After deciding to end Everyday Lives, I hope it's easier to find certain chapters this way. Hope you don't mind.

Summary: Lucy's father has arranged for her to marry a prince for money and land. So she runs away to the basement, only to find men who her father locked away for asking for her hand in marriage. All for not having the right "status". What disturbs her more, is that her best friend who she thought was dead, was also amongst these men.

Fairy Tail and it's characters belong to Hiro Mashima.

"LUCY!"

SLAM

Tears cascaded down her face. She slid down to the floor and hugged her knees to her chest.

She didn't care she was ruining her new dress. She didn't care she was ruining her hair and makeup that took over an hour to fix. She simply didn't care.

"Open this door!" large bangs followed the yelling.

Lucy shook her head. She wanted him to go away. She wanted all of them to go away.

The man outside the room finally walked away. Bust she knew he would be back.

Standing on wobbly legs, Lucy made her way to the large balcony doors. The moon was hiding behind dark clouds. It felt like the sky knew how she was feeling, upset and hurt, and matched.

She tried to wipe away her tears, but they kept falling.

It wasn't Bora who made her cry, well it was, but it was another she owed them to.

Her father.

**SIX HOURS EARLIER**

"Father," Lucy started hesitantly, "I understand that tonight is important to you, for our kingdom. But I need to ask you.. May I be permitted to travel? As my 18th birthday has past I think it would benefit me-"

"No."

She was startled by his interruption, "I'm sorry, but may I ask why?"

"You may. Your purpose is here. Your benefit it to strengthen our kingdom with male heirs. All travel would do for you is teach you what you can learn here from your tutors," his tone was rough, unforgiving.

"Y-yes, I understand," her voice wavered, "but I still believe the experience-"

"Absolutely not. You may travel when you are married to the correct prince. That is the end of this discussion.

**PRESENT**

He left no room for argument. And Lucy found all too quickly just when she would benefit him.

Yanking the pearls out of her hair she let if fall to her lower back. The pearls cracked when they hit the floor. She huffed, sitting on the luxurious couch in front of her balcony.

Tonight's party was supposed to be about making alliances. What she didn't know was that her father had invite every single eligible prince in the country and neighboring ones. He was going to marry her off to the highest bidder so to speak, as soon as possible.

Only a few of the men here were around her age. Most were ten years or more her senior.

Gritting her teeth as she thought of the one her father preferred. Bora of the Prominence kingdom. He was only five years older than her and he had land that her father wanted.

And along with the others, he was a pervert. He had been bold enough to fondle her bottom right in front of her father!

The only one who was decent towards her was Sting. And that was due to him being smitten with a princess from another kingdom, Yukino.

"Of course," she thought gloomily, "the one I wish to marry.. has been dead for two years."

Quickly, she rid herself of these thoughts. She had shed her share of tears for him. Had finished grieving a long time ago. Nothing would bring him back. Or make the pain in her heart disappear.

But she couldn't forget him.

Letting her broken heart guide her, she dug through her night stand until she found it.

She wrapped the white scaly scarf around her, digging her nose into it. It had lost his scent long ago, so long she couldn't even imagine it anymore.

He had come to visit her after she had fallen off her horse, breaking her ankle. He laughed and made fun of her clumsiness. He massaged her ankle and calf as he told her the newest stories of how he embarrassed his older brother. He stayed for a few days. He left with a promise to return in a months time. He never made it home.

The driver of his carriage arrived an hour after departing. He was bloody and bruised, his carriage and horse. The prince of Alvarez missing.

Two months of searching went by before they officially declared him dead. Zeref's wedding a week later was extremely bittersweet.

Her father was the only one smiling.

Forcing her tears away, Lucy sat on her red covered bed. Pink was her favorite color, but she couldn't bare to look at the happy color any longer.

Knock, knock, "Princess?"

Groaning, she slowly shuffled her feet to open the door.

"Yes?" she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that is was only Loke.

Her personal butler grinned, "I snuck away some goodies for you, beautiful."

If a member of staff ever flirted with her, they would immediately be punished. But the, surprisingly, happily married Loke was an exception.

Smiling, she let him it, "Thank you, Loke."

He set the tray on her bed and when he stood his stare went directly to her neck.

"Princess.. You shouldn't wear that.. Especially when Lord Jude is to have you-"

"I know," she pulled the white cloth up over her nose, "it's just.. comforting."

He smiled pitifully at her, the staff all knew how much the Prince of Alvarez meant to her.

He placed a warm hand on her shoulder, "I'm here if you need me," he winked at her and left the room.

Lucy was about to taste the food her brought her when she heard him loud and clear, "Lord Jude!"

Lucy tore the scarf off and stuffed it behind her pillows and hastily pulled her hair back up, kicking away what pearls she could.

"Loke," her fathers voice was unamused.

"I just brought the princess a small tray, courtesy of Aquarius."

"I see. You are dismissed."

She sat neatly on the bed and waited. The door slammed, alerting her that his anger was reaching it's boiling point.

"Lucy."

She stood gracefully and curtsied, "Father."

"I just spoke with Prince Bora. He said that you ran away from him. I demand to know your reason."

"You demand? What a loving father."

She stood and looked him right in the eye, "Bora tried to touch me in places his is not allowed. I asked him politely to stop and yet he refused. I ran here to get away from him and his wandering hands.

"Lucy," he glared at her, making her feel like a child again, "Bora is asking for your hand. He is offering a great deal of his land to me for it. If he wished to touch his future bride, you are to let him."

"FA-FATHER! Even if I am to marry him he will not touch me before so! And I never agreed to marry him!" She felt hot tears gather at the corner of her eyes.

"As I said, he has offered his land and a large sum of jewels for you. He is quite taken with you. You will marry this coming spring."

Horror filled Lucy. She was being forced to marry a man who wanted her for her body. For an alliance. For money. For business. For a trophy. Not for love. Not for.. Not for her.

"I like Lucy because.. Lucy is Lucy!"

Her heart was crashing into her stomach. She couldn't do this. She picked up her frilly skirts and bolted.

"Lucy! Don't run away from me young lady!"

Lucy ran. She ran to the staircase, kicking off her heels before she descended the steps two at a time. At the bottom, a few elderly gusts were talking. Old, snotty, rich, greedy men whose company her father coveted.

"Ah! Miss Lucy..!" they were baffled as she ran past them. Unfortunately she had to run through the ballroom to get to her destination. She ran along the wall to avoid her fathers guest, these people were not here for her, she was just a prize to be won. Lucy ran into tables, got the spiked punch all over her dress. Her hair was flying behind, released from it's sloppy confines.

"Princess!"

"Oh goodness, I'm sorry!"

She nearly ran into Virgo and Aries as she finally got out of the ballroom. She made a mental note to apologize later.

She arrived at her destination. The dungeon.

She threw the open the door and shut it behind her. There were only three rooms to choose from. To the right was the guards office, it hadn't been used in years. To the left was the weapons storage room. And straight ahead was the lonely corridor, a place she comes to when she needs to escape for a few hours.

Flinching at the cold stone floor, she ran a ways down the hall before finding the bench she uses every time she ventures down here.

The first time was right after her mother died. She hid down here for a whole day.

Pulling her knees back to her chest, she cried. That's all she ever did these days. The tears were soaked into her skirt, her sobs muffled by the thick fabric.

"I can't believe him. All he cares about is land and money. He's never once asked me if I was ready to get married. I wish mom was here.."

Lucy sat in the dark hallway for what felt like hours. No one came to get her, no one knew where she was. Her father didn't know she knew they even had a dungeon.

Achoo.

Lucy's hair flew everywhere, she stood to her feet, tripping over her ruined dress. She stared down the hallway, the one she thought was empty.

"Is.. is there someone down here?"

She took an unsteady step forward. Unsure of what she would find, she had never gone past the bench she used. She heard movement, coughing, snoring, and more sneezing.

She clenched her hands in front of her, her eyes looking for any sign of danger.

Achoo!

The sneeze was louder, right in front of her. It was dark, she had to strain her eyes to see clearly.

"A.. cell?" She knew it was called a dungeon, but she didn't think about what a dungeon was supposed to be used for.

Inside the cell was a man. He was clothed in dirty pants. No shirt or shoes. His skin was covered in dirt and blood. His hair was long and scraggly.

Lifting a hand to cover her face she stepped back, "What did he do.. to get locked down here?"

The man was about to look up, but she ran before he saw her. Past that cell were more. Some were empty, most had men like the first. Men of all sizes and ages. Some asleep, some staring off in space. Others saw her or reached for her, some called out to her for help. Some were dead.

Near the end of the corridor, she spun around, close to vomiting due to the smell.

"What have they done.. What did they do.. to deserve this fate.." she sent up a prayer for these men.

Determined to find out, she was about to head back to main part of the castle to confront her father when she hard wheezing.

Faltering, she turned around towards the very end of the hall. Only one torch was lit inside the cell. It was alone, no other cells were near it. Isolated.

The fire her mother had left in her, the need to care for other people allowed her to go and check on the last man.

Wanting to only peak inside as to not startle him, she got close to the bars to look inside. And what she saw sent her whole world crashing down.

"N.. Na-Natsu?" tears sprang freely from her puffy eyes. She blinked again and again, pinching herself to make sure what she was seeing was real.

Standing to her full height, she gripped the bars tightly, her knuckles turning white. He sat with his back against the wall, head slumped forward. His hands were chained above him, it was the only thing keeping him upright. The only thing he was wearing was a torn piece of cloth that was tied around his waist, barely covering anything. She couldn't see his skin, so much dirt and blood covered him. His bare feet looked like they were rubbed raw. His beautiful pink hair was unruly, dirty and now came down below his shoulders.

She cringed as she looked over him. He was covered in so many injuries. Most noticeably were the ones on his hip and neck. Both looked fresh, still oozing blood.

Lucy couldn't even rejoice that he was alive. Not when she could barely tell he was breathing.

Her tears were no longer silent as she slid to her knees. Hugging herself, she rocked back and forth, trying to calm down.

For two years, everyone thought he was dead. They had a funeral just days before his brother got married. Zeref not Mavis could even smile and enjoy their wedding day. Their friends continued to search for months, unable to find a trace of him. To this day, Gray still looks when he has time.

Gritting her teeth and squeezing her eyes together, she yanked on her hair. Why was he here, why was he injured, why was he chained to the wall, what did he do wrong?!

"AAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"

She heard movement and shouting, she didn't care. She didn't care if her father found her. She didn't care about anything except-

"Lu.. Lu-cy..?"

Her breath caught in her throat. With what little strength she felt she had left she tilted her gaze back to her long lost frined.

"Natsu," she whispered, her throat still sore from crying and screaming.

"Lu-cy.. you're.. back.."

"..back?"

Cough "It's.. been a.. while.."

Lucy shook her head, begging him in her head not to talk. But she wanted to hear him. Wanted to see with her own eyes that he was alive.

"You're..never..," cough, "..outside.. though."

He stopped and hacked up blood. Lucy brought her hands to her face, she didn't want him to see her cry.

Cough, "You.. normally come.. inside.." cough.

"He's been hallucinating.." she would too if she was in his situation.

He raised his head, rosy locks falling in his eyes, eyes that were dull and glazed over.

"It doesn't hurt.. as much.. when.." cough, "..you're.. with.. me.."

Her whole body was shaking. He spent two years down here, alone, in absolute torturous pain, and his only form of comfort was imagining she was there.

"Why.. are you.. crying..?" cough, cough, "Who.. hurt.. you..?" cough, "Tell.. me.. I'll.. break every.. bone.. in their.. body.." cough.

She couldn't hold in her sobs. Even broken and bloody and he still wanted to fight to protect her.

"Natsu.." she gripped the bars and laid her head on them, wishing she could break them.

"..Lucy.."

"I don't know why he's here, but he didn't deserve this. Whatever he did.. HE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG!"

"..You.. talked.."

Focusing back on the dark eyes that she loved and missed so much, eyes that were a little less hazy.

Cough, "You've.. never..," cough, "..talked before.."

Using the bars for support, she stood on her wobbly legs, "Natsu.. I'm here. I'm really here."

He stared at her and it felt as if he was looking into her soul. His shoulders rose until they hit the wall. His eyes were no longer dull.

"Lu.. cy..?" tears gathered in his eyes, one eye cried blood.

Smiling though her tears, she reached for him, "Hey, Natsu.."

The wounded prince grit his teeth, gripping the chains attached to his wrists, he used them to bring himself to his feet.

"No! Stop! What are you doing?! You're hurt!" Lucy yelled, wanting to help him but unable to do anything but watch.

Looking at his body you wouldn't think he had any strength left. His muscle were all but gone, his rib cage completely visible. She saw his legs tremble as they held up what little weight he had, they obviously hadn't been used in a very long time.

"Stop, Natsu!"

But when she saw his face, she saw a fire that rivaled the flames of hell. A warmth filled her being that had been missing for two long years.

"Lu.. cy.. who.. hurt.. you..," cough, "tell.. me..!"

"No one," she wiped at her still falling tears to no avail. They were tears of both pain and joy, "I'm just so happy to see you.."

His footing faltered and he nearly fell back on his bum, he gripped the chains tighter, causing blood to fall down his arms. His coughing fit returned until he spat out a wad of saliva and blood near the untouched bed in his cell.

He grinned at her, that old signature grin of his that made her heart melt, "It's good to see you too, Lucy."

She gazed at his grin with all the adoration in heart. She still couldn't believe it, he was alive!

His footing faltered a second time, and this time he was unable to catch himself. He slammed down onto the cold stone floor, wincing and starting another coughing fit,

Lucy itched to help him, to do anything for him. The bars between them were the only thing stopping her.

His breathing turned wheezily again, like something was stepping on his lungs.

"Natsu," she waited until his breathing was under control, "what happened?"

Natsu glared at s bare legs. He was still breathing hard, still weak. But his fire was back.

"It's.. not.. important.. Lucy.."

"Of course it is!" How can he say that?! "You've been gone for two years! We all thought you were dead!"

She started to cry again just remembering those days. The driver gave her his scarf, the only thing left of him. She tried to give it to Zeref, but he wouldn't take it. Saying that Natsu would want her to have it.

"Me.. Zeref and Mavis.. Gray.. Juvia.. Erza and Jellal.. Mira.. Laxus, Levy.. Gajeel.. Wendy.. We all thought you were dead.."

Natsu watched her crumble to the floor, feeling more pain than he had in a while.

"Guards.. attacked..," cough, "the carriage," cough, "your dads.. guards.."

"My fathers.. guards?"

"They.. were dressed..," cough, ".. as.. bandit.. driver.. one of yours..," cough, "didn't recognize.. them..," he took a second to catch his breath. Lucy felt awful for making him talk so much, "..knocked.. me out.. woke.. up.. here.. yer old man.. told me.. I.. was gonna.. stay here.. til.. you were.. married.."

He had to stop to spit up more blood, and as concerned as she was, she could do nothing.

"..married?"

"Me.. and.. all these.. other guys.. are down here..," cough, "cuz.. we.." his face turned red, it was visible even under the layers of dirt.

"Because?"

Swallowing his embarrassment, he kept going, "Cuz we.. asked.. to.. marry.. you.."

Lucy's world stopped. She heard what he said. Knew what it meant. But how could that be true? Her father locked all these men down here because they wanted to marry her? She knew he was cruel, but was it really this bad?

Seeing Natsu's pathetic state was all the proof she needed.

Then it hit her all at once.

"You asked.. to marry.. me?"

Natsu wouldn't look at her, choosing to glare at his feet instead, "..yeah."

A blush erupted onto Lucy's face. She wanted to squeal and dance around in happiness. Natsu wanted to marry her! He wanted to be with her! But..

"That's why you, and everyone else, are locked down here?" he gave her a dejected nod, "Why? I don't understand.."

Squirming around so he could be more comfortable, his small cloth fell off his lap. Steam blowing out of her ears, Lucy squeaked and slapped a hand over her eyes. She heard Natsu sputter and shuffle around.

"You.. can look.." peeking through her fingers, she was relieved to see the cloth was in front of him between his now crossed legs. His face matched hers.

She lowered her hand to her lap as he spoke, "He said.. I.. had nothing.. to.. offer.. you," cough, "cuz.. I'm not.. an.. heir.."

"An heir?" Lucy muttered to herself.

"Since.. I'm only.. second.. in.. line.. and wouldn't," cough, "have my.. own.. kingdom.. I wasn't.. fit.. to marry.. you.."

Clenching her fists, Lucy felt anger rise in her.

"How could he. Locking away Natsu because he asked for my hand. Wouldn't a simple 'no' be enough?!"

"But why would he lock you up? He told you.. no.. didn't he?"

"He.. yeah.. said no..," cough, "but.. he said.. you.. wouldn't.. marry.. unless.. you.. had.. no other.. choice.."

GASP! Lucy now understood her fathers intentions, and it infuriated her.

"Miss Lucy!"

"No!" Lucy stood to her feet. Capricorn! How did he find her?!

"Go.. that.. way.."

"Huh?" Natsu was pointing to the hallway across from his cell, she hadn't noticed it before.

"It goes.. to.. the kitchen.."

He had gone back to the position he was in when she found him.

Torn, she gripped the bars, "I'll come back. I promise Natsu!

She saw him smile before she ran up the stairs.

Thankfully she made it to her room without running into anyone. She slid into her adjoining bathroom, tearing off her now completely ruined dress she started the tub to soak her aching feet.

Flinching at the temperature, Lucy sat on the side of the tub. As the warm water soothed her sore feet, she went over everything she learned.

"I still can't believe it. Just because he didn't want me to marry Natsu or someone else because they weren't 'qualified' to be my husband, he locked them away. Just because they weren't rich or didn't have something father wanted. That didn't give him the right to take away their freedom!"

"What do you think you're doing?"

The angry voice startled Lucy back to reality.

"A-Aquarius!"

The beautiful woman stood in the doorway leading to her bathroom, arms crossed and ever present scowl adorning her face.

"Why are you sitting here in your under clothes? You have been missing for hours. Your father is furious," she growled out.

Shaking, Lucy hugged her middle. Of course he was mad, he was always mad.

"Well, brat?"

Lucy looked into the eyes of the woman who raised her after her mother died. She may be mean, but she could at least trust Aquarius.

Fresh tears trailed down her red, puffy, tear stained cheeks. The older woman sighed, sitting next to Lucy and showing what little compassion she had. Silently asking her to explain what was wrong.

Lucy told her everything. Starting with the conversation with her father before the party to the moment she had to leave him in that dirty cell.

Aquarius said nothing, merely waiting for Lucy to stop crying, "I knew something was fishy. Every time someone asked him for permission, he would act funny and secretive for days."

Lucy was honestly surprised so many men actually wanted to marry her.

"But the Prince of Alvarez too? Hmph. I'm shocked he didn't just kill him."

"He would, wouldn't he?" Lucy had no doubt her father would kill to make sure he stayed rich.

Knock, knock, "Excuse me, Miss Lucy? Miss Aquarius?"

Lucy jumped, "Ca-Capricorn?"

"Tch. Put your robe on. Let's see what he wants."

Aquarius was a very fast-paced woman, even more so when she was agitated, which happened more so when around Lucy. She opened the door before Lucy had fastened her robe securely.

"What is it?"

"May I speak to Miss Lucy?" he asked in his deeply accented voice.

"She told me you were the one who found her in the dungeon. Are you going to take her tro Lord Jude?" Aquarius may have been smaller than him, but her glare kept him from barging in.

"No. I would merely like to speak to her. You may stay, if that is what you wish."

Glaring at Lucy, Aquarius waited for a response.

"Let him in," she sat on the edge of her bed. Highly embarrassed to be sitting in front of the older butler while only wearing under clothes and a robe.

"Miss Lucy," he bowed in front of her once the door was closed behind him, "Please forgive me for startling you. I simply wished to see if you were unharmed."

"I was fine," she raised a brow at him, "I was just trying to register that my father was keeping men, keeping Natsu, prisoner for asking to marry me."

"I deeply apologize. I have known about the prisoners for a few months now. Lord Jude threatened my job and my life if I were to tell you," he stood straight, hands behind his back, "but you have found it all your own. I see no reason to keep you in the dark."

"And just how did you find out?" Aquarius spat, standing next to Lucy so she could glare at him.

"I was seeking Lord Jude's opinion on the menu for a ball, similar to tonight's, back in the summer. I was told he had gone to the dungeon via the kitchen," he cleared his throat, "it was then that I found Prince Natsu."

"Hmph."

"Why is Natsu so injured?" Lucy asked in a small voice.

"Unfortunately Miss Lucy, your father sends a few of his personal guards down to make sure that they all know that he controls their lives. In Natsu's case, Lord Jude likes for him to stay unconscious more often than not."

"What?!" Lucy sprang to her feet, "Why is Natsu any different? He already took away his freedom! There is no need to cause him harm!"

Scoffing, Aquarius said, "Huh. He wants to make positive that he can't get free no matter what. Does he also drug him?"

Solemnly, Capricorn nodded.

"What..," Lucy slumped onto the plush comforter, defeated, "What am I supposed to do? I have to help him.. all of them."

"The high king."

Lucy raised her head, confused, "Who?"

"You father is a member of the Kingdom Peace Alliance. The alliance allows all those in its oath to remain loyal to one another, causing less friction between them. The high king is the king who watches them and punishes them if they disobey the rules. He inspects the kingdoms he suspects of fowl behavior," Capricorn explained.

Finally, a lead! "Who is it? How can I contact this 'high king'? What do I need to say?"

Aquarius snorted, "He's downstairs brat. Tell him you don't trust your father. That's all he'll need."

"Who is it?!" she nearly pulled her hair out the longer she waited.

Capricorn smiled, "King Dragneel of Alvarez."

After spending as less time as she could on redressing, Lucy all but ran to the ballroom. She reentered the room, thankfully without anyone noticing, as if she never left. She smiled and walked quickly away from the ones who tried to speak to her.

"Oh Lucy! There you are!"

Spinning on her heel, Lucy's smile was the biggest it had been in years, "Mavis!"

The older, yet smaller, blonde hugged the princess.

"It's sooo good to see you! It's been far too long since we've last chat," Mavis released Lucy from her hold, still holding her hands.

"It truly has! How have you been? Plans for children any time soon?" Lucy winked at her giggling.

"Oh dear!" Mavis raised a hand to hide her blush, "Not at the moment I'm afraid. Perhaps in the coming year!"

"What about the next year?"

"ZEREF!" Lucy screamed, making the shy king jolt.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Lucy busied herself apologizing to her friends older brother, who smiled at her.

Laughing, he said, "You're quite alright. It's good to see you. How are you fairing?"

Lucy could tell that he was asking about her fathers agenda tonight.

"Well to be honest," she changed her tone, alerting the others to pay closer attention, "I don't know if I trust my father."

Zeref's eyes widened for a moment. He knew what she meant.

"Is everything alright?" Mavis asked, scooting closer to Zeref's side. She noticed as well.

Lucy wanted to lie and just say she had a bad feeling. But as she looked into Zeref's eyes, and knowing that a matching pair was hurting because of her father, she couldn't, "No."

Mavis looked worried and glanced up at her husbands face. He was looking at the floor and nodded to himself before smiling at the blondes, putting his arm around Mavis, "Don't worry then. I will alert my council and return here next week to inspect. Do you know a day that would be best-"

"LUCY! There you are! I've been searching for you all night!"

Bora appeared out of no where and wrapped his arms around the princess. Lucy cringed at the feeling of his fingers digging into her.

"King Zeref! Lady Mavis! What a surprise!" Bora held out a hand for Zeref to take, but the high king merely asked Lucy with his eyes if this was part of the problem.

Slipping out of Bora's slimy grip, Lucy stood next to Mavis, discretely nodding to Zeref.

"A surprise?" Mavis gripped Lucy's arm and tugged her backwards, confusing the younger royal, "What is so surprising about my appearance? Jude and I have an alliance of peace after all. And Princess Lucy is a dear friend of mine. It would be more surprising if I were not to attend For you, however, it is a shock to see you. You are not a part of an alliance with any kingdom, "he stepped closer to Bora, "unless you and Jude have your own alliance?"

Shaking in his boots, Bora squeaked out, "O-Of course not! L-lord Jude and I are friends! Why this coming week we plan to ride the land, he wishes to show me the landmarks!"

Lucy and Mavis glanced at one another at that, a day that Jude would be out of the castle.

"Oh?" Zeref inquired, "On what occasion?"

Grinning a sick and pleased grin, he blabbed, "Why for preparing me to rule this kingdom after Lucy and I wed."

Mavis gasped silently and gripped Lucy's hand harder. She whispered, "I didn't know it was already decided."

"Unwillingly," Lucy softly told her, causing the shorter blonde to puff out her cheeks in anger.

"I see," Zeref looked back at her with pity and sadness in his eyes, "On which day? Perhaps I can join you and get to know the boy who is to wed my Lucy."

Blushing prettily, Lucy looked to the floor. Zeref had treated her like a little sister for as long as she could remember. Mavis giggled at Bora's face when he was called a boy.

"Why the third day. I will be staying here til the next day of rest."

Lucy groaned.

"Ah, unfortunately I have business that day."

Thinking he was being discreet, Bora's face lit up in delight, "How tragic. Now come Lucy!"

Bora grabbed her hand and tugged, nearly sending her in the floor, "Wait a minute!"

"We must stand together to allow our quests to congratulate us on our union!"

"There is no union!" Lucy struggled to get away from him, "Hold on!" she looked over her shoulder, desperate to get back to Mavis and Zeref.

The dark haired king raised a hand to her, which was an unclear message to Lucy. But Mavis was smiling, and that put her at ease. Bora pulled her to the right, she could no longer see the couple. His grip turned painful, reminding her how all this began.

He was dragging her towards her father. Doing as Aquarius told her, she smiled and pretended to be happy. She would have to pretend until Zeref could go into that dungeon.

"Are you sure you don't want to join us? We could have your horse saddled in no time," Bora asked her Wednesday morning.

"I would only slow you down. It's been a few years since I've gone on a ride," the last time being the event that broke her ankle, when Natsu went missing.

"We will return at dinner. Behave yourself," her father ushered Bora out the door, talking about politics and business deals as if he was the heir to the Heartfilia Kingdom and not her.

Rolling her eyes, Lucy sprinted to her room to put on a more comfortable dress. A knee length green dress with long sleeves. Perfect for the cooler weather. She was slipping on her matching flats when there was a knock on her door.

"Princess, Lord Zeref and Lady Mavis are waiting for you in the entry way," Virgo told her behind the closed door. Lucy smiled to the maid as she came out of her room, "Thank you, Virgo."

She raced down the staircase to meet them. It was so much easier to run without the confining dresses her father forces her to wear.

"Good morning, Zeref! Mavis!" Lucy skipped to the pair. Mavis was wearing a cotton pink dress and white sandals, showing off the figure she actually had. Zeref was in comfortable black slacks and a white cotton shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, "I'm so glad you're here, and at a good time as well. Father just left."

"Excellent," Zeref held out a piece of paper to her, "Place this on your fathers desk later. A surprise inspection notice."

"Okay," she glanced over it before asking, "Have you eaten? Or are you ready to start?"

"We've eaten, but thank you," Mavis beamed, "We had an early session this morning and we got pretty hungry."

Zeref tripped over the carpet, blushing and sputtering he span around to his wife, "Ma-Mavis!"

"Oh..," Lucy blushed as well.

Cheeks still red, Zeref walked away to go up the stairs, "Let's begin."

An inspection consisted of the high king and one other to go throughout the castle to find anything out of the ordinary. Normally secret rooms or documents that weren't known to the KPA (Kingdom Peace Alliance).

"Apologies," Zeref turned to Lucy sheepishly, "but your room had to be looked over as well."

"That's fine, I have nothing to hide."

"I'll be inspecting her clothes drawers."

Confused, Zeref raised a brow at his pouting wife, "Is something wrong?"

"I don't want you looking at clothes designed for a larger bust," Mavis pointed to Lucy's rather large chest.

"I wouldn't dare notice the difference, Lucy is a sister to me," he sighed, "You know.. that I.. love yours.."

Lucy laughed at the poor embarrassed king, "Must be a normal topic between them."

The three went into the large pink room. Lucy stood back and watched them. Mavis moving quickly about the room, enjoying her task. But Zeref wasn't moving.

"Is something wrong?" She asked, following his line of sight to her pillows, or rather what was on them.

"You still have this," he picked up the scarf and held it tenderly in his hands.

Biting her lip, Lucy nodded. She had been unable to go back to the dungeon with Bora follwing her around. So to make up for it she slept with his scarf every night. She had forgotten to put it away.

"Oh, Zeref.." Mavis wrapped her arms around his waist, offering him some comfort.

"I'm fine," his voice stated otherwise. He shook his head to snap out of it. Holding Mavis' hand he moved towards Lucy and handed her the scarf.

"You can keep it, it's rightfully yours.."

"Maybe," he smiled sadly, "but as I've said before, he would want you to keep it. He.. cared so much about you."

Lucy took the scarf from him. She so desperately wanted to tell him, but Capricorn told her that Zeref had to find him and see him with his own eyes first.

"Now," he smiled to Mavis, who tried to smile back, "I think we're finished here. You said you wanted us to check the dungeon?"

Smiling a real smile, Lucy hugged Natsu's beloved scarf, "Yes."

Opening the large familiar doors, Lucy led Zeref and Mavis to the dungeon.

Mavis coughed upon entering. The stench stronger than before. Zeref grimaced, checking the office that was empty and the rarely used storage room.

Mavis coughed upon entering. The stench stronger than before. Zeref grimaced, checking the office that was empty and the rarely used storage room. Mavis covered her nose and mouth, still coughing. Lucy had wrapped the scarf around her neck, she raised it above her mouth to block as much of the smell as she could.

"Nothing here," he glanced down the long corridor, "What's down there?"

Carefully, Lucy told him, "I heard something down there when I last came here."

"Alright," Walking hand in hand with Mavis he led them down the hall.

When they passed Lucy's bench, she began to grow antsy. Zeref was taking everything in and walking slow to do so. Mavis was trying not to vomit. Lucy wanted to rush them.

Lucy nearly ran into them when Zeref came to a halt. Mavis saw what he did, and they both looked appalled. Glancing to the side, Lucy saw it too. The first cell.

"What? A prisoner?" Mavis gaped.

Zeref approached the bars, "Pardon?"

Then man inside fell to his knees, quivering.

"Why are you here?"

The man shook terribly while speaking, "Lord Jude put me here.." Lucy wondered why he could speak much better than Natsu could, but then again, he was treated much worse according to the butler.

"For what reason?!" Zeref was known to be a kind king, but once crossed he could rival the devil. Unknown to Lucy, the KPA stated that no kingdom will house prisoners unless the high king himself declares it. And in this case, he did not.

The man gazed fondly at Lucy, she tried to smile back, but she didn't know who he was, "I asked to marry the princess here. Lord Jude forbade it. Locked me here to keep me quiet and out of the way."

"How horrible.." Mavis hugged Lucy.

"How long have you been here? Are there others?"

"If I kept count right, about 3 months," explaining his OK appearance and voice, "bunch of others. Some been here for years."

"Lucy only turned of age this past summer," Mavis explained, "that would mean that Jude has been searching for a groom for some time."

"He wanted to make sure he could marry her off as soon as her 18th birthday came. And he wanted to pick someone with appropriate requirements," Zeref calmly added.

Lucy blinked, surprised they figured it out so quick.

"Yes, your majesty. I only offered a few acres of land. He was not pleased with me," the mad locked up said, Zeref placed a hand on his shoulder through the bars.

"I will free you. You have my word."

The man bowed and thanked him. Waving to Mavis and Lucy, Zeref left the cell.

"Jude.. What a despicable man.." Zeref growled, "this will not go unpunished."

They passed several other cells, sometimes talking to the men inside.

"Zeref? May I ask you something?"

"Certainty," he was kneeled before a cell that held a man who hadn't survived.

"How come I've never heard of this alliance before? Or that you were called the high king?"

Chuckling, he answered her, "When I became king I gained the title from my late father. You have been present at meetings, Lucy. Our peace talks?" he smiled fondly at the memories, "You and Natsu would entertain yourselves during the meeting. Often disrupting it."

She flushed, "That's what those boring meetings were?!"

"I.." she squeaked embarrassingly, "I guess I never paid much attention."

Mavis giggled from behind her, "I never do either so don't feel bad!"

Zeref shook his head as the girls laughed. They had reached the end of the cells.

"Well, I definitely have enough evidence to call him to court," Zeref smiled at Lucy, "I'm sorry about this, but thank you, Lucy."

"You have nothing to be sorry for. He deserves what he gets, but," she gulped, "there is one more cell, down at the end."

"Oh?" He turned back around and saw the single torch.

"An isolated cell?" Mavis asked aloud, following Zeref to it.

Lucy took a few steps after them, then stopped. She wanted to see if he was OK. But Zeref deserve to have a moment to see his brother alone for the first time in two years.

Coming to an abrupt halt, Zeref's jaw fell slack. His hands twitched and he reached inside the cell. Mavis cried out when she looked inside.

"Natsu..," Zeref called, crying, "Natsu! NATSU!"

His reaction was honestly better than Lucy's. She sat and cried, Zeref looked ready to breathe fire.

"He's..," Mavis stood very still, but shaking, "alive.."

"Natsu! Look at me!" Lucy wrapped her arms around Mavis and looked beyond Zeref. Natsu looked no different than before. The cloth around his waist had been put back in place, his injuries had stopped bleeding.

Natsu moved his head slowly side to side. Lucy saw hip quiver. He raised his head, wincing and squinting his eyes as he did. There was blood in his hair and streaming down his face.

His eyes were slightly hazy, but cleared when he caught sight of his brother, "Zer.. ef..?"

Smiling through his sobs, Zeref still reached for him, "Natsu. You're alive."

Natsu turned his head a little, "Ma.. vis?"

"Hi, Natsu," she whispered.

His gaze finally landed on Lucy, and she nearly died when she watched the strongest person she knew start crying.

"Lu.. cy.. you.. came.. back.."

"I promised you I would," she whispered back. Zeref turned to her in question.

"The night of the ball, I ran down her to hide from father. I found him like this, I had no idea.."

He nodded, "You've been down here since.. you last visited Lucy?"

Natsu nodded, tears still leaving his eyes.

"My brother," he gripped the bars, venom practically poring out of him, "has been in a cell.. for two years?!"

Mavis stepped away, pulling Lucy with her,

Yanking hard on the bars, he yelled, "MY BROTHER WAS BURIED BEFORE MY VERY EYES AND HE'S BEEN ALIVE THIS WHOLE TIME?!"

The bars whined, actually spreading apart.

Lucy gaped, she had no idea he was that strong!

"Good job, hun!" Mavis cheered.

Looking at the smaller woman up and down, Lucy thought about what she heard this morning, "How.. are you not broken yet?"

Her skin flushed, "Oh.. well.. he had great control.. and he's pretty gentle. Especially when-" Lucy slapped a hand over her mouth.

"That's enough! I don't need to know!"

"Girls.." they turned to Zeref, he had gotten the bars wide enough for someone to get through.

"Excellent!" Mavis cried, embracing him.

"I didn't know you were this strong.."

He chuckled, "Who do you think taught Natsu?"

She blanched. Was she really that oblivious? She felt a hand on her back, pushing her towards the cell.

"Go," Mavis gently pushed her.

"No, Zeref should-" but he stopped her.

"Go."

She gripped the scarf tightly as she squeezed through the bars, almost getting stuck. Back in the old days, Natsu would have told her that it was because she gained weight.

But the Natsu in front of her was looking at her with longing in his eyes so intensely, tugging on his chains, desperate to be free.

Kneeling in front of him, she felt tears gather in her eyes as she put her hands on his cheeks. He felt so gritty, covered in filth, but he was warm. Running a hand through his hair she saw his eyes clearly, they were watching her with so much emotion. He wasn't good with words, his actions said what he couldn't. He pulled on his chains, trying to get closer.

With a sob, she threw her arms around him. Burying her face into his neck, her body trembling as she hugged him for dear life. He put his nose in her hair, breathing her in.

"I will never let you go again, I swear," Lucy promised.

"Miss Lucy," not releasing him, Lucy glanced over her shoulder to see Capricorn unlocking the cell door.

He walked inside with Zeref and Mavis on his heels, "Prince Natsu, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for keeping your presence a secret."

Natsu shook his head, "I.. heard him.."

"Thank you," he bowed and pulled out the key to unlock the chains.

As soon as he was free, his weak arms brought Lucy closer to his chest.

Zeref kneeled beside them and placed a hand on Natsu's shoulder, "Natsu.."

Reluctantly releasing Lucy, Natsu went into his brothers awaiting arms. Standing up and stepping back, Lucy let them have a moment.

"I have released the other prisoners and sent them upstairs to be treated, " Capricorn explained to her, "As you requested Sire, I sent for you guards this morning. They should arrive shortly."

"Thank you," Zeref mumbled into his little brothers neck.

"Miss Lucy," he handed her a large blanket.

"Thank you, Capricorn," she hugged then man who was more of a father to her than the king, "Thank you so much."

"Anything for you, Miss Lucy."

Lucy opened her eyes and saw Mavis was now hugging the pinkette. Zeref rubbed his eyes as he stood in front of Lucy, she released Capricorn before Zeref embraced her, "I don't know how to thank you."

She awkwardly hugged him back, "You don't need to. He means as much to me as he does to you. Just give him, all of them, justice."

"Don't worry," he let her go, she could see the red, malicious tint in his eyes, "I intend to."

Natsu brought their attention back to him as he began to hack up blood. Mavis patted his back to help. Lucy hurriedly opened the blanket and wrapped it around him.

"Capricorn, take him upstairs. He is far too weak to walk," Zeref commanded.

"Yes, Sire," with no effort he lifted Natu into his arms, "The staircase here leads to the kitchen."

Zeref nodded and let the tall butler lead the way. Mavis ran after him, wanting to go help the other prisoners, she may be a queen, but she had some skills.

"You asked for your guards to come here?" Lucy asked as they ascended the stairs.

"I did. You frightened me at the ball. I thought you were in danger. I wanted to to be prepared just in case," he climbed the stairs two at a time, "I'm glad I did. The moment your father returns he will be arrested. He has committed a serious crime against the KPA and against me personally."

Lucy should be saddened and angered that her father was going to be imprisoned. But she had long ago lost respect for her father. All that mattered now was getting Natsu back to normal.

Several hours later, Jude and Bora stepped through the doors not suspecting a thing.

"A child right away is what I'm expecting of you. I hope you are up for the challenge," Jude told his 'future son-in-law' as they made their way to his office.

Bora grinned, "It'll be my pleasure. No worries."

"Good. I want her to bare as many male heirs as possible. I don't want to go through this hell again," he swung open the door to his office, shocked at what he found.

"Hello, Jude," Zeref sat behind his desk completely as ease.

"High king!" Jude bowed, dragging Bora's head down too, "I did not know you were visiting me today. If I had known I would have prepared a feast."

"No need," Zeref held up the inspection form," I decided to hold a surprise inspection today."

Bora scoffed at the confidence Zeref exuded. Jude gulped in trepidation.

"A surprise inspection? I thought you hardly do those," Jude came up to his desk to scan the papers there, "I'm sorry I arrived so late. Perhaps you should stay the night and we can start in the morning."

"I have already finished my inspection."

Dread came over Jude at the tone the high king used. It was like death was calling.

"You.. You have?"

Behind them, Bora ignored the conversation, picking at the dirt under his nails.

"Yes," standing, Zeref circled the desk, "And do you know what I have found, Jude?"

Jude didn't answer, he stared out the window behind the desk as Zeref approached him.

"I found 25 men in the dungeon. 25 men that have been declared dead over the last four years. Some of them dead."

Bora stared at Jude in fear, he knew. But would Jude call him on it?

"And not only that," Zeref raised the necklace he always wore up so Jude could see the picture of a 5-year-old Natsu, "I found my little brother, beaten to death, amungst these men."

Jude glared at the picture.

"You knew as well?" Zeref turned his glare to Lucy's betrothed.

"I.. I.. I.."

"Take them both away," Zeref's guards came from the hall and grabbed Jude and Bora before they could escape, "Take them to Dreyar castle. We will hold court there."

"Yes, sir," the men dragged the king and prince away kicking and screaming.

Far away from the men, Lucy sat on the floor next to her bed, holding Natsu's hand.

He had been cleaned and bandaged. There was no need for a shirt, his whole body covered in bandages, so they only clothes him in linen shorts. But Lucy had put his scarf around his neck loosely. Hoping the familiar smell and feel would lure him into a peaceful sleep.

She rubbed her fingers lightly over his wrist, they were so chapped. The skin was rubbed raw. Mavis said it would take months to heal, maybe a year or longer.

"Lucy?" Mavis called into the room.

"Yes?" Lucy had refused to leave Natsu's side once he was placed in her bed. Before the small blonde appeared, a blue streak came into the room.

"Happy?!" the cat crawled onto Lucy's lap.

"The nurse said he got into the carriage himself," Zeref had sent for his own infirmary staff the moment he got upstairs, "Thought he would be happy to see his master."

Lucy looked in her lap and saw what she thought was shock on the cats face as he gazed onto the bed. He slowly walked onto Natsu's chest and pawed his face. The soft fur tickled him and his lip moved. Happy curled into Natsu's chest, crying. Lucy wanted to cry too, seeing that his cat had recognized him and had missed him almost as much as they had.

Mavis wiped away a stray tear, "We'll have to cut his hair when he can sit up on his own. I don't think he'll like his new look."

"You're right," Lucy scratched Happy behind the ear and held onto Natsu's hand tightly, "he still looks handsome though."

"Very true."

The girls watched the rise and fall of his chest, mesmerized.

"How are the others?" Lucy inquired.

"Good. Most are just malnourished. Zeref has been writing letters to their families and all the kingdoms in the alliance. He's going to hold court in two weeks. Most of them should be OK to travel by that point."

Lucy nodded, expecting that.

"Natsu though, may be in bed for a while."

"I know," Lucy stated. Mavis sat on the end of the bed near Natsu's feet.

"How is he?" Zeref asked before he had opened the door all the way.

"Asleep, but OK," Mavis told him, "They say he's extremely dehydrated and has lost too much blood. He'll need rest, and lots of it."

Sighing in relief, Zeref braced his hands on the bed, "His injuries?"

"Nothing bad," Lucy answered, moving the hair out of his eyes, "There were deep enough to bleed, but not enough to cause lingering damage. He'll scar."

"Of course," Zeref exhaled loudly, "Your father and Bora have been taken to Dreyar castle."

Lucy stared at him in awe, "Already?"

"There were letters in your fathers office explaining the details of the prisoners. All of the were to Bora, some returning letters," Mavis rubbed her tired eyes.

"You should sleep dear," Zeref took her hand.

"No, I want to be here when he wakes up," she whined.

"I can take her to a spare room for you," Lucy went to stand but Natsu's grip on her hand tightened.

Zeref smiled down at their joined hands, "I think you are the more welcomed guest here, Lucy."

With promise to return later, Zeref picked up his wife and left the room.

Watching his peaceful face, Lucy reflected over how much she missed him, "You have a lot to catch up once you're well. Gray and Juvia are engaged. It happened about a year ago. You can just imagine how happy she was. They're getting married this winter. Gray will be delighted that you'll be there, not that he'll tell you that. Erza and Jellal were married not long before you.. well you know. I found out a few weeks ago that she's expecting! Jellal is already a nervous wreck.

"Gajeel finally decided to court Levy. About nine months ago. He's not ready to propose yet, but soon. Mira and Laxus are married now. You should see them, they're so adorable together. Wendy has begun to take medical lessons. She wants to be a healer.

"Mavis and Zeref got married.. it was the most.. depressing wedding. You were looking forward to it weren't you? You always loved to embarrass your brother. Mavis has taken than from you. She has no shame when it comes to telling someone about their lives in the bedroom. She'll probably tell you all Zeref's little secrets, just so you can be in on it. But don't tell me, I don't want to know!"

His head had turned on the pillow so he was facing her, his mouth slightly open, "I missed you, you know?"

Mreow, Happy looked up are her with his big eyes, "We all did."

"Missed.. you too.."

Lucy shifted her gaze to his face and saw that his eyes were open.

"Natsu..," she squeezed his hand in both of hers, "How do you feel?"

"Better.."

She smiled, she should have known. The pressure on her hands increased.

Mreow, "Happy?!" He raised his left hand to pet his precious buddy. Happy rubbed against his hand and face.

"He was a stowaway," she giggled, "Zeref's nurse said he got in the carriage on his own."

"Good job.. little.. buddy.." Mreow!

"They never change."

He started to cough again, thankfully no blood. Happy leapt to the end of the bed as Lucy helped him sit up, propping the pillows behind him.

"Here," she held a cup of cold water to his lips, and even though he would normally be angry that he couldn't do it himself, Natsu let her pour the refreshing liquid down his throat.

"Thanks."

This time Lucy sat next to him on the bed, holding his hand again. Happy came back and laid down between them.

Natsu relaxed on the plush pillows, watching her. It made Lucy self conscious, she hadn't looked in a mirror all day. Her eyes were probably puffy and hair in a mess. But Natsu looked at her like she an angel.

"I really.. missed you."

His voice sounded just a tinsey bit stronger, or that's what Lucy wanted to believe, "I really missed you too, Natsu."

"He said.. that he had.. found.. you a husband.."

Shaking her head no, Lucy pushed her hair behind her ear, "He found someone he wanted me to marry, for money. But not a husband."

He looked down to their interlaced hands, "Good."

She huffed, she wanted to ask about him wanting to marry her. But she knew he needed to heal before they had such a conversation.

"Lucy?"

"Yeah?" he grinned his grin at her.

"I love you."

Gasping, Lucy blushed. He had said that so many times to her before. She never thought he meant it.. the way he did.

Happy tears fell from her eyes, "I love you, too."

**ONE MONTH LATER**

Dear Mom,

I'm sorry it's been a while. So much has happened lately. It turns out that Nastu was alive after all. Father was keeping him and twenty-four other men prisoner in our dungeon. All because they wanted to marry me. All the men are fine. Zeref invited their families to court a few weeks ago and surprised the council when he brought them in.

Natsu has a much longer recovery, he's just able to talk normally now. They're trying to get his muscle strength back, he can barely walk without help. Father never liked Natsu. He wanted Natsu to be alive until the day I was married. Father was going to gloat in front of Natsu about it, then kill him. Thankfully, he is now behind bars in a government prison. The man he wanted me to marry is there with him. His sentence is much shorter though. But they'll both be there for a while.

One of the first things Natsu told me was that he loved me. I know he asked father to marry me. He told me he had asked the night before he went home. Father rejected the idea before Natsu could finish. Which is odd, father always wanted a closer alliance with Zeref, but refused Natsu. Natsu wasn't the rightful heir to the Dragneel line, so he wasn't an option.

I'm hoping once Natsu is better he'-

"Lucy!" Natsu cried from the balcony.

Lucy bolted up to see what he needed. They were now in the Dragneel castle. The Heartfilia castle was being emptied by the council of KPA. All the staff were being re-positioned, Zeref let the ones close to Lucy stay with her as she stayed at his home. Once the castle was empty of everything, Lucy could move back and be crowned. But right now she was happy to stay with Nastu as he healed.

"Natsu what's- Natsu!" He was leaning up against the balcony wall, "You're not supposed to stand unless someone is with you!"

"You were in the next room," he shrugged.

"You could have been hurt," she breathed, eyeing the scar on his neck.

"Nahh, come here! Look!" he pointed to the night sky.

Lucy went to stand next to him, but he pulled her against him so her back was pressed to his chest. He pointed upwards, "Look, Lucy. Ain't that pretty."

Lucy smiled, ever since he could get out of bed he wanted to look at the sky. The stars fascinated him in a way they didn't before. Being locked underground for two years would do that, she guessed.

"It's beautiful, Natsu," she shivered, "but it's getting cold out here, you need to come inside. Gray and Juvia will be here tomorrow to see you and personally invite you to their wedding. You need to rest."

He groaned, "All I've done is rest. I want to go on an adventure!"

"You can go on as many adventures as you want once you're at 100 percent, now come on," she held his arm as he limped inside. One of the bones in his leg had been cracked, so he was wearing a brace for the time being.

"Will you be with me?"

Sitting him on his bed, she said, "I'll go wherever you want, now rest."

"Lucy."

Looking into his determined eyes, she faltered, "Yes, Natsu?"

"Will you go on an adventure with me?"

She tilted her head, "I said I would go anywhere with you."

"No," he pursed his lips, "a specific adventure."

She sat down next to him, placing a hand on his thigh, "What adventure?"

Taking a deep breath, he braced himself on the bed before he stood.

"Hold on!" he held a hand out to stop her, he needed to do this.

Moving to be directly in front of her, he uneasily got down on one knee.

Lifting her hands to her face, she watched him grimace on the floor.

"Lucy, over two years ago I asked that bastard if I could marry you. He didn't let me finish, just said no. Said the only thing I could offer you was second rate stuff, but he was wrong."

He put his hands on either side of Lucy, glimpsing into her eyes with his own hopeful ones, "I can offer you happiness. A life I know you want, cuz I want those things too. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my days waking up to you, because you're worth all the hell I went through."

Lucy had tears in her eyes but refused to let them fall, she had cried enough tears. He reached into his linen pants pocket, the only things he could wear that weren't confining , and pulled out a little box.

"Natsu.."

He opened the box and showed her the modest diamond ring, "Lucy doesn't need money, fancy clothes or jewelry to make her happy. Lucy needs someone to accept her the way she is to make her happy, that's what I told your old man before I stormed out of his office that night," he held the ring out to her and held her left hand in his, "so, Lucy Heartfilia, since you own my heart, can I have yours instead?"

Lucy body shook with laughter, making Natsu's cheeks turned pink, "Where did you learn that?"

"Loke. He said it worked on Aries.. and they're married.." he grumbled.

Lucy's laughs died down, and Natsu tried again, "You are the beautiful woman I want to spend the rest of eternity with, will you please be my bride?"

Stunned by the way his eyes smoldered with his love for her, she nodded.

He shakily slipped the ring on her finger, and kissed it as if to brand it.

"OK, now that I have happily agreed to marry you, get off the floor," she shyly pulled him up and pushed him onto the bed, "Lay back to rest your knees."

He did as she said, but he pulled her down with him. She landed on his hard chest. It didn't take long to fill him out with how much he ate, even though it made him sick.

"I love you."

She got comfortable on his chest before she replied, "I love you too."

Natsu placed a hand on the back of her head and pulled in for a kiss.

His lips were warm, slightly chapped, and inexperienced. But it made Lucy's heart flutter as they moved over hers.

"Hope I'm not interrupting?"

Natsu clammed up and Lucy tore her lips away from him. They looked to the door and saw Zeref standing there with a grin.

"Yes?" Natsu ground out.

"Sorry, I just wanted to tell you dinner will be ready in a half hour," he inspected them closely from where he stood, "Congratulations."

Lucy raised her hand to see better, the ring was simple and modest, but it was breathtaking, "Thank you."

"Yeah. Thanks. Now go hump Mavis."

"Natsu!" she berated, she couldn't smack him just yet. But one day she'd be able to, then she'd get him good.

Zeref's face was as red as Natsu's childhood stuffed dragon. He mumbled incoherently before shuffling out the door.

Natsu laughed, "Man, I missed doing that."

Even though he was embarrassed, she knew Zeref missed him doing it.

She pecked him on the nose before snuggling into his chest.

"I love you, Lucy."

She giggled, "I know. I can't even tell you how many times you've told me."

"Yeah, well, I always said that if I got free I would tell you everyday so I wouldn't die without you knowing. I was scared that was gonna happen."

Gripping his shirt she leaned up to look him in the eye, "You don't have to worry about that anymore. You're right here. And I'm not going anywhere."

His grin appeared, "I know."

His kiss was still a little desperate. Like he was afraid it was all just a dream. She would gladly remind him everyday for the rest of their lives that she was no dream. And he would remind her everyday that love conquers all. Because whether he was a prince or a prisoner, he would love her, because she was Lucy.