The Caged Innocence

Chapter 5

Lucy fiddled her thumbs nervously during the lengthy walk to her father's chambers. She was sweating in fear and anxiety, sure her father never hit her in front of outsiders and Natsu was right by her side. But she could still clearly recall the torment her father provoked onto her. The feeling of the harsh hot rubber of his whip disfiguring her back just the last time he had her in his clutches. She wrapped her arms against herself instinctively, which did not go unnoticed to Natsu.

'Why?' Lucy wondered more often than not. Naturally Lucy loved her family and friends more than anything the betrayal of her father to her never made any sense. He certainly had fell into alcoholism after the death of Lucy's mother, but what could posses Jude to bring his own child down with him. Sometimes she felt as if she wasn't even his child. Before Lucy realized tears were pouring down her face and she was loosing her footing. Natsu swiftly grabbed her but it did nothing to stop her uncontrollable sobbing. She felt like all she had done was cry these past few days. Being with Natsu resurfaced all of her traumas that she worked so hard to lock away.

Virgo looked back on the young couple in dismay.  For years her and the other servants had to watch as Lucy suffered in silence. The once bubbly child that they grew to love quickly became a hollow shell of her former self. And all Virgo could do was sit and watch. The servants knew if word were to get out of what really goes on in the castle each and everyone of their tongues would be cut out.
Much like Lucy they were scared too. So for many years Lucy took the beatings from her father without so much of a word. Her silence was the thin line that kept all of her beloved servants safe. Lucy carried the weight of the world on her tiny shoulders and for that Virgo would always serve her. She sighed in pity at the traumatized  girl.

Natsu was upset and then pained on Lucy's behalf. He truly wanted Jude dead more than anything now. Certainly he could have his head with a clean slice to his nape but then Lucy and him would both be under fire. Treason, conspiracy, and much more world laws. Natsu scoffed at laws more often than not. But naturally killing Jude at this moment could never work in Lucy's favor. To other world leaders Lucy would look like an opportunist who seduced Natsu and stole her father's crown. He couldn't allowed her to be shamed and hurt any longer.

"Take her back to her room Virgo, I'll speak with Jude." Natsu commanded.

"N-no! I have to go or Virgo will get hurt!" Lucy argued but her body was in a weak state and she could barely feel her legs.

Virgo nodded, the crown prince was right Lucy was in no state to meet her despicable excuse for a father. "Princess no need to keep sacrificing yourself on our behalf" Virgo said gently and Natsu handed her the fragile girl. Lucy didn't speak choosing to accept Virgo's help. Natsu planted a soft kiss on Lucy's cheek before taking his leave.

"I-I'd like to take a b-bath" Lucy croaked with a shaky voice.

"Right away Princess."

Natsu

Natsu stormed to Kings Jude's study in a quick furry. 'Jude.' He thought angrily. And before he knew it he stood in front of the large door separating him from the man he despised. He calmed down his anger with a few deep breathes before knocking. A few seconds later he was greeted by the booming voice of Jude which he was sure kept Lucy up at night.

"Enter"

Natsu walked in with a stone hard look on his face. Jude looked shocked at the sight of Natsu his entire demeanor changed as he stood up to greet Natsu. Natsu could smell the alcohol all over the King.

"You startled me, you see I was fully expecting my daughter to walk through that door," Jude explained. "It seems she can't even get my message even if I beat it over her head." He said jokingly.