Footsteps resounded throughout the empty Sabertooth, seemingly in a hurry. The light green robes of the servant girl dragged along the marble floor behind her, but she did not seem to care. The journey to the main building was relatively short because Sabertooth was empty, save for the two guards stationed at its entrance.

The girl pushed past the large ivory doors and then paused.

"My Lord," she greeted, dropping down into a curtsy. The young man donned in a white robe did not lift his eyes off the scroll he was reading. The servant girl did not mind, already having gotten used to the Prince's personality. She carefully closed the door behind her and walked to the dark haired man.

"My Lord," she repeated, this time in a softer tone.

"What is it?"

"I just received news from the High Palace. His Highness has found out that the Dragon King Acnologia is making moves to stir up a revolt against Tenrou Isle," she said.

The man raised a brow, but did not look up from his readings.

"He just ordered Prince Natsu to go to Alvarez Empire to discuss negotiations with King Acnologia. Before the Second Prince left, His Majesty reminded him to keep in mind his status while he went to Alvarez."

This time the Prince looked up. He set down the scroll in his hand and a nonchalant smile came over his handsome face. He leaned forward and rested his chin on his hand, head tilted up towards his servant girl.

"Of course Father sent Natsu. He is both the God of War and the Ambassador of Tenrou. Who else could take his place? He is the most suited," he drawled. Even as he said this, there was a spark of rage in his eyes, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. He was used to being treated as insignificant. If he did not reside in such a large courtyard, many couldn't even tell he was the eldest prince. His younger brother was more loved and shared most of their father's burdens. He was simply a prince without duties to uphold.

The young woman hesitated, sensing that the Eldest Prince was not in a good mood.

"What is it Frosch? Do not hold anything from me."

Frosch nodded and continued," In addition to Prince Natsu going to Alvarez Empire, Empress Grandeeney has been pushing His Majesty for a suitable marriage for Prince Natsu. She says that he is of marital age ... Prince Rogue, do you think that Empress Grandeeney has good intentions?"

Rogue chuckled and picked up his scroll. "Every step the Empress takes is calculated and advantageous towards her son."

Frosch bit her bottom lip. He was the eldest son, but Empress Grandeeney saw him as an eyesore and neglected him. To her, he was an obstacle to the Second Prince's road to the Tenrou Throne. He did not have the love nor attention that the Second Prince received. Even his courtyard was devoid of life and energy.

"Frosch, brew some tea."

The girl nodded and set the indignant feeling aside. If her prince did not mention it, neither would she.

Natsu descended the palace stairs with a somber expression. He had heard much about Acnologia before. He was the son of the former Dragon King, a cold man with an even colder attitude towards his son. After he died during the Great War, Acnologia was to take over the position of Dragon King. At that point he was not yet an immortal so he had to undertake his immortal trial early before he could ascend to godhood and take over the throne.

It was unclear what transpired during the time he went through his trial, but he was different after he came back from the Mortal Realm in Fiore. He had always been an ambitious man with a dream to unite the continuously chaotic Alvarez. But, when he became the Dragon King, his ambitions went far beyond the borders of the Empire. He wanted to become the ruler of all Four Realms.

Suddenly, next to him, his bodyguard materialized.

"Prince Natsu, you have someone looking for you at your palace," Happy informed. Natsu was about to ask who it could be, but with the annoyed look on Happy's face, it wasn't hard to guess who it was.

Natsu sighed and with a wave of his hand, transported them both back to his palace. Natsu's palace was Fairy Tail, one of the largest areas of the Tenrou Palace. The white, marbled floors gleamed under the natural lights that came in through the floor length windows. His garden was sprawling with greenery and flowers. At every turn there were servants who cleaned and looked after him. His palace was the epitome of luxury.

"Your Highness!" An enthusiastic voice called out. Natsu sighed before turning around with a smile. Immediately, he spotted the white haired woman who was running up to him with as gracefully as she could. Her vibrant white, red, and gold dress billowed outwards like a stream of silk in the wind. On her face was a bright smile and her cheeks were dusted pink.

"Lisanna, how are you?" He asked with a polite smile when she stopped in front of him.

Lisanna was the Princess of Edolas, one of the Four Realms. Natsu had grown up with her and knew her since his early childhood years. The young princess was a vibrant young woman. Never has Natsu seen her without her trademark smile on her face. She loved animals, birds especially, and would always bring Natsu the strangest creatures. Natsu always loved Lisanna and loved spending time with her, but lately she's been getting on his nerves.

Ever since his mother suggested that he was of marrying age, Lisanna has been stopping by his palace nonstop. Everyday she was ready to talk to him, or in most cases, rant for hours while Natsu tried not to fall asleep. He knew that the girl liked him, but he did not return her feelings. He grew up with her and has always loved her as a brother loves their annoying younger sister. He had made this clear to her many times before, but she always chooses to forget.

"Natsu! I just found out that Emperor Igneel is sending you to Alvarez," she said worriedly, grabbing at his arm. Natsu gently took her hand and removed it. He stepped back half a step and smiled reassuringly at her.

"Don't worry about it Lis. It's just a quick talk with King Acnologia, that's all. I'll be back in no time. Why are you here? Shouldn't you be at Edolas?"

He frowned. If this negotiation went south, Edolas would be standing on opposite sides of the conflict. Natsu knew Lisanna and he knew how disconnected she was from her country's politics, both a blessing and a downfall. She'd rather spend her days at his palace and playing with birds. But, as Edolas' Crown Princess, she must place the Realm before her wants.

He sighed.

"Brother is talking about how I should stay in Edolas and find a suitable husband to settle down with, so I ran away," she exclaimed, scowling. She knew her brother meant well, but she did not wish to marry anyone, unless it was the Fire Deity in front of her.

"Lisanna you should go back. I have to set out now, so I won't be sending you off," Natsu said firmly, turning away from the woman.

Happy bowed to the Princess before jogging to catch up to Natsu. "Your Highness, was it wise to just leave like that?"

Natsu shook his head and adjusted the sword by his waist. "She's going to have to accept the fact that I don't love her the way she loves me. It's better to not lead her on."

Happy nodded in understanding. All thoughts of the Princess disappeared when they reached the Northern Gates. Assembled in front of them was Prince Natsu's private army. It was a small force of about 50 men, but each of them were trained personally by Natsu and they were all seasoned warriors. Natsu stopped in front of them and they each dropped to one knee.

"Long live the Second Prince! May you march us into victory!"

Natsu nodded in approval.

"Men, let's move out!"