NaLu- "The Princess and Her Dragon Knight"

Part 10 - First Encounter

***With Natsu***

As Natsu walked into the hall he felt nervous. As he approached the guard, something stopped him. It's the same smell from earlier... the faint whiff of vanilla and strawberries. Natsu felt his face heat up for some reason and he wasn't sure why. Finally, he walked the rest of the way to the door and looked to the guard who was obviously waiting on Natsu.

"So, you're the last one?" The guard asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Right then. There is a circle on the floor in front of his highness and the princess. When you walk in you should keep your head bowed until the king says otherwise. Only then will you look up. Remember to be polite."

"Yes, sir," Natsu said again. The guard opened the door and suddenly the scent of vanilla and strawberries rushed him, no longer faint. It filled his lungs and tugged at his heart. It was intoxicating and he licked his lips, thinking he may be able to taste it. His heart beat faster.

Natsu kept his head low, looking toward the ground, avoiding looking at the king and princess until he found the circle in the center of the room. There, he bowed low, waiting for his orders.

The king spoke, "Natsu Dragneel, grandson of Igneel, the last fire dragon slayer, before you rise, tell me... why do you fight for the royal family?"

The question surprised Natsu. Was this supposed to be another trial? Natsu spoke the words that were on his heart. "Your Majesty," he began, "four months ago, I had no idea who I was. I was just a farm boy who lived for his mother because she was all I had. When she got sick, she told me who I was just before she died. I felt lost, like I had nothing to live for and no purpose. However, one night I felt deep in my soul that my purpose was to be here. I don't know why, and I still don't know what my purpose truly is, but for now my dragon's soul is telling me that I need to serve you and the princess. To protect the royal family no matter what."

"I see," the king said and walked directly in front of Natsu, "do you, Natsu Dragneel, swear to risk your life to uphold this kingdom? To be without fear in the face of danger? To fight with all your might to protect what is dear to you? To listen to what your heart and soul is telling you in every situation? Do you swear to fight alongside your princess and comrades in order to protect the world from demons? To take the fate of the entire world into your hands with the utmost caution and care, even if that may mean to one day give your life? For this is the oath of a dragon knight."

"I swear that I will do all that you ask of me and more," as Natsu said those words, he felt a small tingling on his upper bicep.

"You have received the mark of a nobleman; you may rise now, sir Natsu Dragneel, and face your future."

Natsu did as he was told and came face-to-face with Princess Lucy Heartfilia. With his future. With the very anchor of his soul. Natsu nearly fell back to his knees from the sudden shock. Lucy was beautiful, like nothing he had ever seen. Her eyes were milk chocolate with a hint of orange, like Natsu's fire. Natsu forgot how to even breathe. His entire world turned upside-down right before his eyes.

The princess stared at him with such passion that he nearly stumbled backwards. Her face turned pink and she smiled at his reaction; his entire body felt like it was on fire then. There was no doubt in his mind that she was the girl who has been in his dreams. Not just his dream during the trials, but all his dreams since he came to Magnolia. Her presence was the one that Natsu was so fond of and fought so hard for. Before Natsu even realized it, Lucy had become his purpose.

"Eh-hem," the king said. Natsu's eyes shot to him, forgetting that the king was still standing there. "As I'm sure you know, this is the princess."

Natsu nodded and looked back at her, unable to find the words to speak and also unable to take his eyes off of her. Suddenly someone tapped on the door.

"Who is it?" Asked the king.

"It's Levy McGarden, your majesty."

"Levy, dear, I'm right in the middle of a meeting."

"I'm sorry your majesty, but it cannot wait."

The king sighed. "I'm very sorry Natsu but I must go. Lucy," the king said, "please introduce yourself before heading to bed for the night." With that, the king walked out. As he walked out, she heard her father say to Levy, "so I heard you have a boyfriend..." Lucy held back a laugh.

"WHAT?!" Levy said as the door closed behind Jude, blocking the rest of their conversation.

Once they were gone, Lucy and Natsu were alone in the room. All according to my plan, Lucy thought. Now that she and Natsu were alone, though, she was super nervous.

"Natsu Dragneel," Lucy said, blushing at voicing his name but proud of herself for not stuttering. Natsu thought he had never heard such an angelic and wonderful voice before. His name coming from that voice sent shivers down his body. "As you know, I'm Lucy Heartfilia."

Be cool Natsu. Just be cool. He thought to himself while staring at Lucy. "Hello Princess L-Lucy," oh God I can't believe I just stuttered at the princess. It was supposed to be Sting who did that. Natsu mentally shook himself. "It's nice to finally meet you."

Lucy felt really happy that he had stuttered her name like that; it meant that he was nervous. That gave Lucy a bit of confidence and suddenly she felt brave. Lucy took a step toward him. Natsu flushed, realizing what she was doing. Not realizing it, he stepped back. This just gave Lucy more motivation, though. She took a few more steps forward, marveling in the way that he fidgeted from nerves and continued to back up. Finally, he had backed into the wall behind him and Lucy approached him.

Now what, Lucy had no idea, she just wanted to see his face up close. Now that she was close, she lost all nerves. What am I doing? Blushing, she put her mouth to his ear. "Meet me at the gardens by the south wall before sundown tomorrow." Lucy said, then practically ran out of the room. Omgomgomgomgomg did I seriously just do that...?

Natsu was left there, speechless. His back slid down the wall until he was sitting on the floor, wide-eyed. He could still feel the warmth of Lucy's breath against his ear. She definitely smells like strawberries and vanilla. Natsu no longer felt tired at all. What is happening to me?