**I don't own Fairy Tail or the characters. Mashima owns all that.

So, a couple things to address from previous reviews. First, this story takes place presuming the Alvarez arc ends with Fairy Tail victorious, Zeref conquered, and Natsu still alive. It also assumes that Acnologia is still alive. I did drop some clues as to the time frame of the arc before (particularly the scar on Natsu's face, as DDraig picked up, which he didn't have till after he fought Zeref in the Alvarez arc).

Hopefully, this chapter answers the question of whether there will be more to this story well enough.

Anyway, here's the story. Read and Review as always! :)**

The next morning when Natsu woke up, he was a little surprised what he awoke to find. Long locks of green hair were falling over his chest, while warm, soft pillows pressed against his side. A dainty, fair-skinned hand rested on his abs, and he could feel the warmth of the girl's face against his chest.

"Ugh.." he moaned as he stretched out, looking at the sunlight pouring in the window.

"Good morning sleepyhead," giggled Hisui, turning her head to look up at him. "Sleep well?"

"Umm, yeah…" Natsu rubbed the back of his head ruefully. "How long have you been awake?"

"No more than 20 minutes," the princess said. "I didn't get up because I didn't want to wake you right away. Plus, this is quite comfortable," she grinned.

"Hmm…" Natsu sighed. Well, now I failed to punish her the way I'd planned. I guess I'd better at least get to know her a little. "So princess…"

He was interrupted by a pillow to the side of his head.

"What was that for?" He almost yelled, grabbing a pillow and staring at his wife, who was now sitting up and giggling with a pillow in her hand.

"Because I felt like it!" She gave him an impish smile.

"Oh yeah?" Natsu smacked her with his pillow. Immediately she swung her pillow at him in return, and soon the pillows were flailing wildly, each trying to inflict as many blows with the soft instruments as they could on the other. Both were laughing hysterically when they finally collapsed breathlessly back to the bed.

"Well, can't say I expected that," Natsu said with a little grin.

Hisui rested against him. "That was fun," she giggled. "You know I never get to do silly things like that… my whole life somebody's watching me, looking to me as an example, or expecting a certain behavior from me. I'm really happy I'm married to you, Natsu." She smiled. "Because at least I can be this way around you. I know you won't think less of me for it."

Natsu was surprised. He'd expected his first few talks with the princess to be formal instruction like he'd been receiving from practically every other member of the castle staff since he got there. He'd never known that this part of the princess existed, and he certainly wouldn't have expected to see it come out this quickly. Already, without much effort even, she'd managed to break down some of his barriers and worm her way into his affections. Just by being herself and starting a little pillow fight.

"You should let yourself loose more often if you enjoy it so much," was all he said.

"I can't do that," she replied, a little sadly. "It's part of my job to keep a stately demeanor. I used to wish that I wasn't the princess, but there are some things you don't get to choose. And I've learned to enjoy my life as princess Hisui E. Fiore."

"Well, now you can do it more often, when we're alone." Natsu grinned at her. "In fact, as your husband, I insist that you do it."

She blushed a little and kissed him softly on the lips. "Thanks Natsu."

"Mmm…" Natsu kissed her back. "I think I could get used to this marriage thing."

Hisui giggled. "I certainly hope so. You're stuck with it you know."

Whatever Natsu was about to say was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Princess Hisui, Prince Natsu! Your briefing with Minister of Defense Darton is beginning in half an hour. Are you almost ready?"

"I'll be ready in 20 minutes!" Hisui called out, drawing back from Natsu with a sigh.

"Great, that'll be boring as all hell," Natsu sighed.

"At least we've got the party afterward," Hisui giggled. "And every mage in the kingdom is invited."

"Yeah, can't wait for that." Natsu grinned as he climbed out of bed and started getting dressed. Well, almost started getting dressed. He was about halfway to his wardrobe when he found himself entranced by the sight of Hisui slipping off her tiny jade nightgown, revealing her lacy white panties.

She must've felt his gaze, because she turned half toward him, giving him a nice side profile of her ample breasts. "Like what you see?" She purred.

"You are so lucky we have somewhere to be," Natsu growled.

"Hmm… I don't know if I would put it quite that way," Hisui said with a smirk as she chose a bra and started slipping it on.

Natsu sighed, shaking his head as he turned back to his own wardrobe. The palace tailor had taken 2 tries before he learned that Natsu's clothes had to be flame resistant. His new outfit was similar to his old one, but more elegant. The pants weren't quite as baggy, and they had golden dragons emblazoned on each leg. In addition, they went all the way down to his feet, which were now attired with shiny, black shoes with silver laces. His white vest had a large gold dragon embroidered across the whole vest, with the main body on the back, the head circling around to his right side, and the tail circling around to his left side. The vest was worn over a crimson shirt with ebony buttons and a comfortable, yet regal collar.

His hair also wasn't as messy as before. It was still spiky, but the spikiness was groomed and not wild and unkempt. All of these together helped him cut an entirely new figure – one fitting for a prince of Fiore.

29 minutes later Hisui and Natsu shuffled quietly into the conference hall in the palace. Arcadios was there, as well as the king and several of the high ranking military officials. There were two empty seats next to the king, which the pair carefully took. Natsu took the seat on the right, closest to the king, as his instructors had taught him.

Just as they finished sitting down, the lacrima screen flickered and Darton's face appeared. The prime minister was on a ship, currently leaving the kingdom of Alvarez.

"Good morning, Defense Minister Darton," the king said with a smile. "I trust all went well with your diplomatic mission?"

"Good morning your majesty, princess…" Darton's voice trailed off and his eyes bulged. "Your majesty, with all due respect, is this something that should be discussed with him present?"

Natsu suppressed a laugh, fighting hard to keep the smirk in his head from spreading to his face. Beside him, Hisui squeezed his hand lightly, but gave no other sign.

"Defense Minister, the crown prince of Fiore should certainly be present for this, as the future relationships with our neighboring empires are most certainly his concern."

"Crown prince?..." Darton was unable to control the disbelief in his tone and etched on his face. "I heard nothing of an engagement."

"It all happened rather fast," the king replied. "I assure you I would've informed you, but I didn't want to interrupt your negotiations."

The defense minister scowled. "What's done is done, but with all due respect to your majesty, was there no other man left in Fiore to marry the princess? I think you could've done better pulling a bum off the streets…"

"Defense minister," the king's voice was harsh as Hisui's hand gripped Natsu's in a death grip under the table. "I will remind you that this is the crown prince you are speaking of. You don't have to like him, but you will be respectful. Is that clear?"

Darton scowled. "Yes, your majesty."

"Very well. Let's hear your report then."

"Well, your majesty, following the defeat of Emperor Spriggan and his personal defense force, the Alvarez Empire recognizes that establishing a trade relationship with Fiore is a better option than continuing the war. After some negotiations, they've agreed to open trade routes and help our country repair the damage that they caused in Hargeon and Magnolia. Alvarez is now ruled by Jacques Alvarez, one of the country's former nobles. He has agreed to the treaty, and all that remains now is for you to put your official seal on it."

"Very well, Minister. I will look over the documents when you return in two days. That briefing was… unusually short."

"I seem to have developed a sudden headache, your majesty. So if you'll excuse me, I desire to rest in my cabin for a bit."

"Very well defense minister. You may go."

The lacrima screen flickered off.

"Well, that went well." The king said as everyone started getting up. Natsu stood and prepared to leave as well, but the king caught him by his shoulder. "Natsu," he said. "I need to talk to you privately for a moment."

"Um. Ok, your majesty." Natsu said. He smiled at Hisui. "Don't leave for the party without me."

"I wouldn't think of it." The princess winked at him. "Too bad we only have 20 minutes before we have to go."

Natsu kept himself from smirking before turning back to the king. He wondered what was so important that the king needed to talk to him urgently. Was it something that couldn't wait till after the kingdom-wide party?

"Natsu," the king said when everyone else had left the room. "Now that you're married to the princess, you should know the real reason that I chose you to be her husband."

"The real reason?" Natsu stared at the king. So he hadn't been chosen because Hisui actually wanted him? Was everything she was doing now a big act for his sake? Suddenly the growing attraction he felt for the green-haired beauty began to dwindle.

"Well, the second reason, I guess." The king said. "The primary reason was that I could see Hisui liked you. But almost equally important to me is the power you have to protect her. And any heir you might give her."

"Hisui already has the whole core of rune knights to protect her, your majesty." Natsu said, still not knowing what to make of this situation. "Why is it so important that I have a lot of magic power?"

The king sighed. "It started shortly after I first became king…"

~~~FLASHBACK START~~~

"So you call yourself King of Fiore?"

Toma Fiore looked to see a dark-skinned man with long, white hair gazing at him. The man had an evil aura about him that made him shudder with fear.

"Who are you, and what do you want?" He asked.

"There's only room for one king in this world. But I'm feeling generous today so I'll let you share the title. But there will be consequences."

"What consequences? And who are you?"

The man just smirked. "One day you will have an heir to the throne. And when that day comes, the child will belong to me at birth."

"No!" Toma glared at the man, though still shuddering in fear at his immense magic power. "You won't take my child!"

The man looked at him, his evil smirk widening. "Would you stop me, Toma Fiore? Do you have the power to stop the dragon king from taking what he wants?"

"Dragon… king?" Toma's eyes widened as he looked at the man before him. "But… that's impossible."

"Is it?" Acnologia smirked at the king. "You didn't think I was a dragon all the time, did you? That wouldn't be much fun at all."

"Please," Toma said. "Don't take my child. I'll do anything…"

"Anything? You seem awfully committed to this child you haven't even had yet. You'll really do anything for some brat you have yet to conceive?"

"Anything," Toma confirmed. "As long as it means my child stays with me."

Acnologia shrugged. "Fine. I won't take your firstborn child. I'll take the second. But in return, you have to celebrate the festival of the dragon king in honor of me."

"What do you want a human for anyway?" Toma asked, trembling slightly.

Acnologia just smirked at him. "Not that I need to explain myself to you, but I've decided it's time for me to have an apprentice. In fact, why not make your second child a female. That way I can get an apprentice and a mate all in one. Actually, now that I think about it, if your first child is a girl and your second child is a boy, I'll just take the girl. That will work out best for both of us, won't it?"

"It's a deal," the king said. I just won't have a second child…

"And one more thing," Acnologia said as Toma Fiore began to walk away. "If you only have one child, I'll make sure to come for your first grandchild. And I'll be sure that the child's parents aren't spared the experience of watching their offspring die. Then I'll take your firstborn as my apprentice anyway, after killing his or her mate. And you'll be left with nothing."

Toma shuddered at the chilling promise as he walked away. He had to figure out a way to beat the black dragon before he could take an heir to the throne.

~~~END FLASHBACK~~~

"I was hoping Acnologia would die in the ward. That he and the black wizard would just kill each other," the king said sadly. "But unfortunately it didn't, and Hisui was old enough she would've had to have married soon."

"You know, I would've helped you protect the princess even if I weren't married to her," Natsu said quietly.

"I know you would, Natsu. But Hisui really was interested in you. She never would've admitted it if I hadn't made the first move. But she was. And if I hadn't chosen to force your hand in this situation, she would've ended up married to some wealthy noble who only knows how to be pampered all the time. Those were the kind of men Darton picked for her."

Natsu was silent for a long time. He wasn't entirely sure what to think, still. He felt that the king was telling the truth, but he still didn't really like being forced into a marriage the way he had. The conversation was bringing those feelings back.

But Hisui… Well… He sighed. He couldn't be mad at her, especially after glimpsing how hard it was for her to take on the role of princess. To always be the perfect girl that the realm expected its princess to be.

"But Natsu," the king interrupted his thoughts. "That's why I want you to train. As hard as you can. Every day. You have to be ready when Acnologia comes."

"You don't have to tell me," Natsu said quietly. He was troubled now. After the previous night he was really hoping that Hisui was using some sort of birth control. He wasn't sure he would be ready for Acnologia in 9 months, even if he trained his hardest every day. His power now rivaled Gildarts, but Acnologia was much stronger than Fairy Tail's ace.

"Well, don't you have a party to go to?" The king said.

"Yes your majesty," Natsu said, giving the king a quick bow. To his surprise, the king pulled him into a quick hug.

"There's no need for such formalities when we're alone, Natsu." The king said with a smile. "They don't really suit you."

"Umm… Thanks." Natsu rubbed the back of his head as he headed out. Today had just been full of surprises.

When he got back to their room, Hisui was waiting for him, sitting on one of the two large armchairs. "Well, what did daddy want to talk to you about?" she asked.

"Hmm? Oh, just wanted to make sure I was ready for the responsibilities that come with being your husband," Natsu said with a shrug. It wasn't a lie after all, technically.

"Oh." Hisui smiled. "I'm glad that's all it was. I was afraid it would be something more serious."

"What's serious is that Darton guy," Natsu said rolling his eyes. "I think he needs to pull a few of those sticks out of his ass."

The princess laughed. "Darton wants what's best for the kingdom, but sometimes he has trouble seeing past his ego," she said. "I'll admit he made me pretty angry today."

Natsu was happy to hear her say that. He turned to her and kissed her gently on the lips. "Say Hisui," he said, more seriously. "Are you using contraceptives? Cause we weren't really careful at all last night, and I'm not sure I'm ready to be a father."

Hisui giggled again. "Yes Natsu, I'm on birth control. So you can go all out without worrying about getting me pregnant. For now."

Natsu grinned. "Good to know. Though I'm not sure about the 'for now' part."

"Well," she said with her own smirk. "That's the best that you're getting. And we have somewhere to be now."

Natsu looked at the time. "Oh shit. We'd better hurry. Can't be late to our own party."

"Nope. I'm sure everyone's looking forward to seeing you." Hisui said.

"Heh. I'm fired up!" Natsu grinned, and the pair headed out for the party.

~~~Erza~~~

Erza smiled as she came into the grand ball room, looking at the tables laden with all the best delicacies of the realm. But most of all she smiled when she saw Natsu. She was a little surprised at his appearance. His regular attire had given him a ruggedly handsome look, but now he was downright hot. She couldn't help feeling a little jealous of Hisui as she held her husband's hand, smiling and greeting people with him.

She also couldn't help noticing that Natsu was acting much more natural with the princess. The previous day he'd been a little stiff and pulled back, but apparently she'd managed to push past whatever barriers had been between them in the past night. She felt a drip of blood come out of her nose as she started imagining the kind of things they did to each other last night.

"Earthland to Erza," Natsu's voice interrupted her fantasies, and she turned to see the couple smiling at her.

"Oh, I'm sorry Natsu. I mean, your highness." She did her best curtsey. "I was just thinking…" She felt the blood rising to her cheeks.

Hisui was watching her, and Erza wasn't sure that she liked the perceptive smile on the girl's face.

"No need for formalities Erza," Natsu said with a grin. "Just call me Natsu, please."

"I think it might be best to address you in a manner fitting of the prince, with all due respect," Erza replied, blushing slightly. "Just because I'm part of your guild doesn't exempt me from that. That would be a bad example for the rest."

Natsu sighed. "I'll never get used to this…"

Erza noticed that, though they were acting more natural than the previous evening, they still didn't have the feel of a true couple. The way they held hands and talked just didn't have that close familiarity that she would expect from a couple. Of course, they also had been together for, what, two whole weeks? She supposed this was to be expected.

"Erza?" Natsu asked again, and she realized he'd been talking the entire time. "Are you even listening?"

"Sorry, your highness!" Erza forced herself to focus on the conversation. "I'm afraid I wasn't. Please hit me."

"What? No." Natsu said. "Even though it's tempting. I was just saying that I need you to pick out a good request for Team Natsu to take next week. I cleared my schedule for the week so I could go an a job request with you guys."

"Oh, great!" Erza said with a smile. "I'm sure we can find something good."

"And make sure you get an S-class mission," Natsu added. "I've gotten a lot stronger in the past couple weeks."

"I can do that, your highness." Erza said with a smile. Team Natsu again, just like old times.

Well, almost. She couldn't help wondering how having the crown prince of Fiore along would change their experience. She watched Natsu move on to greet Lucy, Gray, and Juvia, who were all gathered by a table laden with red meats.

I wonder if things would be different if I opened my heart to you sooner, Natsu. Erza closed her eyes and shook the thought from her head, turning to a dessert table that had plates and plates of strawberry cake.