The princess had been in many difficult positions in her life and while she had gone through the many hoops they had placed for her, she had yet to figure out how to deal with such emotions.

It hadn't even been officially six months since the Heartfillia kingdom had signed their treaty with the dragons and for them to suddenly shun them out and deny entry to their kingdom meant something was brewing.

Her fears were rising up into the air in a destructive dark manner and she did not know what to do but found the guilt that plagued her throughout her journey.

It was surprising it took them this long to do something about it and Lucy was hoping that her kingdom would have ruled her kidnapping as her death but she didn't think she would actually be hunted down for. Nor did she think she was important enough to anyone there that they would conjure up a plan and possibly throw her kingdom into war with Natsu's.

They never treated her as if she was that important so why were they trying to locate her and bring her home and even shut down their borders?

Looking at how Levy was in near tears as she explained what had happened to them and seeing how grim Gajeel and the rest of the dragons looked, the princess could only watch in mere disassociation how they planned to retaliate and protect their kingdom.

"Laxus, we must prepare our soldiers for possible war. We need to plant extra forces out into the north side of the kingdom and along our borders towards the west. We need to ensure all our blind spots are protected and safe so there won't be any surprise attacks. Have Freed set ruins around our lands and strengthen the ones that we already have set. Strategize with Mira and get back to me."

Laxus gave a curt nod as he disappeared out of the room, leaving the four anxiously looking at one another.

"Gajeel, I need you to contact our allies in the north and east to gain some strength and control of the situation. I do not doubt we cannot handle the Heartfillia kingdom on our own but it would be a great advantage if we could have some friendly peers on our side. Find Happy and contact them and let them know about our situation."

It was Gajeel's turn to provide a nod before he was leaving the premises, leaving Levy and Lucy staring at the dragon king.

"Levy, with any insight and knowledge you may obtain, I need you to help Lucy build her strength and learn how to protect herself if there may be a possible war."

"Your majesty!" Lucy cried out, looking over at Natsu who turned to look right at her flustered self. "You cannot possibly think we are about to head into war?"

"If the Heartfillia kingdom is not allowing any dragons to enter into their lands, they are already thinking about it." Natsu spoke, giving her a stern look. "We must prepare. What they want is you and we must protect you at all costs."

"B—but—"

"What do you need from me?" Levy quickly interjected, seeing how conflicted the princess was looking. "Do you need me to set ruins around the kingdom?"

"That, too, but for now, I need you to ensure Lucy's safety is a priority. We need to go incognito with her and make sure if and when the time comes, she will be prepared as well. I should be enough protection but I cannot be with you at all times," Natsu turned to look back at Lucy, giving her a flat smile. "I do not have doubt you could not protect yourself but with the training you have been receiving, it will not be enough to fight off attackers. Most likely, they aren't going to harm you but take you instead. You still need to learn how to fight them off if that occurs and Levy, that is what I am bestowing upon you."

The words were all jumbling up together in a way where the princess could only hear sound. Her small frame was shaking as the thought of a war occurred because of her. All the innocent people who could die or get hurt because of her selfish desire.

None of this would have happened if she didn't come here. If she had just married the duke or even gone through with her original plan, she would have been able to prevent something like this happening.

Natsu and the dragon kingdom was the one place she could not risk losing.

"Natsu…" His name slipped out of her lips before she could stop herself and it immediately caught the dragon king's attention as he turned to look at her. "I…" The hotness was coming back to her eyes and she felt the tears well in her orbs. "I do not think any of this is necessary…"

The surprised look on Levy and Natsu would have been comical if it wasn't for the dire situation.

"What do you mean by that?" Natsu asked, turning his full attention and body towards her.

Squirming in her spot, Lucy let out a shaky sigh as her eyes landed on the space between them.

"It is me that they want… correct? Then… then to prevent any war from happening… maybe it is best if I—"

"Do not finish that sentence if you do not want me to grow angry, princess." Natsu hissed at her and she was surprised when he came forward to grab her by the arms. She jerked her head up to stare wide eyed at the angry looking king. His grip was tight on her arms and she winced slightly. "We have made it this far and you are talking about returning back to the Heartfillia kingdom?"

"We are making you the enemy and going forward with possible war and attack! How could I sit back and allow you and your kingdom to get hurt because of what my kingdom is planning?"

"That is no longer your kingdom or your decision!" He shouted, holding onto her tight. "Right now, you are not them! They are the enemy. You are one of us and if anyone goes against one of us, they're going against all of us."

His declaration surprised her and she was in shock at how direct he was being.

"You left that kingdom behind and as you are a resident of the dragon kingdom, you are part of me. My kingdom. And I will do anything and everything to protect that."

There was a pregnant pause as the princess continued to stare at the seething king and she was unsure of how to respond to him.

She did leave that kingdom behind and without a single doubt, she allowed Natsu to take control of her life. He helped her escape and learn that life does not have to be all that bad and suffocating and even if it was just a mere couple months, it was the best time she had since her mother passed.

Natsu was doing this all for her and yet she could not see why.

Was love always this hard? Did love do this to everyone?

Tears brimmed her eyes as she began to tremble in his grip and seeing how the dragon king began to simmer down from his earlier emotions, Lucy could only bit down on her bottom lip to stop the sob that wanted to spill forward.

"I told you before," his voice grew soft, his features soothing out. "I will do anything and everything for you. I will protect you till the end of time. You are mine," he brought one hand up to his mouth, pressing a kiss against the back of her palm. "And I hope I am yours, too."

Lucy could only give him a watery look as they stared her down, ensuring his words marinated deep into her bone.

Turning his head back towards Levy who kept her attention downwards, the dragon king let out a deep sight before turning back over to the princess.

"Lucy, I know how hard you have been training and growing. You have healed significantly from the last couple weeks. I can feel you now," he brought one hand over to his chest, placing her palm flat against his heart. "That means you can feel me, too. I want to protect you, princess, and I will. You are mine. And once a dragon has their treasure, it's not easy to steal it back. I won't let them." His dark orbs were boring into hers and she was staring back with wide eyes. "The only way they would have you is.. if you want to go back. Is that what you want?"

Memories of her life back at the Heartfillia kingdom came rushing in and the soft smiles of her mother and maids flickered before her eyes. The bright twinkling constellations she loved so dearly shining merrily at her and her citizens who adored her…

But how could she go back? She did not want to go back. The thought of returning to her old life and leaving her new one behind…

"No, I—" she was speaking before she realized it and she was shocked to see how her words were tumbling out of her parted lips. "I don't."

The soft curve of his lips made her shutter and as he pressed another kiss to her palm, warmth began to seep into her skin.

"Then don't," he responded, reaching forward to place a hand against her cheek. "Lucy," he made sure to lock eyes with her before he continued. "My proposal still stands, even if you do not want to or are not ready to, it is still there." He spoke gently, earning a soft gasp in return. "You are the only one for me. Even if you cannot be everyone's queen… you will always be mine. I just hope one day, you will finally agree to be."

—X—

While sitting outside on the balcony, the princess stared up at the dark night sky where stars twinkled delightfully towards her way. The heaviness in her chest was crushing as the mere thought of this beautiful kingdom and her own clashing over her.

She knew deep down that something would have had to happen and knowing how persistent the duke is, it was a matter of time before he was trying to capture her.

Even if it was against her will, she still had a duty to withhold back in her kingdom and what she was doing was wrong. She should have never abandoned her kingdom and if only she had allowed Natsu to challenge the duke for her hand, maybe things would have been different.

After spending time in the library with the scholar once more, Lucy had spent the last couple hours going over material that may help her in more ways than one.

Looking down at the black leather whip that was gifted to her earlier, her fingers brushed against the coldness of the length. The slight tingle of the magical force that was enchanted on it tickled her fingers but knowing she could even feel the magic made her smile.

Levy had given her this to train with and use in case anything were to happen.

With no experience in welding magic or weapons, the princess was wary about her newly given gift but with the circumstances they were in, she knew she had to learn how to fight alongside her allies.

After all, this was all for her.

Closing her eyes to inhale deeply, she tilted her head up towards the stars to give them a silent prayer.

If only she could be stronger… better… she could be the one to stop this all. She could avoid such a tragedy but who was she to tell Natsu no?

His words rang inside her head like an alarm and she could only feel the sharp tug of shame and fear yank at her chest.

I just hope one day, you will finally agree to be.

How could someone like her be a queen? She would not be able to push this kingdom into success… she had nothing to her name and would only be seen as arm candy to the dragon king. Natsu already had enough on his plate and she would just be adding to it rather than taking.

How long could she be useless? How much longer must she play the perfect doll?

Dropping the whip on her seat, Lucy stood to come closer to the railing. She stared up at the dark twinkling skies with a twisted look on her face.

She reached her hand up, almost as if she wanted to take a handful of stars and collect them in a jar.

"Please," she murmured into the night sky, bringing her hand closer to her chest. "Please grant me the strength to protect the people I love," she whispered into the air, shutting her eyes once more to inhale deeply. "That is all I desire."

Feeling her body pulse with warmth, she slowly opened her eyes to see her body giving a soft golden light. She looked down at her hands to see the spark of her magic seeping out and surrounded her as if it was some barrier, making her skin prickle with goosebumps.

She waved her hands in front of her slowly, watching the glow follow her movements. It fascinated the princess to see such a beautiful sight and a soft smile was appearing on her lips at the discovery of her skills.

It is yours.

A soft caress of warmth brushed against her skin and the princess could only gasp, hearing the whisper of the wind stroke her.

It has always been yours.

When the princess woke the very next day, she was quick to notice the bed empty.

She blinked away her sleepiness as she looked around, seeing how nothing out of the ordinary was out of place.

She had fallen asleep last night without Natsu and hoping he would turn in while she was asleep, she was a bit disappointed to see he had never come.

Granted, he was preparing for a war. She shouldn't have been so disappointed but Natsu would have at least told her. Especially after everything that has happened between the two, she was feeling a bit wary about the matter.

Could he still be upset about her answer to his proposal?

Wanting to get a head start to her day, Lucy threw the covers off herself to hurry and get ready. She was unsure what today will entail but she had a lot to prepare for.

She was quick to shower and get herself ready, finding a nice rosy-pink dress to put on. Unable to find the time to do her hair, she just allowed her golden locks to flow freely as she left her chambers.

Knowing Natsu, he may be still in his office and she hurried down the halls to hope to catch a glimpse of him. Maybe if she was lucky, he would have a meal with her and allow her all the details he has been working on. She knew the kingdom was going to be in a fury of worry soon enough and knowing how Laxus was preparing the soldiers, she wondered if Mirajane would even have time to train her some more.

Her combat skills were still lacking and even with her new weapon she had obtained, she still needed to learn how to use it to her advantage.

Coming to the front doors of his office, Lucy lifted her knuckles to rap on the wood but was surprised when the door opened on its own before she could ask for permission.

The face of the dragon king was a relief for her and seeing how Natsu offered a smile before dragging her inside, she was surprised how quickly he embraced her.

"I have missed you, princess," Natsu purred against her ear as his strong arms held her. "I smelled your presence."

Her face grew hot with his words and she pushed at him slightly, reeling her back to scowl at his grinning face. His arms wouldn't undo no matter how hard she pushed and she merely huffed, not wanting to leave his arms anyways.

"Did you sleep well, my star? I'm sorry for not coming to bed last night, I was a bit occupied and trying to grant permission for some special guests."

Lucy turned to look at him, her eyes brows raising. "Special guests? Who are—"

"Natsu, it seems to me that you are still a slob after nearly fifty years. When is the last time you—oh?"

Lucy snapped her neck over to look at the feminine voice that came filtering into the room and seeing a familiar face, the princess' eyes widened in surprise.

Standing on the other side of the room, the fiery red hair was a dead giveaway and the look of pure surprise that flashed across her face made Lucy mirror it.

"Your majesty, the Fairy Queen?!" Lucy shouted in surprise.

The two stood as still as statues, staring at one another before the fairy queen was prowling over towards the couple.

Lucy jumped in her spot as the queen grabbed at her from Natsu's arms and yanked her to her chest, nearly suffocating her in her generous cleavage.

"Your highness, the Celestial princess!" It has been way too long!" She nearly shouted and Lucy flailed around as the crushing embrace of the queen kept her in place. "You have grown!"

"I did not know you were familiar with Titania, Lucy," Natsu offered a smile as Lucy gasped for air, trying to regain her breath. "If I had known, I would have invited Erza over much sooner."

"I—It certainly has been a long time, your majesty," Lucy felt dizzy as she offered an awkward smile, trying to compose herself in such a lively room. "How have you been?"

"I am much better off knowing you are safe and healthy. It has been nearly a decade since we have last seen one another. You were just a child when I last saw you."

Lucy could only stare up at the fairy queen in awe as the familiar features of the woman registered through her head.

The last she had seen Erza was when she was ten years of age. She was still a young princess when the fairy queen had visited her kingdom and seeing how Erza looked exactly the same since then, it made her curious how long she may have known the dragon king. Fairies usually live a long life, not nearly as long as a dragon but still span a couple centuries. And last she knew, Erza was nearing her first century.

But the fierce Queen always felt more like an older sister to her than an elder. The two had a very strong relationship when she was younger, the beautiful queen being the one to teach her how to take care of hair. She remembered that the fairy queen cherished her vibrant locks.

Being the Queen of the Fairies gave Erza expendable powers throughout the nation and as someone as strong as her was always a huge honor to have by one's side. When she was younger, she saw Erza a lot more often but as she grew older, the visit became less and less. But only because their relationship became stable within each nations and there was no point on having to negotiate and kiss feet at that point.

"When I heard the news of your disappearance, it worried me deeply. I nearly sent out my own search party in hopes that you were safe."

Heat bloomed at her cheeks as the shame washed over her body, her eyes being casted downwards.

"If I had known you were such a close ally to the princess, I would have sent word myself to ease your worries, Erza." Natsu spoke up, placing a hand against his chest. "For I am the one to capture the princess and bring her here."

"Surely this is not something our princess is against?" Her sharp glare snapped to his direction and Lucy shivered at the darkness of the look. She was even surprised to see Natsu flinch at the sight of the fairy queen giving him such a deadly look.

"A—absolutely! I wish to be here and am immensely grateful for the compassion and kindness the dragon king has shown me!" She sputtered out, waving her hands out in front of her in a frantic manner.

"Do you see me as some kind of beast, Erza?" Natsu asked with one hand placed against his chest in disbelief.

"You are a possessive gigantic fire breathing lizard with trust issues." A new voice joined in and the three snapped their necks over to see Prince Gray Fullbuster from the Ice Kingdom be escorted into the room by Happy.

The dashing prince had a smirk to his pale face which immediately had the dragon king fuming in annoyance while Lucy gasped at the sight of the newcomer.

She had met the Ice Prince once when he had visited her kingdom as a child and while the two were relatively close in age, they never formed a relationship. Their kingdoms were allies and she had been cordial with the prince, she couldn't say she knew much about him besides the basics every person should know about royalty. She was nearly matched with him and could have been engaged to this one if he didn't find a bride but with her luck, he did and she was matched with the Duke of her kingdom.

He had grown into a very handsome man with jet black hair and broad shoulders. Sporting his kingdom's crest on his chest, his lean build was packed with muscle.

He clearly would have been a better choice than the duke but then again, anyone else would have been a better match than the duke.

"Your highness, the crowned prince of the Ice Kingdom," Lucy quickly curtsied towards him and Natsu snapped his teeth in her direction.

"Do not show such respect for the ice princess, Lucy, he is below you, especially in my kingdom walls."

Lucy's eyes nearly popped out of her eye socket at the sound of his insult and she whirled her head over towards him to gawk at him. He looked a bit smug, a slight smirk to his lips while his eyes pinned at the frowning prince.

"It's nice to know someone in this room has manners."

"I am a king and Erza is a queen, we do not bow to you." The dragon king huffed and it seemed that the Ice Prince did not like to hear that as his eyes narrowed and nostrils flared.

"Y—your majesty..!" Lucy nearly cried out in shock as her eyes darted back and forth between the men. Natsu's eyes found her wary ones instantly. "You are being too harsh!" She whispered to him and Natsu simply rolled his eyes. Turning towards the Ice Prince, Lucy bowed towards him. "Apologizes, Ice Prince, for the dragon king is a bit stressed at the moment. There is no hostility towards you or your kingdom."

Now it was Natsu's turn to gawk as Erza had an amused smile slip on her lips, the look of half-surprise flashing across Gray's face.

"Lucy, do not bow your head at him!" Natsu cried out while Erza stifled a chuckle.

"Princess Lucy apologizing for the dragon king? I was unaware you two were this close, I just thought he was aiding you in your escape."

Gray's smile slipped ever so slightly as he looked right at the blonde princess. "You and this hot head? You can do so much better."

Now Lucy was gawking at the dark-haired prince and she was baffled at the sight of the dragon king storming over to jab his finger into his chest while barking yet another insult his way. Prince Gray went right to shouting his own, slapping away the finger that was jabbing into his chest while their voices jumbling into one loud noise.

Lucy stood frozen in place while clutching her imagery pearls, unable to process what was happening as her eyes ping ponged back and forth between the two.

It looked like two kids bickering about god knows what. She had never seen two grown men participating in such childish behavior and she was unsure if they were being serious or not.

Until she saw a flash of red and the poise queen pulled a very large sword out from between her cleavage to slice right between the bickering pair. The two jumped away at the last minute, being thrown against the floor as they both warily looked at the sneering queen while a startled gasp flew out of Lucy's parted lips.

"You dare act and speak in such a barbaric way in front of ladies? Much less a queen and princess? Where are your manners?!" She shouted, not a hair out of place even with her vicious approach. She pointed the tip of her sword at prince Gray who was startled at the sight, his eyes wide with sweat outlining his forehead. "You are making a fool out of yourself in front of the princess," she turned towards Natsu who also jumped at the sight of the pointed sword. "Act like gentlemen and cease this childish display of immaturity and fragile masculinity."

Lucy slapped a hand over her gaping mouth as she watched the sight of Natsu and Gray nod rapidly in response, coursing a line that sounded rehearsed.

"Yes, ma'am!"

Unable to hold it in, the princess bursted out into laughter that startled not only the three but herself as she slapped her other hand against her mouth to stop the noise. The three turned to give her a puzzled look and Lucy resumed laughing out loud, her laughter tinkering into the silent room like bells.

"Surely you are not laughing at me, princess?" Natsu gawked at her but the corner of his lips were twitching in amusement.

Lucy couldn't respond with the way she continued to laugh and seeing how she doubled down to tremble, tears pooled into her eyes.

"She is definitely laughing at you."

"You, too, idiot!"

"Who are you calling—"

"You have driven the princess mad with your incompetence," Erza hissed, throwing her sword to the side to stride over to the giggling princess. "They have broken you!"

"N—no! No!" Lucy waved her hands in the air as she continued to laugh. "I—it is just that," she wiped at a tear that was pooling in her eyes. "This is just so c—comical! I have never seen a king and a prince fight like… like… children!"

The silence came back tenfold beside the fact the princess was giggling nonstop, the three royalty exchanging mixed expressions of confusion and amusement.

"Children?! Must I remind you I am over four hundred years old?"

"Yeah, yeah, we get it old man," Gray waved him off as he stood to dust his pants off. "But I am not a child."

"You certainly bicker like one," Erza muttered, narrowing her eyes at the prince who scowled in her direction. "Come, Lucy, please come join me for breakfast. I believe we have a lot to catch up on." The scarlet queen wrapped her arm around the blonde's and Lucy blinked up at her in surprise before she turned to look at Natsu.

Natsu looked a bit wary at the thought of allowing Erza to sweep her away but seeing how Erza must have felt his heated stare, he was quick to turn his head when she turned to look at him.

"Oh, I—" Her eyes darted over to see Natsu staring at her. "But—"

"Go and enjoy breakfast with Titania, Lucy," Natsu said, one hand being pushed through his wild locks. "I will come find you a little later, yes?"

"Yes, but—" her eyes were round in disappointment, her bottom lip being chewed on.

Natsu was instantly at her side, his long legs taking mere steps to come to her and he took a hold of her dainty hand.

"Do not worry," he whispered over to her, bringing her hand to press a kiss to her hand. "We will speak when we have the chance. I am sorry I never went to bed last night, I got caught up on a lot of things but I promise we will have time together when things get settled. Please, go enjoy breakfast with your friend. I am sure you two do have a lot of things to talk about."

Her cheeks warmed and she could only shyly nod. Her eyes darted over to see Gray grimacing at the sight of them while Erza was smiling down at them.

She quickly pulled her hand away and cleared her throat, turning her eyes elsewhere.

"O—of course, your majesty—"

"Don't start this crap with me again," Natsu sighed, leaning back to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Erza and Gray are close allies and I do not need you using honorifics to please these two."

Lucy warily looked at Gray's and Erza's expression to see if they were upset at his words but seeing how Gray was merely rolling his eyes while Erza let out a soft scoff, Lucy could only slowly nod.

"This fire breathing lizard won't ever get my respect for using formalities with him," Gray waved his hand in the air as he turned away. "And I for one do not care for mine either so just call me Gray. After all, we are only two years apart."

"They are correct. Gray and Natsu are like brothers to me and you, a sister, of all things. There is none but us in here so let us keep it to our names."

"Yeah, don't ever bow at this icicle again." Natsu jerked his thumb behind him to point at the ice prince who turned to glare at him. "I will not allow it."

"Look who's talking, you ancient creature!"

"Who are ya callin' ancient?!"

Watching how the ice prince and dragon king were back to bickering back and forth, Lucy could only smile lovingly at the sight of them.

Even with insults being thrown back and forth, she could even see that they didn't hold any true meaning behind it. It was almost refreshing to see such a sight of two royalty having a playful moment like this. It made her wonder how the two had become so close to the point they argued like two brothers.

The warmth inside of her chest deepened and she could only thank the very stars for allowing Natsu to have such allies close to him.

But that moment was short lived when a fireball was thrown across the room, shattering the very chair that was beside her and then having icicles being thrown all around to counter the attack.

And next thing she knew, Erza was joining in and she was unsure if she was trying to stop it or just win this battle of strength.

Notes: Apologies to everyone who has been patiently waiting for my updates. I have been very busy of late trying to get my life together. And those who are impacted by what that idiot felon in office is doing, please do not be afraid to reach out to me if you need someone to lean on. I hope you all are safe and are doing well. Till the next chapter x