Hello, everyone !

I'm back with the eighteenth chapter :D

I hope you enjoy reading it as usual ~

Disclaimer: I only own this plot


Lucy's carriage arrived at the Dragon Country's palace first. She stepped down from the carriage and was welcomed with Grandine's smile. The other members of the royal family were also there.

"Lucy!" Grandine walked up to her and hugged her. "I'm so glad you're okay! How was your first day?"

"It was great, Mother." Lucy smiled back.

"Ara? Where's Natsu?" Grandine asked. "Why isn't he with you?"

Lucy's eyes dimmed but she kept her smile. "He's coming back, don't worry, Mother. He's with... High Court Lady Lisanna Strauss."

Zeref raised his eyebrow. "Why are you calling her that way?"

"Isn't that her official title?" Lucy asked back in confusion.

Zeref laughed. "Your title is way higher than hers, Lucy. You're Her Highness Princess Lucy Heartfilia."

"Or Lucy Dragneel soon." Mavis added and winked.

"That doesn't matter!" Grandine slightly frowned. "Why is Natsu with her instead of with you?"

"Don't tell me… She came to the Sand Country?" Mavis asked.

Lucy nodded her head. "She is just worried about Natsu, Mother. Besides, she has been given a permission as well from Father."

Grandine glared at her husband. "Igneel! Why did you do that?"

Igneel raised his hands. "I'm sorry, my dear. My head couldn't take her whines any longer."

"You could have sent someone else!" Grandine said.

"That will just increase her whining frequency, sweetheart." Igneel sighed but then winced when Grandine's glare turned a degree colder. "I know, I know. But what choice do I have?"

"Mother," Lucy touched Grandine's hand softly and smiled. "it's okay. It's also important to have someone to look after Natsu."

"You can do that just—"

"Now, now, Mother, let's stop this topic here, shall we?" Zeref cut as he put his hands on his mother's shoulders. "Lucy must be tired from her trip."

Zeref decided to butt in as he saw the dimmed light from Lucy's eyes, especially after his mother asked her about Natsu's whereabouts. Well, well, it seemed like this political marriage brought something good after all. Not only for his brother, but also for Lucy.

Minus the part where Lisanna always butted in whenever and however she could.

"Come on Lucy, let's have a nice soak and get some sleep." Mavis said as she gently took Lucy's hand.

"Yes, you're right." Grandine sighed. "I'm sorry, dear. Go ahead and have your rest."

"Thank you, Mother." Lucy smiled back and followed Mavis inside.

Grandine turned her head again as the other carriage stepped into her view. The carriage stopped and then the door was opened. Natsu stepped down and reluctantly helped Lisanna to get down as well.

"Hello, Mother." Natsu smiled as he kissed Grandine's cheek. "Has Lucy arrived?"

"She has, Natsu-nii." Wendy softly answered. "Mavis-nee is taking her to take a bath and then get some rest. How is your motion sickness, Natsu-nii?"

"I'm fine." Natsu ruffled Wendy's hair affectionately. "Your medicine works wonders."

Lisanna bowed down in greeting. "Do not worry, Wendy. I'm there to take care of your brother as well."

Wendy smiled politely. "Yes, thank you, Lisanna-nee-san."

"Take your bath and let's have a dinner." Grandine simply said and turned her body around. She then walked inside the castle, followed by Wendy and Igneel.

Natsu raised an eyebrow. "Is Mother in a badmood?" he asked Zeref.

"Yep." Zeref answered. "Not at you, of course. Well, maybe a bit."

Natsu instantly knew the reason. He sighed and mumbled. Soft enough to not let Lisanna hear, but loud enough to tell Zeref. "I can't shake her away."

Zeref patted his shoulders. "I know. Lisanna, you may return to your house now. It's getting quite late and Mirajane has been worried sick about you."

Lisanna rolled her eyes. "Mira-nee has always been such a worrywart." she mumbled. "Alright then, I'll go home. Good bye, Natsu! Don't forget to explain it to me!"

"Explain what?" Zeref asked after Lisanna was quite far from them.

Natsu groaned softly. "About this whole political issue on why are we hiding this project from the Phantom Country."

"She's so ready to be your partner." Zeref commented.

Natsu sighed once more. "How's Lucy? Is she okay?"

"She's fine." Zeref said. I'm not sure her heart is fine, though., he added inwardly. "But she looked dead tired."

Worry flashed in Natsu's eyes. "Going and returning everyday must be draining her."

"Hey, she's strong enough to handle something like this." Zeref assured. "She just needs some time to get accustomed."

Well, unless we're talking about being accustomed to Lisanna. Even I don't think I will be strong enough to do that., Zeref muttered inside.

"I'll go and see her a bit." Natsu said and ran inside the palace.

Zeref smiled. Yep. His little brother had completely fallen in love with Lucy. No doubts about that.


"Oh, Natsu."

"Mavis-nee." Natsu smiled. "I'm home."

"Welcome back." Mavis smiled back. "You must be tired."

"I'm fine. How is she?"

"She must be so tired." Mavis eyed the closed door. "She fell asleep the minute her head touches the pillow after her bath. I don't have the heart to wake her up to have a dinner."

"Can I see her?"

"Sure." Mavis smiled. "Just make sure don't wake her up, okay?"

Mavis walked away as Natsu opened Lucy's door slowly. Her room was dimly lit and she was sleeping peacefully on the bed. Natsu made his way to her carefully and sat down on the chair beside her bed. Natsu smiled as he stared at her steady breathing. Her beautiful eyes were closed tight, showing him how deep her slumber was. Her blond hair glinted under the light.

Natsu placed his hand on hers which was sitting atop of the blanket. He softly rubbed her knuckles and closed his eyes. The feeling of her hand in his wouldn't go away. It felt so right.

Natsu opened his eyes and stared at her sleeping face again. Still rubbing her knuckles softly, he used his other hand to gently brush her hair. He cupped her cheek and she leaned unconsciously to his warmth. Natsu smiled as he gave her cheek a few more gentle strokes.

Natsu then carefully stood up from his chair. "Sleep tight. Hope you have a pleasant dream." Natsu softly said as he dipped down and kissed her forehead for a few seconds.

Natsu pulled his lips away and stared at her for a few more seconds. He then slowly walked out from her room.


Lucy woke up groggily as the sun started to rise. She slowly sat up on her bed, her head pounded. What happened between her and Lisanna yesterday ate her and she was so exhausted she practically passed out the minute she laid down. She was sleeping peacefully halfway through when she suddenly had a terrible dream.

Or more precisely, a memory.

Most of her memories back in the Celestial Country were unpleasant, but there were even worse memories amongst them. Lucy had tried so hard to forget them but of course they wouldn't leave her alone. When one of those worse memories struck her, her head pounded as if it was being hammered.

How Lisanna treated her was sorted out as a bad memory, but how Lisanna acted around Natsu was sorted out as a bit worse memory. Not when she knew how much Lisanna deserved to do that while she wasn't. And having a heartbreak wasn't a simple bad memory either.

Lucy sighed and stepped out from her bed. She had a job to do, she shouldn't let these memories gnawed at her right now. She had made a resolve to protect the Dragon Country as best as she could, and she wouldn't let anything ruin it. She pushed those memories away—as usual—and took a bath. Being treated like a maid before made her couldn't have this kind of luxury. She sometimes spent a longer time in bath to calm herself down and to enjoy the warm water.

After she was ready, Lucy then stepped out of the room and made her way to the dining room. It was about time for breakfast to be served and Grandine had made it clear to her that she should join the royal family every morning.

Such warmth which also sent a wave of guilt inside her heart every time.

The guards bowed down at her and she smiled as they opened the doors for her. Lucy stepped inside and was met with bustling maids who were busy putting down the meals. She walked up to them.

"Good morning, Princess!" They bowed down.

"Good morning." Lucy smiled. She took a turkey out of the tray and set in on the table.

The first time she helped the maids setting up the table, she felt guilty because the maids took her actions as a reminder that they weren't doing their jobs perfectly. It took every convincing tone she had to convince them the otherwise. She had this habit for almost 18 years already, her body just moved without her brain telling her to. After a few times of helping them, the maids finally gratefully accepted her help.

The doors opened once more and the royals stepped inside.

"Lucy-nee!" Rogue ran up to Lucy and she lifted him up.

"Good morning, dear!" Grandine smiled. "I hope you have a good sleep!"

"I do, Mother." Lucy smiled. "Good morning to you too, Mother."

"No good morning for me?" Rogue tugged Lucy's hair lightly.

Lucy smiled and Rogue beamed. Her smile was his favorite thing in the whole world! "Good morning, Rogue."

"It took me two days to make Rogue opens up to me." Mavis laughed. "But you did it the moment he saw you, Lucy!"

Zeref kissed his wife's forehead chastely. "I know, right. He even sulked for a whole week because I'm marrying you."

"Let's sit down and continue the chit-chat." Igneel sat down on his chair. "Lucy and Natsu must leave as soon as possible."

"Come to think of it, Natsu, do you have any idea how to bring our people to the mine?" Zeref asked as he sat down beside Mavis.

Natsu sat down beside Lucy but the latter were focusing herself at Rogue. He glanced at her and let out a little sigh. He needed to talk to her about all this. "For now, King Scorpio has agreed to use his miners first. We can… ugh… smuggle our men by disguising them as travelers."

"Or as merchants!" Wendy offered.

"Very good idea, indeed." Igneel agreed. "Rogue, stop bothering your sister and eat. Lucy my dear, have your breakfast."

"But Father, I didn't get to play with Lucy-nee at all yesterday!" Rogue pouted.

"Come on Rogue, let's eat." Wendy laughed. "Look at those broccolis. You love broccoli, don't you?"

Rogue hugged Lucy instead. "I don't want her to go!"

Lucy's heart melted. The sight she was seeing right now reminded her so much when she had to say goodbye to Sting.

Ah, how much she missed her little brother.

Lucy patted his head. "Rogue, if you be a good little prince, you can see Sting very soon."

Rogue lifted up his head and his eyes glinted. "Sting? Is he coming?"

"Who's Sting?" Zeref asked.

Lucy gulped down. "H—he's my little brother. He is the same age as Rogue."

"I want to see him!" Rogue added.

Lucy nervously looked at Igneel and Grandine. "F—Father, Mother, i—is it okay for me t—to bring Sting here? Just for a day."

Both Igneel and Grandine blinked their eyes and then broke into soft laughter.

"Absolutely, dear daughter!" Igneel said. "He's your little brother, so why can't he visit you?"

"And Rogue will have a playmate!" Grandine added.

"When will he be coming?" Mavis asked.

"I—in two weeks." Lucy said and smiled. "On his birthday."

Rogue gasped. "It's his birthday soon? I have to find a gift!"

"We should throw a party!" Wendy clasped her hands in excitement.

"Oh, no, no, there's no need too—"

"Lucy-nee," Wendy put her hands gently on Lucy's own. "we are a family, doesn't matter if we are postponing the real marriage. It's a natural thing for a family to celebrate its members' birthday, isn't it?"

Lucy's gaze softened and she patted Wendy's head. "Thank you, Wendy."

"I will bake a cake for him!" Wendy said. "What flavors does Sting like? Oh, and…"

Wendy's voice trailed off as Natsu's attention did too. He just stared at Lucy who was talking with his sister. Rogue even butted in here and there. Even his parents also offered their ideas for Sting's birthday.

Lucy was just a hand away from him, but she seemed so far away. Natsu sighed softly. What should he do to stop Lucy from slipping away from his hands every time? He had her for a minute and then he found himself losing her the minute after.

"Zeref," Mavis put her hand on her husband's. She stared at Natsu in worry. "do you think the two of them are okay? What can we do to help?"

Zeref followed Mavis's stare and sighed. He squeezed Mavis's hand in reassurance. "They have to solve this by their own, Mavis. All we can do is to support every decision they take and have faith on them."

Mavis sighed. "I hate to see them like this. I've never seen Natsu's eyes so lively like that. Lucy's presence in his life influences him so much."

"That's what I called as soulmates." Zeref smiled and Mavis blushed. "Let's just hope that they can get through every obstacle together."

Mavis nodded. "I sure hope so."


The breakfast ended and they stepped out of the dining room together. Their time to leave was getting near and Natsu wanted to set things right with Lucy as soon as he could.

"Lucy." Natsu called as he softly grabbed her hand and pulled her aside.

Lucy blinked but her voice failed her. It took her everything to keep reminding herself that she must avoid Natsu at all costs. Doesn't matter how deep she would always drown whenever she saw his eyes. Nor how her knees buckled whenever Natsu touched her, even if it was just light touches. Nor how she melted whenever Natsu's deep voice said her name.

"Lucy, we need to talk. It's about—"

"Natsu, good morning!"

Natsu groaned and Lucy took the opportunity to pull her hand away from Natsu. He was about to grab her hand once more but Lucy stepped aside as Lisanna ran up to them.

Natsu couldn't believe this. JUST WHY?!

"Good morning, High Lady Court Lisanna Strauss." Lucy politely greed and bowed.

Lisanna ignored and swayed her hand, definitely shooing Lucy away. Lucy bowed once more and walked away.

"Lucy!"

"Good morning, Natsu." Lisanna laced herself around Natsu's arm. "How's your breakfast?"

"Let me go." Natsu glared.

"Why are you in such a bad mood?" Lisanna raised an eyebrow and poked his cheek. "Don't frown, Natsu. Today is the big day! You need to be happy to make sure the project is going smoothly."

Natsu's patience thinned out and he pulled his arm away from Lisanna. Without another word, Natsu walked away.

"Natsu, wait for me!" Lisanna walked up to him. "Are you angry with me? What did I do wrong?"

Natsu opted to ignore his childhood friend and calming down his mind. He couldn't bring himself to hate Lisanna but he was so pissed off. Not to mention Lucy was avoiding him again and he couldn't have the opportunity to set things right with her. He wanted to roar out his anger, but to whom? Definitely not to Lisanna.

Because Natsu knew Lisanna didn't do anything wrong. Her feelings for him pushed her to act like this and it wasn't something that could be blamed.

"Natsu!" Lisanna whined. "Why are you ignoring me? You've never treated me like this!"

"Enough, Lisanna." Natsu sighed. "I'm not in the mood to have a quarrel with you."

"But why are you ignoring me?" Lisanna asked.

"Just… stop." Natsu closed his eyes and stopped walking. "Let me concentrate on this project."

He then walked away once more, fastening his speed. Lisanna looked at him in confusion.

"What did I do?" she mumbled. "Natsu, wait! I'm coming!"


Done !

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