It takes almost the full week until the Kings arrival to get everything prepared to leave. I had told no one of the plan, not even Sting. Though I know he would support me, he could still try to stop me, and I don't need that right now.
Aquarius asks no more about what my plans are for the baby and does not even mention it apart from the occasional, "how are you feeling today." It kills me to not tell her what I am doing. She has been there for me from the moment my mother died, and when I leave, I may never see her again. I've told Natsu as much, but he reassures me we are doing the right decision. Even if it is a decision that will get him killed if we are caught.

Just as I am finishing up the preparations, there is a knock at the door. I scramble to hide any evidence that may give me away and tell the person to come in.

"How is my favourite sister feeling?" Sting says softly, closing the door behind him. I'm glad I get to see him one last time.

"Good. Tired, but good."

"Yea, the wedding planning must be stressful, I couldn't imagine." He says, giving me a small smile. Sting seems somber tonight, as if he is about to deliver some bad news.

"Is something up? You seem off?" He sighs, and walks me over so we are both sat comfortably on my bed. He pulls me into a hug so I can't see his face when he says,
"King Rogue has sent word that he will be arriving in the morning. He also wants you to know how excited he is to finally meet you, and hopes you find him agreeable."

"Oh." The only word I can find to say.

"You don't have to be strong with me. I have tried everything to try and get father to pass this burden onto me but he just won't have it. I'm so sorry." He pulls me in tighter and I feel wetness drip onto my neck. He's crying. I don't think I have ever seen Sting cry. I pull away and wipe a tear from his cheek.

"It's fine. Thank you for even trying, I really appreciate it."

"You are too strong to just be some king's bride." He mutters and pulls me in for another hug. I am starting to think that this is more for him. "I also have heard that your friend is leaving. I signed his discharge paperwork this morning." My whole body went tense. "I cannot imagine what you must be feeling, but it is probably for the best him not being here." I didn't say a word. I couldn't trust myself to not tell him everything and tell him how much I am going to miss him. I felt a drop on my hand and I realised it was I who was now crying.

He pulled me in again and cradled me into his arms, rocking up back and forth. "It's going to be ok. I promise. I love you with all my heart."

…

"Luce, wake up, it's time to go." I woke up to Natsu by my bedside gently nudging me. I rubbed at my eyes and looked around for Sting. He was gone.

Natsu passed me the clothes I had left out and I clumsily dressed while he gathered the bags I had packed. I knew I couldn't take much, but I always seem to over-pack. He didn't seem to mind.

We crept through the hallways and then through a servants corridor I didn't even know existed.

The chill night air hit me like a wave and I took a deep breath. I put a hand on my small belly and rubbed slowly. A reassurance that this is real and that their fiery heart is beating within me. And took my first step out into my new life.

When the servants come to wake me in the morning, they will find my bed cold. My room empty. And a window open letting in a chill.
They will most likely panic and send a search party out immediately. With the kings arrival they will most likely not make my disappearance public until they have no other choice. They will search the entire town for any sign of me, but I will be long gone.