A/N: Hey everyone! I'm so so sorry for the lack of update. I was really tied up with work this work. Finally I got a bit of time to squeeze uploading the next chapter. Anyways, I've finally reach 100 reviews! Thanks guys for the support, keep it coming^^

The Princess and the Dragon Slayer

Chapter 16

The next day, I wasn't able to see or meet up with Lucy as she told me last night that she will be preoccupied with the king since he has returned. It was weird waking up without Lucy barging into my room. I sighed heavily earlier that morning before I got up to get ready for work. When I was about to head into the dining room to grab some breakfast, Loki tackled me to the ground before I could even enter the room.

I was furious yes because it was uncalled for and it almost made me burn him but he managed to save my sorry little ass before I got into any trouble. Since I joined the castle, I wasn't even taught of the 'rules' as the king wasn't around. Now that he was around, it was hard for me to adapt but Loki was teaching me the do's and don'ts.

For example, we're aren't allowed to eat at the dining table because if I remembered correctly, we can't eat on the same table as them. We have to grab our food from the kitchen and eat there too since there was a room for us to sit at. We also have to bow when the royals walked through. It's not weird bowing to the king but to Lucy, it was.

I know she is a princess and all but we didn't draw that kind of line between us. As in I respected her greatly as a princess but since we've mated, I feel as if I do not have to because what I should be doing is running up to her to give her a hug and kiss instead.

But oh well, since the king is back Lucy pleaded me to keep our relationship discreetly. The rest also advised me to do so. Honestly, I was against it but of course I just had to comply as after all, Lucy and I were in two different world. We couldn't go off running away to pursue adventures together or even announce our relationship to the public. Lucy had responsibilities to the country and as her lover, I have to be understanding.

So right now, I was in the horses stable working together with Loki. I don't why it was such a tiring day for me. Maybe because it's been long since I worked or basically, I didn't have any motivation at all. This is like the first time I have yet to see Lucy for the longest time. Usually, she will pop by a visit or at least I will get to see her for breakfast but I guess she's stuck with her father doing some royalty stuff. Speaking of royalty stuff got me really depressed that I couldn't help but to let out a big sigh.

"What's wrong lover boy?"

I chucked the pail to the side before slumping down my butt to a stool.

"When will this end?" I paused as I rested my face in my palms. "This is really frustrating."

I heard Loki scoffed before he answered me. "Well lover boy, if you decided to live and work in the castle I guess…" Loki paused which it got me to look at him, waiting for the good news.

"Never." And he just had to struck me down. I raked through my hair with my hands in frustration before I stood up and kicked the hay that lingered messily on the ground.

"I seriously shouldn't get involved with Lucy. What the hell was I thinking? But I can't back out now, if I do I don't know what's going to happen to my god damn emotions!"

"Woah, take a chill pill Natsu. It's just the start of the relationship and you're having second thoughts already?"

"Well Loki, if I was a prince of something I wouldn't been having such thoughts at all." With that, I slumped my butt down to the same stool and rested my face in my hands again.

"Well Natsu I can't believe I'm about to have such conversations with you but if you love the princess, no matter if you're a beggar or a criminal, I think you should fight for it and don't give up." I didn't respond to Loki so I think he took it as a sign to continue. "I bet Lucy really loves you too, I've never seen the princess this happy before."

I decided to remove my hands and so that I could look at him. I couldn't help but to give him a smile for giving me such encouragement. "Thanks."

Loki walked away. "Yeah whatever man just promised me that we're not going to have such conversations again."

"I'll keep that in mind." And I laughed it off.

We were almost done with work for the day so Loki was about to leave the horses stable but he stopped and hid behind the door.

"Hey, what's up man?" I jogged over to him and followed his action as well.

"It seems we have visitors today."

"Who do you think they might be?"

"I'm not sure but I guess we're going to find out." Okay, I'm confused. Loki looked over his shoulders at me and gave me the you got to be kidding face. "Don't tell me you're not that curious?"

"Hell yeah I am!"

"Then let's sneak up. We're done for to-" Before I even let Loki finished his sentence, my nose caught up Lucy's scent and I couldn't help but to follow it.

I was crawling behind the bushes as I followed Lucy's scent, Loki following me behind in pursuit.

"Oi, wait up you dog!" I heard Loki whispered shouted at me to slow down but I couldn't care less. I was afraid that I wasn't able to catch her on time. I really did miss her so if I could see her face, even if it was just for a while or far away, it will make me a tad bit happier.

I stopped when I realized I came to the end of the bush and just my luck, we were at the side of the castle entrance. Loki stopped as well when he crawled beside me.

"Man, you sure crawl fast." Loki said as he panted through his words.

I didn't reply him as both of us automatically ducked down once we heard the horses coming to a halt. We slowly peep out when we were sure they have settled. There were five of them and it looks like the guy in the front seems to be the leader since he was wearing differently from the rest.

I caught a sniff of Lucy's scent so I sniffed again and it made me turn to where the scent was leading me to and there she stood, in front of the castle doors. She was dressed like how usually a princess would, in a long gown with her hair bun up. She just looked simply gorgeous and amazing. It was like she was shining like a diamond. If I could, I will run up to her but sadly, the king was standing beside her as well.

The leader walked towards Lucy and the king. He didn't even remove his hat or mask before bowing slightly as he put his hand over his heart.

"It's of great honor to meet you your majesty. My apologies my father is not around anymore to come and see you." I could hear his words were muffled a bit due to the mask covering his mouth.

"It's sad indeed dear Mystogan regarding the king's death. Thus, I appreciate your appearance here today." I could see the guy took this opportunity to rise up. "It's wonderful that the kingdom of Edolas and Magnolia could always come together." The king smiled before continuing. "Oh yes you remember my daughter don't you?"

The guy looked at Lucy before reaching out for her hand to bring to his lips for a kiss? Okay even though his mouth was covered but still!

"It's a pleasure meeting you as well princess." I was about to go out there and plumber the guy down but Loki held me down, reminding me that we cannot be seen at all.

"The pleasure's mine too Mystogan." Lucy blushed as she retracted her hand back.

"Alright since greetings have been exchanged, let's go in and start on our discussion."

And with that, the three of them enter the castle with the weird guy's guards following behind them. Once the coast was cleared, Loki stood up and stretched.

"Phew finally, I was getting really beat hiding behind the bushes."

I didn't answer Loki instead I stood up and started to walk away.

"Oi, what the hell do you think you're going?"

I stopped walking and looked at Loki over my shoulders.

"What does it look like? I'm going to follow them." I continued walking once I answered Loki.

It looks like Loki ran after me so that he could stop in front of me from proceeding any further.

"Okay hold up Natsu." Loki raised his hand. "I'm not going to let you go any further because if you do, you won't be able to keep your emotions at bay."

"I'll make sure to keep my emotions at bay this time." I placed my hand on Loki's shoulder to reassure him before I started to walk off again.

I heard Loki face-palmed himself before he let out a big sigh and reluctantly started to follow me in pursuit.

A/N: And that's it for this chapter. Sorry again if this chapter is abit short but my next chapter is almost done. Anyways, hope you can leave a review before you go k? I wanna know how is it so far(: