400 years

13

Deep in the castle, we came to a stop in front of two large screen panels. They were gorgeously painted with a red dragon. As they opened..

Natsu sat alone on the dais. The power of his presence filled the room.

Natsu immediately called for my attention. "You kept me waiting, Luigi."

"Um, sorr- My name is Lucy!"

I'm scowling at him while he chuckles with grin. Jellal takes his seat as the others file in, forming rows on either sides of Natsu. Sting, Gray, Jellal, Romeo, Rogue, and a few people I'd yet to meet. A young looking female with long blue pigtails sitting next to a woman with long scarlet red hair, sporting some heavy looking armor, and a rather grim looking man with long black hair and what seemed to be iron studs on his face and arms. My breath hitched in my throat, 'This is some of the brights minds, strongest warlords, and conquerors, all in one room.'

"Don't just stand there. Approach me."

"Alright."

Keeping a tender grip on my nerves, I approached Natsu and kneeled. 'Is he going to ask me about the magic again? At least if he does I can give him answer..'

"Henceforth, you will reside in this castle and give your service to me."

'MY WHA-!' "And if I decline?" 'Sheesh, Perv!'

"Heh, bold yet again. Though all you need to do is say, Yes."

His eyes are cold as they penetrate through my irises. 'Well I'm in a precarious situation, and I don't think Natsu will be gracious if I run again.. Besides, Brandish said she'd find me, so if this turns for the worst I can leave.'

'Right?'

"Yes Lord Natsu, though I have a question. How am I expected to serve you?" I couldn't help but lowering my head slightly, in fear it'd be something of horror..

Suddenly Natsu took my wrist, drawing me nearer. His fingers, I noticed were long, his knuckles had scuffs and small scars, and his touch was inhumanly warm. This warmth, caused my cheeks to burn as they lightly tented.

"Heh, your only duty is to stay nearby. That is what I need of you."

Natsu's low voice was pleasant in my ears, even though there was no hint of kindness in his words. My gaze met his, his breath danced on my skin with each of the words, the toothy smirk he displayed almost made my heart skip a beat.

"You will be my lucky charm as I unify Dragnof and all that lies beyond."

"You want me around because I'm lucky?"

"Yes. But don't fear, you will be known as a princess from afar and will be treated as such. So spend your days on makeup or games if it suits you."

'So he wants me to just loaf around.. and do girly things.. I guess I could use the time to write.' But, as always the truth fell out of mouth.. "No thank you, I'll go stir crazy if that's all I can do."

"What?" Natsu's face flicked with shock.

Luckily, a younger girl with Blue pigtails spoke up to agree with me. "I agree with you, Lucy-San. I'm the same way."

Natsu's face went stoic. "So be it. Then I appoint you as my chatelaine."

'Chatelaine? So that's like the caretaker of the castle, right?' At that moment the sound of fluttering wings filled the air and through the open door over looking a garden, soared in a blue blur.

Happy landed on Natsu's shoulder. "Aye sir, what an excellent idea!"

While Rogue nodded his head. "Agreed."

"Yeah, I'll provide you with all the support you need to get started." Gray smirked.

The Studed Face man scoffed and laid down lazily. "How could this waif possibly be any use?"

As the Armored Woman next to him jabbed at his leg with her swords hilt. "Hold your tongue, Gajeel!"

"It's the Lord Natsu's decision. Though only time will tell if we can trust her." Sting crossed his arms in annoyance.

However, Jellal didn't miss the opportunity to lay into Sting.. "Who says you have to? Just keep an eye on her. Your good at that, right? She may surprise you."

This caused the Armored Women to whisper his name with a hint of sadness. "Jellal.."

But, as if nothing else had been said.. Natsu declared what he wanted.  "Then it's decided. Work hard and prove your worth to me, Luce."

'Luce?'

They continued to talk as I let them, without interrupting. But the whole time Natsu was watching me, that wicked grin playing at the corner of his mouth. So the adventure truly starts here.. However, I'm worried. If Zeref and the others are lurking for unknown reasons as of now, then what's the next few months to hold.. 'Time to get serious!'

"I won't let you down, my Lord."

Natsu took my chin in his hand, raising my eyes to his. He looked satisfied. I had to softly clutch my chest to stop my heart from skipping, again..

"I plan on taking very good care of you, Lucy."

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