Pretend Princess | A NaLu Fan Fiction

Princess Charming

The cacophony of clanging metal drew the attention of nearby onlookers. My view from the royal family box was just enough to see the growing crowd of knights, grounds crew, and peasants working in the castle. Spectacles like this are not common on castle grounds.

The clashing of swords grew louder and pulled my attention back to the source of the noise. Erza was swinging her broadsword down upon Natsu's, who had braced for the attack and was able to parry and return it. They moved almost as if dancing, swords meeting and parting, only to do so again.

Erza was confident, always ahead of Natsu who seemed to be completely reactionary. I giggled when she pinned him down but quickly composed myself, remembering my location and audience. I will tease him for that later. Having won the match, Erza steps back in satisfaction and she helps pull Natsu back up to his feet. They shake hands and I see the crowds beginning to disperse again.

"They really are incredible warriors," the King notes and I hear the Queen agree. The duel had been in fun between the two, but it was also political. Erza was demonstrating the prowess and skill of their style of combat.

"Come, Lucy. Let us return to the castle," the Queen motions for me to stand, and as I go to follow her I glance over to Natsu, who is watching me leave. Turning away I keep pace with the Queen, remaining silent as we make our way from the field.

"The castle has been absolutely abuzz lately," the Queen remarks.

"Quite, your majesty."

"It will only stay so, Natsu's birthday is tomorrow night. It hardly seems that he should be twenty." She laughs and a smile crosses my face. Internally, however, I panic. I hadn't known his birthday was soon, and now I had to rush to prepare a gift. What kind of fiancé doesn't have a gift for their betrothed on their birthday?

"The celebration will be absolutely lovely, your majesty." I bow as we reach the castle and give my partings before rushing to my room to brainstorm ideas. What could I get as a gift for a prince?

Desperate to find an answer to my question, I seek out someone who is most able to give me a good suggestion. I spot Aries and stop her, asking her to take me to Erza. She does and I am lead out to one of the gardens where Erza was drinking tea. 

"I hate to impose, but I have a question, your majesty," I bow. She motions for me to sit.

She turns herself to me and asks, "What can I help you with?"

"Natsu's birthday is in a few short days and I am not sure of what to give him as a gift," I start. "I am not entirely familiar with royal customs. How am I possibly meant to figure out what gift would be suitable, in this situation?" the desperation laces my voice as I look at the redhead sitting across from me. She smiles and draws out a laugh before taking a sip of her oolong tea. 

As she sets the cup down she clears her throat, "Is there anything that has a special meaning to you?"

I pause a moment and think of my treasured possessions. My necklace from my mother, a book from my father. The field where Natsu and I had our first conversation alone, and the dance we had shared at the festival.

"A few things, but nothing that could be used as a gift."

"Well, you should give him something that will remind him of you. Something he can always keep with him," Erza takes another sip from her tea and she looks at me over her glass. "In my kingdom, it is common to gift a betrothed a weapon, but I believe that would not be as acceptable here in Fiore."

I giggle at the thought, but as I laugh an idea dawns on me. 

"My family crest, I still have an old pendant of it," I snap my fingers at the idea, "Thank you."