When Mirajane first brought her to the training ground, she was in awe of seeing such a mass amount of people and space dedicated to such savagery. She could see men training and battling one another down below when she walked past the camp, seeing those in dragon form or even half-dragon form perfecting their skills. There were even some of them that remained in their human form, practicing with swords and all types of weapons.

Some even did with their magic where she could see the glow come from their hands and bodies before bursts of magic came shooting out.

Lucy didn't even know what Mirajane had brought her here for. The blonde one, she finally understood as Laxus, followed along beside them, quiet and just providing protection if needed. He was gigantic and she wondered what kind of relationship the two had as they brought her over to the training grounds.

Sounds of metal against metal slashed against the air, making her shiver and hug herself.

She had never been allowed to be close to the training grounds back at her kingdom and she never minded with it since she wasn't in charge of any of it all. Lucy was never a violent woman and for someone who was never taught any skills, she was as useless as the leaves that fell off the trees.

Gajeel's words continued to echo inside of her mind and while she was thinking of Natsu all the same, she was too ashamed and embarrassed to face him right now. It seemed like Natsu was always putting the fires out for her and right now, she knew she was the cause of his problems so the least she could do was find a way to stop making fires.

"So, Lucy," the voice of Mirajane came, shaking her out of her thoughts. "Can I call you that, your highness?"

"Oh, please!" Lucy waved her hand out in front of her. "I actually prefer Lucy."

A warm smile spread across her lips and she nodded, "I am unaware of your situation when it comes to training and magic abilities so I wanted to ask what you're most comfortable with?"

Lucy blinked in her direction, feeling somewhat embarrassed about having to admit out loud that she had nothing. Was she the only one in the world who had such a handicap? She didn't think she had to train to fight… the women back at her kingdom weren't allowed to be part of the military or fight.

"Oh, um," she felt awkward as she squirmed in her spot. "I actually don't have any experience in… either category… I have never been in a position where I had to fight or been trained to fight."

It was a white lie since there had been many times where she had been in a position to fight but was unable to due to her lack of abilities and skills.

"Lucy, may I speak freely?"

"Mira…" Laxus' warning tone of voice caught her attention and she could see the said woman wave him off, keeping her attention on her.

With her cheeks feeling warm, Lucy simply nodded her head.

"I feel as if you have a lot of pent up.. energy inside of you."

"Pent up energy?" Lucy echoed, furrowing her brows as she nodded.

"Frustration, anger, fear, irritation." Lucy nodded along to the words she was spewing out. "And the best cure for that is to just let it all out but I feel like that isn't something you need right now…"

The princess quirked a brow at her, wondering where she was going with this as her eyes darted back and forth between Laxus and her.

"Forgive me for being so straightforward but I believe your release needs to come from within, first."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean…" Mirajane exchanged a look with Laxus before turning back on her. "I mean, I think we need to strengthen your mental state before we work on physical things. As in training the mind to keep calm, providing it safety and solace and so on…"

"And how do you suggest we do that?" Lucy asked as a wicked smile appeared on the silver-haired woman's face.

Lucy didn't know why she agreed to anything when she was ignorant to everything. She shouldn't have even trusted someone she just met but a part of her always told her she could trust anyone here. It was Natsu's kingdom and she knew he would keep her safe but it still didn't mean she should be doing anything Willy-nilly. She even left him behind when he was calling for her so desperately and she wondered what he would think of her as she stood in the battle grounds, standing on dirt with her heels digging into the ground.

"I am a firm believer that your mental health must be in top shape before you are able to withstand anything physical. Thats why when soilders are captured they use manipulation to break them first. Especially with your state of mind, I believe this may be able to help you. Having a strong mindset will allow you to push forward and emotions have a huge part in our decisions and actions."

Lucy didn't know what to believe or trust as she stare at the woman in worry, her eyes flickering over to Laxus who stood back with his arms crossed. He didn't say a word but he watched them so intensely, she was feeling a bit anxious.

What did Mirajane mean when she meant her mental health? She knew her mental health was in shambles considering how her childhood and life have been but what could she do that could help?

She didn't know Mirajane and Mirajane didn't know her. At least, from what she thought considering that this was the first time she met her. She didn't know what she knew of her and she was scared she knew more than she thought.

She didn't know anyone else really knowing her situation and having to confess any of her bearings made her feel flustered. She didn't want anyone else knowing how pathetic she was.

"I'm not going to lie and say I have not known about you, Lucy." Mirajane's smile stretched across her lips, but it gave her more anxiety than anything. "All of us have known about you since before you arrived. The Heartfillia kingdom is a very big kingdom known to all that are around and even before you arrived, I have known about you. I believe the last I have heard was when your engagement to the Duke of your kingdom was announced."

Lucy's eyes were widening at the confession and she felt her heart skip a beat. Her hands fisted into her clothes, clutching her imaginary pearls. That happened nearly four years ago and to say this woman knew of her then? Who was she?

"And from what I have heard from Laxus and Natsu… I would love to help train you in every aspect possible if you would allow me." She had her hands placed behind her back, rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet. "Whether it's physically, mentally, or even emotionally. Us girls have to stick together, right?" She tilted her head to the side, giving her a cute smile.

Lucy bit down in her lip, wondering how to even respond back to her. Mirajane seemed sweet and friendly, especially since she's trying to encourage her and help her in ways nobody else has. And she was the second woman that had ever been nice to her since her arrival so she couldn't help but want to agree to her terms.

"So, what do you suggest we do?"

"I think we should start small and move up from there."

"Thank you," she felt a bit relieved to know she wasn't going to have to be thrown into battle from the start. She didn't even know how to properly hold a sword muchless any defensive skills.

"Now," Mirajane took a step closer towards her, still smiling sweetly. "Let's begin." She clasped her hands together and she exchanged a look with Laxus before turning her attention back towards the princess.

Lucy gulped, unsure what was going to happen but as she stood there watching Mirajane's body begin to glow, she wondered if she was going to be transformed into a dragon. But the longer she stood there watching the glow and seeing how she didn't grow into size or sprout wings, Lucy was growing even more worried. Was Mirajane going to attack her and hope she could just learn to fight her off like that? Was she going to test her?

Seeing how Mirajane began to shift and change forms, the sight wasn't what the princess was expecting.

Seeing how she began to grow taller and bulky, her long silver locks began to shrink and darken into a familiar maroon. A matching mustache and sharp arched eyebrows warped her beautiful pale face into someone she hoped she would never have to ever see again.

Her body locked up and grew rigid, all the air forced out of her lungs as if someone had punched her in the gut. Her eyes were wide and her heart raced, palms growing sweaty.

If Lucy didn't see it right in front of her eyes, she wouldn't have believed it as now the pretty polished Mirajane had disappeared and turned into her worst nightmare: the duke.

"Don't be alarmed, Lucy," Mirajane's sweet voice was throwing her off as she spoke in the body of a man she hated more than anything. "This is what I meant when I said I'd like to start with your mentality because it seems as if the duke of your kingdom is one of the main reasons for your exhaustion."

"H—how… how…" She was feeling the color drain from her face, fear coursing through her body.

It really felt like the duke was standing in front of her and she couldn't breath. Couldn't move. Couldn't speak. Her entire body had frozen over at the sight of him and she was struggling to just stay standing up. Her body felt like it was giving out on her and it didn't even feel like it was her own. Almost as if she was having an out of body experience.

"I have transformation magic," she explained to her. "I can transform into all types of things and people."

Even knowing that this was Mirajane in the body of her abuser, Lucy couldn't stop herself from trembling and feeling rattled. Her breathing was growing heavy and her heart was threatening to leap out of her open mouth.

Fear coursed through and like it always did when the duke was around, all she could feel was utter disgust and fear.

Someone she didn't think she'd have to see again was standing in front of her and while his voice didn't match, everything else did. Has Mirajane ever been to her kingdom for her to know what the duke looked like? How much did she know?

"I can even match their voices to make it seem even more real," she smiled before it dropped and she looked and sounded exactly like the duke. "Hello, Princess Lucy."

A shiver racked down her spine and Lucy gasped, taking a wary step back as everything came back to her. It flooded her like a tsunami, forcing heat to form between her eyes. She felt the lump in her throat and while her body quivered as if she was on vibration, she felt frozen.

"Mira, enough." Laxus tried to say as he could clearly see the discomfort in the princess but Mirajane simply ignored him.

"How about we talk?" Mirajane asked, still using the voice and body of the duke to take a step forward but Lucy was quick to match him with one back.

Seeing how all the color drained from her face and the look of terror flash across her face, the shapeshifter faltered, frowning.

"Lucy—"

Unable to finish her sentence, the princess suddenly opened her mouth to let out an ear-piercing scream and the couple cringed at the volume of it. Those around all paused in their training to turn and look, everyone coming to a halt to stare at the screaming princess who looked like she was one second away from death.

The scream echoed within the open battle grounds and seemed as if it was rattling the entire place with the way she was going. Mirajane was quick to strip her magic away and turned back into who she was as Laxus surged forward with her to try and calm the princess down.

Lucy couldn't breath nor see with the tears that blurred her vision and as her shaking never went away, she could barely stand. Her knees were wobbling and she swayed, stumbling backwards where Laxus was quick to catch her. His strong arms wrapped around her small frame and helped her up while Mirajane held onto her hands, her lips moving but no sounds reaching her ears.

The ground began to shake and familiar heat swirled around and she just knew he was here. He was always there when she needed him and all she wanted was to be in his arms.

When Natsu landed, she could barely see him but she felt him land. She assumed he had turned into a dragon as the weight of his landing shook the very ground she stood on, rattling her.

"What is going on?!" His voice roared out, shaking the very place they stood and as she was held up by Mirajane and Laxus, she could barely hear the voices of them with the buzz that was roaring in her ears.

"I wanted to help Lucy in combat and I accidentally might have pushed a bit too hard."

It didn't take long for her to be ripped out of Laxus' grasp and she was instantly soothed by his hands on her, large warm hands cupping her face to drag it close to his. His face was blurry from the tears that were spilling from her eyes and she tried to blink them away as a small whimper escaped from her lips.

The anger was clear as day on his face and as he shoved her face into his chest, she could feel the heat seeping out of him.

"What made you think she would be fit for combat? Especially right now? She is in no condition to be fighting!"

"Mira wasn't trying to teach her how to fight. She was trying to aim for more of a mental combat." Laxus said and she didn't know what else was going on as she sobbed against Natsu's chest and shook like she had hyperthermia.

"I transformed into the duke to see where she was with it and—"

"You what?" Natsu's spat out and she could feel his own figure trembling now. "How could you do that! Lucy has only been here for two weeks and she's still fragile! And the Duke of all people?! You out of anyone here should know how Lucy should feel about the duke!"

She fisted her hands into his shirt, whimpering out again. It caught Natsu's attention as his head jerked down and she looked up at him with wide, glossy eyes. He gritted his teeth as one arm came around her, holding her tightly against his chest as he let out a frustrated huff.

"This conversation isn't over." He hissed at the couple as he spun around with Lucy right by his side. "Are you okay?" He whispered in her ear and Lucy couldn't even muster up the courage or strength to respond so all she did was shake her head. She heard the soft growl that came from him and as he peeled himself away from her, he bent down slightly to scoop her up into his arms.

"Everything is going to be alright, my star, I am here," he said to her as he carried her back inside, soothing her against his chest.

Lucy hated how weak and pathetic she was appearing to those around. Having to be saved by Natsu once again, she could only feel the tears continue to spill out of her eyes.

She desperately wanted to break out of the chains the duke had put on her many years ago. She wanted to be strong and finally be the one to save herself rather than relying on others to. She hated the fact that she froze up and resorted to wailing when she was presented the chance to overcome her fear and she didn't know why her body reacted the way it did.

Usually, she was able to fake it all and put on a faux confidence when it came to the duke or anyone else. Was it because she had been taken away from that life and gotten too comfortable in the Dragon Kingdom? Thinking she would never have to see him again and endure his abuse, did her body react that way because she truly was that afraid of him?

Afraid of a man who shouldn't and didn't have any power over her anymore?

As Natsu carried her back inside the palace, Lucy could only hide her face into his chest. The shame, the embarrassment, and the sadness she felt could not be washed away this time.

Just how broken and weak was she?

—X—

Natsu hadn't left her side since he picked her up from the battle grounds. While she wasn't complaining, she was feeling a bit guilty that she had forced him away from his work.

At first, he laid with her and talked her out of her state before she was feeling better. She felt like an empty shell again, replaying the scenes with the duke over and over again and hearing his haunting voice echo inside of her head. The way his mouth always smells like cigarette and death made her feel nauseous and she felt like she was being dragged back into the depths of her despair.

But the one thing that kept her dangling and unable to sink deeper into that darkness was Natsu.

The way he spoke so softly and ran his hand down her hair and back gave her some clarity and she felt incredibly warm.

Eventually, when she insisted she was fine, Natsu still remained by her side but had someone bring his work to him. So that way he can keep her company as he went through his paperwork, trying to ensure she didn't feel so strangled.

It was nice to watch Natsu work as he looked so serious. The way his eyes would drag across each document and how he would stamp his approval in such things made her want to stare at him forever. He looked so confident in his role and she truly wondered when he had become this king. Natsu seemed so carefree and goofy when it came to her and while he stayed away from the traditional world, he still had his own culture and rules he and his kingdom abided by.

And she was learning pretty quickly she preferred this over hers.

Without realizing, Lucy had fallen asleep and woke up a while later to see Natsu hovering over her. Her vision was blurry with sleep as she blinked up at him, feeling his large hand brush down the side of her head and brush away her golden hair.

"Did you have a good nap?" He asked, a small smile to his lips that made one of his canines pop out from the corner of his mouth.

Lucy could only shyly nod, feeling like a sated kitten at the moment as he brushed her hair away from her face.

"Dinner should be served soon. How are you feeling?"

"Better." The princess offered a small smile as she sat up in bed, rubbing at her eyes. "Did you get to finish your work, my lord?"

She didn't miss the way his smile slipped before he turned his head away, trying to obviously hide his discomfort. She reached for him, placing her hand on top of his fist that laid on his lap.

"Natsu?" She furrowed her brows, worry etching itself into her chest. "What's wrong?"

"I didn't want to tell you this, especially because of the day you are having but I promised you I'd let you know if any news has reached me."

Lucy could feel the impending doom sink down inside of her, eyes rounding out as her heart skipped a beat inside of her chest. She curled a hand against her chest, fisting it into the fabric of her clothes while swallowing thickly.

Could they have found out Natsu had taken her? Are they declaring war? Are they coming for her?

Natsu must have seen the look in her face since he leaned forward to cup her face in his hands, forcing her to look directly in his eyes. "Do not fret, my star, it is nothing to worry so much about."

"Is it, though? Nothing?"

The dragon king pressed his lips into a tight line as he stared at her and it only made her worry even more.

"Come, Lucy, let us discuss this over some food. I am not sure about you but I am quite famished. I could probably eat an entire kingdom if I tried." The corners of his lips tipped up as he moved one hand to rub at his stomach.

Lucy could see right through his facade but she said nothing of it, pressing her own lips into a tight line. He helped her out of bed, guiding her by her hand. He took her down the same door which always magically leads to right where he wants it to, seeing how they were walking out of his studies to yet another drawing room with a dining table set for two.

The princess was so distracted by everything that was spilling into her brain that she couldn't even take in the delicious spread. All sorts of aromas that made her stomach gurgle in the best ways were all pushed aside by her ever growing fear of the duke.

What more could have Natsu found out? Was her days limited? Was Natsu going to send her away? Why was he acting so calm? Could it truly be nothing at all?

"Please, eat," Natsu pushed her full plate towards her, her head dipping down to stare at the overly plated plate. Everything looked so good and perfectly cooked but she couldn't do anything but stare and swallow harshly. "Lucy," her name coming from his mouth made her spine straighten and she turned to look at him. With his lips pressed into a tight line and his plate hovering in the air as he froze to stare her down, Lucy could only stare back with a blank look on her face. "What is the matter?"

"As much as I appreciate you trying to protect me, I am nearly suffocating over here waiting for you to tell me what news has reached your ears, my lord."

The silence that followed made her squirm in her spot and as she strangled the fork that was in her hand, she could only keep her gaze down so she didn't have to see his disapproving stare. A little part of her always waited for Natsu to snap back at her or even grow angry yet she still tried her best to tell him everything that came to mind.

Having an open relationship and communication with the dragon king was highly encouraged by him and those around. Natsu even told her how dragons are very direct creatures and for her to not show him the same respect was something she was not willing to participate in.

Even if she grew fifty shades darker and sputtered over her words, Natsu always heard her out.

"Lucy…" The pinch of his eyebrows and delicate frown that reached his lips was disheartening and she watched him set his plate down to reach over to cup her hand in his. "I am not trying to make you feel any more anxious than you already are but you also have to understand that the day you've had today…"

Lucy pulled her hand away from his as if it burned her and she curled her fist against her chest, twisting her head to the side. "Please, do not pity me because of the 'day I've had' it was simply a moment of weakness." She let out a small huff before dropping her hands to her lap and biting down on her bottom lip. "And please do not take it out on Mirajane or Laxus, they were simply trying to help me. It is not their fault."

Natsu's nostrils flared and his jaw ticked at the mention of the couple. "That is not a matter you should concern yourself with. I have it handled."

"It was not their fault." Lucy repeated, hoping he heard her this time around.

"Lucy, drop it. This is not up for discussion—"

"It was not their fault!" She raised her voice, trying to get him to hear her loud and clear. She held his gaze as his brows furrowed in slight irritation. "Do not punish them for something that is not their doing."

"How is it not? Mirajane knew where you came from and yet pulled that stunt—"

"She was trying to help!"

"Help in what, exactly? Traumatizing you further? Scaring you half to death? Furthermore, she should have not brought you over to the battle grounds so carelessly. You are—"

"And what am I, your majesty?" Lucy snipped, feeling the bitterness tingle on the tip of her tongue. Tears were pricking at her eyes and she could feel the slight tremble in her shoulders as she fisted her hand into her skirt. "Weak? Fragile? Someone who doesn't belong on the front lines because she's nothing but a pretty little accessory others can just gawk at?"

The look of shock that doused the dragon king's face was instant and his own hand flew up to his chest, clutching his imaginary pearls. "Princess—"

"I understand that I am someone who can be seen as weak and fragile," Lucy continued, her voice wobbling as she stared down at her dinner plate. "And maybe you are right in that sense but don't you think that I am capable of being around such things and making choices for myself? Mirajane and Laxus did nothing but try and help me. She did it with good intentions and it just happened to go poorly but—but that does not mean she must get punished for doing something out of the kindness of her heart! If you wish to punish someone, punish me."

"You? Why would I have to punish you?"

"Because I am the one who ran away earlier even after you told me to stop," droplets of tears fell from her eyes to her lap, dampening the material to appear darker. "I am the one who agreed to everything Mirajane was suggesting and I am the one who went towards the training grounds in the first place. If you wish to punish someone for what happened earlier, then it is I who you must punish."

The stunned look Natsu had on his face was almost comical if it wasn't for the serious conversation the two were having.

After rambling for what felt like hours, Lucy felt her chest heaving with her breaths and soon, heaving with the stress of what she had done.

She talked back to him.

If it wasn't for her internal screaming, she would have laughed at the absurd face he was giving her or how she had just said everything in one breath but she was shaking in her seat like a wet dog. Sure she found out that her tongue was looser when it was in front of the dragon king but she had never thought she had it in her to go against him. She was just voicing what she believed was to be done about the situation and thinking about how Mirajane or Laxus would be punished for something that was entirely her fault, it made her panic.

She didn't know what punishments were like in the eyes of the dragon king but after going through a lifetime of her own, she didn't want anyone to ever be punished because of her actions. It would eat away at her till she was six feet under and she didn't know how she would ever be able to live with that idea.

As Natsu blinked at her stupidly, he finally shook his head for a soft scoff to come from his curling lips. "If only you could stick up for yourself so fiercely, princess, but atlas, your selflessness shines even in a moment like this."

She watched him from the corner of her eyes as he reached for his teacup. Watching him sip at the liquid before placing it back down, she could only squirm uncomfortably in her seat.

"If you wish to be punished so desperately then I can arrange something for you," he said so nonchalantly she nearly fell out of her chair. "But for now, I will consider your petition that Mirajane and Laxus are innocent. As for everything else," one large hand reached over the table to swallow hers that were on her lap. Her breath hitched and her eyes instantly darted up to pin against his, heart pounding wildly behind her ribcage. "Continue to speak poorly about yourself like that and your punishment shall be worse than what I come up with."

Lucy didn't know whether or not to gasp or scream so a little awkward strangled choke came from her instead. Heat crawled down her chest and to the tips of her ears and she was feeling dizzy with how he was staring her down.

"Let us eat," He encouraged once more and for the sake of the dragon king, Lucy begrudgingly reached for her fork to stab at her salad before bringing it to her open mouth. She was feeling a bit irked and conflicted by her emotions and she was thrown into a bigger mess when she felt Natsu grab at her face and turn her head to the side. Her eyes widened as she stared into the dark golden eyes of the dragon king lean in close, his large hands pinching her cheeks to keep her mouth open. "You sure are fiesty tonight, princess, eating out of spite, now, are we? Do not tell me you are upset with me?"

There was a fire burning inside of her belly and it was growing even bigger the longer she stared into his eyes. The way one corner of his lips curled up into a smirk as he challenged her, she was feeling all types of fuzzy and disorientated.

The way his thumb brushed against her bottom lip had her eyes fluttering and the fire grew just a tiny bit more. Her heart picked up its pace where her breathing became heavy.

Feeling his hot breath against her flushed face, she leaned in towards him where she hoped she would feel his plump lips against hers. Feeling her eyes close shut, she held her breath to feel the brush of his lips before a knock on the door jolted her back. Her eyes flew open and she jerked back against her seat and out of his embrace, staring wide eyed at the door before looking back at the dragon king.

Natsu looked a bit irritated at the idea of being interrupted as he scrubbed at his jaw but as he adjusted himself in his seat and cleared his throat, he waved his hand in the air. "Happy."

Lucy was surprised to see said blue feline come walking into the room and she peeked over Natsu's chair to get a better look at him.

"Hi Lucy," he waved his little paw in the air and she returned the gesture, smiling happily at her friend. "This just came for you, Natsu." Happy came to hold out an envelope towards the dragon king. Natsu took the letter as Lucy scooped him up, sitting him on her lap as he greedily eyed the table spread.

Natsu was silent the entire time as he read through the letter and Lucy tried to keep her eyes away. She didn't want to involve herself in his affairs nor did she want to look at him after nearly kissing him moments prior. Her heart was still racing behind her chest.

But even from the corner of her eyes, she could still see the way his lips pinched and his brow furrowed.

"My lord?"

"Happy, could you leave us?"

"Aye, sir." Happy replied instantly, standing to wave goodbye at the princess. "See you later, Lucy!"

Lucy offered her goodbyes as she watched him leave, confusion decorating her pale face. She turned to look at Natsu and saw he was already staring at her, sipping from his teacup.

"Is everything alright?"

"Your father has requested an audience." He was quick to get to the point this time and Lucy blinked at him. She sat there in silence, shock rushing through her. "I said no."

Now her jaw was growing slack and she was openly gawking at the nonchalant dragon king.

"You said no?"

"What can I say, I'm a very busy man."

"So, what? You're just going to keep rejecting his invitations and requests till what? He gives up?"

"No, it won't be long before they come storming in here." Natsu was back to rubbing at his jaw, setting his cup of tea down. "That is, if they could."

Lucy felt like she was going crazy. Did she hit her head by accident? Did Natsu hit his head? She felt like she was the only one worried here and she felt like she had every right to considering what was going on. But why was Natsu just casually dropping this on her just sipping tea?

"I am unsure why the king is requesting an audience from me and if it pertains to you it is a mystery. But, I am trying to be cautious so right now I am not allowing any visitors inside of the palace. Not till we figure out what is going on."

"But you cannot just keep rejecting him, he will grow suspicious."

"It won't be long till we find out more. I currently have someone being my eyes and ears back at the Heartfillia kingdom."

Lucy stared at him, baffled at the idea that he was so openly discussing his actions to the princess of the kingdom. But at the same time, it's not like she had room to be offended or cautious towards him when he was doing all this for her sake. Could she even consider the Heartfillia Kingdom her kingdom anymore?

"Lucy… your queen isn't who you think she is. She is not a nice woman."

Lucy laughed out loud to that statement and it caught both of them off guard with how she bursted out into laughter. Her hands flew to slap over her mouth and she was giving him a wide-eyed look as he gave her one back.

"I—I'm sorry," she quickly dipped her chin down, feeling her ears burn. "I didn't mean to laugh. It's just… I know she is not a nice woman."

Clearing his throat, the small smile he gave her made her feel more flustered. "Well, certainly, princess… but I meant in the sense that she is not a good person overall. As in, Queen Faris happens to be a dark mage."

"Pardon?" Lucy's voice rose a pitch, her eyes widening even more. "A dark mage? H—How…"

"I had my suspicions the moment I saw her wearing the gown I have gifted you. Whether or not that's true or not, from that moment, I had an odd feeling about her so I started to keep tabs on her. I don't know what she truly is after or what she is doing to the full extent but there are some red flags that have been spotted. Now, we just have to wait to see what my mole has discovered."

Lucy always knew her step-monster of a queen was never a nice person. She always had an odd feeling about her too but she was young and she always thought it was because of how she treated her or how quickly her father had replaced her mother. The bitterness always lingered so for her to feel some type of way was expected but she didn't expect Faris to be a dark mage of all things…

The few bad eggs that roam earthland who practice lost and dark magic are those who need to be looked out for. They hosted incredible dark energy that could most likely even rival dragons with the ancient magic they used. Magic that could strip someone away from their lives and identity with a snap of a finger and magic that most definitely should not be used if it would be any help to the host or attacker.

And to think they had a dark mage like her in charge of an entire kingdom and married to her father?

Lucy could feel a shiver run down her spine and she felt suffocated once again. Guilt was eating away at her at the thought of Natsu going into war because of her. This kingdom being thrown into war because of her.

"And you truly wish to risk all of this for me?" Her voice was nothing but a whisper but she counted on Natsu hearing her.

Her frame shook and she held herself while looking at the dragon king who, without any hesitation, responded, "For you? Absolutely."