Sorry for the longer than planned delay in posting the new chapter, here in the UK we have gone back into lockdown again so things have gotten busy again for me. This chapter and 9 are in two parts and the second will be posted this weekend. I also wanted to reply to a few comments in the reviews, I am sorry if this seems rushed, Natsu and Lucy have kissed but they won't be waltzing off into the sunset anytime soon, the kiss was more of comfort/thank you. There is going to be a slow build up in this, i mainly write straight to the point smut so I'm slowing down a bit in this. Also about the tag being Edolas Lucy, the Lucy in this story is the main Lucy, she was concieved in Earthland and only raised in Edolas. Sorry for any confusion there. But anyhoo without any more rambling, heres chapter 8!

Dragon Souls – Chapter 8 – A Veil of Secrets - Part One

The journey back through the skies of the Fire Lands had been a smoother and all round more pleasant one.

Lucy had been doubled over, inspecting a rip in the fabric of her fancy ball-gown; when the heat and brightness of Natsu's transformation into Dragon-Form had caught her attention, to her utmost surprise the red Dragon had lowered itself to the floor.

Neck laid on the ground, indicating the Prince wanted her to sit at the base of his neck; riding on his back. Lucy had the sudden feeling of warmth from this gesture, as though the handsome Shifter was not one to offer this honour to just anyone.

"A-Are you sure?" She asked the beast, who snorted in amusement; a moment later she heard Natsu's voice in her head.

"Just get on Luce, or I'll dangle you from the tail again."

"You wouldn't dare." Lucy huffed, hitching up her dress and climbing onto the dragon's back, settling in comfortably; although her legs were exposed far too much for her liking, for having him between her thighs –

No! Bad Lucy...she scolded herself, finding her cheeks turning red as her mind conjured images that weren't...bad...just embarrassing.

Damn it!

Now, Lucy wasn't exactly a flustered virgin, but she was very private in her intimate affairs and had rarely spoken about it or given her few sexual encounters much thought.

As the two flew through the late evening air, the shadowed scenery dashed by; her eyes had slid out of focus after trying and failing to take in the view below, without the feeling of motion sickness creeping into her stomach. Lucy instead chose to focus on the warmth of Natsu's Dragon-Form beneath her, the smooth and glistening scales bringing her comfort and security; she should have been terrified to be soaring high above the ground at great speed, but she felt nothing but serenity and security.

The castle at Ignis was an impressive sight to behold when arriving on foot, but by air; it was another matter entirely.

Lucy had never paid much attention to the roof before, but seeing it in the darkness of the late evening air; the tiles glistened. She watched, mesmerised as each turret twinkled like tiny stars, red and orange hues served as a beacon to Natsu and Lucy as they descended from the clouds; craning her neck to watch, almost leaning too far off of her perch.

"Why is the roof shimmering?" Lucy asked loudly, her voice struggling to carry on the wind.

She was glad that Natsu's Dragon-Form was so toasty, the cold evening air rushing passed her would have had her freezing her ass off. As pretty as her gown was, it was not at all practical for riding.

Although she doubted the finest tailor who had made the dress had imagined it's wearer would be soaring through the skies astride the neck of a fearsome Dragon...

"It's a type of crystal, it helps Dragons to locate Ignis at night. We have great vision in the day, even better at night; but our eyes zone in on so many things at once as a Dragon it helps us focus."

Well that made sense, Lucy knew Dragon senses were more animalistic; it was probably hard to keep focused when your heightened senses were being overloaded with sights, smells and the like.

The castle looked extremely imposing at night, had she been arriving for the first time she might have been alarmed. Landing quietly in the main courtyard, Lucy swung her legs over the Dragon's neck and hopped down to the stone floor; a flash of flame and heat later and she felt Natsu's comforting presence behind her. The double doors were quick to open, a familiar figure came rushing out; followed by several members of the Royal Court.

Igneel was striding towards them, his bodyguards following behind. Gajeel, Loke and Levy were the next in the group with Wendy running behind them. Zeref and Mavis were last but not least.

"Are you both alright?" Igneel asked hurriedly, pulling his son into his embrace with one arm, and side hugging Lucy with the other. "The second Prince running from his own party caused quite a stir. You're lucky your guests know you well enough not to be offended and leave."

"I'm sorry for worrying you...Luce talked some sense into me." Natsu smiled.

The Dragon Lord briefly glanced across to the blond, who looked conflicted in her pretty brown eyes for just a moment before she smiled kindly at Natsu's father.

"She did?" Igneel raised an eyebrow at his youngest son.

"Yeah...Dad we need to talk...privately." Natsu gave Lucy a glance and then gave his father a pointed look.

Igneel looked alarmed for a moment before the Dragon Lord nodded to the group behind him in dismissal, Lucy watched Atlas and Metalicana simply nod back; turning to usher the group back into the castle. When they were alone, just the three of them; Igneel turned to his son.

"Let's use my chambers, we shall not be disturbed there."

Dragon Lord Igneel's chambers were far less grand than Lucy expected, given his status as a ruler of an entire kingdom; while impressive in a humble and inviting way, she had imagined scenes of sumptuous grandeur.

The Royal Chambers consisted of a single, large rectangular room with a vaulted ceiling and arched windows; more like a living room than a space for entertaining. This was obviously Igneel's own little slice of solitude and relaxation. There was a wooden door with iron hinges that led to his bedroom and a modest bathroom, a rustic stone fireplace with a granite mantle warmed the room and bathed the cluttered but homely space in an inviting golden glow.

A large fur rug sat under a seating area in front of the fire, a coffee table was stacked with books and papers; before the two sofas made of an animal hide she had not seen before. Every available surface, including Igneel's desk seemed to hold scrolls, manuscripts and letters; the room smelled of spices and the logs burning merrily in the hearth. The Lord himself sat before them in a tufted brown armchair with arms so worn in, it was obvious the man spent much of his times at this heavy oak desk.

"What do you wish to discuss with me?" Igneel steepled his fingers together, giving them a contemplative look. It was perhaps the first time that Lucy had seen the man looking so serious, normally a kind and jovial man, his eyes were guarded and emotionless. His wrinkles were creased in worry and trepidation, rather than joy and laughter; something that did not suit the kindly man at all.

Lucy had been momentarily distracted by a finely woven tapestry that hung over the fireplace, what looked like a scene of an ancient battle; silk spun into a thrilling confrontation of two Dragons. Snarling angrily at one another, claws and teeth bared and ready to fight to the death.

She shook her head briefly and immediately began to regale the story she had told Natsu earlier in the evening, explaining carefully what she had seen in her dream; what the Dragon Gods had told her and what was to come. Igneel, just like his youngest son; did not utter a single sound as he listened to Lucy speak. Although his mouth did twitch up in triumph at the red cheeks of Natsu's face as Lucy told them about being destined to be together.

"Well...anyone could see that you two are soulmates...you need a kind-hearted, brave and adventurous mate, not a prim and proper Lady of the Court."

"Yeah yeah...lap it up." Natsu drawled, his annoyance overshadowed by the grin he gave Lucy as she giggled airily.

"The news of a traitor within the Council, however while troubling; does not surprise me." Igneel spoke tensely.

"That's why we came to you, Luce and I have no idea what to do 'bout this." Natsu sighed, giving the blond a small frown. "I hated the idea of settling down with a quiet wallflower with no dreams or ambitions...I want someone to challenge me, grow with me and stand beside me. Yeah...I'm not ready to exchange vows or anything...but there is no way in hell that Luce will battle to the death for me...or anyone else."

Lucy wasn't quite sure how her legs were still holding her up, after the reverence in his words; if he hadn't been holding her, she would have melted into a puddle of poufy lace and silk on Igneel's fine rug.

Natsu really, truly meant every word, she could feel it in his heartbeat; strong and steadily pulsing in time with hers in a syncopated rhythm.

"Let me speak with Makarov, while I have many friends and allies in the Council; that man is perhaps the only one I would trust with this matter. I have no doubt he has his suspicions about fowl play being involved. For now let us not worry about this, you both should return and enjoy the rest of the party; I shall be along shortly."

Natsu thanked his father, while Lucy bowed in respect; Igneel scoffed and motioned for her to rise, such a display of propriety was not needed. The two of them walked away, shutting the door behind them; Igneel sighed and rubbed at his weary eyes, before he smiled.

"I'm impressed your stealth skills have developed so vastly that your own brother did not sense you." Igneel spoke softly into the room, his bedroom door opened swiftly; revealing a figure cloaked in darkness for a moment before his eldest son came strolling into the room. His boots padded silently along the floor as he stood strong and firm before his father.

"You are wise and strong, I could never hope to fool you father. You wish for me to keep an eye on things?" Zeref chuckled humorously, arms crossed and interest showing on his handsome face.

"Only you would find those words amusing." Igneel groaned at the joke, pain flaring through his body at his son's horrific past.

"I have made peace with what happened, while I wish with all my heart to gaze upon my beautiful Mavis's face, see how my brother has grown or even look upon those kind eyes of a loving father; I am thankful that my other senses have enabled me an advantage others do not. What are your orders, father?"

Igneel reached into the innermost depths of his mind and opened his thoughts across the room to reach his son.

'For now keep a low profile, I do not wish your cover blown, it is of no use if our plans are discovered. Do you have any new information?'

'Well...apart from a dozen arguments between Anna and Jude about my eventual sister-to-be; I have discovered some rather amusing information about Councilman Hyberion.'

"What on Earthland have you discovered about our dear Hyberion?" Igneel returned to audible speech, amusement in his eyes.

"He's been reorganising Warrod's plant collection in alphabetised order...its been driving him mad."

Igneel boomed with laughter, wiping a tear from his eye.

"That man is a demon when he holds a grudge, I tell you."

Lucy found her arm tightening around Natsu's as they walked back into the hall later that evening, after their very dramatic exit just a few hours prior. She was feeling self conscious from the curious glances they were receiving, as they passed through the crowd, but no one seemed to mean ill will.

Until she caught the eyes belonging to a single scowling face, a black haired man that was dressed finely in a fur lined blue jacket; exquisitely embroidered with silver lapels and sleeve cuffs, the look on his face was directed entirely at her.

"That's Silver Fullbuster...he's a foul tempered and selfish Lord who rules his frozen kingdom with an iron fist and an icy heart. He thinks his subjects as nothing more than slaves to order about. I feel sorry for his kingdom, Gray deserves to rule, not him." Natsu murmured quietly in her ear, his warm breath making her shiver in delight.

"Is the scowl permanent feature or does he don it for special occasions?" Lucy whispered back.

"Permanent...think the wind changed while he was taking a dump and his expression stayed like that." Lucy grimaced, not needing that mental image at all..."He's a walking, talking pile of Dragon shit. His son is a bit of an idiot sometimes, but Frosty Nips is okay."

"Is that a hint of rivalry I detect?" Lucy teased, prodding a finger into his side.

"Fire and Ice are natural opposites...just don't tell him I think he's a decent guy...got a reputation to uphold."

"Do we have to greet Lord Silver." Lucy shuddered uncomfortably.

"He's here purely for propriety sake, my old man would never invite him otherwise, but even worse; he's sitting at our table."

Natsu pressed a kiss to her temple, trying to placate the disgust on her beautiful face at the thought of being seated near this vile man. Silver was looking at her like she was scum stuck to the bottom of his shiny leather boots. Instead of saying or doing something that could potentially come back to haunt her; Lucy forced a smile onto her face and reminded herself of her surroundings and why she was here.

This was Natsu's birthday and causing any further scene would ruin the jovial occasion. This world was entirely different than her own and her smart mouth and wisecracks could cause great offence that might jeopardise her desire to remain here.

Little did the blond know however, causing a scene; was exactly what the Dragon Lord of the Frost Realm was planning...

The ball was in full swing, the music was melodious and upbeat; performers were perched on square plinths in various positions in the room. Brightly dressed in reds and golds for the occasion and entertaining guests with juggling and contortionism.

Natsu did not stray from her side once, something Lucy was grateful for; as she was escorted around the ballroom by his warm hand, exchanging introductions and pleasantries with various persons of nobility and friends of the Dragneel Clan. The two not quite yet lovers had settled into a comfortable ease with one another, an unspoken understanding had been reached between them.

While Lucy was hardly ready to even entertain the idea of exchanging vows and waltzing off into the sunset with her fiery Prince, the care and concern he showed her left her feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. They had kissed yes, and it had been absolutely wonderful; but she sensed a hesitance in Natsu that mirrored her own to move into a relationship just yet.

They had more pressing concerns right now.

Suddenly, the music stopped; Lord Igneel announced that it was time to eat. Lucy giggled when Natsu and several of her new friends and acquaintances cheered loudly.

"Let us drink like King's and feast like the Gods!" Igneel boomed to riotous cheers.

Natsu pulled her to the top table at the far end of the room.

"Dad's table is full of important people so –"

"You should try and behave then?" Lucy winked, making Natsu raise an eyebrow at her in jest.

"I'm not the one with the smart mouth Luigi."

"Just the lack of table manners."

He couldn't help but grin cheekily at her airy laughter, glad she was feeling happier. Igneel's table was spectacular; humongous platters of delicious foods, snacks and desserts greeted them, as did the guests already seated at the table. Several servers waltzing by with flagons of beer, ale and wine.

The man himself was laughing at a joke Makarov had apparently told before Natsu and Lucy arrived; he soon turned to smile at the two of them.

"You're both right next to me." Igneel motioned to the two empty seats to his left, Zeref and Mavis were seated to his right; both smiling kindly at Natsu and Lucy. The second Prince showed his chivalrous side by seating Lucy before himself, she thanked him as he sat next to her by squeezing him on the knee.

"Now, Lucy my dear...you've met Councilman Makarov, Anna and Erza Scarlet. Next to our esteemed leader of the Knights of Valour, is Silver Fullbuster; Dragon Lord of the Frost Realm, our nearest neighbour. Next to him is his son Prince Gray Fullbuster."

"It is a great pleasure to meet you both." Lucy smiled and bowed politely, to which Gray smiled and returned the greeting in kind. Silver, however, looked as though he hadn't heard her; so Igneel diverted the conversation elsewhere.

"I must say m'boy...where is your lovely Empress to be, Julia was it?" Igneel asked, making polite conversation with their guests.

"Juvia, actually...she isn't exactly my Empress to be yet –"

"What my son is trying to say is there is still the final stage of the tournament to go, Juvia is the favourite to win...only the finest of lookers and of the highest nobility is good enough for my son." Silver interrupted, thumping his son on the back so hard; Gray choked on his drink.

"Y-Yeah...she is smart, ambitious and very...assertive."

Lucy could see the younger Fullbuster did not share the same views, mannerisms or brutish nature as his father. There was an old saying in Edolas, that the apple never rots far from the tree; but in this case, tree was the rotten one not the apple. The only likeness Silver and his handsome son seemed to share was looks and their blood.

"Once you are married boy, she is to be nothing more than a pretty trinket to dangle from your arm, you will stamp down her inappropriate behav –"

"You would do well to not underestimate the power of a strong woman, Silver. The deadly grace and sharp mind of a woman can fell the strongest armies, when angered they can summon the harshest storm; perhaps you grow ignorant the leader of our fiercest army is sitting right next to you?" Makarov spoke in warning.

"Do you question my prowess?" Erza breathed dangerously. "I would be happy to offer a demonstration by calling a Blood Feud."

A Blood Feud was a Draconian fight to the death, an ancient duel between Dragons to prove who was the stronger. Lucy was slightly terrified, evidently so was Silver. Natsu gave Lucy a sly grin and she smiled in return, giggling quietly as the icy Lord paled and promptly quietened. She reached over to grab some sandwiches from one of the platters of food, while Natsu scarfed down food as though it were going out of fashion; much to no ones surprise.

"A toast...to second Prince Natsu, many happy returns!" Makarov lifted his large flagon of wine, followed by several more dozen raised vessels and shouts of happy birthday and the like.

Lucy felt a pair of eyes on her again and soon found the cause...Silver. He looked disgruntled, bored and disgusted to be put in his place; wanting to be anywhere but here.

"So Anna...how is Lady Lucy's training in the Celestial arts going?" Makarov asked, turning to face the older blond.

"Very well...I have never met a more determined student. Lady Lucy has progressed –"

"Lady Lucy?" Silver scoffed. "Forgive my ignorance Councilwoman Anna but just how does a lowly commoner from the exiled cesspool of humanity come to be called a Lady of the Royal Court? Did you adopt a stray, Igneel?"

Lucy had mentally prepared herself for this man's barbed tongue earlier in the evening, but it seemed Natsu did not have the same sense of self control; the guttural growl of warning was made to threaten the stronger male, Dragon to Dragon, heat rising to blistering levels suddenly before Igneel shook his head.

It was unwise to challenge him or fuel his ire, but Igneel would not let Silvers forked tongue poison the mood further; he opened his mouth to speak, but Lucy got to him first.

In her years of dealing with creeps and bull-headed pigs, Lucy had learned to remain calm and poised; more often that not it was biting words and a veiled threat that won the battle, not violence.

So she smiled sweetly at the vile man.

"Your ignorance and forked tongue are forgiven, Lord Silver; though your unpleasant attitude is not entirely welcomed during this joyous occasion. If you didn't already know I am Lady Lucy Heartfilia, daughter of Councilman Jude Heartfilia, former Dragon Lord of the Celestial Realm. I am the charge of the esteemed Councilwoman Anna Heartfilia who has kindly offered to teach me the magic of my birth right. Once again it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance."

Natsu found himself beaming with pride at Lucy's perfectly amicable tone, if a little deadly. There was an air of terrifying grace with how she was standing up for herself; such a feat he had only witnessed in four other women.

Mavis, Anna, Erza and Mira.

However while these four women left him terrified with a single stern glance, Lucy's left him (and his Dragon Soul) wanting to drag her into his arms to kiss her senseless; his Soul however was wanting to leap across the table and tear the snobbish bastard limb from limb.

He was very much in agreement with his inner beast...if he wasn't so eager to watch Lucy tear him down with her biting wit first!

"Really? I was under the impression that Jude has no heirs...apparent when he gave his birth right to a drunkard imbecile with no sense of decorum." Silver glared, not liking being challenged.

"The only imbecile with no decorum is you, you overgrown man-child. My brother was forced to banish my dear nieces mother Layla in order to take his throne from our strict father. Jude had no idea his beloved was carrying his youngling, if he had he would have stopped it in a heartbeat. While my brother still mourns his mates death he feels himself unable to let Lucy into his shattered heart, or claim her as his. I do however, so as my charge you shall show her the respect she deserves."

"Lady Lucy is a kind, caring young woman who has shown great respect and curiosity for our world; I am honoured to have her here as our esteemed guest." Igneel added proudly.

"So you are nothing more than a spawn of a disgraced Lord and a common woman...no more a noble than a lowly peasant."

"Listen here you bast –" Natsu seethed and got to his feet, face rippling with red scales and eyes full of hatred. Lucy was quick to place a soothing hand on his arm and a shake of her head.

"You're just gonna let this piece of –"

"No...I won't let the vile vitriol of a despicable barbarian wound me. My mother was the most wonderful woman I ever knew as a child and my father loved her very much; so much so his heart shattered into a million pieces when she was banished. While I do not think highly of my father, I accept there may be no more room in the little left of his broken heart; to allow him to love his daughter. I think far less of a man with no respect and thinks others beneath him, nor deserves the honour and responsibility given to him; I do not deserve such slander, if you feel I do then kindly remove yourself from my presence."

"You do NOT belong here, Halfling!" Silver stammered.

"Well I am here to stay...get the fuck over it."

Silence and awe befell the table as Silver Fullbuster turned the shade of a tomato at being spoken to so bluntly.

"Come, boy...we are leaving." Silver hissed at his son.

"I'm staying right here..." Gray raised an eyebrow at his father. "You should go home and work on your appalling character...I'll come back when I'm not ashamed to be your son."

Lucy felt a crippling fear in her gut, worried she had gone too far; tears in her eyes as Silver got to his feet and turned to Igneel.

"I-I thank you, Lord Igneel for your hospitality." Silver stomped away, bringing the entire ballroom to a complete standstill. Lucy didn't know whether to laugh or cry as several boos and cheers rung out as left.

"That was the best thing I've ever seen." Gray spoke dryly, thoroughly impressed.

"But...I just –"

"Yeah...you really tore my old man a new one...but he deserved it, he had no right to speak to you like that." Gray frowned.

"Is he always so rude?" Lucy asked, extremely relieved to have not offended the Prince of the neighbouring kingdom too.

"He didn't used to be, my mom left five years ago; he grew cold, ruthless and rude."

"Lets hope he changes himself for the better." Igneel sighed.

"Are you alright?" Natsu murmured and grasped her shaking hand in his, rubbing his thumb gently over the back of her hand.

"I'm fine, thank you Natsu."

"Thank you for seeing me, Sir."

"Of course my boy, I take it your endeavours have been rewarded?"

"It seems our suspicion of who is behind this has come to fruition. We must send for the girl from Edolas for questioning."

"That halfwit is hardly the mastermind behind this...it seems more like she was bought off for her cooperation."

"So it may seem, boy. I have used my scrying mirror to watch this human and she has neither the wit or means to do this alone."

"Three days in the Gaol should loosen her tongue."

"Setting a few Dragon-Guard outside of her cell should loosen her tongue even more."

"By how much?"

"Seventy one hours, fifty nine minutes and exactly thirty seconds."

Later that evening, Lucy sat at her desk; eagerly filling in page after page in a large tome with blank parchment. She had been gifted it by Levy in order to record her memories and an accurate portrayal of the human world, Edolas. She had tried briefly to accompany her words on the basics of how electricity worked, but gave up when all she could produce was a wonky stick man; holding a lightbulb.

Maybe that was why she was more adept at the written word, and not an artist.

While the Dragon Lands had an abundance of Lacrima Crystal that gave off a bioluminescent glow, in significant quantities might mimic the effects of electric light; she had come to learn through her studies that this crystal was a prized commodity, mostly used in jewellery or statues because of its beauty. Using it for something such as a common light source would no doubt reduce it's value and significance.

Lucy finished writing and placed her quill back into her inkwell, leaving the book open to allow the brown ink to dry before she closed it; she had sent the book to a local Leather worker to have the cover embossed with its title.

"'Edolas: A Curated Tale of A Forbidden World...by Lucy Heartfilia'"

It was hard not to feel saddened by the knowledge that even one person did not heed her welcome to this world, for in this place she felt more at home; surrounded by myth come alive and a simpler way of life, much more homely and inviting than a large city with unfriendly snobs. She would trade Edolas and all its glamour for this world in a heartbeat, even the vitriol of one man would not be enough to sway her stay. Lucy wondered what had happened to Silver in his past, to make him such a shell of a man; Gray had briefly explained his mother had left, but there seemed to be far more to the harrowing tale than that. Lucy and her new friends had spent much of the remainder of the ball crowded round their own few tables, pushed together; drinks flowing and laughter and grand tales being shared.

Igneel and his close personal friends had all drunk themselves into a merry stupor; loudly trading old Draconian shanties and flyting for fun. The younger and more hardy of the men had challenged each other to an arm wrestling contest.

To no ones surprise, Erza Scarlet won.

The friends had laughed, drunk and enjoyed various high jinx and games long into the early morning; Lucy having dozed off against Natsu's shoulder somewhere around the second bell toll of the tower.

Her head had been a little sore the next morning, but the good memories she had made last eve would stay with her for years to come.

Nothing could spoil her happiness, as she almost skipped merrily down to breakfast the next morning; smiling as she entered the oddly quiet ballroom for breakfast. Lucy was about to wish everyone a good morning, when her eyes fell on those of a tense and worried Igneel.

Had something happened while she was asleep?

"What's wrong, Lord Igneel?"

"You have a visitor."

She tilted her head in confusion, sensing someone standing behind her; thinking it was a surprise visit by Anna, Lucy turned to greet her with a smile.

While the blondish-silver hair was virtually identical to the older woman, the wire rimmed spectacles, haggard face and cold eyes; were not those that belonged to her beloved Aunt.

"F-Father?"

Yikes...just what does Jude want? And to answer some theories, no the bad guy/girl isn't Zeref! See you soon!