Standing in front of her full length mirror, Lucy was stunned to see what type of reflection stared back at her. The beautiful sequined pale blue dress fit her like a glove. Almost as if it was made just for her and it surprised her so since it was a gift from the dragon king. How could he have possibly known her measurements?
But as Lucy was helped into the new gown for this evening's banquet, the princess was stunned by the fact that the reflection that looked back at her wasn't her usual reflection.
She looked radiant in the dress where the color brought her pale skin complexion to life, the long train trailing behind her in a manner of elegance. Her golden hair was yet to be done as strains of hair frame her face, reflecting off of the sparkling gown.
Who was this person looking back at her? Lucy couldn't recognize her.
Even with the amount of dresses and jewels she had been dressed in, Lucy had yet to wear something so beautiful. Was this from the dragon kingdom or was this something they have gotten made in her kingdom?
Mrs. Spetto had her sewing materials ready in case she may have to alter the gown but to everyone's surprise, the gown had fit the princess perfectly.
"Princess!" Coco squealed excitedly as she circled the blonde, her eyes wide and sparking with glee. "You are so beautiful!"
"As expected, the dragon king definitely has good taste!" Michelle popped out her thumbs to flash at the blushing princess, a wide grin to her face.
"I just can't believe it fits so perfectly…" Mrs. Spetto was stunned as she tried to find any areas on the princess' body to alter if needed. "But it truly is a stunning gown. You are radiant, my lady."
"Now let's play around with her hair and see what works best!" Coco cried out excitedly as she grabbed the princess by her hand.
"You do not need to make such haste, Coco!" Michelle puffed her cheek out, glaring at the youngest who pouted. "The banquet is not for another eight hours and Mrs. Spetto needs to do some alterations on the gown."
"I do not believe the gown needs any alterations," Mrs. Spetto spoke with a slightly surprised tone. "The gown truly fits the princess as if it was made specifically for her."
Lucy felt her cheeks flush as she gave her ladies an incredulous look.
How did the dragon king know what her measurements were and how did he find a dress like this to even gift her? It seems like he has known her for a long time for him to gift her such a thing and it made her cheeks warm to think about the dragon king laying his eyes on her.
She wasn't going to wear the dress but the king had specifically requested it and said he was not going to take no for an answer.
And she was too scared to see what would have happened if she denied his request.
Especially at a banquet where he was to meet the other nobles and her fiancé as well.
Tonight was also an important night where the nobles and the dragons would become further acquainted and possibly move forward with a positive note. The negotiations were to take place in less than two weeks now and so far it seemed to be in their favor but Lucy could never be too cautious.
To say she was nervous about tonight was an understatement. She was scared.
Scared to see how the others will see her and how the duke will see her, especially with a gown like this on. She was sure she would attract attention and while she shouldn't be the main focus of the night, she knew she also had an important job to do tonight.
As long as nobody gets hurt or dies, it'll be a good night.
Hopefully.
Because Lucy didn't know if she could handle much more before she were to explode.
—X—
When Lucy had returned back to her chambers for the evening to get ready for the evening's ball, she was surprised to see Michelle and Coco running around frantically, a mess of gowns laid out on every open surface. The princess stopped at her bedroom door, watching and wondering what in the world happened in the last couple hours when she had left to now.
The ball was approaching and she had to get ready if she wanted to make it on time but the way her maids didn't even notice her coming in and continued to run around like chickens with their heads cut off, Lucy began to worry.
"Michelle? Coco?"
"Princess!" The two came to a halt, screeching her title as they stood rigid.
Lucy stared at them with an eyebrow raised, looking back and forth between the young girls who were red to the face and sweating.
"Is.. everything alright?"
"Everything is well, my lady!" Michelle gave a pinched smile, trying her best to not look bothered.
"W—why would anything be wrong?" Coco twiddled her fingers, looking nervous as hell.
"Well, you two are acting a bit weird and are running around the entire place… not to mention the mess of dresses you two created."
"Oh!" The two went beet red, noticing the mess. "Let us get to that right away, our apologies Princess—!"
"What is going on?" Lucy asked once again, a bit more stern this time while entering further into her room. The two maids tensed up, exchanging uneasy looks before looking back at the blonde.
"Princess… the truth is…" Michelle began, fidgeting in her spot while dipping her chin down.
"The dress is missing!" Coco blurted out, half-shouting into the air where she slapped her hand across her mouth and stared at her with wide eyes.
Lucy merely blinked, staring right back at the two as if they had committed fraud.
"Did you say…"
"Yes, my lady, the dress!" Michelle was now throwing her hands in the air, eyes wide and teary.
"We came back to get it all ready for tonight's ball since we knew you were to return and it is nowhere to be found!" Coco cried out, looking more frantic than before. "We searched everywhere!"
Lucy could only stand there in shock as her two maids shouted at her, both of them trying to speak over themselves in the state they were in.
The dress was missing? How could that be possible? She literally tried it on just mere hours ago and now after she returned, it's gone? There is no way Mrs. Spetto would have taken it for alterations since it didn't need any and she was just with Mrs. Spetto out in her studies before they had parted ways, claiming she will be there shortly after she retrieved the nice smelling soaps for her bath.
She had no idea who would take her dress or even know about it to steal it away. Could there be a rat in the palace? But what would they even do with the dress?
Natsu would be incredibly upset to hear his gift had gone missing and she was the one to blame for being so careless with such a gift and allowing it to disappear right under her nose.
For some reason, it only made her sad and disappointed, thinking about seeing the frown the dragon king would wear once he sees she isn't wearing his gift.
"Princess! What should we do?!" Coco asked, tears glistening in her orbs.
Lucy merely sighed, shaking her head back and forth. "There is no use. We just need to wear something else tonight. We do not have much time so let us make haste."
"But—!"
"No point in making such a fuss, it was just a dress." Lucy gave them one of her fake smiles, the corners of her lips pinched.
Michelle and Coco exchanged uneasy glances as they nodded their heads and went right to helping her get ready for the evening ball.
The disappointment was deep in her gut, swirling inside of her body like tar. For someone who is used to such disappointment in her life, Lucy hated how hard it was hitting her that something as little as a missing dress was making her so upset. It was just a dress yet why was she feeling so down?
Could it because it was a dress gifted to her from the dragon king? Or could it be because she felt so extraordinary in the gown that it made her sad to see such a piece go missing.
Lucy couldn't even try to hide her disappointment as she got bathed and dressed, everyone quietly doing their job. Mrs. Spetto had returned not too long after and she was incredibly upset to hear about the dress. She promised she'll find out what happened to it but Lucy knew that wouldn't happen. Whoever took her dress did it with intent and what for? She didn't know.
But all she knew was that she was being watched and she did not like it.
Sitting at her vanity with her dull expression looking back at her, Lucy allowed her maids to apply makeup and brush her hair. She got dressed in a beautiful purple gown with a matching white Shaw to go along with it. Intricate designs stitched into the fabric that hugged her around the waist before flowing down her legs. With her golden hair curled around her frame and sparkling jewels adorning her locks, Lucy was ready for the evening.
Even with her maids trying to tell her how beautiful she looked, Lucy couldn't find it in herself to believe their words.
She would have looked much more beautiful in that dress the dragon king had gifted her but it seems like the universe did not want her to be happy.
With her heels clicking with every step, Lucy made her way to the ballroom with a frown on her beautiful face and the ache of disappointment seeping through her.
What could she say to the dragon king? Tell him her maids have misplaced it? No, then he would surely blame her help and try to get them in trouble. Tell him she may have misplaced it? But the thought of seeing Natsu's frown and disappointment shot through her like an arrow. He would definitely notice her not wearing his gift. She was wearing purple and his gift was pastel blue with all sorts of sequins stitched onto the material.
She would have shined like the very stars above yet tonight, she had become the wallflower once again.
Having the royal guard announce her arrival, Lucy kept a straight face while entering into the full ballroom. More people were coming in and the king and queen have yet to join them just yet. The dragons weren't around either so she must have been the first to arrive.
Lucy stuck to the upper level of the ballroom, peering down at her subjects and nobles that chatted away and danced. Small finger food was being served on platters and those with coat tails fluttered around with flutes full of sparkling champagne and harsh liquid.
From above, it seemed like everyone was enjoying themselves. Of course she could see the small groups of nobles that were anxious about the small meet and greet chatting away in one corner. Nervous glances and small whispers were exchanged within the group and Lucy merely sighed, a small smile curling to her lips at the thought of the dragon king.
If only they knew he was just some goofy charming guy, they wouldn't be so afraid of him.
But with them only knowing them as dragons, nobody could be too cautious towards the dragon king.
The announcement of the dragons rang in her ear and as Lucy turned her head to see the dragon king with his representatives emerge from the doorway, everyone else focused their attention on them.
The dragons wore such different clothing than anyone else. With more loose fitting clothes and dark, golden intricate designs, they didn't fit in with the light colors the Heartfillia Kingdom possessed. While gold was a similar attribute within both kingdoms, the Heartfillia kingdom preferred lighter and softer colors, especially in clothing. The dragons seem to enjoy the dark colors of reds and black with golden stitching and twinkling jewelry.
Her eyes met the dark eyes of the dragon king as he descended down the stairs of the ballroom and her cheeks felt hot at the grin that stretched across his face.
She could see the quick confusion that crossed when he noticed her outfit but during the entire way down the stairs, he simply gave her a reassuring smile.
She didn't know why it made her breathe out in relief, one hand pressed to her chest.
Why did she think he would scream at her for such a thing? Or be mad? He didn't seem too distraught about the fact she wasn't wearing his gift.
Wanting to meet with the dragon king as well as do her part as princess, Lucy turned to the stairs to meet him. She didn't know when the king and queen would show but that didn't mean she should be hiding away while her guests were mingling. Especially as the princess, it was her job to delegate the matters.
Her heart raced inside of her chest as she began to descend down the stairs, her face feeling hot while her knees almost gave out on her. She could feel the many eyes that were pinned on her, especially the one smothering gaze of the dragon king.
The princess was used to all types of people looking at her. So why was it his gaze out of everyone else's that made her feel so hot and bothered?
She could always feel when his eyes were on her and she didn't know why but felt comforted during the entire thing. As if she had protection from above and while that may be true, she had yet to find someone so gentle and kind as the dragon king.
The idea of the dragon king waiting on her at the end of the stairs was exhilarating, loud pounding echoing in her ears from her overworked heart and a heat that was unknown to her spreading throughout her body. What was this rush of feelings she was experiencing? The yearning to be beside such a man?
The princess had yet to experience such a thing and did not know for the life of her why she felt such a thrill when it came to the rosy-haired king. She did not even feel this way towards her own fiancé.
"Princess!"
Looking up, Lucy stood towards the bottom of the stairs where she was expecting Natsu to be waiting for her but instead, the duke.
With his dark stained lips stretched into a sleazy smile and a hand extended out towards her, he bowed slightly. "May I have this dance, princess?"
With her lips pressed into a tight line, Lucy hid her disappointment behind her faux mask as she nodded her head.
"Why, of course, Duke Porla." She hesitated before placing her hand on top of his outstretched one.
She bit down the grimace that wanted to arise when he brought her hand over to his lips to kiss, a shiver rushing down her spine at the feel of his lips touching her skin. She wanted to retract her hand from his and sneer at such a man but with all the nobles and the dragons watching, she knew it would be a bad gesture. He was her fiancé and for her to openly show her distaste for him, especially in front of their out of town guests, would surely make her seem worse than she was.
Even though this man was twenty years her senior and someone who was most definitely not even in her league, his presence and magical abilities alone was enough to keep those around in check.
"This gown you have on is stunning, princess," he spoke with confidence, his eyes dragged down her figure. "Absolutely gorgeous. I will make sure to gift you more in this color and style in the future. Nothing is too much for the princess and my dear wife!"
"Ah.. yes, indeed." Lucy murmured, making a mental note to have her maids burn and toss this specific dress as well as the other purples that also resemble this one. "You are too kind, Duke Porla."
The way he held onto her hand and guided her over towards the dance floor made her wish she could just run off. The feeling of his hand disgusted her and as Lucy dipped her head down to keep from showing her distraught expression, she could only wish this dance was going to be a short one.
Nearly bumping into the back of her fiancé, Lucy was quick to look up to see what had ceased his movements. Seeing how it was none other than the dragon king standing in front of them, Lucy felt her nerves shoot through her thin body.
It almost felt as if the air felt heavier and she winced when she felt the grip on her hand tighten, her eyes finding the twisted features of the duke.
"Your majesty, the dragon king, good evening," He was quick to dip down into a bow, practically dragging Lucy down with him. "I hope you are enjoying your evening."
"I am," Natsu seemed bored and dismissive as his eyes wandered over to the blonde. "Princess."
"Your majesty." She curtsied towards him, avoiding his eyes.
"Please allow me one dance with you, princess."
Lucy blinked stupidly in his direction, her eyes flickering over to the duke before pinning back on the king.
Did he just not see her walking towards the dance floor with the duke? She was clearly hand-in-hand with the man and standing in front of him but Natsu seemed to not care one bit as he stood his ground and stared at her, waiting for her response.
How is she able to accept his offer when the duke had already asked her to dance? He would surely blow a fuse if she went right to the dragon king now and in front of everyone? She couldn't imagine the words the duke would say to her.
Biting down on her bottom lip, Lucy hesitantly fidgeted in her spot. Wanting to go right to him was the plan but the duke had gotten involved and now forced her in an awkward position. She didn't want to dance with her fiancé nor be around him at all but there were one too many eyes.
"Your majesty, the dragon king," Jose took a step forward, tucking Lucy behind his back as he placed his free hand on his chest. "Must I remind you that the princess is my fiancé?"
The look on Natsu's face was unreadable but Lucy could tell he was sizing her fiancé up. The way his eyes dragged up his long figure and his brow quirking up to his hairline, the dragon king was simply unimpressed.
"It is customary in the Heartfillia Kingdom to have the first dance with your partner." Jose said with a sickly sweet smile, his grip on her tightening.
Lucy winced at the feeling of his hand nearly crushing hers and she hissed under her breath, trying to keep it together by dipping her head down to hide her expression.
"Is that so?" Natsu's voice rumbled in her ears and she stared down at the space between her and Jose, hoping this would work itself out.
If that meant she had to dance with Jose for one song, then so be it but she wanted to be out of this situation faster than later.
"As a king of your own kingdom, you should understand such old traditions and customs. I'm sure you have plenty of your own."
Lucy wanted to go off on the duke for being so rude towards the king but was shocked to hear the response coming from Natsu.
"I believe this was a banquet to welcome and honor our future alliance," one thin brow rose to his hairline. "If I can't dance with whomever I want at my banquet, isn't that a bad indicator of how Heartfillia treats their allies?"
Soft murmurs from those around watching and listening filled her ears and Lucy was starting to get nervous. Peeking up from her bangs, she could see the angered expression on the duke but the look on the dragon kings was worse.
She's never seen him with such a dark expression and seeing how his sharp eyes nearly flashed golden while he stared down the duke almost had her shaking.
"O—of course not, your majesty…" Jose's tone had dropped down into a mere hush and she was surprised to feel him tug her forward, holding her hand out to Natsu as if she was some prize.
The look on his face instantly vanished as soon his eyes landed on her face and Lucy was baffled when his hand grabbed hers and whisked her away from the duke's possession. Her face grew hot as it came closer to the king's and she felt dizzy as he twirled her on the dance floor, moving her away from where the duke stood in his silent fury.
"You have a habit of getting yourself in trouble," Lucy murmured lowly, her eyes taking in the many nobles who whispered about the couple.
"Me? Getting in trouble?" He grinned at her, one arm wrapped around her back while the other held her hand high in the air. "Never."
Lucy could feel the corners of her lips twitching into a smile but kept her mask on, not wanting those who were watching to twist the narrative even more.
"You were welcomed to this banquet to form relationships with the other nobles."
"I am aware," the king said as he dipped her down to the music before bringing her back flushed against his chest.
"And the duke is one of the nobles. Higher nobles in fact."
"What is your point, princess?" Natsu asked, voice gentle yet stern as they swayed on the dance floor.
Lucy huffed slightly as they continued to dance. "The point is that you angered him and you are supposed to be forming a relationship with him. He is known as one of the almighty saints in the Heartfillia Kingdom and having him on one's side is highly favorable."
The soft tunes from the music carried throughout the ball room and as they dodged the other couples that danced around, the burning stare of everyone made her feel rigid.
"I think I can spare one or two," he winked at her and Lucy just wanted to roll her eyes and chastise him.
"What happened to our earlier agreement, princess? I thought we agreed you were to wear my gift?"
The question Lucy had been waiting for had finally come out and as she felt her body stiffen, Natsu dipped her down where his face leaned in towards her. She almost went cross eyed as he smirked down at her and she could feel his body heat roll off as if he was some kind of furnace. Maybe that was why her face felt entirely too hot and she nearly gasped from the sensational heat.
When he brought her back upright, she was feeling flustered. "M—my apologies, your highness, I—I am unsure what had happened. I was planning to but—"
"The king and queen of the Heartfillia kingdom, welcome!"
The entrance of the king and queen ripped her attention away from her dancing partner and as she turned to face the couple, Lucy's eyes widened in size before her face went pale. She could feel it as if it was a bucket of cold water thrown on her and as she watched the king and queen descend down the stairs with the excited chatter filling the air, the feeling of shock coursed through her.
Wearing her missing gift, queen Faris looked magnificent in the pale blue sparkling gown. With the train dragging behind her and giving the illusion of constellations stitched onto the material, she looked like a star herself. Silver curls that were pinned up with the crown lying comfortably on top of her head, Lucy felt her throat constricting at the sight.
Excited chatter rose among the crowd, amazed by such a gown the queen was wearing. A gown that didn't even belong to her.
Her missing dress… her step-mother was the one to take it? But how did she even know about the dress? The gift? Did someone say something? Did someone bring her that specific dress because she requested it or because she simply wanted to make her miserable?
The dress she was supposed to be wearing and showing off and looking beautiful in… was now worn by her step-mother?
Lucy felt sick as her body trembled and she tried her best to not show any sign of discomfort as they approached. She had left the warmth of Natsu's arms and bowed towards the king and queen, pricks of hot tears stinging her eye sockets.
"Your majesty," the king nodded towards Natsu. "I hope you are enjoying the ball."
"I am," he nodded curtly before turning his attention towards the queen. "Magnificent dress, your highness."
"Thank you," her cheeks flushed while she giggled, a bright smile to her lips. "Truly such a gown, is it not? Makes me feel like such a shining star, fitting for the Heartfillia kingdom." She placed a delicate gloved hand against her cheek. "I feel so beautiful in it."
"Excuse me," Lucy was quick to bow towards the royalty. "I must tend to my dear fiancé, we got separated." She spun on her heel and made a dash for it, wanting to get away from the situation as soon as possible.
She kept her head down as much as she could while tears welled in her eyes and as she tried to be as discreet as possible, it was hard when her chest hurt so much.
How could she do such a thing? How could the queen, her step-mother, someone that was supposed to be looking after her and supporting her, do such a thing to her? And act as if it was hers in the first place? In front of Natsu?
Lucy felt like a fool as she pushed past the guests who were still entering the palace and as she made her way towards the back of the building towards the gardens, she couldn't stop the tears from rushing down her face. She felt like she was going to throw up and her hands wouldn't stop shaking. It wasn't even that cold out but why was she shaking so much? Neither did she even eat so much as a fruit bowl and some cucumbers, so why did she feel this way?
Rushing to the foyer of the gardens, Lucy leaned against the walls of the palace as her airways felt tight. She gasped for air, trying her best to breathe normally but with the tears that also fell, she felt as if she was underwater.
She clutched at the front of her dress and squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself to calm down and collect herself so she could head back inside.
Tonight was such a big night and instead of doing her duty as princess, she was too busy being such a baby about a stupid dress.
Lucy gasped and nearly tripped over her heels when she noticed someone sitting on the edge of the stone, the princess quickly reeling back to gawk at the stranger.
That was, until she noticed it was none other than her fiancé and Lucy didn't think her mood could sour any further but it did.
"Duke Porla," she curtsied towards him. "My apologies, I was not aware you were out here. I shall take my leave—"
"You seemed to be enjoying your dance," he spoke, clearly not paying attention to her rambling as he swirled some wine in a tall glass around. "So much so that you didn't even notice your dear fiancé leave to get some fresh air, hm?"
Lucy was taken back by his question and quickly fixed herself up, standing up straight and wiping under her eyes.
"My lord, I—"
"Just forget it," he waved it off while clicking his tongue and turning his head to the side.
Lucy was surprised to see him brush it off while she was fully expecting to get an earful about her dancing with the dragon king.
"Come drink with me, princess," he then said, offering the glass towards her.
Lucy hesitantly and warily looked at the duke, her hands fisting into her skirt while she stared at the ruby liquid swirling in the glass. She didn't drink often and if she did, she always limited it to one glass so she didn't act like a fool like the rest of the ton when they were intoxicated. Princesses had standards and she could never be caught lacking, especially in a kingdom full of men like Jose.
But if this meant he was trying to mend things and show her that the dragon king did not have an upper hand, then so be it.
She would much rather keep the peace than be trapped in a war.
Taking the glass from his hand, Lucy stared down at the crimson liquid. She's had wine before and while she wasn't much of a drinker, a glass of wine sounded great right about now.
So with still trembling hands, Lucy brought the cup to her lips and downed the wine, the warm rush of alcohol sending tingles down her spine. She smacked her lips together, not liking the odd flavor of the wine she had tasted, before holding it back out towards the duke.
"Let us head inside, my lord. It is getting quite chilly out here." Lucy suggested, giving him a pinched smile.
The low chuckle that came from the man in front of her made her furrow her brows, her hand coming up to her lips to mask the burp.
"My lord?"
"No, we shall stay right here." He gave her a dark look, a smirk spreading across his thin lips. "At least… till your body is too weak to move."
Lucy's eyes widened at his words, taking a step back as the glass slipped from her hands and shattered on the very concrete. She felt her stomach twist uncomfortably and she pressed her hand against her chest, one hand twisting itself into the material of her gown.
"Y—you added an elixir into the drink?"
Lucy didn't even have time to react when Jose's arms shot out and his fingers wrapped around her face. Her vision was beginning to grow blurry and she winced as he palmed her face aggressively, yanking her closer towards him where the awful stench of cigars and alcohol pooled from his mouth.
"Don't act coy now, princess," his menacing stare was enough to have her shaking, her eyes wide in fear. "You were just acting like a whore not that long ago."
Fear rushed down her body as Lucy tried to get out of his grip but he was much stronger and much larger than she was.
"You seem to be very into that filthy savage," he growled as his hand dipped down the front of her dress and Lucy whimpered out as she felt his cold clammy hands run down her skin. "I better check to make sure you still have your dignity intact." Lucy felt his hand moving down her torso and around her waist.
She squeezed her eyes shut, hot tears spilling down her cheeks again as the burn of his hand on her face and his filthy hand around her body left a trail of unwanted attention. Her body trembled while she tried to claw her way out but she could feel the effects of the elixir he had given her, the heavy weight of the potion leaving her weak and vision blurry.
She wanted to call out for help or at least tell him to stop but her body wasn't listening to her at all.
She felt frozen in place as if she was some kind of ice statue.
Natsu… please!
The sound of the bush rustling beside him caught the both of them off guard and as the duke whirled around to see who it was, Lucy took the opportunity to ram her heel into his foot and shove him away. With the small amount of energy she had left, she threw herself to the side as she darted out of the gardens.
"After her!" She heard the duke shriek.
Her heart raced inside of her chest and she was seeing double but that didn't stop the princess from running with all her might. With her skirt hiked up and her wobbling down the pathway, Lucy had tunnel vision.
She had to get out. She was not going to let the duke touch her in any way nor was she going to allow him to see if she had her dignity intact or whatever the hell that meant.
She knew she was faithful to the duke. She had never so much as even kissed the opposite sex, what makes him think she would have done anything more?
Tears blurred her vision and as her body grew heavier with her limbs growing numb. The sounds of heavy footsteps echoed in her ear and as Lucy felt the fear consume her, it didn't stop her from trying to escape.
Lucy turned to see if anyone was following after her but as soon as she turned her head, she slammed into someone resulting in her falling to her knees.
The princess yelped as she fell down and she tried her best in her state of mind to look up and try to push away from the person but when her blurry vision focused on a rosy-haired king, Lucy felt the relief quite instantly.
"Princess," he looked surprised at her and once he noticed her disheveled state, he crouched down into a squat. "Are you okay? What is—"
"Princess!" The loud shout of the duke echoed and Natsu was quick to grab at his blazer to wrap it around her shoulders, bringing her against his chest. He tucked them further against the tall bushes, pushing her into him to hide her better. "Lucy!"
Lucy trembled in the arms of the dragon king and the earlier fear she felt came right back. Shooting down her spine as if it was some injection, tears welled in her already swollen eyes before rushing down her cheeks.
"N—Nat—"
Natsu immediately hushed her, placing a finger over his lip while pushing her further into his chest.
The two were dead silent as they stood as still as they could, listening and waiting. A few moments later, they heard a curse before the echo of footsteps disappeared the further they got from them.
Lucy could only clutch onto the dragon king as she felt her earlier fear melt away and get replaced with sadness. She wailed against him as he held her near once more, soft strokes of his hand running up and down her back.
The instant warmth that surrounded her made her relax into his hold, her face pressed into his hard chest where she could hear and feel the beat of his heart.
Surprisingly for a dragon, Natsu was very much like any other human.
"Tell me, princess," he pulled her back to grab her by the shoulders, looking her right in her chocolate teary eyes. "Do you want me to kill them?"
The question was a wild one that she was not expecting and while her body continued to tremble like a leaf even though she could barely feel the tips of her fingers, all she could do was stare.
If only Natsu could kill the duke for her… it would make everything so much easier. But she couldn't possibly ask him to do that. That would result in war and bad blood which her kingdom definitely was trying to steer away from.
Even if he did kill the duke, it wouldn't make things better. She would be back to being a single woman who would be easily snatched up by someone else.
Shaking her head back and forth, her curls bounced with her movements as she held his blazer closer to her body.
"N—no… I—I do not want there to be any more trouble."
"Lucy, he just—"
"Please," she begged, reaching for his arm. "I.. I just…" she winced as she felt the hot rush of heat course through her body. Her heart felt as if it throbbed in her chest and she gasped, lurching forward where Natsu caught her.
"What happened to you?" He demanded, his strong arms holding her up. "You're burning up!"
"H..he gave me… some elixir." She said through pants and she could barely keep her eyes open with the dizziness she was experiencing. "Don't know.. what… please…"
She realized this was her first time hearing the dragon king curse but she didn't know if it was the effects of the drug or if it truly was him cursing. But he was quick to make a move where he scooped her up into his arms, her frail burning body hanging as if it was some dead body. Her heart continued to pound and even though she could barely feel her limbs, she could still see the tremble. The heat felt as if it had been turned up one hundred degrees and all she wanted to do was rip these clothes off of her, desperate to relieve herself of the stuffiness she was feeling.
"Hold on, Lucy," he murmured down at her as she looked up at his profile, panting. "I got you."
With the moonlight being the only light, Lucy didn't know if her eyes were playing tricks on her. But being drugged up also didn't help since she could barely see straight or feel anything but hot smothering heat.
Seeing how red scales began to appear on the side of his face and down his neck to his arms, Natsu began to sprout wings from his back. Black horns that came from his rosy locks pointing upwards with his fingernails growing long like talons. She could even barely make out the tail he had once he had finally transformed and it didn't take long for him to take flight.
The night air felt amazing on her flushed skin but Lucy was too focused on everything else to really take in what was happening.
The dragon king had transformed and he was flying her somewhere. He saved her. Saving her.
Lucy moaned as she felt her body heat spike even further and she curled into his side, breathing heavily.
"Hang on, Luce," his voice rumbled in her ear and she felt his arms tighten around her. "Almost there."
By the time they landed, Lucy was gasping for air and clawing at her own clothes. She didn't care that she would be stark naked in front of the king but she truly could not be in this gown any longer. It was incredibly hot and she felt hypersensitive to every single touch. The way her clothes brushed against her skin to the way her shoes felt too tight on her feet.
She didn't even know where they were or could she say what was near as she was entirely too focused on her burning tingling body.
As soon as Natsu had put her down, Lucy rushed to kick off her shoes and she cried out as she clawed at the fabric on her body, desperately trying to rip through it. But a gentle hand closed down on her frantic hands leaving a wake of fire in his touch.
"What do you need?" His voice was gentle and kind. His wings and talons have all vanished leaving him back to his human form and Lucy could only have tears spill from her wide eyes as she pleaded with him.
"Clothes. I need them off. Please.. Hurry!"
Natsu didn't seem to like how the princess was so desperate in the removal of her clothes that she would resort to clawing at her body. Seeing the deep red scratches of her nails on her pale skin and the tear struck face had him frowning which made him stop her in the first place.
In an instant, Natsu lit his fingertip on fire to hold it against her clothing and the fabric burned right off, leaving her untouched.
Lucy felt the relief almost instantly as her clothing burned away from her body, leaving her nothing in her underwear. Her body still felt hot to the touch as she wrapped her arms around her figure to cover herself up but she continued to tremble, her skin flushed.
"I.. I do not know what is wrong with me," she said, her teeth chattering violently. "What he gave me.. I don't know… I—I feel so hot and so…"
"Can you stand?"
"I—I don't know," she admitted while looking at the king who stared down at her. "I.. I don't know…"
"It's okay," Natsu cooed at her softly, brushing one of her hairs behind her ear where her skin came to life with his touch. "Let me help you." He said before he was shifting on the spot to pick her up, again.
Lucy couldn't even find it in herself to feel embarrassed about being in her underwear in another man's arms. The overwhelming heat and the way her body shook only had her attention and as she was carried over to someplace else, Lucy was surprised to see the sight of a natural pool hidden behind large chunks of trees and stone.
"You are going to have to sweat it out," he murmured against her ear and as she felt him come to a stop by the edge of the waters, she could only try to listen through the chatter of his teeth.
The princess simply nodded, wanting to do anything to get her body to go back to the way it was. That was all the dragon needed as he bent down, dipping her body into the water where the coolness instantly sent goosebumps up her body. She hissed at the feeling but once Natsu dipped his hand inside, the water instantly warmed which had her body relaxing into it.
It felt like a bath almost and as she was submerged into the depths of the natural pool, her body felt light as a feather.
"Is the water warm enough?"
With quakes rushing down her back every so often, Lucy just tried to nod but Natsu dipped his hand back into the water to warm it back up for her. She could feel the warmth circle around her and heat the water to a warmer temperature and Lucy let out a soft sigh, dunking her body further into the water where she sat there with the water reaching her neck.
There was a silence between them and even though Lucy was sitting in a pool full of warm water, her body temperature felt like it was actually dropping. With sweat beginning to drip down her forehead and roll down her neck, Lucy was gasping with the feel of relief.
After a moment of Lucy calming herself down and the night coming to life around them, that was when she was able to realize where she was.
With lush forest life sprouting around, the place was completely calm and hidden. She was sure if she came here on her own, she wouldn't be able to find this place. How did the dragon king know where this place was? Was she even still in the Heartfillia kingdom?
"What is this place?" She finally asked, looking over at the dragon king who sat by the edge of the water, swirling his fingers on the surface of the water. He was watching the water ripple at the same time he was heating it and when he finally looked up to look at her, she felt her skin flush once again.
"Are you telling me you are not aware of your own land's healing pool?"
"Pardon?" This was the first time she was hearing of such a thing and she looked down at the water she was submerged in.
"Honestly," he let out a soft chuckle. "Nobody would ever think you were the princess of this kingdom."
Lucy felt her cheeks flush at his comment and she puffed out her cheeks, turning her head away to stare at the large stone. "Well.. I…"
"I'm just kiddin, Luce," he said, which had her turning back to look at his grin. "To be honest, this is the real reason why we were even considering your peace treaty."
Lucy was stunned to find this out, especially since she had no knowledge of this pool. She didn't even know how far she was from the castle but at least she knew she was still on her land.
"They say that this very pool has healing properties on its own. Blessed by the very stars above," he tilted his head to look through the trees, seeing the twinkling lights in the dark sky. "After hearing about such a gift in the Heartfillia kingdom, we truly wanted to see for ourselves."
"How do you know this is the said healing waters?"
"Because I tested it out on my own," he smirked, fingers still swishing against the water. "Healed me up pretty fast, too. Usually, dragons can heal one another with their own saliva but with the abilities of this water, it could help us heal a lot faster and easier."
Lucy blinked stupidly into the air, taking in the new information as she enjoyed her dip in the pool. How come she never knew about these waters?
"And before you ask, I doubt you would have truly known about these waters on your own. It's very hidden and secretive."
"Then how come you know of such a place?"
"A dragon hears and sees all, princess," he purred her way and she was surprised to see the golden glint in his iris. "Just be glad we didn't take this by force."
Lucy bit down on her lip and hung her head, staring down at her very reflection in the water.
She felt like such a failure tonight—leaving the ball where she was nearly taken against her will and having her own step-mother steal her gift to wear. It was a shitshow in itself and she knew she would probably have an earful about it tomorrow. And she didn't even want to know what the duke was going to say or do to her. She should have just let it happen. What was going to be the harm if she wasn't going to live through the next year?
And now as she sat in a pool in her underwear with another man that wasn't even hers, Lucy could feel the previous feelings return and wash over her.
"But no worries. Only those of celestial descent and those protected by the kingdom walls are allowed to use its true properties. I figured since you are the princess this would be most appropriate." He gave her a lazy grin and she felt her cheeks heat up.
"Y—your majesty—" Lucy was quick to turn to look at him, wide eyes pleading but when he gave her a sharp look, she grimaced. "Natsu…"
"Yes, Lucy?" He said in almost a mocking way and she huffed slightly.
"I… I want to thank you for your kindness," her cheeks flushed crimson. "I apologize greatly for causing you trouble and having you leave your own ball to take care of me. I must be a great burden and I truly am in your debt. I know I am not deserving of such things, especially from you—"
"Lucy."
"Y—yes?" She felt her spine straightening at the sound of her name, her eyes wide.
"Stop talking about yourself like that." He spat, his brows furrowed with frustration. "I won't allow it."
She was stunned to see him scowl at her while he continued to finger the surface of the water, a frustrated huff leaving him where she watched a puff of smoke escape through his flared nostrils.
"I—I apologize—"
"And stop apologizing." He added, cutting her off yet again.
The crickets chirped into the night air and as she watched him tilt his head up and blow raspberries into the air, she was in awe of the king once again.
Someone so handsome and so carefree.. oh how she envied him for such traits. He was so kind to her and showed her such compassion…
"Why?" She suddenly blurted, unaware that she was voicing the one question she had for so long.
"Why, what?"
"Why are you so kind to me?"
When he turned his head to look right at her, her heart skipped a beat and Lucy reeled back slightly, clutching her imaginary pearls.
He looked genuinely confused at her question but he humored her anyway.
"Should I have a reason behind my kindness? You are the princess of the Heartfillia kingdom, someone who will become the future ruler and my ally, one day. Besides, you have not done anything to me that makes me question my kindness."
"But I have done nothing to receive such treatment—"
"You have done everything by being yourself, Lucy." His voice was gentle and kind as they pierced right through her. "I do not know anyone else that is more deserving than you."
He was so sincere and so sure of himself that it only made her feel even more flustered. Her heart pounded behind her ribcage and she hoped he wouldn't be able to hear it since it was the only thing ringing in her ear. The tips of her ears burned with embarrassment and while her body had returned back to its normal rhythm, she could feel herself heating up once again.
"Can I say something without you taking offense?"
Lucy was unsure how to respond to it but he didn't even allow her to speak before he continued.
"The queen is a bitch."
A silence stretched between them and as Lucy sat there gawking at the shameless king, he merely stared back at her, blinking dumbly.
Almost as if they were having a staring match.
Before she knew it, she was bursting into laughter and Lucy didn't remember the last time she laughed so hard. The water was rippling with her shaking and she held a hand against her lips to keep from being so loud but she couldn't help it.
"She really is a bitch."
The amused look the king gave her had her laughing harder and soon he was joining in with her. Their laughter bounced around the dark forest where it was just him and her and the stars.
"Such a language for a lady," he teased, smirking her way.
"I am just simply repeating what you said, my lord." She grinned at him and when he grinned right back, warmth spread through.
"I want to say I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For.." Natsu trailed off, dipping his head down where his bangs covered his features so she couldn't see them clearly. "For… everything. I truly am sorry about how you live. You don't deserve it." He gave her a sad look, almost as if he was blaming himself for her sadness. "I don't know how she got the dress, it seems like you don't either, so when I do send you another gift, I will ensure it will be kept safe and only for you."
"The dress truly was magnificent."
"It would have been more magnificent on you, princess." He spoke in a hush but Lucy caught his words.
It was as if time itself was standing still and it had wiped out everyone else in the world but them.
All she wanted to do was to be back in his arms and have him hold her. She had always felt safe in his arms and she yearned to be back in them.
But the gnawing feeling inside of her persisted and she could only turn her head away and frown deeply, regret and despair filling her body yet again.
"You do not have to send me more gifts or be nice to me, Natsu," she spoke softly, her own voice a hush. "I am not worth going to such lengths for."
"I disagree," He said, his voice echoing in the darkness. "I think you're worth more than you think."
"Natsu, I am not—"
"We're friends… right, Lucy?"
His words stunned her yet again and she looked at him with wide eyes, seeing the soft smile spread across his lips.
"I don't know how it is in the Heartfillia kingdom but dragons are very protective of those they care about." He placed a gentle hand across his chest. "And I care about you a lot, Lucy. I don't like to see you hurt."
The words itself warmed her again and Lucy was realizing how much the dragon king affected her. His words, his touch, his smiles… everything was so… warm.
"I…"
"So… don't talk bad about my friend, you hear?" His smile spread to a boyish grin making her heart skip a beat. "Don't let me down."
Staring at the rosy-haired dragon in front of her, Lucy could only smile back as she felt such peace she had not felt in many, many years.
"Yes… of course… I won't."