Home.
That was what Lucy craved. All she wanted was to go home and forget this nightmare ever happened. That's all she wanted as she looked at her saddened reflection in the mirror. Her cheek was no longer red and the pain was gone but the memory stayed, those jealous Princesses, that cold glare of Lisanna and finally the strong slap that crossed her cheek.
It was as if they thought she chose this. That she wanted this. Like it was her idea, but it wasn't. She wanted so desperately to tell them she wanted no part in this marriage to the coldest man in the world, but she knew how many problems that could cause... a plea to end it, a suggestion to being his mistress, constant nagging, more attacks to what she just endured. All things she wanted to avoid having to deal with.
She knew he noticed it, the attack, she saw the thousands of thoughts that went through his mind. She could see it all flash through his eyes when they danced but when he leaned in for that kiss... she just couldn't do it. Not with those threats flashing through her mind a hundred-miles per second, not that she understood why he went for that. He hated her, didn't he?
She shook her head, tying her hair up and reaching for her resting tiara. Half-way, she stopped, and gazed at the wire by her wrist. It hadn't disappeared yet, like she expected it to. In fact, it only appeared to have grown. It thickened, it was no longer a thin wire but was now as wide as her pinky nail. The only part that was thin, was the part in and under her skin.
It was stranger than the last time. It didn't hurt at all last night, especially when Natsu touched it. The only time it did, was when Natsu added too much pressure and strained her bones. Since then, the only time it had hurt was when she touched it but it wasn't severe pain; like a stinging ache that quickly disappeared when she released her hold.
She frowned. Right now, it was midday; they'd eaten breakfast, Natsu was present but like she expected, he was silent. Even through the silence, she could clearly feel the daggers he threw at her, his posture was all she needed to see for her to know he hated her.
After breakfast, she had returned to her room to escape all Natsu, Igneel and her parents. Thankfully, they hadn't come for her yet but considering the time of day, her luck was about to run out.
She glanced out the window, wishing she'd brought one of her books or even a scroll, but she didn't bring any of those believing this trip was only for sightseeing purposes with the small feast but how wrong she was. It was a large feast, a combined party and engagement, and her sightseeing privileges... she didn't have any which made her sour.
She had been forbidden to leave the castle.
She wasn't allowed to even exit the castle walls.
Not even to look out a balcony.
That was why her room didn't have one, and she didn't like that, not at all. All she had was a small window and the view wasn't of the ocean or mountains, it was the rising houses of Dragon Isle's people. She hated to admit it was bigger than her own home, but she didn't want to look at that during her time here. That would be dull.
For a moment, she closed her eyes in thought, flashes of last night flashed through her mind. When she opened them, a look had saddened. A knock vibrated around the room and a dark voice called, "Your presence is wanted for lunch."
Lucy couldn't help but scowl. Lisanna. She was assigned to her aid but she was the most rude maid she had ever come across. "I'll be right there," she called out where she heard a scoff and Lisanna walked away.
I miss Levy, she thought sadly. If Levy was here, she wouldn't be as miserable. She wanted her best friend, she needed her. In the past, when Lucy and Levy had some sort of disagreement, Levy would never be as rude as Lisanna currently was and technically she hadn't done anything to Lisanna personally, which is saying something.
All she did was give in to her parent's pleas.
And that hurt the lovestruck maid, for reasons unknown.
Lucy sighed, grabbing her tiara and placed it upon her head before exiting the comfort of her room. She walked through the halls of the castle and memorized the direction to the dining area. Before, she had needed to ask a close-by maid since Lisanna left before she could ask her. On her way back from the dining, she didn't have any trouble reaching her room.
She walked around a bend, stepped down two flights of stairs and curtsied to all the guards and maids that greeted her before splitting off into a different hall and reaching the room she was asked in. She was surprised at the lack of people in the usual large room. Her mother smiled and waved at her politely, her father watched her curiously and King Igneel smirked as she walked in. "Welcome Princess," Igneel greeted as if she'd never been in the room before. "I'm glad you could join us."
Lucy nodded, walked further towards the large table, curtsied politely before reaching for her previous seat. "Thank-you, your grace." She pulled out her chair, which was one chair away from the head of the castle. "Your generosity is most kind."
She took a seat, glad Natsu wasn't there yet, and looked to her parents that sat in front of her. "Lucy," Layla said with a polite nod. "I hope your time in your room was kind."
"It was mother," she answered, trying her hardest not to show her sourness in her tone. "I quite enjoyed the view."
"You did?" Igneel cut in amused. "I'm quite glad." He clicked his fingers and a guard that stood by the door stepped away from his post and started his way towards his King. Everyone was silent as the guard bent forward, metal clanged at his movement, and listened closely to the orders the King was about to speak. "I'd like to know the whereabouts of Prince Natsu and Eve. I called for them a while ago."
The guard nodded. "Yes sir," he said as he stood up straight and retreated out of the room.
Lucy watched him leave and hummed in thought. "My apologies, my King and Queen, but I have an enquiry on the small audience. There were many guests present for breakfast."
"Oh yes," Jude answered as he leaned forward, entwining his fingers on the table. "Unlike us, there is no need for the other islands to stick around. Most of them have excused themselves and took their leaves, returning home."
"And when are we planning to take our leaves?"
"Soon," Layla smirked. "Well, the King and I plan to leave later today but due to your engagement we think it's best if you stay behind and get to know your fiancé."
What? Lucy felt the blow to the gut. They plan to leave me here? With that jerk? "No," she snapped, completely forgetting Igneel in the room. "You can't! You promised!" You promised not to betray me! You promised not to fail me! She gritted her teeth in her fury, I can't believe this. A throat was cleared and Lucy snapped to Igneel who smirked in amusement. Her eyes widened in shock and she bowed to him in apology. "My apologies, your majesty."
"Oh, no," Igneel waved her off. "Don't mind me. Please continue."
If you wish, Lucy scowled as she glared coldly at her parent's. She saw her mother rise an eyebrow, her father held her gaze with a stern one. I can't make a scene, not with the chance of either Natsu or Eve walking in at any moment. With that thought in mind, Lucy took a deep breath and tried to calm down; it didn't work. "What I mean to say," she failed to keep her distaste out. "I wish to return home and return to my friends. I'd like to announce the news to my friends myself."
"Are you insinuating you'd like to announce your engagement to your entire island?" Jude enquired. "Because if you are, that'd be greatly appreciated."
What?! No! She didn't want to announce it to everyone, just Levy and perhaps Cana if she was around. She didn't know how to respond to his words, she couldn't do that, it'll be embarrassing... too embarrassing. Just the thought of it made her cheeks flush, which they all noticed.
Layla chuckled, "Well that's settled. Lucy will be staying here until further notice." She paused and glanced to Igneel, "If that is alright with you, King Igneel."
"Oh yes," he nodded in agreement. "It'd be my pleasure."
Oh great. How exciting. She scowled at the table, not wanting nor needing to respond. Luckily, before anyone could respond, the door suddenly opened, and Eve rushed in wearing a blue gown. "I'm so sorry," she said in a rush. "I was reading." She rushed in, her long curls bounced as she ran. She curtsied at Igneel. "I came as quickly as I could."
Igneel waved her off. "No need to explain yourself Eve."
"Thank-you," she responded before nodding politely to Lucy before walking behind Igneel, taking her seat next to Jude which sat next to Igneel. She took a quick glance at the audience and said in surprise, "Where is everyone?"
"Home," Lucy said a little too sour. "They just excused themselves and left."
"Oh." She glanced at her shocked. "And where's Natsu?"
Lucy didn't respond to that. She just looked away, ignoring the looks of harshness from Jude and Layla. She knew she shouldn't have snapped at Eve, she did nothing wrong, but her anger had gotten the better of her. She didn't want to stay here, that was for certain.
She frowned, glancing at her still shining wire and could only imagine Natsu was the cause of its appearance. Both times, he had touched her moments before it appeared. At what that could mean, she shook her head. There is no way. Her frown deepened as she pushed her chair in further. She looked to Igneel who tapped in boredom at his glass of wine.
He glanced at Eve and answered, "He is currently M.I.A."
"He's missing?" Eve looked surprised. "He'd usually be here by now, for lunch. He never misses a meal."
He's missing. Good. She looked to Eve and noticed she was happier than last night, if that was possible. She wondered how old she was. She sighs, "My apologies," she interrupted. "That may be my fault."
"What did you do?"
Lucy looked thoughtful. "Existed," she shrugged. "I don't know."
Once again, she ignored her parents stares. Eve looked at her sadly and went to respond but Igneel cut her off. "I can assure you, Princess, Natsu is not absent because of you." He paused as she looked away. He shook his head slightly as he sipped from his glass. "Now, since you will be staying for a while, may I suggest some changes to help you settle in."
"Changes?" she snapped up, interested.
Eve chuckled in amusement whilst Layla shook her head, "Surely you don't need to offer that. Lucy can settle in fine without anymore changes that she's gone through."
"No," Lucy cut in. "I could do with some changes. What changes are you offering, my grace?"
"Lucy," Jude scolded.
Lucy ignored them as Igneel smirked in amusement. "Well, since you asked, I'm willing to move you into any room of the castle. You can stay near Natsu or myself. There's a spare room beside Eve if you'd like to stay there or you can move to the completely opposite side of the Castle if that is what you wish."
Lucy couldn't help but brighten, a change of rooms?!
Eve chuckled in amusement, cutting in. "If you move near me there's a library just down the hall. I'll be right beside you, so I'll be there to guide you through our halls if you get lost." She pointed upwards. "Oh and I'm located high in the castle so there's an amazing view of our popular mountains. Oh, and the bath house we have, it's massive and amazing. Usually I use it for myself, but I'd be more than happy to share it with you."
"Really?" Lucy felt as if Christmas had come early. She looked to Igneel with a bright, happy smile. "I'd very much like to move there, if you don't mind, my grace."
"Oh, it's no problem." Igneel grinned. "I'm just glad it's lifted your spirit's." He paused as he waved over a nearby maid. "Is there anything else we can do to help? A guard or maid to call a friend perhaps? Or even a raven to help send messages from here to Celest Keys." With the maid by his side he ordered, "My dear, can you get the Princess's belongings ready? I don't want them moved just yet though."
The maid nodded with a curtsy. "Of course, your majesty."
Lucy couldn't help but feel appealed to that. As she looked at his amused face, she watched the maid leave with the corner of her eye, and she couldn't help but feel as if he knew something. She glanced at her scowling parents before nodding, "My apologies, I do have a few requests." She nibbled her lip. "My maid, Lisanna, I'd like to swap her for someone else."
"Wait, Lisanna?" Eve looked surprised. "She's one of the best we have. Why do you wish for someone else?"
"Eve," Igneel snapped a glare to her. "That is enough out of you." Lucy noticed the young girls flinch as he returned his gaze at Lucy. "It will be done. Do you have any maid in particular or just someone else?"
Lucy wanted Levy but she knew there was no way she was going to be able to get Levy here, her parents wouldn't allow it so Lucy shook her head. "I don't have a preference, your majesty. Just a maid that will listen and notice my discomfort. One that has manners and addresses me properly. I don't wish to lose my breath again over a too tight corset, the maid will have to be someone who knows what they're doing."
She received surprised glances from both Igneel and Eve. Lucy saw Eve glance worriedly at Igneel before she gulped. "Don't tell me, Lisanna is that jealous over this?"
Lucy shied away from her gaze, not wanting to respond. She didn't want to be the reason for a Lisanna's possible punishment. She didn't want to be the reason Lisanna is no longer trusted, she just wanted a maid like Levy. One that she could talk to.
"Very well," Igneel said, almost darkly. "It will be done." Lucy looked at him surprised, she expected a little disagreement or even a question as to why she asked for that, but Igneel didn't ask about it. He smiled at her softly before the door suddenly snapped open wide and a guard came rushing in.
Lucy snapped around to watch the guard. No one said anything as the guard came to the table, reaching for Igneel before he bowed, "Your majesty. I come baring news."
"What is it?" He growled.
The guard hesitated. "It's about Prince Natsu... sir."
Hearing the words, shocked the entire room. Igneel snapped a sudden glare to the guard and rose a dark, angry eyebrow and asked. "And? Just speak up and say it." Again, the guard hesitated. He looked at the room before he bowed down and began whispering into Igneel's ear.
Whilst Igneel listened, Lucy looked out to the multiple glass windows, seeing the vast and open ocean on the other side. She folded her hands in her lap as she leaned on her chair, relaxing slightly. She imagined the air from the water, the wind brush through her as she stands out on the waves, oh how she wished she could be out there right now.
"WHAT?!" Igneel snapped loudly. His shout had the guard flinching away in shock and horror as the King slammed his hand on the table, the surface of the wood cracking under the pressure and Lucy's eyes widened in shock. "Why didn't you stop him?!"
"Uh," the guard glanced at his comrade at the door. "He was too fast, your majesty. By the time we noticed he was no longer in his room, we saw he was long gone."
Igneel growled. "That fool!" he grumbled under his breath as he glared at the guard. "Take as many guards you can find, grab some knights if you can. I don't want him leaving the island!"
"Yes sir!" The guard bowed before quickly retreating, taking his comrade with him.
Igneel's glare hardened on the table. "God damnit Natsu!"
Lucy's eyes widened, she pushed her seat away from the table, afraid it would crush under Igneel's harsh grip. Her reaction, was similar of that from the rest of them. She noticed that not only Eve but her parents too, moved away from the table. Such strength! Lucy thought in horror. Where is this coming from?
She turned her shocked gaze to her parents were Jude suddenly cleared his throat. Father, don't! she shouted in her head but he didn't hear her thoughts. "Excuse me, Igneel. Do you mind sharing?"
Igneel seethed. He gritted his teeth and Lucy noticed his unnatural pointed canines were sharply poked into his lips. He suddenly blinked in and looked to them before he snapped out of his anger and instantly calmed as he moved his hands away from the broken table. "My apologies," he said, especially to a fearful Lucy. "I apologize on both my behalf for my outburst and Prince Natsu's disappearance. It appears my son thinks he had permission to leave and snuck passed his guards."
"He snuck passed them?!" Lucy's eyes widened. Just to escape me I'm assuming.
Eve shook her head and pushed her chair out as she rushed to the window facing the ocean. She didn't say anything, just watched the window. Lucy glanced at Layla, she didn't look impressed. Her gaze shifted from Igneel to Lucy and she sighed, "I guess we should have expected this response from him."
Jude lifted an arm and rested it on Layla's shoulder. "I'd certainly hope," he started with a stern tone. "This doesn't become a regular thing, Igneel. I don't want my daughter staying here if she is not to be around the Prince, there would not be a point to this arrangement if he is not going to put any effort into it."
Igneel didn't respond straight away. He fell backwards into his chair and slouched, resting his head in his palm as if he was suffering from a headache. "I'm aware," he grumbled. "I can assure you I understand, which is why I'm going to take extra precautions, to keep him here. I'll take away some privileges as punishment and make sure he does not leave, not until I can trust him again at least." He looked at Jude curiously. "Does that satisfy you?"
"I'm beginning to lose trust in my future son-in-law," he commented with amusement. "It appears it's not just you he's going to need to rebuild relationships with."
"Yes, it appears so."
A nearby throat was cleared, and they looked to Eve whose posture turned tense. "I'm sorry for interrupting, your majesties, but it appears it's too late." She looked back to the group with an innocent look. She gestured behind her and said, "I see Dragon Cry leaving the harbor."
"What!?" Igneel snapped. "That sneaky little-"
"Oi. Language."
Igneel didn't like being cut off. He snapped a narrowed glare at her before looking at the table annoyed. Lucy shook her head, unsure if she should speak up. "Sorry for asking. But what's Dragon Cry?"
"It's Natsu's ship," Eve responded without hesitation. "Fastest ship of Dragon Isle, there's no way we can stop him now."
Oh. That makes sense.
"Damn him." Igneel grumbled. "I'll have to send a raven." He sighed in defeat with a scowl and looked at Layla and Jude with regret. "I must apologize and offer a delay of plans. Until I can get Natsu to return, I suggest Lucy return home and stay where she's more comfortable."
"I think that's for the best," Layla agreed with a soft smile.
Lucy couldn't help but brighten with glee. Her smile turned wide, she resisted it, but failed. Jude noticed and chuckled. "I agree. Lucy is better off with us until the time comes. I will not object."
Lucy's smile widened even further. I'll get to see Levy. She heard a sigh and looked to Eve who moved back to the table, taking another seat. "Okay," she appeared saddened. "When do you plan on leaving?"
The question was something Lucy also wanted to know. She was worried about the sudden sadness and was unsure what caused it. Was it because Natsu left or Lucy was leaving? She didn't want to feel guilt for leaving but she couldn't help but feel close to the ward, she didn't know why.
She sighed, feeling drowsy and drained. She looked to Layla who held her gaze worriedly. "Considering it's a long trip, I believe it'd be easier if we leave as soon as we possibly can. We don't want to keep our island without a ruler for much longer."
Igneel could only nod in agreement, reaching for his glass. "I couldn't agree more." He took a rather large sip and returned the cup to the weakened table where he clapped his hands and called, "Bring him in."
Lucy's eyes widened in surprise when a different door suddenly opened and in walked a middle-aged man wearing a black robe with a white sash draped over his shoulders. He was a little on the plushy side and the gaze he gave Lucy and Layla, gave Lucy the creeps. It was almost identical from the Princes back at her parent's ball. Lust. A shiver crawled up her spine and she resisted the urge to cover her chest.
The man carried a weird looking staff, it was hooked on both ends; old pointed teeth dangled at both ends. The teeth rattled every time the man hit the staff on the ground, which was only once. Beside the man was a much attractive, younger man, that carried a large square case in his hands.
The newcomers, Lucy's going to call them commoners, stopped at the opposite end of the table. The older man bowed politely and said, "Your grace. I'd like to thank-you so much for allowing me the pleasure of officiating this engagement." He rose and looked curiously around the audience. "And where may the Prince be?"
"I apologize," Igneel said with a wave of his hand. "He won't be joining us, I regret. I hope that won't cause any problems."
"Oh, no." He shook his head. "As long as Prince Natsu has already spoken his oath, I don't see a problem with it."
"Oath?" Lucy cut in unsure, confused. "What oath?"
"Oh Lucy," Layla responded softly. "We didn't tell you." She motioned to the man, "This man is a Priest of Dragon Isle. Over here they have different customs, one of those being a specific oath being placed by both Prince and Princess when an engagement in announced." Lucy's eyes widened, an oath?! She looked to her parents horrified, frightened at what this oath requires her to follow. Layla saw the worry and gave a reassuring smile. "It's fine Lucy. All he's going to do is hear you speak of your devotion to Prince Natsu and him alone."
"Devotion?!"
Igneel chuckled in amusement. "Lucy, my dear, let me explain it." He gestured to the men. "Crawford here is going to officiate your oath, which will ensure you follow the protocols of your engagement. Basically, it'll tell us your serious about marrying my son and under no circumstances, you won't be able to back out until the marriage has passed where more oaths will be placed." He paused, seeing her horror grow. "It's nothing to worry about, it's just a precaution. I have faith you won't fail us, but I can't take the chance."
Lucy scowled. First it was an engagement and now I have to place an oath that forces me into it. It didn't mater how much she looked at it, she wasn't going to be able to break away from this engagement. She was trapped without a way out. If she speaks this oath, it's over, she'll be stuck with him... for a long time.
She looked to her parents who looked hopeful. They want me to do this. They want her to throw away her dreams, right here, right now. That little bit of hope she had of forgiving her parents, was slowly slipping away and she didn't know if she could come back from it. Last chance, she told herself. This is the last thing I'm doing for them, anymore than that... that's it, no more agreeing.
With that in mind, she gave them a look of defeat and sighed. "Fine... I-I'll do it."
She looked to Igneel who smirked with glee. "Very good." He looked up to Crawford and nodded. "Prince Natsu spoke his oath last night. Are you sure you'll be able to officiate it without him?"
Crawford nodded as he gestured to Lucy. "On normal circumstances, I can only do the oath with both parties present but since it is you that is asking, I can do it without any trouble. If you can just relay what Prince Natsu said, I can modify it to suit the Princess."
"That's good to hear." Igneel said as he started speaking of what Natsu said in his oath.
Lucy's eyes widened as she listened. Natsu said this? She couldn't help but blush at those words that were being said. It was almost as if he did actually like and cared for her. She was too deep in her affectionate, blushing thoughts to notice both Crawford and his younger accomplice come towards her. When a blue velvet box was thrust towards her, Lucy didn't know what to do.
She glanced at Eve who nodded her head enthusiastically and gave her raised thumbs of encouragement as the younger man opened the box and inside was a total of nine, perfectly organized, silver diamond rings. Engagement rings, Lucy realized.
Each ring had their own design; a heart, circle, square, diamond and star. Each ring had different colored gems, most were crystal clear but there was the occasional red, green or blue. Each ring was beautiful in their own right but none of them picked her as the 'one', the one meant for her. She frowned at that.
Her frown had gained Crawford's attention for he said, "You have to pick one dear. Before we can start the oath, you need to wear one and that same ring, your going to have to wear everywhere you go as evidence of your engagement to the Prince."
She knew that. She wanted to snap at him, but she knew that would be a little too harsh, so she stayed quiet and looked at the sparkling jewelry in front of her. Everything around her was quiet as she patiently looked each one over. After quite a few minutes, she still couldn't figure it out, so she started thinking of what would suit Natsu. She knew she didn't need to think that, it was her ring, she was the one to wear it but she couldn't help but think it felt wrong to chose a ring when he wasn't on her thoughts.
In the end, after quite a few more minutes, she looked at one ring that was a different to the others. It had a small ruby sitting in the middle but around it was small silver petals, like a flower. She saw tiny diamonds surround the raised leaves and decorate the band. After staring at it properly, she reached for it and grabbed it. "I'll use this one."
She turned to Crawford who nodded at his accomplice, "Good choice." Behind her, she noticed the man close the case and leave her side as Crawford motioned her to put it on. She did so where he took the white sash from his shoulders and told her, "Now Princess, can I get you to cross over your arms and offer them to me." She did so and he wrapped the sash around her wrist where he commented. "That's a nice bracelet. Where's you get it?"
Lucy flushed, knowing not to say something she'd regret, like 'It grew out of my skin.' So she shook her head, shaking off her doubt as she said softly, "Prince Natsu gave it to me."
She heard a gasp and turned to see shocked faces. Eve lost her jaw, Layla forgot how to blink, Jude lost his ability to show emotion and Igneel remained passive, which surprisingly didn't surprise her. Is it really that unbelievable? She couldn't help but roll her eyes as Crawford licked his lips and eagerly grabbed her wrapped wrists.
His grip was harsh and iron like. She flinched in shock and cringed, trying desperately to hide the pain that burst through her wrist. It was clear it didn't like Crawford; the pain was quickly bursting to nothing she'd ever felt before. It burned. It burned unnaturally, as if it was being thrust into a boiling pot of water. She tried her hardest to hide what she felt but parts showed, and Crawford grinned darkly. It creeped her out.
"Please Princess," he started sickly. "Repeat after me. I 'say your name, status and island' do solemnly swear."
Lucy tensed up. "I-I Lucy Heartfilia, Princess of Celest Keys... do solemnly swear." She fought ever muscle in her body to stop herself from wrench her arms out of his grip.
"To have and hold Natsu Dragneel, Prince of Dragon Isle as my loving and honorable fiancé."
She scowled, did he really say this? "To have and hold Natsu Dragneel, Prince of Dragon Isle as my loving and honorable fiancé."
Crawford took a pause in his words. His grip on her wrists tightened and she winced but he didn't notice. Is that it? She had wondered before Crawford started again. "I vow to love and cherish him for as long as our engagement lasts. I will remain loyal to him until the last of my days as Princess."
Lucy's brow furrowed. Through her pain, she could barely remember what he was trying to get her to say. "I vow to love and cherish him for as long as our engagement lasts." She started to believe this was her wedding, a wedding without the groom. "I will remain loyal to him until the last of my days as Princess."
"I will call him King when the reigns are handed over." Crawford started to grin. "I will call him mine and I will be his through difficulties and hardships. I will be his in both body and mind and I promise to take his side when the need arises."
She tried her very hardest to listen, to memorize the words he was saying, but she found it difficult. "I... I will call him King when the reigns are handed over." She gulped, feeling a drop of sweat leave her skin. "I will call him mine and I will be his through difficulties and hardships." She paused, forgetting what the last part was. She thought hard and fast as not only Crawford, but the entire room was waiting eagerly. "I-I will be his in both bod-body and mind." That part hit a spot she didn't know she had. "And I promise to take his side when the need arises."
Crawford nodded slowly. "If this vow is broken, I hand myself to my fiancé to do whatever he pleases to do with me. Be it slit my throat or take my virtue."
Lucy's eyes widened in horror. I'm not saying that! She paled and turned to her parents who waited expectantly. Natsu would do that to me without even needing to break the vow. She shook her head, her urge to go home had ten-folded. I need Levy.
"Lucy," Igneel interrupted. "You need to speak it. Natsu has said the same words, now it's your turn."
He said this?! She gulped. Another drop of sweat trailed off her sweat. "... I-I." she closed her jaw and clenched her eyes tightly closed. Her pain grew to the point of being unbearable, she was beginning to lose feeling in her fingers. "If this vow is broken." She paused, struggling to say the words. "I hand myself to my fiancé to do whatever he pleases to do with me. Be it slit-my thr-throat or too-take my virtue."
"Good," Crawford continued pleased. "Than the power vested in me, I Crawford, officiate this vow. It's binding words and strong convictions will not be broken until the day of the wedding vows between Princess Lucy Heartfilia of Celest Keys and Prince Natsu Dragneel of Dragon Isle." Lucy waited patiently as Crawford closed his eyes but kept a hold on her wrists, not moving one bit. It appeared as if Crawford was praying. After a few minutes of silence, he nodded and finally let her go. "It is done."
Lucy couldn't hide the sigh in relief as her pain completely disappeared. She found it strange as Crawford untied the sash and returned it to his shoulders. Lucy glanced at the wire, seeing two smudged trickles of blood. She sharply hid it by turning her wrist without suspicions and rested it on the table without having her wrist touching the wood.
"Thank-you Crawford," Igneel said. "Did you enjoy the oath?"
"Oh yes," Crawford responded as he reached for his staff which rested against the table. "It's one of the best engagement binding's I've officiated." He took a glance at Lucy and bowed politely at the group. "It was a great pleasure to do this for you, but I regret to need to take my leave. Again, it was a pleasure."
"Thank-you Crawford." Layla responded with a nod. "We hope to see you again soon."
No we don't! Lucy shouted in her head. He's a creep. Her opinion wasn't heard however, considering it was in her head. She didn't pay much attention to Crawford and his accomplice as they left for, she was admiring the ring she had chosen, she hated to admit how beautiful it really was.
She didn't notice the small chatter as her gaze returned to her wrist. Her brow creased as she noticed more change. She could see a design of swirls etched into the gold. Shocked, she blinked and concentrated on it where the etching faded away and the wire thinned before her very eyes.
Home.
She made it.
Home sweet home. It took three day's and, in that time, she hadn't taken the ring off nor had she questioned her parents decision about her engagement. She decided to be serious about the oath, afraid of what he'd do if she broke it. The wire along her wrist had disappeared once again and she wondered what its deal was.
From the moment they returned home, Jude decided to announce the entire engagement to the entire island with his booming voice. Lucy had turned beet red in embarrassment considering he did it the moment they exited the harbor, they weren't even in the castle. After that, Lucy found herself crowded by excited people wanting to see the ring and the story behind it; she knew that telling the truth was out of the question.
'Sorry,' Jude had shrugged innocently. 'I was just so excited. I needed to share the news with my people straight away.'
Lucy scowled when he said that. It didn't help her case, especially when some people had different reactions. There was the 'I'm so happy for you Princess,' to the 'I'm so sorry Princess.' The sorrowful people were the people who knew both her and Natsu, they knew a marriage between them would cause only chaos and Lucy believed them. She was, well her, and Natsu was one of the coldest people she met. A marriage seemed impossible to keep, especially with his absent attitude towards it.
She couldn't ignore the limited glares she got either. They were cold, there was no emotion held in their eyes. She knew she shouldn't be offended by them but she couldn't help it, was this engagement really that bad? She had shook her head as she remembered them. The news just came all of a sudden, they are just getting over the same shock she went through.
I hope that's all it is, she sighed, flipping the page of her book. She currently sat in the library with Levy. The handmaiden had given her a sympathetic hug when she heard the news. That changed to appalled anger when she heard Natsu was the Prince that pulled her at her parent's ball. She wouldn't stop talking about it, she had went on and on, until Lucy finally interrupted not wanting to speak of it anymore.
Thankfully, Levy had dropped it after she got an inspection of the ring she chose. Lucy told her of the many choices she had but left out the oath she was forced to say. It'd been mostly quiet after that. Both girls had a book in their laps as they quietly read the stories they were drawn into.
Her current book, a Princess and Dragon story. She didn't know why, but she enjoyed it, perhaps because it reminded her of her own predicament. It described her current dilemma perfectly. She could only shake her head, remembering Natsu and his cold demeanor, maybe he is a Dragon in human skin.
"Hey Lu," Levy suddenly spoke. "I did some research while you were away."
Lucy rose an eyebrow, not moving her eyes from the written words. "Oh yeah?"
"Yeah," Levy nodded. "About that wire." Lucy froze. "Tell me. Since you were gone, did it appear again?"
Lucy couldn't control herself from paling and looking at her. She nodded and sighed in defeat, lowering and closing her book. "Yeah, unfortunately, except this time it was different." Before Levy could interrupt, she started to explain herself. The feast, the sudden reappearance, Natsu helping her conceal it, the noticed thickness and finally the strange etching she found.
Through her entire explanation Levy listened closely, only interrupting when she had a question or two, and waited for Lucy to finish her explanation to which she gestured to her bare wrist. "I'm assuming it disappeared again."
"Yeah," Lucy nodded. "On the trip back. Did you find anything useful?"
Levy sighed and closed her book, shaking her head. "No unfortunately. I did however find rumors in a Dragon book of it but it didn't tell me anything I didn't already know."
"A Dragon book?" The words horrified her. Dragon? A creature that terrified her. She'd never seen one, but she remembered the destruction they cause, especially the destruction of her own island. She had grown up with the island in shambles, houses destroyed, forests obliterated, families suffering from the loss.
It had taken the whole island fifteen years to rebuild after the attack only one of those creatures caused. She never wanted to come across one, not after she learned what they could do, not after the dreams she had of them. They were the definition of a living nightmare, a nightmare she had no intention of living in.
Her eyes settled on Levy who noticed her emotion. She sighed and shrugged, "I know. I'm sorry but Dragons have magic no one can understand. Since this wire is something we can't understand, I hoped it'd have some information on it, but I was wrong."
Lucy could only nod, her urge to read that book had left her. Perhaps she could finish it later. She sighed and shook her head, grabbing the book and standing where she returned it to the shelf. The door of the library opened and Lucy snapped to it to see both Layla and Jude walk in. "Lucy," Layla greeted with a nod. "I thought we'd find you in here."
Lucy could only nod as Levy suddenly jumped up. "You're majesties." She grabbed the skirt of her dress and curtsied in greeting. "It's a pleasure to see you."
"Levy," Jude greeted with a nod. "Do you mind if we speak with our daughter in private?"
Lucy rose and eyebrow as Levy shook her head and stood back up straight. "No, your majesties." She grabbed the book she was reading she nodded at Lucy. "Princess Lucy."
"Levy," Lucy frowned as she retreated to the door. She watched as Levy opened the door and closed it behind her before she snapped a curious look to her King and Queen. "What's this about? You don't usually kick Levy out."
"This is of utmost importance," Layla said as she walked into the room, walking towards her. "We got word from King Igneel. Natsu has agreed to return home."
"He has?" Lucy rose an eyebrow. "... and that means?"
She regretted asking that the moment the question left her lips. Layla and Jude glanced at each other before returning their gaze to her. "Well, I don't know if you noticed," Layla said as she gestured to an empty couch. "But King Igneel has been sending quite a few ravens on our trip back."
Lucy didn't know how to respond as she moved to the empty couch. She thought back to the trip and remembered quite a few black ravens falling out of the sky and landing on either Jude or Layla's shoulder. "I do," she nodded. I don't want to know what that means though.
"Well," Layla continued as she sat on the couch, gesturing Lucy to join her. "We've been discussing our arrangements for you to stay with your fiancé, and I think you'll be happy with what we've come up with."
No, she thought in absolute horror. Staying with Natsu. An actual nightmare. She took Layla's offer and sat down, not wanting to respond but knowing she'd have to. "... what is it?"
"It'll be good for both of you," Jude continued for Layla as he sat beside her, covering both of Lucy's sides. "We plan to send you up there for a month," he said. She opened her mouth to refuse but he held up a hand to stop her. "Just hear us out. Until you turn eighteen, you and Natsu will be using this time to get to know each other and grow comfortable. You'll be spending a month with him and then he will be returning with you here to spend another month in Celest Keys."
Oh.
Layla nodded. "This pattern will continue until you turn eighteen and the wedding is planned." She grabbed Lucy's hand. "King Igneel has offered to keep that room next to Eve open for you to help you settle. When Natsu comes here, we'll offer the same thing to him, if you haven't already grown accustomed to each other."
Lucy blushed, embarrassed, seeing what she was implying. "Mother," she hissed. "I thought we agreed no more talk of this."
"You're right," she sounded upset. "I'm sorry." She squeezed her hand in comfort and asked, "Is our arrangement to your liking? Will you agree to it?"
Lucy scowled. She knew she didn't have a choice, but she couldn't ignore the truth to their words. They did need to get used to each other, they did need to get to know each other. She couldn't think of any other way of doing that than this, so she sighed. "I'll do it," she noticed both Layla and Jude were about to jump with glee, but she tensed and snapped a glare. "On one condition."
"What is it?"
"You'll allow me to take my keys and Levy with me."
She looked to her father whose gaze turned hard at her condition. He rose a finger, opened his mouth and protested, "Now just han-"
Layla cut him off with a glare of her own where she reached a hand towards Lucy and said, "Deal."