Chapter 3
Feisty one, aren't you?
Muffled cries could be heard from the small girl, watching the event unfold in front of her. Her hands helplessly covering her mouth. Should she run and get help? No, all three would be dead. But is dying better than watching the scene before her? Levy's eyes darted around for any sign of rescue or weapon to use against the guard. But she couldn't stop her hands from shaking and she was afraid that if she moved, her best friend might pay the ultimate price. She could see the tears run down Lucy's face. Her eyes begging Levy to help. Guilt gnawed at her chest, but her hands were tied either way.
The man above Lucy grunted, his hand rubbing the inside of Lucy's thigh. She could only whimper and yell under the man's hand. Her fingernails clawed into the dirt beneath her, while her other hand tried to push the large man off. She began to kick her feet out from under him, spraying chunks of grass across the clearing. Her eyes widened, an idea running through her head. Lucy opened her mouth as much as she could and chomped down hard on the man's palm.
He yelped in pain, pulling his hand away, but keeping his other hand latched to her throat. "God damnit!"
Fury flashed in his eyes, and Lucy suddenly felt her heart drop in her stomach as he snatched her wrist.
"You stupid girl! Look what you've done!" He squeezed her wrist in anger, pain flaring down her arm as she screwed her eyes shut.
"aGH-" her voice cuts out quickly.
His face reddened in color, pulse quickening as the pressure on her wrist increased rapidly. It felt constricted, tighter and tighter until-
A loud popping noise rang out through the forest, silence following the aftermath.
Levy's head shot up, staring at Lucy in shock. There was brief moment of numbness before she inhaled sharply and began to release an ear-piercing scream. The guard released her wrist, slamming it back down on her mouth. "SHUT IT!" Her mangled wrist dropped to the ground with a wet thump. Her eyes began to roll, tilting on the edge of unconsciousness while soft moans of pain still escaped her lips. Her entire body went limp, all energy sapped from her body and her face was slack.
He continued to go back to undressing the poor girl beneath him. Pulling the scarf off her chest. The material slipping away, Lucy watched it dead panned. Her body felt numb, what else was she to do? She could feel his member at the entrance of her womanhood.
In a split second, a rush of wind moved over the pair and the heavy weight on top of her was removed in an instant. The man was now lying in a crumpled heap a few feet away from both of the women. A large, raspy huff came from above the blonde, her eyes moved ever so slowly towards the sound. Her vision was blurred, only making out a faint streak of pink. She could feel her flaccid body lift off the ground, her limbs dangling beneath her.
"Man, you sure know how to cause me trouble, Princess." Her ears recognized the masculine voice. As her vision cleared, she could see the muscular shape of a man holding her in his arms. His eyes were narrowed, seeming to burn as they glowered at the heap of the guard cast aside on the forest floor. His veins were bulging from his temple, his teeth bared to reveal sharp canines.
Natsu turned his head, shifting Lucy's weight and passing her to someone else's cold arms. Lucy blinked as her surroundings became more apparent, and she watched as Natsu stiffly stormed over to the guard who was attempting to clambour to his feet.
Natsu reached down, seizing the man by his meaty throat and effortlessly lifting him into the air, his legs kicking fruitlessly under him, "Loke, you should know damn well that the Princess is my property. Ever lay another fucking hand on her, and you won't have your fingers." He dropped Loke, his ankle bending at an odd angle, a loud snap echoed through the forest. He screamed in pain, watching Natsu's face form a grin, "That's what you get you worthless piece of shit." He spat on the ground.
He walked back to Gray, pride gleaming in his eyes, his arms reached out for the blonde. Gray's face was lined with questions as he handed Lucy over to him. Natsu passed both him and Erza, turning his head behind him, "Gray, escort the maid to her quarters. And Erza, take care of Loke, make sure he is punished accordingly."
Levy's mind raced with panic, she hurried and grabbed the white scarf off the ground, trying run over to Lucy and Natsu as he walked away with her. Gray stepped out, wrapping a swift arm around her shoulders and halting her quickly.
"Not right now, I have to figure out a way to get you out of trouble." He quickly said before Levy could do anymore else. Her breathing slowed into a normal rhythm. as Gray reassured her. Only for her ears to perk up after hearing a scream behind them.
"Erza, please!" Loke shouted, "I didn't know Natsu wanted her like that! I thought she was to be executed in a few hours! Please, I'm sorry!"
Erza's eyes hardened, as her hand collided against Loke's face. Her voice was ice. "The only one being executed in a few hours is you."
His eyes opened with horror as the blood drained from his face. His voice was caught in the back of his throat. He wanted to plead more, but he knew it wouldn't make a difference. Loke's hair was jerked violently, knowing Erza was dragging him to his doom.
Gray and Levy followed close behind. Levy glanced at the material in her hand, "When we get back, please give this back to Miss Lucy." She asked him. He tilted his head, did she not know it was Natsu's? Either way, he took the scarf and nodded his head, keeping quiet.
Lucy woke with a start, her muscles clenching instinctively before she realized where she was. She felt soft, fluffy blankets surrounding her. She sat up carefully. She notices the feeling of tight bandages wrapping a splint to her damaged wrist. Lucy flexed it, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through her limb. Feeling a heavy weight to her left, she glanced over. Natsu's eyes were staring at her. She leaned back in surprise, gasping quickly.
"Calm down," He sternly said, "I don't plan on hurting you. Just tell me what happened, how the hell did you get outside?"
Lucy's face darkened, her long hair falling into her eyes, "Levy came down and got me out. Once we were out, that, uh, guy pounced on me and well… You know the rest."
"So you're just admitting that you escaped only to get caught by some jackass? Man, I honestly thought he dragged you out there himself." He said, relief in his voice. His shoulders relaxed, he sighed and laid on the many pillows behind him. "I don't plan on having you executed."
"Oh, now you don't plan to kill me?" She replied to him sarcastically. He grunted at her before he tackled her, being wary of her injured arm.
"I don't plan on killing you, but I will do every in my power to get you to marry me." He said with determination in his voice.
"Didn't I tell you before that I don't want to marry you? Why do you want to marry me?" Lucy searched his eyes. He hopped off, sitting down right next to her. Lucy sat up, turning to him in confusion.
Natsu's eyes flicked to her cleavage, still revealed from the rip in her dress. Lucy's cheeks flushed as she hurried to cover it with the blanket.
"No, no, I didn't-" Natsu sputtered, searching for the right words. "It's… I'm sorry I ripped your dress…"
She turned her face away from him, unable to make eye contact. A thick silence hung in the air. Natsu's hand moves towards her, unable to speak. He gulped heavily, feeling the silvia run down his throat. He stopped, retreating his hand back to his side. Natsu opened his mouth, "Lucy… I am truly sorry."
She glanced back to him, his expression soft. Lucy felt her face get hotter, not knowing what to say to the man in front of her. She turned away from him, laying down on the pillows. A sweet soapy smell hit her nostrils, her mind realizing who the scent was from. Tears starting to form in her brown eyes. They silently fell off her face, she clenched the blanket.
"Natsu… please leave. I wish to be alone." Her voice cracked.
Natsu pursed his lips, before deciding against it. She had been through enough, the least he could do was allow her some time to rest. He silently nodded and climbed off the bed, looking at her with a kind expression. He reached out, gingerly grabbing the sheets and tucking them around her small frame. Lucy stayed curled on her side, her injured wrist cradled to her chest. Natsu opened his mouth once more, before shaking his head and taking a seat in a chair beside the bed.
"Sorry, the most space I can give you is letting you lay in bed alone. I'm sorry, I just can't have you running off again." He apologized, "Though, I will have that maid from earlier bring you a nightgown."
Humming could be heard coming from Natsu. The soft tune twinkled in her ears. She slowly felt her tight muscles relax and unwind, easing into the mattress beneath her.
The room door opened with a loud creak, Erza stepped in not realizing the situation before her. "Natsu, Loke has been dealt with. What do you want us to do with the- Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize the princess is in here."
"It's fine, Erza. I had to leave anyways, watch her while I'm gone." He finished as he got up and left the room, closing the door behind him. Erza's armor rattled, and stopped once she sat in the seat Natsu had just been in. She looked to the bed, the girl hadn't moved since she came in. She thought for a moment before opening her mouth.
"I know you had a bad day, Princess. So, I'm sorry for everything that happened. I know apologizing won't bring him back, but I'm here if you need to talk." Lucy only huffed in reply. Erza looked down to the carpet. "He wasn't a good person, you know."
Lucy turned to her quickly, her face heated, "You never even knew him like I did."
Erza narrowed her eyes, "I knew him well enough. We all did. You couldn't possibly be blind to the way he treated his people. Can you honestly look me in the eyes and tell me your father was a good and just ruler?"
Lucy clenched her jaw, pulling her injured wrist closer to her chest. "I can say as much that he cared for his kingdom. There was nothing more, not even his own daughter mattered more than
his kingdom…"
Erza scoffed, "And all the riches that came along with it."
Lucy winced, opening her mouth before closing it and turning away.
"Look, I know you cared for your father and all, but because of him, many people suffered when he was king. Can you honestly deny that?" Erza kept her unwavering eyes on the blonde.
Lucy chewed her lip, unable to respond. A palpable silence hung between them. Just then, the door swung open, Natsu entering with a nightgown draped in his arms. He froze, his eyes darting between Erza and Lucy. Erza stood quickly, giving a nod to Natsu before exiting. Natsu pointed to Erza, pointed at Lucy before shaking his head and shrugging. He placed the gown on the bed carefully.
"I uh, promise not to rip this one." He said awkwardly.
Lucy gave the ghost of a smile, lightening the room instantly. "Ah, you have the decency to not tear off my dress? How thoughtful."
Natsu laughed, "Fiesty one, aren't you?"
Lucy crawled out from under the blankets, her face grimacing at the movement of her wrist. Natsu's expression grew concerned. "How are you feeling?"
Lucy blinked, taken aback before shrugging, "It's slowly getting better. It's just throbbing."
Natsu nodded, wetting his lips, "Ah."
Lucy looked from the nightgown to the king. "Can I get some privacy? You can stand outside the door if you'd like, it's not like I can climb out the window in this state."
Natsu chuckled uneasily, "Right. Sure. I'll be right outside if you need me."
Lucy waited until the door swung shut behind him. She released a long bated breath. It had been awhile since she had been alone. She began to shrug off her dress, trying to ignore the exposure she felt from Loke. She shuddered before lying her dress on the bed. Her splint made it difficult, but she managed to wriggle into the silky attire. It was one of her own, Natsu must've been in her room where he- Lucy flinched, imagining her father's slain body left in her room. Her heart hardened as she crossed her arms, glancing towards the window. Escape was no longer an option in this state.
A soft knock rapped the door. "You finished?"
Lucy sighed, "Yes."
Natsu entered, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. Lucy could only stare, he seemed to be perfectly fine with killing someone. Just how many people has this guy killed? She watched as Natsu sat on the bed, patting his hand against the mattress, signaling for her to come sit next to him. She followed willing, once next to him, she stared into his onyx eyes.
"Natsu…" She whispered, "How many people have you killed?"