A/N: Party time!


Natsu and Lucy stood across the street from the side entrance to the palace. Elegant palanquins and carriages passed by, dropping off their high-class passengers. It was hard to believe that this many people worked under Tartarus. But once they got in there and started asking around, they would surely be able to confirm their suspicions that the Chief Advisor was one of the main Tartarus underlings. From there, they could investigate into his movements, which would hopefully lead them back to Tartarus itself.

He let Lucy fix him up, straightening his tie and adjusting his cufflinks. She, of course, looked naturally immaculate in her long pink gown. She wasn't even wearing a girdle under it, like she said all the other women would be, and she still fit into it with no problem. Meanwhile Natsu felt like he was about to die in his stolen suit.

Lucy's fingers paused, then dropped down to her sides. "Natsu, I…before we go into this, I need to come clean about something."

Natsu looked at her. He already had a general idea of her background, so he knew this was the sort of thing she used to do when she was younger. He only hoped it didn't bring back too many bad memories. If any of those sleazy men she had to host were at the party, he'd probably punch them in the face.

"I haven't been entirely honest with you about my origins," Lucy said. "It's not that I lied about everything, but I withheld some pretty important information. Please understand that I was just trying to protect myself."

Natsu frowned. "What is it?"

Lucy's eyes glistened with moisture, meeting his eyes for a moment before her eyelashes dipped down to brush against her cheeks. Her fingers twined together.

"You see," she said, "I'm not just any girl from a high-class family. My— My full name is Lucy Heartfilia."

Natsu's eyes widened. He knew that name. He knew of the Heartfilias.

Lucy's gaze met his again, uncertainty and fear etched across her face. "I haven't actually been wiped from the family records. My father sends out just enough false reports that nobody knows I'm missing. He does it to save face, but it's the only reason I've managed to evade capture until now; nobody knows to look for me."

"Lucy," Natsu said, slowly. "Lucy, you're—"

"—the princess," Lucy finished, nodding. She stood, then dipped into a low curtsey, the poufy pink skirt of her gown fanning out around her. "Princess Lucy Heartfilia of the Fiore Kingdom." She looked up, smiling in a way that didn't reach her eyes. "It has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Natsu felt like his brain was trembling. The signs had all been there, in retrospect, but even with the truth coming from her own lips, he could hardly believe it. "Oi, Lucy, you're joking, right?"

She didn't say anything. She just stepped back, her eyes not meeting his.

"Why didn't you say something earlier?" he asked. Like, you know, when they weren't about to crash a party in the royal castle.

"Well, at first it was because I wasn't sure how much I could trust you guys to keep my secret," she said. "Makarov knew right away, but the more people that know, the more likely it is for the secret to get out. And then, after that," — she paused to gnaw on her fingernail — "it's not an easy thing for me to talk about. I've never told anyone before. For a while it wasn't necessary, it wouldn't be fair to you if we went into this without you knowing exactly who I am. Just in case."

"In case someone recognizes you?"

"I was always heavily made up, so they shouldn't recognize my face, especially with this wig," she said, twirling a curly lock of brown hair around her forefinger. "But that councilman, the one we saw back at that mansion when we first met, he should know I'm missing. Most just assume I went into seclusion to study and wouldn't think of the princess being in disguise, but he and probably a few others know the truth. So there's that chance they'll recognize me."

"What'd you look like as a princess?"

Lucy breathed out her nose in something that sounded like a laugh. "I can't show you that now, Natsu."

"Oh. Right."

"I was a lot younger, for one. I ran away when I was 12."

Natsu smiled. "I want to see little Lucy," he said.

"You might be able to, if there are any portraits around," Lucy said. "But I hope not. It's embarrassing."

Nastu nudged her with his shoulder, teasing mode activated. "Lucy's being shy," he drawled.

"I'm not being shy," Lucy snapped. "If you want shy, just wait until you get into this party. You won't even know how to act."

"I just act normal, right?"

Lucy wagged her finger. "The upper classes have a very strict social etiquette. You're completely out of your league."

"I can adapt," Natsu defended, but he knew she was right. He was hopeless in social situations even among normal people, and he had no idea how to even do a proper bow. But he wouldn't let his pride be injured by such shortcomings. He would adapt.

Or, so he planned, but Lucy was even more correct than he could have ever imagined. He'd never felt so out-of-place before in his life. Perhaps the stuffy attire Lucy made him wear should've tipped him off, but the entire atmosphere was just so reserved and composed and stifling. Honestly, Natsu was starting to feel a little lightheaded. He tugged at his collar.

"Don't do that," Lucy hissed, grabbing his arm. "You'll mess it up."

Awkwardly, Natsu lowered his arm again. Lucy slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, her fingers curling against the stiff fabric of his suit jacket. She began leading them forward, navigating with ease through the crowd. Natsu just followed her lead.

"Remember: you are a little-known lord, a solemn man of few words. Try not to let your goofiness out while I'm talking, okay?"

"Aye, sir," Natsu whispered, making Lucy crack a smile for a brief moment before she recovered that perfect pout that all the women here seemed to be wearing.

"All we have to do is confirm the identity of who's in charge of the whole operation. Just ask someone a few strategic questions, get the right clues, and get out of here. Easy."

"Yeah. Got it."

"Ah, see that man over there with the purple suit?" she said.

Natsu tried to look around discreetly. In the general direction they were walking, a man in a dark purple tuxedo was sipping champagne and speaking to a woman Natsu presumed was his wife. "With the woman in the purple dress?"

"Yes, the one in lilac. That's his wife. That man used to be assistant advisor to the Director of Internal Affairs, who was recently ousted over the demon incidents. He was then promoted to Director himself."

"Sounds like the kind of man we're looking for," Natsu said.

"Exactly. Don't mess this up, okay?"

Natsu scowled. "You keep saying that," he muttered, but they had approached the couple so any further pouting would have to wait. He put on his best apathetic expression. Natsu wasn't any good at acting, so he could only hope his supposedly stoic persona would be convincing.

"Good evening, Sir, Madame," Lucy said, giving the couple a small curtsey. They looked at her, wariness in their eyes. "Excuse my interruption, but could you spare some kindness for two out-of-towners?"

"Why of course," the man said in a gracious tone transparent even to Natsu. This man was putting on airs. "But I must ask how you were invited, since this gathering is for palace officials only."

"Well, for one, we are far from the only people here who are not from the palace," Lucy said, pulling out a frilly fan with a flick of her wrist. "But if you must ask, we are in Crocus on the business of visiting my cousin."

"And who would that be?"

Hesitation briefly flashed in Lucy's eyes, but she continued seamlessly. "Advisor Lucius Mard," she replied.

Natsu did his best not to show surprise on his face. Was she really claiming kinship to the man in charge of this party? That was awfully dangerous.

Lucy continued, "My husband here is such a little-known lord that he is embarrassed of us, to be honest, but he still graciously extended us an invitation."

"I see," the man said. He still looked suspicious, but did not voice any concerns. "And what is it you need to ask us?"

"Oh, nothing too specific," Lucy said, waving her hand. "I am just worried about my cousin is all. I know he has been rather…busy…recently and I wanted to inquire as to his health. I tried asking him myself, but you know how he is." Lucy laughed lightly, and the couple laughed along with her. Natsu forced a smile, not sure what they were laughing about.

"He is indeed stubborn when it comes to his personal life," the man said. "To be honest, I had no idea he had family at all. Nobody knows about his background. I doubt even the king knows."

"Well, I won't compromise his secrets, then," Lucy said. "But please, do tell me how he fares. With all he is doing lately, I cannot help but worry."

"He is healthy," the woman said. "In fact, I have never seen a man healthier than the Chief Advisor."

"Oh, that is a relief," Lucy said.

"It is truly amazing," the man added. "Running a country should take many men, but he does everything himself to the point where I wonder if he even has time to sleep. Every instruction is personally delivered from his mouth. I do not blame you for worrying."

"So you are indeed under his instruction," Lucy observed. "I was not certain, but I am glad I chose the right person to ask my question."

"Director of International Affairs," the man introduced. "Sometimes I think your cousin is trying to take my job, going over my head all the time to speak with the Dowager Queen of Bosco personally. He must have traveled there when he was younger and made her acquaintance."

"He never tells me where he goes," Lucy sighed, fluttering her fan again.

"He is truly a private man."

"Indeed."

"Ah, excuse me. My assistant just arrived and I need to speak with him. Helena, come." The couple bowed farewell, and Natsu mimicked the gesture. Then they made their way to the entrance to greet a couple that had just come in through the grand doors.

Lucy turned to Natsu and smiled. "You did well," she said.

"Really?" All he'd done was stand there and watch Lucy do all the talking.

"Your poker face was excellent," Lucy said. "I surprised you when I said we were the Chief Advisor's cousins, didn't I?"

"Yeah."

"Well, you didn't show it at all. You did well."

"Well of course I did. I told you I can adapt," he boasted.

"Now shh, you're supposed to be stoic."

"Right."

His eyes strayed to the food table. The food was tiny, each item only bite-sized, but maybe it was supposed to be that way. Natsu didn't really see the point. Either way, he could smell it from here and it was making him hungry.

"Later," Lucy ordered, noticing the direction of his gaze.

"But Lucy—"

"No. Get back in character."

"Aye, sir…" But then his wandering eyes noticed something else. "Lucy," he said, nudging her.

She was busy folding her fan, but looked up. "What is it?"

"They're talking."

"Who is?"

"The Chief Advisor guy with the guy we just told we were the Chief Advisor's cousins."

Lucy looked to where the men were standing, chatting amiably. They were still all smiles, but Natsu knew their time was about to be cut short.

"Already?" Lucy exclaimed. She brought the fan to her face, covering everything but her eyes. "Damn. I guess he was still suspicious of us after all. Let's hope he doesn't mention us. Move this way."

Natsu let her lead him back through the tables toward the courtyard. If they could get outside, they'd have an easy escape when their identity was compromised.

"What was the point of this, even?" Natsu said. "We didn't find anything out."

"Oh, but we did," Lucy said.

"Like what?"

"The Chief Advisor is pulling the strings. He works alone and gives all orders personally. He has close ties with Bosco's Dowager Queen. Nobody knows who he really is. The king is an unknowing puppet."

"That's not a lot."

"It's more than you may realize. Trust me."

Footsteps echoed behind them, the sound metallic against the tile floor. Those weren't the tap of men's shoes or the clack of women's heels. Armed guards were on the move.

Lucy heard them too. "This way," she whispered, nudging him gently to the left. He turned, and they passed through an arched doorway into a long hall. Lucy suddenly stopped and bent down, then straightened up, shoes in hand. "Now run."

Natsu sprinted down the hallway at Lucy's heels. He grabbed her shoes from her so she could lift her skirts and run even faster. The shouting of guards behind them only fueled them to run faster down the marbled hall.

"There are guards behind the door at the end of the hall," Lucy said. "Take them out, then follow me."

"Why only me?"

"Because I'm the one who knows where we're going. You just follow. Got it?"

"Aye, sir."

Lucy slammed through the huge wooden doors, causing shouts on the other side. She ran through while Natsu skidded to a halt, sending the guards flying with a few well-aimed kicks. Then he blindly ran after her scent that lingered fresh in the air, following her up a stairway and around a corner to another long hallway.

Just how big was this place, anyway? Every ceiling was spacious and curved, carved with intricate patterns in marble and gold. The sound of footsteps echoed loudly around them as they passed door after door, guard after guard that Natsu knocked down, maid after terrified maid. But still Lucy pressed on. Natsu was completely lost, but she ran forward with certainty toward whatever their destination was.

That destination apparently involved climbing through a certain vent. "Guards don't know this place," Lucy explained as she shimmied up a tall vertical shaft, Natsu trying to follow her without looking up and accidentally getting a view of her panties.

"Why couldn't we go into the vents earlier?" he asked. They'd passed a lot of grated openings in the floorboards on their way to the one they'd entered.

"This one isn't in use anymore," Lucy said. "You can tell because it was a hidden panel rather than a grate; they just covered up where the grate used to be. The other end of this is blocked. Or, they think it is. You'll see."

Somewhere in the middle of their climbing, Lucy stopped and braced herself against the sides so she could fiddle with something. Then there was a small creaking noise and suddenly light shone into the shaft. Natsu squinted and followed Lucy through a hole she'd made in the side.

When he crawled out from the wooden dresser hiding the hole in the wall, he found himself in a quiet room decorated with frilly pink satin and lace. The walls were inlaid with silver and jade and all sorts of blue and turquoise stones that shimmered in the dim moonlight that filtered through the arched window that took up an entire wall. And on the wall opposite the bed hung a large banner embroidered with the royal crest in colors of pink and gold.

Natsu dusted himself off and looked at Lucy. She was standing by the vanity, fingers tracing over the grains of the dark wood.

"What is this place?" he asked.

"This is my room," Lucy said. "Or, it was when I still lived in the palace. The guards who were chasing us won't think to look here; as far as the regular guards are concerned, I am currently abroad in Bosco studying Boscan culture from their Princess. This room is empty."

"It's…" He looked around at the spacious walls, the tall ceiling, the bed bigger than even the two-person tents Erza carried. "…big."

Lucy laughed. "Well, I was royalty, after all. Only the best for their precious princess."

"It does explain a lot," Natsu said.

"What does?"

"You being a princess. Your aura is different. Must be something in the way you carry yourself leftover from being a royal."

"Maybe," Lucy said. "Am I really that different from everyone else?"

Natsu opened his mouth to speak, but stopped when he heard footsteps outside the door. There was only one pair of feet, and the sound was too muted for it to be one of the steel-booted guards. A maid, most likely. There wasn't so much as a speck of dust on the furniture despite the room being unused; it was obviously being cleaned regularly. Just their luck that a maid would come now of all times.

He and Lucy held their breaths, eyes locked. Please leave, please leave, Natsu willed at the person on the other side.

But the handle rattled and the door creaked open. Caught.


A/N: A lot of you saw the princess thing coming a mile away haha. What can I say? I'm predictable. And I love me some royalty AUs haha. Or, in this case, ex-royalty.

Next chapter has some ~feelings~ and I'm kinda nervous haha... You'll see why, I guess.

Thanks for reading!