"You know that wasn't necessary for you to single her out that way, right?" I ask the red-haired female who lounges on a nearby chair with a book of fighting tactics opened on her lap looking quite composed.

Erza's dark eyes look up at me looking a little bothered that I had interrupted her reading. She stares at me impassively, almost as if she did not understand what I was talking about. It doesn't take long for a curling smile to grace her lips while her head tilts slightly to the side in a curious manner.

"My line of work makes it necessary for me to be cautious of those who surround you," she says matter-of-fact, "You are the king of this nation Natsu, and it is my job to make sure that you are always protected. I cannot be lenient to those whom I do not know what their hidden motives may be. Lucille Ashley is no exception to my scrutiny."

Sighing, I know that she is right.

"Well I still say that you shouldn't have caught her off guard by asking her suddenly in front of us," I argue, only to receive a darker look from the older female.

"It is called a surprise attack. You catch people when they are not expecting to be interrogated and leave them squirming to figure out what to say. That's how you catch the liars," she explains indifferently, almost as if she were explaining this to a child.

Chapter 24 - Safe and Sound

POV: Natsu

LOL

You thought we were done?

How could I just leave you with that awful cliffhanger in the last chapter?

Watching her from where she is sitting, I can't help but tap my pen against my desk repeatedly. She looks at me back with that familiar intensity that always spurred on my competitive side. I did not want to be the first to yield, even if I knew that what she said was right.

It wasn't Erza's fault that she didn't trust Lucille. She hadn't come to fully know Lucille, hasn't had the chance to have a proper discussion with the blonde. Her hesitance to trust Lucille came from the fact that Erza did not know who Lucille truly was. Both females only knew each other for a few days which was not long enough to get well acquainted with someone you hardly ever saw or spoke to. Even then I knew deep down that Erza would no doubt get along with Lucille, and that it wouldn't take long for the blonde to feel more comfortable around the red-haired warrior.

Putting down my pen and interlocking my fingers with one another, I think deeply on Erza's words. It was her job to make sure that my safety and the safety of my children came before anything else, but what the red-head did not understand was that I did not want her to scare Lucille away.

"Take the time to get to know her," I say after a long silence, "But don't intimidate her. She'll tell you anything that you want to know with time…"

"Or she can just figure out a good excuse during that time," Erza interjects without losing her cool.

Looking at the defiant red-head, I can't help but sigh deeply from exasperation. She had every right to be cautious, but that didn't mean I had to like it. She didn't understand, after all, why it was that I was defending Lucille so much.

"Erza, you know I trust your judgement, more than anyone else I know," I try to reason without blowing up at her like I usually tend to, "And I know that you're just doing your job by taking care of us and I don't argue for you to find out more on Lucille, but please just don't scare her away. Don't give her an incentive to leave," I plead.

The expression of surprise is not usually common on Erza's face, so seeing it now is a bit strange. Her eyes are wide as they watch me closely, probably calculating my words and their deeper meaning.

"Why do you care," she finally asks after a long pause of uncomfortable silence, "You've never seemed so interested in preventing your previously employed governess' to stay. Why the sudden change of heart?"

Images of Lucille swim through my head one by one, starting from the first day she got here and how her isolated attitude towards everyone has gotten significantly better. Her warmth and kindness has etched itself into every dark corner of this castle giving it life without her even knowing it. Her patience and understanding has brightened my children's lives significantly as well as the lives of the others who lived in the castle. Including my own.

With just one teasing word or inquisitive look she could make anyone smile and laugh without even trying. Talking to her seemed effortless and the way she was appearing to grow more and more comfortable with everyone was refreshing. She was no longer scared to open up to us and the frequent smiles she gave the children and myself left me feeling elated.

Her expressions were always amusing to watch when she thought I wasn't looking. Seeing her face contort from confusion, to silly annoyance, to even bright small smiles were always interesting to witness. My favorite expression to have witnessed would have to be the one from that one night at dinner a few weeks ago, where Mira had accused Lucille of falling in love with Loke Celeste. The image of her burning face and heavy embarrassed breathing was so vivid it almost felt as if it were still happening if I closed my eyes.

The way she assured everyone that she was not enamored with Loke and how she would not be leaving us any time soon was simply awe-inspiring. I was left speechless from her fervent assurance that even my heart skipped a few beats due to her tenacity.

"I said I wouldn't leave," she had said with a determination on her face that seemed so familiar to me, "I… I promised."

"Have you seen the children lately?" I ask Erza as I stand up and move to look out of the nearby window behind my desk, "Have you noticed a change in their attitude since the last time you were here?"

Erza watches me intently, her eyes unblinking as she thinks on my questions, "The last time I saw them was half a year ago," she says without looking away from me, "They were being cared for by a governess that had been recommended from the nearby academy, correct?" she asks as I nod, "She had been hired the day before Jellal and I left."

"She was gone the day after you left," I inform her while receiving a disapproving look from the red-head as I turn around to look at her, "Fired for badmouthing the children just like the governess before her," I say while feeling an ugly taste fill my mouth, "She was replaced a week later by another governess who only lasted a few weeks before she gave up and quit on her own like many before her."

"What are you getting at Natsu?"

"My point is, that the children were not happy. They hated the women we would hire to look after them and they did everything they could to get rid of them as soon as possible. The only time Rose and Happy smiled were when they succeeded in their pranks or when spending limited time with me. They were miserable and I could do nothing to lighten their mood," I explain, feeling that awful taste only intensify with every rotten memory of those previous women, "But that all changed when Lucille got here. She's not like the other women who came before her. She's kind, caring, and dedicates herself to the children almost as much as Mirajane does. She understands them and never speaks hatefully to them. Instead she encourages them to be their own person and scolds them without surpassing her own authority. She is everything they need and that is why I ask that you not scare her away. For the sake of my kid's happiness."

Looking thoughtful, Erza gives me a small knowing smile that doesn't sit too well with me, "The children do seem happier since I last saw them," She answers allowing me to sigh a bit in relief, "But I've also come to notice that you may have become a bit smitten with your new governess," she jokes, her smile only growing wider at the sight of my inflamed face.

Was I?

No, I was just thankful to her. That was all…

Chuckling, Erza stands from her seat and turns to leave, book still in hand, as she says over her shoulder, "You win. I'll go easy on her," leaving me feeling even more at ease, "But be warned, I don't take kindly to people breaking the hearts of my family," she says before disappearing behind the closed door of the library.

Here was a little Natsu chapter for my beautiful little readers who have asked for one of his POVs.

For those of you wondering, I do have a structured outline of how I want the story to progress. Everything I want to put in my story is already listed within my outline as well as a few short ideas listed for future chapters. As for how many chapters this story will actually end with... yeah i'm not too sure myself. Especially since I had originally planned this story to be short when I first started, but that didn't happen.

Anywho, if you all have any more questions, don't be afraid to contact me ^-^

Shout Outs

Great amazing thanks to my Fantastic Favorites...

- louie bear

- JinxTitan

To my Fabulous Followers...

- CherryBlossomFire

- DaughterOfTheGoddessAthena

- Kelaeria

- JinxTitan

And to my Fantabulous Reviewers...

- hi09 = Sorry again for making you wait ages for an update, but I'm glad you liked the chapter either way. I also have to agree that it feels that school makes the days feel as if they are dragging.

- wordsaremyspells1331 = Yes she was discovered! But I hope this chapter answered your previously asked questions regarding Gray and what he plans to do with the knowledge of Lucy's true identity.

- Glass Dragon's Rose = I'm really happy that you are enjoying the new version of my story. I've made it a point to try to deepen it as much as I can so that no detail is left behind. In fact, if you google the meanings of the flowers I use throughout the story, you'll find my hidden little messages that I've purposely placed. Reference to chapter 8.

- DecemberRome = Yes I'm back, and I absolutely love the excitement! I'm sorry I was away for so long, but hopefully it'll be a long while before I do my disappearing act again.

- peacerockgirl123 = yes, the plot thickens

- MagicalFoxInTheWilderness = thank you thank you thank you! Since writing my new version, I realized that I didn't want Lucy to be so isolated anymore. I wanted her to have more allies within the castle and Gray just seemed like a perfect candidate. Anywho, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter!

- Saranau34 = You are actually correct. Juvia may or may not know a little something, but I like the path your mind is taking.

- Kauia = Yes Gray knows who Lucy is. The reason, as stated above, is because Loke basically told him everything. Natsu's and Lucy's falling out does have to do with a fight they had, but it also has to do with Jude. Lucy does feel guilty for what happened between them, and she does feel that the accident that Natsu had which caused him to lose his memories was her fault. Lucy's thought process is dark and she can't find it to forgive herself. She feels guilty for a lot that happened in her life, but that's why the children are there to cheer her up. They're the light in the dark and Lucy has not yet realized that she depends on their happiness to feel happy herself.

- louie bear = Stop it you're going to make me cry. I'm more than honored to hear that I am your favorite author, and no, thank you because you have also made my year complete! I'm overjoyed to hear that my story makes your day. And thank you for being such an awesome person!

- Littlest1 = I hope Lucy's reaction doesn't disappoint.

- Rose (Guest) = Lol I feel you, tho whether it's about Lucy getting caught or me updating idk, but I feel you.

- sarara1.8 = Indeed, the plot thickens.

- geekyglamour413 = this wasn't up fast enough, but at least it didn't take a whole month to be up. Either way I hope you enjoyed it.

Well that's all the shout outs for today.

If you are enjoying my story so far please follow, favorite, and review - remember, reviews are a writers candy - and if you have any questions or ideas you'd like to see put into this story you can also PM me and I'll gladly add it in.

Until next time my lovelies.

Chapter 24.5

POV: Lucy

You thought we were done?

Of course I wouldn't just leave you at a cliffhanger

At least not this time...

My legs feel weak and my arms are shaking with fear. My stomach churns threatening to release the little breakfast I was able to consume this morning. The room is spinning while perspiration builds at the back of my neck making me feel cold and uncomfortable.

"That girl was you, wasn't it?" Gray asks, his eyes staring into my own shocked ones.

I was doomed.

Gray Fullbuster, the best friend of Natsu Dragneel, had figured out my secret and I was now doomed.

What would I do now? Where would I go? He would surely tell everything to Natsu, or worse, he would probably go and reveal everything to Erza unless I could find a way to convince him otherwise. Maybe if I explained my situation to him he could probably help me…

…the only form of family that boy had…

No. It wouldn't work. Gray would most probably not listen to me.

Sliding back down into my chair, I stare at my empty desk with defeated tears threatening to pour out of my eyes. I nod my head with a defeated sigh while my hands continue to quiver in my lap in uncertainty.

"How… How long have you known it was me?" I ask, unable to look up into those dark midnight eyes.

"Since the night of the ball last month," he answers, his voice monotone and rigid. I look up at him not understanding how it was that he could have found out the truth unless… unless he had overheard my conversation with Loke in the astronomy tower.

"Did you-"

"If you're wondering if I overheard your conversation with Loke Celeste in the astronomy tower, the answer is yes," he admits with the same rigid intensity as before, "But I didn't overhear your conversation by chance. I was asked to go there."

Staring at him confused, I ask, "By who?" not understanding who else could have known that I would be in the tower with Loke all by ourselves.

"Natsu wasn't the only friend I made in Magnolia," Gray says casually making me more confused.

What did he mean by that?

Who else could he have connections with back home?

Gray pulls out a letter from the inside of his coat taking extra care for me to see the seal on the envelope. It was of course the familiar seal of the Heartfilia house that my father used to stamp on his letters. The very seal that a certain orange-haired male used in the place of Jude Heartfilia.

"I met Loke when we were younger. Probably around the time that Natsu got adopted by Igneel," Gray explains, his posture looking much more calm, "We've been friends ever since and occasionally meet up with one another from time to time. He is the one who told me to listen to your conversation up in the tower all those weeks ago."

"So you heard it all?"

"Ever last word." I slump back in my seat, my head pounding from this information that I am trying to process, "Loke then explained everything that has happened in your life, and I just wanted to first give my regards about your father," Even with my eyes closed I still feel a few tears slip through and make their way down my face, "Second, I want you to know that you're not alone here. Loke revealed everything to me to help him protect you and I vowed that I would. No one else knows, or will know, of your secret so you can rest easy. Just keep on about your days as you have so far and leave Erza to me."

"But why? Why would you help me even after knowing that I had done something bad in the past to Natsu?" I ask desperately. I just couldn't understand his motives and what could be hidden behind them.

"Because you've made life better for the king and his children since you got here," he answers with a warm smile, "Without you here those three would probably still be stuck in that dark hole they were in." He moves to go while placing the letter back into the pocket inside his coat before asking, "Are you finished with your letter? I can send it out for you so that no one else asks questions."

Pulling my letter out from where I had hidden it, I stare at it before placing it back down on my desk and scribbling at the final line that I knew about Gray. Folding the paper, I stuff it into an envelope before melting a wax stick over the flame of a candle before letting the wax drip onto the letter in an uneven circle. Before the wax begins to cool, I press down an intricate stamp over the wax allowing it to cool completely before removing the stamp to reveal a simple L molded into the red wax seal.

Staring at the letter, I then look up at Gray who has been watching me with an intent silence, "Can I really trust you?" I ask even when I know it is a stupid question, but I needed to be sure.

"If I wanted to hand you over and reveal the truth about you Lucille, I would have done it the night that Loke revealed everything to me," he tells me with a slight annoyance in his tone.

He's right. He could have turned me in a long time ago and he didn't. I just wish Loke would have told me about Gray's alliance much sooner rather than have me find out in this way.

"Thank you Gray," I murmur as I hold out the letter to him to which he takes with a soft smile.

"Don't mention it," he says as he takes the envelope and stuffs it into his coat along with the other letter he had previously showed me, "Liven up will ya. You don't want the others to worry about you now, would you?" I shake my head while giving him a small smile as I wipe the tears from my face, "Atta girl. You keep on smiling and don't worry about a thing. Your knights in shining armor will make sure nothing happens to you," he jokes before leaving the room.

With the door closing behind Gray, I am left alone in the quiet room. Relief that I never thought I could ever feel floods me and for once I feel like I can breathe properly. The even that happened this morning feels nothing more than a bad dream and not once do I doubt Gray's words about Erza not finding out the truth about me.

And for the days that followed I learned that both Erza and Jellal were more welcoming towards me once they found nothing suspicious about my background. In fact, they were both very understanding and sometimes even easy to talk to.

There were often times that I did worry about letting something slip, but neither Erza nor Jellal ever made it seem that I said something wrong. In fact, Erza sometimes gave me a knowing look whenever I would talk with Natsu that was a similar look that the children and Mirajane even gave us from time to time. I didn't understand what it meant, but as long as it wasn't a look of scrutiny I welcome it even if it did make me feel uncomfortable at times.

Maybe Loke had been right.

Maybe I didn't have to be so afraid of staying here after all.