Notes: so i was going to make this into a prompt story but have decided to post it as it's own. Not sure where this may go but i have been very big into royalty au sooooo enjoyyyyyy
One would think a life of a princess was something that was made up of endless riches, power, and beautiful things. Someone who everyone adored and wanted as a friend or lover. Someone who was gentle and caring and led them to great victory one day once they have become queen. Someone to carry on the family bloodline for generations to come.
That's what Lucy was taught at least from a young age. All the books and novels she read, the princess was always happy and found her prince in the end that led to a happily ever after.
Her on the other hand? Maybe she was an accident or maybe got the short end of the stick between all the princesses because she certainly was not like the other princesses that were portrayed in novels and studies because her life had yet to begin.
Dealing with the death of her mother from a young age, Lucy had been alone since. Her mother was her sole guardian who loved her fiercely and tried to teach her the ways of being a great princess. She was loving and caring, someone who read to her at night and someone who would brush her hair for her after her nightly bath. Someone who taught her the stories of the stars and showed her a bit of magic, entrusting to her daughter that one day, she would become a celestial wizard like she was.
It was what brought them into royalty in the first place. Ever since the very first Heartfillia had come into power, they say that they were descendants of the stars with powers from the heavens.
She adored her mother. She wanted to become like her one day.
A gentle queen who was loved by all and someone who ruled with prosperity.
Ever since her mother had fallen ill and she had passed, Lucy's life had turned upside down.
Her father remarried some wicked witch (in her eyes) and with or without her father's knowledge, the new queen made her life a living hell.
Someone who was happily learning the reins of becoming queen one day, Lucy had been thrown into an endless amount of studies, lessons, and practice. There weren't stories of the stars being told to her at night. No more gentle guidance. She noticed some time that she was no longer being taught how to become a queen and ruler but instead… the perfect wife.
Someone who could take care of the king in matters of all things political, personal, and emotional.
She was outcasted by her father of all people, the once loving king turned cold once the death of his queen had occurred. Someone that was supposed to love and protect her had turned his back on her and when the time came where he announced her engagement to a neighboring country, the only thing she could do was thank the king for a job well done before she had wept in her bedroom all night.
She was perfect.
That was what everyone described her as.
Perfect.
With luscious golden locks that fell to her waist and a pale, soft complexion that rivaled the moon. Bright chocolate doe eyes, adorable button nose, and bright pink plump full lips. With a slim figure and larger than normal breasts, the princess was the description of perfect in the eyes of her kingdom and others.
A perfect carbon copy of her mother, which is why others loved her so, but Lucy knew deep down everything was a mess. Her step-mother hated her for it. A bitter moment that only leads to her downfall.
A perfect doll.
Which was why the kingdom was joyous that the princess was to wed and to a man of high degree as well.
Who also happened to be twenty years older than her.
But Lucy had other plans because she'd be damned to be stuck as the perfect doll of the kingdom.
The least she could do was taint her bloodline and have a little bit of fun prior to her forever imprisonment. Not like she had a choice in the matter anyways—the king had practically sold her for more riches and land. Who cares if she was a bit reckless now? She spent thirteen years of her life in this hellhold where her mother left her to suffer for the sins her father had caused.
Tucking her golden locks inside of her hoodie, Lucy made sure to keep herself well hidden in case anyone recognized her.
Her golden hair was a symbol of royalty and if she was caught outside of the palace, who knows what kind of punishment they would bestow on her.
Starve her again for days at an end? Endless studies with smacks on the wrist? Or maybe even being locked in her room with nobody but herself to keep her company?
She has never dared to do anything as dangerous as this but with her limited time and imprisonment for the last thirteen years, this was the least she could do.
It's not like she really wanted to live, anyways.
Her will to live died a long time ago and with her resolve, Lucy knew she wouldn't be alive for much longer and it was all in her hands. She refused to live the life of a dainty woman on a powerful man's arm and especially to a man who was twenty years her senior.
Keeping her head down as she passed by local citizens, Lucy could only follow the trail that led her to downtown.
Being the princess of the Heartfillia kingdom, Lucy was the one in charge of keeping relations within the kingdoms. She was the ones who also upkept the complaints and relations with the citizens, listening to their complaints and desires, and as well as keeping up with the nobles.
Certainly a hard job when it comes to trying to keep peace and try to find a middle ground where everyone could be happy.
But she knew she couldn't do too much… her step-mother got in the way of that.
She was in awe with the decoration of the festival that she only heard rumors about. She heard from her maids that the town were to host some kind of beginning of summer festival and what better way to uplift her mood than being stuck in a stuffy castle.
Bright lights illuminated the place making it seem like it was day rather than night. Nearly hundreds of people walked around, talking, eating, and laughing while enjoying the festival.
She's been to hundreds of balls and parties but till this day, Lucy knew this was the best one she's ever attended.
The delicious smell of meat filled her nostrils and her stomach growled angrily, screaming at her to eat but the nagging voice in her head stopped her.
You must watch your figure… men do not like a woman with too much weight.
Her mouth watered and she didn't even realize she was nearing the meat stand till she was right in front, wide chocolate eyes gazing at the meat sticks that glistened with juice and sauce.
She desperately wanted to reach for one and scarf down the entire thing but the anxiety she felt inside of her chest had her looking over her shoulders to see if her step-mother would be near to chastise her about her actions.
She had to fit into her dresses, she possibly couldn't.
"They're meat sticks."
The new voice that came from beside her nearly startled the princess, the blonde turning to look over at the stranger with wide eyes.
He was dressed in a plain tunic and black pants, vibrant pink hair shining in the bright twinkling lights and skin so tan it nearly took her back.
Citizens in the Heartfillia Kingdom usually weren't on the darker side due to their heritage of the stars and seeing someone this dark only made her wonder if he was a visitor from another kingdom or even a farmer to obtain such a tan.
He certainly was handsome with his sharp jawline and high cheekbones. She could easily see the muscles he had under his loose fitting tunic and it was surprising to see such an attractive man out in the open like this.
"Were you looking into getting one?"
The dark piercing eyes of his made her heart want to leap out of her throat and she felt her cheeks flush in embarrassment, her gaze casted away to stare at the ground. She tugged on her hoodie to hide herself a bit better, clearing her throat in the process.
"N—no… just looking."
"You sure?" He asked, a slight tone of amusement lingering between his words. "You looked like you were ready to inhale this entire stand."
Her cheeks flushed darker and she lifted her head to give him a dirty look. "No, I was not—!"
The sudden sound of her stomach gurgling stopped her words from spewing out and she could only stare wide eyed at this strange man with her lips parted.
She knew she was beet red. She could feel the hotness swallow her, cheeks and chest ablaze at her behavior.
But once this man started to bark out in laughter did she feel the embarrassment crawl beneath her skin and force her to dip her chin down to hide it.
What would this man truly think of her?
"Two meat sticks, please." His next words came out surprising her. She lifted her head to see this stranger hand over two silver coins in exchange of two kabobs and she reeled back when he thrusted one towards her, a boyish grin on his face. "Here."
"O—Oh no, I couldn't possibly—"
"I insist." He pushed it further into her view. "I couldn't possibly allow a lady to go off hungry."
Hesitating while staring at the delicious kabob, Lucy's stomach rumbled once again and she was quick to grab it and bite into it before she thought otherwise. Immediately, the instant flavor that bursts into her mouth almost made her want to tear up, eyes widening.
"My… this is the best thing I have ever tasted!" She looked up at him with wide, sparkly eyes and when he laughed again, she felt it warm her.
"Glad you like it," he said while ripping through his own. "You're awfully thin. You need to eat more."
Lucy casted her head downwards, feeling shame and embarrassment for some reason, a frown dipping into her lips.
Don't you think you're eating a little too much, princess? You need to maintain your figure.
Before she knew it, her meat stick had vanished and Lucy felt a lot better, a slight smile to her lips. Turning to face the man who showed her nothing but kindness, she dipped down into a slight crusty.
"Thank you, sir, for your kindness."
"Like I said, I can't let a lady go off when I know she's hungry," he waved her off, tossing his own stick into the trash. "Are you sure that one stick is enough for you?" He eyed her warily.
Lucy simply nodded, her cheeks still painted pink. "I.. don't eat much," she let out an uncomfortable laugh. "That was plenty. I shouldn't have even eaten all that at once," she fisted her skirt, dipping her head down. "Thank you—"
"Hey, you like sweets?"
Lifting her head up, Lucy was surprised to see the said man was purchasing four more sticks, offering up four more silver coins. Her eyes followed the entire transaction before this rosy-haired fellow was tucking the bag against his arms.
"Excuse me?"
"Sweets." He repeated, turning to face her. "I walked past a shop right down there," he pointed down the crowded street making her eyes follow his hand before looking back at his face. "And they had these really nice lookin' pastries and I wanted to see if you wanted to try them with me."
Lucy hesitated as she looked back down the crowded streets to this supposed shop that had what sounded like heaven. She did not know this man nor did she know anything about this festival. She wasn't even trying to come in contact with anyone since all she wanted to do was spend a night out, away from her responsibilities and stress.
But now that this strange man had suddenly appeared and started talking to her as if they were long lost friends and even buying her a meal, Lucy felt weird about it.
Could she trust him? He didn't seem like a bad person. But for an unmarried lady to be alone with a man like this? Especially when she was spoken for?
Lucy felt determination swell inside of her chest at the thought of her fiancé and a small smile slipped to her lips.
"I'd love to."
The way he beamed made her want to laugh but instead, a wide smile tugged on her lips. His hand reached for her hand and she was surprised to feel how rough and warm his hand felt in hers, a pleasant shock rushing down her spine at the connection.
He tugged her down the street while giving her such a boyish grin, she could only laugh as they trekked down the busy streets.
All night, Lucy found herself following this man, who she never got a name from, around. She liked it better this way since that meant she didn't have to struggle to come up with a name and lie. Sightseeing and talking about this or that when they would pass by something interesting, he bought her everything she would lay her eyes on and as embarrassing it was, it was mainly food.
She tried to pay him back or even claim she had money to pay for these things as well but for once, when he claimed that as a man he shouldn't allow the woman to take reins of such things like this, it only made her blush.
Lucy didn't remember the last time she ate so much and ate so freely. It almost felt taboo to her and she was still worried about if she would fit into her dresses after such a night of being a pig but this man had his way with words as he encouraged her to eat.
He clearly saw her hesitation when it came to food and he did mention how thin she was. Isn't that what men liked? Why would he comment on something as her figure and say it as if it wasn't something that suited her? Men always told her she looked beautiful and for this man to never even mention anything about her appearance beside how thin she was… it was kind of refreshing.
Sitting towards the end of the festival where there were less people and less lights, Lucy was surprised she had even agreed to share the takoyaki with him. She had eaten so much but she couldn't possibly say no when he was thrusting them in her face and they smelt so good.
Popping one into her mouth, Lucy could only moan in delight at the flavors that danced inside.
"So," he said while chewing on his own. "What brings you here?"
"Huh?" Lucy looked over at him with wide eyes, wondering if he figured out who she was.
"To the festival," he nudged his head towards the bright side of the place and it allowed her to exhale a breath of relief. "And by yourself."
"Who says I am by myself?"
"Well, considering you were all alone when I found you at the meat stand and you followed me around all night…" He gave her an expectant look and she tilted her head away to cover her blush. "Nothin' wrong with being by yourself."
"I.. happened to stumble into this town and saw the bright lights so I came to see what all the noise was," she murmured, looking down at the dirt ground to avoid his gaze.
A small silence snuck between them and Lucy moved her gaze from the ground to the sky, seeing the dark sky littered with stars and constellations.
It made her only gaze upon it sadly, thinking of her mother and her life back at the castle.
She didn't want the night to end nor did she want to return. Once she did, it would be the same thing again and while her days were now limited, she still had a lot to do. She loved her kingdom. The people, the culture, the place itself.. she loved it all. And while she would do anything to protect and guide this kingdom into success, she knew it wasn't in her cards.
"You alright there?" His voice brought her back to earth land. "You look… sad."
"I am alright," she echoed her usual words, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "I would like to thank you for entertaining me for the night." She turned to look at him, a smile curling up. "I had a lot of fun."
The soft blush that adorned his cheeks was adorable and as he turned his head away to hide it from her, she could only giggle.
"You need to eat more." Is all he said, a soft grumble. "You need to take care of yourself and eat properly and rest."
"I just don't eat a lot—"
"Well, start eating more." He cut her off, offering her the last takoyaki and Lucy warily looked at him. He gave her a stern look and she knew she wouldn't win this battle so she popped the last one in her mouth and he tossed the trash into a nearby bin.
"I'll try." Is all she responded with and the silence had blanketed them once again.
But it was nice. With the crowds chatting idly and the night chirping, Lucy found it peaceful and actually enjoyable for once. Especially with someone to accompany her, she felt calm for the first time in a very long time.
"Well, I should head back." Lucy let out a sigh, standing up on her two feet. She turned to face the stranger again, a smile curving on her plump lips and a slight blush painting her cheeks. "Thanks for the fun night. Please, get home safe." She bowed slightly before turning to leave.
"See you next time! Make sure you eat!" He called out after her and a sad smile appeared on her lips as she ducked her head down and followed the path back to her place.
Next time…
There wouldn't be a next time. The next time he would probably see her face would be when the kingdom puts her body to rest.
Last night was the most fun and exciting thing Lucy had done. All night, she could only think about the pink-haired stranger who kept her company and kept her laughing. Someone who fed her without asking for anything back and even worrying about her health as he kept mentioning her thin figure.
She wished for the best for him. Hoped that wherever he came from and whoever he was, he would be safe and live a life full of happiness.
He deserved that much. Such a kind, simple, and caring soul he was.
Which was why she was a bit bummed when she woke up in her same bed in the same room in the same castle she was damned in.
Having the maids bathe her and get her dressed for the day, Lucy could only sadly stare at her reflection where a dull representation of herself stared back at her. She had given up on hoping that one day, her reflection wouldn't show her such a sad woman. This was the life she was destined for and even if she were to take her own life one day, it wouldn't be much of a loss. Not in her eyes.
"Princess," a soft voice rattled her back into the present and she looked up to see her longest and closest maid look at her in worry. "Are you alright? Are you feeling unwell?"
"I am fine, Mrs. Spetto," Lucy offered a pinch smile, seeing how she worryingly stared at her while brushing through her golden locks. "Just thinking about tonight's welcome ball."
"Oh!" Mrs. Spetto gasped, remembering the big event. "That certainly is something to worry about," the older woman shook her head as she began to twist her hair up. "To have the Dragon kingdom come and visit the Heartfillia kingdom.. it could end in disaster!"
Looking back at her reflection, Lucy could only let out a soft sigh as Mrs. Spetto began to pin her hair up.
The Dragon Kingdom is a big, fierce force who was run by the dragon king, Igneel, for decades. They normally kept to themselves on the western side of the continent due to their ability of welding powerful fire breathing magic. A kingdom that was surrounded by volcanos and molten lava… it was what kept them safe from all the others who try and overthrow the beasts. They were considered one of the strongest kingdoms due to their heritage and magical abilities.
Way back in the day, dragons were considered beasts that were hunted down for sport and safety of the human race.
While in this day and age, magic and mystical creatures were blooming with life, dragons were a complete different story.
These powerful beasts could transform into humans as well as their true large forms. Welding strength and treasures beyond their own riches. Taking to the very skies as they could sprout wings and ravishing anything and everything in their sight.
Which is why they were mainly named the savages of earthland.
And today, they happened to visit the Heartfillia kingdom for the first time in two hundred years to possibly sign a peace agreement which will allow their two kingdoms to build an alliance.
With someone as strong as the dragons, having them on their side was more important than anything. If they were to make enemies with the dragons once again… this kingdom would surely fall and perish.
Which was why it was a worrying matter for the young princess since she was the one who would be doing the negotiations and proceeding with the peace treaty. If she could convince the dragon kingdom to partner with them and give them a good deal as well, things could run smoothly and they would no longer be on the verge of war.
She had caught word that her kingdom would be allowing the dragons to take home in their eastern palace. There was to be a ball hosted tonight to welcome the foreigners into their land and also mingle to build a better relationship.
Lucy was not looking forward to it. Especially since she would most likely be used as a pawn during the ball and she would have to fake all her emotions so she didn't disobey any rules or expectations when it came to her step-mother and their guests.
Sometimes, Lucy wished for a simple life. Someone that didn't have to uphold such responsibilities and lifestyle. Someone who didn't have to wake up every day and expect to be the perfect doll she was groomed to be. Someone who could just do as they please and travel to different places all over the world to experience such a wonderful place.
If only life was that simple.
Lucy walked down the cobblestone pathways, her heels clicking with every step she made as she was surrounded by three of her maids while two royal knights followed her.
She had to run some errands today and while she was out in town, she wanted to see the new season flowers in person. She knew she could have had them ship it to the castle but she knew once they were plucked, they wouldn't last long, and having to think about how these flowers tried their best to grow and then get ripped out of the ground while they're still growing only made her feel sorry for the plants.
It kind of reminded her of herself. A young bud who was ripped from the safety of their home to be used as a beautiful prop. A gift.
While notifying her maids about which flowers and colors she preferred, she waited outside while they went inside to speak with the flower shop owner. Her royal knights stood a few feet away to give the princess space but she could feel their eyes on her, waiting to protect her if any dangers were to occur.
Even though Lucy was never alone… she was always alone.
Alone in her thoughts. Alone in her feelings. Alone in her mind.
No matter how many people surrounded her… Lucy knew she would never find that peace and happiness with anyone.
Her fate was already decided for her.
notes: see you all in the next chapter!