The next day Natsu awoke bright and early then saddled up on to Happy, heading home. He was most eager to tell Juvia what he had seen the night before. Ever since she was little, she had always admired princesses and even dreamed of being one herself when she was older. Thinking back to it made him laugh a little because of how carefree and happy they had been during those times. He hoped that his story of what he discovered would bring a smile to his sister's face.

However once he returned to the cave he was shocked and worried to find that Juvia was not there. He searched the cave twice over then went to check up the trees and the streams but there was no trace of her anywhere. Her or the fire leaves and the water blossoms they had gathered or the thread and fabric she had spun from them. Even her basket of needles and small spinning wheel were gone. It was as if she had never been in that cave to begin with.

Yet he did find something. He found boot prints and horse shoe prints in the ground surrounding the area. Most of them had been washed away by the rain last night but the ones he found were underneath a tree so not enough rain fell on them to where they couldn't be made out. Seeing these, he rightfully deduced that strangers had been here yesterday.

"Juvia wouldn't leave alone." He told Happy. "She must've been kidnapped or carried off by whoever was here."

He sniffed the prints and then the air until his sharp nose picked up a matching scent. When it did, he and Happy immediately began their quest to find the remaining member of their family.

"I hope that she's safe wherever she is."

Little did he know that she was more than safe where she was. Right now she was sleeping peacefully on a nice, soft, downy bed in the middle of an elegant suite. She had slept for a very long time, probably longer than she ever had in years. But considering how tired and in pain she was from all the sewing and spinning she had been doing this shouldn't be much of a surprise. It wasn't until she heard a gentle knock at the door that she finally stirred.

At first she awoke believing that yesterday's events had only been a dream but she was quickly corrected on that knowledge once she saw where she was. She heard the door to the room creak open and in walked Erza carrying a silver tray set with her breakfast.

"Good morning." She greeted politely. "Goodness, you slept much longer than we expected. We were worried that you had become ill."

Juvia just looked at her confused.

"Oh yes, how rude of me. I should introduce myself first. I am Erza. I'm the head maid of this castle and I have been specifically instructed by his highness to tend to your every need."

Juvia was still a foggy on what was happening and started to move her feet toward the floor.

"Oh no don't get up." Erza protested gently. "Not until you eat something."

She placed a tray on Juvia's lap. On the tray was a plate of eggs and a little fruit pastry with some warm tea to drink.

"Now you just help yourself to that and I'll be back later to clean you up and to find you something decent to wear."

Juvia's head was swimming with questions. She remembered how she got here but she couldn't wrap her head around why she was brought here. But she would dwell on it later because at the moment she was very hungry and could not resist eating the meal that had been brought to her. By the time she had finished Erza returned to the room carrying a bathrobe in one hand and a basket which contained oils, salts, and ointments in the other.

"A scrub in the tub, a new frock, and you'll be as fresh as a daisy." Her new personal maid said.

She led Juvia to the royal bath and helped her get undressed. She was quickly settled into warm water that was scented with rose oil and lavender salt. For years Juvia had been bathing in the cold water of lakes or streams so this felt absolutely wonderful to her. Her body was scrubbed and anointed carefully to where the blisters on her body would be healed properly, and when her bath was finished Erza dried her off with white towels before covering her with the robe.

"On no dear you don't have to wear those rags anymore." Erza chuckled when she saw Juvia attempt to dress back into her clothes which had been left on the floor. She took Juvia back to her room and opened up the trunk of new gowns and dresses that been brought for the mute girl's convenience. "This is for you."

The gown she picked from the trunk was lavender silk with cream colored lace. For a moment Juvia found it hard to believe that such a beautiful garment was meant for the likes of her. She carefully ran her fingers over the material then gestured toward herself in an uncertain manner.

"Yes it's yours." Erza confirmed. "They're all yours to wear if you wish. Courtesy of his highness."

Erza helped Juvia dress into the gown and sat her down at a vanity where she brushed and styled her hair with a silver brush. She was careful not to pull too hard and she gently combed out every tangle that was found in the blue waves. This reminded Juvia of when she was little and her mother would brush her hair like this. Always gentle yet determined that her hair would be neat and in place. It made her tear up a little.

"Are you alright my lady?" Erza asked upon noticing the stray tear that slid down her cheek.

Juvia nodded and brushed that tear away with her finger.

"Oh you poor girl, you've been through a lot haven't you? Well don't worry. You're safe here and all in the household will only show you kindness and respect. So there will be no more need for tears."

Juvia liked this woman. She liked how comforting and full of spirit she was. Also she sincerely wanted to make Juvia feel welcome here, not just because she was ordered to and that in itself is an amazing quality to have.

When Erza was done with the brushing part she added the finishing touches to Juvia's appearance. She weaved pearls into her hair, applied perfume to her neck, and drew soft gloves over her blistered fingers. She led Juvia over to a looking a glass so that the maiden could properly see the results of her transformation. Juvia could not believe her eyes when she saw her reflection.

"Is that really me?" She thought to herself.

She had never thought of herself as pretty or anything in that category. For years she assumed that she was rather plain looking or dirty and ragged due to living between forests and marshes for so long. Never once did it cross her mind that she could be a beauty. But now she almost looked like a real princess.

"I take it that your satisfied with my work?" Erza asked.

Juvia nodded and hugged her personal maid in gratitude for helping her look so wonderful.

"You're welcome." Erza said reading the mute girl's answer based on her actions. "Now if you do not mind, his majesty would like to see you. Could you follow me into the drawing room?"

Juvia followed Erza into the drawing room and was left there by herself while the maid went to fetch the prince. As Juvia waited, she look toward one of the widows and gazed upon the kingdom of Isvan. She saw that it was a fair royal city, with churches, and cupolas. Indeed this was a land that was very devoted to God and Christ. This made her feel very safe.

A moment later Gray entered the room. She immediately curtsied in respect just as she had done once before. As for the prince he was just astounded by the sight of her.

"My God above." He thought. "She's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

She looked at him in a confused manner because she didn't understand why he was staring at her so. He quickly realized the awkwardness of this and decided to break the silence before he made her feel uneasy.

"I hope that you slept well last night and that my accommodations were to your liking."

She nodded.

"I don't suppose you could tell me who you are or where you're from?" He asked her.

She shook her head.

"Do you have any family? Someone who you were probably separated from in the forest or something?"

Family? Family! Oh no! In all the sudden waking in this unfamiliar area she had forgotten all about Natsu and how upset he would be once he discovered that she was no longer in the cave. She needed to get back right away or there would definitely be trouble.

Gray saw the panicked expression on her face.

"What's wrong?" He asked her.

She wasn't sure how she could explain to him that she couldn't stay here much longer and to leave as soon as possible. But before she could even think of another form of communication, Jellal walked into the drawing room.

"A thousand apologies for the intrusion your majesty." The squire said. "But the people are going into a frenzy."

"Really? Whatever for?" Gray asked.

"Well apparently some monster has entered Isvan."

"Monster?"

"That's what I heard. They say that it's a fearsome beast that looks very much like a dragon."

The panicked expression on Juvia's face grew when she realized that this said monster was undoubtedly Natsu.

"Are they rioting?" Gray asked Jellal.

"No and most of them have hidden themselves in their houses. But the archbishop and a group of hunters are attempting to slay the creature. They ganged up on him when he was spotted by the stables."

Without warning although she couldn't give one even if she wanted to, Juvia bolted from the drawing room, down the stairway, and out of the castle as fast as she could. Gray and Jellal were quick to follow as to see what in the world she was doing.

Juvia didn't have very far to go because she was able to locate her brother based on the terrible voices of an angry mob. She found a group of men with guns, pitchforks, and knives all surrounding Natsu. The sight of what they did to him almost made her faint. His body was cut, scraped, and bruised very badly but still he fought back against his pursuers. He put up an excellent fight but ended up collapsing after one hunter managed to stab him hard in his leg.

Happy who had tried to defend his master was being restrained by shackles that the hunters had managed to force on to him. Still he struggled to somehow get loose so that he could help him.

"This creature is an abomination from hell!" The archbishop Jiemma announced to the mob. "A minion of the devil! A beast of Satan! He must be slain!"

The crowd cheered in agreement and one hunter aimed his musket right at Natsu's head. But before he could pull the trigger, Juvia jerked his arm back. A shot rang out but fortunately no one was hit.

"Fool girl!" He snapped at her. "Are you trying to get us killed?!"

She did not answer. Instead she fell to her knees and threw her arms around injured brother.

"What is the meaning of this?" Jiemma asked. "Move at once you daft woman!"

Juvia shook her head.

"You would protect a monster created by the devil? Does that mean you are a servant to the dark lord as well?"

When she still did not respond or move, Jiemma lost his patience.

"Enough of this you horrid wench!"

He drew his arm back to strike her but it was caught by Gray's firm grip.

"Jiemma just what kind of bishop are you?" The prince said angrily. "A man in your position should know better than to raise his hand to a woman. Have you no shame or decency?"

"It was for her own good. She was protecting that awful creature."

Gray turned his gaze from Jiemma to the scaly figure that Juvia was sheltering with her arms. He was startled by his appearance as was his squire.

"Good lord!" Jellal gasped. "What in the name of the almighty is that?"

"I am certain that this dragon has escaped from the depths of hell, so it must be destroyed at once!" Jiemma said.

But Juvia shook her head rapidly, tears were pouring down her cheeks, and her eyes were pleading with them all to spare this being that they deemed a monster. Only Gray listened to her silent pleas. She could not speak with words but her eyes said so much to him. He could tell by her tearful gaze that she cared deeply for this "thing" and if it were to be destroyed then she would surely die of grief.

"Alright until I get to the bottom of this no one is to harm this creature." He declared. "Jellal have some of the guards take this poor beast back to my chambers and then fetch the royal physician to tend to it."

"Are you certain your highness?" Jellal asked.

"Yes."

"As you wish."

"You cannot be serious my lord!" Jiemma protested. "You're actually going to let some hell spawn in the palace because of some deluded mute?!"

"Be silent! You don't know for certain where this creature sprang from and if someone as innocent as this woman can care for it then it cannot possibly be evil. Now not another word out of you and you are to never touch this woman or this creature ever again. If so then there will be dire consequences, do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sire." He reluctantly agreed.

With that said and done Jellal left to arrange for Natsu to receive proper care. Juvia just stayed by his side, holding him and weeping silently while Gray stayed by her side to comfort her.