It was already a surprise for all of them to know that Queen Layla has a hidden daughter— why she is kept until now, they have know idea— however, to know that this newly presented Ashley is the lady King Mystogan is interested and had been courting to have her hand is a shock that everyone could hardly believe it. After all, the King is known to be a stone that never took a liking to any woman and now in front of everyone, his people and all rulers from all over the continent, he announced he is courting Lucia Heartfilia Ashely.

Courting, not his fiancé. So the King isn't that 'irresistible' at all.

The shock expressions and whispers are enough to bring the young King dripping in immense pride and when his eyes met Lyon's, he couldn't be more proud. If Lyon is going to play a dirty game, then Mystogan will might as well participate and pull cards that are way out of his league.

Besides, it's better to protect Lucy in this way, now that almost everyone in the continent know that she will soon belong to him. Or so that's what they believe.

Meeting Lucy's gaze, he immediately regret it. He had never seen an anger like the one in her eyes as if anytime she'd set him on fire. Both of her hands are balled that he fear he will be attacked and buried six feet underground even before this day end.

" Trust me on this one, " he whispers, offering his hand towards hers only for her to stare with hesitation, " Please "

Lucy look at his hand with so much hesitation but nevertheless took it after a moment of taking a breath.

By the throne and before his people and nobles stand Mystogan with his hand enveloping Lucy's with a gentle grip.

Erza couldn't help but smirk and before she can stop herself, she whispers to the person next to her, which happens to be Byro.

" Looks like the wedding bells will be ringing sooner than we expected "

To say that she is angry is a complete understatement, she wants to kill him. Slowly and brutally.

She never wanted to come in the party in the first place, no, she just want to stay in bed all night. After all, they had made it clear she is to be hidden, no one else with the exception of the residents of the Royal Palace and the Ashley Family should know about her existence. So why risk being seen in the party?

But her former guild mate and Queen Layla had other plans, and it includes her.

" I shouldn't have agreed on being the Queen's daughter " Lucy whispers.

The events earlier had taken so much toll on her that she retired immediately and excused herself to have air.

And damn, she had never wanted so much air.

And now here she is, sitting by the fountain, staring at her own reflection by the water, trying to calm herself and avoiding to get in prison by killing the King of Edolas.

Then again, how could she refuse the Queen's request? In Lucy's words, the plan is ridiculous, and immediately turn Mystogan down, but the way Queen Layla's eyes pleaded her to agree, she knew she wouldn't and couldn't refuse her.

She was her Mother after all, no, her Mother's counterpart.

They knew it wouldn't be long enough Lucy would be exposed in the public so with the Queen's suggestion, they thought it might work. To introduce Lucy as Lucia Heartfilia Ashely, Queen Layla's youngest child.

It would arose suspicions, but it would be better this way than to have the people think that Lucy is from Earthland and that Magic is coming back. And Mystogan is keeping it. He wouldn't want his people rebelling against him and be threatened with war by the other kingdoms.

But she didn't expected that things will turn out like this.

She didn't expected that Mystogan had other plans and it is to claim that he is courting her.

" The lady I had been courting for the past few months and I wish to marry to be my Future Queen "

She clenched her fists and curse under her breath upon remembering his words. Who does he think he is? How dare he say that without even her consent? Without her knowledge?

" Well, it isn't the famous soon-to-be-wife of the great King Mystogan "

Upon hearing a voice, she snap back to reality and met a familiar pair of eyes. So sharp that it almost cut her breathing system, so cold that she almost shiver under his gaze.

" King . . . Lyon, what a lovely surprise "

The said man chuckled and gave an amused look.

" I didn't knew the Queen is hiding a beautiful daughter "

We're just the same. I'm surprised as well.

" If only I had knew, I would have asked for your hand first "

There's something in him that made her feel uneasy, that made her rise her defenses and she never felt this way around Lyon Vastia. No, Earthland Lyon was someone she was comfortable with, he was warm to be with despite his cold nature and ice magical powers. He was an ally and a friend whilst the person in front of her is a vile enemy behind her abduction, the reason why is she don't know.

" But unfortunately Lyon, I asked first "

Now standing beside her was Mystogan, his usual cold and stoic expression now placed while eyeing Lyon with loathe. He wrap an arm around her waist and bring her closer to him.

Thankfully, the night was dark that both the Kings wouldn't notice her flaming cheeks.

Mystogan's arrival and action are enough to widen Lyon's smirk and how badly Lucy wants to wipe that out.

" But still, she hasn't gave you an answer for your proposal, doesn't she, Mystogan? "

The tension building between the Kings is unbearable, and all she want is for the ground to swallow her. No, she doesn't want to get caught in this crossfire, she wants a peaceful life, not being a pawn in battle of these Kings.

" I'm working on it, " Mystogan said with a stern voice, his grip on Lucy's waist tightening as he felt her squirm under his touch before continuing, " like a true gentleman, instead of forcing myself to her just to get what I want unlike any other people "

It was a hard slap for Lyon, Lucy could say. She witness how the smirk on the man's face dropped and replaced by a tightened jaw. Not really admitting, but she felt proud for Mystogan for hitting a nerve.

Lyon immediately recovered from his downfall and clasped his hands behind his back before meeting Lucy's flaring orbs, " We'll see about that "

He turned on his back and began making his back to the party.

Now along and out of anybody's sight, Lucy hastily removed Mystogan's arm and push herself away.

" What was that all about? "

It's time for confrontation.

Mystogan tighten his jaw and looked away, for the first time not knowing what to say. There wasn't a plan on how he will make things right between him and Lucy, oh well, that whole ' I'm courting her ' wasn't planned either. It just happened way too fast.

" I apologize "

That's it? Mystogan cursed himself mentally after saying those words. He was a Mage, he fought battles and monsters, he's a King and that's all he could come up with?

He heard Lucy scoff and watch as she turn her back on him and face him again as if fighting the urge to attack him. At least she still has control.

" It was bad enough I was introduced as Lucia, not Lucy, not as myself, but to pull a stunt like that and tell them you're courting me is too much "

" I did that to protect you, can't you see, Lyon is after you, I was just doing what's best—"

He stopped midway upon seeing her staring at the fountain on her right, her orbs watering but no tear streaming down through her cheeks.

" Am I just a possession for you, Mystogan? "

That caught him off guard. How could she think of that? No, she's not a possession, she's not a thing he owns, she's someone he just wanted to protect, someone so special that he will take all the risk just to keep her safe.

" How could think—"

" Then why? Why make decisions by yourself? " For the first time, he heard her voice break, he saw a side of her that he never saw before, he watched as her usual void eyes shows pain and despair as if she's suffering for so long.

Her eyes met him once again and all he wanted to do right now is to wipe the tears from her now damped cheeks, he wants to comfort her and apologize for his actions but his mind is telling him not to, as if saying it's not the best thing to do as of now.

" You wanted to protect me, you said, but in reality, you're imprisoning me, you're holding me against my will, deciding on your own without my word " she whispers, slowly backing away and with one swift move, she wipe her tears with her clothed arms before completely leaving Mystogan with regrets and full remorse for his actions.

" You're right, I'm not trying to protect you anymore, I'm holding you captive "

And now he needs to think of something to make things right.

Author's note:

Okay, it's been like what, a year? I'm sorry for taking this long and kept you waiting.