AN: Here we go! The second part to me medieval AU, I hope you all enjoy the story!
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CHAPTER TWO: When you Lose a Princess.
"What the hell is going on? Weren't we supposed to be called to breakfast an hour ago? And why is everyone acting so crazy? Perhaps they do things differently in the South, but I'd thought a kingdom as sophisticated as Celestia would have a bit more etiquette."
Gray let out a sigh, rolling his eyes as Ultear once again passed him, rambling on about customs and decorum. She tended to be a bit grumpy before breakfast and a good strong cup of coffee.
"Why don't you just sit down and relax? We'll find out soon enough what's what, walking a rut into the floor isn't going to do anything but distress the castle mason."
Ultear narrowed her almond eyes at him, the dark slits piercing sharper than any sword. But Gray had grown accustomed to the icy glares over the years, knowing that if she didn't get her way soon, all hell would break lose.
His prediction was proven a moment later when she threw open the door and shouted at a passing servant. "You! Tell King Jude that if I don't get an explanation about his sorry lack of courtesy within the next five minutes, I'll leave and take his precious future son in law with me!"
The poor servant who had already looked distressed enough as it is, widened her brown doe eyes and pulled at a lock of candy pink hair while blushing. "I-I'm sorry..." She mumbled, tears welling in her eyes.
"Ignore her." Gray called from inside the room, motioning for her to move on with her duties.
As she scurried away, Ultear whirled on him. Before she could say anything however, Gray stood up and stretched lazily. "Listen, if you promise to sit here and relax, I'll go see about getting some breakfast sent to our quarters. Alright?"
She contemplated this for a moment and then nodded. "Alright, but you'd best hurry."
He waved a hand dismissively as he headed for the door. "Yeah yeah I'll get it done."
"Gray?"
He paused and glanced back at her. "What?"
"Maybe put some clothes on first?"
He glanced down and let out a frustrated sigh as he observed he was still dressed in the boxer's he'd slept in. Grumbling as he hurriedly dressed in black pants and a more casual dark gray shirt. "It's not my fault this south kingdom is so hot."
Once he was properly attired, Gray wandered out into the hall, trying to remember where the dining room was located.
A few minutes later he heard heated voices and headed toward the sound, maybe someone would explain what was going on.
"Is anything missing? There has to be some trace!"
"Besides the obvious? No, guards reported possibly detecting an intruder but they found no evidence of one. Besides herself, none of her possessions are missing."
"Well then where is she?"
"Excuse me," Gray interrupted, lightly knocking on the doorframe as he raised an eyebrow questioningly at the two men huddled together at the end of a table. The king and a ginger haired man with narrow glasses, his uniform indicated that he was some form of guard.
"Yes, can we help you?" The ginger man asked, straightening up and adjusting his glasses.
The king straightened as well, placing a hand on the other man's shoulder. "Loke, you were occupied last night, but this is the reason for the increased security. Meet the second prince of the Northern Kingdom of Frostfell, Gray Fullbuster."
The ginger, Loke was his name? Stepped forward and looked Gray over, his amber eyes seeming to pierce right through him. "Ah, yes. The Prince. I'm Loke, commander of the royal guard. If you don't mind, his Majesty and I are a little preoccupied at the moment, I can call a servant to come attend to whatever needs you may have."
Gray glanced between him and the king, weighing his options. "My sister is a little...impatient for some breakfast." He said slowly.
Loke nodded. "Of course, I will have the servants send a full breakfast to your quarters." He smiled charmingly. "Just relax and enjoy yourself, perhaps take a walk around the castle grounds."
"What are you trying to hide?" Gray asked suddenly, having enough with all the beating around the bush that was going on.
Loke's smile remained on his face, although Gray could see something dangerous flashing in his eyes. He may look like a pansy, but he wasn't someone to be messed with.
"I think perhaps his highness should not be concerned with personal matters of the kingdom."
"I think that whatever is going on is important, if there is any threat to me or my sister I have a right to know."
"There is no danger to you or your sister, I assure you."
"Then what?"
Loke turned and looked at the king, raising his eyebrows questioningly.
"Oh go on and tell him, he's bound to find out sooner or later, no point in keeping it from him." King Jude said, shaking his head wearily.
"Princess Lucy is…missing."
Gray blinked. "Missing? Has she been taken captive?"
Loke shook his head. "As far as we can tell? No. There were no signs of someone breaking into the castle grounds, and there is no indication of an abduction."
"Then where did she go?"
Loke shrugged. "It's possible she's simply in the castle or on the grounds somewhere, we have all of the castle staff searching as we speak."
"How do you just lose a princess? Doesn't she have personal guards or something?"
Loke's eyebrow twitched almost imperceptibly. Gray had struck a nerve. "Of course, I look after the princess personally whenever the need arises, but we aren't accustomed to watching her in the safety of her own home."
"Well perhaps if you had taken the extra precautions she wouldn't be missing."
The King's irritated voice split the tension between the two young men. "The fact of the matter is she's missing, nevermind whose fault it is, she must be found at all costs. Loke,"
He straightened up. "Yes, sir."
"I want you to organize a squad of your best, they will find the princess at all costs."
He nodded. "Of course, I'll get on that right away."
"Let me come with you." Gray blurted out as the commander moved toward the door.
He paused and raised an eyebrow. "Pardon me, but I don't see how a prince will be of much help."
Gray bristled. "I wasn't the one incompetent enough to lose the princess."
Loke's eyes seemed to shimmer gold for a moment, dangerous energy crackling in the air as he stepped forward and hissed. "Listen here you little-"
"Enough! Both of you!"
The two young men froze, turning slowly to look at the king and quickly straightening and sobering up at the stern glare he was fixing on both of them.
"Good. Now, prince Fullbuster, seeing as your whole purpose for visiting has been...compromised, perhaps it's best you return home and visit us again once all of this has been sorted. If you so desire."
Gray's mind raced. His kingdom needed allies, strong ones, and as much as he resented Ur and Ultear's idea to form that alliance with Celestia through his and the princess' marriage, he understood why they'd decided to do so. It was the surest way to form a bond that wouldn't be easily broken.
The more ideal match would have been with Lyon since he was the future king, whereas Gray would remain a prince his entire life unless something were to happen to Lyon. But unfortunately for Gray, Lyon was already betrothed.
So the responsibility for securing the future of the kingdom rested on Gray's shoulders. Meaning that if he did end up marrying princess Heartfilia, he'd end up a king anyway.
"Yes...well, perhaps that would be best."
The king nodded. "Very well, I'll have the servants prepare your coach and gather your things. My deepest apologies for this inconvenience."
Gray bowed his head. "Unforeseen circumstances don't warrant an apology your majesty. Perhaps our next meeting, the princess would like to come see my homeland."
"I'm sure she'd be delighted. Thank you for your visit. Loke, if you'd start on those tasks."
He nodded, bowing stiffly to Gray before striding out of the room.
Gray followed him out, calling as he rounded a corner. "Wait up!"
Loke paused, irritated at being kept from his duties but tried to maintain civil. "Yes?"
"What do you think really happened to the princess?"
After a long moment of silence, Loke's shoulders drooped, and he let out a weary sigh as he rubbed his eyes underneath his glasses. "My first instinct says she left of her own free will, but none of her possessions are missing, not even a change of clothing. Lucy's much too sensible to run away without taking clothes, food and money with her."
"Has she ever run away before?"
"No, but to be honest I'm surprised it's taken her this long, if that really is the truth."
Gray's brow furrowed slightly. "Why would she run away?"
Loke shrugged. "Why wouldn't she? Things have never been the same around here since the queen passed away...it's been hard for Lucy, growing up without her."
Gray's chest clenched painfully. Oh yes, he knew that pain all too well. As wonderful a stepmother as Ur was, the lose of his real mother had left a permanent scar that still ached.
"Well...I hope she's found soon, unharmed and this whole matter is resolved."
Loke nodded, his jaw tight. "As do I. Safe travels back home."
"Thanks. See you around."
"One last thing."
Gray paused, turning back around and raising his eyebrows questioningly.
The tall ginger appeared casual, one hand in his pocket as the other reached up and pushed his glasses farther up his nose. But something about his cool manner sent chills down Gray's spine, and coming from someone who could walk through snow drifts in his underwear without flinching was saying something.
"I understand that an alliance through marriage would be mutually beneficial to both our kingdoms, it's a wise diplomatic and strategic move. However..." His eyes met Gray's then, and the younger man almost staggered back at the sheer threat in his hard gaze.
"Lucy is a free spirit, she always has been. She's headstrong, stubborn, imaginative, courageous, and possesses a stronger sense of justice and mercy than I've ever seen. She will make an excellent queen someday. You see," he stepped closer to Gray, his voice soft but no less threatening. "I care about the princess greatly, I've looked out for her practically my entire life, she's a dear friend and a beloved mistress, her happiness and safety are my number one priority. So you can understand why I may have some...doubts about marrying her off to some stranger from another kingdom."
Gray lifted his chin and met Loke's gaze evenly. "I understand your concern. Trust me, this wasn't my idea, and as much as it sucks to be treated like bargaining pieces, I am prepared to do whatever is best for the future of our two kingdoms. And if Lucy and I do marry, I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to make her happy."
Loke stared at him for a long moment, weighing his words and sincerity. "Good. In that case you have my utmost support. Now, I shall let you prepare to depart, and begin organizing my search team."
Gray nodded. "Yes, thank you."
It took him only a few minutes to make it back to his quarters and explain the situation to Ultear, who listened to everything intently before shaking her head gravely.
"I'm afraid that's not the only bad news, I've just received word from mother."
Gray's stomach twisted. "The Wastelanders?"
"They've been picking off our scouts, harassing the lower villages, she thinks they're planning a full scale attack soon."
Gray sighed. "Right. So we would've had to return home anyway."
Ultear nodded. "Precisely. I've made all the arrangements, I leave in a few hours."
"I? What about me?"
"You're not going home, not yet at least."
"Well then what do you want me to do? Sit around here with my thumbs up my ass?"
She smacked him upside the head with a reproving glare. "Watch your mouth before I wash it out with soap. You're heading to a different destination."
Gray, rubbing his head, raised and eyebrow. "Oh? Where?"
"Magnolia."
Lucy woke slowly, the first thought that registered being why did her body ache? Especially her back and feet. Secondly, she shivered and gripped the thin cotton cover tighter around her body.
Wait a minute.
Tentatively peeking one eye open, she gasped and sat bolt upright, mind going blank as she stared directly at a tree trunk.
What was she doing outside? How did she get here? Where was she?
Suddenly the events of the previous night came flooding back to her. The ball, meeting the prince, discovering the mysterious party crasher underneath the food table, her midnight journey to the library and escape out of the castle with said mysterious party crasher. Natsu.
She frowned, trying to piece together what happened after they made it outside the castle walls and into the surrounding village.
They'd run for a while, the excitement from the daring escape pumping adrenaline into her system, temporarily making her forget that she was dressed in only a nightgown. A fact she soon remembered when a sharp rock sliced her foot open once they reached the forest.
Pulling the thin blanket off her, she examined her injured foot to find it wrapped in clean bandages. Had Natsu wrapped it for her?
She vaguely remembered a wave of exhaustion washing over her as Natsu examined her foot, then everything was blank.
"Oh, you're awake!"
Lucy whirled around at the sound, blinking at the sight of Natsu walking into the clearing, arms full of firewood and a cheerful grin on his face.
Now that it was light she could get a good look at him unobstructed by masks, fancy clothes and the cover of night.
He was dressed in simple beige pants and a black vest. He didn't have a shirt on underneath the vest, so his arms and a small triangle slice of his chest were on full display.
Lucy tried not to stare, most of the men she'd been around her whole life were nobles and royalty, all much too proper to bare their arms. Sure she'd seen a few peasants with bare arms every now and then, but none of them were so...well...fit.
He dumped the armload of firewood onto the ground, the loud clatter of wood clearing her mind.
He nudge the wood into a pile with one worn black boot and then brushed his bangs back.
Now that she could see his hair clearly, she confirmed that it was indeed a dusky rose color, and quite long. It was cut shaggy, so although he'd tried to tie it back with a cord, almost a third of it had fallen loose and hung around his ears and into his face.
Those intense green eyes lifted to her, arched brows slightly skewed, giving him an even more roguish appearance. slender nose, defined cheekbones and a sharp jawline ending in a pointed chin...there was no denying the fact that he was very attractive.
Lucy suddenly became very self conscious of the fact that she was dressed in a nightgown, her hair was probably an utter mess and she no doubt had dirt smudged on her face.
"Um...good morning." She tried, smoothing her nightgown distractedly.
He grinned, exposing those unusually pointed canines. "Mornin', sleep well?"
She nodded. "I think so...I don't really remember much about last night. How far did we go?"
He crouched down and began arranging the sticks into some sort of order as he replied. "I dunno, ten miles or so?"
Her eyes widened. "Ten...there's no way we made it that far before I cut my foot!"
He shook his head. "Nah, that was only about four miles out."
She blinked. "Then...how did I get here?"
He looked up, one eyebrows raised curiously. "I carried you of course. Guess you wouldn't remember since you fell asleep almost right away."
Her face flamed with embarrassment, eyes wide. "Y-you...carried...me?"
"Yeah, 'course. You'd hurt your foot and we hadn't made it to my camp yet, what was I supposed to do?" He nonchalantly explained as he worked on the firewood.
Lucy put her hand to her cheek, trying to cool the burning skin and hopefully chase away the blush. Natsu obviously wasn't an expert on etiquette and propriety.
His explanation was so innocent and straightforward. A noble would never have dared to carry a lady so casually, the very notion would send all the courtiers gasping and muttering at the scandal.
And yet somehow...the way Natsu had put it made her realize just how ridiculous her shock was. It's not like the physical contact was...intimate, it was simply practical.
"I got you some clothes by the way, figured that night dress thing wouldn't be great for traveling in." He piped up suddenly, motioning to a bundle of fabric on top of a pack.
"Oh...thank you." Lucy said, slowly standing up. She hissed in pain when she stepped on her injured foot, causing Natsu to shoot to his feet.
"You alright? Need me to help?"
The blush returned and she shook her head quickly. "No thank you...I can manage." She slowly leaned some of her weight on her foot, taking the brunt of the pressure on her heel.
"You sure?" Natsu asked, hands held out slightly as if he was afraid she'd topple over at any moment.
His concern was oddly touching, why did he care so much for someone he just met?
"I think I've got it...I'll let you know if I need any help."
He nodded. "Alright, there's a stream back that way if you'd like to wash your face or anything. Some trees you can stand behind while you're dressing too."
"Okay, I'll be back in a moment." She said, scooping up the clothes as she limped in the direction he'd indicated.
She found the stream without too much trouble, splashing the cool water on her face and neck, washing her arms in the clear liquid. Refreshed, she examined the clothes he'd gathered for her.
With a stutter in her chest and a blush on her cheeks, she realized they were his clothes.
A simple pair of black pants and a loose white shirt, he'd even wrapped a pair of sandals in the bundle, the adjustable straps meaning she'd be able to wear them even if they were a bit big.
As she prepared to dress, she realized suddenly that she didn't have a corset...or any undergarments besides the underwear she'd had on.
Luckily her nightgown was loose enough not to...reveal anything, but what was she supposed to do about the thin white shirt? Unfortunately she had quite a generous bust, so simply wearing the shirt alone was not an option.
Glancing at the nightgown, inspiration struck and she let out a sigh as she began ripping a long strip of fabric off it.
Wrapping the makeshift garment around her chest several times and tying it tightly enough to remain secure, but loose enough not to be constricting, she surveyed her work, and decided it would have to do until she could get some proper undergarments.
She was worried that the pants would be too big, but fortunately her hips were about the same size as Natsu's trim waist, her curved rear helping keep them up.
Once she was properly dressed, she combed her fingers through her hair as best she could and limped back toward the camp.
"You sure do look different when you're not snoring and drooling!"
She shrieked at the sudden high pitched voice, falling onto her rear in surprise as a strange creature popping up in front of her.
"Lucy?" Natsu's call wasn't too far off, the camp must be close.
"Natsu, help!" She screamed, scooting away from the thing in front of her. It had wings whatever it was, and was flying around so quickly she couldn't get a good look at it.
Natsu was there seconds later, glancing from her to her would be attacker. "What's the matter?"
She motioned panickedly at the flying creature. "That!"
Natsu raised an eyebrow. "Happy, it's not nice to scare people."
Lucy blinked in surprise when the thing zipped over to Natsu and plopped down onto his head.
"Awwww, I didn't mean to! It's not my fault she's a big baby."
"Hey! I am not!" Lucy said indignantly, scrambling to her feet and glaring at the creature, able to get a good look at it now that it stationary.
It looked almost like a young boy, except it was the size of a cat, had scruffy blue hair, pointed cat-like ears and large, mischievous eyes.
It folded its arms on top of Natsu's head, resting his chin on them as he stared at Lucy, a blue tail rising up and flicking back and forth.
"What...what is that?"
Natsu frowned. "Who, not what. This is Happy, Happy, meet Lucy."
Happy raised his small hand. "Hey, Lucy."
She glanced from Happy to Natsu. "But...what is he?"
Natsu looked confused. "What, you've never seen an exceed before?"
"A what?"
"An exceed, or pixie. Ouch! Happy!" Natsu said, rubbing at where Happy had pulled at his hair.
"We don't like that term!" Happy said poutily.
Natsu shrugged. "Sorry, that's how most people know what you are."
"A...you mean like a fairy?" Lucy asked in disbelief.
"No, fairies are totally different, but I guess we're sort of the same species."
Natsu nodded in agreement. "Exceeds are like the feline equivalent of fairies. I found Happy when he was just a little thing and raised him, we've been buddies ever since, right Happy?"
"Aye sir!"
At Lucy's still baffled face, Natsu frowned. "Say, just how many magic class species have you encountered?"
Lucy shook her head. "None. Not that I know of at least."
Happy snickered. "Man is she going to be in for a shock when we get to Fairy Tail."
"Fairy what? Where is that?"
Natsu grinned. "That's where our adventure is, or where we're headed at least. We'll probably have an adventure or two on the way. It's more commonly known as Magnolia."
Lucy's eyes widened. "Magnolia? But that's...that's miles to the West! You can't even get to it unless you cross the Hargeon sea!"
Natsu's grin widened. "Not if you know how to pass over the Mountains."
Happy nodded. "Aye! We've got a secret short cut!"
Growing serious, Natsu said gently. "I can still take you back home...it's not exactly an easy journey. And if you've never seen any magical species before, well, it might be a little overwhelming."
Lucy's heart was pounding. She'd only ever read about magical creatures and far away lands, her mother telling her stories of all the wonderful things there were in the world. How many times had she dreamed of traveling to those places? Of seeing and experiencing all those wonderful things?
"Can you, I mean...would you please...take me there? I-I want to go."
"Are you sure?"
She nodded. "More than anything."
The grin was back and he held out his hand. "Then let's go, Lucy! Let's continue our adventure."
Without hesitation, she took his hand.