It must be nice.

Being with him.

Adored by him.

And loved.

It must be nice.

Right?

Lucy?

A Tale from Thelua

[28] losing composure

For Natsu, the world had always been spinning so quickly. Ever since he was introduced to the world as the crown prince, he felt that time started running away from him. He no longer watched how the sun moved from one point to another, no longer noticing how his shadow grew longer as the sun dove on the horizon. What he watched were the disappearance of the sun from his window in his study, the growing stacks of books he needed to read, and the papers he needed to work on.

Gradually, he learned to concede. He realized that he could never ask time to slow down, nor he could ask for more. After all, time was neither generous nor merciful.

Throughout his life as the crown prince, he always thought that he was racing with time. But now, it felt as though time was frozen.

Hands dyed crimson red, eyes closed shut, her body lay limp in the knight's arms – Natsu felt his heart froze along with time. His train of thought was put to an abrupt halt. He vaguely noticed that the black-haired knight told him something, yet he failed to catch them before he dashed out of the room. Natsu was left crouching on the floor, cradling his wife who was weak and lifeless in his arms, whose blood was trickling down her pale lips, dropping from her chin, staining her dress.

She was dying.

For God's sake, she was dying.

His body lurched. The sound of his heart thumping was echoing loudly in his ears and a lump suddenly manifested deep in his abdomen. He could feel that time was ticking once again, and each second went by quickly. Natsu cursed inwardly – he needed to act fast if he wanted to save her. He scooped her and ran as fast as he could. Everything else was a blur, and he only realized that he was trying to reach to their room when the sight of its door entered his vision.

There was a gasp, a high-pitched questioning voice that Natsu did not bother to mind, followed by hurried footsteps that sounded as though they were scrambling all over the place and a hand that pushed the door open for him. As he entered the room, he quickly checked on her – her breath was labored, short, as if she could not breathe.

He needed a doctor, and quick.

"Call Juvia!" He shouted to anyone present in the room. A feminine voice yelped a stuttering high-pitched 'yes' when the door once again abruptly pushed open.

"Where is Her Highness?"

"S-Sir Gray! Lady Juvia! Here! Quickly!" Another feminine voice cried out.

As Natsu lay her on the bed, the woman donned in a blue dress quickly checked on her pulse and her pupils. Natsu's heart was beating aloud in his ears and his grip on her cold hand tightened. After a while, the doctor finally said gravely, "She is poisoned, Your Highness."

Poison…

"What kind of poison?"

The female doctor had her eyebrow knitted. "I suspect it is a type of poison that spreads and acts slowly, but I have to examine it to make the antidote. For now, I will administer the medicine to prevent its spread and delay its effect. I also need your permission to take a sample of her blood."

"Granted."

Natsu watched as the blue-haired woman injected a clear liquid to her and took her blood before promising to return tomorrow with the antidote and excused herself.

There was thick, tense silence following. He squeezed her limp, cold hand, reassuring himself that she was still alive. One of the ladies-in-waiting approached and wiped the blood with a trembling hand; worry was overflowing her face.

"My lady…" she whimpered. "Who would be so cruel as to harm you…"

Poison, he thought. When? How?

Who?

He raked his mind, searching for any name that might have anything to do with this assassination attempt. He had thought of the possibility of this happening, but he never thought that it would be this soon. Lucy had yet to make many connections with the nobles and he always avoided mentioning her name in his work unless it was necessary, which was never. Nonetheless, he could not deny that she had become an easy target.

Juvia had said that the medicine she gave her was to prevent its spread and delay its effect, meaning that the poison was still working in the area that already getting contact with it. His mind was blank, as blank as a fresh sheet of paper. Names randomly appeared in his mind, but Natsu had no proof of their guilt to be able to interrogate them, to blame them.

Natsu's jaw clenched, his teeth gritted, his eyes shut tight. He had felt as though time was running away from him once again, as though time was taking her away from him and he was left unable to chase after her. Slowly, surely, her smiling face became transparent and she faded away, her whole being turned into myriad shards of lights that flew away from him.

Don't go, don't leave–

"Dear brother…"

Natsu's eyes snapped open at the sudden touch on his hand that had formed a tight fist. He turned his head and found Wendy, eyes red and wet, a tell-tale of the astonishment and sadness. Natsu unclenched his fist, taking her trembling hand in his.

"Let's have Lucy tended first," Natsu said, strangely felt unfamiliar with the equanimity of his voice. He directed his gaze to the three women. "Please take care of her."

They replied in unison, voice still trembling yet firm. Natsu nodded at Gray and they left the room, along with Wendy who was still reluctant to leave her sister-in-law. Before long, they reached his study and Natsu eyed the bloodstain on the floor, right in front of the door, bitterly.

He sat behind his desk, gazing at the papers aligned on its surface dismissively. It was not that long of a time when he had worked on these reports; when he had decided to go to the parlor and wait for his wife there. If he had not forgotten to bring her letter, he would have missed her, and he did not want to imagine the continuation from that point.

Wendy was sitting on the sofa across him while Gray remained standing near her. Both had a serious look on their face, and he thought, then, what kind of expression he had right now.

No. He had more important things to think about. He should start searching for the culprit before they got away. Reaching a paper on his left, he was faced with the familiar cursive handwriting that enlisted the names of the guests who attended the tea party. It was handed by Lucy several days ago for his approval, but he thought that she could invite whoever she wanted so he hadn't examined it thoroughly and just accepted it – after all, he would just deal with the aftermath if there was trouble rose from it.

Reading the list, he realized that she had not invited many people. In fact, she only invited those who belong to the families that would benefit him on his way to the throne. He sighed wryly. The effort she spent was not small, and he appreciated it, but he had hoped she would do it more for herself, not for his sake.

"Gray, gather the knights and investigate the families enlisted here," he passed the paper. "I expect your report by this evening. That should be enough time."

Time, he mused dryly, he was racing with time again.

"Yes, Your Highness." The knight excused himself and left the room.

"Brother, won't you be joining Gray?" Wendy turned to him. "Or will you investigate it on your own?"

"Something of the sort." He would be praising her perceptiveness if they were under different circumstances. "I have to report this to father and there are some things I need to ask elder brother."

Marrying him, Lucy had become a guarantee for his standing, securing his title among the other things that Thelua benefited from their political marriage. She had become his greatest strength, and that was a fact. As much as he hated to remember that their marriage was done to benefit both kingdoms, he could not deny the fact that she had also become his greatest weakness. An easy target, he reminded himself, especially for those who belong to the opposite fraction – his elder brother's supporter.

"Come to think of it, Natsu, are you yet to handle the military and international relations affair?"

There were things that he was not aware of. And those might be the reason of this assassination attempt. But why? Why not a direct assault at him? Why her? Because she was weaker than him? Because he would be damaged more if it were her?

"Please, let me help, too."

Natsu turned to the owner of the voice. Wendy was looking at him straight in the eye, her face was stern. The sadness and shock that once loomed over her were gone. He asked, then, "How?"

"I have studied medicine back in Feliose, and I know best about her," she stated. "The blood… I am afraid if the poison is not the cause. But sister has always been healthy during our time together in Feliose so I can hardly think of any illnesses. Sister never gets sick after we came here, and she cannot be hiding any illnesses either. Then…"

"Unless it's an illness she gets from here, and the poison, there is no better explanation," he continued. "Thank you, Wendy. I will keep it in mind."

Natsu stood, grabbed the letter he was supposed to give her, and walked out of the study, followed by Wendy. "Juvia might require another helping hand," he said as he walked briskly. "I will get father's permission. Now, go."

He received a quick hug from her, a murmur of thank you, and she was gone, running in the opposite direction from his.

He walked to the throne room; head filled with the thoughts of those who possibly involved in this. When he arrived in front of the throne room, his brother was there, standing before the closed door as if waiting for him. Noticing the confusion, Zeref remarked, "You're late, Natsu."

"Brother?"

"His Majesty is already aware of the incident." His voice was oddly grim.

"And you?"

"I'm here for another reason," he said with something that Natsu felt like a forced composure. "Nothing too confidential about it," he continued, still with the same nuance.

Natsu eyed the man skeptically but said nothing more. The guards pushed open the door and announced the two prince's arrival. Both entered and was welcomed with nobles who bowed their heads lowly at them, yet their eyes were dead set on them. Natsu could immediately feel the tense air, and the pressure was thick. Ignoring it, he kept on walking until they stopped and kneeled right in front of the king.

"Greetings to Your Majesty," they both said in unison.

"Rise, princes," the king, Igneel Dragneel, commanded from his throne. His voice was loud and thick in authority, enough to raise the pressure that already present in the room. Standing next to him was the king's most trusted aide, Makarov Arsene Dreyar, who was looking as though he were ready to explode anytime soon.

"We shall continue this discussion another time," Makarov glared at the nobles, "by His Majesty's will."

Natsu watched at the nobles who exited the throne room begrudgingly and turned back just in time to see Makarov's frustrated fuming face. "I swear, Igneel, one day, I will throw them to the hungry dogs out there and have their flesh bitten to the core."

"Calm down, now, Makarov," Igneel sighed aloud and massaged his temple. "Those old coots really know how to put the majority against us."

He looked tired, both mentally and physically. Natsu always paid no attention to it whenever he was present in the meeting, as meetings with mindless nobles always drained one's energy, but he looked especially tired this time around. Natsu recognized some faces of the nobles who were present, and he could tell that they were attempting to push their luck too far this time around.

And, judging by Makarov's remark earlier, this could be something that he would have to work on later.

"Your Majesty, I have some reports to make," Zeref said.

"Enough with the formality, son. I've had enough of it."

As if ignoring the plea, his brother continued. "There are rumors about Cresia building their manpower steadily and might attempt to attack Feliose. These rumors are confirmed to be true."

Natsu turned to him in surprise, while another sigh came out from the king's mouth. "That explains a lot about the letter that comes from Feliose. How is the countermeasure from our end?"

"I have sent some of our knights under Lady Scarlet's and Sir Clive's command to Feliose as reinforcement," he said. "I also give Feliose the authority to deploy them if a dangerous situation arises."

Natsu had never heard any of it before. Cresia, a kingdom neighboring Feliose on the northside, should be at peace with both Feliose and Thelua, and with the mutual aid between the two kingdoms, they should have realized that they were at a total disadvantage. Why waging war now?

"Erza and Gildarts? Very well. I trust your decision, son." Igneel turned to Natsu. "I heard there is an attempt of assassination on Lucy. How is she?"

"She is poisoned. Juvia is still figuring out the poison to make the antidote assisted by Wendy." Natsu's face hardened, the sight of her blood trickling flashed in his head. "I have sent Gray to investigate the families who attended the gathering she hosted today. He will report back this evening."

"I can hardly imagine such a sweet lady having enemies, Igneel," Makarov murmured. "She's also level-headed; the type who always calculates things first before striking."

"You can never guess how jealousy works, Makarov. Sometimes, it is not that simple of jealousy that kills."

There was a chuckle coming from Zeref.

"It is not something to be laughed at, brother," Natsu threw a suspicious look at the slight smirk the older prince made. "Or is it one of your men's doing again?"

Zeref's eyes flickered and narrowed dangerously. "Foolish brother," his voice was cold, "perhaps you should learn from Lucy how to think before you bark."

"You know full well she is my weakness, elder brother," Natsu spat. "You should have put on a leash on your men; teach them to put their hands off what's not yours, and perhaps you learn as well."

There was a cold sensation against his neck and the smell of iron fills his nose. Resting on his neck was a sword, its tip touched his skin dangerously. At the other end, holding the sword, was Zeref, whose eyes gleamed red like a ruby. "Draw a drop of blood from me, elder brother," Natsu growled, "and all the knights will come hunting for your head, even if you are the first prince who holds the title of Flower Knight."

"Cowardice will get you nowhere, little brother."

Natsu rested his right hand on the hilt of the sword on his left side. "Then, pray tell, dear elder brother; what would it brings?"

"Death."

The sound of swords clashing each other rung loudly in the empty room. From the side, he heard Makarov sighed aloud and tried to call it off. Missing his beat, his forearm was grazed against Zeref's sword, tearing his clothes and blood quickly dripping down from it. Natsu clicked his tongue, hating the smirk that resurfaced in Zeref's face.

"Focus, Natsu, or you'll get yourself killed," Zeref glared. "The first lesson from the front line, dear little brother, is not to lose your focus."

Natsu crouched low, cheek almost getting torn at the process and he thrust his sword, aiming at Zeref's leg. The black-haired man made his jump, and Natsu used the chance to graze his left leg. "You've got so much time that you started to preach, brother. How about you retire and enter the monastery instead?"

They made their distance then, glaring each other, hands gripping their swords tight.

"I was wrong, Natsu," Zeref hissed. "Die, and I'll make all your possession mine. Including her."

Her.

Lucy.

Natsu's eyes narrowed. Both running at each other, closing in quickly with swords swung strongly as Natsu shouted. "You bastard!"

"ENOUGH!"

The sound of a roar across the empty room and the fierce sound of two swords clashing put a halt to the two princes. In front of them was Makarov, holding out his twin swords against theirs. He pushed back, swinging his swords forcefully, making their swords fell out of their hands. Both Natsu and Zeref panted. Makarov glared at them and pointed both of his swords to their chest.

"Both of you," Igneel's voice was uncannily calm, yet it sent a mighty pressure to them. "Zeref, as the one who holds the title of the Flower Knight, you failed to guard yourself against provocation, lost your self-control, and you blindly attacked a royal family member. As a knight, you have broken two rules. As a Flower Knight, you have broken your oath. Natsu, a king needs to have a clear head to rule a kingdom, not the ability to judge and assume things as you please."

Both kneeled, head bowed lowly. "We have done grave mistakes." The two said in unison. "We will accept any punishment, Your Majesty!"

"Zeref, I expect you to be level-headed, and Natsu," Igneel paused. He stood from the throne seat and walked to the side, signaling Makarov to follow him. Makarov sheathed his swords and followed the king.

Natsu's head was thumping, his heart was beating loud in his ears, a bigger lump formed in his abdomen. He fought desperately to calm his beating heart, yet when he heard a small sigh from the king, followed by the word that he desperately avoided ever since he was introduced as the crown prince, his heart went still.

"I am disappointed, Natsu."

thank you for the kind reviews on the previous chapter! I hope you enjoy this one as well, and as always, thank you for your support!