Thx for all the reviews. I see that some of you were upset because of Ultear's pregnancy. I had put it as it was important for the plot because every one forgave her for her treacherous action because of that and yes it was Jellal's Child with whom she was pregnant which would again serve as another important plot point in the story. Don't worry, it won't affect Jerza in the story; but rather stimulate it and gives it more interesting development.
Pls do R/R more and do let me know what you think of the chapter.
Doranbolt unwaveringly put his stride forward not caring for the contempt in the eyes of the onlookers. His each stride reflected his conviction and willpower. Though he was not trained in swords, he was not afraid of it as he always firmly believed that the power of word is far greater than that of sword. Standing before the King of Frostia, he was hence unfazed and was concerned only about getting his deal done. Being a diplomat known for his wits, he anticipated one-step ahead, the moves of his opponents and planned his in accordance with that.
He was lean and was of average height with black hair which extended up to his shoulders with messy strands covering his fore-head and a small goatee covering his mouth. He had emerald eyes with side-burns and three distinctive scars on his face. He wore a dark blue jacket over a light blue shirt with a white cape having the Empire insignia on it.
His adaptive capability, straight-forwardness and unwavering loyalty was what made him Jellal's favorite. Jellal had to face many obstacles when he decided to make Doranbolt his Prime Minister from different quarters as he was just an ordinary bureaucrat then. But Jellal's eye to spot talent was flawless and never ever had he had a chance to feel regretful about it as Doranbolt exceeded Jellal's expectations and became a truly loyal follower still caring to point out to Jellal the flaws in his administration. He was never a flatterer too which was much to Jellal's liking as he always disliked flatterers.
"The amount that you've brought is devoid of interest. So, we aren't calling back our forces," commanded King Zero who was a tall, pale, well-built middle-aged man with silvery hair. He was wearing a dark green military outfit.
"How much more do you need? " Doranbolt asked calmly.
"You had brought 5 million Gran(common currency). You have to bring 1.5 million more as interest." Zero smirked.
"I don't think the deal is worth it considering that I had met your daughter Princess Yukino before coming here. As soon as her marriage takes place with Prince Sting which I think is about to take place in a week, she will be the legal heiress to the throne and she can put you in prison and merge Frostia with Fiore. This just means that we have to survive your onslaught for a week which is not a big deal considering we have specialists like Clive, Stinger, Neekis, Laxus, Silver Fullbuster, Warrod Seiken and above all our King Jellal Fernandez along with our iconic Dragon legion lead by the legend Igneel Dragneel." Doranbolt lied smoothly carefully concealing the needful.
Zero gritted his teeth; but was not the one to fall for such cheap tricks. He said. "Really? Hasn't Red Scroll been released in your country? You may have the Generals but you lack the force to back-up their skills and in a war, numbers outweigh skills."
"Our far-sighted Lord had overseen the treacherous moves of nobles and assembled General Public under the banner of Clive and Fullbuster, if you don't know. So, don't try to scare me with your big words." Doranbolt maintained his cool.
"Oh! Oh! Then I'm doomed." Zero laughed maliciously. "What if we are holding you under custody and working out the deal? I'm sure that King Jellal wouldn't want to lose his shrewd loyal dog."
"I am ready to sacrifice my life readily for Highness. Even if you kill me here, hundreds like me will awaken to serve him. But be assured. I will make sure to spoil your so-called ambition before my exit." Doranbolt seemed unfazed.
"Guards, arrest this fox and send a dove messenger to the ship at the port which has King Jellal in disguise stating that we'll kill his dog if he doesn't pay our interest before evening." Zero roared.
Guards bowed and took Doranbolt under custody and lead him out of Zero's chambers.
"How did your majesty know that their King was alive and if your majesty knew that their King was alive and was there at the port, why didn't you send the army to capture him alive?" asked a skinny short person who was bald and middle-aged.
"Klodoa, I have my sources. I have to capture him alive to satiate my grudge thirteen years back with his mother. Moreover, it was always my dream to annex Fiore and he was the biggest obstacle." Zero's cryptic words echoed in Klodoa's ears which took him thirteen years back in a flash of a second.
Hours passed quickly and soon it was evening. Neither were there any signs of Jellal nor his associates. Zero grew impatient and summoned his soldiers.
"We will start our invasion of provinces of Fiore from tomorrow. Flog thoroughly that fox of theirs and throw him in a corner."
The black commandos obeyed immediately and started flogging him thoroughly. The cuts and gashes from which the red fluid oozed out of Doranbolt's body was not even enough to alter a bit of his spirit.
Just then, a messenger came, bowed and said, "Your majesty, we had been played at. The Prime Minister Klodoa has asked to inform you that our treasury is missing. Somebody stole it from our safe-house. We doubt that it is them as their ship is missing from the port."
Zero's face turned ghastly and it seemed like every ounce of blood in his body had been vaporized. He went close to the messenger and held his collar firmly within his strong arms.
"What the hell are you talking of? How does he know about the location of the treasury? Even Yukino doesn't know about it. It's hidden in the underground cavern in the Shrine and the elite guards who are guarding it are the best in our country. Then, how come? Wait, did Klodoa….. Did he betray me?" He mumbled like a lunatic. He lost interest in everything; so he gestured the messenger to go and retired to his chambers.
After an hour and half, Klodoa came back and entered Zero's chamber. Zero asked him about the condition of the treasury to which Klodoa replied it is safe and he had never sent a messenger. He put a hand in his coat pocket and found a letter.
"Zero,
Thanks for being such an idiot. Your treasury is under my custody. The treasury chest that I had sent with Doranbolt contains just fake gold. Whatever Doranbolt did was to buy me time to extract your treasury. How does it feel like to be a Ruler without money? Pretty exhilarating, isn't it? Don't ever underestimate me or my forces. We are experts in snatching the hare from the clutches of a wolf. I will use your own money to build my forces against you and your cronies. See you until then.
Jellal Fernandez."
"Guards execute that Doranbolt, immediately." Zero yelled at the top of his voice.
"Your majesty, he is missing. " The guards replied nervously.
"How could he when he couldn't even walk? " Zero could not help but sit on his chair with his hands on the top of his head. "Surely, Jellal is the devil incarnate. He was that messenger, wasn't he, Klodoa?" He stammered.
"No, your majesty. That messenger was Gray Fullbuster. King Jellal was disguised as the black commando soldier who was guarding Doranbolt." One of the soldiers spoke while handing over the paper which was left in the location where they tied up Doranbolt. It was written clearly in that paper about how Jellal out-smarted Zero.
Zero could not help but curse his foolishness and over-confidence for underestimating a formidable foe.
Next Night, the forest near the Castle
She alighted from the horse gently and tied it up. The night was indeed dark and it was difficult to find someone hidden amongst the trees.
Suddenly, she was pulled from back into a tight hug by a pair of strong arms. She tried to fight back but the grip was stronger. It was then that she realized the familiar smell.
"So, how are things going on, in the castle, sweet-heart?" He asked while giving a peck on her fore-head.
"I had a talk with Queen two days before. She is shameful for her actions. I think your Highness should meet and reconcile with her." She said softly though her words pained her.
"Reconcile? That word sounds odd from your mouth, Erza. Weren't you the one who always insisted to fight for your pride?" He said while kissing her nape.
Though it tickled her and sent chills through her spine, she chose to maintain her façade.
"I'm guilty along with you, highness for her actions. We shouldn't have done that in the first place behind her back. We have sinned so deliberately." Tears trickled down her eyes.
He wiped her tears with his thumb and said. "We haven't done anything wrong. I have the legal right to be with any woman I please which she knows very well. Still, I haven't chosen that path. But you…. you are a bit different Scarlet. I tried a thousand times to get you out of my head but still can't. You make me addicted in every sense"
"But as you say, I do realize that we too were on the wrong side. After all, I cannot forgo a loyal ally like Fullbuster for the sake of my selfish romance as my love could only bring solace to me whereas the alliance could bring solace to millions."
"Then I guess, this is where we part." She shuddered.
He pulled her close to his chest and passionately kissed her lips. She closed her eyes and granted him entrance. They savored their pleasure and pain for a short moment and then separated.
"You will always be my closest friend from now on, Scarlet." He wiped his tears and said inwardly."Don't give in to your passion, Jellal. Whenever you unwound it, you landed someone in peril. First it was Simon, then Natsu and finally Laxus. Forget that you are even a human. You are not granted the privilege to love as you are the savior of millions. So control your passion and protect your people. That is your destiny, Jellal."
As if knowing his mind, she said in her strong voice. "Your Highness, you are the ruler of millions. You should not let your passion make you blind. You are holding their destiny in your hands, my Lord. It is time for you to awake from your dreams, gaze around and face the world. Chuck your pain and save them, Lord. Only you can save them from the pain they are in. Just think that we were never meant to be together."
She knelt down with tears, holding Benisakura in her hand. "But every drop of blood flowing through my veins will be for your sake and I will always be your shadow and defend you with my life."
He felt a bit comforted and smiled at her. "That was quite a show, Scarlet. I swear by my sword Altairis, that as your Lord, I will never let you cry and protect you with my life. I promise that I will devote my entire life for my people rather than my own and never let my passion rule me."
"You aren't bad either, my King." She grinned.
"So my Master and his disciple helped you to solve the crisis with Tenrou?" He asked changing the topic.
She nodded. "The only worry is that he is a creep. By the way, my Lord, isn't it time for you to return to Castle? They are planning Prince Sting's coronation thinking that you are dead."
"So, you didn't know about it? About Sting's betrayal?"
She was shocked. "Why would he do so? I thought both of your siblings loved you more than anything. And if it is true, the situation is grave as Princess Lucy is now staying with him. Who knows what he had done to her? "
Jellal looked thoughtful but then said pleasantly. "Oh! I'll be least worried about Lucy. There is always someone watching her from the shadows and he will guard her with his life."
"Natsu? Is he capable of that?"
Jellal nodded. " Never underestimate the adopted son of Igneel. Moreover, he is the prophesied youth born to save the country from evil."
"How….How did you know it?"
"Before his appointment as the Governor of Magnolia, Igneel met me and told me everything that he knew about Natsu before making me promise to induct him in the army. That pendant in his neck- that is the mark of him being the prophesied youth."
"But what does it stand for?" She asked eagerly.
"Even, I'm not clear about that. So let's leave it at that. Erza, be careful of Mard. He resents me a lot and his hatred for me could even land you in trouble. But one thing that I'm sure of is, he will never go against Master's will. So as long as Master is alive, we can be safely thinking that we'd be safe."
"What about your deal with Frostia?"
"Zero will never dare to cross our border. But things might change once Sting marries Yukino and become the heir which he would do only after coronation."
"So, are you going to be the Challenger for the upcoming Coronation?" She was curious.
"A King can't be a challenger. Only gladiators will fight and I have pretty much decided who is going to pick up the sword for me and you'll soon know it when the time comes."
Lucy's Chambers
Lucy was soundly asleep in her bed and she suddenly woke up when she heard someone slamming her window. She opened it only for Natsu to peep in so quickly.
"How did you avoid detection and reach here?"
Natsu gave a toothy grin. "Don't under-estimate the power of a jungle-boy. Lucy, I promised His Highness that I will protect you with my life. So here I am doing my duty."
Lucy was impressed. "You are indeed a valiant Knight. By the way, Natsu can you help me to save Laxus? I heard from Evergreen that he was imprisoned in the dungeon."
Natsu took her palm and kissed it making her blush and said. "Your wish is my command, Lucy."
She went inside and changed her costume to that of an ordinary maid. Immediately as they stepped out, they met Cobra and Azuma who were in disguise.
"We were covertly guarding your ladyship according to the orders of Highness. We heard what both of you have said and we are here to assist you in your mission along with Pantherlily. We will commence our mission tomorrow night after our Lordship's meeting with the Generals."
Lucy thought for a while and nodded in approval and went inside her chamber with Natsu. Deep inside she knew how painful Jellal would be after Sting's betrayal. Reconciliation between them is now not at all possible. What to do to unite them as before?
Natsu put his hand on her shoulder and said. "Be brave, Lucy. We will be the hands of His Highness and protect him from all dangers as we know he is fighting for his people."
Lucy smiled and said. "I wonder how an idiot gained such superficial knowledge."
Surely, Natsu had made her too much light-headed and relaxed. She thought how fortunate was she to meet Natsu on that fateful day.
Mard Geer's Chambers
Mard Geer was upset the whole day. How dare the King of Frostia defy him and retreat his forces? First, he had to withdraw his men who posed as Tenrou soldiers because of his master and now Frostia? It seems that Jellal has got the Goddess of Fortune on his side. Or else, how would have Laxus come into play that day? Anyway I need to be really careful while planning my next move, thought he as he could not afford failures. First of all, if Yukino and Sting's marriage take place, then Jellal could do nothing as Yukino is nothing more than Sting's slave.
At that moment, a lady clad in blue entered his chambers.
"Juvia Lockser, at your service my lord. What can I do for you?" She bowed and asked politely.
"Aren't you the one engaged to Gray Fullbuster? Does he even know that you are an assassin?"
"We, the Locksers are forbidden to reveal our identity to even our husbands. We work based on contracts. I swear upon the name of Lockser, that I will kill anyone for you if I have a contract with you."
"Even if it is the King with whom you have strong ties of loyalty?" Mard asked curiously.
"We value loyalty in contracts above anything; even above family and bonds. That is our tradition as assassins." Juvia said commandingly.
Mard was taken aback. What is with me meeting strong ladies in each of these days? Guess I have developed an affinity for them. They are being attracted to me like iron filings towards a magnet. I'd love to fight one to get the maximum stimulation of my life.
"Well, then, I have a job for you." He handed over her the job details in a scroll which she read and replied.
"Be assured. I have taken up your contract as I also have a strong grudge towards that person." Juvia wiped her mouth, bowed and departed from the room.
Underground Castle Dungeon
"Laxus Dreyar, I'm asking you for the third time. Are you going to fight as my gladiator or not? If you do so, I will liberate your fiancée' and family and will restore back your position if you kill him. Was there any use in you trying to save him? He fled with his life and did not even come for your rescue." Sting spoke with contempt.
"You are the one to talk, Sting. Be careful with the words you use or one day you'll bite your own tongue. As for being the Gladiator, I have told my answer once. It won't change at all. You can try blackmailing me with whatever you like." Laxus spoke nonchalantly though both his hands and legs were chained to his bed.
"What if I violate her in front of you? " Sting scoffed.
"I'm a man of honor, Sting. I will shield and protect her with my life. You can be assured of this. Rufus will be paying back for whatever he has done as soon as I come out of this hell-hole."
"You think you can get out of here despite the heavy patrol. I'm sure that you'd be disappointed; so I prefer you to refrain from such foolish notions." Sting hissed.
"I had thought of you as the submissive type who is just good enough to gloat other's victories; but it seems that you were indeed pretty hot-headed." Laxus mocked.
Sting became so nasty that he thrashed Laxus thoroughly; but still he wasn't able to shed a single tear from his face.
"Are you mocking a warrior, Sting? If you carry the same royal blood as me, meet me singularly in field. Then I'll show you what men really are." He said with a smile curling his lips.
Sting marched off the dungeon with Rufus with cold disdain. "Execute him Rufus as soon as the coronation is over and also be sure to humiliate him before Public."
"As your wish, your majesty." Rufus smirked and went along with the Prince.
Entrance of the Forest near Castle Mercurius
The two youngsters who stood at the entrance of the forests waiting for their master were highly impatient.
"Don't you think it had been a while since he went?" asked Gajeel while taking a deep drag from his weed.
"Gajeel Redfox, use respect when you address his Highness. For God's sake, he is the King." Gray pointed his sword to Gajeel's neck.
Gajeel pushed it aside and said, "keep that for yourself." Then he said with a sneer. "Are you not going to meet your 'beloved' sister for worsening the situation? If she had been my wife and done that, I would have cut her into two. Guess that Highness is after all quite soft which is just the opposite of what I've heard of him."
Gray put the sword back in his scabbard and looked down in shame. "For the first time, I agree with you on something. But still, she…. She is my older sister. I'd rather banish her from the Kingdom than execute her as her vile deed soiled the name of every Fullbuster and she deserved to be removed even from family annals."
Interior of Castle Mercurius
It was midnight. The whole of castle had gone to peaceful slumber. Even the air was unusually calm that night. So it was not totally their fault that the guards also felt sleepy and their heads hung droopily from their shoulders.
All of a sudden, a shriek of a woman was heard from the top of the tower which woke all of them and though they were in a daze for a moment, they rushed to the top.
There they found Levy Mcgarden who was trembling from head to toe pointing her hands on to the wall. The torch in her hand had fallen down and the flame had gone off.
The guards went to the pointed direction and observed closely when a sticky fluid fell into one's hand. He smelt it and looked up and got the horror of his life.
Queen Ultear was pinned on to the wall with a stake piercing her chest.
"I saw….. I saw a glimpse of the person doing it." She quivered in fear and burst aloud, "It is….it is…..it is….that lady of King….Scarlet…Lady Erza Scarlet."
"Guards, you have heard the lady. Take Lady Scarlet into custody immediately." The new Captain of Guards, Orga who had just come there ordered.
The guards flocked in massive numbers to Lady Scarlet's chambers and nobody in the chaos noticed Levy exchanging eye-signals with Orga thus proving the existence of one more mole in Jellal's camp.