The next morning as Juvia was gathering up more flowers, Gray couldn't help but watch her. She had such a pretty smile on her face and her happiness seemed to be contagious because he found himself smiling each time he saw her. No one had ever made him smile like this. It was very strange but he liked it and for some reason he never wanted her to be sad. Just the thought of her being sad made him feel upset. He wanted her to be happy always.
He looked down at the broken music box he had taken from Juvia's bag. She had been awfully upset about it, so much so that it had made her cry. He didn't like it when she cried. Because when she cried it hurt him.
"What are you doing?" Briar asked walking in.
"Nothing." He said hiding the broken music box behind his back.
"You're staring at her again aren't you?"
"Who?"
"That girl!"
"Oh her. Yeah so what if I am?"
"Why are you staring at her?"
"I don't know. Why do you care?"
"You like her don't you?"
"You know I really don't want to deal with you right now. So I think I'll just go. I have for more important things to do right now anyway."
"Like what?"
"None of your business. Now if you'll excuse me."
He then walked away from her. Going down the hall he saw Mirajane walk by with a basket of clean clothes.
"Good morning sir." She greeted.
"Good morning Mirajane." He said politely. "Mirajane may I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Is there anyone near by who's good with tinkering and gears?"
"As a matter of fact Jellal happens to very talented in that subject."
"Really?"
"Yes he does it to make some extra income. Why do you ask?"
"Let's just say I have something that I would like him to fix."
"In that case I'll send for him right away."
"Thank you."
The fact that he didn't deny that he liked Juvia all but confirmed Briar's suspicions and it made her jealousy toward the young girl grow. What was so special about her? She didn't have any special powers or magic like she did. She was no powerful sorceress or magical fairy. She was just some human.
"It would seem that this young woman has quite an influence on him." Alok said who suddenly appeared. "She'll be trouble."
"She should be gotten rid of."
"Is that what you think should be done?"
"Don't you agree?"
"Of course but something like this should be done delicately."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying we'll need a scapegoat." Alok said looking out the window where he spotted Gajeel working. "And I know just the one."
...
Once Juvia had gathered up enough flowers she set to work on spinning them into fabric.
"There we go." She said. "That should be enough."
"I'm surprised you've actually gotten this far." Gajeel said. "You just might pull this off."
"I hope so."
"Do you need any help carrying those baskets?"
"I can handle it but if you want you can carry one of them."
He carried one basketful of flowers while she carried the other one. They walked to the room where she did her spinning and immediately started working. Though to her surprise the flowers were turned into fabric rather quickly.
"That's funny." She said. "I wonder why these are getting spun so quickly?"
"Don't ask me. I don't know the first thing about spinning." Gajeel said. "So do you need help with anything else?"
"No thank you I'll be fine."
"Alright then. I'll see you around."
He left the room and started to head back outside only to be stopped by Briar.
"Oh no not you. What do you want?" He said in irritation.
"You're getting awfully friendly with that girl. If I didn't know any better I'd say that you liked her a little bit."
"I have work to do so can you do me favor and get out of my way?"
"Now is that anyway to talk to your superiors?"
"Oh spare me. Like you're a superior. You're no different from the rest of us who have to kiss Alok's boot. Now scram!"
"Wait! I have a little job for you. The next time you see that girl I want you to give her something."
"Sorry I'm no delivery boy."
"You would be wise to do what I say because if you don't bad things could happen to you."
"You don't scare me."
"What about me?" Suddenly Gajeel was startled by Alok appearing behind him. He jumped back and trembled a little.
"You...You know you... Really shouldn't sneak up on people like that."
"I do believe the lady had request for you Gajeel. You better hear her out." Alok said.
"O...Okay." Gajeel gulped.
"Give her this." Briar said tossing a peach to Gajeel.
"What is it?" He asked.
"Just a little present."
"It ain't gonna hurt the little lady is it?"
"Oh now why the concern?"
"I won't do nothing to harm her."
"Oh come, come Gajeel." Alok said. "I'm surprised at you, losing your head over a girl."
"I ain't lost my head."
"Then you should have no problem giving that to her."
"I don't but why...Why do you wanna bother her? She's no threat to you. She just wants to get out of here and go home."
"Briar and I don't think she's a good influence on the king. We also don't think she's a good influence on anyone else here, including you."
"But...Um...I really don't think what you're asking me to do is a good idea."
"Well that's too bad." Briar said. "She's a pest and like all pests she must be dealt with."
"You're just jealous because his majesty likes her and can't even stand that sight of you. Not that I blame him."
"How dare you! You nasty beast!" Briar moved to strike him only to have her arm be grabbed by Alok.
"Focus Briar. We don't want to lose our heads as well." He told her before turning his attention back to Gajeel. "You'll give her that or I'll dip straight into the big of eternal stench before you can blink."
"No please! Anything but that!"
"So we understand each other?"
"Yes."
"And you'll do exactly what we request of you?"
"Yes." He said reluctantly.
"Good. Now get out."
Gajeel then headed for the door.
"By the way." Alok called. "If she ever kisses you I'll turn you into a prince."
"You will?" Gajeel said feeling confused.
"Prince of the Land of Stench." He chuckled cruelly.
Gajeel sighed and walked away from the castle. What a mess. Why out of all the creatures they could have chosen to do their dirty work, did they pick him?