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Nov 10, 2023

romeo ♱ juliet.

↳ fushiguro megumi/reader

wherefore an age-long rivalry between two of the most powerful imperial families shall pay the price through the souls of a young couple whose tragic love vow’d for the reconciliation of their empires

genre. angst, forbidden love, historical/royal au

tags/warnings. ooc, monarch, prince!megumi, princess!reader, megumi is a zen’in, reader is a gojou, clan wars, suggestive, violence, blood, rebellion, usage of (shakespearean) early modern english, feral!megumi in the end, suicide, major character death

notes. romeo & juliet trope but make it royal au. this is my first historical au piece and i’m sorry for any inaccuracies especially with the archaic grammar. it’s a bit hard to read but i tried to incorporate the original r+j language. reblogs appreciated <3

masterlist + playlist + grammar index

SHAKESPEAREAN -> MODERN ENGLISH VERSION

𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐈

“Must thou enlighten me with this antipathy towards the Crown Prince of Astheryn?”

A snort of disgust filled your ears as your brother in his greatness strode across your balcony in measured footsteps. “Soon to be the emperor,” he corrected, tidying up his white tunic before he rested his lower back against the balustrade. Long slender fingers ran up to fix his ivory hair with a peek of his cerulean eyes that shone like diamonds under the sunlight. “Hadst thee not heard? His Majesty, the Emperor of Astheryn, hath bid his eternal farewell.”

It was the first time you’ve heard of the unfortunate news and it brought you much sadness with the thought of the grieving family that the emperor of Astheryn has left behind. Howbeit, with the lack of sympathy on your brother’s countenance, you were reminded of your place as the princess of Caelum.

To lament you must not, for you were a Gojou. The death of a Zen’in should not be of your concern as they were your families’ sworn enemies after all. Granted an empire among the three that divided the nation—Astheryn, Caelum, and Exalos. The Gojou’s ruled Caelum while the Zen’in’s reigned supreme in Astheryn. Both nations were of equal prosperity, but a clash in significant power was what birthed half a century of bad blood between two families. An ancient grudge that came forth from two ancestral foes, now doth with the descent of the new generation whose enmities remained fifty years unresolved.

The Crown Prince in this empire you call home was your older brother, Satoru, with whom a ten-year gap made him much more respectable in the palace in comparison to you. He embodied the stigma of a dominant ruler with great hopes to unite all three kingdoms as one—an ideology befitting for an heir to the most powerful throne.

Natheless, he was also a fellow filled with hubris. All knowing, all bearing. A warrior and a trained potentate, a gentleman of preserved anachronistic values. Satoru possessed a god complex similar to that of your father’s and he was not one to hold back in showing an outward loath for the imperial Zen’in family. He thought of Prince Toji as nothing but a bitter foe simply because the blue-blooded man was his biggest rival.

“Thy silence I will mistake as bereft,” his tone hinted of derision. There was humor in the flutter of his arctic lashes. “Unlike thee, I am not affected by an old man’s demise. Sure, the empire of Astheryn is grieving but the ranking of that tyrant, Toji, is what causes my ire.”

Now that the man was to be crowned as the emperor, it only enkindled rage within Satoru’s deep-seated ego. The Crown Prince Toji was no longer, for he was to become the Emperor of Astheryn. The passing down of the crown was what Satoru wanted for himself in Caelum, not for his enemy to receive the prestige before he did.

A silent sigh crawled out of your lips. In all honesty, you wished not to share the same rancor towards the Zen’in imperial family. “My initial query awaits thine answer, brother. There must be a legitimate reason for—”

“What answer shall my little sister gain? ‘Tis by his name he is an enemy. Nothing else is to be said.” Standing up straight to regain his pomposity, he added, “When all three empires unite, a powerful emperor is what I will be. But before all that, our parents, the emperor and the empress, must step down on their thrones.”

That cruel smile plastered on his face, you recognized it so well. What a fool he is. “In that case, dost thou await our parents’ ill-fate?”

Was Satoru willing to imbrue his hands with his own parents’ blood for the sake of attaining the highest throne? Was thy lovable prince a tyrant beneath his seraphic exterior?

“Now, words of those did not come from myself,” he played it off with a sneer, “thou’st be aware that these walls are thin, my sister. I do not speak ill of His and Her Majesty.”

You were aware indeed, but never were you in favor of his covert schemes. Should he turn out to be a traitor to your own kin, you would simply retreat back to your seat. A single word would not be spoken. Participating in this war between families, much less your own, was a disgrace you shalt forswear.

Sincerely, you didn’t ask to be born of royal lineage. You didn’t ask to partake in these imperial quarrels. You didn’t ask to be a Gojou.

Because Megumi, your first love, was a Zen’in.

⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶✞⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷

𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐈𝐈

“Giddy up!”

Prince Megumi had a tight grip on the reins as he steered his horse on the path leading back to the palace. In the long hours of the morning, the prince was feeling down in the dumps. Not once did a bright expression paint his face in three consecutive nights. Could it be due to the death of his grandfather, the emperor? Or was it a specific princess in a neighboring empire that beget his melancholy?

His royal advisor, Lord Giuseppe, had already guessed that the latter was the answer. Megumi was an open book despite the stolid mien that incessantly veiled his handsome face. “A peek into thine own heart, I must. Is it a woman that Your Imperial Highness yearns to see?”

“Giuseppe,” the prince suppressed an exhale, “thou hast the knowledge of who caters to my fancy.”

The bumpy path added a few extra jumps from their horses that Megumi had to maneuver his horse out of the dim woods, treading a nigh away from the stable. His eyes found the highest balcony of Astheryn’s imperial palace, with which a panoramic view overlooked the palace of Caelum environed by lush green hills.

Whoever decided to put these two palaces near their borders without thinking that they could be of surveillance to each other’s walls from a distance?

But what great comfort will it bring to see my love? Prince Megumi mused. A love that sparked since his sweet sixteen, a love that still lingered even now that he was in his nineteenth.

“Ah, it is Princess Y/N of Caelum indeed,” Giuseppe spoke, formal and yet playful. “‘Tis what I call young love.”

It has been two months since the graduation. As part of the imperial arrangement, the children of each empire were to study in The Providence—a premier private academy solely for the monarchs and the elites. The academy was where he first met you, a classmate of his with whom he ought to see as an enemy, but instead has housed herself in the breadths of his heart. He has fallen in love long before he could stop himself.

How couldn’t he? You were the loveliest flower among the bunch. An angel in your own grace with a face that could launch a thousand ships just like Helen of Troy. In that sense, perhaps you could raise a thousand swords for he would go to war for you. Your smile brought him felicity and he considered himself the luckiest man for being granted of your heart all the more.

With sixty days that passed since he last saw you on graduation day, your lack of presence now had him deep in forlorn. Were you to continue a degree in university? Or nought but to remain in your chambers in the palace?

“If my heart speaks to thee, Giuseppe. Tell me, then. What are the odds of me seeing her again?” he inquired, pulling the reins to halt the horse’s movements. “Could thou be of assistance for a clandestine meeting between her and myself?”

“I am afraid not, Your Highness.” Giuseppe hoisted himself out of the horse’s back and guided Megumi inside the stable. “It is a difficult task thou ask for. His Majesty’s exequy will happen by eventide and thy father’s coronation will commence in a fortnight. Thy presence is heavily expected.”

Heavens. “Family matters,” he released a huff of exasperation.

Lord Giuseppe has been a royal advisor since Megumi was a juvenile. Now, in the prince’s nineteen years of age, the lord treated him as though he was his own child. Seeing him so morose, he decided to give in, “Fair enough, beseech me tomorrow at sunrise to be thy herald. I will get in contact with my folks from Caelum and ask the princess’ servant myself.”

The smile of triumph finally adorned Prince Megumi’s face before he raised himself out of the horse to embrace the kind man. “I thank thee. I long to see my lady.”

And so that evenfall on the burial rites for the late emperor, Megumi was participative for the family’s gathering. The outward display of woes, the shed of tears, and the deliverance of eulogies all roused distaste in him—only for the fact that some of his family members were discreetly joyful for his grandfather’s death. Everyone in the Zen’in clan was hungry for power for all its merit.

He would leave his cousins Duchess Maki and Mai on the conversation as such women hadst not shown any interest on the throne. It was his uncle, Duke Naoya, that appeared to have a particular eye for the crown that was now all Prince Toji’s to claim. Only, Duke Naoya didn’t have the guts to ever be in a conflict with Megumi’s father.

“How splendid!” Duchess Mai hid a smirk behind her black veil that complemented her dark, lacy gown. “Thou wilt become the Crown Prince.”

Megumi peeked at his father who stood outside of the Zen’in family’s catacomb to bid his final farewell to the emperor. In two weeks time, his father would be the most powerful man in Astheryn and Megumi would be the rightful and direct lineal heir to his throne.

“Enough with this insolence, Mai.” Duchess Maki, the twin that he preferred, had spoken beside him. “Megumi will be our hope. That imbecile Toji will just endanger this empire with his rivalry with Satoru. They are both tyrants.”

Maki’s bold choice of words and lack of courtesy for the imperial family never failed to make Megumi smile.

But a smile that he deeply yearned for was a smile that came from you, his only love.

⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶✞⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷

𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐈𝐈𝐈

Fifty seven, fifty eight, fifty nine, it is now four o’clock!

As the clock struck four, you were high in enthusiasm when the doors to your bedroom swung open and your personal attendant stepped in to deliver a news that you’ve been anticipating since daybreak.

“What says of my love, Lady Geneva?” you jumped out of your bed to embosom the woman with wide eager eyes. “Is he to come see me? Is he? Speak of only great news for a bad one wilt mine ears refuse!” You let out a dreamy sigh, thinking of the handsome prince. “Unbeknownst to him, I am an ardent woman ready to give him all—”

“Good gracious, Your Highness! An eager woman is not equal to an easy woman, especially of the highest nobility as thyself,” the lady reminded, fixing your silk nightgown before patting your heated cheeks. “However, yes but in privy confirmation. The Crown Prince of Astheryn would like to arrange a tryst with thee come Monday.”

How could you have forgotten? Megumi was now the Crown Prince since Emperor Toji has claimed sovereignty over their empire. No wonder Satoru hadst nought but chagrin in his face to supper last eve.

But forget those fifty years worth of imperial vendettas! The stars in your eyes still held glee over this planned rendezvous. A sweet kiss was what you awaited from your lover of three years. “Much obliged. I owe thee, Lady Geneva!” You embraced her with gratitude while she mirrored your delight. “Thou hast served thy princess well.”

“Whence art thou Princess? Y/N? Y/N!”

“Oh, here comes Her Majesty,” your lady-in-waiting rushed to fix the sheets of your bed. “We shan’t speak of our secret tidings with a lord and his prince from Astheryn.”

“Y/N!”

Startled by your mother’s voice, you straightened your back and called out, “I am here, Your Imperial Majesty!”

Your mother entered your bedchambers in her austerity, hair arranged into a chignon and a dress bedight with crimson prints. Her gaze towards the ladies-in-waiting that followed her was unmistakably dour. “Leave us alone to talk, kindly. All of thee.”

With a single command, all servants curtsied with utmost respect before scurrying out of your room to give you privacy. This woman was your own mother and yet her presence was suffocating. You felt small under her rigid stare. One step closer and she began tucking your hair behind your ear. “His Majesty and I have proposed an arrangement this morning with the Kamos.”

Your breath steadied in dismay. “And what proposal is it, Your Majesty?”

“Thou, my dear,” the empress began, icy hands caressing your arms, “How does marriage sound to thee?”

Marriage? Oh, now what is this she speaks? Your heartbeat quickened exponentially. Is it between you and a gentleman from Exalos? Oh, God…

“I… I do not think of marriage, mother.”

With your answer, she raised her chin and narrowed her stare. Was Satoru around to save you from your mother’s intimidating presence? He was the only one whose voice they partially listened to.

“Then thou must think of marriage,” she spoke again, this time more forcefully, “Prince Noritoshi, he is an heir to the throne in Exalos. Sagacious, valiant, and chivalrous—what more canst thou ask for a man? He was an upperclassman of yours at The Providence, were he not?”

An arranged marriage without my consent!

Your chest rose and fell in heavy breaths, heart filling of rage and defiance. “Thou wish to use me to unite the two empires, is it not? ‘Tis nothing but a political marriage!”

“Wherefore, what other use can my precious daughter be?”

“Mother,” you strictly replied without addressing the woman of her rightful status. With the rate of your oozing temper, your nails were digging on the flesh of your palms to leave deep crescent marks. “I refuse to get married to a man I love none!”

The empress’ face hardened into stone. Her eyes ignited fire of the worst kind and with gritted teeth, she asked, “And who dost thou seek for love? Tell me.”

Your heart ached and your tears brimmed on the corner of your eyes. If only love had no boundaries, such lamentation would not have embraced your heart. “That whom I love is Prince Megumi—!”

Slap! A rough, unforgiving hand met your cheek with a painful blow. “Fool!” yelled her. “Thou ungrateful child! How dare thou speak of an enemy’s name!”

Your own hand flew to your cheek, soothing the sting that your mother has given you. Such cheeks became incarnadine and were now damp with tears. “But if Prince Megumi, were he not a Zen’in call’d, thou would not be enraged. What’s in a name if that is not of love, Your Majesty?”

“Thou dare shame us for thy childish infatuation?” She didn’t hesitate to add another hard smack, this time with you falling on your bed. “Speak of our enemies’ name again or thou will be lock’d inside the palace dungeons, understand?”

No! “But m-mother—”

“Silence! I am an empress first before I am a mother,” her words were a spit to your face. Words that left you sobbing in despair. “Thou will be Prince Noritoshi’s betrothed and his affection will be sought by thee. Understand?”

No, you do not.

“I said, dost thou understand, Princess Y/N?”

In silent acquiescence, you offered a curtsy to the empress.

⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶✞⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷

𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐈𝐕

The rhythmic melodies of the orchestra did not affect your silent woes. All this grandeur and aristocracy only left a bitter aftertaste in the walls of your mouth as you peered at the emperor and the empress who gracefully danced amongst their peers and peeresses to celebrate your father’s special day.

Prince Satoru was a domineering gentleman who stood high and mighty next to you. You were not one to miss the glances that you and your brother received from the flock of noblemen and women. How regal, they mused, of siblings dressed in similar fabric of the finest kind.

As customary, Satoru’s attire was a champagne frock coat embellished with golden aiguillette and royal badges. He also donned a navy blue cloak that rested atop his broad shoulders and ended beneath his leather heels.

Yours was an off-shoulder gown of champagne silk embroidered with gold threads, accentuated with a tight corset that hugged your waists down to your hips before it flared into frills forming a beautiful A-line. What suited your elegance was your hair that was braided into a half-updo and locked with a glittering tiara.

“How old is father?” your question was barely audible as you looked at your brother. The blend of dulcet melodies from the violins and pianoforte formed the perfect classical music.

The corner of his lips upturned. “Quite daring with thy lack of proper title for the emperor. His Imperial Majesty is sixty-eight.”

His courtesy to the emperor and the empress was no better than an act of blarney. Your eyes could well see through his tainted soul. The malicious intent that he was scheming in his head was not difficult for you to discern.

“My question remains, dost thou await his ill-fate?” you asked with the underlying intention to make him admit to his planned treason. “Same goes for Her Majesty.”

Satoru’s crystal orbs landed on the faces covered in colorful bauta and colombina masks that crowded this masquerade ball. While half of their faces may be sealed, their ears were free. The prince himself knew not to speak a word.

“Mutiny lies within thy tone, sister,” he whispered, keeping his chin up high. “If thy heart’s intent is to inveigle me into rebelling just to help prevent thy arranged marriage, I will not back thee.”

“Neither will I marry him!” you replied in a hushed voice, lowering it down before anyone could hear. “Prince Noritoshi of Exalos is a courteous man, but my heart rests with someone else.”

The white-haired man looked around the ballroom before turning to you. “Thou hast a traitor’s heart, Y/N. Exalos is our ally, Astheryn is not. The Zen’in family are our greatest foes. Thou art not in the position to ruin the plans that we—”

“Is it truly we that thou speak or just thee?” How could your brother, one that used to love you dearly that he would protect you over his parents’ ill interests, had now turned into an ambitious despot? “Thou wish to overcome all three empires for when the emperor’s throne is given to thee, plotting to overthrow the crowned monarchs by imbruing thy hands with thine own kinsmen’s blood. Thou art the real traitor, Satoru Gojou.”

Satoru’s saintly face transformed into a statue, a sight caught off guard but a stance not giving away. The pivot of his heel was an act of admission withal. “Say whatever thou want to say. Princess Y/N, thou art the least I care about from hereafter.”

⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶✞⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷

𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐕

Running through the hallways of the palace was what you did after your quarrel with your brother. That, and your decision to withhold from further staying in the ballroom led you to reason with the emperor and the empress that you were too unwell to stay through their night of waltzes and classical music.

Somehow, in the middle of your strides within the carpeted floors, a stranger seized hold of your hand and pulled you towards the orchard.

“Excuse me!” you resisted, withdrawing your arm from the masked man. His mask embellished with metallic green linings was a volto that covered his entire face in anonymity. “Let me go at this very instant or these knights—”

He turned on his heel by the time you reached the empty orchard, removing his mask to reveal the face that procured your very love. And, with a smile, he greeted, “My love.”

Handsomest is he!

Your heart took a pause. “M-Megumi?” you whispered, looking around in panic. “What brings thee to sneak inside these heavily guarded walls?”

A hand was placed on your cheek as he pressed his sweet lips above yours, moving in perfect synchronization followed by satisfied hums and eager touches. You had not realized how tightly your arms were wrapped around his neck when he pulled away, verdant eyes gazing at you from under the moonlight.

“Unease lengthened my days. I’d to come see thee after I was informed of the news,” he admitted, lifting your chin with his index finger. “Was it thy decision to marry Prince Noritoshi?”

Your response was a desperate shake of the head. “Of course, not!” you gave him a kiss, “No, absolutely not. I vow to the heavens, thou art my only one.”

A sigh of relief escaped his lips, but worry lingered on his angel face. “What doth this leave us with if it is thy parents’ will?” he asked, encasing your waist around his arm. The vibration of his chest could be felt against yours. “Shall I send thee off to marry him? Be in my despair to see my lady, a wife that is not mine?”

Your finger traced the collar of his suit. “That is the last thing I wish to—”

“Make haste and find the Princess!”

The nearby voices of your ladies-in-waiting made you stumble on your heels as you pulled Megumi, only to end up plunging into the swimming pool upon losing your balance at the slightest second.

“Aah—!”

“I believe she is in her room, Lady Catrine.”

“Her Royal Highness did say she is unwell and wishes to be left alone.”

With a finger pressed on your lips, you gestured for Megumi to keep his silence in the midst of your submerged situation. “Shh. When our imperial knights find thee, they will murder thee.”

Contrary to the graveness in your voice, your lover was amused. “Thou art in the presence of a Crown Prince. There will be war if they dare lay a finger on me.”

A Crown Prince. A grin was plastered on your face as you grabbed his wrist and swam towards the small artificial cave to hide from the palace guards. Surely, said guards had all eyes on the emperor and the empress for tonight’s celebration, but you would not take any risks of being caught. They could be wandering around for all you knew.

“Why now, my lover is an heir to the throne, is he?” You beamed at him, wrapping your legs around his waist as he pressed you against the wall. Your dress flowed from underwater, but you paid no mind. Nothing hindered you from enveloping each other’s mouth with a tight-lipped kiss. “Mm—but still, thou art in Caelum’s w—” he swallowed the entirety of your lips, before trailing kisses down your bare neck, “—walls, my love. An act of trespassing beknown to all, especially as thou art a Zen’in. Thou wilt be warranted with a punishment.”

“Then I will take all the punishment,” he answered without faltering. And by pressing his forehead against yours, he added, “Lest it be my last hours on Earth, there is no ounce of regret in seeing the woman I love.”

So eager, so desirous were you and him in locking each other’s lips now with the use of tongue exchanging pleasures inside the walls of your mouth. His hand held a tight grip on your cheek, tilting his head to the side in an attempt to have the kiss at its deepest entry. You had to catch the breath that you had lost when you looked at him. “Megumi,” you cupped his cheeks, lips swollen, “make me a wife. I refuse to douse ourselves into matters of imperial rivalries any further.”

“A proposal to elope,” he mouthed the words in deep thought, “Thou wilt run away with me to marry? To give up our crowns in exchange for our romance?”

Certain you were not if Megumi would be willing to forsake his throne, whereas you would take any chances just to escape the forthcoming tyranny of this empire. Caelum was no longer home.

“If be sworn by my love, I’ll no longer be a Gojou.”

⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶✞⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷

𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐕𝐈

That same eve was spent with fiery touches and shameless admissions of love. In your bedchamber where you lay the scene, of him unlacing your corset, of you unbuttoning his tunic—all nought but bare in your virginity. From your balcony, the moon enviously stared at the two lovers under the sheets doing thus what lovers do.

Long forgotten was the emperor’s birthday for the princess engaged in a night of passion with her greatest enemy. Neither your dulcet moans nor the prince’s deep breaths would escape the palace walls for everyone believed that you were alone in your chambers.

Alone, you stifled a giggle at the thought as Megumi kissed the smooth skin where your neck met your shoulder. His hand had interlaced itself around yours, pinning you above your own mattress to strip you off your chastity. With every jostle, he was reaching your most sensitive places.

“M-Megumi—!” You withheld yourself from releasing a whimper as two manly hands gently squeezed your bosom.

While he, in a chase to reach his own high, knelt on his knees to finish the deed. “Just a little… more.” A kiss to silent your cries. “I love thee.”

“I love thee.”

That morning, you woke up entangled around the prince with only your soft sheets covering your unclothed selves. The fluttering of his lids were not due to the ray of sunlight, but of the feathered kisses that you placed along his jaw.

“Care to entertain my curiosity?” You propped an elbow to look at his face, fingers caressing his bare chest. “How didst my prince infiltrate the palace of Caleum?”

He enclosed your waist around his arm. “With the kind assistance of thy cousin,” he spoke in a raspy morning voice, “Knight Commander Yuuta. He is to render one last assistance to me until I reach the borders back to our empire.”

Ah, you now recalled. Yuuta Okkotsu, instead of being granted a dukedom, had chosen to receive the honorary title of being the commander of the Imperial Order of Knights. He was yours and Megumi’s upperclassman in The Providence—naturally born a cavalier, a savior, and a protector. However, just like you, he had fallen in love with an enemy and Maki Zen’in was her name. There was no question as to why he would willingly help an enemy as that of a crown prince because he was in the same plight. Love was simply love.

His loyalty was where his heart lies. Once caught aiding the monarch of Astheryn into the palace of Caleum, he would be deemed an accomplice and would subsequently be exiled through the orders of your own father.

Did Megumi understand the lengths and the risks that your cousin just took? A reward of sincerest gratitude was what Yuuta deserved, especially not forgetting the fact that he acted heaps better an older brother than Satoru was as of late. Yuuta considered you a sister and all he ever wanted for you was to choose your happiness. If there was anything you could learn from him, it was how an imperial title would never guarantee you the felicity that you wanted.

And thus, by his name that you speak of, Yuuta’s distant calls from beneath your balcony was a signal for Megumi’s retreat. On the other side of the door was a hubbub from the ladies-in-waiting which could only mean that a presence of a royal would soon enter your boudoir.

“I will take my leave,” your lover announced, arising from your bed to hastily put on his clothes. At your own effort, you sheathed your naked body with a robe. “Our tryst shall push through. Sir Yuuta vowed to escort thee. Nine at Saint Peter’s, we will marry then.”

You had given your oath long before your marriage was decided, but this did not prevent a triumphant smile from adorning your face. “Expect thy future wife to arrive,” you promised, hearing footsteps nearing your door. “Not enough time. Shall thou leave without the satisfaction of a good morrow’s kiss?”

His hand found the small of your back before encasing his lips in a perfect lock around yours, “I will await thy presence there,” and another kiss to seal his love.

In lightning speed, Megumi was jumping out of your balcony in hurried guidance of Yuuta and you ensured to give the former a flying kiss before bidding farewell. “Adieu!”

As your lover departed, His Majesty arrived in a stance so ruthless befitting for the great ruler that he was, even more stern and forbidding than the empress. Behind his tail was Crown Prince Satoru who was quick to notice the indentations on your mattress. His crystal blue eyes scrutinized you from head-to-toe with the conclusion that his sister shamelessly brought in a man.

A man not of common birth, but of imperial blood.

He would be a hypocrite so to speak. He slept with many noblewomen, even as far as bringing courtesans to his bedroom every fortnight. The only difference between you two was that your lover was the son of his greatest foe.

“Your Majesty,” you humbly greeted, curtsying before your father.

He eyed you with an unrelenting gaze. “Dress up. Thy attendance is required by high noon.”

You traded glances with Satoru whose eyes were full of judgment before you asked, “Whence doth His Majesty intend to summon me?”

“To make an acquaintance with thy betrothed.” Your heart fell heavily to the floor as your father added, “Thy marriage with Prince Noritoshi of Exalos is to commence on Monday.”

“N-No.” Horror painted your now pallid face. You were hysterical, then in much denial. “No! I refuse to—”

“Interfere with my plans or thou shall be dealt with!” The emperor roared in vexation with little care for your emotions.

More domineering when he swung his cloak, much swiftly when turned on his heel. He left you in your chambers begging on your knees, pleading in desperation for him to abort the marriage while your brother unsparingly looked down at you with no ounce of sympathy.

Satoru. You wanted the old Satoru back—the Satoru that would quickly take you in his arms and place comfort in his gentle hands, the Satoru that would protect his sister even if it meant harming other people on her behalf. This was not the same brother.

Alas, he informed you of the most devastating news of all. “The crown prince of Astheryn will be executed for entering the borders of Caelum without notice. Their emperor has been apprised.”

A gasp escaped your lips just as fright painted your face. “Prince Megumi can’t be—!”

“That is not the most important part. His father is far unconcerned,” Satoru cut you off, hands buried deep in his pockets. “There is something thou should be aware of that boy thy heart is head over heels for.”

⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶✞⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷

𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐕𝐈𝐈

Between the two empires, it was known that Astheryn was more barbaric. If Caelum was ruled by Greeks, consider Astheryn as ruled by Romans. More vicious, more hostile—God forbid even their own kinsmen were not excused to the emperor’s brutality. In his belief, and in all monarchs precedent to his current throne, any member of the imperial family must hold a high regard for their name.

A Zen’in was equal to that of a supreme being. Neither Emperor Toji himself nor any of his kinsmen must associate themselves with an enemy if they wish not to be deemed a traitor. The Gojou family shall not be spoken of in all lands there were of Astheryn.

Now, why has a son of his, a crown prince even, has willingly involved himself in this predicament of being mandated with a death penalty?

As per The Amendment when Prince Megumi was escorted through the border between Caelum and Astheryn, the dictum was to either administer his immediate execution or the prince would be released but the two empires would hereafter declare war. Neither was an option, but Emperor Toji had to spare his son’s life regardless of his reluctance to put his empire and military power at stake.

“All for a whore?” His Majesty growled from under his breath. “Thou art causing us war in exchange for a whore?!”

The back of the emperor’s hand was forcefully thrown at the prince’s face as the man in question stood before him. Toji was enraged, but more so was he ashamed of his son’s actions.

The same son balled his hands into tight fists, then. The hardening of his jaw and the fury in his eyes were to show his dissension. “A whore thou call’d her then a whore thou must call thy concubines. My only love sprung from one woman. Thou canst not say the same with my deceased mother! Neglected and abused to the point where hanging herself was a better option.”

There was not the faintest trace of deference in his tone because his pique dominated him much to his father’s ire. A clash between two of Astheryn’s most powerful rulers was impending.

“Thou dare bring that up as defense?” Toji emitted a deep chuckle of distaste. “The matter at hand is on the subject of thy stupid childish love! Thousands of women walk on Astheryn’s streets and my foolish son still choose the youngest daughter of a Gojou?”

“A Gojou, whose name carried she, is no longer my enemy but a wife to be,” said he, “nor did I ask to partake in this fifty-years of imperial strife. I am choosing her over my crown.”

“Bastard!”

The Emperor drew out his sword in vexation, but what surprised everyone in that room was how Megumi himself also pulled out his brand in act of defense as the father and son threatened each other’s throats.

A dozen swords from the knights were then pointed at the prince’s head in protection of the emperor. The suspense was high as the supreme ruler and his son kept their rigid stance, not moving their swords an inch away from their necks all while the knights remained with weapons at hand.

It was after a minute within the stares of death shared with his father until the emperor himself lowered his silver brand and commanded, “Drop thy swords and take thy leave. I need a private word with my son.”

His Majesty’s sword was long sheathed back to its original place, now standing in less tension. Megumi knew where this was heading to and saw how the palace guards were confused for the whole sixty round of the minute hand that went through the clock. Thus, by the emperor’s word, they retreated out of the room and left the father and son alone.

Alone, out of earshot to rest from the performance they have delivered in front of the servants and the order of knights to create a story based on hearsay. ‘Our great Emperor Toji and Prince Megumi fought over that woman from Caelum’, was an expected rumor that would soon spread throughout Astheryn. This would allow the citizens to grow wroth towards the other empire for causing their own rulers to be engaged in a bloody fight. They would hate you and your family enough to participate in a war to overthrow Caelum.

The emperor soon erupted into a laugh, such boisterous laughter plagued Megumi’s ears while he returned to his grim visage. “Very well played, son. I’d have almost believed thee. Thou hast the brilliance of an actor.”

Megumi kept a detached stare. “Father, I’ve fulfilled thine orders. What else must I—”

“And thou shall continue for until the war ends,” the cruel, tyrant emperor announced, “What hast thou gathered in Caelum aside from playing with that awful girl’s heart?”

He took a deep breath and released it into thin air. “Satoru Gojou conspires to assassinate his own kinfolks, be in the highest throne, and hence take sovereignty over three empires.”

“Pathetic.” Toji showed boredom by sitting at his throne knowing that his rival’s treason would not eventuate because Astheryn was ten steps ahead. Megumi came to the palace of Caelum with a purpose and it was for the rivaling empire to corner them into unprepared war. He was meant to be caught and taken to the borders. You were just an instrument to their plans. Toji took his son’s forbidden romance for granted and used it as a tool to fuel his own interests. “That girl, is it love that thou seeks with her?”

Megumi’s breathing became still. He was a traitor, but never to his own land. “A love, not by hers, but of my own for this empire.”

The emperor blessed him with an approving nod. “And what is our goal?”

How heartless canst this man be? “To expand our suzerain and overthrow Caelum until they are forced to submit.”

Toji ascended from his throne only to descend and meet his son down the steps, patting his back with much regard. “Stand high and be proud. A woman is replaceable, but an empire is not,” said his father, “Thou wilt serve as a good emperor one day. This is everything I expect from thee.”

In Megumi’s head, he could see the flowery smile that you gave him before he left. The kisses you gave for when you saw felicity through him. His heart ached the more ill words he spoke. He did not want this, but he ought not to disobey his land.

“I care more for my throne than the daughter of my enemy.”

⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶✞⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷

𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐕𝐈𝐈𝐈

Instead of being outraged, you were melancholic. You refused to believe Satoru’s words when he said that Megumi’s true intent was to be a spy in your own land. Wooed by his words was a foolish woman like you, but the three years of being in this forbidden romance thus earned you a right not to doubt the man that you loved.

Who do you believe? Is it thy brother or is it thy lover? When your heart was in grief, marrying a man not of your worship such as Prince Noritoshi of Exalos was never an option. You were in desperate need to give Megumi a chance to explain himself, clear himself, be honest with himself and for his triennium love.

Covered in a cloak and a face concealed with a hood—in a carriage meant for mails was how you trespassed the land of Astheryn. If Megumi could sneak through your walls, then you ought to do all the same. What was there to lose? Your father and mother never saw you as their own child, but as a mere pawn that they could use as their trump card. Satoru cared more for his ambitions than his own kin.

You were alone in a palace that was meant to be your home.

Lord Giuseppe saw you roaming outside the fences of the palace, searching for your prince in hopes of having the discourse you sought to have. You would have been long dead should the palace sentries catch sight of you, but blessed were you that Megumi’s trusted man was the one who found you sneaking in at their orchard.

“Dearest God! Princess Y/N, thou must not be seen in this palace—”

“Stop not a desperate woman,” you spoke, restraining your weak sentiments as you peered at his face from under the moonlight. Hurt was evident on your countenance. “Have me a word with the Prince.”

Giuseppe’s face enshrouded in panic. “A word can be exchanged through heralds. Come, I will take thee back to thy empire in safety.”

You stubbornly refused, a burning ache was seeping through your chest. “A word with Megumi,” close to breaking into tears, “P-Please. I refuse to think that he betrayed my love.”

“Betrayed, I have.”

The both of you swiftly turned to the owner of the deep voice to see Megumi walking closer through the darkness of the orchard. Such as the stars on a clear sky did not appear in his eyes. First you were frozen, second you were running to his arms.

“No,” your voice came out shaky, but you embraced him tighter, breathing the comfort of his scent where you now seek home, cupping his cheeks where your lips were once planted on. “Thou hadst been true to me, thou hadst not lied—”

Megumi had his hands wrapped on your arms, pulling away from your touch with a detached gaze. “Trusting an enemy is not what thou should have done.” He looked down at you in insouciance before ceaseless tears cascaded from your eyes.

“H-How could thee say such a thing after having been my lover for three years?” you cried, throwing a fist on his chest as you sobbed your heart out. “Thy words of love were never lies! We’ve been together since we were sixteen!”

“And I have lived as a Zen’in since I was born,” he responded, looking away from your morose eyes. The pain in his chest was sealed by his stern front. “We were never meant to love. We were never star-cross’d lovers.”

Oh, as if the universe had thrown its gravity on your shoulders. As if the sun could never shine again to welcome the day. As if a flame was ignited in your chest, blazed by fire and left in ashes. If this was never love, then what could be? If such enmities were a plague for two people to love freely, you wished not to be a princess any longer than you have.

Your feet carried you a few steps back as you looked at Megumi with wide tearful eyes. “Thou loved me not? Thou art not willing to fight for me, continue the marriage with me?”

The Prince failed to answer nor could he meet your eyes as he turned his back on you, “Giuseppe will escort thee back to thy empire. I will pretend to never have seen thy presence in our land.”

You drowned from your tears as you watched Megumi walk away, fading farther and farther from your sight with each step while you incessantly called for his name. Betrayed your family only to be betrayed by your lover. Was this nought but a wicked game?

“This is not what thy heart truly speaks, Prince Megumi!” was your last words to yell before having Giuseppe pull your lethargic body to escort you away.

You were no longer looking to see how Megumi stopped in his tracks to look back at you. You were no longer in sight to watch how he closed his eyes in despair and swore himself a million times for breaking the heart of his one and only love.

You were back in your bedchambers in Caelum, comforted by your brother while Megumi was in his room being whipped by the callous emperor, receiving bloody laceration on his back as punishment for letting you leave the palace unharmed.

It would have been the perfect chance to have held you hostage, the emperor said, unbeknownst to the fact that his son was the real hostage in this tragic fate.

⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶✞⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷

𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐈𝐗

The war had begun.

Yuuta was exiled and your arranged marriage was put on hold as the imperial family—that of the emperor, the empress, and the prince prepared for the bloodshed between the citizens of Astheryn and Caelum. How could Megumi let all of this happen? More importantly, what kind of person were you to risk your empires and the lives of civilians that arose from your selfish love?

Because of your actions, you were locked up in the palace dungeons while the war was on-going. It had been a week since you last saw daylight and your refusal to eat anything had you weak and sickly.

You were better off as skin and bones. If Megumi could not love you because he was tied to his role as the Crown Prince, then who else would look at you in the eyes and adore you the same way? His words back at the palace were nothing but lies because you could not accept that he betrayed you.

How could those secret messages, those clandestine meetings, those stargazing back at The Providence be all a lie?

Satoru came down to see you in the palace dungeons one day in full armor as though he had just gone through an arduous day of sword fighting. He saw you in your travail, chains around your wrists like an animal kept in a cage. At that moment, the old Satoru came back. Pity bathed his eyes as he crouched down to look at you.

“I will get thee out of here,” he promised, planting a kiss on your forehead from behind the bars. His jaw had clenched before he spoke again. “Have mine own hands besmirched with blood, I vow to kill all of them.”

You gave a weak smile through your lassitude. “Thou admit to thy high treason?”

“Father and Mother do not deserve to rule the empire. Thou best not see what they have done to our own people,” he claimed as he found his seat on the ground, “Our knights were made to protect only the imperial family. They let the civilians shed their own blood for us.”

Your eyes widened in horror. “Th-That is—”

Satoru could only shake his head in frustration. “I am not a tyrant, Y/N. It is the likes of our parents and Toji who caused plague to both our houses.”

The inability to meet Satoru’s cerulean eyes was due to your regretful judgement towards your brother’s true motives. He had always been a better ruler than your parents, despite his rivalry with Toji, you could now see the reason why.

Satoru only despised the traditional system set by the two empires, but he would not go as far as to harm his own citizens in exchange. Had he communicated his plans more clearly, these would all have been prevented.

“Endless apologies must come from me unto thee,” you said, deep in forlorn.

“That’s long forgotten,” he reassured, reaching for your hand. “As for the prince whose love you seek, he…”

How could such a name cause somersaults in your stomach? “He what?” Injured? Or perhaps, dead?!

On the unfortunate side of the spectrum, the stiffness in Satoru’s face could only mean bad news. Your heart was left unprepared when he said, “The kingdom of Ellesmere will aid Astheryn in this war to ensure our downfall, only with the condition that he will marry the princess who will bear him a child.”

The revelation had your soul leaving your body, ceasing to feel the searing pain that brought your heart to oblivion. You suddenly lost the will to live—no, you wished not to live to see him with a wife by his side. The screams of your heart were the loudest silence of all.

“Y/N—”

“Seek me the apothecary,” you pleaded, sinking back to your dungeon to be engulfed by sorrow. “Afterwards, go and tend to our people, Satoru. Thou art the only hope of this empire.”

He was the only hope for you have long given up.

⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶✞⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷

𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐗

Vestiges of war were left of Caelum when Megumi led his horse to pass through its empty streets. The warfare had ended in armistice with Emperor Toji and Crown Prince Satoru heavily injured after their sword fight. Not only did the current rulers cause their own downfall, civilians have also formed an uprising against their own empires after realizing that they were being mercilessly used for bloodshed.

Megumi was at a point of extreme weariness. He was tired of the chaos ensuing between two empires, protecting the civilians and fighting for peace through war. He was tired of being a puppet by having to marry the princess of Ellesmere, not by his choice but of his father’s. He was tired of the combative fighting, the number of knights he had encountered, the amount of souls he had taken away by imbruing his hands with their blood.

He had not heard from you since you came to Astheryn that one Thursday night and it was the most ruthless torture he had to ever go through. However, a word from Yuuta stating that he had to see you in person led him back to Caelum to get a glimpse of you.

As he hoisted himself out of the horse, he entered Saint Peter’s chapel where an aisle of candles and fresh iris flowers greeted him and his bloodstained armor. Like the promised wedding, you were there at the end of the aisle as if he was the bride who was walking towards you. In your ivory dress, enwreathed by white roses waiting for your prince charming by the altar.

Only, your body lay still on your deathbed like an angel in her peaceful sleep contrary to the war of demons outside of the chapel.

Megumi was benumbed. His feet could barely drag him proper steps as he slowly made his way to meet you across the aisle with a heart bleeding through its crevices. Alas, such a broken man was also breaking down.

You took your own life with a poison to help you, Yuuta told him, in your grief after hearing that Megumi married another woman. You died thinking that he never truly loved you and had done the unforgivable act of betrayal.

Megumi’s eyes were filled with tears when he reached your deathbed, staring at your face thinking that you were just in a deep slumber. Not even the warmth of his fingers when he traced your cold cheek nor did the droplets of tears that fell on your chest had awoken you.

“Forgive me,” he whispered, blinking the tears that clouded his vision. He leaned down to press his lips against yours to kiss you for one last time, even as the recipient was nought but a soulless body. “There were no lies within my truths. My love, whose face is as fair in her eternal sleep, is the only woman that this heart seeks.”

The torturous pang inside his chest grew more painful with a torment so unbearable that he had to hug your body, head on your chest while he listened to your nonexistent heartbeat. His love, his only love was gone.

You were victims of your family’s rancor. A strife between kinfolks that put their pride above all else, but resulted in casualties that halted a love so free, so beautiful, and so innocent.

Megumi wiped his damp face with his hand, standing back up in realization. So innocent but tainted, he bitterly laughed to himself.

And he laughed more. He was in a fit of maniacal laughter through his tears, staring at the Holy Cross as he fell unhinged with the shock of bereavement.

His mind then took him back to the day where his father harassed him to fulfill his duties as the Crown Prince. The father that taught him that love could not make him happy as much as power would. How could he be stupid? If it was true, then why was Emperor Toji miserable despite being seated on the highest throne?

“This,” he looked up at the cross with a manic smile that did not match his sorrowful eyes, “This is how it ends!”

For fifty years of imperial strife shall end tonight.

“I’ll see thee and come to thee. I will keep thee in thy true love’s embrace, take thee in my heart and never leave,” he mumbled one last time, a kiss sealed on your lips before he unsheathed his dagger. The sound of skin ripped through the air and echoed through the chapel as Megumi stood still, blood gushing out of his pierced heart before he fell on the ground next to where your body lay.

In peace was where both lovers rested.

⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶✞⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷⊷

EPILOGUE

Thus, when the dead bodies of young Y/N and Megumi were found at the chapel of Saint Peter, citizens of Astheryn and Caelum broke into insurrection against their own empires to place an end to their families’ fifty-year grudge.

Long buried was the fatal war between the Gojou and Zen’in families, hereby decreed with a peace treaty signed by the ruling emperors, Toji Zen’in and Satoru Gojou, wherein no warfare shall continue henceforth. The truce shall heal the nation’s grief and mend each family’s loss with the promise of reconciled empires and restored relations.

kekicup

Nov 4, 2023

yakaaamoz

Freedom is just another word

Post! War Levix reader Warnings:spoilers, quick proofreading Summary: Levi discovers something about himself, the most precious one. A/N: I HAD to write something after I saw the new cover. I just hope it is good enough. Cheers, Mia💖

"How can you hold your cup like this?"

Gabi's curious eyes fixated on Levi's fingers grasping his cup of tea as she hopelessly tried to mimic him. The shadow of a smile lingered over Levi's lips and he quickly covered it by sipping his tea.

"I guess I got used to it," Levi answered, shrugging nonchalantly. Telling them the real reason would only let painful memories resurface like ice cubes floating on water. Instead, he'd rather watch them melt. Those thoughts deep as a cup of tea already pestered him until dawn on a daily basis.

"Hmm," Gabi's tongue almost touched the tip of her nose from the effort she was making in trying to drink like him. Notwithstanding her pointless concentration, Levi felt a warming feeling of pride in being a sort of example to look at.

"Stop it, Gabi," Falco said.

The rays of the Sun displayed their strength all over the shadowless and dry field, tanning everyone’s skins except for Levi’s. Gabi always told him that his skin was the kind that didn’t tan and, even if the older man didn’t know if what she said was actually possible, her “professional” claim had always made him chuckle.

Buzzing from the other tables lingered in the air as everyone took a break from all that intense work of restoration. A copper teacup was placed on the left side of each table and, as everyday since they started those rebuilding works, everyone was waiting for the boxes of sandwiches to be served. Levi wasn’t particularly fond of them, except for the one with salad and ham inside. It was the perfect combination of simplicity and tasty.

“Gabi,” Falco said again. “Stop. Your tea’s going to get cold.”

“And?” she answered.

"You know it's not good for your health," the blonde guy said. "It can cause you migraines or stomach aches."

Gabi's voice countered back something, but Levi's focus shifted from their lovable squabble towards a person, you, approaching their table with two baskets of sandwiches. He tried to fight back that weird feeling of butterflies flying in his stomach and his heart stopping and racing altogether.

Your blue and short-sleeved blue dress hugged your ethereal figure and highlighted all your flaws. Levi still remembered the first day he saw you, a warm smile plastered on your face as you handed baskets of food for everyone there. Gabi and Falco had hugged you tightly, saying how they had missed you and your pies while the world almost crumbled down. The brunette girl had then proceeded to introduce him to you with a title he wanted so much to wipe out from his memory, but was almost impossible to. Humanity's Strongest soldier.

Levi had been almost ashamed of shaking your hand as you had held it towards him. However, his severed fingers hadn’t seemed to shock you. Even though almost half a year had passed since he had gotten those injuries, Levi still struggled to accept his new condition, probably more than people around him did. Working with them on rebuilding wasn’t the best for his body but he wouldn’t let that stop him.

In a sense, it was easier dealing with the pain than your presence, who kept approaching them, becoming closer and closer. Gabi and Falco were still quarrelling when you placed the surprisingly three baskets of sandwiches on their table. It was usually two.

“Three?” Gabi crunched her eyebrows in a curious expression. Falco mirrored her, even if he kept carefully looking at the precarious way she was holding the cup.

A fragile and shy smile was drawn on your lips as you moved one of the three baskets towards Levi. His grey-bluish eyes widened a little when he noticed that it was full of salad and ham sandwiches. Levi’s heart stopped and he felt a pink tint colouring his cheeks, and it seemed that you had the same reaction.

“Oh my-” Gabi exclaimed, opening her mouth in a big ‘o’ and covering it with the palms of both hands. In that process the cup of tea had, obviously, fallen all over her. Yours and Levi’s gaze unlocked while Falco began screaming anxiously and dragged her away to check if she hadn’t gotten herself burned.

Silence fell upon you two. It seemed that the world had stopped.You bit your lips and restlessly swung on your feet back and forth. Your beautiful gaze, the one that had bewitched him, moved all around the place.

“Um, thanks,” Levi managed to say at a certain point. The shining light in your eyes as they darted towards him made the raven headed man feel important all over again.

“I’ve heard they are your favourites.”

Levi simply nodded, drinking the remaining drops of tea as if it was tequila. Maybe that would’ve helped him.

“And I think green is your favourite colour, right?” you questioned, sitting down in front of him and pointing to the green plaid shirt he was wearing. The other girls had served their own baskets and everyone had the food they deserved. “I’m just assuming that because you always wear something green.”

The shadow of a smile appeared on Levi’s face. “ Yeah,”he voiced. “It reminds me of the trees and lands outside of the Walls. And, in general, of the Survey Corps.”

You nodded and nudged your fingers. “Maybe, for you, green is the symbol of freedom.”

Levi’s weighed your consideration. He was always mesmerised by your ideas and beliefs, their depth making him ponder every little thing.

“I’ve never thought of it that way,” the raven headed man claimed. “But I guess that yes, maybe it’s like this.”

“Maybe.”

“In a certain sense.”

“In a certain sense,” you echoed, the words sounding operatic and symphonic on your lips. “If there existed a competition, somewhere in the world, for who gives the shortest answers, you’d win hands down.”

Levi chuckled and passed his fingers along the brim of his cup. He gently poured you one and moved it near to you.

“Do you like freedom, Levi?” you asked, while sipping the tea.

Thinking about all the time he spent inside the Walls, it was almost mechanical for Levi to nod instantly, without giving it a second thought. “And you?”

“It depends,” you asserted. “I mean, it’s a crucial aspect of our society. It allows individuals to learn, grow and fulfil their personal interests. Though I still think that it has to be balanced with responsibility, ethics and the well-being of a society as a whole. I believe that unfettered freedom can lead to chaos or, even, inequality and violence.”

Levi lowered his head, the scars of the past war still burning on his skin. He had lost everything and decided to change life for his sake, which had been possible thanks to Onyankopon’s help. Sometimes though, Levi had to remind himself that not everyone had been as lucky as him: you had lost everything as well during the Rumbling and were stuck there with no possibility of running away.

“In this world, the people who survive are the ones who build the strongest and toughest fences,”you said, looking directly in his eyes, as if you wanted to send him a message, a signal. The butterflies in his stomach swooped like a flock of birds. Your fingers brushed his severed ones placed on the table. “Do you think that is freedom?”

As if it were only you two in the world, he raised his fingers as if to tenderly caress yours but eventually stopped when he remembered where he was. That was the answer to your question.

“Do you like this tea?” Levi asked, changing the topic of conversation.

You smile. “It’s good,” and asserted your thoughts with a sip of your beverage. “What about you?”

Levi shrugged. “Mine is honestly better,” he claimed. His orbits landed on Onyankopon, who was smugly looking at your interaction. He thought that Gabi, Falco and Onyankopon were betting on who would make the first move. “Would you like to try it?”

The biggest smile enlightened your face and it was so bright that Levi thought, for a second, that he had to cover his eyes, as it happens when the Sun makes it difficult for you to look. “Is it a date?”

Levi bit his lip, fighting all the butterflies and his wobbly legs. “Yeah,” he said. “It’s a date.”

On your first date, among a cup of tea and a piece of apple pie, Levi’s favourite, you told him that baking cakes was like writing poetry.

“It is not enough to combine elements in the quantities tradition passed down, it takes the touch that allows tradition to become something new,” you had told him as you gave him his piece of pie.

Even if you had been at his house, sitting at the table in the living room, he had felt more at home than he ever felt. Levi had double checked if he had cleaned everything enough and his knee was hurting a little bit from all the fatigue he had done.

You had completely beguiled him: your eyes, your lips, your skin, your hair surpassed any resolution of coldness and detachment. Levi didn't know exactly when he had started chasing you and when you melted the ice in his heart with the mere touch of your fingers. And he couldn’t tell exactly when two bodies became one but it did and it was the most exploding sensation ever. Your lips tasted of tea and apple pie. The world turned around you two, blurring and disappearing, so that Levi had to hold himself on your cheeks. Your hands were in his hair, pulling Levi even closer, exploring his mouth with your tongue.

When you parted with ragged breaths and dilated pupils, his heart no longer fit in his chest.

Levi wasn’t wearing any green that day. He had finally felt free and light; he didn’t need his ODM gear to fly, or at least not indisputably.

The day after, when he had kissed you full on the lips in front of everyone, Gabi reluctantly had to hand some coins to Falco and Onyankopon. But when, a year later, they noticed the ring on your finger, it was the latter two that had to give money to Gabi.

Everyone who could had come to his wedding, even Armin and the other ex-brats. Levi never thought that he deserved such happiness but he couldn’t force it even if he wanted to. The picture in front of your house was the proof of it.

“I’m so happy for you, Captain,” Jean had told him, giving him a soft pack on his back.

Levi smiled. “Yeah,” he breathed out, looking at your figure dancing among the others. You spread happiness from any pore, the flowers contrasting with the colour of your hair. “Me too,Jean,” the older man said. “Me too.”

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