A Cinderella Story

Chapter 8

Natsu impatiently drummed his fingers repeatedly on the arm of his throne. He was so bored! He didn't get the point of balls. He sighed for the hundredth time, resting his cheek in the palm of his hand. Where the hell was Lucy? The ball started half an hour ago and was in full swing, but she still hadn't arrived. His parents kept bugging him to go dance, but he was keeping to his word that he would save his first dance for her. So where was she? Oh God what if something happened? What if she was injured or worse?

Natsu fidgeted uncomfortably in his throne. Now he wanted to go check if she was ok. He wanted her to be her with him. Much to his displeasure he had to dress up in a white and gold suit with golden buttons and shining black shoes. He wasn't complaining as much as he normally would, as he might impress Lucy more if he dressed up. He was sitting at the head of the ballroom in his red throne beside his father and mothers. He had to wear a crown, unfortunately. The heavy gold with the ruby at the front was seriously uncomfortable. Speaking of thrones, crowns and... princes, how would Lucy react?

He wanted to tell her, but he was afraid of how she would take it. He was terrified that she would hate him once she found out. The wrung his hands nervously. What if she didn't agree to marry him? What would he do then? He wouldn't be able to live if she wasn't there with him. A sudden gasp echoed through the ballroom, and the music stopped abruptly. Frowning, Natsu flicked his eyes up to see what the problem was. His elbow slipped of the arm and his mouth dropped in awe at the sight before him. It was Lucy.

Lucy showed her invitation to the doorman, slid it back into her pocket and stood at the top of the tall marble staircase, looking down at the ongoing ball. She looked amazedly at the glorious ballroom. Then she realized everyone was staring at her. Whispers bounced off the ballroom walls. "Who is she?" "I've never seen her before." "Look at that dress!" And the music had stopped. She gulped nervously. She didn't look that horrible did she? Her eyes travelled up and met Natsu's shocked ones. Where he was sitting on the throne. With a crown on his head. As the prince. The prince...Natsu was the prince.

It took a few seconds for the truth to settle in. Natsu...the prince? Natsu the prince...NATSU IS THE PRINCE! The realization hit her like a bucket of cold water. NATSU IS THE PRINCE! WHY DIDN'T HE TELL ME! That liar! Lucy felt her heart start to shatter into pieces. What was all that then? Was it all just a joke? Why would a prince take interest in a lousy maid like me? He wasn't serious...Lucy bit her lip to stop it from trembling. She took a deep breath, and slowly descended the stairs.

That damn bastard...And he still has to look incredible doesn't he? Lucy couldn't help but let her eyes drift down Natsu's body. She was still in love with him after all. She'd have to get rid of those feelings... He looked so amazingly handsome in his fine white suit. Lucy still wanted to run up to him and kiss him. She smirked inwardly at the flabbergasted look on his face.

Natsu drank in every glorious inch of Lucy with hungry eyes. Crap she looked so beautiful...Her dress was stunning, and hugged every curve of that amazing body of hers, and she was wearing his necklace! He felt his chest swell in joy. Natsu wanted to run up the stairs and hold her in his arms and kiss her senseless. Once he saw the furious glare she was sending in his direction, he decided that might not be a good idea if he wanted to live. She's mad at me... Natsu immediately saw the crowd of men starting to gather at the bottom of the stairs. A low possessive growl rippled through his chest. He'd be damned if her let some other bastard steal his Lucy's first dance.

In seconds he was at the bottom of the stairs. Lucy stopped in front of him, scowling. He cleared his dry throat, and bowed in front of her. "May I have this dance?" he asked, scared of her reply. Damn I can't refuse in front of all these people...That would look bad... "You may" Lucy replied mildly, holding out one small hand. Natsu grinned, relieved and placed a warm kiss on her smooth skin. They proceeded towards the centre of the ballroom, Lucy refusing to look at him. The music started to play again as Natsu and Lucy spun into a waltz.