Cursed Gift

'1, This is not my Idea of Fun!

CURSED GIFT

Based on the German fairy tale Swan Lake

by -Kangacorn-

Admin: Jake

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GRANDINE ushered her son outside, patting down her gown as they went. Natsu, her son, had wondered why it was so important that he look his best today. It wasn't like he was meeting a dragon or anything. It was just the king and his daughter of Celestial Coast. Why bother looking nice when all that was happening is a visitation from royalty? The princess probably had cooties anyway. Not that, that was the sole reason he wasn't too excited about her. He was totally cool with it just being him and Jellal, no princess needed. 

A black horse slowly emerged from the entrance way to the castle grounds, on it, a well dressed man, and a small child sat in front of him. A jolly smile was spread wide across the King's lips as he approached. "Dear Grandine, you look as lovely as ever." 

She smiled and did a curtsy. "Why thank you Jude." 

Jude's head turned the slightest as he took in the sight of the young man beside her. 

"And who might this trapping young man be?" he winked over at Grandine. "Young Prince Natsu, no doubt." Grandine's smile widened while Natsu stayed by her side, looking uncomfortable and mildly annoyed as she stretched her arms out, her hands softly pushing in his face. "Welcome to our fair kingdom Jude." The king had already gotten off his horse, and was carefully picking the little girl up that had sat in front of him. Her small feet landed gracefully against the soft grass, her dress curving like a wine glass from her waist to the tips of her toes.

"And to you, young princess." The queen grinned with mirth. 

Jude smiled lovingly at his daughter and soon gave her an all too familiar look, ushering her forward. She stumbled a bit before taking her own small steps, quickly looking back at her father to alert him that she did not want to cooperate. 

"Go on Natsu," Grandine giggled, not looking at her son as she softly grasped his shoulder to push him forward. When he did not budge she turned to him with that "don't embarrass me" look she wore whenever they hosted balls. "Dear, go on." she giggled again. Natsu however remained bolted to his spot, glaring at the ground in defiance. She pushed him a little more harshly this time. "Mother..." whined Natsu. "Natsu," she scolded. With that, he trudged forward, where the young princess stood. 

"Hello Princess Lucy, I'm very pleased to meet you." he grumbled. 

Lucy ignored it and grabbed the tips of her dress with her head bowed low, curtsying. "Pleased to meet you, Prince Natsu." she replied politely. She heard boots thud against the ground and stood straight again to see Natsu running back to his mother. 

"Ah ah ah ah." Grandine pointed back to Lucy. Natsu scowled and spun around to walk back over to her. He swiftly grabbed her hand, pausing as he reeled his head back slightly to adopt a disgusted look on his face. Lucy wrinkled her nose in protest, not wishing for him to kiss her when he had exhibited such rude behavior. He slowly bent forwardーmuch to Lucy's chagrinーand his face grew a more unpleasant mien the closer he got. A moment later he had pecked her hand and shot back, shouting yuck and wiping his mouth off with his sleeve. 

I can't believe I'm stuck with her all summer. I bet she doesn't wrestle, hunt or, box! He thought, crossing his arms with disdain. He shot his hands up above his head when Lucy brought up her fists as she glared at him.