Thx a lot for all those wonderful reviews and glad to know that many of you liked the chapter. Do continue to read and let me know your thoughts. I will value it. Thx a lot also for the faves and follows.
The Pirate ship
The vast expanse of sky embraced the sea from all possible angles. The sun shone brightly above showing all of its hues at different times and the cool breeze soothed any soul who was in torment and instilled hope in his/her life. The sea was unusually calm showing signals of the upcoming tide after a few hours.
They had earlier overpowered the pirates on board with a surprise attack. Most of the pirates were drunk and were easy to defeat. Gajeel and Gray easily tied up their Chief and put ladders to the dinghy for Jellal and Doranbolt to enter after raising the wooden chest from it. They had left Levy on the shore and asked her to keep in touch with Lucy and her team.
Jellal was standing on the deck enjoying the sea breeze when Gray came up and bowed shamefully. He was upset the whole evening since he came to know the news of his sister's betrayal from Doranbolt. In fact, Gajeel had earlier made fun of him mocking the loyalty of a 'Fullbuster' to which he had responded by challenging the latter to a fight. Levy and Doranbolt had to take great effort to separate them.
Gray said in a low voice to Jellal. "I apologize for my sister's actions. In fact, apology is a small word when you consider the gravity of her action. Your Highness can plunge your sword through my chest for all that she has done."
Jellal looked at him curiously. "Will that bring my Laxus back? No, isn't it? But still you can redeem what she has done by helping me to save Laxus before he is exposed to Public and killed."
Gray knelt before him putting his sword down and said in a trembling voice. "I swear that I will save him from dungeon. But still, that doesn't excuse her crime. She was pregnant, then why did she…" Gray lost words and stared blankly at the horizon.
"Pregnant? Since when? I never knew it." Jellal was puzzled but looked delighted.
"She had come that day to share with your Highness the happy news. Now in her immaturity, she lost everything."
"Does anybody else other than your father know about it?" Jellal asked curiously.
Gray nodded in denial.
"We have to shift her to a safe place until her delivery before others know about it to keep the child safe. But still I think, our relationship is pretty much done with. From now on, I can only see her as the Mother of my Child and not as the Queen of the Empire. Since she too hated it, I think it is best to strip her title and give her freedom. But I will do it only with Silver Fullbuster's, yours and her consent. I promise that she will get all the privileges as my wife except being the Queen for which she needs integrity of character."
Gray looked truly relieved. At least she won't be executed. Deep inside his mind, he knew that she was totally unfit for the position of the Queen. She was the type who lacked ideologies and who preferred to live in shadow than in light.
"What are you going to do with Prince Sting, your Highness?" It was Doranbolt who was silently listening to their conversation.
"I wonder who his sponsor is as intelligence isn't Sting's forte'. The way he overpowered Laxus was actually that Chess-master's power who I am longing to meet as I haven't had an intelligent opponent since a while." The battle-lust in his voice made Doranbolt shiver from head to toe.
Lucy's Location
"Erza, answer me honestly. Do you love him?" Lucy asked when they were resting under a tree late evening as continuous journey had tired them.
Erza looked down embarrassingly. "I…. I don't know what it is to be in love with someone as I never had one. Most people are scared of me and won't even consider that. Even with Simon, I never felt anything other than friendship. But his Highness… he defied everything. "
"He easily slipped into my armor and made me vulnerable. He was the first person who made me feel like a woman and who made me totally insecure with everything - power, skill and intellect. Last day, he even out-did me in ideology. I'm ready to sacrifice my life whole-heartedly for his sake and that is not for the sake of my job as his bodyguard; but out of admiration for what he stands for."
"That was quite a speech, Erza thinking that it came from 'an inexperienced lover-girl.' "Lucy clapped her hands.
"Tell me honestly, what did both of you do yesterday? Finished everything?" She teased.
Erza turned beet-red and her cheeks were burning. She said clumsily playing with her fingers. "Nothing…. Nothing of that sort. We just talked about the Queen."
Lucy smiled."But your face says something else. Don't worry dear, I will make you spit it."
Then she turned back and said. "His and Queen's ideologies never match which is why their marriage was a failure from the get-go."
She held Erza's face in her palm. "Promise me that you won't desert him whatever might happen. If so, he might become a real monster whose wrath would destroy the entire Kingdom. Though he appears calm outside, he harbors a monster within which I suppose you are aware of. Please don't give a chance for it to awaken. "
Erza took Lucy's hand in hers and nodded. "I promise Princess that I will always stand with him and be his light and I don't care what people will name our relationship as."
Lucy was elated. She was about to say something when a cloud of smoke and dust surrounded them. When the smoke cleared, they saw themselves being surrounded by a huge army.
"Princess, where is Natsu?" Erza asked impatiently.
"He went to fetch water a short while ago."
The army was coming forward and they could just not run away as they were surrounded from all quarters. Erza gritted her teeth and removed her two short-swords and stood in front of the Princess.
"Do you know how to use a sword?"
"Yes, Older Brother has trained me the basics though I'm not that much of an expert in it." Lucy said.
Erza threw her short swords to her. "Use these as you like to use them. I have my Benisakura with me."
Lucy caught it and readied her fighting stance.
But the army's advance stopped just then and a single person came forward in his horse holding a white flag.
"Lady Scarlet and Princess Lucy, I presume."
They nodded.
"Our Lordship wants to talk to you." He said pointing to a tall, lean person with long black hair tied into a pony tail with messy bangs which were reaching his dark, slanted eyes. He was wearing a long black and white long-coat with flame pattern.
"Who is he?" Erza wondered but followed the horse-rider.
"My…..My….. Who do we have here?" The Lord asked seductively and took them to a tent.
"I apologize. But I don't recognize you."Erza said annoyed.
"Erza Scarlet, isn't it? The only lady capable of making the King of Fiore fall flat on her feet? I regarded all those rumors as fluke until I saw you." He came close to her and whispered in her ears. "I will conquer the whole world and put on your feet, if you are willing to be mine, sweet-heart."
Erza removed her sword and pointed it to his neck which he bent with his bare hands not caring the blood that was now oozing from his palms.
"You are pretty addictive indeed. Now I can see why the King has become your slave." He said as if he was inhaling a drug.
"Who are you?" Erza asked again unfazed at his behavior.
"Marde Geer, if you must know."
Lucy who was watching his movements in awe now asked. "The Prime Minister of Spartacus who is considered as one of the three greatest Generals ever in the world along with Igneel and Acnologia?"
"You flatter me too much, young lady. What you said isn't entirely false. But there are still people up there who are stronger than me like those two you've mentioned." He then turned to Erza and said. "Now you've understood right, that it is futile to resist me?"
"So what? I can fight you until my body falls. I'm not a coward to feel awe for your power and hide in the shadows." Erza replied nonchalantly
Marde Geer licked the blood in his hand thus enjoying it with half-shut eyes and said. "O maiden of light, I beseech you to lighten my path every day with thy light. " Then he held her face close to his and licked his lips. "Scarlet, be mine. I will bestow you whatever you command."
"Enough of the drama, Marde Geer. It has started to become gross." Both of them turned and saw Zeref coming in.
"Master, I have captured both of them as you have instructed. You can do whatever you want with them." Marde bowed humbly and moved back.
"High Lord Zeref, what are you doing here? How are you related to that creep? Why did you order him to capture us?" Lucy asked anxiously.
"He is one of my greatest disciples. I wanted to meet both of you which was why I ordered him to capture you as I would like to have a word about the crisis."
"I want you Lucy to go back to palace and Erza, you will assist her in that. Don't worry about your mission though. I will instruct Marde to take care of it and he will do it without actually handing over the ransom. "
Lucy was relieved. "The mission being done without paying ransom is just awesome. But High Lord, I don't know why but I don't feel comfortable in handing over the mission to that creep."
"He is just a bit melodramatic. Otherwise, he is fine and never ever disobeyed me." Zeref said calmly.
"Wait, High Lord. It is not safe to take back Princess to the palace. The castle was burned and enemies are lurking everywhere; not to mention about the Deca Conglomerate." Erza became thoughtful.
"The nobles and the bureaucrats will usurp the throne, if nobody from the royal family is there. As for Lapointe, I think they have brainwashed him. I will talk to him today itself and clear the misconceptions. And Lucy, never allow Jellal to indulge in risky ventures like being Vince Gale. It is a threat to his position as the King and also to the royal family. Also Erza, Ultear is there with me. I want you both to sort out your relationship in such a manner as it won't become a threat to the Empire. "
Both Lucy and Erza nodded and got into the chariot where they found Ultear waiting for them in a serene outfit and without any jewelry.
After half an hour, Natsu returned fetching water. He was confused when he didn't find Erza or Lucy. He was about to go to search them, when he heard someone calling him. He looked back and found Zeref.
"Did you call me?" Natsu asked innocently.
"Lucy told me everything about you. When I heard that you were Igneel's son, I couldn't help but wait to see you."
"Do you know where Lucy has gone?"
"She has gone back to the palace under my instruction as I had taken care of her mission." He said staring at the pendant in Natsu's neck.
"Wait, there is danger for her in the palace. They'll definitely kill her."
"Not any more. I have made sure of it." His eyes were still pointed at that pendant.
"Who are you and why do everyone listen to you?" Natsu asked innocently.
Zeref paid no attention to Natsu's question and asked. "Can you give me your pendant to look?"
Natsu promptly removed it and handed it over to Zeref for inspection. "It is my lucky charm. Once I forgot it at home and was nearly killed."
"Since how long do you have it?"
"Dad told that it was there on my body when he found me in forests when I was ten."
"So, you aren't Igneel's real son?" Zeref handed back the pendant. But Natsu could see that he was really disturbed.
"Does it make a difference?" Natsu was annoyed as he disliked being called the adopted son.
Zeref didn't reply but turned his horse to go.
"Wait, you didn't say who you are." Natsu ran after the horse.
"You will know it later." He said curtly and directed his horse to move faster.
"Natsu Dragneel, huh? So you survived that onslaught thirteen years back. I'm glad to meet you again. Don't worry. We will meet soon when I will tell you who I am." He spoke to himself focusing his gaze firmly on the path before him.
That Night, Dungeon in Crocus
Laxus was taken to the dungeon later that night and was laid in the bed. His condition was severe and his whole body as well as face was covered in bandages. The pain was so bad that he was not able to sleep. Still, he was happy as he was able to accomplish his mission and save the King. He thought about Sting. Until a week before, he was such an obedient boy who adored his elder brother. What happened to him suddenly? Or was he pretending all the while to be innocent? Laxus soon discarded the latter idea as Sting was never known as bright. Still, the behavioral change in Sting seemed like an enigma to him.
His thoughts were disrupted by the sound of opening of the dungeon door. A female guard had come inside with his food. She came close to him and removed the hood.
"Master, I never thought I will see you like this." She sobbed and tears were overflowing from her eyes.
"Don't insult a warrior with your tears, Evergreen. Wipe it now itself." Laxus commanded in soft voice. "You can go back if you have come here to display your sympathy."
"I…. was just concerned about you, Master and could not help coming here even when I knew that you will scold me. " She sobbed again.
"What is the situation in the palace? His Highness is safe, isn't it?" Laxus wanted to change the topic.
She nodded. "Mirajane Strauss is charged with treason and was put in the prison and tortured the whole day. She was flogged thoroughly that she is barely alive. Her sister Lisanna Strauss was taken by Attaché' Brandon to their secret chambers and her brother Elfman Strauss who is my fiancé is missing."Her throat cracked.
"Prince Sting got approval from the Council of Lords and Council of Ministers by the recommendation of Cardinal Lapointe to be the King and his coronation will take place one week from now."
Laxus was infuriated but still he controlled his rage and said slowly. "There is a custom in this country. The heir could be challenged in Public by anyone 3 days before the coronation at the Royal Stadium. The challenge could be both verbal and physical. I'm looking forward for it." The bandages could not hide the cool smile formed on his face.
Marde's Camp
Cardinal Lapointe and Marde Geer sat around the table toasting their victory for the day well done.
"Lord Marde, how did you manage to convert the Prince to our side? I thought his loyalty would never shift." Cardinal Lapointe said sipping his wine.
"Lapointe…Lapointe….Lapointe...You shame me with your words." Marde tilted his head to one side while playing with a cube. "You know, because of your folly I got told by my master." He took a knife from the table and held it under Lapointe's throat. "Do you know what I hate the most? My Master's wrath. When he dislikes me or my actions, I just become a demon and engulf everything."
"Which is why I want to destroy everything dear from the life of his famous favorite protégé. Why am I not his favorite but him? I asked Master plenty of times. Do you know what he said? It is because he sees his reflection in him, the mighty Jellal Fernandez - in words, thoughts and actions."
"How dare do he occupy my place in my Master's mind? I will crush and mince him into pieces. No, I will take everything dear to him including his darling Scarlet. What a beauty she is? I have never seen a woman like that. I won't give her to him in any way." Marde broke the empty glass in his hand.
Cardinal Lapointe was scared and rose from his chair to depart. At that moment, Marde Geer came to his senses and said. "I apologize for my misbehavior, Cardinal. Turning Prince to our side wasn't tough as you said. He always wanted to be the King but was fearful of the strength of his Older brother. When he got the support of someone stronger than his brother promising to make him the King, he easily switched sides."
"Another reason was Yukino of Frostia. He knew that he will be the ruler as she was the sole heiress. He was afraid that his brother might annex Frostia permanently to Fiore thus destroying his ambitions. But I have to admit that he was a good pawn. It is indeed a joy to make siblings fight each other."He laughed maniacally.
Cardinal Lapointe took an apple from the table and bit it. "But Lord, what about the army of Tenrou? Did you make them retreat at your Master's orders?"
"It wasn't the army of Tenrou from the beginning itself. I made my men dress as Tenrou soldiers to scare Jellal."
"But Lord, when Tenrou knows of it…"
Marde rose and held his shoulders with both of his hands. "Easy there, Lapointe. Tenrou won't want to be in my bad side. Besides, they love the idea of the Mighty King of Fiore struggling with their army being spread like fire as it makes them strong to the eyes of the beholders. "
"Frostia did not have to be persuaded as King Zero hated Jellal's guts and wanted to annex Fiore through Sting. The Queen of Edolas disliked Jellal for disapproving her proposal to marry him and rumors are there that he insulted her. So she readily consented for this invasion when she got the back-up of strong forces." Marde refilled his glass again.
"But Lord, Deca Conglomerate… What if they withdraw the support?"
"They won't Cardinal as my mole there is pretty much influential in holding them closer." He brushed the glass on his cheek.
"Who is that, Lord?" Lapointe was curious.
"If you read the whole play now, then what is the point in seeing it?" Marde smirked.
Cardinal Lapointe knew immediately that nothing was a deterrent to this chess master.
Next Day Morning, Frostia
"All the best, Doranbolt. I have handed over the necessary ransom to you. Go and get the deal done. Show those spineless fools of Frostia with your words not to mess with Fiore. Tell them that if they accept the money and still do not retreat, they will be facing the wrath of our forces soon." Jellal gave his blessings to Doranbolt for his mission of meeting the envoy of Frostia to set the deal.
Doranbolt bowed and departed soon in a horse-carriage which they had rented for the purpose.
"Why didn't your Highness go to fix the deal as you had said before?" Gajeel was open with his thoughts.
"We didn't have any alternative then; but we do have one now. I decided to play the dead montage which Cardinal Lapointe and his crooks have so gracefully bestowed upon me as they haven't revealed the latest developments to their allies." Jellal said coolly.
"But what if they had already told the truth?" Gajeel was getting impatient.
"You ask a lot of questions these days. Did Levy's touch make you sensible? As for your question, wait and watch. They will keep everything secret until Sting's coronation. I too am looking forward to that day as the idea of being a challenger seems too delicious to pass out. But before that I have to save Laxus and Mirajane; after which I will raise my army and wait for him, the Chess-master." Jellal licked his lips with half-shut eyes in heavenly delight anticipating the encounter.