Author's Note: Here it is :) Chapter 2. Next update will be my other story "We're a Team".
Chapter 2 First Day Back at the order house Natsu was packing his luggage. Erza and Grey were there helping him. He couldn't believe what was happening. That weird girl from yesterday was actually the princess. And for some reason he was to be her personal bodyguard. Which meant he had to leave his room inside the order house.
-To think you are rising in the ranks before me. How did you ever manage to do this Flame Brain?
-Like I have any idea. That creepy Prime Minister decided it on his own.
-When he summoned for you I was sure it was because of the trouble you caused at the castle yesterday.-Natsu immediately turned towards him -You are as much to blame for that as me!
-Ou? You want to settle things for good this time?
The two were preparing to begin a fight when Erza turned towards them. Her glare made them freeze in place. They took a few steps back , silently agreeing to settle it another time.
-Anyway.-Erza spoke-This is really important Natsu. It has been a long time since anyone in the Fairy Order has gotten a post in the castle. And not even Laxus began as a royal bodyguard. You must show everyone the qualities of our order.
-That's right! Now I have the same position as Laxus. I will definitely beat him now!
With one strong smack on the head she nearly knocked Natsu out.
-Take this more seriously!
When they finished packing Natsu took his two bags and headed for the exit. He passed through the main hall where everyone in the order gave their farewells. Some of them sounded like they were sending him to the gallows.
- I will be back you know.
It was understandable that some of them were thinking that he wouldn't return. After all Laxus and his group didn't visit the order house even once after they were appointed as the Kings personal bodyguards. But he wasn't like the Master's grandson. After his first post as a guard in the castle Laxus began to distance himself from the Fairy Order and when his final promotion was announced he cut all ties with them. Even someone from the order saw him , the Lightning Mage Knight would ignore him. When he exited the guild house he turned back to look at it one final time. Grey and Erza were outside giving him one final wave. There was no way he would end up like Laxus. He had sworn never to abandon the Fairy Order.
Natsu was walking inside the castle reading a piece of paper , while carrying his bags. The castle was way too big for him , and these instructions the Prime Minister gave him were not helping at all. He could barely see his writing. How could anyone write such small letters? As he was walking he bumped into someone. He took a look at who it was and saw the captain of the guard.
-That insignia. The Fairy Order? What business do you have in the castle Mage Knight?
-I am looking for my room and..
-Ah yes. I heard that the princess was going to have a Mage Knight as her bodyguard. I just never imagined it would be someone from your order. But you are very far off. Your room is in the other half of the castle , right next to the one of the princess. Just take this stairway up and walk south.
Following the captains directions he soon found his room. Surprised he saw the princess and a maid waiting in front of it. The king's daughter was clearly annoyed , while the maid was expressionless. He walked over.
-Finally you are here! Do you have any idea how late you are?
-Just why are you waiting anyway?
-By the king's decision any noble who is believed to be threatened must be escorted by the guard at all times.-she seemed annoyed that she had to explain it-It wouldn't look good if his own daughter was breaking this rule.
So he had to follow her around everywhere? This was a very troublesome job.
-No more wasting time. I am late as it is.-she started walking but stopped when she noticed the Mage Knight was not following her-Are you waiting for an invitation or something.
-But my stuff...
Lucy sighed.
-Virgo please.
-Already on it Princess.
Before Natsu could see it the maid next to him had taken his bags. How did she do it without him even understanding it? The next thing he noticed was her handing him a very large stack of papers.
-What is this?
-The princesses schedule. You need to know it by heart in two hours.
He took the huge stack of papers. In shock he saw that the writing on it was only a bit larger to the writing of the Prime Minister. And i was written on both sides of every paper. Before he could say anything he heard Lucy's voice behind him.
-What is taking you so long? I told you I am already late as it is.
Silently Natsu followed her as he read the huge schedule.
What kind of weirdo would do all of this willingly... To be honest he even had trouble following what was done each day. Never in his entire life had he followed any kind of schedule. It took him several days to remember the entire initiation ritual of the Fairy Order , but this was times larger. And he had two hours to learn it all? Why did he have to know it in that time anyway? It made no sense to him. He was so caught up in his thought he failed to notice the princess had stopped. He bumped into her , knocking her on the ground. The papers with the schedule flew all around.
-Can you watch where you are going!-she yelled at him -Don't just stop all of a sudden while I am reading!-he yelled back Immediately he understood two things. One-he was actually really reading something that big. Since the guild rulebook Erza made him read , he had never even looked at something so large again. And second which made him worry even more. He just yelled at the princess. If this cost him the position Erza was definetely going to kill him.
-Now listen...
She was interrupted when the door they were standing before opened. An elderly man with a short beard looked at them.
-Something wrong princess Heartfilia?
Realising she was still on the floor and way too close to her bodyguard she immediately got up.
-Of course not.
She quickly restored her posture and went inside while giving a light nod to Natsu to follow her. He quickly gathered the scattered pieces of paper and also entered the room. It was a large oval room with two desks ,a large blackboard on the wall opposite the desks and many books on bookshelves all around. Natsu knew one person who would probably feel in heaven in this place.
The princess looked at the two desks with a questioned look. The elderly man , sensing her question answered immediately.
-When we heard that you would be receiving a bodyguard an extra desk was arranged to be placed in each room. Some lessons last for several hours. It would not be humane to make him stand up for that long.
Lessons? Several hours!? Nobody told him about something like this. Erza's intense educational course was brutal but at least it was short...But from what he had looked from the schedule things like this were happening every day. This was going to be torture! When the princess took her seat at one of the desks he silently took the other one.
-I believe that your bodyguard would be of some assistance for this history class.
Please...Just leave me out of it... -he thought.
-Him? How so?
-This lesson is about the Mage Knights.-he turned to Natsu-As you may know Princess the Mage Knights are not liked by Mages and Knights alike. Do you know why sir knight?
-They think we are half assed or something like that.
-A rather crude way of saying it. The pure knights believe that using magic is cowardly and a direct violation of their code of honor. Some even say that Mage Knights should not have any rights to titles like they do now. While mages say that relying on weapons to use magic lowers the power level greatly. Also considering the past wars of knights against mages and the scars both sides still have , being in the middle is very hard.
-But Mage Knight orders have saved the kingdoms several times.
The princess noticed some anger in his voice. This must not be a pleasant subject for a Mage Knight. Even she had heard of the quarrels between the kingdoms knights and the three Mage Knight orders. Some of them had escalated to full out fights.
-Yes. This is one of the main reasons Mage Knight orders continue to exist. Other ones being that unlike mage guilds , Orders are under the direct command of the King. And the existence of this middle class has balanced the two sides. For over three generations there has not been a full fledged war. Now to move on to the first order that was founded around the end of the last war...
Natsu decided to ignore what the elderly man was saying. He was slandering orders like most people but history itself was doing it enough. Neither him , not anyone from the outside knew how orders were. If they did Natsu was sure everything would be different. He needed something to distract himself and decided to try and put the schedule back. It was preferable to the alternative.
Back in Natsu's new room Virgo was busy unpacking his bags. She placed a white scarf that somewhat looked like it was made of scales into the wardrobe. She started with it as it seemed to be the only clothing properly folded. At that moment a thought crossed her mind.
-Maybe I should have stapled them together.
After a long two hour lecture the Princess and her bodyguard left the room.
-What is next?-she asked him -How should I know?
-That is part of your job. Didn't Virgo tell you this?
So that is what she meant by You have two hours . Who would understand it from this!?
-It is the reason she gave you my schedule...-she remembered the papers got scattered-You weren't able to put them back together even though you had this much time!?
-How come you don't know it anyway...aren't you doing the same every day?
-With the commotion around the preparation for the ball my schedule got changed every day...-why was she explaining herself to him anyway?-Just find what is next!
-How am I supposed to find it? This thing is huge!-he handed her the pile of papers.
The Princess smirked.
-That shows how uneducated you are. It will be childs play for me. Follow me.
She led him inside one of the nearby rooms and instructed him to place the papers on a table in the middle.
-I will be done in a second.
After half an hour she was still looking at the schedule without being able to figure out even one page for the day. After all that bragging ... she failed. This was going return to haunt her later. Her bodyguard was grinning. She could bet that he was going to laugh at her any moment.
-This...-she tried to sound confident-Is a bit harder then i thought.
-Mhm.
For a second he couldn't hold back his laughter. She let it slide. It was her fault for forgetting one of the primary rules of being a leader - never be too overconfident. She reached for one of the papers and looked at it. The princess was about to give up and just go ask Virgo. Then a second laugh came out of her bodyguard. That idiot was pushing it too far so she smacked him on the head.
-This is your fault anyway. I don't have to fix it for you!
He actually forced her to use violence. Something a princess should never do.
-I found it! The next thing on your schedule.
This made her freeze. He actually found it? When she failed. She tried to stop her hand from trembling when she took the piece of paper he handed her. Slowly she read it.
-What kind of person eats lunch at this hour!?
-I do. Plus I am kinda hungry.
She heard his stomach growing. How did this person become a knight in the first place? She let out a quiet sigh and headed for the exit.
-Let's just ask Virgo...
They found Virgo just exiting Natsu's room.
-Princess.-the maid bowed -Virgo I have some trouble. That guy dropped the schedule and now I don't know what is next.
-Figuring this out should be easy for someone of your stature Princess.
Lucy could see with the corner of her eye that there was a large grin on her bodyguard's face. It really did return to haunt her.
-Anyway just tell me.
-Very well. Right now you should be having light lunch with the Master of the Royal Knights to discuss changes to the security.
The princess could not believe her ears. In the end Natsu was right and that really was the next thing on her schedule. Her self confidence took a huge hit at that moment.
-Thank you Virgo...
Silently she walked away. Before Natsu could follow her Virgo got in front of him. He couldn't even see when this happened. Just how fast was she really?
-Please hand me the schedule. I will put it in order and return it to you once the lunch is over.
-Are you sure? You must be very busy..
-It is my duty-she took the pile of papers from Natsu-Also.-she handed him a key-These are for your room.
-Thank you.
When he caught up to the princess she stopped and raised one finger.
-Not a single word.
The thought had come to him , but even he knew not to press this subject any further. The Mage Knight just quietly nodded.
-Since when do princess's handle such matters?
-The Prime Minister asked me to do this since he was busy. It is a bit odd I know. But I could have sworn it was going to be tomorrow.
After a short walk they reached a large terrace. It had a good view of the city below the castle. There was one table and two chairs. The food on the table as Natsu feared was scarce. And only two chairs. At that moment the Mage Knight sadly realised. He wasn't going to eat anything right now. Then he saw the one Lucy was going to meet. Of course. This guy was the new Master of the Royal Knights. He stared at the man. Not noticing her bodyguard's reaction Lucy greeted him.
-I am sorry I am late sir Siegrain. Congratulations on your promotion.
-Thank you princess.-the blue haired mage bowed.
He was wearing his full armor. It was his order's tradition to be completely formal when meeting with someone of the royal family. She never really liked that tradition of theirs. A simple tunic with the order's symbol , like the one her bodyguard was wearing , was more the enough in her opinion. Also considering it was the middle of summer. But the knight didn't look like he was hot in that armor at all.
-There was a small mishap with my schedule , bit I believe we have enough time.-Lucy said as she took one of the seats.
-Of course. Such mishaps are to be expected , given the company that was forced upon you.-he glared at Natsu as he sat as well.
-Are you picking a fight bastard!?
The princess nearly jumped when her bodyguard suddenly yelled at Siegrain. What he said indeed was out of place , but his reaction seemed a bit extreme.
-A true knight would never lower himself to except such a challenge. Especially before a member of the royal family. Show respect to the princess!
Lucy had seen Siegrain several times before but this was the first time she saw him almost lose his temper. Even if it was for a second , he almost drew his sword. She knew that the Royal Knights were the ones to most often get in conflicts with the Mage Knights. And Siegrain was always appealing to her father to disband the orders. But she never suspected that they were so much at odds that after just one minute they would be at each others throats. If Lucy was not there , a fight would have started already. At least Natsu seemed to back down. But his right fist remained clenched. She let out a cough to get the knights attention.
-We should get started.
-Of course. Originally I was not thinking about changing much , but after that incident I believe we should increase security heavily.
-What do you have in mind?
-First I would like to increase the man under the captain's command. I already prepared a list of thirty dependable man who were levied and trained well during the incident 17 years ago.
All the kingdoms were on the brink of war when a mysterious mage conquered one of the neighboring kingdoms. Luckely the conflict was avoided at that time.
-I see no problem with this.
The captain had mentioned about needing more man to properly patrol the castle grounds a few days ago anyway.
-I also was not pleased from the start with the way the security at the ball was going to be handled.
-What do you mean?
-The inner guard was going to be made out of mostly of the two Mage Knight orders.
-I don't see any problem with this. Both orders have been loyal...
-Princess!-he interupted her-Most likely the one who assaulted you used magic. I do not think it is safe to have any Mage Knight even near you. I recommend banning the Mage Knights from entering the castle until the culprit has been found. My order will gladly replace those who were to be inside.-before she could say anything he continued-Also. To all the guests who are known to be mages there should be an escort of at least two veteran knights should they try something.
-I think you are overreacting here...
-Over the past years magicians have always been at the core of every major disturbance! Every single magic user must be treated with suspicion.
-Enough!
He realised he made a big mistake. Siegrain forgot that her mother was a mage herself.
-Forgive my poor choice of words...
-I will not ban the Mage Knights from the castle! Nor humiliate our guests by treating them like common thiefs.
-At the very least. Allow me to replace this boy with someone from my order. A seasoned knight would make a much better bodyguard.
She looked at Natsu. He looked like he was going to jump onto Siegrain any second. What the knight said did make sence. One from his order would be able to do a much better job then him...maybe. But for some reason she didn't like this idea at all. Also some old knight watching over her was definitely going to make her feel uncomfortable. She turned back to Siegrain.
-I appreciate the offer. But for the time being I will not be replacing my bodyguard.
At least Natsu seemed to calm down a little. The talk did not continue much longer. In the end the two reached a compromise. Twenty of his order were going to increase the security inside the ball room. Other then that no other changes were made. Siegrain got up.
-I will prepare the arrangements for the captains man. If you would please excuse me.
He bowed and left. Sigrain exchanged an angry glare with Natsu as they passed each other. Thankfully they didn't do anything else. Outside Siegrain clenched his fist. It was a mistake on his part to be so aggressive with the young princess.
Lucy let out a sigh. She didn't think it would be so troublesome. Something had to be done about that feud before it has a chance to escalate further. She made a mental note to mention this to Jose. The princess got up and looked at her bodyguard. He was now speaking with Virgo , who was handling him the schedule. Her maid had done it many times before but again Lucy was impressed how fast she appeared without her even noticing. It hadn't been even two minutes since Siegrain left. The schedule now had two hard covers which made it look like a book. Why didn't she just make it like this from the beginning -Lucy thought a bit annoyed. It could have saved her from that embarassing moment when she failed to put it back together. Virgo bowed lightly and turned to the princes.
-Should I postpone our ann...
The princess quickly went to Virgo and put her hand over her mouth to stop her from speaking.
-Not in front of him...and yes for now-she whispered -As you wish.-Virgo bowed and left them -So.-the princess turned towards to Natsu-What is next?
-Real lunch!
The way he said it made it look like it was the biggest thing that ever happened to him. He reminded her of a little kid at that moment. Somehow her annoyance over the conversation with Sigrain disappeared. Also Lucy hated to admit it but she was starving. Light lunch? It was more like no lunch. There wasn't an opportunity to eat anything while she was talking with the knight. Most likely the servants were going to help themself to these snacks later.
-Lead on.
-Great!-he nearly jumped but stopped and turned around.-Where are we supposed to eat?
-The dining hall of course...
-Where's that?
-Is there any place in the castle you know?
The Mage Knight just shook his head. Lucy thought that he probably wouldn't even be able to find his own room if it was asked. She realized that for him to do his job she was going to have to show him everything in the castle. And from the impression she got from him until now it was going to be troublesome. She let out a sigh. How many times was it today?
-I wonder if it is too late to reconsider sir Siegrain's offer for a swap...
-Swap..Wait you don't mean..
Lucy was already walking towards the dining hall. She smiled to herself. Knowing what might happen he was at least going to be serious about learning the castle grounds. As a princess it would have been bad if she couldn't manipulate her subjects. Well it probably wouldn't work on him a second time as she really didn't want to take Siegrain's offer , but she was going to figure out another way if it was needed. Lucy didn't know at the moment that the only reason this worked was because he was afraid of someones wrath if she actually did replace him with another bodyguard.
This worry of his vanished when he saw the food in the dining hall. One of the smaller tables was covered in the most delicious food he had seen. It even rivaled a little Mira's cooking for when there was a celebration. And there were two plates on it. Without waiting for an invitation he sat and began eating.
The princess closed her eyes when her bodyguard nearly jumped towards the table. He was beginning to irritate her. She rubbed her forehead to try and calm down. Did he not know even the simplest thing about courtesy? Well it was her fault for actually expecting him to pull out a chair and wait for her to sit and all that stuff. She already saw he wasn't that type of person. Still a little part of her hoped that he had something from the knights of the old stories. But when she opened her eyes and saw how he was eating that slight hope vanished forever. He was sitting eating like a wild animal. She took an empty tray from a passing servant and hit Natsu over the head with it.
-Hey! What was that for?-he turned around irritated -Don't you have any table manners?-she nearly yelled -Table manners?-she expected he would ask that -If you are going to be my bodyguard you can't just eat like a pig!
-What is wrong with the way I eat!?
It took her a minute to respond. She just said what was wrong with it after all.
-There will be official events! I can't let you embarrass me by eating like that.
-Annoying.-he turned back to the food.
-Don't just ignore me!-she said as she hit him with the tray again.
Staying behind him she started to teach how he should eat ignoring all his complaints about how useless this was. Lucy wasn't sure just how long she was going to be stuck with him , but it was probably going to be a while. As she said there was no way he was going to embarrass her during a possible official dinner. She gave him a slight smack at every single mistake he made. They were so many that her hand got tired from doing it. When she was satisfied with his eating she finally sat down to eat herself.
When the servants left two of the girls giggled.
-I have never seen the princess like that before.
-Me neither. She is always so serious and diligent. It was fun seeing her act like that.
-Ok break it up. You still have work to do.
With a clap the captain of the guard sent them away. It would have been bad if the princess overheard them by accident.
While they were eating Lucy had checked her schedule. Because of the fire she didn't have anything important to do today. Quickly canceling the few things that could be put of she spend the rest of the day showing Natsu the castle. Halfway she asked herself why she didn't ask someone else to do it , but it wasn't like her to finish a job half done. They finished once she led him back to room.
-And that's it. I hope you don't forget everything by tomorrow.
-Just how stupid do you think I am?
-I wonder.
She waved goodbye to him and entered her room. He quickly entered his room and jumped on the bad exhausted. He didn't think that it was going to be so troublesome being a guard. And that princess was really weird. Just what was wrong with the way he ate? It was normal at the Fairy Order. And to top it of it was still going to be a while before Happy came back along Wendy. Was he even going to be able to stay with him now? Natsu was going to find a way if it was needed.
He looked around the room. This was actually the first time he entered it. It wasn't very large , but still bigger then the one he had at the Order house. He felt the extra space was actually useless. He had two wardrobes...why were there two anyway? He got up and opened them both. Virgo had placed in one his upper clothes and in the other his pants.
-Is every single thing here this weird...
It was going to be a bother to have to open both of them to change his clothes but he didn't change it. That girl probably had other work to do and still she went to the trouble of placing all his clothes in order. He scanned the contents of both wardrobes seriously until he found what he was looking for. His scarf was amongst his upper clothing safely at the bottom. Relieved he checked the rest of the room. There was a desk where he threw the schedule on , a stand for armor even though he didn't have any full plates like that bastard Sigrain , and another door. Was it some sort of storage room or something?
Curious he opened it and checked what was on the other side. It was another bedroom. He only saw a huge bed and a paravan from which the princess came out wearing a rather small nightgown. The girl turned to him shocked.
-What are you doing?
-There was this door and I wondered where it lead to.
-Door?
The princess finally came to her senses and hid back behind the paravan behind which she always got dressed and leaned against her wardrobe. She was blushing. It was going to be a really warm night and Lucy was wearing her lightest nightgown which was really tight , especially around her chest. She cursed herself that she didn't get a new one since this was obviously too small for her anymore. It also didn't cover her entire body. A princess must never be seen in clothes like this if they wished to remain with their dignity as royalty. -Just get out of my room!
-What is the problem anyway?
At that moment Virgo entered.
-Ah Natsu-san you've found the hidden door?
-Hidden?-he closed it behind him and saw that unless you look really closely it looked like a normal part of the wall. The doorknob was conceiled as a simple decoration. -You knew about this!?-Lucy yelled at Virgo from behind the paravan -Of course. Everyone knows. It is for security reasons after all.
A way for the bodyguard to enter quickly if there was any trouble in the royalties room. Sounded completely logical. And only she and apparently that bodyguard of hers didn't know about it.
-Just get him out of here!
-As you wish.
Virgo didn't have to do anything as he quietly went back into his room. He couldn't understand why she was so angry. He had seen Erza in her room several times in a nightgown. In the past they even bathed together alongside that bastard Gray. It was not as if she was naked or something.
-Weirdo.-he mumbled as he lay down to sleep.
Lucy was now sitting on her bad still slightly blushing.
-I don't see what the problem is Princess.
-Don't see!? Just what about this was not...
-Are you perhaps angry that he did not seem to take any interest in your body?
Lucy's face was now completely red from embarrassment that was now being converted into anger. Thinking that it might be bad to stay longer Virgo quickly excused herself. A smile was on her face as she left the princess's room. Lucy got up and looked at her reflection in the mirror.
-Am I really unattractive?
He really did just stare as if he didn't see anything interesting. She blushed again.
-Stupid Virgo. Putting such thoughts into my head.
Angered she went back to bad and soon fell asleep.