The Dragon and The Princess

Chapter 57

•Natsu's POV•

This was Lucy's home? It's so... Big! I know she was and is a princess, but this is crazy! I looked around, seeing that everyone's eyes were gaping from the size of the walls. We haven't even seen inside yet!

Lucy walked forward hesitantly, with me right behind her. I'm going to be here for her as she reenters the place she once hated. But, now that she knows the truth about the Witch and her father, I feel like she sort of wants to come back for a little while. She misses home. Even I can tell.

Erza and Jellal followed close behind us, with everyone else in tow. As we walked through the gates, my eyes widened at the sight. There were brick buildings to my left and right, and in the far right corner stood a huge white and gold castle.

As soon as we were all inside, Erza quickly said something.

   "We'll meet up here in about two hours. Is that okay?"

Everyone nodded, and we all went our separate ways. Lucy, Erza, Jellal, and I, with Happy on my head, walked down the cobblestone street, watching as the castle came closer and closer. Townsfolk were everywhere, and we didn't seem to draw any attention to ourselves. There was a large variety of people around, ranging from little children to old people. Blacksmiths were hammering away at hot, steel swords and equipment, bakers were cutting loaves of fresh bread, and few women were sewing and knitting in front of their cottages.

As we turned the corner to walk down another street, we were greeted by the loud voices of merchants trying to get people to buy their products. Some were selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and livestock, while others were selling jewelry, everyday necessities, and a variety of fabric.

Some workers called out to us in attempt to get us to purchase something, but we're not really here to go shopping, so we just casually wave and smile at them as we make our way out of here.

We approach the main street, just minutes away from the castle, and Erza stops, facing all of us.

   "Lucy, do you know a place where we can easily a sneak into the castle?"

•Lucy's POV•

I listened closely to Erza's question. A place where we can easily sneak into the castle? I began to imagine the castle in my mind, all it's walls and doors, trying to find somewhere to sneakily get in. Well, the front door isn't really an option, so I'll cross that out. We can't fly through a window, because we would easily been noticed. Are there any side doors or entrances? Hmm... Wait! I know! An idea suddenly popped into my head.

   "Well, there is an underground escape tunnel a few minutes away from here that nobody except people who live or work at the castle knows about. It leads to the dungeon, which has a staircase to go to the West Wing of the castle, where all the maid's rooms are." I explained with my pointer finger on my chin, nostalgia coursing through my body. It's been so long since I was last here. Ah, this brings back many memories, both good and bad.

   "Alright then. Lucy, can you lead the way?" Jellal asked as he adjusted the collar of his grey and black jacket.

I nodded with a small smile as I lead the group down the busiest street in the kingdom. People were bustling all around us, taking care of their daily tasks. I can't help but notice that even though their actions seem carefree, gloomy expressions loom over their faces. There were some smiling children running around, which was a very rare sight. This could only be the doing of one person.. The Witch. What could he have done to make all these people so miserable?