AN: I've re-uploaded a previous chapter to correct a mistake, no changes in plot or anything so please ignore that! On that note, if you guys see any glaring grammatical/spelling errors in any chapters do point them out and I'll try to address them to the best of my ability!
Lucy looked up at her old friend, a gentle smile hovering on her lips. By her side, Lucy could feel Sir Loke's excitement ratchet up a few notches, his confidence that this last vote would be in their favor exuding from every pore of his being. Laxus also seemed to relax, his stance the most comfortable and at ease since he had walked into the chamber.
All three focused on the Fire Dragon Prince, their gazes intent as they eagerly awaited his words.
Natsu took in a deep breath, chancing a glance at the members of his old war council seated on his left. They had already discussed a possibility similar to this, and with the exception of Queen Grandine - who had not been present during their talk - they had arrived at a consensus.
One that he wholeheartedly hated now.
Natsu sighed, his intense jade eyes arresting the gaze of his fair, golden-haired friend.
"Your majesty. We, the dragons, are duly impressed with you. Your plan is ingenious, and we bow to you who has conceived such a daring, brilliant scheme. We would be honored to declare you and your men friends of dragon-kind… However, the open support you request of each magical race in this assembly would not be prudent of us to offer at this point. We have lost far too many of our people to the demon wars, and those who have returned are loath to commit themselves to another potential conflict. And despite your impassioned plea, I am forced to agree with my council."
Natsu offered her a sincerely apologetic look, his voice deepening into a raspy husk as he held the exquisite golden-haired maiden's gaze.
"I am sorry, but the Dragons cannot offer Laxus their support…"
"YOU ARE REFUSING YOUR SUPPORT?!" Loke's incredulous voice echoed in the hall, the orange-haired courtier balling his hands into fists as he stepped forward, his rage and shock conveyed in the intense glare he leveled at the stoic dragon Prince. "FOOLS! Don't you know how much Lucy has sacrificed for your kind?! All that she has done to protect Alagesia?! You dragons owe her! Why if it weren't for her, your precious home would be overrun with…"
A quick squeeze to his bicep had the orange-haired man halting abruptly, frowning down at his monarch. Lucy offered her courtier a gentle, calming smile.
"No, Sir Loke. Not a word more. As protective as you are of Pergrande's and my interests, we have no business meddling in the affairs of our fair neighbors." Lucy turned to face Natsu, tilting her head slightly to take in his full, majestic appearance.
She felt a glow of pride and a touch of awe as she gazed upon him. His refusal to let their friendship sway him from doing what he deemed good for his people touched and impressed her. It was truly awe-inspiring to witness Natsu, her impetuous and reckless friend, being so thoughtful of the welfare of his kingdom. These facts, as well as his stern yet gentle address to her, along with the regal way he sat upon his throne, caused her heart to thump madly in her chest and a soft blush to arise on her porcelain cheeks. It was nothing more than admiration. Or so she tried to convince herself…
A distressed sob interrupted Lucy's fond, confused musings, as Grandine shot up from her seat, an enraged glare directed at her son and her husband seated on his other side.
"H-how could y-you, Natsu! Sir Loke is right… We, as dragons, owe them so much! We must honor our debt. Igneel, say something!…"
Natsu internally groaned. It was hard enough denying his beloved bonded a request, but now his mother seemed to take issue with his decision too.
Luckily, he was spared the drama when his father rose from his seat to address the distraught Queen.
"My love, it was not a decision the council took lightly. Those of our best warriors who have returned from the war deserve rest and freedom, and it is naive to believe that Laxus' attempt to take the throne will happen without some form of resistance from the King of Pergrande. Were we to pledge our support, we would be obligated to fight for them - and the reason to protect Pergrande is frankly, not strong enough to warrant rallying the dragon troops again."
Grandine scowled. "But…"
"We still offer them our friendship, mother." Natsu interrupted her, his tone exasperated. "That being said, I personally offer myself as an ally in whatever Lucy may wish to do. I would fight for her regardless of any pact…"
Natsu directed his final words at his friend, his gaze softening as he stared into her chocolate brown orbs. Her blush deepened, and Lucy fell into a pretty curtsey as she stammered out a response.
"T-thank you, your majesty, but I would not wish to impose on you so…"
"No." Grandine bit out, taking a deep steadying breath, rallying herself for her short tempered son's reaction. "You have every right to impose on him, Lucy. For he does not yet know the true burden you took upon yourself when you helped protect Alagesia during the demon wars."
Grandine fixed her progeny with a steady look.
"Whilst you were at war, Natsu, demons attacked Alagesia. The initial attacks were sporadic, and mostly attempted by ruffians from the Southern tribes, but as time progressed the attacks grew more organized and focused…"
Grandine could not finish her explanation, for at that instant the assembly was treated to a first hand show of the Dragon Prince's infamously quick temper.
"WHAT?!" He bellowed, black and red flames rising to the surface of his true form. "Why was this kept from me until now?! I'll KILL them! I'll kill them all!"
Natsu leapt out of his throne, rushing down towards Lucy. He grabbed her by her shapely shoulders, his frantic gaze scanning her as he growled out queries in an incensed tone.
"Are you hurt? Did those bastards ever touch you? Why didn't you tell me earlier, Luce?!..."
He was halted by a slender finger to his lips.
"Please, calm down Natsu." She replied, her voice a breathy whisper as she struggled to hide how affected she was by her attractive friend's close proximity. "This is exactly why your mother nor I told you earlier. You are far too quick to fret and worry. Do you not trust us to take care of ourselves?"
Natsu took in a sharp breath, his hands falling limp to his side as he took a step back from the golden haired monarch.
"N-no! I trust you… both of you. I know my mother can fight demons... and you can do anything with that fiery spirit of yours, but…"
"Then please don't be angry." Lucy interjected softly, rubbing his forearm gently as she coaxed him back towards his seat. "We both did what we had to do as leaders of our nations. We did not want to burden you and your father anymore than you already were being burdened… you were fighting a war, for heaven's sake! We are sorry for deceiving you, but we are not sorry for fighting to protect our kingdoms…"
The assembly watched in awe as the Prince calmed down almost instantly under the effect of the Princess's soothing words and gentle touches. Igneel threw a conspiratorial glance at his wife - who returned his look with a sly smile.
The royal pair did not need telepathy to confirm that they both had the same thought in that instant. Their son had most likely found his bonded. And she was a golden-haired, royal, spirited, intelligent and kind human girl.
In the meantime, Natsu had composed himself and was once again seated upon his majestic throne. The remaining occupants of the chamber maintained the low murmur that had been a backdrop throughout the exchange between the fair Princess and END.
Loke, despite his mistress's rebuke, continued to fret and fume from his place by her side. On her other side, Laxus leaned forward, at last opting to voice his thoughts.
"Milady, if the vote is now over, perhaps we should extend our thanks to this assembly for their time and take our leave?"
Lucy did not turn to look at him, her gaze hardening slightly as she stared straight ahead.
"Nay. The vote may be over, but there is one last item if business we… nay, specifically I have with this council."
Lucy took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to do. An expression of morose apology crossed her features as she glanced over her shoulder at her loyal, affectionate, orange-haired confidante and minister.
"I'm sorry…"
Loke's brow furrowed, his gaze growing concerned. Before he could question his young monarch, the maiden raised a hand to silence him, facing the curious dragon Prince once more.
"I admire your decision to protect your people from further conflict, and I entirely sympathize with your desire for peace after the tumultuous war you just participated in. However, the time for peace in this world has not yet arrived. There is a threat looming on the horizon, however distant, and the key to solving this threat lies in Pergrande…"
Loke suddenly let out an audible gasp, his eyes widening comically.
"L-Lucy? What are you doing? You're not going to tell them about that, are you?"
A shadow crossed over the golden-haired maiden's face, but she ignored her companion's words, continuing to address the Prince of Dragons instead.
"Your majesty. This honorable, magical community is intrinsically tied to Pergrande - for within our walls we guard a crucial part of a magical potential so potent, that a powerful enchantment is in place to ensure its safety…"
"NO!" Loke cried, lunging forward to place a hand on Lucy's shoulder, his tone frantic and pleading. "Don't tell them! It's not worth it - you'll only expose yourself to more danger, Lucy, please listen to me…"
"If this council supports Laxus' bid for the throne," Lucy continued, brushing off her friend's distressed state, "Then I personally promise that when the time comes, I will deliver to this esteemed council the key to the next golden age…"
The Princess locked her fervent gaze with the Prince of Dragons, her voice steady and sure as she spoke her mind.
"I will bring you the Celestial Priestess."
The uproar following her quiet words almost felled the dragon assembly hall.
"THE Celestial Priestess?!"
"Does that mean she will return soon?"
"Is there a threat worse than Acnologia awaiting us? Or was the Prince of Dragons truly correct, and he never really died…"
"Why would she be associated with Pergrande, of all places? They are not magical!"
"True. However, choosing to hide the knowledge there was ingenious, for who of the magical community would have thought to look for her, or news of her, in that magic-hating land?"
"What does this mean for us?"
"I'm not sure, but…"
"SILENCE!"
Natsu's voice boomed in the assembly hall, as its occupants instantly obeyed his command. Natsu rubbed his temples, his breathing a little strained. He gazed at Lucy with worry and fear rampant in his heart, forcing himself to focus on the matter at hand and not get distracted by his own concerned thoughts.
"Princess, could you elaborate on your claim? How could you - a human, non-magical monarch - promise such a thing about the Celestial Priestess? I mean no offense to you, Milady, but she is a mystical, magical being whom even the race of high fairies know so little of…"
Lucy returned his concerned gaze with a wane smile.
"I know because I am one of the Guardians of the vow protecting her."
Natsu froze in place. The dragon council surrounding him raised their voices in an excited discussion.
"Remarkable…"
"We would need proof, of course, but this very possibility changes everything."
"Yes. It would be best to support the humans in their bid to change their leader."
Natsu turned to the elderly, stoic dragon warrior who had spoken.
"You wish to revisit our earlier decision then?"
The dragon man nodded solemnly.
"Yes. After all, were King Jude to discover that he housed such precious magical knowledge, there is no telling what he would attempt to do with this power."
Natsu gripped the armrest of his throne tighter, his gaze slightly panicked as he focused once again on his golden-haired beloved.
"Lucy," He began, his voice deep and laced with his obvious distress. "I can't help but agree with Sir Loke on this point. As undoubtedly useful as this revelation has been to further Pergrande's interests, it comes at far too great a personal cost to you. By exposing yourself as a Guardian of the vow, you open yourself to attack from all manner of greedy, unscrupulous magical beings. This knowledge was better off being concealed until the Priestess herself emerges."
Lucy's face fell, as Loke looked up in astonishment from his spot beside her where he had been fretting and fuming in silence. His expression turned hopeful as his gaze flitted between his ruler and the Dragon Prince.
"On that note," Natsu continued, "I offer this compromise. Advance the timeline of your coup - let it happen within this fortnight. Laxus will take your throne as planned, leaving you free - you will then come to Alagesia, where you will be under my protection until the completion of the vow and the emergence of the Celestial Priestess…"
Lucy was already shaking her head in negation half way through Natsu's impassioned speech.
"Nay, my lord, we are not ready to execute a coup - to attempt it so suddenly would be an unnecessary risk. And even were my cousin to take the throne tomorrow, that would still not leave me free enough to walk away from Pergrande right away. The people would need my presence there for at least a few years more…"
"I did not finish, Lucy." Natsu interrupted her gently. "I did not offer this compromise without a counter offer in mind. Do this favor for me - find a way to come here to Alagesia, to safety - and I promise… I will ensure that the demons who hail me as their emperor will support you and your cousin."
Lucy's soft gasp of disbelief was drowned out by the general commotion that promptly arose. Natsu's glare helped reduce the ruckus, enough to allow Loke's short bitter laugh to be easily heard.
"Your majesty," Loke addressed Natsu, a twisted, pained smile on his face. "I applaud your noble effort to save my mistress from her own suicidal scheme." His mock humor faded, a despondent look replacing it. "But you have been apart from her for far too long - you have forgotten just how stubborn and unreasonable she can be when it comes to the topic of her own safety and health." Loke threw a beseeching glance at Lucy.
"Will you prove me wrong this once, Lucy? Will you accept Natsu's generous offer?"
Lucy nibbled her lower lip nervously, apology writ on her face. She shot Loke a wane smile.
"From that speech, it is obvious that you already know the answer to that question, dear Loke."
She faced her dragon friend, choosing her words carefully before speaking.
"Thank you, your majesty, for such a generous offer. I feel truly blessed that you would go to such lengths to ensure the safety of a friend - inconveniencing yourself to no small degree in the process. I have minimal knowledge of demon culture but I know asking the demon's support will come at a cost to you - even though you are their emperor. I-I could not put you through that, it is not worth it…"
"Your happiness and safety are worth everything Lucy. Please don't throw them away." The whispered words were barely discernible, only Igneel and Happy able to make out the tender plea due to how close they sat to the Dragon Prince. Natsu cleared his throat, continuing his line of thought in a more audible voice.
"My offer will always stand, regardless. Whatever I must do would be a small price to pay for your… Err… for the welfare of Pergrande and Alagesia."
Lucy graced him with a soft, sunny smile of gratitude, her heart overflowing with an emotion she stoutly refused to examine closer. With a slight blush, she turned towards her dear friend and minister - conveying a strange mix of regret mingled with hope in that one, fleeting look.
Loke sighed.
"There is no hope you will change your mind then?"
"None, my friend."
"Why do I get the sinking suspicion that this was your trump card from the very beginning?" Loke muttered darkly, leveling a pointed glare at his beloved Princess.
Lucy had the grace to look sheepish.
"I may have had an idea that the vote could come to this… and in such a scenario, I suspected this move would be the best to ensure our success…"
"You are far too clever for your own good." Loke grumbled, an unwilling iota of respect in his tone.
Loke took a few steps backward away from his two companions to stand at the center of the assembly.
"As it has come to this, I, Sir Loke of Pergrande, will give this assembly the proof they need to believe my esteemed ruler."
As the rest of the assembly watched in curiosity, Loke began to glow. It was a gentle light at first, one that slowly grew into a light so bright that every dark corner of the chamber was illuminated in its brilliance. Lucy shielded her eyes - taking a few more steps backwards, to bump into a hard, muscled chest. Panicking, she glanced behind to apologize, only to find the defined abs of her dragon best friend - who had once again abandoned his throne to stand by her side. She felt a soft pressure on her shoulder and saw a clump of blue fuzz from the corner of her eye, as a furry paw landed over her eyes - shielding them more effectively than her own hand had. The Princess relaxed, leaning back into the comforting presence behind her as Natsu stood steady and still - keenly observing Loke's magical transformation. The other magical beings in the room also watched the blinding display eagerly - for those with magical blood, the golden light-based magic exuding from Loke did not affect their vision.
At last, the glow subsided, and what remained was Pergrande's minister - decked from head to toe in shining golden armor, with cute, fuzzy ears emerging from his wild, long, orange locks.
In a deeper and booming voice, he addressed the assembly.
"Oh magical brethren," he began, "In this form, I know many of you would recognize me as Leo, the leader of the Zodiac Celestial Spirits. As my current mistress has confessed, I - along with many of my other colleagues - are under her direct protection. She possess our keys, and therefore is responsible for what we call these 'sources' of primordial magic…"
"Ah, yes." One of the dragon council elders interrupted, a genial smile on his face. "We know the lore well. The zodiac keys were created long before the magical races were even born - hence your magic is the purest, most primal form of magic. That is why the keys are called Primordial sources…"
Loke nodded, confirming the elders words. At that, the elder motioned to one of his council fellows to stand. The other dragon did so, promptly beginning the long-winded, traditional acceptance speech assuring their new human allies of their total support.
As the monologue progressed, Loke allowed his attention to wane as his gaze shifted from the dragon council to his monarch standing a few feet away from him. The Dragon Prince's blue-furred exceed sat upon her shoulder, as the Prince himself hovered protectively behind her. Lucy herself seemed entirely comfortable with their proximity - her entire focus was on Loke, absorbing his new persona with fascination. Loke made a note to himself to keep an eye on his pretty little mistress - although the Dragon Prince seemed noble and friendly enough towards Lucy, his intense interest in her was a little discomfiting. It was almost as if the dragon had bonded with her.
Loke shrugged off the thought, just in time to hear the conclusion of the dragon council member's speech.
"Therefore, this council of Alagesia finds Sir Laxus worthy of our support. We vow to enter an official contract with him to offer our aid in a manner that would benefit both parties involved - and we furthermore extend our lifelong friendship to the Princess of Pergrande, may her highness be blessed."
The entire council burst into applause. Lucy's shoulders slumped in relief as she took in the cheering beings around her.
"It is decided then." Natsu's deep, joyful voice carried over the celebratory hoots and hollers. "The vote is in favor of the Princess of Pergrande. The magical alliance will support Laxus' bid for the throne. Now…"
He beamed down at the young woman before him, one hand clasping hers to raise it to his lips. He brushed his scaly, tough lips along the back of her hand, the young maiden's blush returning full force at the chivalrous gesture.
"I cordially invite you, Princess, as well as the rest of your retinue and this entire council to Alagesia's moonlight festival tonight! Let us dance and make merry all night long…"
Another resounding cheer arose in the chamber, as Lucy shyly nodded her consent.