A/N: This was originally written for Day 8/Final Day (Theme: Justice) of RivaMikaWeek Cycle 6 in January 2016! It is a short chapter compared to the others (Even the prologue), but I hope it's enjoyable nonetheless! Happy 2016 and end of RivaMikaWeek :D

Dulcius Ex Asperis
Rating: T

Summary: A lost prince, a false princess, and the cobwebs of fate that bind an entire kingdom's future. RivaMika.

They ride past street blocks and buildings, weaving through clandestine alleys to avoid the afternoon bustles that would hinder their rush. Soon, their surroundings transition into vast hills, coated with nothing but emerald green.

It is then that Mikasa truly breathes, inhaling that invigorating blend from the endless grassy knolls, the leather tunic worn by her companion, and the musk that appears unique to him. As they undulate together with the horse's rhythmic sprints, she watches the dark strands of his undercut rebound with each cycle, as if they shone with their own spirits embedded within.

Against her arms – and occasionally her bosom, to Mikasa's embarrassment – Levi's torso remains sturdy and well-postured, not losing its bearing no matter how uneven the ride. Though she has always drawn commendation for her skills upon any steed, she gains admiration for the graceful manner with which he adjusts to the creature below them, using evident experience to warrant that both it and her are comfortable throughout this voyage, even if at the cost of his own relief.

As they cross the boundaries of a forest, exchanging vast horizons for views obstructed by countless tree trunks, fond reflections continue to emerge within the young princess' mind, each thought paving a path towards emotions undoubtedly too perilous to explore. Nonetheless, her adventurous nature provokes her to move onward, to remain courageous – and thus Mikasa commences her own ride deep within, seeking the ambiguous sentiments of a certain bandit at the destination.

"Enlighten me, Mikasa," Said bandit suddenly voices, interrupting her reverie as he slows the horse to a leisurely stroll. "What are you doing around these parts again?"

The way he enunciates her name – with complete lack of formality but absolute authenticity – causes her heart to skip a beat. Yet from his inquiry, a more callous realization also arrives.

He does not even know where I come from.

Feeling somewhat disheartened, she mumbles the only retort she has. "You're the one who introduced me to your home."

"That does not answer my question." Lifting a low branch so that it does not strike either of them, Levi uses the opportunity to turn slightly, all the while sending her a dispassionate glance. "Why have you returned?"

Despite understanding the origin of his suspicions, Mikasa still frowns at the doubt in his tone. "Because I have free time…and free will." She underscores her independence – or at least the desire for it - first and foremost. "Besides, I genuinely enjoyed being here, though it was brief."

Levi scoffs. "Glad we entertained you enough."

With no other method to contest his attitude, she delivers a pinch to his stomach, just enough to cause discomfort for not sufficient to distract.

"You know that is not what I meant."

"Tch." He winces at her antics. "Don't get too attached to our ways, Mikasa. One wrong decision, and you may end up like those idiots you had to fight off."

"I have enough acquaintances to keep me 'proper." She pledges, forcing herself to accept the irony that she had intentionally left one such individual behind not long ago.

"The brats you were with last time or the girl from today? Because Lord save you if the previous is the case…" To Mikasa's amusement, her friends seem to have left difficult impressions on the young man. "What is it that you all do, anyway?"

The sudden question catches her off-guard, and the princess realizes that the preparation of a suitable story would have been wise.

"We're…apprentices of different trades right now, that is all." She mutters, somewhat thankful that Levi would not see her flush in that moment.

"I see." To her relief he meddles no further, and the reasoning becomes apparent with his next words, as well as the complete halting of their journey. "Here we are."

Only then does Mikasa finally become fully aware of their environment – an enriched plot of land supporting various trees, bushes, and ferns, with the occasional calls of birds echoing throughout the innumerable fauna. Though bearing little difference from other forests she has traveled through, the fact that she is here with only one other – rather than an entire convoy – still betters the experience hundredfold.

"The herbs Hanji needed grow here?" She asks as Levi hops to the ground from the stirrups.

"Yes, around these parts - though they are scarce." Rather than waiting below to escort her descent with a gentlemanly hand, the bandit only holds the horse steady, permitting her to swing down on her own. And when Mikasa does so successfully, flashing him a crafty grin in the process, he raises an impressed brow before removing some parchments from a side pouch.

"Use these as reference if you must."

Receiving the brownish material, she carefully peruses the inked drawings and handwriting upon them. The painstaking details placed in every sketch and the intricate descriptions go above and beyond her expectations, and out of all whom she has known, Mikasa can only recall Armin being as meticulous. When she finally looks up to convey disbelief, Levi only shrugs.

"Indeed, one should never underestimate Hanji's dedication." He states as if reminding himself. "Come now. Time to search for some violet leaves."

They embark on the quest immediately, separating to investigate two different paths while maintaining tremendously bent postures, for the herb apparently grows close to the ground. As clumps of soil begin to pitilessly stain the hem of her dress, and stray twigs draw tears upon its fabric, Mikasa is relieved that the guise she had changed into can simply be discarded later on. After that time with Armin performing a similar act, Sasha had berated her endlessly for ruining a "perfectly fine petticoat," and she had sworn to not trouble her lady-in-waiting so much again.

At a generous distance from their starting point, Levi's route somehow winds back around hers. When Mikasa attempts to stand and observe his progress, her cheek confronts the sharp end of a branch and nearly endures an unforgiving graze. Though her swift reflexes avert the wound, the encounter reminds her of another matter entirely.

As her companion draws close, she clears her throat before posing the curiosity. "Your scar - how did you receive it?"

The question prompts Levi to halt mid-step, and suspicion returns momentarily to his eyes before it dissipates. "No idea. Auruo and Erd found me as a baby with a fresh wound on my face."

"If it is really the same as mine, everyone who has examined it agrees that the cut was only meant for creating the scar, and not due to harmful intentions." She brushes gloved fingers along the indented skin beneath her right eye, unsure of why she had given such reassurances.

One of the young man's hands twitch, as if tempted to emulate her action, but he extends it downward to nudge aside undergrowth instead. "I've never thought much about it." He states with indifference. "But whatever the circumstances may be, your incident was likely under quite different ones from mine."

"Mm…perhaps." Having been thwarted from further conversation on the topic, Mikasa grudgingly returns to her search, only to center on a familiar sight partially concealed under a shrub. "Oh look! This is it, is it not? Violet leaf?"

At the exclamation, Levi quickly heads over. When his eyes also land on the unmistakably heart-shaped pieces of green, accompanied by purple-and-white bulbs that have yet to blossom, he nods with approval.

"Huh. You do have a good eye."

The compliment proves hard-earned, yet satisfying, and she relishes the victory for a second before recalling the mission at hand. "I presume you have a dagger?"

He reaches for his side pouch again. "Here-"

The flutter of birdwings abruptly sounds around them, followed by a dead silence as Levi enters into a standstill.

Mikasa watches the unusual scene in bewilderment, uncertain as to the source of his tension. In her own caution, however, she lowers her voice.

"Levi, what is-mmph!"

With nearly inhumane agility and strength, the bandit captures her in a tight embrace, placing a firm hand over her mouth before forcing them both into a dive. His own back placates the rough landing first, and the momentum instigates chaotic rolls through the bottom sections of some young shrubbery, not slowing until the two of them settle at the other side. Above their new location, the cascading leaves of a willow serve as natural ceiling and camouflage, but the main shelter over Mikasa herself is none other than the stout figure that stood next to her only moments ago.

It is as if an invisible seal has been applied to the entire length of their bodies, for he is now flush against her – chest-to-chest, stomach-to-stomach, and nearly face-to-face. A single trousered leg now rests securely between hers, while an arm secures their mutual position at the small of her back. His breaths are somewhat labored as he stares downward at her, but neither his darkened pupils nor his muteness provide explanation as to their current circumstances.

With her mouth still covered, Mikasa uses an alarmed gaze to question and protest.

"Shh." Dipping his head next to her left ear, he whispers at last. "Unfriendly company."

The troubling clarification has no effect at first, for she is hopelessly distracted by the proximity of his lips, but once the words sink in, she nods in comprehension and relaxes her breaths beneath his palm.

They remain still for what seems like an eternity, his exhales tickling her neck and her fingers gripping the leather of his tunic with resolve. Her mind deliberates the propriety of the situation time and again, but every conclusion implores Mikasa to simply stay in place, for the pressure of his weight is strangely comforting rather than suffocating.

Just as that thought transpires for the sixth time, the faint, recurrent sounds of horseshoes knocking against the ground become audible. Unknown riders slowly approach their location from two directions, their strides menacing. Before long, a black horse with dark red reins comes into her view, its presence mostly obstructed by the leaves and shrubbery shielding them. Soon after, a brown one also enters her vantage point from the opposite end.

Levi lifts his head carefully then, gaining just enough elevation to glance at the scene only steps away from them.

Only a brief moment passes before a voice finally speaks.

"Were you followed?"

The question proves brief and without context, while the orator remains veiled by perspective. But to Mikasa's horror, there is no mistaking the unusual inflections that she has heard within her own castle countless times.

Daz Heiniger? Lord Reiss' charge and overseer of night patrols…what is he doing here?

Her heartbeats seem to louden at the recognition, and her anxiety builds at the prospect of each thump actually being detected.

"No, sire." The rider of the brown horse – and one she cannot identify - responds. "I saw a lone steed tethered to a tree many strides ago, but there is no reason for the owner to be all the way along here."

Unfortunately, we have proven him wrong. Mikasa gulps.

"Are all your men ready?"

"Yes, sire. They number little but will be formidable. Thus, we humbly await your orders."

"Very well." Heiniger states placidly. "Prepare to storm the castle three fortnights from now. I will ensure that the west entrance remains unguarded."

The invasive strategy comes as a hostile surprise, and in addition to the thundering in her chest, Mikasa now feels her head begin to throb with building anger. Her intuition, however, delivers the warning that perhaps the worst is yet to come.

"Is our objective still to…"

"To abduct the princess? Yes…an ambitious, but invaluable commission."

The affirmation from Heiniger is cold and distant enough to send a chill down the intended target's spine. Unconsciously, Mikasa's grip tightens upon Levi's clothing, leading him to regard her with perplexed eyes.

Meanwhile, the nameless man chuckles. "As such, we are at your service."

No further words are exchanged, but even as hooves soon rush away in the direction they came in, the impact of the conversation takes its toll on the princess' conscience. A long while later, when Levi finally releases her from his grasp and returns to a sitting position, Mikasa continues to lay upon the soil, unable to wholly process the schemes at hand.

"Mikasa?" Levi's face gradually returns to hover over hers. "Did I hurt you?"

The unexpected concern in his gaze elicits a small bout of impulse, and she finally recovers the ability to hoist herself upward, shaking her head in the process. Though her hair and the back of her dress are rife with a mixture of dirt and leaves, her state of disarray seems trivial.

"Who…who were those people?" She feigns obliviousness with her first words, despite being certain that Levi had already distinguished the inconsistencies of her pulse when he rested atop her.

To her surprise, her companion begins to mindlessly remove the contaminants in her hair, as if taking responsibility for her current condition. "Greedy bastards from the noble class." He explains with disgust. "They often choose these secluded parts for their secret engagements. Of course, they haven't a clue that we've overheard plenty of their horseshit over the years."

She sighs and begins to brush off the bits of soil still attached to her sleeves. "What else…have you heard?"

"All the recent exchanges have been something about the young queen, but I was never attentive to anything particular until today." The eavesdropping bandit pauses. "You heard them as well, no?"

"Yes…that they plan to abduct her." Repeating the deplorable plot, a combination of ire and frustration materializes like a relentless storm, threatening to topple Mikasa's foundations.

"Our future queen apparently has more enemies within her kind than outside of it." Seemingly unaware of her internal struggle, Levi continues his own outlook. "Though considering history, that is no surprise. Power is certainly a dangerous thing to possess, especially in the midst of so many covetous pigs. Not that any of it is my concern…"

She turns to him, astounded by his detachment. "So you will let these 'pigs' carry on with their conspiracies?"

"Tch. What am I supposed to do? Stop them?" He frowns before standing up. "While I personally have nothing against the princess, we bandits have never interfered in political matters."

The young monarch echoes his movements and returns to her feet, eyes blazing in confrontation. "At least report it!"

Astounded by her ferocity, Levi nearly stumbles backward before regaining his foothold. "And who is going to listen? The castle guards? Her highness?" Unwilling to retreat, his entire being ignites with resistance as he hisses. "Granted, I've heard that she is rather capable, but I'm more likely to be executed by her subordinates for spreading dangerous rumors before ever getting a message to her."

Capable. Mikasa's blistering senses subside marginally at the optimistic description. She also sighs again, knowing that his deductions about royal procedures are fairly accurate.

"You should still try, Levi." She suggests before turning away to head back towards their horse. "This could affect the future of the entire kingdom – including everyone in your clan. Like you said, things can become dangerous if the wrong people ascend to power."

"I'm afraid you've mistaken me for someone who cares enough." From behind, his callous words become spears that impale her chest.

"I see. I'll remember that next time, then." Tolerating the painful throbs now plaguing her, Mikasa looks over her shoulder with a disappointed smile. "Shame on me for having misjudged your character so terribly. Now bring me back – because if you won't report it, I shall."

Silence ensues, and unspoken words thicken the earthy air between them. As they stand still, their distance so utterly contrary to the accidental intimacy from earlier, she detects a hint of regret in the young man's expression.

"Why do you bother so much, Mikasa?" Levi finally questions after an eternity. "Why are you so fearless?"

No, Levi, I am actually quite fearful as we speak. Though his inquiry heartens her, she admits the grim truth to herself before voicing another lie. "I just respect the princess immensely."

Somehow, the response proves agreeable, and with a defeated look as well as a few shakes of his head, he begins to pace toward her.

"So who do you suggest that we report this to?" As he passes by, a gloved hand extends with some reluctance, taking hold of Mikasa's and pulling her along. The action avows the emphasis in his words, which pledge to accompany her in doing what is respectable for once - his own reservations notwithstanding.

Rendered aghast by the turn of events, Mikasa feels her entire body flush from the rather affectionate contact. With each step, the undesirable emotions she possessed dissolves little by little, but only when he glances back at her again does she recall his important question.

"…Annie! Annie has…family who may have the proper connections." She exclaims the first name that comes to her fogged mind. "If we request for her to relay the message, I'm certain it will work."

Levi nods. "Then I shall follow your lead."

"Wait." She stops them both, recalling yet another pertinent matter. And though she feels disappointment at the inevitable physical disconnect it would cause, Mikasa decides to remain true to their original task. "Give me your dagger first."

"Huh?"

"The violet leaves."

"What?"

As Mikasa had expected, Annie's reaction to their discovery is nothing short of revulsion. Though they had taken her aside after returning – all while dodging all of Hanji's interrogations regarding their forest experience – the volume of the blonde girl's responses have been resonating far beyond where they currently stand.

Having completed their account, Levi beseeches action, still oblivious to Annie's true nature. "Unless you're able to help alert the right people, the princess may very well become victim to this scheme."

"I told them about your possible links to the castle, Annie." Mikasa interjects, hoping to assist her knight with the false measures. "Shall we hurry and deliver the warning…now?"

Though somewhat staggered, the young woman readapts to her intended role. "O…of course. I'll get the horses."

As Annie departs their conversation, Mikasa breathes a sigh of relief, only to jolt again when she notices Levi's eyes trained on her.

"Wait, must you go right now as well?" A modicum of displeasure hinges on both his expression and tone.

She lowers her eyes, allowing her memories to replay and cherish the moments they shared earlier. "Yes, I must - in case she is not able to convince anyone on her own."

"I see." He murmurs. "Then I wish we could've parted under better circumstances."

"Next time, perhaps – this gives me more reason to return, no?" Despite all the unfortunate developments of the day, the princess retains her optimism. And as she speaks this time, she moves to stand in front of the bandit who inspired a great deal of it. "Thank you again for your hospitality…and patience."

"Mikasa." Levi regards her with some solemnity. "If you happen to get a reward-"

"We will share the lot with you, don't worry."

"I ensure you that is not why I made my decision earlier." He stresses. "And the reward wouldn't be for me."

Recognizing the sincerity in his statements and the altruism he has always possessed for his people, Mikasa feels a surge of audacity overwhelming her. Recalling the position that they had been in on the ground, she succumbs to temptation this time and leans in. Prior to walking away, the princess leaves a peck upon the scar on the bandit's cheek, as well as a single whisper in his ear.

"I know."

As the two young women dash through the fields, not wasting time to enjoy the scenery of dusk as they approach the castle, Annie yells from atop her saddle.

"Are you sure you're alright, Mikasa?"

Already changed back into her disguise of knight apprentice, the young monarch lifts the metal visor concealing her eyes. "A bit rattled, yes, but nothing I can't endure." Within the helmet, her voice is muffled yet confident. "Ironic, perhaps - but it was a wise idea to come out here today after all, no?"

The blonde frowns, vigilant eyes flaring with wrath. "Those bastards…once I get my hands on them…"

"No, Annie." Mikasa orders. "Allow me."

When Daz Heiniger enters the throne room the next morning, Mikasa notes just how disingenuous even most of the man's movements are, from the haughtiness of his gait to the stubborn bow. She cannot help but recall the contrary – in the form of conviction that Levi always appeared to possess.

"Your Highness Mikaela," The voice that has disturbed her greatly since yesterday sounds again. "How may I be of service?"

"Would you care to enlighten me as to where you were yesterday afternoon?" From her higher vantage point and with Annie to her left, she dives directly into the matter at hand, not even bothering to address the unwanted guest.

The probe staggers the man instantly, and Mikasa watches with intrigue as his tongue trips within his mouth. "I—I went to the woods in the north—no, southwest border…for a leisurely hunt."

"A hunt?" She stays expressionless even through the candid accusation. "For me, perhaps?"

Paleness overcomes Heiniger's skin, while his entire stature becomes one of panic. But even when he absorbs the deathlike stares of the two females challenging him, he continues to assume ignorance.

"Yo—your highness? I…I do not follow."

Annie speaks then, haphazardly tossing in his direction the parchments she had easily acquired. "Are these your written orders for this week's nighttime patrols?" She points at the irrefutable evidence. "Quite interesting, Heiniger, how you've distanced all the guards from the west entrance two fortnights from now."

"I…I…" As he staggers backward, beads of sweat begin to trickle down the traitorous man's forehead.

"Who instructed you to kidnap me?" Mikasa questions calmly, aware that her stillness would actually unnerve him further.

"Plea-mercy, your highness! Mercy!" As expected, Heiniger falls to his knees, howling in absolute horror. "I acted alone out of desperation and selfishness…after Lord Sanes' arrest, I became paranoid that Lord Reiss would also lose his fortune, so…"

During his confession, Annie marches down the steps she stood upon, boots triggering intimidating noises with each wrathful stride. Once she arrives at a proper distance for her sword to become functional, she continues the interrogation.

"So Lord Reiss was responsible?"

"No! No…only myself…"

Annie bends slightly, increasing the volume of her voice little by little with her next proclamation. "So you – and you alone - devised this ingenious plan of endangerment and extortion? Both of which bear even harsher disciplines than what Sanes will be facing?"

Heiniger's responses, on the other hand, have been reduced to trembling mutters. "Ye—yee-yes-"

"Lead him to the prisons." Mikasa commands, having seen and heard enough. "The courts shall determine his fate." And we will deal with Reiss along the way.

When other members of the Imperial Guard approach, preparing to lead the imminent detainee to his cell, he rejects compliance by way of rushing towards the throne. "Your highness! Please forgive…"

The appeal does not complete, however, as Annie knocks him unconscious halfway through.

From her throne, the princess watches the assisted departure of the conspirator with a sigh, but once the other young woman ascends to her level again, she releases a small, proud grin.

"And that, Annie, is why you will always be my most trusted knight."

Annie merely scoffs.

"It appears too outrageous of a claim now, Mikasa," She raises an eyebrow as she massages her recently-utilized knuckle. "Considering I will soon be competing with a bandit…if I am not already."

[End of Chapter III]

Chapter IV preview:
Levi: I must find out who she is
Mikasa: He must never find out who I am