Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or its characters; that right belongs to Hiro Mashima. Nor do I own the Pradesh boys/family; that right belongs to Desna (who permitted me after asking them) to use them for my story.

Author's Notes: I have finally decided how many chapters this story will have. And I will not state the number here, but this will be on the shorter side for me. So, if you know the regular number of chapters I usually write, you have a rough guess. Now on to messing with fictional characters for my own self-gratification.

Lucy rolled her eyes as she held back the urge to yell. The ability to remain calm and collected she cultivated in the years of her life was wearing precariously thin. Lucy had finally found someone who could(and would) intentionally be more annoying than Natsu(and Happy, that little blue furry troll).

It'd been almost three weeks since she had arrived in this strange and new world. The last week has been a learning experience for Lucy to boot. Queen Garnier was a force to be reckoned with and a pleasant companion. The woman made Lucy miss her mother a lot.

Garnier and Xally had gotten Lucy tutors and an etiquette teacher. The latter only had to do basic touch-ups before stating she was suitable for formal functions. At the same time, Lucy got to train physically with Zen, Cristoff, and Emzadi. Then she helped Farron and Kaleb by talking about the technology found in Earthland.

Of course(like now), she had to spend time with Vander. The very same person who had her practically snapping! Yes, he was very good-looking, and he knew it. It didn't help that he had slept with most of the female staff, who officially hated Lucy now.

Sadly there was no way to break the engagement short of death. Their souls were bound until then, giving a whole new meaning to 'until death do us part.' However, Lucy found Vander acting jealous humorous. Because she'd told him this morning when he was up close and personal with a woman, "Good Job!" Even giving him a double thumbs up as she passed by them, totally unconcerned.

Sighing, Lucy hugged the towels and a small bucket with soap and scented oils to her chest. At that point, she'd been honest since she told him to take care of his urges with another person(Or his hand), be it a man or woman. Lucy didn't want him to be faithful if there was no love in the marriage between them. So, she figured he had finally given into it instead of pestering her!

Feeling a frown pull her lips down, Lucy scrunched her nose. She didn't need these thoughts, nope, not when she would utilize the Royal Baths! A whole room that was roughly half the size of the throne room. And it was in a special pink marble that was self-heating with natural spring water constantly flowing. Heaven is what Lucy secretly called it.

Giggling brightly, Lucy sped up, humming in delight. While she missed all of her friends and family, this made a decent salve. And if she found a way home, it was epic bragging rights. Mentally Lucy could picture the sour faces of her gal pals.

The guard, or knight, tilted his chin in acknowledgment as he opened the door. It had shocked her the first time seeing a person in full plate armor at the door. But the guaranteed privacy had Lucy readily accepting and adapting. So giving a warm smile, Lucy walked into the impressive room. The steam instantly caused her skin to flush.

Not wasting a second, Lucy made for the nearest hand-carved bench and set her bundle of stuff down. She quickly divested herself of her clothes and personal effects. Making sure her Key Ring was visible and easily grabbable on the edge of the bath. Then Lucy jumped into the steaming bath water.

At this time of day, no one frequented this place as each person had a job or task according to their position to finish for the day. Meaning Lucy could be very childish like she was being. It meant Lucy could destress as she floated for a while.

Time passed swiftly, and Lucy ducked under the water to rinse her hair's soap and scented oils. She felt about ninety percent better and more relaxed, Something she needed as she burst through the water's surface, flinging her hair back. Only to see wine red eyes looking at her in a mix of amusement and annoyance.

Lucy was only inches from Vander's face when Lucy felt something swirling around her ankles. It made Lucy open her eyes wide as she opened her mouth to scream. But it was futile as she was dragged forcefully under the as she saw panic flash on Vander's face before he vanished from her sight.

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Soft giggling came from the darkened chamber. It was eerie in appearance as little white, and green balls of light bobbed in time with the laughter.

"Oh, this will be interesting. How long until things are twisted and turned once more? And will that little brat earn what is rightfully theirs? Or squander it?"

"High priest?"

At the sound of the room's only other occupant speaking, the soft giggles came again before water was splashed, disturbing the surface of the mini pond in the middle of the darkened chamber.

"Know that the Gods are fickle, bored, and mischievous shits, acolyte."

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Laxus leaned back against the edge of the Boscan bath. He and the rest of the Fairy Tail members were still keenly feeling the loss of Lucy after the attack. They'd all witnessed her vanish into thin air. Even Yukino's Spirits couldn't contact Lucy's Spirits.

"If you keep scowling like that, your face will freeze and look like a gargoyle's. Such a waste."

Blinking his story blue eyes as he turned to glare at his best friend's youngest brother. Ready to retort back, Laxus was interrupted when a loud crack was heard before the center of the bath exploded into a geyser.

A very familiar feminine shriek half smothered by the water range in his ears. Laxus stood up and moved towards the geyser as it began to fall back into the bath. His enhanced eye sightseeing the familiar outline of Lucy, who was very naked.

When nothing blocked his view, he saw Vander holding up Lucy, whose scent let him know she was very pissed. He watched as Lucy twisted her arm so she could grab Vander's ceran-wrapped arm(because he had to get a sleeve tattoo) and jerk him towards her.

Laxus didn't move as he felt his jaw drop. Lucy's other hand curled into a fist and came up swiftly as Vander let himself be pulled willingly towards a beautiful woman. Then the sound of Lucy's fist connecting cleanly with a now stunned Vander's face had Laxus flinching. He knew she was stronger than most gave her credit. She survived suicidal missions with her teammates all the time.

"You jackass!" Lucy screeched. "Why did you think scaring me while I was bathing was a good thing, Your Highness!"

Her words left Laxus speechless.

"Uh, Cosplayer?"

"Miss Lucy?"

All Laxus could do was silently watch the train wreck before him. Lucy turned to look in his direction at Freed and Bickslow behind him. Lucy's already flushed face grew darker. Then Laxus rushed towards Lucy as her eyes rolled up into her head.

He was sure there was a story behind her actions and words. Though the sight of her slumping into Vander's arms as he looked confused. And why did she call Vander, Your Highness, of all things? He was no Prince. Just a horny bastard who was good at giving and receiving pleasure.

TBC!