Chapter Text
He wasn't cautious enough, so the Supreme Court caught him and hanged him.
Fantastic, just her luck.
Historia sighs in defeat, sitting on the small stool as the rest of the revolutionaries walk inside the old wooden barn where they usually meet.
''The military is becoming weaker. Members of the Supreme Court and military personnel are starting to realize that many people from the military support the revolution, which has caused everyone to lose trust in each other. There are conspiracies everywhere, and one of the bases of the Supreme Court is the military, so it won't take long for the government to fall.'' Armin says.
Historia looks up, staring at her friends. She doesn't have the intention to stare, but she does involuntarily because she is deeply thinking about their situation.
Freedom is so, so close she can almost taste it. After years and years of oppression, violence and corruption, Historia and her people can finally be free. Obviously, in her perfect world, she could have a simple, monotonous life, but her people need her and it is her honour to serve them.
The rest of the group is already used to her being socially awkward sometimes, so they just ignore her staring. They all get in an uncomfortable silence anyway because no one wants to address the very redundant condition they are in.
''Anyway, now that Matthew is gone—''
''I'm pretty sure his name was Martin.'' Eren interrupts Jean.
''I could swear he was called Mark.'' Connie frowns, confused.
''The point is, we are grateful for his service and sacrifice, but now he is 6 feet under. We can't always be by Historia's side, and she goes through assassination attempts at least five times a week. We need someone to protect her, but all her last 13 personal guards have proven themselves useless.'' Mikasa finally speaks up, interrupting her comrades to voice what everyone was too afraid to say.
Everyone gets silent until Historia sighs tiredly and cautiously expresses her point of view.
''Look, everyone in Paradis knows that the Supreme Court members are dictators, but… It's not that easy to fight back. For the last 21 years, the government has kept us all impotent. The Supreme Court confiscated all weapons and prohibited the teaching of self-defence and fighting in general to all civilians. They abduct anyone suspected of being against the Supreme Court, and no one has ever returned. People are scared, scared for their lives and their families' lives. All my previous personal guards had good intentions, but they were all unprepared. It is hard to find prepared people because it is already hard to find anyone at all.''
Annie has been at the corner of the barn, her usual intimidating face that is just her relaxed face, her arms crossed, and the hoodie over her head.
''We are not like them, and I know we also won't turn out like them. However, they use something very efficient and morally grey to stay that powerful. They bribe. They offer money, authority, and positions of prestige to the ones they want on their side. What are we offering, exactly? Freedom? Yes, but for the price of the high risk of getting yourself and your loved ones killed. If we want citizens truly determined to help us and be our allies, we need to give them something in exchange.''
''You are right, but we don't have anything to offer. We also shouldn't promise money because the economy is fucked up, and the priority is to invest in the people of Paradis. We absolutely cannot embezzle any money, even with the best of intentions. Not only that, but we also can't promise authority or positions of prestige because we need competent and trustworthy scholars to help rule the country, and right now we need people willing to fight,'' Levi points out after a few moments of silence.
Levi and Annie were some of the double agents the revolutionaries had. They were wonderful fighters with pretty sharp minds, but they were only useful when it came to knowledge and information. That is, when they could go meet the revolutionaries and, considering they couldn't get caught, it wasn't often.
Historia thinks about what the two soldiers just said. Annie had a point, and so did Levi. They needed to offer something in return for loyalty, but they couldn't promise anything in the future, and they also couldn't offer anything right now.
''… What about my hand in marriage?'' She offers hesitantly.
The whole room looks at her like she is crazy, but Sasha speaks up before anyone else can.
''Have you lost your mind?!?! Historia that—''
''It is not practical, but it will work. I will offer the position as Prince Consort, not as the King, so I can just give my husband money and a title, but he won't interfere politically.''
Sasha opens her mouth to keep insisting that this is an absurd idea, but Erwin interrupts her.
''It is not the ideal, but it is a good option. Once we make the announcement, the first brave, loyal and skilful person who shows up will be your husband. Sounds like a tempting offer when most people in this country don't have a pot to piss in.''
Everyone starts to reluctantly agree.
They spend the rest of the meeting discussing new military strategies to invade the Supreme Court and imprison the rulers. Hange gives more ideas to find ways to expose the government’s crimes to the citizens using the media using anonymous journalists, and Marco suggests using some money from the donors to feed poor families in order to gain people's respect and trust. Historia doesn't say much. Once the meeting is over, everyone leaves, and she goes to her safe house for the night alongside Mikasa, who volunteered to guard her tonight as Historia currently has no personal guard.
***
Both women are in silence as Historia gets ready for bed and Mikasa sharpens her sword.
''Mikasa… d-do you intend to go after your dreams once we take down the Supreme Court?'' Historia absolutely hates the way her voice cracks whenever she tries to be vulnerable.
''My dreams are not important if they don't align with my purpose. I'm trying to make the world a better place, and nothing will distract me from this goal'' she answers coldly, then pauses, finally looking the blonde girl’s way. ''Why are you asking?''
Historia’s palms start to sweat. She loves Mikasa, she really does, but God she is intimidating, no matter how good of a person Historia knows she is.
''H-Hm… F-For nothing. Sorry for asking, Mikasa.'' Historia lies on the mattresses, turning her back to the other woman. ''Goodnight'' She says quietly.
Mikasa looks down, wishing she knew how to express herself better.
''Goodnight, Historia''
Historia looks at the wall she is facing, thinking about the next day. By tomorrow, she will have a betrothed. She always knew it was probably inevitable, so the girl just tries to focus on what she is finally achieving. In a few months, her people will have a dignified life. She will be a symbol of hope and a new beginning to Paradis. She spent years preparing for that moment.
Historia is almost there.
***
Today was the day.
Historia is inside one of the safe houses, peeking through the window at the small crowd while Eren starts to make the announcement. The revolutionaries need someone to protect the heir to the throne with their life. Someone who will never leave her side and will be rewarded with her hand in marriage.
''… Once she becomes our queen, her loyal personal guard will become the Consort Prince, the husband of the Queen of Paradis. It is time for those fuckers from the Supreme Court to rot in jail! That's why we require someone to dedicate their heart and serve our princess to become part of the royal family once we are all free! Is anyone willing to do this for our nation?!?''
Historia is not surprised at all that Eren got a bit too passionate.
The whole crowd starts to scream in agreement, but even though they are visibly excited, no one comes forward.
Historia is almost letting go of the fabric of the curtain to go busy herself with something else when someone starts to make their way through the crowd, their hand lifted high.
''I am!'' Historia finally sees him. She can't see much due to the dirty glass, but she can see he is tall and slender.
''I am going to dedicate my life to protecting the princess, and then I will make her my wife!''.