The very next day, Natsu sent word to Mirajane immediately and had her booked with training. It was nice to see he wasn't just talking out of his ass and she was a squealing jumping blob of a mess. She didn't know what possessed her to be so straightforward with him but after the night the two spent, she was feeling as lively as ever.
Natsu had fed her alright. Fed her enough that she had so much energy and she was a gleeful princess who was smiling and giggling and jumping around as if she won a prize. She had a glow to her face that she did not have before and her eyes were bright and wide as if she actually had a bit of life to her. She was standing up straighter and her voice even sounded more clear, her words coming out loud and proud.
Natsu found amusement in it as he had never seen her the day after they had made love and seeing how radiant his little star was, he was also a smiling, giggling king. He loved seeing her so giddy and lively and he didn't know this was all it took for his little star to shine. It didn't help that now they had broken that barrier of intimacy, Natsu was now finding every excuse to try and keep her in bed or naked.
Getting out of bed the next morning was hard when she had an attractive, naked man pressed against her and trying to 'feed' her. He had fed her multiple times last night and then some this morning and she didn't know how she made it out of bed with the amount of times they had gone.
But she was more excited about starting her training that she had forced Natsu out of bed and had him take her to the battle grounds. In the fits of his pouting, that is, as she practically dragged him the entire way.
"Come on!" Lucy squealed excitedly, tugging on the arm of the dragon king who was reluctantly being dragged. "We don't want to keep them waiting!"
"They can wait there all day for I care," Natsu muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes while he purposely tripped over his own feet.
Lucy gave him a look over her shoulder making him avoid her eyes. She huffed, dropping his hand and crossed her arms across her chest as they came to a halt in the middle of the halls.
"Don't tell me you're now regretting this?"
"Of course I regret it," Natsu took a step forward to stand right in front of her. "The idea of you possibly getting hurt destroys me."
Lucy frowned when she saw the way his voice cracked and she let out a soft sigh. She reached forward to place her own hand against his chest, feeling the heat and the soft pounding of his heart.
"I will be fine. Part of training and learning how to fight is getting hurt, is it not?"
Natsu pressed his lips into a tight line, narrowing his eyes in a way he looked like he was about to grab her and drag her back inside.
"I promise I will try my best to not get hurt. Don't you want me to learn how to protect myself?"
"Of course I do but Lucy, I wish you do not have to do it in such a savage way. You can still learn how to fight without putting yourself into such a mess. I am afraid you may accidentally break a bone or something worse," he cringed at the idea of her hurt and battered and Lucy could only frown.
She let out a soft sigh, inhaling deeply to exhale through her nose. "I think you worry too much. You treat me as if I am made out of glass."
"I certainly do not and I think last night and this morning can prove how wrong you are." He had a slight smirk on his lips and Lucy felt her cheeks grow hot with her embarrassment.
She turned over to see if anyone was nearby to hear him before turning back to scowl at him. "That is not what I meant… I just… would you just have some faith in me?"
The soft gaze that appeared on his face melted off her irritation and as he reached forward to place a hand against the side of her face, she could only pout up at him.
"Princess, I do have faith in you. I know you can become a strong mage one day and I don't have a single doubt that you won't. I just… I just wish to protect you and I always will. Does not matter if you need me or not, I will. Just know that, alright?"
She felt the hot sting of tears come back to her eyes and she squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself not to cry. This was not a time for her to be spilling tears.
With a curt nod of her head, Lucy could only give him a wobbly smile where he kissed the corner of her mouth before planting one on her lips. She melted right into his embrace, kissing him back as fiercely as her emotions.
It didn't take him too long this time to take her to the battle grounds, anticipation buzzing in her bloodstreams. She didn't remember the last time she felt so anxious about something like this and it felt good rather than bad. A small part of her did worry she may get hurt but it was interesting to see Mirajane's training style and if she's correct, then she may actually be shaped into a warrior as well.
The training grounds were vacant this time around and Lucy was curious on where they all could be. It was certainly not too early nor late in the day for them to be training and she wondered if it was lunchtime for them. She couldn't even voice out her own thoughts when Natsu tugged her down a set of doors, bringing her into a wide open space room. The walls had bookshelves full of books tucked away and a couple of what looked like faux windows. She couldn't see anything out of them but the chairs and one table was distracting enough that she didn't think so much into it.
Laxus and Mirajane were standing on the other side of the room seemingly discussing something but stopped the moment they entered, turning towards the two to bow respectfully.
Mirajane was quick to meet them in the middle and she flung her arms around Lucy, surprising the princess who stumbled. Being held tightly against her chest, Lucy felt stiff and awkward, wondering what was happening till she heard the sniffle coming from the woman.
"Lucy, I am so sorry for how our last meeting went. I truly did not mean to rattle you so bad, I hope you forgive me for being so careless and cruel. I promise I am neither."
Realization flooded her system till she was relaxing in her arms. Lucy returned the hug as she heard the soft cries coming from Mirajane, resting her head against her shoulder.
"It's okay, I know you did not mean to scare me. I forgive you."
"I am still mad, just so you know." Natsu chimed in and Lucy had to turn over her shoulder to glare at him. He just shrugged his shoulders as he crossed his arms across his chest, his eyes trailing up to find Laxus'.
Laxus gave a seemingly understanding nod before dipping his head down, standing silently in the back.
"I want you to train me, Mira. In all things combat from physical, mental, and emotional. I—I think I need to." Her eyes flickered over to look at Natsu in nervousness before dipping her head down to their feet. "I mean, if you could and have the time. I—"
"Of course, Lucy!" Mirajane cut her off, her hands finding hers. "You don't even have to ask! Why do you think I came and met you today?" She gave her a smile, tilting her head to the side. "I just needed you to know first how sorry I truly am for how things ended up." She gave her fingers a squeeze, a sad edge dipping into her smile. "I truly am sorry, your highness."
"Please, all is forgiven on both counts." Lucy's eyes darted over to meet the dragon kings, his tongue slipping out of his mouth to point it out at her in a mocking way. She narrowed his eyes at him and all it made him do was snicker. "Moreso, I want you to know I truly appreciate you taking time out of your day to train me."
"There is nothing else I would want to be doing." Her genuine smile made her feel warm. "Now, the reason why I suggest we come meet here is because of the familiar setting for most nobles and royalty." Mirajane dropped her hands to hold them up, motioning towards the walls of bookshelves and faux windows. "We oftentime use this setting to help train soldiers to know how to act during such a situation but for you… I think we can use it differently."
Mirajane began to move the table and chairs towards the middle of the room, making it seem like she was setting the table. Lucy exchanged an uneasy glance with Natsu and he just offered a soft smile, giving her the surge of encouragement she needed.
"I feel like the last time it went poorly because you were caught in a moment of surprise in an unfamiliar place. So for you to have a familiar background, maybe you could learn to detach your fear in progression. Starting here."
Lucy was pretty surprised how easily Mirajane manipulated things into the way she wanted. Suddenly, she felt like she wasn't in this empty room with fake windows and in the middle of training but a hint of nostalgia wafted through as she stared down at the tea set that was placed out for her. She swore she could hear the soft chirps of blue jays outside the windows and the summer breeze on her skin. Even the way the walls began to blend in with one another, dashes of baby blue, gold, and white lingering in her vision.
Lucy took one turn to take in everything before her eyes landed on a pair of black pointed loafers. She slowly dragged her eyes up the very long legs of the man she loathed more than life itself.
The small inhale of her breath couldn't be heard with Natsu's low growl filling her ears. She was aware Natsu wasn't on the best of terms with her ex-fiancé for him to just calmly stand there and stare at the exact reflection of the duke. Neither was she as she felt her body freeze and her heart stop.
How could someone so beautiful turn into someone so ugly?
"Remember Lucy," Mirajane's voice came from the same maroon painted lips she hated. "Remember where you are and why we're doing this. You need to push through it."
Lucy could only nod, staring at her with wide eyes as she couldn't get over the fact that he was standing right in front of her.
"But this also means this has to be as realistic as possible," Mirajane took a step forward and Lucy almost felt her knees give out on her. Lucky for her, Natsu was still standing beside her, one protective arm curled around her from the back.
"T—this is very realistic," Lucy let out a shaky laugh, feeling her hairline moisten.
The way the corner of her lips pinched, Lucy suddenly didn't like this anymore. She wanted to run out of the room as she kept coming closer, her back firmly pressed against Natsu's at this point. He kept still the entire time, standing tall and firm so she couldn't run but she was more worried about her legs that were giving out on her.
"Not just looks and sound but we need to overcome why you fear the duke and I need to know." Mirajane held a hand out towards her and Lucy grimaced at the sight, the memories of the duke always reaching out for her popping up into her mind. She didn't want to make a face but it was hard when it was the exact picture of the duke right in front of her.
But she reminded herself that she was not really in front of the duke right now and took in a deep breath before slowly allowing one shaky hand to reach for his. She was certainly used to this feeling and sight as his long fingers curled around hers for a moment.
She stood as still as she could, watching Mirajane just stare at their conjoined hands before she looked up at her. Icy blue clashed with chocolate brown and it was sudden as she was seeing all the flashes of her experiences with the duke flicker before her eyes.
From the very moment she had ever met him to the point where the king announced their engagement. Seeing the many gifts he would send her as well as the time he tried to drug her and then forcibly tried to take her as his own.
Her eyes began to glow and it was a soft brush of it in the beginning but the longer Mirajane held onto her hand, the harsher it was starting to feel.
She felt as if she was suffocating and her hand was set on fire. She tried to jerk her hand back and pry away from the flickering images but Mirajane was holding onto her so tight she couldn't rip away from her grasp.
She tried to speak or cry out for Natsu or someone to stop and help her but Mirajane got her in such a trance, she was instantly rooted to her spot.
And finally, when she couldn't take it any more, with all the strength she could muster, she ripped her hands away from hers and let out a gasp so loud she felt her lungs expand in size. Natsu's hands were on her immediately, holding her up as her chest heaved and she choked on her breaths.
"Please tell me you are alright," Natsu's worried tone came filtering in her ear and as she turned up to look at him, her eyes caught sight of what was behind him. Seeing how Mirajane began to slip away from her transformation, the soft glow of her body made Natsu also turn and look. She turned back into the petite woman she was, icy blue eyes welled up with massive unshed tears. Her lips were parted out in horror while her entire frame trembled.
"Mira!" Laxus caught her as she stumbled backwards and then the waterworks started.
Standing there watching Mirajane wail after experiencing her memories, she was stunned. She knew they were bad but were they that bad that they would rattle such a woman who trained dragons?
Lucy exchanged an uneasy look with Natsu before the two shuffled to approach the sobbing woman.
"Mira..?" Lucy spoke so softly she was unsure if she had heard her but Mirajane seemed to since she just shook her head.
Lucy allowed her to try and collect herself as Laxus tried his best to sooth her by purring at her but she hasn't stopped shaking nor crying.
"Lucy," her voice was a sob as she spoke her name. "I..I am so, so sorry," she hiccuped, sucking in a large breath of air. "I.. I am hurting for you. I am so hurt. I.. can we please continue our session another time? I.. I need some.. some time," she swallowed harshly, fisting her hands into Laxus' shirt. "I'm sorry."
The way her voice cracked made Lucy gasp and she felt the sharp pain of guilt.
Mirajane got hurt because of her. Because she wanted someone to help train her, she had tainted an innocent bystander in the middle of her desires.
As Laxus picked Mirajane up in his arms to cradle her in the bulk of his arms, she suddenly shot out of his arms to grab for her. Lucy gasped and startled at the feel of Mirajane grabbing onto her hands, holding onto them tight as the clear view of her wet eyes came right in front of her.
"This is not your fault!" She cried out, squeezing her fingers with hers. "I am the one who wanted to see, it is not your fault so do not feel any type of guilt! This is normal, it happens all the time but this time it was a bit harder than usual," she gulped down, giving her a wobbly smile. "I guess it has been a while since I have felt such sadness. But please, do not blame yourself."
But how could she not?
The woman quite literally bursted into tears and went into a panic attack after seeing what little she had gone through.
—X—
Lucy was in a daze for the rest of the day, unable to get the image of Mirajane wailing out of her head. She could still hear her cries echoing in her ears and it made her feel worse with each passing moment.
Natsu had tried to talk to her but she didn't want to hear anything he had to say. She knows he's trying to comfort her but out of everything that could have happened, this was not what she expected. It shattered her to see someone react so wildly over her memories and emotions and while she didn't know what Mirajane saw or felt to a certain extent, she felt like she had somewhat of an idea.
After all, they were her memories.
She knew her life wasn't great and she was feeling more down than up for the majority of her life but was it really that bad?
So bad that a woman who trained dragons and resided at the Dragon kingdom as a non-dragon had bursted into tears and nearly went into shock?
Even with the immense amount of energy she had gained, she felt very dull and empty at the moment. She could only stare into space and relive the incident as Natsu's words fell on deaf ears. He eventually gave up and left her be, claiming he would be back after a few hours to check up and have a meal together.
The princess didn't do anything but lay in her bed, staring up at the wall and going back to being mute and empty.
How could she ever apologize to Mirajane about this? How come she always brings destruction and chaos with her everywhere she goes? Is she truly not meant to live a happy, peaceful life? Does everything that involves her have to be so chaotic and cruel?
With tears welling in her eyes and the feeling of remorse and guilt burying itself deep inside her chest, the princess could only weep and wonder, would the world be a better place without her?
Without her tainting the very light of this earth?
Mirajane didn't reach back out to her till day three.
It was safe to say that the princess kind of gave up on the idea of being trained in combat ever since Mirajane had a breakdown in front of her. She was afraid of making anyone else suffer because of her and while Natsu tried to say it was normal for Mirajane to feel some effects of the memories, Lucy wasn't convinced on returning to the battle field.
She clearly was over her head and tried to do something she had no right indulging in.
The safest and easiest thing for her to do was to just take a step back and be in the shadows. She was always creating problems without trying and if this would allow Natsu's kingdom to continue on without any issues then she would gladly return to being the bored princess she was. She was sure she could spend her days doing anything else than trying to be someone she was not.
But of course that didn't last long because Natsu was practically chastising her for being childish.
"Childish?" The princess echoed, somewhat insulted that someone like Natsu was calling her childish. "How am I being childish?"
"You practically begged me to start training and now because Mira had one small meltdown, you want to quit? Stop throwing a tantrum, princess, and do what you said you will do."
Lucy gawked at the dragon king who stood his ground with his arms crossed and a stern look on his face.
Some days, Natsu did act like the king he was supposed to be and while she appreciated how he was being, Lucy did feel like she was being lectured in a way. She knew he was right but why couldn't he see that she was trying to be respectful and step away from where she clearly wasn't needed?
"You saw how she acted! How do you expect me to go back after seeing her nearly breakdown over my memories?"
"The same way every single person who is trained by Mira does. With the intention of learning how to fight and become a soldier. Someone who had their mind set on defending their kingdom and themselves. Just like you," He nodded his head her way while she was festering in her annoyance. "I will not allow you to quit because of something like this. You are quitting under the influence of someone else and not for yourself. I will normally agree if you say it is too much for you but you are giving up on someone else's account."
"My lord, you are being too brash! How could you say that when Mira is one of your citizens? She should be coming first!"
"Mira knows what she is doing and I fully trust her judgment and training styles. She is fine and she is not first," he gave her a sharp look, a frown edging on his lips. "You are."
The princess reeled back from his proclamation, feeling her heart stutter behind her chest. The heat was immediate as it reached her cheeks and chest, a scowl mirroring her features when he looked a bit smug.
"You can fight me all you want, princess, but you and I both know that you are being a coward."
"A coward?!" She echoed, gawking at the dragon king. "Your majesty!"
"Oho, am I now 'your majesty' to you since I am not bending to your every whim, princess?" He purred, the corner of his lip tipping up to flash his canine at her. Lucy swallowed thickly, fisting her hand into her chest. "After you begged and dragged me to the battle grounds, I will not allow you to give up. If you truly wish to cease all training, you must at least experience three."
Lucy merely scowled at the dragon king, unable to speak or do anything but marinate in her emotions.
She knows Natsu is right in this sense and she could see why he was pushing her so hard for this. She was the one who wanted to learn and after everything Natsu had gone through to even get her a day of training in… she knew she had to.
But what about Mirajane? That poor woman. How could she ever repay her back?
"Princess, you are too kind," Natsu's voice brushed against her ears in a delicate way, a soft shiver rushing down her spine and a blush painting her chest and cheeks. The way his voice lulled her, she could only squirm in her spot while he came over to grab at her hands. "But I wish you were kinder to yourself as well."
The soft look he had on his face made her heart flutter and insects roam wildly in her gut but the warmth he always provided was enough for her to feel tranquil. She leaned into his warm palm, looking up at him through her lashes in a bashful way.
"I shall continue my training."
Natsu simply smiled and planted a kiss on the tip of her nose earning a giggle from the princess. The sound seemed to brighten the dragon king up even more as he held her gingerly and kissed her reddening cheeks.
Even with her energy levels high, the princess had been drowning herself in her own self pity party that she had dulled like an old lightbulb. Even when she was feeling antsy, she remained in bed for those three days, thinking of Mirajane and her kingdom.
Natsu had tried to bring her back to life and suggested going out, attending a party, or even flying but the princess had not even been able to muster the strength to even fake it for him. She truly was heartbroken over the entire thing and she was surprised Mirajane wanted to see her again. She honestly didn't think she would ever reach back out or even want to attempt to do it again.
So as they returned back to the battle grounds, the princess could only feel anxious as the dragon king was the one to be dragging her this time around.
"Princess, what is the matter? Are you feeling weakened?" Natsu asked, one hand gripping hers while the other held onto her elbow, tugging her down the massive halls.
Lucy shot him a pinched look, pressing her lips into a tight line as the smug expression brightened on the dragon king's face.
Oh how desperately she was trying to delay her way to the battle grounds and for once the dragon king seemed all too eager to be taking her down there. Such a change in pace and she knew he was intentionally trying to push her buttons with how he was smirking at her and practically pushing her down the halls.
"No, I am quite well, actually, thank you." She snipped, letting a huff of air out through her nose.
"I am simply asking because you are slower than usual. Seems as if you are dragging your toes and I wanted to know if you are feeling weak," The wicked grin that spread across his lips made her flush and she glared at him. "Shall I feed you?" He purred in her ear and the way she visibly jumped had him stifling his giggles.
The princess shoved herself away from the cackling king and grabbed at the skirt of her dress before storming away from him. The tips of her ears burned as they got filled with the boisterous laughter.
"No need to be so shy now, princess!" He continued to taunt her, following her down the massive halls.
"Leave me be!" Lucy hissed back, whipping her red face over her shoulder to shoot him a glare. It seemed to further amuse the king as he picked up the pace and his lips curled into a grin. "My lord!" She started to hurry to get away from him.
It soon turned into a little game of cat and mouse where the princess squealed when the dragon king got near and she hiked up her skirt (thankfully they're not as big and poofy as the ones from her kingdom) and began to run.
"Oho? Running away now?" Natsu's eyes flashed golden as a canine popped out from the corner of his mouth. "Don't you know that dragons love to hunt?"
Lucy shrieked as she heard Natsu's footsteps approach her at a rapid pace and she was full on sprinting down the halls with her heels clacking against the flooring. Her heart was pounding inside her chest and all the blood was rushing to her ears but she couldn't help but grin as she felt the wind on her face and the shouts of Natsu echoing from behind.
She didn't know if Natsu was purposely giving her time to run off but she felt giddy, almost as if she was a little girl again, running down the halls.
Seeing the double doors to victory, Lucy had a wide grin on her face as she reached for them but suddenly jolted when she felt her foot catch her skirt. It felt as if it was almost in slow motion with how she was falling and her eyes rounded out while her hand got thrusted out to catch herself.
But right before she could come crashing down, she felt an arm loop around her waist before she was now gliding down the halls and through the double doors. She cringed as the dust swirled and how Natsu came upright to land them on their feet.
"I won," Natsu murmured against her ear and she turned to shoot him a flushed glare.
With his hands on her hips to steady her and his wings retracting into his back, the princess failed to notice those who stared at the couple in wonder and curiosity.
"You cheater," she huffed, shoving her wrist into his shoulder to make him sway back as if he allowed her to.
"How did I cheat?"
"You flew! I can't fly!"
"Only because you tripped," he smirked at her and she scowled, shoving at his shoulder again. "Hey now, is that any way to thank the person who just saved you from falling on your face?" He looked offended but the way the corner of his lips kept twitching on further irritated the princess.
"You're insufferable!"
"It is not my fault you're clumsy."
"Clumsy?! Why I—" The princess began to growl, stomping her foot down to get into his face. Natsu simply stared right back down, smirking triumphantly at the angered woman. "You are just the most—"
Clearing of a throat made the princess jump in her spot, her head whirling over to see Mirajane standing just a few feet away with a smile to her face. Just then was she able to see they were out in the open and everyone was watching them. Some with amused expressions while others just stared in wild fascination.
It made Lucy feel the embarrassment rise up her throat and she nearly choked, stumbling over her feet to try and look composed.
Natsu steadied her, holding her by the elbow with a snicker coming from his lips. "See? Clumsy."
"You, hush!" Lucy hissed at him, ripping her arm away from his while flushing crimson. "M—my apologies, Mira." She cleared her throat, dipping her chin down.
"No need for any apologies, your highness. I thought you two were quite adorable." She giggled, giving her a sly smile which made Lucy feel even more flustered. "Thank you for joining me."
"No need for thanks but…" Lucy bit down on her lip, lacing her fingers together to nervously fidget in her spot. "Are you feeling better now?"
"Much better," Mirajane's smile widened. "Would you like to join me back in the training room?"
Natsu gently gave her a soft push making Lucy quickly follow the silver-haired woman. Mirajane seemed to be alone today making the princess wonder where Laxus may be but she didn't want to question it, seeing how there were soldiers all around practicing. She would give a small nod to those who greeted her, her cheeks still glowing red at the thought of her being so brash.
But Natsu always knew how to push her buttons and she only hoped that she did not embarrass him, either.
Returning to the same training room from last time, Lucy could see that nothing had changed. It still made the rush of nostalgia wash over her as she stood in the familiar room with Natsu and Mirajane.
"We will essentially be doing the same thing we have been working towards. But this time around, I believe it would be best to give you the opportunity to build some courage and strength." Mirajane spoke as she began to set up tea cups on the table. "Even though your body and mind may have come up with automatic responses when you're presenting in a situation, you still become very conscious and afraid because you are not used to saying or doing certain things."
"So, today, to start at an easy pace, I want you to say some things you have been holding in so it could help relieve some of that pressure and fear."
Lucy exchanged an uneasy look with Natsu, her hands fiddling nervously with her dress. "O—okay…"
She could already feel her body growing rigid as she watched the soft glow absorb Mirajane's body before she was transforming into the duke. Her legs wobbled slightly and she felt the lump in her throat return as the duke appeared right in front of her.
"Do not be so afraid, princess, remember, this is just a part of training."
Lucy simply nodded, swallowing back her fear and trying her best to muster up the courage to say what she always wanted to say out loud but finding it harder to do.
Of all the times she could have screamed and shouted, why were the words failing her now? Why was it so hard to even try to say what was the mere truth to the face of her abuser?
With her eyes screwed shut and her teeth grinding with one another, Lucy felt her frame shake as she imagined all the awful things the duke had done or said to her. She felt the emotions of his abuse grip at her throat and chest but with the encouragement of Mirajane and Natsu, courage began to build.
"Try saying some things you've always wanted to say to him. Let it out. You're safe here, Lucy." Mirajane's voice fluttered in her head and it was comforting on its own but the idea that once she opened her eyes, Mirajane would be the splitting image of the duke, it scared her. "Whatever you want."
"I.." Her voice was small as she kept her head down. She stared at the space between them, seeing the pointed toes of his shoes.
It felt like someone had her vocal cords in a tight grasp, forcing her to keep quiet and choke on her words. It truly made her feel pathetic as hotness began to seep between her eyes. All the unsaid words she always kept hidden inside of her were building like a bomb ready to go off but she was having trouble lighting it, causing her to feel the effects of holding it in.
Her entire frame shook and she could see it with her eyes cast down and when she opened her mouth to speak again, it only came out in a small whimper.
Feeling a warm hand come down on her shoulder, Lucy immediately turned to look over at the dragon king who had a pinched smile to his lips.
"Here, how about this?" He said gently, bringing his hand down her back to place against the very end of her spine. "Would you be more comfortable if you could not see him?"
"I.. am unsure but possibly?" She felt her cheeks heating up at the way he was looking at her and as she watched in silence, she was surprised to see Natsu begin to unravel the scarf she had made him. They were all quiet as they watched him bring it over towards her, stepping behind her small frame to bring it in front of her and up to her face.
In a matter of seconds, all Lucy saw was darkness. With the scarf being tied around her eyes and masking her sight, all she could smell was the scent of the dragon king with his scarf on her face.
"There, maybe this could help you." Natsu's voice fluttered in her ear. She nearly jumped with how close he was and how his hot breath fanned against her neck, causing a blush to rush down her chest and burn the tips of her ears.
His hands came up to grip at her shoulders from behind and she was rigid in her spot, listening to her ragged breathing.
"Breathe, princess, you are safe," he purred into her ear, coaxing her to relax. "Speak your mind. Say what you always wanted to say. There will be no judgement nor repercussions from your actions. Remember, this is a part of training."
She could feel her bottom lip wobble but she had to admit that it made it easier without having to face the duke physically. She had said plenty of things about him in the safety of her chambers so it shouldn't be any different now but why was it so hard to even voice her anger? Her sadness? Grief?
"I.." She inhaled sharply to let out a wobbly breath. "I hate you…" She all but muttered and feeling the wave of heat wash over her from behind made her aware that Natsu was agreeing in his own way.
"Very good, Lucy," Mirajane's praise came tinkering in behind the pounding of her heart. "Keep going."
She inhaled deeply through her nose, exhaling harshly as she allowed her nerves to blow through.
She envisioned all the nasty things she always wanted to say to the duke and seeing from the depths of her memories of how he treated her, the emotions began to swell inside of her.
"You're a terrible person," she began, her voice wobbly and still nearly in a hush. She squeezed her eyes shut even though she couldn't see, feeling the tips of her ears burn yet all she could focus on was the pounding of her heart. "You are the worst of the worst."
They were all silent as if they were trying to listen to her whispers and while the princess felt quite embarrassed and flustered about doing this, she had to admit that she felt somewhat relieved. Even if it wasn't to the duke directly, it was still the image of him and she could finally let out all the emotions she had bottled up inside of her.
"You are a cold, ugly person who has even an uglier personality," she fisted her hands into her dress, feeling the pounding of her heart behind her chest. "I wish you were never born… I wish you were born somewhere else entirely so you and I would have never crossed paths. You… are not worthy of me nor the title you hold nor the respect you are given. You are a disgusting man who always smells like cigarettes and alcohol…" She swallowed thickly, feeling the lump return to her throat.
"Sometimes I wonder why you were so cruel to me… why you treated me so poorly…" She could feel the tears well up in her eyes and she was glad she had the scarf to hide them. "I don't know why everyone else did either. I do not know what I did to deserve such a life… such a terrible loss… everyone only saw me as the perfect doll and pawn pieces and all I ever wanted," she choked on her words, feeling like she was a second away from crumbling. "All I ever wanted was someone to see me as me and treat me kindly… I don't know why that is so hard."
The feeling of Natsu running his hand up and down her back gave her courage and strength, forcing her to continue even though her throat burned and her eyes felt hot and heavy.
"I am more than the perfect princess, I am more than just my title and looks," her voice began to harden and her back straightened. "I may lack any magical abilities but I am still a person, too! Someone with feelings and emotions and opinions." She grit her teeth together, feeling her emotions skyrocket. "I am human, too!" She raised her voice and she could feel the lingering warmth inside of her stir, stroking her as if a fire was being lit. "I deserve to be seen and heard!"
Her chest was heaving with her harsh breaths but she could feel the fire inside of her grow, warming her entirely and giving her solace in her discomfort.
"Sometimes I wish you were dead or were never born at all, then maybe, my life would have not been so harsh. It is cruel of me to wish death on anyone but I truly believe that maybe the world would be a better place without someone like you tainting it. Without your bigotry and ignorance.. your sexist attitude and conservative ways… You are the worst! The absolute worst!"
All her emotions began to mix together as if it was a tornado of rage and hatred and Lucy could feel a surge of power come forth, pushing her to the edge of her anger. Unknowingly, a soft golden glow began to form around her and the three were staring at her in awe, eyes wide.
"You had no right to treat me the way you did! I am a princess!" She cried out, tipping her chin up as if she was looking and speaking right to him but with the scarf still tied around her face, she only saw the image of him. "You are a vile, disgusting excuse of a person and you should have never been allowed near me! You should have never been allowed in my room and you should have never read those letters! They were private!" She began to shout, feeling her anger fester and boil over. "And who cares if I gave my purity to another man?! I would never let a man like you take it! You don't even deserve me! What I do with my life has nothing to do with you!"
Her heart was pounding but her blood was pumping through her veins like it never had, warming her and forcing her to bare her teeth as if she was ready for battle.
"You should have never put your hands on me! I do not belong to you! I hate all the gifts you give me and I hate everything about you! You are not a man worthy of having the princess of the Heartfillia kingdom! You should have never made me question my sanity and the love I have for the dragon king! You will never compare to a man like him! He is not the savage here, you are!"
With the explosion of her words, the princess was completely unaware that a burst of her magic came flying out, forcing everything and everyone back. Golden glittery dust expanded in a bright glow and warmed the room very quickly. The screeching of the chairs against the wood startled the princess and Lucy was quick to pull at the scarf over her eyes, peeking at the sight of a very shocked and dazed Dragon residence.
Mirajane looked shocked at the sight and experience of her magic coming forth while Natsu looked pleased with himself, looking more proud in fact.
She blinked stupidly, confused on why the furniture had moved and made such a noise when nobody was near them and also the baffled looks on their faces.
"Was it.. too much?" She asked in a soft hush, feeling her cheeks flush in embarrassment.
Her eyes darted from everyone's face before landing on Natsu's prideful gleam, seeing how he approached her to reach for her hand.
"Lucy…" He was nearly breathless, seeing how his dark eyes were twinkling with mirth and sprinkles of gold. "That was amazing, princess. You are.. magnificent. Your magic…" He was in awe, grinning at her.
Lucy continued to blink at him, confused on what he was speaking about. "My.. magic?"
"I have never felt such magic like yours and when you just released some… I felt the heat of it seeping into my very soul." He placed a hand against his chest, his proud grin never leaving his face. "Now if you learn how to control that, you may actually be able to feel and form your abilities."
Her eyes darted over to Mirajane and seeing how she was silently nodding her head, she felt flustered.
"I believe we are finally getting somewhere."