Chapter 2: Chapter 2
A/N: I forgot to mention last chapter that this takes place 6 years AFTER the Eclipse Arc (X797). Also Sun village, Tartarus, and Avatar arc never happen in this story. They're just too sad for my taste.
Chapter 2: Rushed Yet Beautiful
It was crazy how fast Mirajane worked. In less than twenty-four hours she had not only planned, but set up, and purchased everything for the ceremony. She even had time to send out invitations and inform Princess Hisui of the plan. The scary part is that Lucy had no say in anything but her dress, Bridesmaids, and the color scheme. She had chosen Levy, Wendy, and Lisanna to be her bridesmaids while Erza would be her maid of honor. Freed had chosen Bickslow, Romeo, and Gajeel to be his groomsmen while Laxus, of course, was the best man. Once Erza found out that she was the maid of honor she had dragged Lucy, Freed, and Lazare off to go dress shopping before she could say anything else to Mira. Lazare and Makarov had insisted on paying for everything. Makarov took care of the actual ceremony while Lazare all the clothing and jewelry. Once they got to the boutique everything went from stressful to fun. It didn't take Lucy long to find the perfect dress either. Shortly after they headed to the jewelry store before ending at the shoe store.
The dress was a beautiful cream colored, silk, princess cut dress with a sweetheart bodice. The bodice had cream pearls embedded into the fabric to create an intricate set of patters. Around her core was a three-inch-thick strip that separated the decorated bodice from the flowing skirt that reached to her ankles. It came with a thin cream veil and comb. On the edges of the veil was a discrete flower design while the comb was gold and had small pearls designed into a flower pattern. The tiara that would rest on the crown of her head matched the dress perfectly with the golden flower design, the only difference being that it had diamonds instead of pearls. The accenting jewelry was a tasteful mix of diamonds and pearls once again placed into a flower design. The final tough to her bridal outfit was the mid-calf high vintage lace-up boots with one-inch heels.
The dresses and matching accessories for the bridesmaids and Maid of honor were just as beautiful. Erza's dress was a full-length silk gold dress with a sweetheart bodice. A three-inch strip was around her core, separating the bodice from the skirt and starting the gentle flow it the skirt. On the left side of the strip was a diamond decal made from diamonds. The shoes that were bought to go with it were simple three-inch plain gold stilettos. She accompanied the dress with a pure gold choker that had a flower pattern to it with matching earrings. The bridesmaid's dresses were mid-thigh length with a sweetheart bodice. The top of the dress had gold sequins until the core where it switched to the skirt. The skirt has a lacey over cloth with a few sequins scattered about. The shoes that went with the dress were simple gold sparkly two-inch stilettos. The jewelry was a simple gold chain with a three-diamond drop and matching earrings.
They had finished shopping two hours ago and Erza ad decided to go home. Lucy had Virgo take everything to Mira since all the girls were gathering there to get ready while all the boys were gathering at Laxus's place. Lucy, Freed, and Lazare had decided to go to dinner at a local restraint before going to bed for the night. The three sat at a table away from the crowd so they could talk privately. The waiter had just taken their order and poured a glass of Amarone for Freed and Lazare and a glass Riesling for Lucy. Shortly after the conversation flowed freely, Lazare taking the lead.
"So, Ms. Hearfilia how long have you been in Fairytail?"
"Please, call me Lucy. As for your question I have been part of Fairytail for a little over thirteen years if you count the time gap from the S-Class trails."
"I remember that. All the participants and the guild master disappeared for seven years. My entire family thought we had lost Freed for good when that happened. I'm just glad he his back safe."
Freed sighed into his wine glass when his father said that. 'I wish they hadn't gone through that. It must have nearly killed mother.' When he spoke, his voice was smooth and relaxed, whether from the company or the wine he hadn't a clue.
"With Zeref gone for good nothing like that will ever happen again."
"I know son, but it still worried us. I know you're a guild mage and its part of the job. But as parents its part of our job to worry."
Just then their food arrived. Lazare had a venison roast with wild asparagus and wild rice. Freed had lamb with asparagus and rice pilaf. Lucy had sautéed tilapia with a house salad and rice pilaf. The conversation continued to flow freely with the aid of wine and all three people enjoyed it thoroughly. When they had finished their meal, the waiter came up with a desert menu and poured everyone a glass of Malmsey. It was in this time between wine and desert that a vital topic was brought up by none other than Lazare himself.
"Lucy after the wedding tomorrow I believe it would be wise to move. Whinningham is going to do everything in his power to prove the marriage fake. Not only that, but the media will also be looking for signs of dishonesty. Both are vultures that prey on the rich, the weak, and the naïve. Though I know you are neither weak nor naïve, that doesn't mean they don't."
"It would happen eventually anyway. This type of marriage would be considered contracted, therefore it's for life. Not to would give families that resent Foudre name the ammunition they need to slander it."
"I see that Jude raised you to know what will and will not be food for the creatures that call themselves reporters."
Lucy's eyes dropped, remembering that her father was not there to give her away at her wedding tomorrow. Freed and Lazare both noticed the change and looked at her worriedly, but she didn't notice it.
"Yes. Teaching me to run the company, those lessons were some of the rare times I saw my father. He didn't trust the tutors to teach me properly."
"You must miss him and Layla. Even if he wasn't the best father, he was still yours, right?"
"I do miss them terribly, but I know that they wouldn't want me to be sad."
Just then the desserts were served, each had their own dark chocolate cake with a raspberry Sause. Before anyone was able to take a bite of the sweetness Lazare had to say one more thing. He placed his elbow in his hand and looked at Lucy intently.
"I'm sure they wouldn't. Oh, and Lucy one more thing. This family is very different from other noble families. We are older, more established, and are run by tradition. However, because of the age of this family we can do more without worrying about public opinion. I'm telling you this, so you know that we will never force you to do something or use you as a pawn in a financial game like Jude did. Everyone is also very close in this family. There is trust, love, consideration, and care. When you meet everyone tomorrow you will understand what I mean but for now just know that you are not throwing yourself into another noble family that does not care for its members. I know your past was a tough one, losing your mother young. But you're a strong woman and should be treated as such."
Lucy looked at the man bright eyed. 'How did he know I was worried about that?' She quickly snapped out of her shock and smiled brightly.
"Thank you. You don't know how much that means."
The three of them finished their desert and left the restaurant. Freed and Lazare dropped Lucy off before heading to Freed's house. The needed to get rested for the next day.
~ Duke Whinningham, somewhere in Bosco ~
Duke Whinningham was sitting in a corner reading a letter, a smirk on his face.
"Duke Whinningham of the Provenience of Bosco,
I have spoken with Lucy Heartfillia and regret to inform you that she is signing a marital contract to her fiancé tomorrow. The family she is marrying into is the oldest in Fiore and is very highly ranked. It would be disadvantageous for the Fiorian Embassy to attempt to break off that engagement and anger a very powerful noble family with much pull in our legal system. In addition, as a matter of rank I has confirmed with the king of Bosco that her fiancés royal ranking is indeed higher than yours. Therefore, I cannot delivery Lucy Heartfillia to you. I hope we can resolve this matter peacefully.
Princess Hisui E. Fiore"
The duke placed the letter on the table beside him before calling for a servant. A young boy came within a few seconds.
"How may I help you my lord?"
"Prepare an escort. I will be leaving for Fiore."
"Yes, my lord."
The boy then ran off, hurrying to do what his cruel master bid of him. Once his scurries were no longer heard, the Duke once again smiled at himself.
"So, the little Princess actually found someone to take the Heartfilia girl away from me. Too bad it will all be for naught. She was promised to me by her father, and I always get what I'm promised. Don't you know the chase just makes it more fun little Princess?"