Natsu sighed in bliss as he lay in his pile of furs, Happy's light snoring the only other sound in the otherwise silent chamber. It was early morning - well, half past ten - but that was early by dragon standards. He gazed at the sunlight streaming through his window, basking in the beams that hit his lazing form.
Everything was perfect.
After the magical time he had spent in the enchanted woods last night, his entire being felt as light and free as the breeze that floated through his room. The joy that radiated from every pore of his muscular form had kept him awake all night - not that he was complaining. He had spent most of the night with his beautiful best friend, after all, talking, teasing and sometimes just sitting in companionable silence. It had surprised him how easily they had fallen back into a pattern - the years they had spent apart seemed to melt away within moments of their reunion, the conversation between them just as abundant and exuberant as when they had been hatchlings. They had spent so much time in pleasantries, in fact, that Natsu had not found time to tell her the truth about his curse scar, his heritage or even how he felt about her. A small, pessimistic part of himself worried that the truth may ruin her opinion of him forever… but the bonded side of him never let him delve into that for too long. Lucy was his bonded for a reason. Whether she returned his love or not, Natsu was confident that she would always be his friend - she would accept him for who he was. Whatever the consequences, he would come clean to her on all counts soon enough. In a stroke of inspiration, he had arranged to meet with her in the glade three days later - for a picnic dinner followed by stargazing.
Natsu chuckled, remembering his other best friend's reaction to his pronouncement - Happy had been thrilled that Natsu had finally met Lucy and realized she was his bonded, as well as upset that he had not thought to take him along to meet her too - she was his best friend too, you know! Only after multiple offerings of fish did Happy graciously forgive his 'simple-minded' dragon, and proceeded to regale Natsu with an account of his evening with Carla and the events at the ball. Natsu's parents had soon realized he had snuck out, and therefore were forced to end the ball early. Happy had also laughingly warned him that Mira vowed revenge in the form of multiple balls that she would make sure he attended.
Natsu had laughed along with his familiar. As long as a certain golden-haired human girl was invited to them, Natsu didn't mind if there were a hundred balls in his future! After all - it was always more fun when they were together.
Natsu rose from the mountain of plush blankets, stretching his limbs and wings as he did so. He glanced once more at his sleeping familiar before tip toeing to the entrance of his chamber, brushing aside the thick curtain covering it as quietly as possible. Once out, he leisurely made his way down to the kitchens, intent on rustling up an early breakfast - in all the excitement last night he had forgotten dinner and he was ravenous! A few delectable smells wafting in from a conference chamber on the first floor halted him in his tracks - his nose and curiosity prompting him to stick his head through the curtain to investigate the source.
His mother and father turned to look at him the moment his head appeared in the doorway.
"Ah. There you are! Is food the only thing that matters to you anymore?" His mother admonished, her stern tone belied by the twinkle of amusement in her eyes, as she promptly constructed a plate laden with his favorite breakfast items. Natsu grinned, not bothering to reply as he jogged over, relieving her of the groaning plate with a peck on her cheek.
"Good morning, Mother."
"Hmph. You're far too easy on him, Grandine - I've half a mind to put him on furnace duty after the stunt he pulled last night." Igneel glared at his progeny, trying hard to hide the smile that threatened to appear on his lips.
Natsu just shot his father a cheeky, knowing grin.
"Aww, nice try you two! You know as well as I that ball was an unnecessary formality! Plus it's not like we won't have other reasons to party…"
"The latter is the only reason I haven't punished you yet, Natsu!"
The sweet yet threatening voice caused Natsu to yelp. He whirled around on the spot to come face to face with the Queen of the Northern elves, her arms crossed and a menacing glower marring her exquisite features. Natsu gulped.
"M-mira…"
"Etherious Natsu Dragneel!" She growled, murderous intent flaming in her eyes. "Just what happened last night?! So many eager young females were dying to meet you… and you hardly spared them a glance! Then, barely an hour into the magnificent party arranged in celebration of your homecoming, you disappeared into thin air! If Lisanna hadn't insisted on me hosting that impromptu singing competition, I would have tracked you down and dragged your sorry dragon derriere back to that ballroom…"
Natsu hung his head, arranging his features in the most pitiful, apologetic expression he could muster.
"I'm truly sorry, your majesty, I should never have snuck out - that was infinitely rude on my part. I sincerely apologize for my behavior, and hope I can make it up to you and your lovely friends during our next ball in Alagesia - that I promise I will personally preside over."
The murderous look on the majestic elf queen's face dissipated in seconds after Natsu's sincere speech, replaced with a soft, sympathetic expression.
"Well, to be honest, none of those 'lovely' females were my friends… in fact, it would have been quite disappointing if one of them caught your fancy. The singing festival was truly the highlight of the evening - and I'm sure we can have more of those after the magical alliance meeting tomorrow. So I suppose it all worked out for the best…"
"Wait. Magical alliance meeting? What for? I thought the alliance no longer exists now that the war is over?..."
"Not quite, oh Prince of Dragons."
Natsu raised a surprised brow as Jura, the Head Chieftain of the Giants, Ichiya the Lord of the Trolls, and Yajima, the King of the Gnomes approached him.
"This is unexpected. I thought we parted ways after the war?..."
"Indeed we did, Prince." Jura continued in his deep, solemn voice. "However, the bonds and allegiances formed during those times of war cannot be so easily broken."
"The comradeship formed during testing times has the sweetest, most trustworthy parfum of all…" Ichiya interjected.
"It is for this purpose, that we would like to continue the alliance even during peace times." Yajima offered firmly, a friendly smile on his face.
"And considering just how many heroic sacrifices you and your people made for other races during the war, we would be honored if you would lead the magical alliance council, Natsu." Mira finished in a soft, melodic voice.
Natsu gasped.
"I-I don't know what to say. I-I'm honored. But by the laws of dragonkind, my father is rightfully our leader…"
"I've given my wholehearted consent, boy, and our dragon council has willingly made an exception to our rules for this occasion." Igneel interrupted, his eyes burning with pride as he beamed at his beloved son. "You will lead the alliance, whilst I will lead Alagesia." A chuckle escaped the mischievous leader as he shot his progeny a teasing grin. "Of course, if you wish to challenge me for the throne as well, I wouldn't mind…"
Natsu negated the words immediately by vigorously shaking his head, much to the amusement of the gathered magical dignitaries.
"Nay! I've got enough on my head being the demon's ruler now! Besides, I know first hand just how much trouble it is to rule these southern dragon scallywags, father! I shan't fall for your tricks…"
"Then do your old man proud, my boy, and lead the alliance well." Igneel handed his plate to Grandine, in order to clap his only hand on his son's shoulder. Natsu shot his father a hesitant grin.
He wondered what Lucy would think of his latest responsibility?
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Lucy smiled as her eyes fluttered open, the first rays of early morning light streaming through her high, glass painted window. She let out a contented sigh, unwilling to get up just yet despite the late morning hour. (It was already half past six, her old governess would have scolded her for her slovenly ways!) She wished to relish the beautiful, heartwarming dream she had enjoyed the night before. Her hand wandered towards her neck, her slender fingers fiddling with the smooth medallion resting snug in the hollow of her throat. Another blissful sigh escaped her as memories of the night before began rushing back to the forefront of her consciousness, the onslaught of pleasant thoughts causing a deep blush to arise on her porcelain cheeks.
It hadn't been a dream. Natsu was back.
With a squeal of joy, Lucy bounced out of her plush bed, giggling as she pranced about the room barefoot, dancing a jig with carefree abandon.
It had been years since she had felt so… free. The conversation with her best friend last night had been everything she had hoped for and more. Her friend had grown so much over the war - he had matured into an honorable, brave, intelligent and noble dragon man - but he still had not lost the spark of mischievous joviality that made him Natsu. As much as she had been in awe of his grown masculine ways, she had been equally disarmed by his inherent boyish charm. The attractive dragon was a perfect paradox - a sweet boy trapped in a man's body.
And what a body.
Lucy blushed crimson, her dance coming to a stuttering halt as her traitorous mind took a trip down the gutter. Those strong legs corded with lean muscle, his torso equally as shaped - he was fit but not bulky - a perfect male figure, in her opinion. He had those strong muscular arms, broad shoulders, and well defined abs on his broad chest… She could imagine running her fingers over the hard ridges, savoring the way his body shuddered under her feathery touch…
Lucy mentally slapped herself. What was wrong with her?! Why was she fantasizing about molesting her best friend?! Besides, it wasn't as if she had never seen a muscular male form before! Numerous knights of her own guard were insanely fit - some even blessed with handsome faces to boot. Why, even Prince Garrett of the lower court was reputed to be quite muscular and handsome - a reason why far too many ladies of both courts pursued him relentlessly. But… Lucy paused, a soft, affectionate smile creeping up on her face.
None of them could be Natsu.
If Lucy was truly honest with herself, Natsu's handsome physical form was simply the icing on the cake - a nice to have, but in no way able to change the fact that he was already an undeniably attractive being. Everything about him drew her in - his bright emerald eyes, the mysterious crimson hue they sometimes changed into, his boisterous laugh, his trademark brilliant grin, his carefree, teasing nature, his good-natured pranks, even the new, dark aura of danger that surrounded him… The list was endless.
Lucy plopped back down on her fluffy bed with a huff.
She wished she had told him everything last night. About the truth of her heritage, and all that had really happened in Pergrande whilst he had been at war… But yet again, she had been too scared to do so. Her cowardice sickened her - she wanted to come clean, and she wanted to do so soon. It had been infinitely fortunate that he had invited her back to the glade three days later for a picnic dinner and stargazing - that would be the perfect opportunity for her to confess everything about herself. She prayed to all the Gods - dragon and human - that he would not shun her once he found out. Then again… this was Natsu. Somehow, she had a gut feeling that no matter what, they would always be friends. With that confidence inspiring thought, Lucy rose from her bed once more, this time far more sedately, snagging a silk robe from her bedside table as she floated past. She hummed a cheerful tune as she seated herself gracefully at her make-up table, languidly pulling the bell to summon her morning maids.
"You're in a good mood today morning."
Lucy blinked.
"AHHHHH! LOKE!"
The nimble lion spirit ducked just as a perfume bottle sailed over his head to crash into the bedpost behind him.
"How many times have I told you not to barge in before the morning maids have finished helping me prepare for the day?!" The incensed monarch screamed, yanking her robe tighter around her voluptuous frame.
Loke's eyes twinkled with barely contained amusement.
"Hmmm… A hundred and fifty eight times I believe…"
"WELL THEN, GET OUT!"
With an exaggerated bow, the unrepentant orange-haired playboy swept out of the room, throwing a cunning parting shot over his shoulder.
"I'd hurry and get dressed, if I were you. There's exciting news awaiting you, and yours truly is looking forward to delivering it."
With a smug look of satisfaction at the unwilling curiosity burning in his monarch's eyes, the audacious Celestial spirit gently closed the door as he exited his ruler's chamber.
Twenty hasty minutes later, Lucy made her way briskly down the secret passage from her ante-chamber to a small, comfortable conference room. She entered the comfy chamber, nodding to her minister and throwing a glance of curiosity at the last occupant of the room - her grim-faced, solemn, soldierly cousin. Laxus merely smirked in response, gesturing to his liege lord to take a seat.
"Well, Loke, what is this news you deemed soimportant, that you dared enter my sanctuary afore I was ready?..."
Loke feigned a look of hurt.
"Why, your majesty, must I have a reason to barge in on my exquisite heart's desire?"
Lucy groaned, slumping in her chair in defeat as she rubbed her temples.
"What am I going to do with you?..."
Loke perked up, his eyes sparkling with challenge.
"I have multiple suggestions…"
Laxus intervened with a groan and a grimace.
"Ew. Gross. That's my little sister you are fantasizing about, you perverted lion."
Loke just shrugged.
"Ah, you simply don't understand, dear Laxus, the allure of a female figure…"
"Again, that is my sister and liege lord you are aggravating with your cheesy lines. One more word from your pervy mouth, and I'll be forced to drive this sword straight through that ridiculous waistcoat of yours." To emphasize his point, Laxus fiddled with the handsome broadsword buckled to his belt.
Loke sighed in exasperation.
"Oh, you two are no fun these days! Very well, I'll get to the point. We've received a letter from the King and Queen of Alagesia. The magical alliance intends to hold council tomorrow - and they have granted your request for an audience."
Lucy shot up from her seat, a look of ecstatic triumph in her eyes.
"Really?! Oh, that's wonderful…"
"And that is not all, your majesty!" The excited lion spirit enthused. "They have extended the invitation for three weeks! We will have three weeks to spend in Alagesia, meeting magical beings, gauging potential allies, better befriending our Alagesian royal neighbors…"
Lucy's look of excitement faded, the sudden change in her demeanor instantly noticed by both her men.
"Princess? Is something amiss? You do not seem too happy about the prospect of spending time in Alagesia…"
"Ah, no Loke. I'm thrilled. Truly. I just wondered how I would be able to spend so much time away from Pergrande - it may lead to issues, will it not?..."
"I've already accounted for that." Laxus interrupted. "I'll be returning with Freed the day after the meeting. I'll handle your administrative duties here so that you and Loke may stay in Alagesia the full three weeks uninterrupted."
"O-oh. Y-yes, that is a sensible plan…"
Lucy fidgeted in place, much to the growing concern of her two companions. But the Princess found herself unable to confess the true reason for her discomfort.
The dinner her dragon friend had invited her too was scheduled on the third day of her visit to Alagesia. As a royal guest in a foriegn kingdom, there was very little chance of her being able to sneak out to meet him in the enchanted forest. How could she be at two places at once? Unless…
"I suppose we would have a chance to interact with the commoners of Alagesia as well, won't we?"
Loke blinked, shooting a mystified glance at Laxus who shrugged in response.
"I suppose we would, Lucy…"
"Very well, then. Please send a response to Igneel and Grandine, graciously thanking them for arranging this momentous occasion. Along with a casket of our finest wine as a token of my regards. Now, if you'll excuse me gentlemen, I have much to prepare for tomorrow…"
Lucy swept out of the chamber, still too distracted to notice the curious looks her companions shot at her retreating back. She had a new secret item to her agenda in mind…
She would surprise Natsu in Alagesia.