Author's Note: Hello everyone! I am so, so sorry for this update! I gotten off work yesterday at 9am and well...running on 36 hours straight with now sleep with work and family obligations, I typed as quickly as I could in my spare time. It seems I go to work to take care of children, to come home to take care of family, and now helped out a friend take care of her baby. But my hard work paid off between the naps of helping the baby and taking care of other family members! So here is the fruits of my labor of love for you all! To make up for not posting yesterday, I took extra care to make this extra long and hopefully you will love it as much as I did writing it.
The reviews I have gotten for the past chapter was completely overwhelming! Believe it or not, you all made me cry from gratefulness! You have absolutely no inkling how much those words mean the world to me; especially after heart breaking days I have had at work with hearing stories of horrible people doing horrible things to children. This is the most single handedly thing that keeps me going and keeps me looking forward to writing as I go. Everyone, your reviews and the positive feedback on the story I have written so far have honestly given me the strength to work even that much harder. I do not take anything I have been given for granted and I promise I will write as long as you all enjoy it. I am just humbled by the feedback and by those who are more than willing to read what world I see when I go into it. I hope you continue to stay with me on this journey because I am far from over. To give you an idea; I am shooting for about 55 chapters or so and as I said before I will try to post every Sunday or Monday. Anyway enough of my blubbering...it has been a long week and reading those reviews make it that much more meaningful. Thank you all. Thank you all with every fiber of my being. I cannot repay all the kindness you have given, but I am certainly going to try.
The song I listened to while writing it is entitled "I Was Made For Loving You" by Tori Kelly featuring Ed Sheeran. The lyrics really go with the situations I put the characters in and I do hope you will give it a listen while reading the chapter. I think you will really get the essence of it. So without further adu, please enjoy the chapter!
Stranger's Hand Clutched In Mine
~Chapter Four~
~Natsu Dragneel~
With little Wendy by his side, Natsu held onto her hands as he walked with her on his shoulders the remainder of the home coming parade back to his home; the royal palace where him and his brother lived. Wendy waved at the cheering citizens. Her smile bright and laugh ringing out beautifully. Natsu couldn't help but join in her happiness as he too waved with her. The rest of the walk to the palace wasn't much longer. At the very end of the parade of the returning soldiers home stood Zeref and his protective guard at the top of the palace stairs. He stood there awaiting his brother's return. Seeing Natsu leading, Zeref broke out into a knowing smile. Natsu's warm gaze met his brother's awaiting one and Natsu broke out into one of his infectious grins.
Approaching the bottom of the stairs, he sucked air into his lungs and let out his notorious phrase, "I'M HOME!" Zeref let out a chuckled at his brother's carefree personality. Natsu ascended the steps to greet his awaiting sibling whose face smugly looked at Natsu skipping two steps at a time and little Wendy giggling.
"Hi Zeref!" she greeted sweetly.
"Ah, I see our Wendy somehow escaped her afternoon lessons to go play." Zeref winked. Wendy's bright smile faltered as she gulped.
"Awe, come on bro, have a heart." Natsu brought Wendy down from his shoulders and placed her beside him. "Can you really be mad at that cute little face?" Natsu held Wendy up to Zeref and as if on cue, Wendy's bottom lip pouted out and let her beautiful, deep wooded orbs widen and glisten. Zeref only chuckled.
"It isn't me that you have to convince but our Aunt." Wendy simpering pout quickly turned to a look of horror. "Now, now Wendy. Don't you fret. I have already come up with your alibi, but I wouldn't dare stay here a moment longer. She maybe onto us already. I would quickly head to the rest of your lessons. You will see us tonight at the feast." Zeref winked. Wendy quickly gave a nod of understanding. She turned her body to kiss a smiling Natsu's cheek and hopped down to the ground. She wrapped her arms around Zeref's middle and then quickly headed off quickly towards the direction of where her lessons would be held. With her pigtails trailing behind her, the brothers could only hear her call over her shoulder, "See you tonight!"
The brothers shared a laugh between them. "Is she really in trouble?" Natsu sighed.
"Who do you think suggested it to me to allow Wendy to skip her lessons til after your return?" Zeref spoke with a humorous glint in his eye.
"Hey, Grenadine always has a soft spot for her."
"Agreed. Come, I want to hear how the mission went?" Zeref stepped aside to allow Natsu to walk beside him.
"Well it went well until they decided to pull a fast one on us." Natsu followed Zeref as they headed inside while the doors closed to the cheering crowds behind them. Zeref's personal guard lingered behind the walking pair, but neither paid no mind.
"Pulled a fast one huh?" Zeref asked skeptically while eyeing his hot headed counterpart.
"The same crap; talk business and all of a sudden you got a knife at your neck and explosions as well. Being told you are the problem when they are the one killing their own men. Same crap, different negotiations." Natsu folded his arms growling.
"No one was badly injured?" Natsu tsked at his brother's question.
"Really? Did you seriously just ask that?" What do you take me and my team for? We can handle anything." Natsu rolled his eyes.
"Yes, I suppose so...Regardless, tell me about the aftermath?"
"New leaders' agreed to our terms and took new prisoners that are being processed as we speak. So long story short, mission accomplished?" Natsu grinned and Zeref shook his head.
"See, I know you. Just how much damage was there?
"Wh-What damage? We left the kingdom in perfect condition. Better than...well actually better than we found it!" Natsu adverted his brother's gaze.
"So perhaps when I ask Sting or Rouge the condition, they will tell me what you did?" Zeref raised an eyebrow.
"A-Aye!" Natsu nervously spoke.
"Uh-huh." Zeref replied in a way that clearly one could see he wasn't believing a word his younger brother spoke.
"So, you weren't kidding about the feast were you?" Natsu attempted to chance the subject. Zeref's fond smile deepened.
"Of course Natsu. Since when do we not have a feast when you return?"
"J-Just asking!" Natsu quickly rebuffed.
"Well, actually I have a few things planned so you had better not be late." Zeref began to split off from his brother while they were walking. Zeref veering towards the left instead of the right where they would catch up in one of the many rooms that the pair would talk and relax together.
"Things planned?" Natsu asked quizzically.
"Don't go ruining the fun. Just show up and enjoy the festivities."
"Uh...alright?" Natsu grinned and Zeref continued to head down the left hall. Natsu continued down the hall they were currently on as he headed towards his chambers to get in a quick nap. It had been a rather interesting meeting, but nothing beat his own bed...well aside fishing with Happy. "Speaking of Happy..." Natsu muttered to himself and opened the door to reveal Happy and Carla sitting at the table having a conversation over fish.
"Natsu! You are back!" cried out the blue exceed and flew from his spot on the table to his best friend's chest in a tight embrace. Natsu wrapped his arms around him and smiled down at Happy.
"Told you that I would be back in a few days."
"II will see you tonight at the party Happy. I should get back to Wendy." Carla hopped down from her chair and walked past Natsu and Happy, "It was good to see you return Natsu. Wendy was worried about you." the beautiful female exceed spoke over her shoulder as she made her way back towards Wendy. Happy and Carla were exceeds; a cat looking species that could talk and fly. Exceeds have been companions to dragons well beyond ages ago. Natsu was picked by Happy when he was a small child while Carla was chosen for Wendy by the Queen of the Exceeds-her mother. Exceeds are not partners and companions to dragons, but treasured by those with dragons blood. Gajeel, Sting, and Rouge have their own respective exceeds as well. It is also noted that each exceed looks different. In Happy's case, he is a gorgeous blue with white underbelly. He tends to wear a green sack around his shoulder where he stores fish. Carla tends to take on a more dragon humanoid quality. Carla has a beautiful snow white coat, but she wears royal pink garb and a matching pink ribbon tied in a bow at the end of her tail.
Natsu held onto Happy and scratched behind his ear. "I am glad to see you again partner. Did you hold down the fort while I was gone?" Natsu asked. He closed the entrance to their royal suite after Carla had left. Natsu walked into his messy, familiar chambers as he suddenly felt the urge for a nap.
"I did! Carla and I played a lot with Wendy." Happy chirped. Natsu and Happy on his bed as he crawled in it yawning.
"Good to hear. Missed you pal."
"Me too. Next mission I am coming with you. You always need me there, you can't really function without me." Happy nodded matter-of-factly.
"That's true." Natsu yawned.
"Heh, you taking your nap?"
"Mmmhmm..." Natsu lightly snored. Happy gently patted his best friend on the temple.
"Sleep well Natsu. Don't forget to save me some dream fish." Happy chuckled.
~Sometime Later~
Sometime in the late afternoon near twilight and setting sun flooded Natsu's royal chambers with the hazy, comforting light. The dragon Prince snored lightly with a goofy grin on his face and an trail of drool that puddle on his pillow. He had found himself in a deep, comfortable sleep to which to not wanting to be awaken from. But such as things in life, things don't always go as planned. Happy had returned dressed in royal formal attired and crawled up the bedding to see Natsu sleeping deeply.
"Hey Natsu!" he called to his friend. Natsu did not stir which Happy pouted slightly. "So lazy." He muttered. "OI NATSU! I am gonna eat more food than you at the feast!" Happy attempted to awaken his partner. But like the first attempt, to no avail. A sneaky, mischievous grin spread on the exceed's face. "Gray is here Natsu and he says he won the last battle you had."
"Fuck you Gray! I told you I won that fight you stupid Ice Princess!" Natsu jolted awake and breathed fire angrily.
"Took you long enough to get up. Come on lazy, you're going to be late for your own feast." Happy crossed his paws.
"Can't they celebrate without me?" Natsu pouted.
"Well if you want Gajeel to eat all the food-"
"FUCK THAT!" Natsu found himself out of bed and quickly moving to his closet to gather his evening attire. The dragon Prince wasn't much fond of social gatherings as his brother was, so he would attempt to do the bare minimum to skim by-much like those in his squad.
"At least shower!" Happy called after him.
"Why?" Natsu shrugged.
"Because Zeref wasn't happy like last time." Happy face palmed.
"So?" Natsu gathered his things and headed towards his bath.
'Because Zeref is scary when he is mad..."
"Zeref? Nah, he wouldn't do anything mean to anyone." Natsu spoke through the bathroom door. Happy only shrugged as he heard the running of water starting up.
~Lucy~
Lucy felt it was ages being held in a confinement cell. Sure she was used to this type of life, but it wasn't her cell. Rather, a cell made for high ranking officials. With no windows and a door heavily guarded, there was a spacious bed and refreshments; to which, Lucy would have none of. Given her current predicament and her identity revealed, Lucy had found herself in a less than ideal situation. This 'Zeref' person was sinister. Simply after one conversation, Lucy feared that the man had something dangerous in store for her. He had the two attendants remove her clothing that they had just put on her and put her in something more revealing. A red, two piece outfit that revealed a generous amount of cleavage, shown off her skin and curves, and was much too short as well as tight. Lucy's hair hung freely and a strong collar wrapped around her neck as she was chained to one of the four bed posts by a decent length chain that she could move somewhat freely about. The chain allowed her to move around in the holding cell, but being chained was being chained no matter how one looked at it.
Lucy sat on the bed with her hands fiddling in anxiety. Her mind reeling over the dark man's conversation with her. Lucy got the distinct feeling that this 'Zeref' was more than trouble; that he could hurt anyone...maybe he was the one responsible for her tragic past? After all, Zeref seemed to know everything about her and wanted to harm her in every aspect of her being, and yet, she knew practically nothing about him. How could she defend herself against the man who held all the cards and weapons when only she had his mercy; when it became quite clear he would much rather have her suffering than her relief. Lucy shuddered as she remembered the veiled promise he made. All Lucy had ever done to this man was existed. She didn't know any other reasons to warrant his distain other than that.
Before another troubling thought surfaced to Lucy's rationalized fears, the opening of the cell door drew her attention quickly to it. Her heart dropped at the sight of a very formal looking Zeref with his two personal body guards. Lucy quickly stood and the chain rattled. Zeref looked smugly at Lucy in her new attire. "Well you certainly look as you should you filthy slave." his voice toyed with insults. Lucy couldn't help but flinch back under his disdainful gaze or from the words he delighted to insult her with. Lucy took note of the two guards. A male with wild black hair and cocky grin and a bored looking woman with deep set eyes and white hair. Lucy shifted nervously under their gazes.
"I-I'm sorry, but I don't follow what is happening here..."
"Let me simplify it so even you can grip the concept. You do exactly as I say and I don't kill you. Got it?" Zeref stood before her and played with a strand of hair between his index finger and thumb. Lucy shuddered by the way he spoke. His tone light, but with contempt undertones. Zeref did not like her clearly; Lucy was quickly beginning to find out. "Cuff her. We are late as it is." Zeref stepped back to let his guard do as demanded. Lucy found shackles on her wrists and the tightening of the collar around her neck. Zeref stepped back smirking at Lucy's discomfort. "Yes, this will do nicely."
"Why..." Lucy shamefully kept her eyes on the ground and her voice small.
Zeref chuckled, "It isn't important why. Just know your family are solely responsible for your treatment. You deserve everything that is going to happen." Zeref scoff.
"Please, I don't understand...if I could only-"
"Only what? Know what it is exactly? Do you honestly think knowing will give you a chance to weasel your way out? That you could make me sympathize? Oh you pathetic, foolish girl. Your confusion and desperation only delights me further. I want to see more of confuse, sudden expression. All will be clear soon enough soon enough. Just be stupid and ignorant. Bring her." Zeref cruelly spoke despite his tone. Lucy felt her blood running cold which matched his gaze. The chains were jerked and she stumbled behind the guards while Zeref led the way to the mystery location.
Zeref and his guard never spared a glance at their slave in silk and chains. She might as well have been an animal for how she had been treated. Lucy was made to follow and without verbal protest. They went and stood by two elegant doors. Lucy could hear many voices as well the melody of music coming from beyond their sight. Zeref nodded to his two guards and handed off the chains over to the female. The pair remained stoic as they carried out their unspoken ruler's orders. Zeref slipped pasted the doors to join what Lucy had assumed was a party. She fidgeted slightly and shifted her weight from one foot to the other nervously, 'Why was I brought here?' echoed the question in her mind.
Lucy felt as if she had been in that hall for ages, but as she began to really contemplate how far she could outrun the guards should she get out of these chains, the doors were swung wide open. Momentarily, Lucy was blinded by the light. As her eyes adjusted and refocused, her chains were suddenly pulled making her stumble after the guards. Lucy shuffled behind her two guards as she took in every detail of the room. Her senses were assaulted by delicious smells, beautiful melody of the background band, and the splendor of the ballroom. Hundreds of high ranking officials, important elite citizens, and even royalty from neighboring kingdoms were mingling in their best. Exquisite crystal diamond chandeliers hung overhead and the fine light architecture were the bones and flesh of this attractive ballroom. Lucy took it all in with widen eyes and slightly hanging open mouth; she was just surprised that all this time working in her bleak and bland world that there was something such magnificence right above her.
As the slave Princess was gawking around and being pressed forward, she had an inkling that she was being led towards her destination. It was becoming apparent that the mingling of the prestigious guests began to quiet as they couldn't look away from the striking lady in chains. Lucy returned back to her predicament when she felt the harsh tug on her chains that almost made her trip on her own bare feet. The female guard smirked as they continued their way. Lucy did her best to continue to follow from that point on and became more aware of the stares along with the whispers.
Lucy then spotted the cruel man up ahead through his guards. He was talking with someone while the pair were being surrounded by a circle of the most influential people of the kingdoms. Lucy saw them laughing. King Zeref sipping his drink in hand and looking genuinely kind towards the man he was discussing something humorous with. He looked warm and so inviting; a complete opposite of the impression she had gotten of him earlier when he acted so coldly. Then there was the man he was talking with. He had his back to her, but she could see his body was unperturbed and his arms crossed. His hair was the color of cherry blossoms when she was a small child and could remember her favorite type of flower from the gardens. From his stance, she could decipher that he really was built for fighting. He wore a similar outfit to that of King Zeref; just less formal.
As King Zeref saw his guards approaching with his gift, Lucy saw the return of that cruel smile as their eyes locked. Lucy felt her gut wretch in discouraging gloom. Something about the way he was looking at her made her want to run as far as she could from this room and this place, but most of all him. That ominous look that was intended for at her held a promise for terrible things in store for her future. Noticing the change in King Zeref's appearance, the man whom the king was talking to, turned and saw the striking girl. Lucy's breath was caught in her throat. She saw similar resemblances to Zeref's and this man's features, but that isn't what left her feeble.
The man was handsome. His deep green eyes bore into hers and he looked at her like she was the first star in the sky he had ever seen. For a moment the world became a far off faint noise around them and it was only them in the whole room. But that moment soon ended as Zeref stepped past the handsome man and obscure Lucy's view. The two broke their trance and looked to King Zeref. "Brother, who is this?" the man spoke taking his brother's side.
"This Natsu, is the surprise I was telling you about." Zeref smiled more maliciously directly at Lucy and she felt another sickening chill go through her. Without a word, the two guards, still holding the chains, side stepped and allowed Zeref to encircle the girl. By now there was a bigger audience and the handsome man named Natsu curiously watched his brother's odd behavior. As Zeref circled behind Lucy, she felt a sudden pain behind her back and her knees were assaulted by the man kicking her. She fell down letting out a cry of pain.
"What the hell Zeref!" Natsu shouted. Zeref put up a hand to stop Natsu from taking action. Lucy kept her head lowered. She was so foolish to forget her place as a slave. Forget by being distracted from her surroundings that she was a slave in a very dangerous situation. She had no idea if she would live to see the end of the day-or even the next five minutes in all honesty. The truth stung and with it Lucy felt the tears well up from this fact along with the pain in her back as well her knees.
"What you see before you Natsu is a traitor to our kingdom and more importantly our deceased Father."
"Traitor?" Natsu slowly spoke the word confused. "How can a beautiful girl in chains be a traitor to our Father?"
"Her being alive is the insulting threat Natsu."
"Explain." Natsu narrowed his eyes as the situation wasn't making sense, nor his brother's actions. Lucy dared not to move a single inch from her spot. She felt fist full of her hair yanking her face upwards towards Natsu and her tears fell even more freely. Natsu growled angrily, "Brother!"
"This filthy little vermin had been hiding in the mines for years-thirteen to be exact. She is the daughter of Jude and Layla Heartfilia."
"The lost Princess that Father tried to kill?" Natsu blanched back in astonishment.
"One in the same. Filthy bitch has been hiding beneath our noses this whole time. She had become Father's obsession undoing Natsu." Natsu glared down at Lucy just as unkind as Zeref. Tears wouldn't stop falling from Lucy's orbs, but she did not make one sound. This was it. She was going to die. She was finally going to join her parents in the afterlife. It had been a rough and lonely life; perhaps the next one she will find her happiness once again. Lucy closed her eyes as it was the only thing she could do. She couldn't stomach seeing another unkind glare at her birth title.
"Why are you doing this Brother?" Lucy heard Natsu speak.
"Because she is your reward. We could take your sword and slice her pretty throat, or better yet you can slowly kill her by burning her alive." Zeref chuckled. Lucy trembled from the strain of the way he had her body at the odd angle; the weight down on her knees and the knowledge that they were so casual in discussing how she would be tortured by the presence of the crowd of people listening and watching. She felt so disgraced; so much so that the idea of suicide might be her only means of escaping whatever these two had planned to do.
"She is mine to do with as I wish?" Natsu's cold voice asked.
"Of course." Zeref chuckled.
"Then let her be my bed warmer."
"Well never thought you were into that, but I can see how effective your method is. Make sure you get your fill of her and should you get bored of the pathetic thing, be sure to include me in her disposal."
"Sure, why not." Natsu approached the girl as Zeref released her. Lucy did not have time to resume her slave stance as she felt Natsu's arms throw her on his shoulder. Lucy felt sick to her stomach. This man was going to violate her in unthinkable ways. She had to kill herself before he had the chance to. She would much rather be dead by her own hand than be subjected to a life of that nature. She attempted to struggle with tears falling even more harder now. Natsu tightened his grip on her and slipped out the side exit to not draw any more attention. Even though Lucy weakly struggled, she couldn't find her voice to scream. Once out of ear shot of any guards, the man still kept his grip, but he spoke, "Don't struggle. I am taking you somewhere safe." he whispered only enough so Lucy could hear. Immediately, she stopped flailing and decided to comply; she only prayed he didn't say that to placate her.
"Lucy felt him settle her back down on her feet. He was a good foot taller than her and he was much more handsome closer up. He studied her tear streaked features intensely. His eyebrows furrowed in deliberation and Lucy caught his sandalwood campfire scent. "Are you hungry?" he asked her with the warmth in his tone he had earlier. Lucy felt taken aback. This man held contempt in his eyes only moments ago and made a promise of raping her; suddenly now he made a complete opposite change of being kind to her and showing great concern for her appetite-who was this person?
"P-Please do-don't hurt m-me..." Lucy whimpered.
"I am not going to. I am going to remove your chains and collar, but I want you to come with me. I won't hurt you. I promise." Natsu swore with his straightforward conviction in his tone. Lucy looked at her trembling hands for a moment as she internally debated. Should she trust him? Was this a trap? Natsu stepped closer and removed the chains and collar. He let them hit the floor with a loud clang that echoed throughout the halls. He gently took her hands into his. "You're hands are cold. Here, let me warm them up." Natsu murmured. With his own magic, he laced his fingers with Lucy and heated his hands slightly as to not burn her. Lucy met his stare with her own perplexity.
"Why? Why are you doing this? Why are you being so kind?"
"Why not? You know you are a weirdo right? Usually people say 'thank you' when someone does something nice for them." he smirked back at her. Heat flushed Lucy's cheek and focused her attention back to their intertwined fingers. "Do you trust me?" Natsu quietly asked. After a moment or two, Lucy nodded her head slightly. A authentic smile spread across Natsu's visage and letting go of one of her hands, he turned on his heel and took the lead to taking her somewhere Lucy hoped was safe. True to the attractive man's word, he took her back to his chambers. It was empty as Happy was still at the feast with the others. Natsu led Lucy in and made quick work into taking her into the kitchen to get her some refreshment. Shakily Lucy sat at his dining room table while he brought her leftovers from his lunch. She eyed the meal hungrily. She practically inhaled the simple meal when it was placed before her. Natsu only grinned. "Wow! You sure can eat! We should have an eating competition!"
Lucy paused mid-bite as she realized his words. Gulping her morsel she sat up fully. "F-forgive me, but anything tastes good after a day of no food and been eating gruel most of my life."
"Mostly gruel?"
"It is what we eat as slaves. Pretty vulgar stuff, but it gives us energy I suppose to get our work done."
"You know, I didn't know slaves had it bad here. My Brother is in charge of those matters." Natsu shrugged as he watched her eat normally.
"It's pretty awful, but I guess as slaves there are no rights."
"Hmm...Do you want a bath? your face is pretty ugly from crying." Natsu spoke bluntly. Lucy lowered her gaze. "S-Sorry...uhh I mean..Wait! That came out wrong!" Natsu felt himself panic at seeing the sad look return to her face. For some reason, he wanted to know how she looked smiling. Lucy raised her an eyebrow in confusion, but at least she wasn't wearing that same sad expression to Natsu's relief. "Just...the make-up doesn't suit you..."
"Oh..."
"Hurry up and eat alright?" Natsu stood up abruptly.
"Wh-where are you going?" Lucy suddenly asked.
"To get your bath and room ready?" he replied as if it was the most normal response in the world.
"But you said you were going to...you know..." Lucy trailed off.
"Warm my bed? Well duh, you gotta pre-warm it by adding the warmers under it every night duh." Natsu grinned wider and Lucy felt the world shift.
"Pre-warm...Wait, as in...not sleep with you?" she blurted out.
"Why would you sleep with me? I have a guest room, which I guess is now your room huh?" Lucy felt beyond surprised. Either this man was dense or extremely cleaver. Regardless, Lucy wanted to cry in happiness. She was safe. She would live to see tomorrow. She wasn't going to be tortured or used or humiliated. "Oh no! Stop crying! Come on!" Natsu panicked as tears once again fell unreservedly from Lucy's deep set orbs. He felt his stomach clench awkwardly at the sight of the falling apart girl sitting at his dining room table.
"I-I- am s-so-sorry!" Lucy blubbered. Natsu felt on edge as he had no clue how to make her stop crying and much less of what he did to cause her to start again. The door to the suite burst opened.
"Natsu! Why'd you leave me alone?" cried out the blue furred companion. Happy burst through and came to the sight of the crying girl and an uncomfortable Natsu. "Natsu, why do have a weird girl crying in our home?"
"Uh she belongs to me as my personal servant or something?" Natsu shrugged. "Happy help me calm her or something!" Natsu begged.
"Uhhh hug her? Girls are weird! I know! Offer her your fish!" Happy spoke with unquestionable certainly.
"She isn't a cat; you sure that will work?" Natsu asked franticly.
"Maybe?" Happy shrugged.
"Uh Luigi, you wanna fish or something?" Natsu weakly asked.
"N-no...I...I...am just happy..." Lucy sniffled.
"Hi Happy! I am named Happy too!" Happy climbed the table and pat her head.
"Her name isn't Happy, it's Luigi!" Natsu corrected. "She's Princess of the Hearthorse Kingdom or something."
"P-Princess L-Lucy..." Lucy sniffled and used her napkin to wipe her face.
"Natsu you didn't know her name?"
"You didn't either!" Natsu shouted back.
"May I use your bath...?" Lucy asked softly.
"Aye!" Happy spoke in Natsu's place. After food and a long bath later, Lucy changed into oversize clothes due to that only being available that Natsu could give her. Lucy emerged fresh and renewed from the royal bathroom. She crept down the hall towards the two lowered voices coming from the dining room. She heard Natsu and the blue exceed cat talking in their hushed tones. Lucy had never seen an animal quite like the blue exceed.
"So that is what happened. My Brother looked nuts Happy. He wanted to kill her."
"But she never did anything wrong. It was her parents if I understand. So why does he want her dead?"
"Dunno...better question is why Dad wanted to. She looks like she couldn't hurt anyone."
"Maybe we should ask her?"
"Maybe after a few days. I think she needs to rest-UH HELLO!" Natsu caught sight of Lucy eavesdropping and sat ram rod straight looking guilty and nervous. Lucy jumped slightly at being caught and backing up.
"Don't scare her Natsu!" Happy scolded him.
"I didn't do it on purpose!" Natsu defended.
"Come with me Lucy. I'll show you to your room." Happy floated over to her.
"I really do get my own room?"
"Of course!" he smiled warmly at her.
"O-Okay..." Lucy shyly accepted. Natsu watched Happy disappear with the strange girl towards the second spare room since Happy occupied the first. Natsu used his sensitive hearing to listen in on Happy's conversation with Lucy. He noticed that the girl didn't say much and only agreed in short, one answered responses. There was something intriguing about her and there was only one thing he knew for certain; he wanted to see her smile.
