Chapter 8

Natsu's POV

The sound of a curtain being pulled was heard. "Young Master, it is time for you to awake from your slumber." A low rough voice called out from next to me.

Slowly I open my eyes to be greeted by the blinding sunlight. "Gray?" I asked to receive a 'yes' back, "Time?"

"Still early 6 AM in the morning, master." He answered while bowing.

I closed my eyes, "…5 minutes…" I mumbled and shooed Gray away so that I could enjoyed the last few moments on the bed.

I turned to my right and smelt the scent of roses relatively close to my head, thus the strong fragrance. Opening my eyes a sliver I saw the head of a sleeping goddess. I pulled her into my embrace and played with her golden locks of hair.

I felt Lucy stir from my embrace. I looked down and came in contact with a pair of widened chocolate orbs. She calmed down form her uneasiness and smiled warmly, "Good morning, Natsu."

"Good morning…" I said as I kissed her forehead gently.

"What will my lord do about the engagement to Lisanna?"

"Today I will speak to her parents."

"Alone?" She said while she locked eyes with me, "Shall I accompany thee?" She whispered into my ear.

"I'm afraid not my lady." She pouted but nodded afterwards, "Stay in bed, Gray will attend to you later."...

...I walked out to the carriage and looked up to where my bedroom was. Behind the windows was Lucy smiling and waving for my departure to the Strauss residence.

I walked up to their enormous manor with anxiety. Their parents whom I met when I was young had treated me as if I were their son. How could they have gone insane to wed me to Lisanna?

"Welcome, Natsu!" A tall girl with long silver hair, the same blue eyes and tied up bangs excitedly ran to me.

"Mira, good to see you after so long," I ran up to her and hugged her. This was the eldest daughter of the Strauss family. Mirajane is known to have a second personality where she explodes of anger.

"What might you be doing here?" She asked smiling every time after she spoke.

"I'm here to cancel the marriage between Lisanna and me." I said while looking away, scared of the release of the second Mirajane.

"You two are engaged?" She was shocked? "I didn't know about this…" She said as she led me to the living room.

"We were shocked by the sudden arrangement too."

"I don't want to hurt your feeling or anything but…" She look apologetically at me, "I don't trust you with my Lisanna."

Ignoring her rude statement I carried on. "I want to cancel the arrangement because…" I looked shyly to the side, as she gave me an unusual look. "I've fallen in love with someone…"

There was pause, when suddenly Mira squealed next to me. "Serious? Young Natsu has seriously fallen in love?" "Is she pretty?" "Is she cute?"

Her subjective questions were cut off by a loud booming of a man's voice.

Lucy's POV

Natsu took longer than I expected, but I waited. The door creaked open as Gray's head popped inside and smiled warmly at me.

"My Lady, it is time for you to come down and have breakfast."

"Will you allow me to eat my breakfast here?"

"Sure" He answered cheerfully.

Moments later, there was a knock on the door. "My Lady, breakfast is here."

"Come in." I shouted for him to enter.

I looked excitedly at the formally prepared breakfast. "My Lady, today you will be served, French toast and Youth Wild Orange Blossom Tea Blend."

I thanked him as he left the room. I took a bite of the toast as the jam atop of it melted in my mouth. The tea tasted of orange hence its name but along with it was a slight taste of freshness from the blend of blossom.

I finished and placed the fragile glass plates, cups and utensils on the tray to put on my bedside. I heard heavy and quick footsteps in the corridor. Natsu must already be home, I wonder how things went.

The door busted open, there in the doorway stood a heavily panting Natsu. Beads of sweat rolled down his cheeks. His hair shined in the lit room from his sweat. I was shocked at the state he was in.

"Lucy…" He panted. He ran over and hugged me.

"Might there be something wrong in your venture?" I asked curiously.

"They refused…" With only those words, I had tears running down my cheeks. He pulled back as he noticed the soft sobs that I made. His eyes softened as he brought up his hands to wipe away the tears, "They refused, but I will try again and again for your sake." again he brought me into his embrace as I inhaled his strong smell of soothing tea leaves.

I won't be putting any spoilers for the rest of the story. But I have a good idea of what should happen. All I have to say is that there will be both good and bad twists in the story line.

Thanks for reading this chapter. As always, please leave a review and continue to support 'Royal Promise'.

Thanks again.

~Cheryl