Hello everyone who is reading this! I'm very glad you clicked on this story and I hope you'll like it's first chapter! This is my second fanfiction, so I'm still a bit new to the concept. Therefore, any suggestions are very welcome.

English is not my native language, so if you see any mistakes concerning grammar, spelling or anything else, please let me know.

DISCAIMER: I do not own Fairy Tail, its characters or storyline in any way possible. I do own my plot and OCs, however.

Now, without further ado: here is chapter 1!

Chapter 1: Quite the adventure

Located in the heart of Port, the capital city of the Kingdom of Hargeon, a building unlike any other in the city stood proud. It was a castle made completely out of massive blocks of gray stone. With four solid and seemingly impenetrable walls, towers from which one could see almost beyond the horizon and countless banners in red and white adorning it, anyone who laid eyes on it would be awestruck and yet intimidated at the sight. The castle was home to the royal family of Hargeon, as it had been for generations now. It was originally built by the ancient predecessors of the current King, and had never once been seized or destroyed, even when the flames of war came awfully close. Therefore, the citizens of Hargeon and especially those of Port, had always had great respect for the castle and those that resided inside. It was their safe haven, something they could always count on in times of need, and they were never disappointed. Even during the years of war from not so long ago, those in need could always find shelter, help and food inside and even though the war had ended now, the King continued this tradition.

Normally, the castle was the epitome of piece, but not today.

"You did WHAT?!" The shout of disbelief and anger could be heard throughout the whole castle, but she didn't care. She was furious to say the least and demanded an explanation. "Please tell me that was just a horrible attempt of a joke."

"I am afraid not, dear," a woman answered and tried to step closer to her in an attempt to calm her down. It was rejected, however, because the girl quickly stepped away from her reach. The woman sighed, seeing that it was no use and said: "Your father has already agreed to the proposal, and you know his decision is final."

"I see," was the simple response, the girl had already understood that any objection would fall on deaf ears. She couldn't help but try, however. "If that's the case, Mother, let me at least talk to Father. Maybe I can convince him that this is not the best course of action." With that said, she walked past her mother and out of the room, her long scarlet hair flowing behind her.

"Erza, I don't think-" Her mother tried to reason with her, but she was already gone.

Erza Scarlet, crown princess of Hargeon, was determent to tell her father exactly how she felt about this plan of his and stormed through the castle towards his study, where he would most likely be at this hour. On her way, servants, guards and nobles alike bowed and greeted her, and though she usually would have smiled back, she paid them no mind. No, she was on a mission and she could not be distracted. Damn, she thought. If only I was wearing my armor instead of this horrible dress. I would have arrived by now. But alas, she was a princess and it was therefore required of her to wear all sorts of formal clothing when she wasn't practicing swordplay or out riding. It is not like I hate dresses, but these are just way to formal to be comfortable.

Ever since Erza was just a small child, her father had let her master the ways of the sword, claiming that she was his only living heir and therefore had to learn to defend herself, even if she wasn't a boy. She was eternally grateful for that. At first, the nobles and other high placed people had disapproved of this, whispering behind her back that is wasn't 'proper' for a lady to indulge herself in these things. Erza, however, had walked with her head high and had eventually earned everyone's respect and acceptance.

She didn't know why, but there was something stirring inside her every time she gripped a sword. She loved the way it made her feel and Erza had promised herself that one day she would be the strongest swords master in all of Hargeon. She would then precede the soldiers in battle and she would show everyone that she was just as good as every man, even if she was born a woman. But for now, I'm still stuck in these dresses...

When she had finally reached her father's study, she knocked on the door. Because even though she was angry, she knew never to disturb her father while he was working.

"Enter," said a masculine voice from the other side of the door. Erza opened the door and walked inside. There she saw her father sitting behind his desk, reading through numerous papers that required his attention. He looked up and smiled when he saw her come in, yet it quickly faded when he saw how angry she was. He sighed and rose form his chair.

"So I take it your mother told you of my decision?" When she didn't respond, he simply continued. "Look, Erza, you know I love you, right? And that I wouldn't do anything to harm you, but this simply has to be done. You know how dire the situation is." He stopped when he saw the hurt in her eyes. The King walked away from his desk and closer to his daughter. The setting sun shone through his bright red hair, making it look as though it was on fire. He put his hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eyes.

"Oh, Erza." He took one hand from her shoulder and cupped her cheek. "I know how hard this must be for you." She shook off his hands and stepped away from him, the anger and pain visible in her eyes.

"Do you?" she said. "Do you know what this feels like? Being betrayed by your own father and traded away like some bargaining piece for you to push around? Having to leave behind everything and everyone you have ever known, all because you ask me to?" Pain now began to fill his eyes as well.

"I'm sorry I have to do this to you. I am. And believe me when I say that, as a father, I do not want to do this, but at the same time; I am a king. And kings have to look after their countries, before they can do anything else. As a king, this is something I have to do, for the sake of our country, even if it is against my will."

"But, father, you are the King of Hargeon. Surelt you can find another way to accomplish this. Maybe you can give them some land. Or gold. Or-"

"ENOUGH!" he interrupted her. "Do you not think I have considered every angle of this? Do you not think I have tried to find another way? It is simply not done. We are royals. We are given privileges and items others can only dream of. But all that power and wealth comes with a price, as does everything in this world. We, too, must sacrifice and your turn has now come." It was now Erza's turn to sigh and she averted her eyes from his gaze.

"I know, father, and I have known it for a long time. But I never imagined it to come so soon. Not like this..." For a second, she looked vulnerable. Then, she regained control of her feelings and straightened her back. She looked into her father's eyes with renewed determination. "If you really think that this would be best for our country and our people, than I will comply. But that doesn't mean I will be happy, I think you have taken care of that." And for the second time that day, she left the room without uttering another word, leaving one of her parents.

This time, however, she took her time heading towards her destination, in an attempt to take it all in. But eventually, Erza arrived at her objective: her quarters. She nodded at the guards, who immediately recognized her and let her in. Let them be here, oh, let them, Erza pleaded in her mind. She was not disappointed, because when she entered her spacious bedroom, they were already there waiting for her. Her ladies. Her best friends. As soon as they saw her come in, they stopped with their previous engagements and walked towards her, their faces a mix of concern and pity.

"Oh, Erza! We heard what happened, how are you holding up?" A girl with long, white hair and blue hair spoke up first.

"I don't know, Mira. It still hasn't quite sunken in yet, I suppose," Erza responded and walked towards her bed. She dropped herself down on her stomach and buried her face in her pillows, trying to hide the tears forming in her eyes. I am barely holding it together! I'm going to miss you all so much when I'm gone... Her friends sat down on the bed beside her. Erza felt two hands running through her hair, it instantly calmed her down.

"Don't worry, Erza. We'll always be there for you," one of the girls said. Erza couldn't see who it was, but she recognized her voice; Lucy.

"Yes! That's right, you can always come to us," a third one piped in. Erza turned around so she could face her friends.

"No, I can't, Levy. You three won't be there. I will be in the Kingdom of Magnolia and you will remain here, in Hargeon. Maybe I won't see you ever again." A small smile crept on their faces. They shared a look and then returned their gazes towards Erza.

"That's not entirely true..." Mirajane said.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, we knew that this was going to be though on you, leaving all of this behind." Lucy took over and spread her arms indicate the meaning of 'this'. "So we talked to your father..., and he said that we could all come with you!"

"Really?! You'd do that for me?" Erza almost couldn't believe her ears.

"Of course!" Levy replied. And Lucy and Mira nodded in agreement.

"But everything you have – everything you know is here!"

"That applies to you too," Mira replied with a shrug. "Besides, it will be an adventure!"

Yeah, an adventure, Erza thought. That, among other things... But despite her negative thoughts, she was glad that her fiends were coming with her. Maybe – just maybe – this won't be as bad as I originally thought. A smile formed on her lips and in a sudden burst of gratitude, Erza put her arms around her friends, pulling them into a hug.

"Thank you," she whispered. They began to laugh.

Yes, together we will get through this. Together we can do anything. Unintentionally, her mind slipped back to her upcoming fate. Still though, I honestly can't believe I am to marry Prince Jellal of Magnolia. Yes, this is going to be quite the adventure indeed.

So that's already the end of the first chapter ,I hope you all liked it! It's short, I know, but I'll try to make next chapters longer.

Please inspire me by leaving a review! It doesn't have to be long, just letting me know that you are reading my story is already enough. Thanks!

Until next chapters (hopefully)

~ t.s.w.w