Chapter 7
Departure
The foursome had a merry meal of talk and laughter. Lucy got to know Zeref and liked him for his wit and knowledge. Natsu got to know Mavis and liked her for her sense of fun and humor. And so, they got along pretty well.
By the time the meal was over, dark clouds had begun to gather in the sky. Mavis bit her lip, worriedly.
"It's going to rain. Natsu, Zeref, you'd better ride back to the palace quickly before it starts to pour."
"Yes, do." Lucy agreed.
"What about you?" Natsu asked.
"I'm sure Mavis can find us some shelter of sorts," Lucy replied.
"No, indeed," Zeref said instantly. "We shall take you home."
"It'll be too much trouble!" Mavis protested.
"Nonsense. What do you say, Natsu?"
"Why not?" Natsu grinned. "C'mon now, girls."
The girls in question relented and followed Natsu and Zeref to where the horses were tied. Natsu moved to help Lucy up on Ember, only to find that she had easily slung herself into the saddle.
"I guess you were right when you said you knew how to ride." Natsu joked, before he got on in front of her himself. He turned to see that Zeref and Mavis were already seated.
"Alright then-lets go," Natsu grinned as he pulled on the reins. Zeref imitated him, and soon, Ember and Mystery were galloping down the hillside at full speed.
Natsu turned for a second to see how Lucy was doing.
His breath hitched.
Her glossy hair had somehow come out of it's updo and was streaming behind her. Her previously pale cheeks were flushed and her eyes wide and starry. There was a wide smile on her face.
Natsu quickly turned again, trying to calm his beating heart.
What the heck?!
Lucy directed them to her house. It was close enough to Star Hill, so they soon reached it. By the time the girls had said their goodbyes and seen them off, a light drizzle had begun.
Natsu and Zeref reached the palace soon enough and just as they stepped into their rooms, the gong for breakfast rang. They hastily changed out of their riding things and dashed down.
Breakfast passed quietly enough, however….
"Another helping, Your Highness?" The maid asked as Natsu finished his first.
"Nah, thanks," Natsu shook his head. "I'm full."
The maid dropped the spoon in shock. Queen Grandine instantly swung around to the butler.
"Call the royal physician please, and-"
"Mother!" Natsu groaned. "I'm just not hungry today, is it really that much of a surprise?!"
"Yes." King Igneel answered for her, a mischievous grin on his face. Natsu shook his head with a groan.
When breakfast was over, Zeref shook his head amusedly at Natsu as they went out and the pinkette in question glared heatedly at him.
Wendy watched them curiously.
Something was up.
"For some reason," Zeref thought as he walked down an empty corridor. "I have a feeling that we haven't seen the last of Lucy…..or Mavis."
(A/N): Of course you won't, Zeref dear. I have a lot of evil plans in store for you guys. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
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Laxusdrayar2324: Thanks a lot! And you'll find out…soon.
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