The Strongest Princess
Chapter 1
The Thief
Fiore was a magnificent kingdom, set in a world of magic and monsters, of danger and adventure. At the very heart of Fiore was the capitol city, Magnolia, in which the King, Makarov Dreyar lived. The castle known as Fairy Tail was an enormous building, the largest of its kind ever to be built. It was built into the face of an enormous mountain, going up rather than outwards. In the mountain's shadow sat the city itself.
Makarov was a kind and benevolent ruler, though now very advanced in years. His queen had passed away over three decades ago now, due to a condition of the heart. He had one son, who had betrayed the kingdom and been exiled. This left only his grandson, Laxus, as the sole remaining heir to the entire country. Fearing for the stability of the monarchy, Makarov had adopted four orphaned daughters many years ago in their infancy. Three of them were all now twenty years old, and coming of age.
There was Erza, the strong and fiery redhead. Though a kind and generous person, she was a ferocious tactician and warrior, taking a great interest in the kingdom's military. None ever dared cross her, either for love of her or fear of her. She was General to the King's armies. Those who marched under the kingdom's banner swore fealty to her first.
There was Kagura. Where Erza was passionate and talkative, Kagura was silent and passive. She sought her own strength of arms above all else, refusing to allow the monarchy to be looked down upon as weak if the crown would fall to her. Still, despite her strict nature, Kagura had a good heart, just one locked away by past strife. She was leader of the Rune Knights, Magnolia's police force.
There was Minerva. In contrast to her adoptive sisters, Minerva was cruel and brooding, but never in public. Possessing a cold and sharp beauty, she had many admirers and hangers on. It was said though, that she could turn a man to stone at a glance, like a gorgon. She was the head of the kingdom's spies and assassins. Nothing in the kingdom happened without her knowledge.
Then there was the fourth sister, utterly different to first three. They were all like generals, conquerors and warriors. She was not. They were all twenty years old. She was seventeen. They were all tall, busty and strong. She was not.
She was princess Levy.
Levy was exceptionally short in stature, and had an adorable face. She was very gentle, kind and intelligent. Where the others might accept things, Levy questioned, investigated and sought answers. Above all, she loved to read. Where her other siblings – Laxus included – were seen as dependable, she was often overlooked, though she often had insightful comments to make on many subjects to any who would bother to listen.
Unlike the others with their military professions, Levy was in charge of Magnolia's Librariam – a grand repository of books within the castle grounds. It wasn't only her workplace, it was the happiest place in her universe – a fortress to retreat to when all else was too difficult.
In terms of age and ability, Levy was definitely last in line for the throne, but she didn't care. Overall, her life was incredibly happy.
===][===
"You're stupid. Or drunk. Either one makes sense. Possibly both."
"Listen, you Fire-brained asshole, just think about it!" Gajeel slammed his tankard down on the table. The pair occupied a table in a quiet corner of a grimy tavern. The sort of place that ne'er-do-wells hung around when looking for criminal opportunities. "With just one score, we could be set up for life!"
"Yeah, in the sense we'd be hanging from the gallows!" Totomaru spat. "I see the dream, Kurogane, but it's just that; a dream. To sneak into the castle and abscond with treasure… it's impossible. No one could do it. Even ignoring the security, think about all the weight you want to carry with you."
"Ah, but I have a way in and out. Juvia."
Totomaru suddenly looked a little more interested at Gajeel's trump card and leaned forward to talk in an excited hush. "What are you talking about? Juvia went straight, quit this damn life we lead and got herself a new life and a new man."
"You've got the order backwards. She found the man first. A sir Fullbuster, personal guard to Princess Scarlett herself." Totomaru spat beer on the table and looked up at Gajeel as if he were insane. "Look, I ain't stupid and I have no plans to get within arm's reach of that violent ginger. She'd cut my balls of for sure. But the fact is, Juvia went and got a job as a chambermaid to get close to him."
"So what you're saying is; you've got a mole in the castle?"
"I wouldn't say a mole. Juvia's gone all honest, damn her, but she's agreed to help me get a way in for old time's sake. I'm not supposed to – y'know – kill anyone, but she's fine with me taking a few golden baubles that'll get me off the streets for good, gihi!"
Totomaru looked at him for a long moment and then slowly shook his head. "No. No! It's too dangerous! If we're caught, it ain't just death! It's the damn dungeons, then we get hung drawn and quartered the second they're happy they've beaten all the information out of us that they think we have. No, I'd prefer to live my life like this, penis still attached where it goddamn should be."
"Pssh. Pussy."
"Maybe so, but I'm a thief, not a soldier. It's my life to wheedle and hedge to survive. I'll leave the glory to the royal guard. And the idiots."
"Well, be it on your head." Gajeel stood, scraping back his chair as he did so. He turned to leave, grinning back over his shoulder. "This idiot's gonna be rich, Gihi!"
===][===
Inside the castle, the grand dining hall was occupied by a meagre six people. The king, his grandson and his four adoptive daughters. The king at the head of the table, opposite Laxus at the very end. Erza and Kagura sat opposite one another, and Levy sat opposite Minerva.
The princesses were all clad in fine dresses. This was normal attire for Levy and Minerva, but Kagura and Erza usually wore formal wear for their daily work. Erza could change her clothes in moments of course, and Kagura was such a stickler for routine and ceremony that she bothered to go through the laborious redressing for dinner. Erza's was a deep ruby, Minerva's jade green, Kagura's black and Levy's a stunning sapphire.
"It's good soup today," Makarov noted idly as he spooned the concoction into his mouth. "I must remember to ask the chef what this was."
"Um, it's Goose, Daddy," Levy replied. She caught the silent glare from Laxus in the corner of her vision. Even now, he didn't like the girls referring to Makarov by familial titles. He was the only blood relative here. All the princesses kept their old surnames save for Minerva who claimed to have never known it. She alone was 'Princess Dreyar'. "Apparently, he seasoned it with leek and spring onions fresh from the field."
"Why on Earth do you know that?" Minerva asked icily.
"Um… I went down to the kitchen beforehand and asked. I saw Juvia struggling with the ingredients and so I helped her carry them. She told me what they were for on the way."
Makarov chuckled. "That's so like you, dear. Always helping others and asking questions."
"What is the point of having a waiting staff if you're going to help them?" Laxus asked archly, leaning back into his chair. "We pay them to do this job, and they're paid well enough not to require any help from us in return. And to think you even bothered to learn her name."
"You won't get very far with an attitude like that," Erza said calmly, drinking her soup and not looking up.
"Not get very far? Once Gramps kicks the bucket, there'll be no further position for me to hold. I think I'm doing pretty god damn well for myself."
"Please do not speak of such crude things at the dinner table," Kagura requested coldly. "This is a time to speak of more pleasant news. For instance, my order finally brought Aria to justice today."
"Oh wow!" Levy enthused. "Wasn't he the violent criminal…?"
Levy's words were cut off by Minerva. "Aria of the Wind. One of the five remaining criminals from the Phantom institute. A powerful user of wind magic. Alleged crimes include the murder and rape of a dozen citizens. A truly despicable man to bring to justice, sister dearest."
"I expect no less from my dearest Kagura," Makarov agreed. "And I am neither surprised to see you so well clued in, Minerva-chan."
"I shall expedite his interrogation," Kagura replied. "I dearly wish to catch the remaining Phantoms. They worry me."
"I have no doubt that you will succeed," Makarov beamed. "There will always be criminals in the world. Do not think harshly of yourself that you have yet to capture them all!"
Levy understood how well aimed Makarov's words were. Kagura was a perfectionist to an absurd degree. To even have a single criminal loose in Magnolia irked her immensely. Levy knew the pain of even a single book being out of place on her shelves. Those… were the same sort of things, right?
"If we want to drive crime down, we need to set a harsh example," Laxus replied casually. A gentle flicker of lightning played around his hand as he bared his fangs. "Perhaps we should execute him in the town square."
"Laxus, you know how I feel about executions. We are lawmakers, not the arbiters of moral goodness." Makarov looked up disapprovingly. Silence fell as servants came and hurriedly took the empty soup dishes and began to serve the main course, slicing pieces from a great roast hog. Levy always felt a little frustrated by the royal portions – she couldn't do them justice and it felt like a waste.
"Eat up, Levy," Erza said sternly. "How do you expect to grow up big and strong if you don't eat?"
"I-it's not a matter of nutrition…"
"Erza!" Makarov chastised gently. "I will not hear anyone say that any of my children is less than perfect. Not even each other. I don't mind how you five squabble sometimes; it shows how different you all are and it is through those differences that you all see a complete picture. Only one of you will take my crown someday, but never forget the strength of the other four; that will allow you to rule Fiore well."
Even ignoring his blood relation and the unfair fact that he had a penis, Laxus was first in line due to being the eldest. Once Laxus had a child, the line would run right past the four girls entirely. They were essentially back up. Only if something happened to Laxus would any of them become queen.
Levy wondered if anyone else had seen the problem in that situation. As the youngest and least warlike, she knew that she was undeniably last in line and grateful for that fact. But Erza, Kagura and Minerva were all equal in age, strength and standing. If Makarov and Laxus both… disappeared, what would happen?
For the erudite Levy, the fact was simple. All great nations fell. Not from powerful enemies, but from internal strife. Remember that when it comes to toppling a king, a thousand blades at dawn is of equal value to a dagger in the back.
===][===
Night had fallen. The metal railings around the castle grounds were no match for Gajeel, gently bending them to allow his girth to slip through. Crouching on the grass, he tried to remember his position, so that he had a ready-made bolt-hole if he needed to flee quickly.
He sprinted across the grass on the inside, and slipped over to the Librariam wall. He idly considered ransacking it due to how close it was to the fence, but he doubted there was anything valuable inside. No, he needed the castle's great wealth. He paused and pressed into the shadows.
A small woman had just exited the Librariam, shutting the doors and locking them. She wore a floor length cerulean dress that probably cost more money that Gajeel had ever owned. Her light blue hair was short and tied back by a rose ribbon, a little flower decoration upon it. Gajeel was no idiot and instantly recognized Princess McGarden. Geez, she was even shorter than she looked in the pictures!
A brief idea to kidnap her flitted through his mind, but it wasn't worth the hassle. He'd be hunted down by the entire country. Get in, grab gold shit, sell it, live happily ever after. A bit more work now, but infinitely easier in the long run. The princess walked towards the castle, humming to herself in a pretty voice. She carried a large book with her. Geez, she'd been in a library and was taking a book home? What a nerd.
He waited patiently, stalking her from the shadows. She would lead him almost the entire way, but he sprinted of to the right, looking for the servant's entrance, dodging streetlights. The castle grounds were public property during the day, but now they were closed off from the world. To be seen was to be arrested for trespassing. Finally, he found the door. Now to enact his clever plan. On the wall Juvia had marked a jagged line in chalk. To a passer-by it was gibberish, but Gajeel understood it. He shifted his left index finger into a key, following the pattern Juvia had drawn. He stuck it in the lock and he grinned as it turned.
He pushed the door open and headed inside.
===][===
Levy was singing to herself mindlessly as she entered the castle foyer, bidding a good night to the gate guards. As she headed inside, her feet hit the plush red carpet and as she was about to ascend the main staircase she stopped, realising a shadow fell on her. Minerva stood ahead of her on the stairs, flanked by her two personal guards, Sting and Rogue. Each princess had two. Erza had Natsu and Gray, Kagura had Bacchus and Rocker. Jet and Droy, Levy's guards, were by far and away the weakest, and she'd sent them back to their chambers lest they become frustrated waiting for her in the Librariam.
"Good night, sister," Levy said warily. "What reason have you for being up so late?"
"I am called away on business. You see, while some children play with books, adults have to deal with the safety of the kingdom," Minerva sniped airily. Levy swallowed slightly, trying not to let the insult get to her.
"You do a really good job of it," she said instead, seeking to be polite and courteous. "Everyone loves you three for the work you do." Minerva stepped forward and placed a hand on Levy's cheek.
"Tell me, little sister, out of us three, whom do you think is most suitable to be queen?" It was such a dangerous question. To give any answer invited disaster.
"Uh… well… I think you'd all be really great queens! Who could possibly choose?" Levy took a bold step. "I mean, you think I'd be a great queen too, right?"
Minerva snatched Levy's hair, painfully tilting her head back. She leaned down, anger clear over her vulpine features. "Never compare us again. You are an insignificant maggot compared to a goddess."
"Y-yes, sister," Levy croaked. As quickly as the moment had come, it was over and Minerva released her.
"I will admit to my other sisters being brilliant, though. Just remember runt, when the time comes choose wisely whose side you are on. Father is a very old man, and as for Laxus, anyone can have an accident. For instance, you're dreadfully accident-prone. All those time you've walked into doors or fallen down the stairs…"
"Yes sister, I am very clumsy," Levy replied thinly, clutching her book in an effort not to shake. "It's a shame, for whenever you're not around, my accidents seem to vanish."
"I suppose I can't blame a miserable peasant such as yourself for being weak-kneed in my presence," Minerva replied easily, laughing shrilly. She pushed past Levy to exit the castle, her two lapdogs in toe. If Levy was sure of anything in this world, it was that she didn't want Minerva to become queen.
===][===
Levy continued on up the stairs. A simple fact of such a large castle was that getting anywhere was quite a trip. It was just a fact of life for Levy. She dearly wished to keep reading the book that she was holding, a most interesting autobiography of an ancient figure of Fioran lore.
Levy's steps arrested. The configuration of the castle was such that all of the bedrooms for the royalty had the outside corridor flanked by the two rooms of their guards, so that they were always on hand in an emergency.
Jet and Droy were in the corridor, sprawling. They looked like they'd been beaten mercilessly. But as scary as that was, the thing that made Levy tremble was that her bedroom door was open and she could hear the sounds of someone inside, throwing items around and cursing loudly.
Perhaps it was dreadfully naïve, but Levy stepped forwards. She was a princess. She wasn't used to the idea of people opposing her or defying her. Outside of her family, her every word was to be obeyed instantly. The idea of someone being in her room violated every sense of normalcy she possessed. She pushed open the oaken door, the familiar mess of her room now much worse.
In the corner, a man stood at the sound of the door opening, long raven hair spilling down his back. Piercings adorn his ears, brow, nose and chin to an absurd degree. As he turned Levy felt his crimson eyes come to bear, like a cornered wild animal.
That's when he lunged.
Well hello there. I embark upon my newest tale, and any familiar with my writing have probably seen the immediate similarity to 'the Iron Knight'. This tale seeks to flip that one on its head to a degree, with Levy being the wealthy dignitary and Gajeel the penniless rogue.
I very much enjoyed writing this and I hope that you have enjoyed reading this first chapter. I will endeavour to upload once a week as I can.