It's not like you asked to be born with royal blood, and you certainly never asked to be crowned the ruler of the walls. You had just escaped the wrath of your father and you wanted to be free. But here you are, elevated while the Scouts bowed to you, the weight of a crown pressing against your temples, your name being chanted by people outside who had only just learned it mattered.

Behind the titles, however, you were still just you. Once a soldier turned queen, ODM gear to a gown and a robe. Someone who'd much prefer loud dinners in some rundown hideout with a bunch of soldiers rather than in a castle that was marble from the floors to the top of the pillars eating dinner alone. Who'd much prefer warm tea over wine, and their bed shared with humanity's strongest.

You and Levi had never been ones for fanfare. Even in your private moments, affection came in subtle brushes of fingers, murmurs into your hair before sleep. So when he told you about Erwin's plan, how you'd become the people's queen, how your lineage would be revealed, you understood it was about survival rather than power. And he told you with all the tact and bluntness he always had.

And though you didn't show it, your hands trembled that night. Not from fear of a crown, but out of fear of losing yourself. Of losing Levi once you took the role up. But he, despite his stony face and colder reputation, had picked up on it. He stayed longer in your room that evening. Held you tighter. It was. quiet between you two, per usual, but you could tell there was meaning behind every word that wasn't said.

The mission at Orvud District ended in fire and fury, your father's titan lay scorched and broken. You, his legacy, stood amore alive than ever. By then, the people had already learned the truth of who you were. And for once, they cheered. So, here you are, crowned and draped in regal garb.

And standing in front of the Survey Corps. Your friends. If anything, you felt like you should've been down there with them rather than looking down at them. And Levi, ever-still, glaring as everyone went by to kiss the back of your hand. After it all, you remember something Mikasa had told you before the mission. That "you could punch that runt once you're the queen," that "runt" being Levi.

So you do. You punch your lover, playfully. Your fist doesn't carry much weight behind it, but it doesn't need to. If anyone were to lay a hand on Levi, his fist would've flown back real quick. But it's you, his lady in a dress instead of a wings of freedom cape, punching him on the arm with a smile on your face. His head merely tilts with the impact, and then he... smiles?

Just barely, like the corner of his mouth was waiting to do so since forever. He leans in just a little closer, low enough for you to here while the others are starting a commotion about how you seriously punched him. "I'm proud of you." He says, smile still on his lips.