Hello, everyone !

I'm back with the fifteenth chapter :D

I hope you enjoy reading this chapter as well~

Disclaimer: I only own this plot

"So, what should we do now, princess?" Loke asked and licked Lucy's ear.

"NO!" Lucy screamed and pushed Loke away. Although her action was futile because she was shivering in fear and Loke easily caught her hands.

"Whoa. Easy, now." Loke smirked. "I've told you that I just want to talk."

"Get away from me!"

Loke gripped her hands tighter and Lucy's knees buckled. She almost fell down if it wasn't because of Loke who kept holding her hands straight. Tears were on the verge of rolling down but Lucy held it back as hard as she could. If she cried, Loke would feel more pleasure and she would be more scared.

"I'm just here to talk." Loke repeated.

"I—I don't have anything to—"

"About you being a spy." Loke smirked.

Lucy's eyes widened and she looked up at Loke. Her fear worsened. How did Loke know about that?

"Honestly, I am not convinced when my king sent me to congratulate the second prince's engagement with the Heartfilia princess. For all I know, it's impossible for the Celestial Country to agree to a treaty offer, moreover offers it." Loke said. "So, it's easy to say that Jude Heartfilia has something else in his mind when he offered it."

Lucy stared at Loke in fear. He knew? Now what? What should she do?

"I was even more surprised when I knew Jude offered you." Loke said. "Well, of course he wouldn't offer Jenny, but to actually think he sent his illegitimate child."

Lucy gulped down. Loke even knew about that?

"Oh yes, I know." Loke said, as if he could read her mind. "I might be not a part of Lates's family anymore but gossip spreads. Especially among the maids. One simple woo and it's enough to get what you want to know. Well, I actually knew about your status back when I was still in the Celestial Country because Hibiki told me. I thought he was joking but yeah, the maids' stories confirmed it. Too bad I didn't have time to see you back then. But fate has its own funny wish, don't you think? I got to meet you eventually."

Lucy bit her lower lip. "S—so… What do you want?" she whispered, daring herself to ask.

Loke smirked. "Before I answer that, let me ask you a question first."

"W—what?"

"Why did you give such as suggestion?" Loke asked, his eyes were glinting with amusement. "You being a supervisor for this project, I mean."

"T—that's because—"

"You want to report this project back to Jude exclusively?" Loke offered. "I thought about that at first, especially with the Phantom Country near our border. But then you said not all nobles knew about the treaty offer which got me thinking. How is that even possible? There's just no way Jude's allies wouldn't know about the offer, or in this case, the espionage. I didn't understand it at first, but everything became clearer when you suggested in reusing the abandoned mine. If you think about it, it's strange. Using the mine to cross our border means nothing significant to the Celestial Country. This is one of the countries that Jude doesn't give a damn care about."

"H—how can you say that?" Lucy said. "This country—"

"Jude only cares about countries which can supply him with gold and jewelries." Loke cut. "The Sand Country and its neighbors? Not likely. All we can supply is daily products."

"B—but—"

"But the whole thing makes sense if it's because you're betraying Jude." Loke smirked. "You wanted to supervise the project so the Phantom Country didn't know that the Dragon Country is building a railway in our territory. You can just report back to Jude about the Dragon Country's failed alliance with the Sand Country and Jude wouldn't even think of making this country his ally. You also lied about how only the royals knew of the political marriage so you will be allowed to supervise, because as you said, you 'represent' the Celestial Country in the eyes of the Phantom Country. On the other hand, you being here would assure the Phantom Country that you are doing your task as a spy and thus, you can minimalize their own surveillance on the project. Because you're an illegitimate child, Jude and his loyal allies wouldn't have any thoughts of you betraying them. In their eyes, you would never have such courage."

Lucy's eyes widened once more. Shiver ran down along her spine as her heart beat hard out of fear.

Loke… How did he know?

"I hit the bullseye." Loke smiled. "That's why you suggested in using the mine. It's for hiding the railway from the Phantom Country, isn't it? Moreover, it's also for the safety of the escapee in case the Phantom Country is aware of the truth, isn't it?"

Lucy's throat dried up. How could Loke see through her like this?

Seeing Lucy's pale face, Loke broke into a fit of laughter. "I can't believe this! You are so damn smart!" he said between his laughs. "Who would ever thought that Jude is being betrayed by his own illegitimate child? HAHAHA!"

Lucy's fear started to fade as she stared at the laughing Loke. What's so funny?

"Ne, tell me, princess." Loke looked into Lucy's eyes once more. "Do you think about the consequences? I can tell the Phantom Country that you're betraying Jude, you know. And if that happened, then boom! Huge war."

Lucy fisted her hands and yanked them away from Loke's grip. She stared at him. "Don't you dare." she hissed.

"Oh? Are you fighting back?" Loke asked.

"Don't you dare hurt the Dragon Country." Lucy said.

Loke laughed again. "What can you possibly do, huh? You're just an illegitimate child! And a spy! If the Dragon Country knows about this, you'll be kicked out! And Jude will hunt you down for the rest of your life because you betrayed him! Don't get cocky, princess!"

Lucy gritted her teeth. Fear had faded from her heart, replaced with anger. She had made a vow to protect the Dragon Country—to protect Natsu—and she wouldn't let anyone ruin it. Moreover, someone like Loke.

"Don't act so mighty, Loke." Lucy spat which brought Loke's attention to her as his laughter stopped. What's with her fierce stare? "Do you think about the consequences if you do that?"

"Huh?" Loke raised an eyebrow. "The hell are you talking about?"

"You want to tell the Phantom Country about what I'm planning? Go ahead, I dare you." Lucy said. "Do you actually think the Phantom Country can win against the Dragon Country?"

Loke's laugh disappeared as he looked at Lucy in silence. "Mind your tongue, woman." he hissed.

"No, you mind your tongue." Lucy spat back. "If you tell the Phantom Country about my plan and they attacked the Sand Country, the Dragon Country will obliterate them. Then, where will you be? You can't stay here in the Sand Country because you will be the reason of the war. You can't go to the Phantom Country either because you will be the reason they lost. And judging how you—as one of the Lates—are here, you can't go back to the Celestial Country either because you've been kicked out, right?"

Loke widened his eyes.

Had Lucy always been this brave to speak her mind?

"So, think about it, Loke." Lucy said. "If you want to keep your position safe, you will keep this a secret. Or better, you'll forget about it."

Loke stared at Lucy. There was no fear left in her eyes now. She was determined and angry, and Loke knew what she said was right.

Loke let out a laugh. To think he managed to see her through but then she repaid him back the same way!

"Oh my." Loke's laughter died down. "Maybe Jude should have sent Jenny instead. You're too smart for him. Alright, then. Since you've seen through me, I want to propose something."

Lucy raised an eyebrow and Loke smirked. He leaned closer and put his hands on the windows' sill once more. Shiver ran down along Lucy's spine once more, but she still stared at Loke in anger.

"You're right, I was kicked out from the family." Loke said. "I've never really got along with them anyway. But yeah, I cannot afford to lose what I have now because this the only thing I have."

"So?"

"So, why don't you and I work together?"

"No, thank you." Lucy said.

Loke chuckled. "Oh, come on. You and I are casted away from the Celestial Country, and I want my revenge back at them. I'm sure you want the same thing! Isn't it better for us to work together then?"

"Revenge?" Lucy scoffed. "I don't care about such thing. All I want is to protect the Dragon Country. You can have your revenge in your own way."

Loke stared back at Lucy for a few more seconds then chuckled. "This is interesting. Let's see how you protect the Dragon Country, princess."

Lucy stared back at him but she didn't say anything. Loke then licked Lucy's cheek.

"Go away!" Lucy yelped. Fear grabbed her heart once more as her anger started to dissipate fast.

"Oh, don't say that." Loke licked his lips. "You'll be so delicious. Both your body and soul. Very tempting."

"No!" Lucy pushed him away but Loke stood his ground. What Hibiki did to her rushed into her brain and Lucy shivered in fear once more. Lucy shut her eyes tight as Loke started to nibble on her ear.

Natsu!

BAM!

Loke stopped nibbling Lucy's ear as the door suddenly opened. He was about to turn his head around to see who disturbed him, but he didn't need to.

"What do you think you're doing with my betrothed?"

Lucy snapped her eyes open as she recognized the voice. Natsu was there, standing at the door. He stared at Loke's back.

"Damn." Loke muttered and pulled himself away. He then turned his body around and bowed down at Natsu. "Your Highness. I apologize for being impolite."

"Get away from her." Natsu coldly said.

Loke gave Lucy a glance but she looked elsewhere. Loke smiled and walked away from her. "I'm sorry for this, Your Highness. I saw Lucy-sama's windows are open and I came here to tell her that she should close it. The desert's wind isn't good for a young lady's face."

"Get out." Natsu ordered. "I will only tolerate your action this one time. If I saw you getting close to Lucy once more, I will take it as a treachery and humiliation to the Dragon Country."

"Absolutely, Your Highness." Loke bowed down. "I will excuse myself right at this moment."

Natsu stepped aside a bit as Loke walked out of Lucy's room. Natsu then closed the door and walked towards Lucy. "Lucy, are you—"

Natsu's words were cut as Lucy ran to him and hugged him. Natsu wrapped his own hands around her as her whole body shivered.

"It's okay." Natsu whispered as he put his chin on her head. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have leave you alone."

Lucy shook her head softly in his arms but didn't say anything.

"It's okay." Natsu said as he tightened his hug. "I'm here with you."

Natsu's sincere words brought tears to Lucy's eyes but she held it back. She knew she shouldn't be doing this, but… But just for this time… Just for this time, Lucy wanted to be selfish and basked herself in Natsu's warmth.

Natsu didn't say anything either. He just hugged her tight, telling her that he wasn't going away. He cursed inwardly for leaving her behind, giving Loke a chance to terrorize her. Natsu brought a hand from Lucy's back to her head, softly caressing her long hair. That was when Natsu's eyes caught something on her ear.

Natsu carefully parted Lucy's hair and widened his eyes upon seeing tiny red marks on her ear.

Spiky jerk., Natsu cursed.

Anger filled Natsu's heart. He didn't want to see those marks. He didn't want Lucy to have those marks. He must get rid of it.

"N—Natsu." Lucy croaked in his arms as she felt something warm on her ear. "What are you doing?"

"Sssh." Natsu said. "Let me get rid of these marks."

"W—what marks?" Lucy asked, holding back her voice. Her heart was thumping so hard, Lucy was sure Natsu had realized it.

"That spiky jerk's marks." Natsu hissed. "Hold on."

It took Lucy another second to realize that Natsu was nibbling her ear. The same ear which Loke nibbled earlier.

Lucy widened her eyes as her heart beat much faster and harder. The same ear, the same action. But it felt… So much different.

Natsu's mouth was so warm and gentle.

"N—Natsu!" Lucy wriggled. "T—that's enough!"

Natsu tightened his hug as he nibbled her ear. He made sure he had licked every marks Loke left and replaced it with his own. All he wanted to see was his own marks on her ear.

"N—Natsu!" Lucy yelped.

Her voice snapped Natsu back into reality. Lucy pushed Natsu away and she stared at him. Her hand covered her nibbled ear.

Fear flashed in her eyes and Natsu's heart was struck by guilt.

"Lucy, I'm sorry…" Natsu reached out his hand. "I'm so, so sorry… I didn't mean to…"

"I—it's okay." Lucy managed. She huffed and told her own heart to calm down. Of course, Natsu's nibbling was different than Loke's, but she was still scared.

"Shit, I'm sorry." Natsu apologized.

"It's fine." Lucy whispered.

Natsu ruffled his hair in annoyance and cursed himself under his breath. He couldn't believe it! He let his instincts took over and scared the hell out of Lucy! He did the same thing as Loke!

Lucy smiled softly upon seeing Natsu's reaction. She walked to him and cupped his cheeks.

"It's fine, Natsu." she said. "I was just surprised. A—a little bit scared, but I'm fine. It's okay."

Natsu held her hands. "I'm so sorry."

"I've told you, it's okay." Lucy shook her head softly, keeping her eyes at Natsu's. "You didn't scare me as much as Loke did."

"Don't say his name." Natsu growled. "I won't do this anymore, I promise. I won't do the same thing as he did."

Lucy smiled. How could she ever stop herself from falling deeper with Natsu? He was so sweet and kind. His actions and words were sincere. "I know."

Natsu sighed. "I was so pissed off. I promised myself to take care of you and now look what happened. Day one and that spiky jerk already made his move on you."

"It's okay." Lucy said. "I—I was careless as well not to lock my door."

"Promise me you'll scream my name the minute he's in your sight." Natsu said. "I'll come to you, wherever I am."

Lucy nodded.

"Now then, as my apology, let's have lunch together, shall we? I've already asked King Scorpio's permission to take you to the town." Natsu smiled.

"I'd love to!" Lucy's eyes gleamed. It would be so much fun to explore the town.

"Let's go." Natsu said and took Lucy's hand into his. He intertwined their fingers as he opened the door and walked hand-in-hand with her.

Done !

What do you think about this chapter ?

I love the feisty Lucy ! What about you ?

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