A small bonus chapter/epilogue to celebrate Historia's birthday :) All hail the Queen!

Epilogue

The late October of 853 was pretty warm even for Paradis. It was mostly sunny every day. You couldn't walk around in summer clothes, but light cloaks were just perfect. However, people still felt that the warmth would soon be replaced by the winter cold. It was clear that these warm days were the last in this year.

Eren and Historia had a walk in the nearest to the farm forest. It was golden autumn and the forest looked like a miracle. The trees were in different colours: yellow, red, orange, sometimes still green. Historia was holding the hand of the man she loved, and looking around, taking in the beauty of nature. She was happy.

Unfortunately, it was the last day of Eren's little vacation. This morning he had to leave to Mithras, as requested by Levi. Historia would stay on the farm for some time, in order to go on with their plan.

The two were about to leave the forest and go back to the farm before Eren abruptly stopped and put on the hood. Historia had to release his arm, and the rest of the way they made separately.

They approached the barn, where they could see a lone farmer, organizing the hay on the floor. He didn't notice them, was too preoccupied with his work.

Eren examined him closely and looked down at Historia, who turned to look at him with sad eyes.

"Is it him?" Eren asked without any emotion.

"Yes... I recognized him long ago."

"I see." Eren averted his gaze from her, unable to say anything else.

Historia approached him and without any hesitation got on her tiptoes and kissed Eren deeply on the mouth. Eren was surprised, but eagerly returned the kiss of the woman he loved, knowing it would be the last kiss before they part for a long time.

He held her close to him after they broke the kiss, and he could feel her tears wetting his clothes. He didn't want to let her go, to give her up to some man he didn't even know to care in his place. He knew he would miss her warmth, her smile, but most importantly he would have to be away from her during the pregnancy. He wouldn't be able to feel his kid kicking in her belly against his palm, and it was truly sad.

She smiled when she felt him press his hand to her still flat belly, silently reminding her what they were going to fight for.

"I love you, my Queen." He whispered before releasing her.

"I love you, too." She answered and turned around to enter the barn.

The farmer noticed her as soon as she appeared on the threshold. He almost dropped the pitchfork but managed to hold it. He didn't expect the Queen to approach him.

"I remember you." Historia wanted to say this cheerfully, but her face showed only sorrow. She didn't care. Of course, the farmer noticed this, but he wouldn't dare ask. "You were throwing rocks at me in childhood."

The farmer scratched his head, nervous about Historia's advance.

"I won't tell anyone. And I will forgive you." She continued. "But in exchange, I will ask for a favor from you."

Eren watched their interaction closely. The deal was done, and he had to leave now.

The titan shifter went to his horse, which already was ready for the trip. He mounted and after throwing one last glance at the barn, he finally set off to the capital.

His heart was breaking, for he left his lover alone, but he had no choice. He had to save her and their child. He had to fight. That's what he would do. He would become the enemy of humanity, he would kill, he would betray. All for them. All for their freedom.

The end