Hello my Lords and Ladies!

I apologize for the long wait, college Midterms were kicking my rear end and I was desperate to get work done. I'll be updating chapters for other stories here shortly.

Here's the much-awaited third installment of 'The Reluctant Royal', thank you so much for the reviews and the love guys. Means a lot to me 3

As always, Much Love,

BlackRose999

The Reluctant Royal

Chapter Three: A Terrifying Reality, can a Princess rescue a Queen?

~Lucy~

A month had passed since Lucy's arrival in Magnolia, and it was safe to say that Lucy was having a very nice time, every day seemed to offer something new and thrilling. Equestrian Arts and fencing were her absolute favorites. Magnolian royalty didn't believe in "Men's activities only" rules, they believed that if you had the skills, you should learn the activities. Lucy excelled in Fencing, she was fast and thought on her feet. Even her instructor was impressed by her absolute devotion to the craft.

It wasn't like she was a queen, at least not yet, so she had no real responsibilities except her weekly letters to her mother, which she did diligently and happily. Which she was doing now.

"Dearest Mother,

I cannot express my thanks, my hopes and dreams are slowly coming to fruition. I have found purpose, expression, and hopefully a budding love. The prince here is kind and very handsome, he is thoughtful and in some ways wise.

Though he has a long way before he's old enough to think like a king!

His Majesty the king has graciously allowed me to offer you a visit to Magnolia, he wishes to introduce what may be Natsu's new mother-in-law to both prince and court.

He also says he remembers you!

That you were once great friends, he laments that he never kept in touch, but knows that it would have been inappropriate considering your marriage to Father.

Please write to me immediately, I hope to hear you have permission to leave as soon as possible… Though I know Father may forbid it.

Forever your loving daughter,

Lucy"

Lucy stared at the words on the page, a soft smile on her face. She had been writing weekly letters for over a month, letters to keep her mother well informed of her daily life. A soft rap on her door pulled her attention, "Prince Natsu wishes to enter." Lucy didn't bother to adjust her appearance anymore, he told her it wasn't necessary. That she was quite beautiful no matter what she did. "Allow him entry." Natsu entered the room, still clothed in black and gold, and strode over to her.

"I have a gift for you…" He said quietly while he nervously fidgeted. "It's not a ring," He said hurriedly, "But I really hope you like it." He held out a semi-large black and gold jewelry box, anxiously waiting for her to take it. Gingerly lifting it from his hands as though she was worried she'd drop it and shatter whatever was inside, she opened the box and gasped. They were earrings. Beautiful, rose-gold, mother of pearl and diamond earrings no doubt solely created and faceted by Natsu himself. The metal curved around the three pearls at the center, almost like her ivy hairpiece did when she first arrived, and ended with a medium-sized pink gem.

"Oh, Natsu I… I don't know what to say." She tentatively reached out and brushed her fingers along the jewels and pearls, she really wasn't one for jewels to begin with, but for some reason, the ones he made always stole her breath.

"They're so beautiful… How long did it take you to make them?"

~Natsu~

He smiled and sat opposite of her, taking in her appearance.

Out of respect for the family she might very well be marrying into, she'd also clothed herself in black, silver, or golden outfits. Today she wore a very modest black sheath gown with long sleeves, the collar was high, embroidered with gold-threaded stars and vines, and only featured an oval split to show a modest amount of cleavage. It was long at the hem and trailed a bit behind her when she walked.

He rather liked her, it wasn't true love just yet, but he was rather fond of her. And if he was correct, she was fond of him too. "I actually worked with our jewelry smith here, I faceted and cut the gems myself, and he set them into our creations. As much as I'd like to boast and say it was all my work, I can't do that to a friend."

"What's his name?" She asked happily, "I'd like to thank him for his beautiful craftsmanship…" Natsu's smile strained a little. "He's very prone to keeping to himself, he doesn't like company much." She nodded, "I'll ask him privately if he would mind accepting my thanks," Then she did something he wasn't expecting, she took in his expression like she was reading words off a paper. "Natsu? Does it make you uncomfortable?"

He started a little, he was usually very good at hiding his emotion, but this petite woman seemed to be able to read him without a problem. "Well… Truthfully, he's a bit of a womanizer and I would prefer if you didn't go… or… maybe went with me." He felt himself blush slightly, and then stammered out "B-but only if you want to!" Lucy giggled and reached out to grasp his hand. "I'd like that… Let's me get to know you better."

A bolt of something passed between them, and suddenly they were both very embarrassed about something they didn't quite understand. Natsu looked at her, the blush of her cheeks and the sudden longing in her eyes. And without thinking he leaned forward and kissed her, cupping her cheek in his hand. To his relief, she happily returned the kiss, and then it was over. A knock on the door had pulled them from the moment.

"Your majesty, a letter has come for you."

He watched hr brighten, and with a peck on his cheek she picked up her skirts and all but ran to the door. "Is it from Her Majesty, Queen Layla?" "Yes, your majesty." She pulled the letter from him and hurried over to her desk, gently breaking the seal with her letter opener. He watched the joy fall from her face as horror and fear replaced it.

"Lucy? What's wrong?"

"M-my mother… She's… She's being put aside…"