Chapter Text
Levi signed the papers for his kingdom, then looked up at Erwin. “How many more papers do I have to sign?”
Erwin handed over a wad of them. “Just this, then we need to talk about marriage.”
Levi groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don’t do arranged marriages, okay?” He looked through the papers. “Besides, why do I have to be married? Can’t I just have a normal life?”
Erwin hummed. “How is this normal?”
Levi sat back and sighed. “I guess you’re right.”
Erwin smiled and sat down. “You’ve improved this kingdom beyond what others have.”
Levi let out a long sigh. “Thank you.” He rubbed the back of his neck as he thought. “So, you think I should marry someone?”
“It’d help lighten the load.” Erwin sat back. “The Empress will take on a lot of your work and help you. Plus, you’ll have someone to share a bed with, talk to and love.”
Levi tapped his finger on the desk as he thought about being in a relationship. “Love, huh? I don’t know if that is something I’m able to do, but it could be interesting.”
“Shall I organise something?”
Levi looked at his papers. “Well, there’s a party tonight, so that could give you a chance to meet someone.”
Erwin smiled. “Great. Also, you will be meeting a few other royals tonight. No doubt they will all be kissing your ass.” He sighed and ruffled his hair. “Little warning though, one of the Kings is the type of person you would hate.”
Levi raised his brow. “Enlighten me.”
Erwin shuffled in his seat. “King Ryou is a low piece of crap. He married a very beautiful woman, who is strong, wise and powerful. She is renowned in the lands for her kind heart, beauty and hard work, but the man she is married to isn’t a good man. Ryou married her, but it is known by many through the staff talking that he hasn’t consummated the marriage, meaning he has yet to lay with her. Instead, he has a mistress who is in the early stages of pregnancy.”
Levi frowned and shook his head in disbelief. “Wait, surely the Queen can get the marriage annulled then if he hasn’t lain with her.”
Erwin tapped his nose. “Correct, but he refuses to allow her a divorce of any kind and refuses to let her go. He is obsessed with his wife. He treats her more like this beautiful precious priceless thing, than a wife.” Erwin shook his head. “Could you imagine a life like that? Being treat like this priceless thing. I bet she craves to be loved.”
Levi hummed in thought. “Is it possible I could help her get out of the marriage?”
Erwin shrugged. “No idea, I would have to research it. However, you shouldn’t act without knowing how someone feels. I’m simply placing my emotions on others, so I don’t know how she feels. I only know what others have said about her, including her looks and brains.”
Levi thought about the Queen. “What’s her name?”
Erwin said your name. “I do not have a painting of her, as Ryu keeps them all to himself. However, I do know what his mistress looks like, because he’s happy for people to see her.”
Levi looked to Erwin. “What’s her name?”
“Lady Loralee. She’s what you’d expect.” He sighed. “Loralee has almost white blonde hair with bright blue eyes and is thin. She wears light child like colours, as well as acts like a child most of the time. It’s really sickening.”
Levi hummed and stood up. “I’ll avoid her.”
Erwin stood up and bowed. “Yes, your majesty.”
Levi groaned. “Levi please. You know I prefer that from you.”
Erwin laughed. “Sorry. I just had to.”
Levi sighed and walked out into the hall. “I’ll get changed for this party. I’ll try my best to meet someone tonight and be polite.”
“Thank you.”
Levi went upstairs to his changing room. He let the team change him, then place medals on his suit and fixed everything for him. He looked at himself in the mirror and felt weird. He’d come from a poor life, only to be found by Erwin and dragged into the life of an Emperor. Levi was the illegitimate child of the previous Emperor, but both the Emperor and his mother were dead. So, the kingdom was desperate to find someone to take over and they found Levi. Levi was the best damn thing to happen to the kingdom and the other lands. He worked hard, had order, as well as a great team behind him. The only issues were, everyone was so desperate for him to marry, but he wasn’t ready yet.
Levi walked down the grand stairs, then went into the main hall and sighed as they announced him. He wondered over to a little area, then looked over everyone in the hall. He noticed King Ryou and his lover Loralee hanging off his arm grinning at everyone. “Tch, damn rats.”
Erwin walked over to Levi, then stood at his side. “Told you.”
Levi sighed. “Now I know them, I’ll avoid them.” He walked down to the side. “I’m going to go for a walk.”
Erwin smiled. “Try and talk to a few ladies.”
Levi groaned. “Tch, fine.” Levi walked around, but couldn’t talk to anyone. He went down a hall and got further away from the party, then stood near the balcony he loved so much and felt his heart stop. He gasped as he saw such a beautiful woman stood on the balcony in the cool night air gazing out at the garden. He gulped hard at the beautiful curves, the low-cut dress.
You felt eyes studying you, so you smiled gently. “Instead of spying on me, wouldn’t it be best to join me?”
Levi walked out onto the balcony. “Shouldn’t I be asking you? Seeing as this is my balcony.”
You turned to Levi and smiled. “My deepest apologise, Emperor. I will remove myself.”
Levi gulped hard, then hurried over to you. “Wait, don’t go.”
You smiled at him. “Thank you, Emperor.”
He let out a long sigh and thought hard, he didn’t want to mess this up. He’d never been this flustered by a woman before just by seeing her, especially hearing her voice and seeing such a gentle smile. “Was my party not entertaining?”
You hummed and lowered your head. “Your party is sublime, but I am not the one for joyous celebrations.”
Levi nodded and gulped hard. “I suppose not.”
“You pity me.” You smiled, but Levi could see nothing but sadness behind your eyes. “Most do when they know my story.”
Levi panicked. “No!” He blushed at his rushed words. “No, that’s not it. Sorry, I’m not good at talking with others.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Tch, fuck this all. Being a posh dick is as about as nice as not being able to shit for a year.” He flinched at his words. “Sorry.”
You stared at him, then hummed a laugh. “You should speak more like that; it is enlightening to hear someone speak so freely.”
Levi stared at you and felt himself blush. “I…didn’t offend you?”
You shook your head. “Not in the least.” You sighed and sat on the balcony stone railing. “So many people pity me for the life I live. People tend to act as if they walk upon egg shells, but you do not. I believe it might be because of your childhood. I must admit, I am jealous.”
Levi walked over to you, then sat next to you. “So, can I speak normally around you?”
You nodded your head. “It would delight me if you did.”
Levi hummed. “What about you? I’d like to hear you be normal unless you have a stick up your ass?”
You laughed, delighting Levi. “You really are a lot of fun.”
He sighed and looked at his hands. “Is it hard? You know, being married to that asshole?”
You bit your lip. “It is a subject I struggle to talk about.”
“Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.” He looked you over. “You look…you…you’re beautiful.”
You smiled at Levi. “Thank you.”
“I’m guessing everyone always talks about Loralee.”
You stood up and put on a fake smile. “I appreciate your company, Emperor, but I should return to my husband.”
Levi stood up and followed you. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned her.”
You stopped walking, then spoke over your shoulder to Levi. “I do not want to order the Emperor, so I merely have some advice. It would be in your best interest to stay away from me.”
“But.”
“Thank you for your company.” You turned your head, then walked away from Levi and went back to the party. You put on your best smile, then walked around the room and started making connections and friends for Ryou. Ryou was being distracted to Loralee. However, when she would get a little distracted, then your husband was all over you.
Loralee spotted you, then gasped and skipped over to you. “My Queen! Where have you been?” She pouted and whined. “I missed you!”
You stared at her, then you turned and smiled at a lord. “My Lord, I heard you were interested in trading.”
The Lord looked at Loralee, then to you and beamed a smile. “Of course!” Most people greatly hated Loralee. It was normal for a rich or powerful man to have a mistress, but because of how strong, smart, kind and beautiful you were, people loved you. So, Loralee was hated by everyone, but her small group of friends and Ryou. Even the people in the palace couldn’t stand her. It was hard to find a maid to help her out, because everyone in the palace was on your side. So, Ryou had to hire someone outside of his land to get someone to serve her. Ryou would beg you to say something, so people would like Loralee, but you refused. You informed Ryou, that he brought her into the palace, into your lives, she had nothing to do with you. She would run around after you, but you just wanted to do your job.
Loralee pouted, then hugged your arm. “Sissy! Just talk to me.”
You yanked your arm free, then held your head up high and went into full Queen mode. “It is Queen, not sissy. Do not refer to me as such.”
Loralee pouted more, then ran off to Ryou. “Ryouuuu.” She welled up and fake cried. “Sissy was mean to me! She embarrassed me in front of so many people.”
Ryou looked over at you as you made a group of rich men laugh. “I’ll sort this out.” He walked over to you with Loralee clinging to his arm. He said your name making you look at him. “My Queen, my wife, my love.”
You turned to him. “My King, do you require me?”
He put his arm around Loralee and held her against you. “Loralee told me you embarrassed her in front of all these men, that is very unlike you as a Queen.”
You looked at Loralee, she was crying but smirking at you. “She referred to me as sissy in front of very important Lords, who frown upon miss use of titles and shouting. It is my duty as a Queen to inform others of misspeaking. The fault lies not with me, but with whoever is educating your mistress.”
Ryou looked down at Loralee, so she pouted and cried more. He sighed, then looked to you. “Why do you treat her so harshly? She admires you and looks up to you, yet you look down on her. She is your sister.”
You looked to Loralee. “She is not my sister. We do not share blood, nor titles.”
“You share me.”
You held your head high and looked away. “We share nothing. She has you, I do not.”
He walked closer. “You are my wife.”
You glanced at him. “Only on paper and title, but not in body and soul. You made your choice.”
Ryou grabbed your upper arm and yanked you close. “You are my wife, act like it.”
You stared at him. “I am, my King, which is why I reminded you mistress of how she must speak.” You pulled your arm free. “If you wished for a child to dote on you, then you should have adopted one instead of finding a child like woman to worship you.” You turned. “I have grown tired. Enjoy the rest of your night with you mistress.” You walked out the door as people watched you, not a single person thinking you were in the wrong, but almost all of them feeling sorry for you.
Your maid hurried to the carriage door. “My Queen, heading home already?”
You sighed and walked up the steps, then sat down. “Yes.” You smiled and offered your hand. “Join me.”
She took your hand and climbed inside the carriage. “Did it not go well?”
You fixed your dress, then held your head high. “His mistress made a scene, though it was expected.”
“She just can’t shut her mouth, can she?”
You smiled. “You know her well, Mary.”
Mary pouted and sat back. “She’s a stupid cow if you ask me. I mean, I do not get what he sees in her. She’s like a child with the way she acts and speaks.”
You looked out the carriage window and saw Levi on a balcony watching you leave. You smiled a little. “She is what the King desires, not me.”
“He’s an idiot.”
You hummed a laugh. “Indeed, he is, though tonight was not all bad.” You turned your head away from the palace. “I met the Emperor in private and he was rather pleasant, he spoke so openly with me, it was refreshing.”
Mary leaned towards you. “Is he single?”
You smiled at Mary. “He is, but I doubt he is looking for a bride.”
“He could marry you.”
You blushed at the thought. “No, as I am already married.”
Mary sat back and groaned. “You need to divorce him.”
You smiled. “It is not so simple. He denies me my freedom, therefore I cannot be with anyone I wish. Please, do not pity me like the rest.”
Mary shook her head. “I never have, I’m just pissed off for you. Damn King and is stupid mistress.”
You woke up in your large bed and sighed when you remembered what work you had to do. You sat up and looked to the large balcony doors. You slipped out of bed, then opened the curtains and doors to let in fresh air. You went to your dressing mirror and sat down, then looked at yourself. You were what people called delicate looking. You were beautiful, cute and mature minded. You were what many Lords and rich men call the total package. Your hair was nice and long, as custom in the day and age. You had a kind gaze, a sweet smile and a presence that comforted others and demanded respect. Your body was said to be perfect, but you weren’t thin like most women, you had a nice curvy figure that most men said was perfect for having children.
You had never had kids, as soon as you were of age you were married off to Ryou. You thought you’d be happy with him, but he never touched you the way that you were told a husband was supposed to. He’d only lightly touch your cheek and skin, but he would never do anything more. You two had kissed only once, which was on your wedding day. He has never held you in his arms and told you he cared for you. You’d never felt the love of another in your whole life so far, yet you were so young. You stared at yourself in the mirror and wondered what it’d be like to kiss someone deeply, or to hold them, maybe be intimate with them. You lightly touched your lips, then blushed when Levi came to mind.
You jumped when your door opened, then Ryou walked into your room. You looked over at him. “My King, it is unlike you to visit me.”
Ryou smiled at you. “I was hoping you would still be sleeping. I do very much enjoy how beautiful you are when you sleep.”
You hummed, then picked up your brush and combed your hair. “You require me for something else, I can sense it. How may I assist you this morning?”
He walked over to you, then took your comb and started combing your hair for you. “Loralee lacks friends and I was hoping you would finally offer an olive branch to her.”
“I do not think that is possible, for I have much to do today.”
He put your brush down, then wrapped his arms around your neck and smiled. “You are so beautiful.”
You locked eyes with Ryou in the mirror, he was stunning beyond words. He was a marvel of a Japanese man. He had a sparkle in his eyes, beautiful long black hair and pink lips. Every woman in all the lands wanted to be his bride, but he saw you once and wanted you as his. To this day, you still don’t understand why you were picked as his bride. You placed your hand on his arm making him smile, then you pulled his arm from you. “Complementing me will not change my mind or statement. I must work today.” You stood up and walked to your door. “If she requires friendship, then she should find friends in her own time. You have given her no work to do for this kingdom, and even if you did those who look to us would frown upon.”
“What are you saying my love?”
You opened your door to see Loralee there. “You have time on your hands mistress, for you do not work. If you require friends, then make them on your own. I have made friends, even though I work every day. I am sure you can manage that.”
Loralee welled up. “But…why are you so mean to me?”
“Are you a child?”
She shook her head and pouted. “NO!”
You hummed. “Then do not act like one.” You looked to Ryou. “If you no long require me, then take your mistress with you back to your side of the palace and entertain her. I do not want either of you here.”
Ryou gritted his teeth, then slammed the door in Loralee’s face and locked it. He stormed over to you, but you did not more. “This is not like you! When did you become so cruel?”
“It is almost funny how you speak.”
He grabbed your throat. “What is so funny?”
You sighed. “That you declare me as the cruel one. You are the one who is cruel.”
He tilted his head in thought. “Enlighten me my love.”
“How would you feel, if I married you then never touched you like a husband is meant to be touched? How would it make you feel if I took a lover and became pregnant by them, then asked you to be friends with my lover?” You looked him in the eyes. “Would it not sting your heart? Would it not damage your soul?”
He gripped your throat. “It is not the same! That situation would not be allowed!”
You smiled at him. “See how it angers you? See how you find it unfair? How is the situation you placed me in unfair on you, yet it is perfectly fine if it is me?”
He threw you onto your bed, then pulled his jacket off himself and tossed it to the floor. “Are you that starved of my affection that you hurt me so?” He pinned you against the bed. “Are you so starved of love?”
You stared at him, your hair looking like a beautiful halo around your head and your breast tastefully on show for him, but your nipples covered. You were sure this was the most of your body that Ryou has ever seen. You sighed when you saw the sparkle in his eyes and a blush. “How can one be starved of love, when one never received any?”
He grabbed your wrists, then pinned them above your head with one hand. “Shall I show you the love you crave?”
“I do not crave you.” You sighed. “The only thing I crave is my separation with you, so you can marry that mistress of yours.”
Ryou ran his hand down your body. “How could I ever leave you? You are the love of my life. I worship you. I crave you more than you realise.”
“You care for me?”
He nodded. “With all my heart and soul.”
You hummed. “Then let me go right now. If you continue your actions, I will never forgive you and ban you for touching me ever again. Right now, I tolerate you as a husband, but if you continue what you are thinking of, then I will despise you.”
Ryou’s eyes searched yours, then he lay against you with his head on your chest. “It would break me if you hated me.”
“Ryou? Why did you marry me?”
He smiled. “Because I love you.”
“You love Loralee.”
He leaned up and looked down at you, then he reached over and brushed the hair from your face. “I do not love her.”
You swatted his hand off you. “You confuse me with your words and actions.” You sat up. “Please leave my room, I must get ready for the day.”
He sat up on your bed and watched you go about your morning routine. “You doubt me?”
You stopped walking around and looked at him. “I do not doubt you. I merely doubt your heart.”
He got off the bed, then hurried over to you. “But my heart is true to you.”
You picked a dress for the day, as well as a corset. “If that is true, then you would not have a mistress and yet you do. Run along to her, for a fear she is soaking the floor outside my door with her tears.”
“Kicking me out already?” He smiled at you, then held your hand and lifted it to his lips. He kissed your hand lightly. “But I wish to be with my wife.”
You pulled your hand from his. “Please do not touch me with parts of you that have touched her.” You went to your door, unlocked it and opened it to see a pissed off Mary and a pouting Loralee. “Mary, I require your assistance to get ready for the day.”
Mary walked past Loralee. “Yes, my Queen. I’ve also brought you your breakfast.”
“Wonderful. I will take it on the balcony.”
Mary bowed her head. “Yes, my Queen.” She looked to Ryou. “My King, I must ask for you to leave the room while I dress the Queen.”
Ryou stared at her. “She’s my Queen, my wife, I can gaze upon her as much as I so desire.”
You looked over to him. “I do not desire it. Leave.”
Ryou looked to you, then his face dropped into slight sadness. “As you wish.”
Loralee pouted and whined. “Ryouuu. I want cuddles! Come play with me.”
He locked eyes with you and said your name. “I…”
You turned away from him. “Hurry, my King, your child demands your attention.”
He clenched his fist, then walked out. “I cannot spend time with you today Loralee, I have work to do.”
Loralee whined. “No fair! You want to spend time with her, but not me!”
“Enough! You have me all the time, but my wife, my actual wife barely has me. You are with child, my child, yet she has yet to be touched by me. Do not pout or cry when you have everything.”
She welled up. “I do not! She has you! She is married to you and is the Queen! I am your hated mistress. Be mine forever, please.”
“I will not leave her. I could never leave her. She is my Queen and no one else. I will never let her go.”
She cried hard. “You don’t love me!”
He sighed, then wrapped his arms around her. “You know I adore you with my heart and soul.” He cupped her face and wiped her tears away. “Do not cry my love. I’m sorry I shouted at you.”
“How could you let her hurt you like that? You do so much for her.” She pouted and whined. “You are such a good husband to her, yet she is so mean. You should do something about it.”
Ryou hummed. “You’re right, I should and I will.”
Mary locked your door, then hurried over to you and started changing you. “Permission to speak freely, my Queen?”
You smiled. “Yes.”
“I fear that the King will never let you go, that you will never get the happiness you deserve, that you will never he the fearless leader you are supposed to be and be a loving mother to many children.” She welled up and started crying. “I just want what’s best for you, my Queen. Yet he keeps that horrible thing around him and denies you love.”
You felt your heart warm at Mary crying for you. “I haven’t cried in years.” You pulled her close and held her as she cried. “Thank you for crying for me.”
Mary hugged you back. “It’s just not fair! You deserve love!”
You rubbed her back. “Come now Mary, everything will be fine.” You pulled out your hankie, then dabbed her tears away. “Bless you.”
She gasped. “Oh! Your breakfast! Let me finish your outfit for the day.” She hurried around you and put you in a long dark green dress, then put your hair up like usual. “Perfect, my Queen.” She led you to the balcony, then set up your breakfast. “I’ve prepared all your work in your office for you, but I brought you some letters.” She picked them up from the trolly. “Here you go.”
You sipped your tea, then opened the first letter. “Thank you, Mary.” You read each letter and hummed at the different things. There were many love letters, as well as proposals of marriage and work proposals. You picked up the final envelope and blushed, it was the Emperor’s seal on the back and your name was written so beautifully. “A letter from the Emperor. I wonder what he desires from me.” You opened up the letter to see Levi’s beautiful writing, it just made your heart flutter in delight. You couldn’t help but smile at his wonderfully worded letter about how he enjoyed meeting you, but he was sorry he upset you like he did and made you leave. He wanted to talk to you and possibly work together about making partnerships. You hummed a laugh. “What a charmer.”
Mary crouched next to you. “Are you blushing?”
You blushed more. “No. A Queen does not blush.”
She gasped. “He must be a real hunk of a man if he’s got you like this. I served you since the beginning of you being our Queen and never have I seen you like this.”
You folded the letter back up. “He is merely a friend, nothing more.”
Mary blew a raspberry. “I think he could be more.”
You stood up. “A true Queen does not have an affair, for she stands by her husband’s side until she is no longer needed.”
Mary stood up and followed you. “My Queen, it would do no harm if you did! You should let yourself be happy.”
You stood by your door. “Happy?” You sighed. “I wonder what that feels like.”
Mary clutched her chest as she felt great sadness for you. “My Queen?”
You smiled at her. “Come, I have much work to do and many letters to reply to.”
“Are you going to reply back to the Emperor?”
You blushed. “Yes, I believe I should as he is the Emperor.”
She walked with you and smiled. “And you want to?”
You bit your lip a little. “That too.”
“How about you invite him over for tea? Surely that would be nice?”
You nodded and smiled. “I agree. Afternoon tea would be delightful. I shall invite others as well, such as Lord Erwin, Lord Mike and Lady Hange. I do believe they work for the Emperor, but I feel it would be rather useful to have them all together with us. I will request for the Emperor to invite them along.”
Mary pouted and whined. “It’d be better if it was just the two of you.”
You looked at Mary. “You say something?”
She smiled brightly. “No, my Queen. I would be honoured if I could deliver the letter myself.”
You hummed in thought, then nodded. “Very well.”
Mary opened your study door and already knew she would tell the Emperor to come alone. “Thank you, my Queen.”
You looked at yourself in the mirror, then looked to Mary. “May I ask why my hair is down?”
Mary smiled. “You have lovely hair, my Queen. I thought it’d be nice to meet your new friends this way. I can put a bit of it up if you want?”
You hummed. “Please, but only a bit.”
She nodded and fixed your hair a bit more. “Perfection.”
“Did you purposefully place me in the Emperor’s colours?”
She grinned at you as you stood in a low-cut dark green dress. “Maybe…”
You let out a long sigh. “It is a delightful colour on me, I do praise you on that, though know this, Mary. Your plans to set up myself and the Emperor will not work.”
Mary pouted and growled. “It will too!”
You hummed a laugh, then ruffled her hair. “Words cannot describe my love and adoration for you. Let us head to this afternoon tea.” You walked with Mary through the halls. “Have my guests arrived yet?”
Mary shook her head. “Not yet. I thought you’d like to get there first.”
“You know me very well.”
Mary skipped ahead. “As I should!”
You hummed a laugh. “You seem in high spirits today.”
Mary opened the door. “Of course, there is a lot to be happy about.” She walked through the garden. “Oh! By the way, my Queen, the King and his mistress have gone away for the day. So, you can have this nice afternoon tea without her getting in your way.”
You smiled. “That information delights me, thank you.”
She led you to a nice sitting area she set up in the garden. “I hope this is alright.”
You gasped at how pretty it was. “You’ve done a wonderful job. Thank you, Mary.”
She pulled a chair out for you. “I hope the Emperor likes.”
“I know he will.”
She picked up the tea pot, then poured you a drink. “Would you like me to serve you and the guests?”
You shook your head and blew on your tea. “No, I will serve them. Thank you for offering.”
Mary smiled. “My pleasure.” She gasped when she saw Levi wearing your colours, red. He was wearing a presentable black suit, but his cravat and items on him were red. She bowed. “Emperor.”
You looked over to Levi, then rose from your chair with a light blush on your cheeks. “Emperor.” You bowed your head. “Welcome.”
Levi stopped and looked at you in his dark green colours and wished he’d warn them so you both could match, but he wanted to impress you by wearing your colours. “My Queen, thank you for the invitation.”
You looked behind him. “Are you alone? Could our friends not come?”
Levi glanced at Mary, who pressed her finger to her lips and hushed him. “Ah, they couldn’t make it. I make them work a lot. Tch, that a problem?”
You shook your head. “No, not at all. I am honoured that I was not left alone and I am graced by your presence.” You walked up to him. “Not only did you come, but you so sweetly wore my colours.” You referred to his cravat. “May I?”
Levi blushed and gulped hard. “Tch, do whatever you want, just don’t make a mess.”
You reached up and fixed his cravat. “I would never dream of making you messy. There.” You lightly patted his chest. “All fixed.”
Levi whined a little. “Thank you.” He hurried over to your seat and pulled it out. “Allow me.”
You hummed a laugh, then sat down. “Thank you. Such a gentleman for a man who knew the underworlds.”
Levi walked over to his seat, then sat. “Tch, I was taught well.”
“So it seems.” You looked to Mary to see how happy she was. “You may leave Mary. I have placed some letters on my desk, I would be very grateful if you could send them off for me.”
Mary bowed. “Of course, my Queen. Please, enjoy your afternoon tea.”
You poured Levi a cup of tea, then handed it over to him. “I do believe you and Mary conspired against me and never truly invited Lord Erwin, Lord Mike and Lady Hange to this meeting.”
Levi took his tea from you, then looked into his tea. “I didn’t mean to be secretive with your maid, but she said it’d make you happier if me and you were alone. Plus, you’ve had a shit time recently.” He winced at his words. “Sorry for my foul mouth.”
You giggled, then covered your mouth as you did. “Sorry, I did not mean to laugh, but as I mentioned the night we met…” You looked at him with a light blush. “I find your honesty refreshing. You can speak to me in any manner you wish.”
Levi sipped his tea. “Alright, but only if you stop slitting like you got a rod up your arse.”
You choked a little on your tea, then laughed. “I am sorry. I have spent many years acting and speaking a certain way, that I feel I do not know how to be…normal.”
Levi stood up, then dragged his chair around the table to sit to your side. “It’s simple. Just relax your shoulders and lean back against the seat.”
You stared at Levi then hummed in thought. You relaxed your shoulders, then leaned back and slumped a little in your chair. “Oh…oh this is…it feels naughty.” You giggled and sighed. “I like this.”
Levi sat sideways on his seat and put his arm over the back of his chair. “You look happier.”
You stretched and moaned making Levi flush red at your moan, as well as seeing your chest push out your dress more. You sighed and smiled at Levi. “I feel happier. If my people saw me like this, they would be shocked indeed.”
“I think it looks good on you.”
You leaned on the table and looked over the food. “I am feeling extra naughty, so I will eat something sweet and handle it using my fingers and not a fork.”
Levi smiled, but hid his smile with his hand. “Go ahead.”
You picked up a little strawberry treat, then ate it and hid your mouth with your fingers as you hummed a laugh. You swallowed, then looked to Levi. “That was delightful. I have never done anything like that before, it tasted so different to normal.”
Levi sighed. “Probably because when you eat normally, you are so damn worried about what people think about you that you don’t enjoy the food you are eating.”
You hummed and looked at the food on the table. “I suppose you are right.”
“Eat and enjoy food, alright? I’m not going to judge you.”
You pointed at him. “Not a word of this to anyone.”
Levi hummed a little laugh. “So, I’m the only one to ever see you like this?”
You nodded and blushed. “I believe so, even my maid Mary has not see me in such a way.” You ate more and hummed. “She has been my maid since I married Ryou.”
Levi started helping himself to food. “May I ask about your marriage, or is it off limits?”
You sipped your tea and hummed. “Could we walk and talk?”
Levi stood up, then offered his hand to you. “Anything you want.”
You took his hand and stood up with him. “Thank you.”
He offered his arm. “Allow me to escort you.”
You smiled and blushed a little, then you lightly hugged his arm and walked with him. “I believe a walk through the gardens would be delightful.”
Levi nodded and led the way. “So…if it’s too much, you don’t have to say a thing.”
“As soon as I was of age, Ryou married me.” You sighed. “He could have had any woman in this world, and yet he chose me.” You let go of Levi’s arm, then walked over to the roses and admired them. “We have yet to consummate the marriage, even though we have been married for years. He treats me as more of a priceless possession than a wife.” You cupped a rose in one hand. “Just something to be admired instead of being loved.” You let the rose go and turned from it and walked with Levi. “After a year of marriage, she appeared before me and he stood at her side with pride. Loralee his mistress.” You let out a long sigh and went up into the gazebo and looked out at the garden. “I assumed divorce word be spoken, but he holds onto me so tightly. I have asked him to release me, but he denies me my freedom. He claims his love for me is unending and yet he lays with her. His mistress cries at the drop of a hat to earn his love. She is jealous of me and yet she has everything and I have nothing. I know she wants my title and I would gladly give it, but he will not relent.” You clenched your fist tightly. “I feel like I am suffocating and yet no hand is upon my neck. I have a duty to my kingdom, so I must stay strong, but I question daily why I am denied happiness so much.”
Levi walked over to you, then placed his hand on your clenched fist. He said your name so softly and looked at you with such a sweet gaze. He could see the pain you were hiding inside you slowly appearing. “You must be in so much pain.”
You turned your back to the garden and hid your face from Levi a little, because you were so close to crying. “I do not know the touch of a lover, the embrace of one, a loving kiss, a gentle touch, loving words or kindness. I am still pure at my age. When I married him, I held excitement within my heart to be with him, but he did not touch me. I began to think that I am unlovable. As time went on, he loved her more and turned me more into a trophy. I fear that I will live a life making his kingdom great as he has many children with his mistress. Why does she get children and live a life or love and I am left alone?”
Levi clenched his jaw in anger, then he placed his hand on your back and pulled you against him making you gasp in surprise. He held you with one hand. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say to you to comfort you. I thought that this was the best thing to do. I…tch, I feel so much fucking rage in me.”
You whined a little. “I…I am unsure what to do. I held Mary as she cried for me, but I have never been held by a man before.” You inhaled and blushed. “One who smells so divine too.”
Levi blushed bright red. “Tch, damn it you brat! Saying things like that.”
You pulled from Levi and looked at him. “Did you just refer to me as brat?”
Levi went a little pale. “I’m sorry, that was rude.”
You hummed a laugh. “I have never had anyone given me a pet name before, it is rather enjoyable…” You pressed the end of his nose. “Grumpy.”
Levi blushed. “Ah…well…I will allow that one.”
You smiled at him. “I am grateful.” You walked off the gazebo and onto the path, then you plucked a flower and admired it. “I am happy, as it seems I have made a friend with you.”
Levi joined you. “I’m glad, brat.”
You hummed a laugh and placed the flower in his blazer pocket. “I do hope we can continue this along with writing many letters.”
Levi placed his hand on yours placed on his chest. “I would like that.”
Both you and Levi turned your heads when you heard your name called, there stood watching you both was Ryou and Loralee. Ryou clenched his jaw, then walked closer. “What is the meaning of this?”
Levi turned and placed his hand on your back. “I came to speak with the Queen about a possible trade deal and union, seeing as she is the brains behind a lot of successful procedures within this land. It is not an issue, is it?”
Ryou knew better than disrespect the Emperor, because Levi had more power and more land than anyone. Levi had so much power, it was scary. “No, it is not.” He looked to you. “But I would have preferred to be informed of your visit.”
Levi noticed the glare. “She did not invite me. I just showed up today while she was having afternoon tea by herself. Do not lash out at her, for I was the one who appeared uninvited.”
Loralee ran over to Levi. “Wow! You are so strong and handsome in person!” She jumped up and down and grabbed his arm. “You should stay and talk! We can play games!”
Levi glared at her and yanked his arm free. “Tch, damn snake got her grime all over me.” He growled at her. “Where are your manners? I am the Emperor, yet you touch me with such familiarity. You act just like a lady of the night.”
Loralee gasped at Levi’s words and tone, she didn’t know what to do, so she relied on her usual tactic and began crying. She ran over to Ryou. “Ryou! He called me a lady of the night!”
Ryou pulled her close and held her. “Do not cry, sweet thing. I will keep you safe, I promise. You know very well that is not what you are.”
Levi led you away from the two of them. “A lady would not become a mistress and try to get close with the Emperor in front of her lover, but a lady of the night would.” He looked back at Loralee. “For a mistress of such a powerful King, you lack such great knowledge of general etiquette. Come, my Queen we have much to talk about.”
You looked to Loralee and saw how angry she was. You let out a long sigh, then turned and faced her and Ryou. “My King, if it is not too bold of me to say, but I know a teacher who would educate your mistress so situations like this would not occur. They will not judge her for being a mistress, but merely aid you both.”
Ryou glared at you. “She does not need educating.”
“You had me educated to your standard.”
Ryou hugged Loralee more. “That is different! You have to be perfect for me, but Loralee is cute and innocent and the stress of education is bad for the baby. You should take up those lessons and learn how to be a mother to the child that will arrive.”
You flinched a little. “It is not my child therefore I will play no role in that child’s upbringing.” You turned and walked over to Levi, but Ryou shouted your name in a demanding tone. You looked back over your shoulder a little. “That is all I shall say about the matter while I have a guest over.” You smiled at Levi. “I am truly am sorry for this, I am known for my parties, dinner dates and afternoon tea get togethers, but I am truly ashamed of this one. I have failed as a hostess and brought great shame to this land and my husband.” You bowed to Levi. “I am sorry.” You stood up, then bowed to Ryou. “I am also deeply sorry to you, my King, for I have let you down and our people. I will work hard and do better.”
Ryou sighed. “So you should.”
Levi placed his hand on your shoulder. “You have done nothing wrong here. I have very much enjoyed my stay here. Could you please escort me to my carriage?”
You stood up. “Of course, Emperor.”
Levi walked with your to the front of your home and stopped by the carriage. “I’m sorry for what those assholes put you through, it’s not fair. I mean, fuck them.” He ran your hair through his fingers. “You look beautiful today. I like your hair down.” He kissed your hair between his fingers and hummed. “I look forward to our next meeting. Please, write to me.”
You blushed and nodded. “I will, grumpy.”
He smiled a little at you. “Thank you, brat.”