Dragon Boy and Princess

Chapter 46

Hey, guys! I know I'm back sooner than I should be, and I know I should probably update everything else, but I decided that my plate will be emptier if I finish this completely so then I can focus on updating Torn only, and work at my own pace on my Naruhina fanfic, and my original book. So sorry to everyone who reads Torn, and expects a chapter. Hopefully I'll finish this pretty soon, so please hang on a bit longer. Sorry! :3 Anyway, without further ado--

Mira: Hey! You almost didn't let me talk!!

Meena: Oh, sorry, Mira! Go ahead!

Mira: I cannot believe you almost did the announcement instead of me! 

Meena: I said I'm sorry, Mira!

Mira: Tch, anyway, without further ado, here is chapter 46... I guess...

            "Do you have it memorized completely?" Layla asked, eyeing her worriedly.

            "Yes," Lucy said grimly, going over the words of the spell in her head.

            "And you understand how to channel your magic?" she asked.

            "Yes," Lucy said.

            Layla had explained how it worked and what Lucy was supposed to feel as she channeled her magic as quickly as possible. Of course, since Lucy had never done magic before, and it was also mostly based on feeling, she had her doubts about it, but she was confident she could do it. She had to.

            Layla gripped Lucy's shoulders tightly, and stared at her, the worry lines that usually didn't appear creased her forehead, visibly marking that she was indeed older than Lucy.

           "I'll be fine, Mama. I can do it," Lucy said, attempting to reassure her, though she too had butterflies in her stomach. "Plus, I'm not alone."

            Layla cracked a smile at this and nodded her affirmation.

            "No, you're not. You've made some great friends over the years, I've been watching. And that ryu, Natsu, he seems like a very good person. You chose him well. I could not be prouder of the person you've become."

            Lucy's throat constricted as tears threatened to spill. She had never thought she would be able to hear those words come from her mother's mouth. Layla pulled her into a hug, and she kissed her forehead as Lucy cried, taking in her mother for what was probably the last time.

            Layla finally pulled away, and wiped away Lucy's tears, her own eyes glistening.

           "Will I be able to see you again?" Lucy asked despite knowing the answer.

            Layla smiled sadly, and caressed her cheek.

            "No. Unfortunately, I only stored enough magic in you to see you once, but never doubt that I will always be watching over you. Now, go show me who you've become Princess Lucy Heartfilia of Fiore."

            For once, Lucy didn't hate the title of princess associated to her name. Instead, coming out of her mother's mouth, pride filled her. She was Princess Lucy Heartfilia of Fiore, and for the first time, she was proud to be the princess of her kingdom.

             She nodded, grinning at her mother.

             "That's my girl," Layla said softly. She leaned her forehead against Lucy's, and whispered, "Goodbye, my star."