Chapter Text
On the island of Paradis, there consists of three Kingdoms:
From North to South along the Eastern coast, the Kingdom of Rose has stood proudly for over five hundred years, which has it dated as the oldest of the three. The landscape of their land, bordered by the ocean on the right, is shielded by mountains along the left side of their territory. Towering forests of ancient trees thickly plant themselves between villages, providing plentiful shade and useful materials. Any available flat land is used to raise sheep and flocks of geese.
The people of Rose are the island's strength when it comes to wars for they are the most skilled swordsmen and women. A single Knight- rumored among the other two kingdoms- is said to be the strength of ten combined Knights. Having the most powerful people within their borders allows the Kingdom of Rose to thrive and it gives them an advantage to be looked upon for help.
As thanks for being the strongest force- the sword of the island, people have dubbed- they are gifted farm animals, the purest water from the mountains, and have gained borrowed grounds on the tallest mountain within the Kingdom of Sina to not only train their Kingdom's future Knights, but the other two peacefully tamed Kingdoms on the island as well.
But they are not all brute strength and are feared by territories outside of Paradis. They do not selfishly feast on the gifts and give nothing in turn. They reciprocate the thoughtfulness behind everyone for protecting the island. The people of Rose are skilled and loving artisans- they thread some of the finest clothes from wool, silk, and carefully detailed furs. As thanks for the other Kingdom's offerings, they give equal gratitude by gifting clothes for all to enjoy. Some of their finest quills and parchment provided by their geese and sheep are traded with their neighboring friends as well.
Centered on the island, elongated in an awkwardly oval-shaped bowl, lies the Kingdom of Sina. Their territory is surrounded by towering mountains on all sides, save for the North and South sides of their Kingdom where travel and trade takes place. It is equally as old as Rose, but shy by a hundred years or so due to the complexity to thrive in such terrain.
They are the heart of all three Kingdoms, for their soil is the richest to provide for the life of all kinds. Most of their flat land consists of raising livestock for food while the trickling streams and rivers from the mountains provide the purest waters any man will ever quench their thirst with. As the heart- the living and breathing embodiment of Paradis- both neighboring Kingdoms rely on them for most nourishment.
The one thing that truly makes them stand out to not only the three Kingdoms on Paradis, but neighboring territories on the land of Marley across the oceans way, is their treasured light source that they named 'Glowing Stone.' This unique stone never dies with life and it is harvested from the depths of their mountains. It allows pheasants to work in the darkest of nights on polished canes and the bizarre lighting hangs from grand ceilings within the castles.
On the North side of their territory, lies the tallest mountain that can be seen from all ends of Paradis. It is there that Sina allowed Rose to create a vast camp to train future Knights. These mighty fine soldiers are trained by Lords from all three territories and sometimes these Lords, finding some of the most strongest and skilled, will take their training Squires under their wings in hopes they will patrol within the borders of the castles and most importantly, few had ever achieved, have one of their Squires be appointed to a single royal. On this mountain, the future of the island is molded into powerful individuals that will allow Paradis to continue beating with warmth. Sina is truly the heart of all three territories, yet they are equally peaceful with their friends on either side.
From North to South along the Western coast, the Kingdom of Maria has stood for just over three hundred years on the island. Unclaimed territory neither Sina nor Rose desired, it became apparent that such a Kingdom was needed for Paradis to thrive with unwavering power; the people are highly intelligent when it comes to knowledge about the sea. From reading the stars, knowing and trading with the lands across the way, and weather patterns, the Kingdom was dubbed the explorer, or rather, the shield of Paradis.
The people of Maria are well known for netting fish, which is a highly sought-after food source for not only the poorest but even the wealthiest (and size mattered going up the pyramid due to the vast availability). It was a year-round trade for whenever the winters were harsh and livestock dwindled from starvation. The ocean's bearings provided for all three Kingdoms and they were thankful for such a blessing provided by the Kingdom of Maria.
Their connections with other lands included friendship and even peace treaties with other kingdoms that sought mischief. The royals of Maria did anything they possibly could to avoid conflicts by any means. They disapproved of wars and pointless bloodshed, but the people had a handful of victorious wins in their history. With their intellectual power, came incredible trades that were valuable resources with the other two Kingdoms as well- spices, precious jewels, historical records about the world, and other natural resources were equally exchanged.
Another incredible talent that had been carried on through the generations, was the production of some of the purest salts the older territories had ever seen. Salt was an everyday product that was used to preserve food like meat, seafood, and dairy products. With such high-quality salt, and plenty of it due to their coastal home, it came hand in hand with their skills of fishing.
On the island of Paradis, there consists of three Kingdoms, all of which live equally peaceful lives with one another. Pheasants worked from morning until night for their respective Lords and they were never frowned upon if they chose to travel to a new location to live in. The Kings and Queens, admirable and never harsh in the three Kingdoms, intermingled with one another during celebrations, and meetings, and for their children to bond for the future of their lands. They made sure that all were thriving and never suffering, which connected the poorest and wealthiest in ways that were almost unthinkable to most.
Rules were set in place and punishment was set upon those who needed to suffer, so the island wasn’t a true fairytale. But those rules and minor inconveniences were tolerable to the point that the island of Paradis almost felt like a true paradise compared to the rest of the world which consisted of wars, territorial disputes, twisted evil, and plagues. The people of Paradis as a whole, truly believed their home was a fairytale that was gifted to them by the Heavens above.
That was until a destined change in the course made its presence known and hampered peace.
A single messenger rowed his boat towards the shore of Maria and they held out a message for the Prince. They used every precaution they possibly could during their exchange with a nearby fisherman. With saddened tears in their eyes, they bid farewell to their homeland, along with everyone else who was overseas during such a disastrous time outside of their paradise.
When the rolled note was finally delivered to their Prince after some time, his shoulders dropped and all emotions vanished to only ones of despair and question.
King and Queen Arlert were overseas during a time when an overpowering plague was striking most of the world in ways no one had predicted. Both were infected and everyone else that had traveled with them, all but the messenger, had died without much suffering. His parents expressed their undying love to their one and only son, prayed he would make them proud of his future accomplishments, and promised that at the young age of sixteen, newly orphaned yet continuing to thrive with royal blood, would be crowned King.
Immediately, Armin cut off all ties with trade and travel outside of the island until the plaque vanished or some witchcraft of a cure was created. He ordered it with trembling shoulders, but he held his head high and his people were swayed by his courage. The neighboring Kingdoms would receive the news at a later date by a messenger, but Armin knew very well that they would accept his drastic decision of isolating their home.
A day after being crowned, Armin was approached by one of Maria's Lords. The man who bit his tongue on his normal tangents confessed that he needed to be protected by a Knight of his choosing. It was customary to have a skilled swordsman or woman to stay by their side to protect and abide by their rules. Through the generations, it was proven effective to protect the royals for there had been ill will in their directions and Knights had been slain or injured.
Promising he would make time to travel to the tallest mountain in Sina to find a Squire who would become his Knight in due time, he bid his Kingdom farewell for a few short days. Armin would travel to find someone who would sacrifice their life if needed, while also traveling to seek his friends within their respective castles.
His castle squared off with dozens of rooms and branched out to other towers, rested North of his territory. Thankfully the ride through scattered forests and between the parted mountains was an easy journey from his home to the training grounds.
They twisted around the tallest mountain and sometimes the horses even climbed upward on jagged rocks, but Armin and an older Knight of his choosing for now, eventually made their way to the grand clearing. Individual buildings were scattered about and trainees were hard at work. Some practiced their sword skills, others hauled coal or wood over hunched backs, while some attended the horses that were bred for combat. Conversations overlapped and despite the years of hard labor, it appeared like their spirits weren't broken.
Shadis, the man who overlooked all trainees while they made their way to Knighthood, greeted Armin with a respectful bow. The man was one of the select few who heard about the grave news and murmured his condolences, along with promising that one of his recruits would suffice his needs.
At the age of twelve, most young individuals were sent to the mountain to train for Knighthood. They served Squires and learned valuable information like religion, manners, music, and even dance. When they became Squires themselves, they were taken under a Lord’s serving, which aided them with caring for weapons, and armor, and learned the code to success. Long grueling years dwindled the numbers down, but for those who stayed since the beginning, they were secretly ranked so those in the top ten would be presented before a Prince or Princess.
Standing alongside Shadis on one of the winding walls that overlooked the training grounds, the man shouted for the Squires to gather. Like ants, they rushed without complaint and lined themselves to perfection, as if they had trained to do such a silly thing for such a grand moment like this.
“Your Grace, I will only speak to you of this for the Squires may become restless,” Shadis began softly. Standing alongside the King, head held low with respect, he continued. “I will call out the top ten Squires and I will tell you their names, their strengths, and their weaknesses. Is that alright?”
“That is quite fine,” Armin said in a leveled tone. Dressed in blue that was similar to the color of his wide eyes, his set expression slowly scanned each individual that was called upon. His golden wheat-colored hair tickled beneath his ears and his arms straightened beneath his richly colored robe that hung over a shoulder. He was dressed radiantly and it became apparent that somebody of stature was in their presence.
One by one, the top ten Squires were called to the front, and the rest were dismissed for the day. Armin made his descent on the wooden stairs that led to the ground, his borrowed Knight and Shadis immediately following. Continuing to eye the individual teenagers that were close in age to him, he cracked the smallest of smiles when his gaze landed on a familiar green-eyed man.
He couldn’t possibly choose Eren Jaeger- a childhood friend of his that became close to the Princess of the Rose Kingdom. When it would become Mikasa’s turn to pick the future Knight that would shield her from harm (not like she needed it anyway), Armin already knew that his friend, a promising Squire, would be the one to kneel before her.
"Who are you serving during your training, Squire?" Armin questioned sternly when he noticed a particular man curling his nose from his friendly stare. Continuing to stand before Eren, noticing his gaze squinted in both anger and annoyance, he eyed the man that immediately radiated overbearing cockiness. A freckled man was standing close to his side, gentle features revealing shock and fear.
Respectfully placing his hand over his heart and lowering his head further, his heart quickened with giddy from being pointed out. He spoke rather smoothly and did his best to keep his face neutral. “Lord Zacharius, Your Royal Highness. He has been an excellent teacher."
“Lord Zacharius from the Kingdom of Sina. I have heard great things about him,” Armin pointed out to Shadis. Earning a firm nod from the older man, the blonde steadily walked the length of all ten individuals until he stood before the sharp-eyed man. Taking in his appearance, basic clothes dirty from hours of training, yet built promising of strength and leadership, Armin quirked a brow. “What is your reasoning for pursuing becoming a Knight?”
“I want a promising life within the castle walls. I do not wish for my mother and myself to struggle in the future,” he declared earnestly.
Shadis smacked his forehead in disappointment.
Eren released the smallest of annoyed groans.
The freckled man grimaced.
The others snickered.
“You are blunt,” Armin pointed out. There was a glimmer of amusement that bubbled within him, but nothing more was expressed. He was still mourning, still processing, and still understanding his new role. But, for the first time through his secret hours of sobs and dulled emotions since that letter, a spark surfaced because of the man who spoke without holding his tongue.
“He’s rather charming.”
Jean Kirstein, ranked sixth out of ten, stood with an undercut style hair. Though the Squire was not looking him in the eye, all but for a split second with equal curiosity, his intense brown irises held a sort of vicious look that Armin greatly admired. He was blunt and from Eren’s reactions, he was possibly equally hot-headed to the point that fights may have happened a handful of times before between them or with others.
“What is your reasoning for pursuing becoming a Knight?” Armin continued, turning his attention to the freckled man who ranked seventh.
Feeling honored to speak in turn, Marco delicately pressed his hand over his heart. “I do not wish to selfishly seek comfort and safety within the walls of a castle. I want to prove my loyalty to my King and the people of Paradis. It is our duty as Squires to rank as Knights and to sacrifice our lives for our Motherland.”
“You put others above yourself. That is truly admirable,” he murmured honestly. Watching the way Marco’s cheeks flushed from his compliment, Armin gave a nod when light-eyes sought for his momentarily, as if the Squire was questioning if he truly deserved such praise. A dorky sort of smile caught Marco’s lips and his gaze turned to one of correction towards Jean. That made Armin release a breath of amusement.
“It seems like they’re close friends. One tender young man guiding a stubborn mule to make a straight line.”
The blonde adjusted his robe and he let himself admire each individual that had been working for years to strive for the best lives they possibly could obtain. Making up his mind with ease after speaking with each one with similar questions and polite conversations, Armin spoke clearly at Shadis's side. He stared at Jean, wanting to watch his reaction.
"By the age of twenty-one, you will become my Knight, Squire Jean. I expect you to become my shield in the upcoming years, one that will put his life on the line if necessary. Continue your training and in due time, you will be dubbed by your King.”
From the corner of his eye, he watched Shadis’ jaw grow slack while his borrowed Knight stared in disbelief.
Both knew better than to argue about his decision.
The chances of death were highly unlikely. On the island of Paradis, there consisted of three Kingdoms, all of which lived equally peaceful lives with one another. The last time a Knight had sacrificed their lives for their bestowed ruler was several generations ago. It was a freak accident due to some petty thief, but the chances of it happening again was next to impossible.
Jean would live within the walls of the castle and work for one of the royals- he would work for the Prince of Maria until the end of their time. A flutter of pride caught his chest when he thought of his mother who promised he would reach his goal of providing for the both of them. He thought of Lord Zacharius too, who would return home and gossip that his Squire had successfully been taken in a way all Lords dreamed of.
Jean would live a life of luxury in a way he desired.
Armin immediately read his mind and he silently claimed victory. His chosen Squire would be broken down and tamed into a mighty Knight that wouldn’t take such luxuries for granted. He would kneel at every command without question and provide him protection most hours during his outings. Jean would become selfless and think about others instead of himself. Selfish people didn't thrive for long on the island of Paradis.
“I would be honored, Your Royal Highness,” he said steadily. Lowering his head further and desperate to keep his face steady through his bursting joy, his eyes fluttered closed. Jean wanted to shout, pump his fists, and write to his mother about the news he had just received.
Turning to his borrowed Knight, wanting to elicit a reaction, he lowered his voice and maintained a steady tone. “The Squires of today need to learn how to properly greet their King.”
Oh.
Word had not yet spread about the King and Queen’s demise.
Jean immediately fell to his knee and he curled over further with greater respect. Anxiety seeped through every fiber of his being when he realized he wasn’t talking to the Prince of Maria, but the King of Maria. His breath caught in his throat and his words trembled out faintly with laced fear. Whatever flamboyant cockiness he had brought upon the field vanished into something that Armin was truly looking for.
Somehow Armin was able to elicit such a great reaction with mere words.
“I deeply apologize, Your Grace. News spreads rather slowly for us here in the mountains. I will not make the same mistake again.”
Satisfied with his reaction, Armin’s eyes glinted and he hummed in acknowledgment. He said nothing more to the Squires that still had a few more years of training. Nodding to Shadis for a tour of the area he had never set foot upon, his borrowed Knight followed close behind. All ten Squires bid him farewell with polite manners and once they were out of earshot, Jean hissed in pain when a hand slapped the back of his head harshly.
“ Marco -”
“ Jean !” He growled back. Glaring at his best friend like a mother would, he crossed his arms in utmost disbelief. Their other friends congratulated the cocky man for his promising future and Eren stormed off with a mutter, but none of them detoured his attention. “I cannot believe you said that to the King!”
“He asked and I wanted to be honest! And I thought His Grace was still a Prince!” Jean snapped. He tossed his arms up when another blow hit him with more accuracy. “How the hell was I supposed to know the King and Queen had perished?!”
“You were too honest with His Grace! And open the textbook more often about how the royals dress! There is a difference between a prince's and a king’s outfits!”
“Clearly, the King likes me enough that he still wants me to be at his side!” Jean retorted smugly, ignoring his last comment. Crossing his arms high over his chest, his eyes followed the King across the field. He didn't get a clear glimpse through their interactions, but from what he could tell, Armin held the stereotypes of what a ruler would dress, talk, and flaunt.
The new ruler of Maria was beautiful beyond compare. His presence flowed with such high intelligence that Jean truly felt small when those blazing irises of blue pierced right through him. Armin was reading him like an open book through their brief exchange, delicate fingers flickering through the most private pages he kept hidden from view. There was something about him that made Jean change for just a few moments.
“Wait. Why did I kneel so low for a pompous fuck who thinks he’s all high and mighty just because he’s King? Who said I wanted to serve along the Western Coast? An area that can be accessed easily if the enemy dared to approach?”
Brushing over his nose, Marco sighed heavily and he slouched. Time and time again, he had heard his best friend gloat about living the luxurious life within the walls of the castle. Life in Knighthood wasn't as different compared to the rest of the Kingdom, but they were provided larger food ratios and were given a higher percentage of wages. Not to mention they had access to large celebrations and gatherings that happened at least once every one to three months. They were more vibrant with life and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities compared to the joyous parties in town squares.
"Jean, someday I truly believe you will become an excellent Knight who will dedicate his heart to protection for others, not himself. You will not be nearly as selfish as you are now,” Marco confessed out loud, breaking his best friend away from his questioning thoughts.
"Huh?" He huffed harshly.
"You are a selfish asshole," Marco stated plainly. Jabbing his chest, he scrunched his nose childishly when his best friend smacked him on the ass. They flashed playful glares before they both turned away to continue attending to individual duties.
.
Jean continued his training on the highest mountain in Sina. With serving his future King in mind, he continued to learn from Lord Zacharius who had taken him under his wing years ago. After learning of his horrid confession in front of the King of Maria, the sharp-eyed man took on many more roles as not only punishment but to be taught a lesson (“ dreadful schooling ,” he constantly muttered).
Book after book, he learned how a castle was run. From Maria, Sina, and Rose, Jean traced his fingers over every single word that poured the inner and outer workings of a Kingdom. From commoners like pheasants, the Lords, and pagers, and gradually up the ranks to a King and Queen, each law and handcrafted piece worked together harmoniously.
“There are no selfish people on Paradis, Squire. Those who do exist are petty thefts that are bound and shackled. They are put on public display and if their actions are morally wrong like killing another, they are beheaded. My Squire, who I saw great promise when you were a young boy, will not be selfish. You will know the code of a true Knight who will not disappoint,” Miche had informed one morning. Soon, the man who was wise beyond his years, pointed a finger at the door and encouraged Jean to work another day.
He polished his Lord's armor and weapons. Jean attended to the horses. He wrote letters to distant friends and his mother. He read to learn poetry, fragments of the outside world, and the wars Paradis had witnessed and joined. He learned how to hunt. Jean practiced sword fighting on and off horseback. He honed his accuracy with lances and bows, targeting or knocking wooden posts.
By the age of nineteen, with his hair lengthening and tickling his neck, body broad and hovering, and piercing eyes sharpening even further with respect and lack of overbearing cockiness to potential leadership, Miche deemed him acceptable to advance. Jean bid farewell to his friends who were traveling to their newly attained jobs and he promised they would meet again. Steadily at his Lord’s side, he made his way down the tallest mountain by foot and towards the castle that would eventually become his home.
Word began to spread that promise of trade would reopen with the nearby Kingdoms of Marley. The single message had been sent by King Bertholdt, a lone survivor of his family. The other two neighboring Kingdoms promised the plague had slowed in their territories as well, but was still thriving in the dirtiest of locations. They gave their word that within two to three years, valuable resources would return to their island and their friendship would strengthen once again.
The few winters that had passed were harsh from the lack of goods outside of their island, but they were expected and Paradis continued to thrive. Spices and other nonnative valuables were scarce, but it was sufficient enough where the crumbs of those items would suffice for the wealthy.
“This month, you will be shadowing His Grace’s borrowed Knight. You will learn his routine, get a feel of Maria’s citizens, and understand where your duties lie. Do you understand, Squire Jean?” Miche questioned once they were within the borders. Walking alongside the man he silently admired like his own son, he glanced at him.
Jean nodded in understanding. He allowed his eyes to wander and they gleamed with childlike excitement. The shaggy-haired man took in the wooden and brick structures of houses and businesses. “I understand, Lord Zacharius. I will not disappoint you.”
The mountain air was fresh- so crisp that sometimes the harsh winters and ancient trees stung his lungs and suffocated Jean at times. But the flat lands that kissed the rarely ending oceans were salty, yet so very inviting. The breeze teased his lengthened hair and tugged at his newly attained clothes. Seagulls shrilled above and swayed with the current. The people of Maria were attending to their duties with conversations and exchanging pleasantries. Children giggled and squealed, chasing one another on dirt paths that weaved to and from.
The Kingdom of Maria certainty was welcoming.
By the time Jean shadowed Oruo, following his every movement (except for his bizarre tongue-biting habit), he was trained to protect Armin. Like the back of his hand, he understood his routine around the castle grounds, the towns in his territory, and the minimal amusements he took by heart.
Armin began his days with customary prayers in the castle chapel before eating a peaceful meal in his gardens. By the afternoon, he attended council meetings and discussed affairs, along with laws that needed to be altered, passed, or dismissed. Some days he huddled himself in his castle where he took rare naps to replenish his energy or read through the hundreds of books in the most prized room of the castle; a library that practically held the entire world in one space. By the evening, Armin signed off letters that were sent by the other two Kingdoms, Lords, and even admirable pheasants who requested changes or new equipment.
On a day when Oruo left to attend other duties, Jean took his place and he followed Armin in his routine. They had briefly exchanged sentences since his arrival, but the silence between them wasn't uncomfortable. Greetings were murmured, polite questions on Armin’s side were answered, and Jean stood rigid with Squire and soon-to-be Knight codes he held dear to his heart.
Through it all, Jean silently admired his King. Since their last meeting, Armin’s hair had grown. The ends began to tickle over his robes that never dared to stain with a single speck of dirt. His rounded face never hinted with facial hair, but those wide eyes had softened in age and his boyish nose continued to dust forever red. He had grown in stature, but not nearly as tall as Jean. Armin had aged into a fine King, a young man respected by all, but he still had his boyish charms that were eye-catching.
Jean blinked out of his haze when the King released a frustrated sigh. Standing in the library, books shelved to perfection on all four walls, his gaze flickered down to the sitting man before him. The wooden shutters were pulled wide open to allow as much lighting into the room and leaning against one, Jean stood across from Armin who was seated at a wide desk at the center. The blonde, threading his long golden locks between nimble fingers, pinched his brows together in thought.
“The Kingdom of Sina suffered a severe blow. Princess Historia has just informed me that gems and other valuable treasures were taken from the castle. Rumors have spread they were taken to appease the dragon on the island,” Armin spoke fluidly. Dropping the letter flat on the desk, piling on top of several unread ones, he sat straight with dismay. “Honestly, a dragon? If such beasts existed, there would be horned horses and angry monsters at sea. It is an excuse so the thieves' heads are not served on a platter if revealed.”
Wondering if he was allowed to speak or not, his tongue began to roll the moment those blue eyes landed on him. “Do you not believe in scaled beasts that secretly drift between the mountains?”
“Do not tell me my training Squire believes in such childish stories that are spoken to bratty children?” He muttered. Squinting up at Jean, he drummed his fingers on the desk full of memories. Armin took in the way the brown-eyed man shifted on his feet with faint discomfort as if the question would allow him to either live or die when answered.
“No, I do not believe in childish stories, Your Grace. But I had seen a scaled beast wash upon the shore a few days ago. Claws like a vicious falcon, black eyes like a soulless corpse, and a lengthened body overpowering a fisherman’s boat. It caused quite a stir in the Southern borders of your territory,” Jean informed cautiously. Keeping his hands close to his sides, head lowered so he could try and maintain eye contact, he continued. “Well, with such a ferocious monster like that and the rumors of a flying scaled beast hiding in the mountains… it does not sound that far fetched…”
“What were you doing in the Southern borders?” Armin pinpointed.
Tensing, his eyes flickered off to the side rather sheepishly. “During my time off, I sought out my friends from both Sina and Rose. I had not seen them in a month and yearned to hold and hear their voices.”
Deciding to take a leisure break from his work, he threaded his fingers together and rested his chin on the makeshift bridge. Armin didn’t just want to break the cocky teenager into a courageous man- he wanted him to kindle the warmth he surprisingly spared for others too. If they were to spend countless months and years together, he needed to know if they were truly compatible in a way he speculated. He wanted to get to know his soon-to-be Knight at a more personal level and he took advantage of their alone time.
"What are your friends like?" Armin questioned. With his words, he watched Jean’s eyes widen in disbelief and as if they were in a room full of people, the standing man allowed his gaze to flicker about.
"Is… is it alright for me to talk casually with Your Grace?" Jean asked slowly. He had only spent a few weeks within the castle walls and around his King’s presence, but from what he had gathered, no other Knights spoke casually to Armin as if they were friends. Day-to-day tasks were mentioned, and maybe a brief comment about the weather or firm orders was voiced, but nothing quite like this.
"Yes. You have permission."
Pressing his back against the wooden panel, Jean rubbed his chin in thought. Hair had begun to grow along his sharp jawline and he silently wished it was thicker like his Lord’s. “You met Marco several years ago at the training grounds. He is soft-spoken, but he can preserve order when necessary and kept me mostly at bay. Marco wants to serve with an honest heart for whoever takes him under their wing.”
“Sasha is a hunter for the Kingdom of Sina. She has had incredible hearing and accurate aim with a bow and arrow ever since she was young- she has taken down some of the most ferocious and largest boars you will ever lay your eyes on. Sasha protects the majority of fields, not because she kills, but because I believe most of the forest creatures are terrified of her. Then there is Connie who has steadily become quite the famous jester on the island. Preferably, Her Royal Highness of Rose. He is incredibly reliable and extremely optimistic, which allows everyone around him to liven up.”
“... Your friend is a jester?” Armin drawled in a desperate attempt to hide his growing smile. Out of all the characters Jean listed, Connie stuck out like a sore thumb.
“He severely injured his arm during training before you came. Connie cannot quite aim the way he used to and has difficulty keeping strength in the said arm. He ended up dropping out and tried seeking work elsewhere,” Jean explained with a crooked grin. It faltered when he thought back on the day Connie had injured himself. The pure fear and pain that radiated from one of his closest friends caused his heart to ache from the memory.
“You hold your friends close. My assumption about you being hard to approach and mostly alone was wrong,” he murmured honestly. Noticing a flash of annoyance caught behind Jean’s eyes, Armin lowered his head to his unfinished paperwork when he was able to restrain his tongue. “Thank you for telling me about your friends. You sound quite similar to me; I also hold people dear to my heart. Princess Mikasa and I have known each other since we were infants. Eren is the famous surgeon's son in the kingdom of Rose and the three of us became very close at a young age when the Queen lost her second child. It has been some time since I have last seen them…”
Hearing the longing in his voice and watching Armin glance out the open window for some sort of distraction, Jean followed his gaze. He wanted to give him privacy through his brief weakness that took him by surprise, but the taller man could easily sympathize and understand his quiet desires.
They both silently admired the sight of the bright sky meeting the ocean, thick clouds lazily drifting and casting long shadows on the land below. Seagulls cried, mingling with the softened tunes of villagers, laboring workers, and whispering waves.
Not helping himself to admire the sharp-eyed man's softened features, dark honey irises catching contrasting blues, and lengthened hair faintly swaying, Armin spoke softly so he wouldn’t startle him. “Did the scaled beast look like a lizard?”
“Yes, but much bigger. It had teeth like a bear!” Jean described dramatically. Not helping himself to gasping with bubbling excitement, briefly forgetting his manners, he turned his head towards his King. “I can draw it for you so you can get a proper idea of it, Your Grace.”
“You know how to draw?” He questioned. Feeling equal excitement from learning something else, Armin sat even straighter with newfound energy.
Nodding with confirmation, Jean leveled his voice. “Yes. It was part of my requirement in Lord Zacharius’ training. He said drawing plants, animals, and landscapes is a great way to identify things.”
“I see! Let me see you draw it. I want to know what this beast is.”
“Is it not in one of your books?” Jean asked. Not helping himself to emphasize the wide variety of knowledge in the room, he turned his head every which way.
Leaning back in his seat and following his gaze, Armin took in a deep breath and sighed. “It might be, but I have been too busy memorizing other things. Prioritizing my kingdom is my heart and soul right now. I am still earning my people's trust and understanding the workings of how to manage. Three years of this and I still feel like I am not living up to how my father and mother ruled.”
When a fresh sheet of parchment was placed at the opposite side of the desk, Jean didn’t dare hesitate when a delicate hand pointed. With a few wide steps, he knelt before his King and took his offering. Jean had never been in this sort of position and he made sure to take it to heart when he took in Armin’s curious features. The blonde was leaning over the desk and was watching in interest when Jean lifted the quill and thumbed at the feather briefly.
“Your Grace, I truly believe your ruling outshines all others. Your people cheer with glee, the sun never dares to hide, and food is plentiful. No one is struggling from what I have seen and nobody dares to question your ruling,” Jean complimented. Flicking the quill with ease, the basic shape of the creature began to take shape.
Noticing the taller man's sharp features softened while he spoke without a single lie, Armin felt his cheeks warm. Pinching his fingers together to keep himself calm and collected, his eyes fluttered and he smiled tenderly. “Thank you, Squire Jean. That has settled my nerves to know that my people are living content lives with their inexperienced King.”
“You are welcome, Your Grace.”
Line by line, with an occasional pause to coat his quill, the unidentified creature began to take shape. Its elongated body, from tail to nose, filled the page with gentle curves and harsh features. Jean drew its claws like a falcon, black eyes glinting with life, and a lengthened body rounded and tense. Despite his gruesome details of a lifeless body, he drew the creature lively and free from pain.
The silence between them was rather peaceful with the shrills of seagulls and everyday life flowing outside of the castle walls. Gentle breaths danced, rough scratches of a feather kissing parchment molded, and faint steps of castle workers sounded outside the sealed room. A King and his soon-to-be Knight, quietly connect and ignore their rigid roles.
“Where do you keep your drawings?” Armin whispered. Resting his cheek in the palm of his hand, he continued to trace over Jean’s art. It had been some time since he last relaxed and taking advantage of procrastinating in their private moment, he slouched further on the desk.
Releasing the smallest hums in acknowledgment, he spoke just as softly. “In my coffer beneath my bed. The location may change though…”
“Why is that?”
“I believe somebody has been snooping on my possessions. The order of my books that hold my drawings was changed the other day. They are… important to me. The books I have carried since a young age are some of my most prized possessions and I do not like others touching them without my permission,” Jean confessed. His brows knitted together faintly and he puckered his lips to keep his focus. Shading the belly of the beast, he cocked his head the other way to check over his progress.
Hearing the tone of his voice, Armin spoke without thinking. “Bring your books to me. I have a secret bookcase.”
“Oh, Your Grace, you do not-” he stuttered with wide eyes. Snapping his head up, Jean raised his hands to politely decline his offer.
“But I want to. I understand protecting one's valuables. Having someone else touch something important to you makes you feel vulnerable. Correct?” Armin pushed on. Tilting his head, he smiled in a way that caused broad shoulders to grow slack. It was surprisingly easy to tame the overbearing man.
“Correct, Your Grace.”
“So if you understand, bring them to me. Anytime you desire your valuables, I will bring them to you without hesitation. No one will touch them without your consent and I will not snoop, you have my word,” Armin promised. Encouraging himself to sit straight, ignoring the way his back popped in several places as if he was double his current age, the blue-eyed man touched his heart.
Jean would have trembled with joy from the way that his King almost bowed to him. Immediately slapping his hand over his heart, he lowered his head close to the desk and bowed respectfully. “Thank you for your spared kindness, Your Grace. How can I ever repay you?”
“By drawing me things in your spare time,” he chuckled. His eyes glinted from the way Jean’s whole demeanor changed as if the taller man just understood how their roles were supposed to go. Taking his cue when the completed sketch was turned in his direction, Armin gently thumbed the edge of the parchment before his gaze lowered to his unfinished work.
“I will certainly draw you things. What do you like?” Jean asked eagerly, desperate to please the blonde. He felt the smallest of flutters in his chest from Armin’s joyous sound and he wondered if he could ever elicit such a thing again.
Years ago, Jean was full of himself and just wanted to escape from the high life. With Miche drilling into his mind with rules and the way of life on Paradis, along with close friends like Marco encouraging him forward, he began to realize just how wrong he was. Those with great fortunes were not “pompous fucks”, but those who were selfless and charitable. For the past month he had seen Armin do great things for his people and neglect himself- the King of Maria truly was selfless and compassionate.
“Anything that has to do with my people and the sea. I love the ocean- I love the idea of seeing other lands too. The world is very mysterious and so very powerful. It is breathtaking in both a scary and mesmerizing sort of way, you know? Forever snowed lands with island-sized ice. Volcanoes spewing hot lava…”
“You have never left Paradis and seen those lands?” Jean encouraged. Straightening his back, he continued to kneel until he was released from his position. He wanted to hang onto their private moment a few minutes more. Jean truly wanted to hear the smallest of selfish desires that the King kept hidden in his heart.
Shaking his head and frowning ever so slightly, Armin took hold of Jean’s drawing to admire it even closer. “No. The only time I have left the island is to greet the Princess and Prince of Marley when I was a very young boy. Marley is very similar to Paradis, but I will admit it was still exciting to explore.”
“Do you wish to see those lands?”
“Yes. Maybe when the world balances itself out and I can take leave without fearing my people will feel abandoned in my absence. Maybe it will be during a time when the next heir will take my place, who knows?” He wondered out loud.
Jean caught a dulled glimpse in those vibrant eyes and his chest ached with understanding.
Armin was shoved into a position he possibly didn’t want so soon or at all. He felt trapped, burdened with responsibilities that held invisible instructions. Armin was supposed to continue forward with his head held high and adorned with the royal crown, ignoring his childish thoughts and desires for the greater good. Yes, the King still felt joy and peace, but he wasn’t able to entirely grasp what he truly wanted. There was still so much to achieve despite everything he had done thus far. The strings connected to his body were tugging him along and further away from said selfish goals.
Clearing his throat and avoiding Jean who absorbed his brief weakness without judgment, Armin tapped the parchment to distract them both. “That is a saltwater crocodile, by the way. They thrive in brackish wetlands. It must have traveled and lost itself along the way. The book bound in brown on the top right- it has much more information about the creature if you desire to know more.”
“… Am I really allowed to touch your books?” Jean followed, eyes glinting with silent giddiness.
“I have permitted you, Squire Jean. Do not let the others know." Watching Jean hesitate and glance at the sealed door, his head lowered to his paperwork after delicately placing the drawing off to the side. "Sir Oruo will not catch you when he returns. I can hear that man the moment he enters the castle grounds."
Grinning evilly in understanding, Jean murmured a simple ‘thank you’ before he pushed away from the hard floor. Stretching his sore knee, he thumbed along spines before pulling the described book out. He returned to his original position by the open window and watching Armin begin his work with newfound energy and a much more lively look, Jean’s grin softened.
Jean read with a starstruck gaze about the other animals that lived on their respective lands and the different environments Armin passionately spoke about minutes before. His past readings never involved such graphic details about the world outside of Paradis, not in the way Armin's private collection did, so he made sure to take advantage of the hour by shuffling through several more books before Oruo’s return that interrupted their private peace together.