"The Duke seems to really like you," Levi's personal guard said leading me down the hall.

I think he thinks I'm entertaining- that's not a compliment.

"You think so?"

"Of course!" He offered a hand helping me up into a carriage, "get home safe!"

Well he doesn't seem like a bad person :/

He must be insane though.

Being in a room with the Duke feels suffocating.

- earlier -

"You're my fiancé, after all." He leaned in closer to me, grey blue eyes taking in my expression. "Please, call me Levi."

Levi ?? thats kinda cute <3

FIANCÉ HE REALLY JUST SAID THAT

wevi

"Fiancé?"

"Don't act surprised brat, you're the one who suggested it." He paused, "unless you would rather we didn't go through with your plan?"

SPEAK

"No of course not Levi, thank you for the opportunity." His name felt strange in my mouth.

Y/N don't forget- this man will throw you out the instant you screw up.

Right.

Don't let your guard down.

"Then go home."

So cold.

Did he accept my proposal because he wanted me gone?

Probably.

- present -

"Miss Y/N?" I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the light.

They don't even know I'm a princess.

Yeah I'm pretty sure that's because you're lame as hell.

Disowned.

It was only 20 minutes long but the conversation with Duke Ackerman felt like it had spanned several lifetimes.

I'm anxious.

And tired. I flopped back onto my bed letting sleep wash over me.

Today was exhausting

"When is she going to wake up?" A soft concerned voice murmured from in my room.

ITS SO EARLY WHY IS ANYONE IN HERE

am i going to get killed??? please let me sleep a full eight hours before you murder me

gotta look good for my funeral !!!

"Be quiet, she must be stressed." An older female voice reprimanded the other.

I don't know who you are nor do I want to open my eyes to check but ily

"Won't the Duke be angry?"

"Shh the princess is his fiancé, he has to be understanding even if he doesn't want to."

NO ACTUALLY I'M THE ONE WHO HAS TO BE UNDERSTANDING EVEN IF I DONT WANT TO

He made it very clear that he was the one with power in this relationship.

After all, I am leeching off of him.

I opened my eyes, blinking at the light. A young girl with beautiful strawberry blonde hair and an older woman with black hair almost like the Duke's stood over me.

"Princess you're awake!" The young girl beamed handing me a glass of water.

"Petra, take it easy." The older woman sighed, turning to me. "We've been sent by Duke Ackerman to attend to you from now on. Of course, you may still use your own maids if you'd like."

Petra?

She's so pretty.

I think I'm in love.

"Sorry I think I'm mishearing you," I murmured, taking a sip of water. "You said the Duke sent you? Why would he do that?"

"You must be overwhelmed. Please relax, I'll go find one of your normal attendants to watch over you." The older woman stood up, turning towards the door.

Have fun finding someone ! They do a good job of making themselves scarce around princesses 7-13.

"You won't find anyone. I don't have anyone helping me normally," I spoke up, stopping her in her tracks.

"I was wondering why it was so dusty in here," Petra muttered under her breath.

IT'S BECAUSE I SUCK AT CLEANING OK ??

"Petra!" The older woman reprimanded.

The two of them look very friendly.

"Sorry Kuchel," Petra bowed her head.

Kuchel? What an interesting name.

"Don't apologize to me, apologize to her highness."

"So-"

"It's ok you don't have to apologize. I know I'm bad at cleaning," I waved her away.

Ah this is awkward.

I have that effect on people.

Very sexy of you.

"Should we get ready to see the Duke now?" Petra broke the silence with a wide smile.

I wonder if she's dating.

If she isn't imma-

omg thats cheating!

"How long has he been waiting for me?" I felt almost nervous to ask.

"Oh maybe 45 minutes or so? He seemed very worried about you." Kuchel muttered pulling a dress out of my closet.

He's definitely more irritated than worried.

"Apparently he went and talked to King Erwin about your marriage earlier today!" Petra gushed leading me over to the vanity.

This all feels really unnatural.

Being called princess, being doted on, voices first thing in the morning.

I can't help but feel a little uncomfortable.

"Already but we haven't even-"

We haven't even talked about the contract yet.

"I've never seen the Duke this passionate about anybody before!" Petra continued to squeal, brushing out my hair.

I think it's loathing- I really think he hates me.

"Oh really?"

"It's true, I've been watching over the Duke since his mother the late Duchess passed." Kuchel stepped in, "Princess where do you keep your other dresses?"

Nowhere :/

I'm not complaining about the lack of fancy dresses I would much rather wear pants.

but Oh nOOOOO a WOMAN IN PANTS???? UNHEARD OF!

"That's all of them."

The 13th princess has a limited wardrobe.

"Then this one," Kuchel muttered pulling out a pastel blue gown.

She definitely feels bad for me.

"Do you have ribbons?" Petra asked rummaging through my drawers.

No...

"Maybe," I looked down at my hands.

I don't.

"Then, you can use mine!" She quickly pulled out the white ribbons that had been holding up her hair.

They're trying to not make me feel weird.

"You look gorgeous!" Petra exclaimed taking in my full outfit.

IT'S ALL THANKS TO YOU TWO.

"Quite so," Kuchel beamed, leading me to the door. "I'm sure the Duke will be very happy seeing you."

Right, the Duke.

I have no choice now.

I'll have to face him again.

___________________________

<3333333

petra deserves better!! idc if you don't like her i feel bad that she's always the villain so i will force u 2 at least tolerate her.

i don't LOVE her either i just feel sad for her )):

- ai ai