The Princess's Protector

Chapter Three: Arrival

A/N: a lot of this book will be from Natsu's POV, but I'll eventually add Lucy and maybe other people's POVs as well. Thx!!

Natsu was repulsed by the idea of having to sell himself.
But that wasn't really his choice to make. If it would save his future kingdom, he'd marry 100 princesses, 100 times over.
Descending the familiar wooden staircase, leading to the front doorway, Natsu could barely catch sight of the princess through the massive number of bodyguards surrounding her in a semicircle.
Their sheer numbers told Natsu what he already knew: this girl is important.

And apparently, the precious jewel to her kingdom.

More and more eyes landed on him as he reached the last few steps, finly stepping down to the same level as the princess.
The princess was shorter than Natsu, so he could see the top of her blonde hair from his angle, but not much else.
She's probably another one of those shapeless, narcissistic brats who can't accomplish anything without 'daddy'.

A hand lay on Natsu's right shoulder in a reassuring gesture.

"Just give her a chance," Igneel pleaded.

Natsu sighed, nodding his head once. The guards parted for the prince until, one by one, they cleared a path to her.
The princess was in a loose, flattering white gown that had slots in the long sleeves that allowed her arms freedom. Modest, laced white slippers adorned her small pink feet. Big brown eyes and long, beautiful hair, princess Lucy was a princess indeed.
Natsu's breath caught as he realized she was watching him, too. He sunk into a low bow, tearing away his gaze from the girl.

A chance? Dad, I want to give her way more than that.

Natsu put on a bright, sincere smile and rose from the bow.

"Hello, Princess. I'm Natsu." The girls cheeks flushed an adorable pink hue.

"I'm Lucy." She murmured, curtsying. 

"It's lovely to have you stay with us," said Igneel, coming to the side of his son. Natsu exhaled, thankful to his father for the break in the unexplainable tension he felt with the girl.

"We'll help you with your bags, then dinner will be in the main hall in an hour. Is hat enough time to freshen up?"
Natsu gaped. Natsu hadn't seen igneel this considerate of a woman since...

Mother.

An easy smile formed on Lucy's lips. "That would he great, thanks."

"Natsu, lead Princess Lucy to her rooms."

"It's just Lucy, your majesty."

Igneel have an approving smirk. "Then it's just Igneel, Lucy."

Natsu chuckled, shaking his head a little at their conversation.  So casual. He remembered his mother for a few moments. The warmth a of her body, her laugh like the ringing of chimes in the wind, her unchecked smiles and beautiful songs.
The guards trickled out to guard the castle as the three royals ascended the stairs, the two men in the front, leading Lucy to her new rooms.
They passed Natsu's rooms on the way there, and all Igneel did was flash a grin over his shoulder to his son. Natsu tripped a little bit over the implication.

When they arrived, Natsu placing all of Lucy's luggage inside her bed chambers, Igneel bid them a good day until dinner, claiming he had work to do.
This left Lucy and Natsu alone.
They stood a yard apart, just staring at each other. It was the most awkward situation Natsu had ever been in.
Sure, Lucy was pretty, gorgeous even, but you don't just meet someone and say "hey wanna get married?".

Why am I thinking about marriage? This wasn't part of the plan!! Ugh!

Lucy moved her foot forward, as if to walk to him, when she slipped. Natsu's strong arm shot out before she could fall, rightening her.

She gripped his shoulders and he, her waist, as the pair found their faces a few inch from touching.
They scrambled apart.

"I- it was a pleasure to meet you, Lucy."
Natsu scrambled out of the room.

Natsu let out a breath as he closed the door to his room, his eyes closing out of exhaustion.
"She that pretty?" A voice asked.

Natsu's eyes snapped open in disbelief.

Zeref Dragneel stood in the corner of Natsu's room, smirking in greeting.

"Hello, Natsu."