Natsu's POV:
"What dirty work do you need me to do now, Jude? Is it so bad that you have to leave your daughter out of it?" I asked.
"Everything that we talk about is confidential. Princess Lucia has nothing to do with this," Judas sounded suspicious, like he might be planning something.
"Oh? Is that so? I don't think you're tellin' the truth, Old Man. Do me a favor and spill the beans already," I didn't sound pissed at him, I just didn't trust him at all. He looked pissed, but not me.
Maybe I should go into more detail about this "King" named Jude. He originated from the Royal and wealthy Heartfilia family. He married a wonderful young woman named Layla, who was also a celestial Mage. She treated her spirits kindly and compassionately. Years back, around the year x777, Layla passed away due to her illness. This troubled the king and turned him into a more...greedy person over time. I've heard stories about Jude torturing the princess, though they were only rumors. But over the past five years, things really did change, as many people have said.
"I need your help," Jude began, "Protection actually."
I questioned him, "Oh? From what?"
"The kingdom in the South. War between us and them is coming any moment, and I must be ready for it. I need you to protect my kingdom and my palace. That includes the people inside," Jude explained. I got this sensation that what he said isn't what he was after.
"What do I get in return for this deed?" I asked. His explanation didn't sound like much, but I can see the greed in his eyes and I can tell there's more to this than what he said.
Jude thought for a moment, "Anything you wish. Money, fame, a palace of your own. Say it and I'll make it happen," He answered.
I grinned," So then you wouldn't mind if I asked your daughter to come with me? Live with me? Be my slave? Your protection for her life. What would you say about that?" I was toying with the king and I enjoyed it. I really didn't want to take her, I was just joking around. He looked disgusted and didn't answer. His silence was more than enough for me to take the girl.
His silence was more than enough for me to decline this offer. He wasn't answering me. He just stayed silent. How can he just stay silent? Wouldn't he have said something by now!?
"Hey, answer me. Is it a yes or a no? Simple answer," I continued. No answer. That ain't good. I quietly sniffed the air for the princess' scent. She's nearby, probably across the doors to my left. If I could just...
"Is that all?" Jude finally responded, "Is that all you want?" His hand was covering his face at the time, and now I know why.
"Yes and 50 million jewel. That cool with you?" I asked, trying not to sound nervous. Jude horrified me. Behind those fatherly hands of his was a menacing grin that was aching to hurt someone.
"Does this mean you accept my offer?" Jude asked.
"Yes, I accept. I'll do what I can to protect your kingdom, and your daughter," I bowed and followed the scent of the princess. The king's behavior is definitely different than before, but I don't know why or how he became like this. Maybe the princess will cooperate with me and tell me what's going on...
Jude clapped his hands and one of his servants came with a silver tray. On it was a piece of paper with a quill feather and some ink. The servant gave me the quill feather and the paper. It was a contract. I hesitated for just a second, but then signed my name on the contract. Jude grinned again.
"And, by the way, Natsu," I faced Jude and listened to him, "There's no need for you to waste your breath to protect that girl," I stopped, shocked of what Jude said. I fought the urge to punch him, and luckily I didn't.
"Why's that?" I asked calmly, almost pretending to be happy.
"She's your's, now, remember? You can do whatever you want with her. I'm not stopping you or anything," Jude answered.
I grinned a fake grin, "Pleasure doing business with you, your majesty." As soon as I said those words, I immediately left to find the princess, just a little worried about her safety.
