

Jean, Eren, Armin and Connie have it so easy. All you're allowed to do is sew, read and write. Hell, it took you long enough to get permission to learn how to read and write. 

Women are only seen and not heard. 

Suffocating corsets, maids tugging your hair in every which way while reminding you to keep your breasts pushed out and your back straight. Anything to make you the most eligible yet untouchable bachelorette. 

Your brothers are allowed to be boisterous, though; they can run, garden, chop wood, go out into the city, drink and be unruly until they marry. Yet you're confined to the castle unless escorted. 

"Is this your daughter?" a deep voice inquires.

You feel something in your chest clench at the sound; you turn to face the man. 

He holds your gaze immediately. 

He's like someone described in a romance novel or a fairytale. He's not awfully tall, but his hair is like the night, and his body appears to be packed with modest muscle under his shirt. His face is filled with sharp yet soft features with almond-shaped eyes that appear blue in this morning sun but look like they might just be grey too. His lips are settled into a straight line, and his brow is furrowed in a kind of serious way, but he is the most gorgeous man you've ever seen.

Excitement pulses in your chest. Is this who you're to marry? Forget a meeting; you'll marry him now. But wait, didn't your father say- "What? He's a servant?"

Why, why, why, why.

Your father narrows his gaze at you, catching the disappointment glimmering in your eyes. "Yes, he's our newest servant."

"Well..." You grin, swinging down from the window sill, "Is there anything I can teach him?" 

"I already know how to clean," he scoffs.

Levi expects a rude reaction from you, but you only laugh softly. "Clearly, your personal hygiene is exemplary. Father, where is he from? Paradis!"

Your father chuckles fondly, "Sorry, Levi. My daughter here has taught all of our servants some kind of skill. You'll be more of a plaything for her than anything else here."

"Can you read?"

Levi blanches. What kind of servant is he to be? Is that what royal servants are here? He never had any money in Paradis, so he can hardly understand the behaviour of the upper classes. But what does it matter now? It's only a dissolved nation. The only thing he needs to think about right now is where his friends are because he's sure they're not too far from this castle. 

You sigh softly, "Mister? Can you read?"

He's almost irritated you so boldly ripped him from his thoughts until his eyes meet your face, properly this time. 

What a sweet smile you have. He finds himself lying. "No, I can't read."

You don't miss a beat. "Then I can teach you! Can't I, father?...Maybe he can be my escorting guard too?"

Your father peers up from his writing, but with a reluctant sigh, he waves a dismissive gesture at you both. Levi's eyes widen at the interaction, is no one to ask him where he'd rather be put to work in this castle. "Come on. I'll show you my study." You coil your arm around his bicep and he turns to you in surprise.

"Your majesty?"

Your father sighs, "I apologise, Levi. Do you mind entertaining my daughter? I have been trying to find a worthy guard to assign to her, but I've trusted no one thus far. Is it possible you gain my trust however?"

He raises his brow curiously, "You want me to be your daughter's bodyguard, your Majesty?"

"You'll still be considered a servant here, but I will give you the room on the third floor. I'm sure my daughter will tell you how things run here. After spending weeks with you, Levi, you have my respect, former Captain to another."

You glance at him beside you, "Military man?" 

He turns to nod at you and the way his thick black hair falls silkily against his temples makes you scream inside. "Listening?"

"Yes, sorry your majesty," he grumbles back. You squeeze him harder in excited laughter, and his mouth twitches slightly. 

"My daughter here is due to be married. She just enjoys being difficult. She's actually five years away from your age, Levi."

He turns to you for an explanation, "The men my father has me meet lack wit and manners. Frankly, they don't interest me." Levi nods in careful understanding. "Imbeciles-"

"You're an unwed woman in your twenties, have some shame!" You fake a yawn, and Levi stifles a smirk. "So if you think she's somewhat sheltered, it's her own fault, not mine!" 

Levi watches you deflate beside him. Something about that doesn't seem true. You appear to be a very curious woman. 

Your teeth grit. "Is that all, dear father?" 

"That is all."

Tugging Levi, you briskly exit the kitchen, giddy and pulling him up the castle steps with you. When you turn to glance at him, that sharp, serious face of his looks somewhat amused even as you drag him up this winding staircase. 

As you reach the top of it, Levi's lack of breathlessness piques your curiosity; being in the military and a Captain too, you suppose he could carry you up these stairs with the same ease. 

"Here! Here we are, my study. It's just through here," you beam proudly. "My favourite place."

Levi glances around; the top floor of the castle appears to only be occupied by you. He looks towards the only other door. "My room," you mouth, and again he nods.

As soon as he is ushered in and you close the door, Levi's finally ready to break his silence. "What kind of people are you?" 

Because you're not at all what he expected when he heard the word 'princess'. 

You chuckle, internally roused and eager for his company. "We're not an enemy nation, is what, come sit." 

Levi glances at you and then at himself in his reflection, and then he really startles when he realises he's glancing into: a grand antique mirror with ornate carving, hanging upon the wall. 

Not only that, large bookcases border the room, and high ceilings are plastered above. A crackle calls his attention to the large fireplace burning between two walls.

So this is the life those that live in Cardell Fort have. You nod at him as if reading his mind, and then he glances at the desk you're sitting at. Filled with candles, books, stacked notebooks, pots of ink, and quills of every feather. And you. 

Rejecting shame, Levi lets himself admire you in this light. He's heard of princesses that live holed up on the high floors of castles before, but never has he heard of the Princess of Cardell Fort. How? Do they keep you locked away?

A muted green silk wraps your entire body, puffy sleeves dressing your upper arms, and the neckline cutting straight across your breasts. 

"You look like you've seen a ghost. Have you never heard of this kingdom? The king is a kind soul. He may call you a servant, and I may as well. Though we do not intend the harsh meaning, it surely means where you are from. You will be a part of this family. We will take care of you."

He takes longer than you expect to mull your words over. 

His lips purse and then he sighs. "Well, can I leave?"

You rub at the frown furrowing your brow. "So....That's the first answer you have for me, huh? Did you come from a hellish place? Underground, I imagine?"

He nods.

"My brothers did not come from the underground, yet my father found them on an expedition to your land when I was young."

"Paradis?"

"Yes, and I'm very fond of them, so since I was a child, I've begged my father to rescue more people from Paradis. I insisted on it. I've been insisting on it."

Levi's never been so confused in his life, the passionate way you wring your hands together, the way your eyes sparkle. 

"You wanted us? You people want us here? Why?"

"Yes, I do because everyone I've ever met from Paradis has been kind to me." You laugh a little sadly, "My father says I'm naive for this belief."

There's nothing wrong with that, Levi thinks. 

"If I'm honest, the people of Cardell Fort want you guys here to work to boost our economy and build upon the kingdom. But you won't be mistreated, my father decrees it." 

"Why did your father pick me to stay at Cardell Fort?" he asks slowly, trying to piece all of this together. He had no idea he was being led to this.

Paradis had been the victim of vicious enemy attacks for as long as he could remember. But then, finally, it collapsed, and the King of Cardell Fort came in peace with his armies, with his sons, he had heard, but not with his princess.

"I've no idea but...." You pull his wrist bashfully, urging him to sit and relax beside you. "Won't you sit? We'll take care of you here." 

"Is that so," he mutters absently.

You groan, gripping his bicep as you edge closer. "I will too!" Heat rushes to his cheeks, "Take care of you, I mean." 

He swallows and then nods, desperate to look anywhere but at you. You smell like flowers, and it's making Levi's head spin. "Well, thank you, Princess." 

"We'll be spending a lot of time together anyway...." You lean closer, chin resting on your palm as you stare intently at the man. "You're rather handsome...pretty, too," you mutter, accidentally speaking aloud in your daydream. 

Levi's cheeks flush to a rose colour, and you feel yourself grow giddy.

"I apologise sincerely! For that..." You smirk at him; his eyes are narrowed, his lips fixed in a straight line. But his cheeks are a violent shade of pink.

"Could it be that you've never really heard that before?" He nods, casting his eyes in every other direction. The way your corset is fastened has your breasts heaving just under his eye-line.

You tap his knee, and he jolts at the touch. "Your name again?" you inquire softly. 

"Levi," he breathes. It feels as if you've stepped into one of the novels you stay awake at night kicking your feet to. 

"Your last name, what is it?"

This time he edges closer, "Why do you want to know?"

"Move, you fucking brute!" 

The tension breaks, and you collapse into awkward laughter, dropping your face into your hands. "How embarrassing. Here I'll show you," you beckon him to the window with you.

"Those are my brothers, Eren, Jean, Armin and Connie. Maybe you can somehow recognise them?"

Your voice peters out rather wistfully. Your poor brothers lost all of their families in Paradis. 

Levi detects the sorrow in your voice. "No? How would I know those brats? Princess." 

Your hands cover your face, hunched over, your shoulders shake beside him. It takes Levi longer than he'd likely admit to realise why. "What are you-"

"You're my favourite servant yet." You can barely manage speech, laughing hysterically into his arm. "You have such a candid way of speaking, and it's new to me...I like it." 

Levi's never made somebody laugh like this.

Wiping your eyes you compose yourself, you want Levi to trust you. "But, you're worrying about your friends, right? From what I hear they're all staying with my friends. I have a book club, all of us royal ladies."

"What? How do you know?"

"Unfortunately, I do listen to my father when he speaks, even when I am busy reading. I assume all of your friends will be staying at their estates. We're planning a celebration for our nations merging at the end of the season. So in a few months you can see them then. In the mean time, the worst my dad will make you do around here is gardening and cooking, I promise."

His teeth sink into his lip, "Do you also promise me that my friends are safe?"

"Wait there."

You run out of the room and, in your wake, practically leave Levi's jaw on the floor. From what he knows, what he's seen and read, other nations with royals such as you are supposed to be well composed. Snooty, with their backs straight, voices sharp, pinkies out while drinking tea.

Most women of your class aren't supposed to run, raise their voices, or laugh so rambunctiously.  

He jolts at your return, "Here! My father let me have it! He documented every person from your nation admitted into Cardell on this parchment! Every name! Are your friends here?"

He takes the paper from you gently. Hange Zoe, Erwin Smith, Miche...

They're all there. 

You lean to whisper in his ear, "So you can read."

He slowly blinks up from the paper. There's something dangerous about that smile of yours. "I apologise, Princess."

"It will be our little secret." 

                                       •••

After spending the last few months with you, if Levi is honest, he feels extremely content. Your father kept his word; Levi's room is situated just below yours on the same floor as the other servant quarters. 

When you showed Levi to his room at first, he turned to you deadpan and said, "Now I'm convinced this is some kind of sick joke on my behalf." 

Servant quarters, to his knowledge, were rooms packed with people, with no privacy, not even a single pillow. His room here has its own bathroom and a double poster bed. It's more than sufficient for the average servant where Levi is from.

When Levi wakes, he spends the entire day with you, reading, writing, and taking a walk around the gardens and the lake. It's a simple life. 

Levi's also fed well. But every morning mealtime is to be had at the table with the King, his children, and now Levi. "Why don't I have a bodyguard Father?" Connie teases this morning, "Reader gets one." Levi glares at him, and he grows quiet; your brothers are not brave enough to trifle with him. You like that.

"Your sister is more vulnerable than you will ever be," your father mutters into a mouthful of his breakfast. "Now, what are your plans before the evening celebration?"

"Marco and I are going hunting," Jean answers.

Your father sighs, "As always. Armin?"

"I'm taking Annie for a boat ride in the city," he chirps merrily.

"Which one? I wanted to take Mikasa to one?" Eren asks.

"Give Mikasa my best?" you ask hopefully; with the arrival of the new nation, your father has halted your book club meetings for now. 

Eren smiles a little guiltily. "I will."

"And you?"

"Going down to the Braus farm to help them out with some farming," Connie finishes.

Levi watches the life drain from your eyes with every reply. Strangely, he's happy he can be at your side, at least.

"And my dearest daughter?"

Silence falls upon the table. Levi has noted this to be a routine now, and if there was one thing he hated about his life now, it was this. Seeing you be so down and having it be his fault.

"I'm going to organise some bookshelves and maybe sew myself some gloves for tonight's celebration," you chirp, but your entire demeanour is deflated. 

It infuriates Levi, just because your father doesn't trust him yet doesn't mean he cannot let you leave the castle with another guard or servant? How were things before he arrived? How did you leave then?

"Good. You need to look your best because I'm inviting potential suitors for you."

Something plunges in Levi's chest.

"But you spend each and every day with my sister, right Levi, sir?" Eren asks.

"It's been almost three months, and you've only noticed now, brother!" you tease.

"It's my job," he simply replies, but it comes out harder than he intends.

"I'm just happy she's not alone bec-"

"He's a lucky man, isn't he, boys?" your father booms a little irritatedly. 

They all murmur in agreement, and you exit the table with a subdued wave. Trudging out of the room, Levi immediately rises to follow you, but your father shakes his head. 

"Take this, and go explore the city. You've earned my trust, Levi, and I have kept my word. You'll be reunited with your friends tonight. I'll be awaiting your next move, seeing if you'll be able to leave her."

Levi tries to control the scowl that settles upon his features. "I wouldn't-"

He thrusts the handful of money into Levi's palm with a firm nod, "Just make sure you're back for the celebratory ball at seven, Levi." 

"Thank you, your Majesty." Levi rushes from the table upstairs, and everyone in the dining hall darts their eyes to the king. 

When Levi reaches your study, he enters to find you sat forlornly in your desk chair. Tears rolling down your cheeks, he shakes his head instantly. "Princess! Come on, let's go. We're leaving the castle today! Get ready."

You jolt up at his unusual pep. "Where are you going? What happened? Are you leaving me? Now?"  you choke.

He closes the door carefully behind him, crouching below you. His voice softens, a hand coming up to pat your head. "No, I want to buy a broom and some tea. I've earned your father's trust. Will you come with me?"

"I can't. I wish I could accompany you, my unusually joyful bodyguard," you laugh sweetly through a hiccup. "I get so bored, but these past months have been...truly special." 

"Wait, I thought you'd not been leaving the castle for my benefit? Because your father had told you I was not to be trusted? But..." His blood runs cold. 

It clicks.

"Your father gets the servants to journey into the city for necessities. You have the fields and the flowers. This has not been your choice, has it?"

You shake your head. His fists clench. 

Truthfully, Levi had wondered why you'd not ventured anywhere out of the castle grounds these past months, your brothers are never home, and your father comes and goes too.

"You can't leave. But I can?" Levi scoffs, but it feels like he's been winded. 

"Please bring me back something nice if you can." 

He grabs your hand, pulling you to stand. "Let's go for a walk around the gardens instead."

"Do you decree it?" 

He offers you a small smile of reassurance. "Yes, I do, princess. Don't worry so."

What is this feeling?

You inch closer, daring to take his hand. "If you tell me not to worry, then I won't." With a shaky breath, you curl your fingers through his. 

He whispers your name in warning, but earnestly locks his fingers around yours, rubbing his thumb softly.  "Let's go, Princess. Let's..."

"Levi, I'm feeling something-" Levi shoves his hand over your mouth on instinct.

"Don't," he whispers, slowly withdrawing his hand. "Sorry, I shouldn't have...I shouldn't, but...." he murmurs, resting it on your cheek instead.

You careen into his touch, clutching his wrist and smiling. He knows he shouldn't touch you; your father would probably have his head if he found you two like this.

He sighs, watching you frown as he removes it, "Are you going to leave tonight? Because you'll finally be seeing your friends again?"

"No, I won't leave you. You read too many stories," he scolds softly. 

"No, I don't," you pout. "The men in my books don't want to confine me, use me, or tell me who I should love!"

"No? You've no idea, really. The men you read about in your books don't even exist. Real men will try to rip you apart, Princess."

"Would you?" you ask without a shred of hesitation. "Rip me apart."

"Never. I'm here to protect you, you bothersome girl."

Boldly you step forward, wrapping your arms around his neck. "What if I said please?" Your lips ghost his ear as you lean your front against his. 

"Princess, please compose yourself before you get us into trouble."

"What if I told you that I needed you? That I want you. What if I wanted you to show me the world I've never seen in the way you see it, my dear Levi?" 

He sighs into your neck. How did he get here? "These are just feelings. They'll pass."

His hand strokes along the spine of your corset until he stops, stabilising you with his flattened palm. You quiver at the motion. "Levi, I am sure. You are the one I want."

You're so earnest it makes Levi melt. You're way more than he bargained for. "I'm going to give you some time with your thoughts today. Understood, princess?" he breathes as he steps back and breaks your embrace. 

"I'm sorry...." He leaves you without a final look, leaving you to fall into your chair with a thud. You need to talk to your female friends, Mikasa, Ymir, Historia, and Annie, any one of them, tonight. 

***

"The celebration has started! Guests are arriving! Reader, get down here. Levi's waiting to escort you!" Your father yells, heading down the hall.

You dither before your mirror, you've not seen Levi all day, and now he's suddenly downstairs waiting for you? You're filled with nerves. 

You convinced the maids to let you leave your hair to fall free and put on your most beautiful dress. A deep blue silken fabric with fitted sleeves, and a plunged neckline, you've even paired it with a dainty silver locket. 

You hope Levi will think you look proper.

"What?" Eren hisses at Jean and Connie.

"Was she okay this morning when you left?" Jean asks Levi.

Levi sighs, turning to your brothers. "If she weren't locked up in here every day, maybe she would be."

Armin's the one that steps in front of his brothers, but they don't even dare take a step. "We can't pretend like he's not right," Connie mutters. "I'll speak to father later."

"Me too." Eren mumbles, "Mikasa brought it up earlier too. She says their monthly book gathering isn't enough. She has a guard like you, and they can leave their castle anytime."

"What?" Your father walks toward Levi, jerking his arm. "They're not of our caste of royalty, that's why. I hope you're not filling my daughters with fanciful ideas, Levi."

Levi's eyes narrow. "I am not, your Majesty." 

"Maybe it's best you don't attend tonight. I'm sure you can reunite with your friends another time."

"He doesn't know his way around here! How would he find them without us? Father, how will Reader feel if she walks down this staircase and Levi isn't here!" Armin pleads. 

Levi cocks his brow in agreement, ripping his arm from your father's clutch. "I spend the most time with your daughter, your Majesty. She would benefit from being able to leave freely, it fills her with sorrow."

"She is happy as can be! Besides, if I granted her such, she'd run away!" 

"Father, you cannot deprive another of their freedom," Eren speaks, clutching him. "Remember the last time we asked you to let Reader roam free."

"Unhand me son!"

"We didn't see the sun for months," Jean adds. "But he is right, father. She is terribly unhappy."

Levi stands perplexed. So your brothers do care? How good of a man is your father? Is he really this kindly king you speak of.

"I'll protect her, I promise. Just let her free," He gulps, "I beg of you. She wants to explore the city, go on horseback rides, visit bakeries and libraries, try on hats and shoes. Simple things. She doesn't want to leave."

"Then beg me, if you wish to undermine my authority as her father and the King of this castle, get on your hands and knees and beg me as such."

"Father!" Eren yells. Jean struggles, grabbing an angered Eren and Connie by the scruff of their collars.

"Fucking giant get off!"

"We'll get hurt. Remember last time!" Jean hisses, dragging them out of the foyer. "Please, Levi can handle this. Right?"  Levi nods confidently in his direction. 

"I'll hurry her," Armin stammers, running up the staircase with an unsteady breath and leaving Levi alone.

What is Levi doing? He's never even had his own freedom. His freedom was ripped from him the moment he was born in a place that didn't have sun. You were born with everything, but here he is, getting on his hands and knees for your sake.

"Please, allow her freedom. I would never let her leave, I swear, on my life. I'm begging you." 

"If she ran from this castle, I'd have your head and take your life. Do you accept that as a consequence, Levi?"

Levi doesn't even hesitate. "I take full responsibility for her when she is outside of these walls, your Majesty." He can't even curse himself; he feels too strongly for you. "I am her bodyguard, after all, your Majesty."

"Fine, I decree it. Don't challenge me like that in front of my sons again, Levi. Now stand and greet my daughter when she reaches the foyer."

As soon as Levi stands, he's pressed against the wall, your father's breath on his neck. "Don't get any ideas, Levi. You can never have her."

Before Levi can even bite back, he's walking out of the room with a tuneful hum. "Enjoy the celebration!" he booms. 

"Never?" Levi whispers to himself. 

You startle when Armin's voice sounds from behind your door. "Sister, can I come in? Are you decent?"

"Come in."

"Come on. The ball is starting. Levi is waiting for you."

You rush to your feet, a smile beaming on your face. "He is? Is he in a suit?"

Armin collapses onto your bed, an amused sigh parting his lips. "You're falling for him, aren't you, sister?"

You shake your head, fear in your eyes. "You can always trust me, remember?" You nod warily, "So be honest."

"He'd never. He probably wants to leave this castle but fears his life."

Armin grabs your hand, offering you a kind smile. "He just begged before father. It would be absurd to assume his heart feels nothing." 

You rush to his side, clutching his shoulders; he laughs at your zeal. "He what, why?"

"To let you free. To come and go as you please, as we do." 

Your eyes glimmer, "He did what?" 

"You can ask him yourself, come on. Let's go."

Levi already has so much to think about tonight. His wilful friends might urge him to leave Cardell Castle, but how will he explain to them that he's chosen someone he's known for a few months over them? 

Whatever happens, Levi's bound to you now, and he's not feeling mad nor regretful about it. "Levi?"

"I'm in here." 

His eyes widen when he sees you, but he quickly composes himself when he spots Armin by your side. He twirls you, both of you laughing; it's sweet because it reminds Levi of his adopted sister, Isabel.

"So, how does she look, Levi?" Armin asks a grin on his lips.

Levi swallows, "Very princess-like." 

You cackle, joining his side you link your arm around his. "You can do better than that, Levi, " you mutter shyly. 

Levi sighs, "Isn't Annie waiting for you?" 

Armin's relentless, grinning and assessing you both. "You were awfully wrong, sister," he teases before taking his leave.

Leaving you both alone, together.

You're lost for words for a moment; Levi is dressed in navy finery, his cheeks pink. Hair only slightly falling across his forehead, combed back and shiny.

He looks like a dream. 

"Levi, I-Armin told me that you fought on my behalf, but I don't know what for exactly." 

"Well, I agreed, and now I have responsibility for you when you are outside of these castle walls. So, get ready for daily excursions and trips in the city. Whatever you please." 

"I can venture outside of them? No longer once a year? More than the Castle grounds and the fields. And with you?! How did you?"

He smiles, "Anywhere in the kingdom of Cardell Fort. As long as I am with you."

You squeal on the spot, jumping into Levi's arms. "I'm overjoyed! I don't know how to contain myself!" 

He pats your back in a distant manner, attempting to maintain the distance. But the way you smile so contently against him, he slots his arms around your waist and squeezes you tight. "It's nice to see you like this, Princess."

You lean in, lips brushing his jaw, "You are everything I have ever wished for," you whisper into his ear.

'You can never have her.'

His heart is heavy as he pulls away, watching the way a frown befalls your pretty features. "Let's join the ballroom. I believe your father has suitors for you to meet." 

You exhale, crossing your arms together. "I don't need one."

He sighs deeply, coaxing your arms free he links an arm through yours. "Princess. Let's go, your friends will be there, right?"

"Yes," you relent. "I suppose you're right."

As you head toward the other side of the castle to celebrate. Neither you or Levi say a single word the entire walk. The noise and rumble of people grow closer and closer, the chatter, the songs of the pianist, the violinist. A real grand ball. 

You squeeze Levi even tighter as you arrive at the ballroom door. "Don't leave my side, please." He nods firmly, and then you both enter.

Immediately it's all eyes on the two of you. Your father stands tall above the crowds on the stage, "The princess of Cardell Fort!" he cheers, the crowds clap and bow. 

You grip Levi tighter.

Mikasa gasps beside Eren, "Is that him? They look perfect together."

"Father might not like this," Eren adds nervously.

Annie shoves them both with a hiss, "Don't draw so much attention to them."

Huddles of the Kingdom's noble ladies flock to you both, cooing at how handsome Levi is.

"Are you to be married to this gentleman?"

"Is he a Paradian?"

"Why have I never seen this gentleman before?" 

Bashfully you deny their questions as they all coo over Levi; he remains quiet and polite, his arm in yours. Even after they discover he is your bodyguard, they still insist your father consider a marriage between you two. 

"My husband resembled you when we were young," one lady slurs, stroking his collar. Levi tenses up whenever a lady gets too close, gripping you tighter. 

"You two look rather fitting together, Princess."

"Sorry ladies, I do apologise-" 

At once, you are pulled away from the huddle of your admirers to a rude awakening.

"Reader, meet Beckham Lordswood, owner of the kingdom's largest wine vineyard. Beckham, here is my beautiful daughter." 

Levi sighs beside you.

The air grows thick in your lungs, but when you feel Levi's thumb stroke the back of your hand, you can breathe because he's right there by your side.

You bow but only because your father casts you a serious look. "Good evening."

His gaze undresses your figure. Your father's eyes bore into yours. You can't help but grip Levi's hand. 

"Good evening Princess," he mutters absently, turning to your father. "Is this kind of skin ship permitted with servants, your majesty?"

Levi withdraws his hand, but Beckham's eyes are drawn to the arm of yours linked through his. Boldly you interrupt your father before he can seal your fate. "Levi is my bodyguard, he is not a servant, and he will never leave my side. Those are my wishes." 

He glares as he turns to your father, grabbing a bottle of wine from the table beside you all. "I suppose Levi could work at the vineyard."

You stifle your reaction but cough twice.  There's the signal to Levi. You're wary of this one, but he'll keep you safe. He squeezes your upper arm tight in his; there's his signal.

"Well...How about you try our newest harvest? Made with only the freshest red grapes." 

"No, I don't normally let her drink," your father interjects.

"No, your majesty, I insist. Women in this kingdom are permitted to act independently, no? If we marry, she will also inherit our family's wine trade and duties."

Your father's teeth grit, "If you insist, Beckham, sir."

He pours you and Levi a glass, and you both thank him accordingly. Taking tiny sips as he rambles on to your father of his family's wealth. You gathered as much, he didn't want to meet you at all. 

You try to search for your friends in the crowd, bored to death by Beckham's rambling. 'I'm bored' you mouth to Levi, he smirks and takes a long sip from his wine glass, you do the same. 

"Levi!" You turn to find a tall brunette woman with glasses and a giant blonde man charging towering over you both, a small group too gathered behind them. Yet they stand out the most, appearing light-hearted and fun in their expressions.  "We found ya!" 

Levi smiles in their direction, "There you guys are." 

You glance at Levi hopefully, and he nods in amusement. In excitement, you extend your hand. "Hello! I'm-"

Beckham snaps out of the conversation with your father, a smirk on his lips. "Levi, take the time to reunite with your friends. I'll take care of the Princess."

The tall brunette woman adjusts her glasses, a tense expression forming on her face. Levi shoots her a look and she visibly relaxes. "I'm Hange," she leans in and whispers, "Nice to meet ya."

You turn and smile at her, there's something about her that makes you feel comfortable. "I'm Reader nice to meet you too."

Levi looks wistfully at you and then at his friends, but your father insists. "Go, Levi. She will be fine."

"But Father, I wanted to meet Levi's friends."

"You can later, right now is important."

"Tell me everything later, Levi."

He nods firmly, bowing his head and taking his leave. From the corner of your eye, you watch as he is bombarded with hugs from his friends. It warms your heart to see this side of him, you also wish you could be with him. 

"Pay attention, Reader!"

"Yes, father." 

"Who's the beauty, Levi?" Moblit chuckles.

"Piss off."

"You smell different," Miche adds.

"We all do, we're all living differently, right?" Levi hisses.

Erwin and Hange laugh, tugging him to sit beside them at a table. "Levi, are you happy here too?"

"About that-"

"I'm so happy we've all found each other again," Nanaba gushes.

Erwin smiles, squeezing Levi's shoulder, "That's what families do, right Levi?"

"Well- I'm bound to the Princess now."

"How exactly do you mean?" Hange asks. 

"Now! The King has left them," Mikasa shouts, tugging the rest of the girls through the crowds to you, stood unhappily beside Beckham. 

You perk up at the sight of them, "Ladies! There you are." 

"The Princess and I are busy," he states firmly, raising his voice over the jovial music being played upon the stage. 

His eyes widen when Mikasa scowls at him. "How impolite," she scoffs. 

"I-I'll bring some more wine!"

Sasha glares, "Good! Some bread would be nice too." 

He leaves you with his eyes cast down to the floor. 

"Good, now tell us all about the dark-haired prince you have escorting you!" Ymir teases, all of the royal ladies surrounding you with smug smiles.

"Isn't he handsome!" you giggle as they embrace you. "I've missed you ladies so! Thank you for sparing me another second of his drabble!"

                                      •••

The ball, floors below, continues to boom with life. Carriages arrive before the castle, collecting boozy royal ladies and men whilst the foyer sounds with heeled footsteps and cheery laughter. Your father is beyond drunk, along with your siblings and the remaining guests, who continue to dance away to the lively band now playing onstage.

You say your good nights and let Levi carry you up the staircase, lolling to sleep in the crook of his neck. Levi thinks back to the evening he's had.

"So you're going to devote yourself to her, huh?" Erwin asked, a grin on his lips as Princess Marie joined his side. "I understand how it feels, we're all safe, and happy, and we can see each other whenever we please. Why don't we live this life?" 

"Let's," Marie smiled, wrapping her arms around Erwin's neck.

Moblit and Hange drunkenly slurred their approval of you, gesturing to you dancing and laughing with your friends. "She's perfect for you, shorty!"

"Yeah," Erwin chuckled fondly,  "I really like her for you, Levi."

"You're perfect for me, huh?"

You rouse softly, the cease in movement waking you. "Levi, my head stopped spinning!"

"Good." Levi sets you down. "We've reached your room now. Goodnight, Princess."

Your lip quivers, "No! Levi, please...Don't leave." 

"I have to," he murmurs, but he doesn't move an inch. "I'll see you in the morning, okay?"

You grip his wrist, frowning at him. "No one comes into my room at night, and besides Levi, do you know how tight corsets are? I cannot remove it alone. Please."

"Is that so?" he murmurs, squeezing the bridge of his nose with a deep sigh. 

"Truly, I cannot sleep like this. I'll be in pain."

That grabs his attention, "Fine, I will assist you."

As he relents, you pull him into your bedroom, remembering to lock your door behind you just in case. "You have an eyelash. Make a wish upon it," you whisper tipsily. 

"Just do it for me, Princess." 

"Hmm," you wrap your arms around Levi's neck, waiting for him to scold you, but he doesn't. So you pull him towards your bed, falling back onto your covers with a content sigh. 

He stands with a fond smile as you stretch your limbs with soft groans."I wish for you to be my lover," you mutter into your sheets.

"Those books you read," he scolds, but with a lilt of adoration. 

Your back arches, "Levi, it's so tight, please. Undress me."

"Okay," he swallows, gripping the fabric of your dress. He finds the zip and coasts it down slowly, revealing the soft skin of your spine. 

Your breathing grows louder. "I've never had a male servant do this for me." 

"Then are you sure you want me to?" he asks tentatively. 

"There is no one else I'd rather, but please, touch me. Don't be afraid, let my thoughts run wild, just tonight."

What harm can it do? With the care of handling a broken butterfly, Levi runs his fingers up and down your back, taking your arms out of the silky fabric of your dress. You careen into his every feather-light touch.  

"You know, where I'm from, putting your back to someone means you trust them," he whispers gently.

You grip the sheet under you, "That is true, as I do trust you, my dear Levi."

His heart thuds. "Do I need to remove the dress?"

"How else would you remove the corset?" you hum, turning to give him a sultry expression. "Undress me like you're taking me to bed, Levi."

"Princess." He turns away for a moment. Taking a deep breath, he then returns to the task at hand. Pulling the dress past your hips and revealing your ass, he inhales once more. He averts his gaze respectfully, carefully folding the dress and placing it on your dresser. 

"Now, the corset?"

"Yes, p-please," you stammer, a deep throbbing in your core making you unable to focus on anything but the heat of his hands. 

"You're in safe hands," he soothes.

You laugh softly, squeezing your thighs together in an attempt to satiate the deep ache. "I know. That's what I'm worried about."

Levi's cheeks grow crimson. 

Dutifully he begins, working his fingers under every knot, his heart swimming at the way you breathe out in relief with every tier he releases. 

Unbeknownst to Levi, you cannot take it anymore your panties are so slick they're ruined and soaked.

"Levi," you whimper as his hand innocently settles upon your ass to steady you, his other tugging through the laces of your corset. "I need a doctor, something is wrong," you gasp out.

His voice is soft, his grip on your hips gentle. What is the matter? Are you in pain?"

"I don't want you to see. I can't control it."

"What's going on?" 

Shyly you grab his hand, sliding it under your body pressed against the mattress. "Princess, what-"

"Here," His hand reaches the waistband of your panties, and his jaw clenches.

"It's possible that you're aroused," he speaks slowly. "Is that what you're showing me?"

"I know that, because you're touching me," you laugh softly. 

"Princess," he hisses in warning. "Please, compose yourself." 

"But it's never been like this before, Levi. You can touch me, please." You whine, "Show me what your fingers feel like, I'm tired of my own, they get me nowhere."

You tug on his wrist and his fingers reach down into your sodden panties, he sucks in a breath. "H-how are you this worked up? I've hardly touched you." 

You sigh, the heat of his body pressed against you, his knee propped beside you. You feel the hardness of him rub against your behind. It's all too much. You reach out for a pillow and whine into it softly, rubbing yourself against his long and calloused fingers. 

"Do your books not mention these things?" His voice is shaky and restrained, his cock straining at the sight of you so desperate.

"No sir, but I cannot take anymore, please help me."

"Do you trust me?" he whispers, pressing a kiss against your nape. You nod eagerly and his fingers carefully pull your panties to the side. The air hits your pussy and you moan.

"Ah, I see. You want me to touch you right here?"

"Please, Levi. Show me," you mewl.

"Okay, Princess." Levi whimpers softly into your hair at the sensation of your slick drooling down his fingertips. "Maybe you're just not doing it properly. Here, I'll teach you. Are you listening?"

"Yes," you pant.

"My poor girl, you must learn to do this alone, do you understand?" You nod in defeat.

He slides a finger up and down your pussy, you moan so loudly he has to cover your mouth. He repeats the motion once more, "How do you feel?" he asks shakily, removing his hand.

"Like I need more, and more," you rasp. 

Levi's own breath is laboured and short, but still, he remains slow and patient. His fingers rub up and down, increasing the contact on your clit every time. Your body shakes and tenses under his, and you grip his arm beside you, noiselessly moaning into his sleeve. 

"When you cannot tease yourself any longer, you take your fingers inside." Slowly he inserts two of his fingers into your pussy. Levi groans huskily against you, watching as you whine into his forearm. "What are you thinking?" he asks, his fingers moving in and out of you, his thumb rubbing on your clit.

"Of you and only you, Levi. I'm treasuring this moment, taking everything you're willing to give."

"Think of me Princess, imagine my fingers are so much more." He rolls his hips against your behind, his hardened cock rubbing against your ass. 

"I want it," you whimper.

"You can't have it, darling," he moans, finger-fucking you even faster. "Use your imagination, you're so good at that. Be good for me." 

"Levi don't make it worse, I-I cannot think! Please, Levi I know I am greedy, but please tell me something."

He ruts into you more, his fingers working you to burst. "I want to claim you, make you whimper out my name for as long as your voice can sustain it, Princess." 

"You could claim me, but I'm already yours."

"Then show me how much you need my touch, Princess." 

Levi's motions bring you to your undoing, moaning in tandem as you come all over his fingers. It's a flurry of sensations you've never experienced, you want Levi's hands on you forever.

He turns you onto your back, spreading your thighs he gathers your slick on his fingers. "Look at me," he urges gently, you sigh but uncover your face. Leaning down he takes his fingers and paints your lips with your arousal. Dazed and still aching for him, you open your mouth and suck, taking his fingers down your throat. "I won't be able to leave if you look at me so." He removes his fingers, his eyes lidded and unreadable.

You sit up and clutch his hand, you can see the way his cock is straining in his pants. You swallow,  "My door is locked, it is only you and I. Let us dream."

He sighs, cradling your cheek. "Then let us both sleep."

"You still haven't removed my corset."

He steps forward and you gasp, falling down onto the bed with a gentle thud. His knee rests on either side of your quivering body. "Turn around," he commands. 

You manoeuvre onto your stomach once more, audibly starting when his arms hook around your lower half and tug you close. In a matter of seconds, the corset is falling off your frame, Levi pulls it from under you, tossing it behind you both. 

You turn to face him, watching as his eyes lap over your naked curves, it's exhilarating. His face inches closer, and his arms cage you in as you fall against your pillows. 

He's breathless. 

"Listen, if you want me enough to desire what I offer to your core," he leans in, nudging your nose with his. "If you want it..." His lips are so close. "Come here, Princess."

Without hesitation, you lean to give Levi your lips. In an instant he takes them, coiling your hands together so he can hold you as he does so. He groans softly into your mouth at your zeal, feeling your tongue explore his mouth. He holds your face with care, stroking your smushed cheek as your heads wind in time together.

Your breaths sound through your noses, and Levi grows heated, his own tongue exploring your mouth with tenderness and affection. "My Princess," he whispers into your lips. "How much do you want me to show you?"

"Enough to make me whimper your name unabashedly. Over and over."

He grips your face with possession, yet the feather-light strokes of his fingers to your cheeks have your head reeling. Your breathing grows heavy once more. "My god," he hisses. His hands thread down to your inner thighs, smoothing and cupping at the soft flesh. 

You become mush in his hold. Dotingly whining his name in his ear. "My longing is killing me. If I don't touch you, Levi, it feels like I might die." 

Your hands coast along his chest until they reach his jaw. You cup his cheek, reclining back to gaze into his eyes. "Do not long for me. It's no good."

"So then, let's not waste time."

"Princess." His voice is weak with arousal. "You have not the slightest idea what you could do to a man."

His skin burns under your fingertips. "I do not care, I want to know what I do to you. How I make you feel." Your voice is shaky, but you remain confident all the less.

"I can show you." He journeys down your body with kisses, parting your thighs, and kissing and sucking at the soft flesh as you whine softly into your palm. 

"Levi you mustn't! You can't put your mouth near-"

"No I must, Princess. It will feel like nothing you've ever felt. Do you trust me?"

You nod into your hands. "When it's wet like this, and so swollen," You feel him press a kiss to the skin, suckling on it with his lips. 

"You need a man to take care of it. He has to use his mouth and lick just here..." He flicks his tongue in a strip across your entire sex.

"Levi!" 

"Did you like that?"

"I loved it, Levi," you gasp as he continues to kiss and suck on your pussy. Then he pulls back the hood of your clit and slowly strokes his tongue side to side, and then up and down. 

You almost scream into your pillow, the pleasure almost unbearable. Your mouth pulled into a silent 'o' whilst your hands tug on his hair.

"Levi, this feels too good." 

He groans into you, continuing to flick his tongue from side to side until he's hammering it and the sensations are overwhelming.

"Levi, it's too much for me!" 

He groans in protest against your sex, slipping two fingers into your spasming hole, doubling the sensations. He slides them in and out, sucking on your clit in tandem he locks them upward and pulses.

That's when you lose it.

You feel your entire body strain, and you see bright white. You feel yourself explode, but Levi only continues, crude sloshes audible as you come. 

"Oh fuck," Levi groans, pulling away and panting along with you. You smile as he rises over you and sweetly cups your face. "Princess?"

His crotch has caught your eye once more. "I want to feel you, too."

Curiously you slide your hand down on it, and Levi moans. He wants to explore your skin, but that look in your eye is as it always is. Mischievous and wanting more. You tug away at his clothes, tearing away his blazer and shirt as your lips meet in between.

He groans softly into your lips as you tug away his pants. You gasp, "Would it fit?" 

His cheeks flush, "Huuh?"

His cock is long and thick, the tip of it as blushed as his cheeks and leaking. Eagerly you force down his pants, watching in awe as he kicks them away. Your hands' stroke along the muscle of his torso, the chisel of his arms. "Can I have it? Can we try?"

You wrap your thighs around his hips, gazing into his eyes. He holds your face in his hand, "Princess-"

"I want you."

"And I want you, but..." He soothes you, stroking your cheek and pressing a gentle kiss to your lips. "I don't think I should take this from you. How can you be sure?"

You tug him closer, "I want you inside me, Levi. We're not close enough, I need you to claim me. So I belong to you."

He gasps, "Princess." You guide him into your sex, relaxing as he presses kisses along your jaw, his finger rubbing dumbing circles on your clit. "Oh god, princess, you feel too good." 

You clutch him tightly as he slides completely in, moaning into his ear. "Princess," he drawls as his hands coast lovingly over your body, gripping at your ass and running over your shoulder blades. 

He thrusts into you slowly and with care, "You're beautiful, Reader." 

"The first time I saw you, I knew I wanted you to be mine," you moan, running your hands through his hair. 

"I'll be yours forever," he swears, locking his hands through yours. He pulls you up, your back resting against pillows, as he turns your face toward the mirror. 

You watch in awe at the lustful image, his large hands sliding up and down the planes of your soft skin, your thighs shaking around his hips as he thrusts into you. You admire the way he throws his head back in ecstasy, fucking you into bliss.

"Levi, more."

He hears you loud and clear, crashing his hips down into yours, relentlessly. "You want more?" He pushes your thighs up, pressing them down against you. 

You moan endlessly, gazing into Levi's eyes lidded and full of affection. "How do I feel?"

"Like I never want you to leave me like I want to be ruined."

"Yeah?" Carefully Levi pulls out and flips you onto your stomach. You moan out languidly as he kneads at your ass, grabbing at it in firm handfuls. Massaging, his hands reach your hips, and he pulls you up against him in a perfect arch. 

The dominance makes you lose it for him even more. He seeks your hands and then positions them on your ass, his own fitting to your waist. "Show me your beautiful body and how excited it is, sweetheart." 

You're so aroused your brain is hazy. "Levi?" 

"Did you hear me, Princess?"

"Yes sir," you answer meekly. Spreading yourself for him to see, he slaps his cock against your dripping cunt.

"What a mess you're making Princess." 

"I-I-" You spread yourself wider, revealing the way gossamers of your slick are soiling the sheets just below you. "You just feel too good, Levi."

"I do?" He teases you now, running himself back and forth; watching your face contort with every slither of pleasure he offers. "I'll tell you what feels good to me..." He leans forward until he's pressed against you, his lips on your ear. "How good my Princess feels when I bury myself inside of her." 

"I'm all yours."

"Fuck, don't say things you don't mean Princess." His cock slides into you once more, his hand coiled through yours, his other curled around your hip and rubbing on your clit.

"This is what I've craved, for so long. You and I giving into our pleasures," you whimper, sensations firing through every inch of your body.

"I've wanted you more than you can imagine." 

His thrusts grow faster, his finger working on your clit, your bodies meeting in desperate clashes. The lewd noises of skin meeting skin and your soaked sex being entered by Levi over and over. Together you moan each others names until your voices grow hoarse, but when you start to tighten onto Levi's cock, he feels his restraint slip.

He begins to pull his hips back, your body shaking under him. "No, you can't!"

"You'll become pregnant otherwise," he groans, his restraint slipping all the more at the way you turn to kiss him. 

"Then we'll make a family," you swear into his lips. "You and I."

"We cannot, Princess." 

"Levi, please," you moan into his mouth, his fingers bringing you to your intense end. Just as you clench him tight, Levi pulls back and releases himself over your thighs, both of you shaking and breathless. 

"I'm all yours, Levi. I mean it."

His hands hold your face, admiring the sight of you so undone and free. He kisses your forehead, "One day if I'm lucky, you'll be mine before you are anybody else's," he whispers against your skin.

"What if I can't be?" Your eyes glaze over with tears, and Levi's heart sinks. He brings you into his chest, pressing his lips against your head whilst rubbing at your back.

"Then let's enjoy this time because it's ours. Isn't it?"