At eight in the evening, night had fern. Through the narrow, iron-barred skylight of his cell, Zeke gazed at the star-filled sky, glowing faintly lavender.
The night sky is beautiful tonight… I wonder if Paradis Island's sky looks the same.
Lying on the hard cot, he let his thoughts wander.
Reiner and the others would depart for Paradis on March 10—seven days away. That very day, his father would steal the Founding Titan, after the Colossal and Armored destroyed the Walls.
If I can reach the island even one day earlier… I can stop Father from taking the Founder—and survive.
His thoughts broke off at the sound of metal clanging against the door.
"Zeke Yeager! His Majesty summons you!"
Of course.
How could King Marley bear to kill me?
He was not only the "most loyal" warrior, but now the Eldian of royal blood Marley had been hoping for.
The king's men entered, locking his hands in cuffs, then binding his ankles, neck, and even fitting him with a chain.
So this was the price of revealing his bloodline.
The king trusted him less than ever.
Escorted by guards, Zeke was led secretly into the royal chambers.
"Can I still trust you, Zeke?" the King of Marley asked, turning the "evidence" in his hands—the royal necklace taken from Zeke's basement.
"I will always be worthy of Your Majesty's trust." Zeke knelt deeply, bowing his head.
If he weren't bound, perhaps he'd be expected to kiss the king's instep in submission.
Disgusting. That foot probably reeks enough to kill a pig.
For once, he was grateful for the chains keeping him several meters away.
"But how can I trust you again?" the king pressed.
Zeke understood at once.
"Your Majesty, if there is something you require of me—anything at all—I will do it, at any cost."
"Good." The king clapped once. From behind a curtain, a woman in white stepped out.
"Princess Anna?" Zeke blinked, startled.
He remembered her vaguely. Quiet, nearly invisible. That was strange in itself—how could a royal princess be so forgettable?
But then, Anna was no ordinary princess.
Rumor said she had been born when the king, drunk, forced himself on a maid. Cast aside, Anna had grown up in the cold palace, her mother dying in obscurity.
Seeing her here, Zeke felt an unease coil in his gut.
Sure enough, the king declared:
"Zeke, before you depart… I want you to have a child with my daughter."
"What?" Zeke's eyes widened. "A… child?"
So this was the test of loyalty. Not battle, not sacrifice—breeding.
It made sense.
Marley's obsession was clear: control of the Founding Titan. And only royal blood could unlock it.
His mother had once warned him: If my identity is ever exposed, they will force me to have children. Many, many children.
He had thought she meant royal women. He had never imagined they would use men as well.
And yet, here was Anna—offered by her own father.
Her face was unreadable, cold and blank.
Zeke recognized that expression. He had worn it himself, after surviving despair.
So you're being forced too? A Marleyan, ordered to lie with an Eldian.
"What? Do you refuse?" the king asked sharply.
Zeke bowed his head quickly.
"No, Your Majesty… It's only that—Princess Anna is so noble. How could I be worthy of her?"
At that, Anna's brow furrowed briefly, a flicker of disdain crossing her face. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by silence. She, too, was only a pawn.
"What nonsense. You are Marley's Spear, our greatest warrior! You've brought us countless victories. You are the pride of Marley. I had always intended to grant you a princess as a wife—now, I simply move the plan forward."
Hypocrite.
If he truly meant that, why offer him the daughter most despised?
Zeke understood perfectly.
In his former life, he had championed the Euthanasia Plan, and he had never once touched a woman. And now—reborn—his first task was fatherhood.
Rebellion? Or obedience?
He abandoned the question almost at once.
His grandparents were still under Marley's control. His identity had been revealed too suddenly; he hadn't prepared for their safety.
So long as his family were hostages, rebellion was impossible.
If he resisted, even for a moment, suspicion would fall—and disaster would befall them.
Zeke lowered his head.
"I will serve Your Majesty."
The guards removed his chains.
"Good. Enjoy yourself," the king said, patting Zeke's shoulder as he left. "In seven days, you will be on the island."