Please note that this story is basically the same as Desire by Amanda Quick (that is why it is listed under Parody) However I have changed the story in more way than one. This story will have side stories once I get all the main characters introduced. I also plan to change the ending of the story so that it will not be the same. I decided to make this story because I wanted to share this great story with the characters of fairy tail. I don't own fairy tail or Desire.

"It is extremely unlikely that the lady of Desire is still a virgin" Metalicana of Landry said. "But under the circumstances, I'm certain you'll find yourself able to overlook that aspect of the situation"

Gajeel looked at his father impassively. His reaction to the news that his future bride had already dishonored herself with another man was virtually undetectable, a mere tightening of his fingers around his wine cup.

As a bastard son who'd been obligated to make his way in the world with his own strength, he'd had years of experience of concealing his emotions. In truth he had become so skilled at the business that most people concluded that he had no strong emotion of any kind.

"You say she's an heiress?" Gajeel forced himself to concentrate on the most important element of the matter.

"She holds and estate?"

"Aye"

"In that case, she'll do fine as a wife." Gajeel hid his intense satisfaction

His father was right. As long as the lady was not pregnant with another man's babe, Gajeel was prepared to overlook the issue of his brides honor or lack the same for the sake of gaining lands of his own.

Lands of his own. The words shimmered with promise.

A place where he belonged; a place where he was not just the bastard son whose presence must be tolerated.; a place where he is welcomed and needed not merely because his skill with a sword was useful temporarily useful. He wanted to live in a place where he had the right to sit in front of his own hearth.

Gajeel was twenty-one years old and he knew that he might never again be granted this opportunity. He was a man who had long since learned to seize whatever chance fate brought his way. It was a philosophy which had served him well in the past.

"She is now the sole Mistress of the isle of desire." Metalicana sipped wine from his finely crafted silver cup and gazed thoughtfully at the fire. "Her father, Sir McGarden, favored travel and intellectual pursuits over working the land. Unfortunately, word has reached that he died several months ago on a journey in Spain. Murdered by Bandits"

"There are no male heirs?"

"Nay, two years ago, McGarden's only son Edmund, broke his neck in a tournament. Levy the only daughter, is the only one left. she inherits the manner"

"and as Sir McGarden's liege lord, you have wardship of his will marry at your command."

Metalicana's mouth twitched "That remains to be seen."

Gajeel realized that his father was barely containing a grin. The knowledge made him uneasy.

As a man whose own natural temperament had always been serious and deeply restrained nature, Gajeel was not much given to mirth. he rarely responded to mild amusements to jests and japes, that made others laugh aloud.

His unsmiling countenance nicely complemented his reputation as a ruthless man who could be exceedingly dangerous to cross. He had no particular objection to smiles or laughter ; he was just not often inclined to indulge either.

Now he waited wearily to learn what it was that Metalicana found so amusing in what should have been such a straight forward matter of business.

He studied his father's lean, and elegant profile in the light flames of the hearth. Metalicana was in his mid fifties, though he looked like he was still in his thirties. His shoulder length silver hair that covered one of his eyes, he captured the attention of every female who came within his sphere.

It was not only the power Metalicana had as King Makarov's favorite barons that made him an object of interest to females, Gajeel knew it was also Metalicana's handsome face and form that made him popular to women.

Metalicana's skill at seduction, employed quite freely both before and after his arranged marriage. Gajeel's mother, the youngest of the a noble family in the south, was one of his many conquests. As far as Gajeel knew he was the only adult illegitimate offspring. If there had been any others, they died during infancy.

To Metalicana's credit and his wife's thinly disguised displeasure, he had done his duty by his bastard son. He had acknowledged Gajeel from the start.

Gajeel had been raises by his mother until the age of six. During those years Metalicana had been a frequent visitor to the quiet manor house where Gajeel and his mother lived. But when Gajeel had turned six, nearing the age when the sons of nobles went into training for knighthood, his mother announced that she intended to take the veil.

There had been a fierce argument. Gajeel would never forget his fathers rage. But his mother had been adamant and in the end she had won. Metalicana had even provided the magnificent dowry that had made the convent more than happy to accept Gajeel's mother as a novitiate.

Metalicana had taken his bastard son home to Beckworth Castle. He had seen to Gajeel's education as a knight with the same care and diligence that he applied to his legitimate sons, and his heir, Lahar.

Metalicana's wife, Lady Minerva, beautiful, cold and proud, had no option but to tolerate the situation. Perhaps not unnaturally, however she did not go out of her way to make young Gajeel welcomed into the household.

Deeply aware of his status as an outsider, missing the studios, contemplative atmosphere of his mother household, Gajeel had poured all his energies into his training with sword and lance. He had practiced endlessly, seeking an elusive satisfaction on a quest for perfection.

When he was not honing his fighting skills, sought out the solitude of the library of the local Foire monastery. There he had read anything and every thing brother Freed, the librarian had given him.

By the time he was seventeen Gajeel had studied a wide variety of subjects. he had delved into treaties on mathematics and optics that had been translated from Greek and Arabic by Brother Freed. He had pondered Aristotle's theories of the four elements earth, water, air, and fire. He was fascinated by Plato's writing on astronomy, light and matter.

Many powerful lord, including his father, had considerable use for a man who knew how to hunt the thieves and marauding, renegade knights who were a constant threat to their remote estates and manors.

The business of snaring outlaws paid well and Gajeel wast adept at it. He had never been particularly enamored of the profession.

Four days ago Gajeel had received summons from To return to Beckworth Castle. Tonight he learned that his greatest wish will soon be fulfilled. It only required that he accepts a lady with a blemished reputation as a wife.

It was a small price to pay for what Gajeel wanted most. And Gajeel was accustomed to paying for what he wanted.

"How old is the Lady of Desire?" He asked

"Let me think, Levy would be seventeen now, I believe" Metalicana said

Gajeel frowned. "And still unwed?"

"I am told that she had no great wish to be wed," Metalicana said "Some women do not wish to be wed. your own mother for example. "

"I doubt that my mother had much choice in the matter after I was conceived." Gajeel said in a carefully neutral tone. this was old and all too familiar ground. He knew well how conceal bitterness. "she was fortunate to find a nunnery that would take her."

"Little did they realize, of course, that whichever house took her in would soon be under he command"

Gajeel shrugged. He saw his mother infrequently, but he corresponded with her regularly and he knew that Metalicana was correct. His mother was brilliant, formidable woman. Every bit as brilliant and formidable as Metalicana in fact.

Gajeel Focused his attention on the matter at hand. "Is Lady Levy ill-formed in some fashion?"

"Not to my knowledge. I haven't seen her since she was a child but as i recall she was a well made girl. she showed no promise of becoming a great beauty, but I noticed naught that would be deemed ugly or misshapen in her appearance." Metalicana cocked an eyebrow "Are her looks a matter of concern?"

"Nay" Gajeel gazed into the fire. "Only her lands are of concern to me."

"I thought as much."

"I was merely seeking reasons to why she has never wed."

Metalicana moved on hand in a dismissing gesture. the exquisite silver and black embroidery on his tunic gleamed in the firelight. "As I had said before some women have no great wish to be wed, however for one reason or another she is forced to wed."

"For the sake of her holdings?"

"Aye, the isle of Desire is like a plump bird ready for the picking. It need protection. She writes that there have already been problems with her neighbor Laxus of Dreyar, as well as with a and of brigands who are harassing her shipments of goods to London."

"So she is in need of a reliable husband who can defend her manner and you, sir, wish to be certain that Desire can still be profitable to you."

"Aye, the Isle isn't very large but it does develop a large amount of income from this" Metalicana picked up a small purple embroidered bad and tossed it to Gajeel. As soon as Gajeel caught the small pouch the scent of flowers and herbs hit his nose.

"Perfumes?"

"Aye, tis an island of flowers and herbs. And the products it send to the market are perfumes and creams of every description."

Gajeel looked at the fragrant little pouch in his hand "So I am to become a gardener?"

Metalicana Smiled " It will be something for a change for Kurogane of Wyckmere."

"Aye, that it will. I have little knowledge of gardening but I will soon learn whatever is necessary."

"You have always been quick in that regard, no matter what the subject."

Gajeel ignored the comment "So the lady of desire is willing to wed a man to protect her vast flower garden. And I want lands of my own. It would seem that she and I can strike a bargain."

"Mayhap"

Gajeel narrowed his eyes. "Is there some doubt?"

The smile that had been hovering around Metalicana's mouth turned into a brief laughing grin." I fear there is some competition for the position."

"What Competition?"

"Laxus of Dreyar, Levy's Nearest neighbor is also one of my vassals. He has had eyes on Desire for some time. In fact he is the chief reason why I suspect Lady Levy is no longer a virgin."

"He seduced her?!"

"From what my sources have gathered, they say Laxus virtually Kidnapped her last month and held her at Dreyar keep for some four days."

"And he then tried to force her into marring him?!"

"Aye, however she refused."

Gajeel raised an eyebrow at the news. He wasn't surprised at the tale. Kidnapping unwed heiresses was a common enough sport. But he was startled to learn that the lady was not immediately wed after the event. Few women would have refused after losing their virginity and their reputation to an encroaching lord. "A most unusual female."

"Aye, It seems Lady Levy has very particular requirements regarding the man who will be her lord."

Metalicana grinned again "She sent me a recipe for a husband, in fact. She wishes to select one who meets the exact specifications, you see."

"Hells Teeth... A recipe? I knew you were keeping something from me."

"She has written her requirements in great detail, Here see for your self"

Metalicana picked up a folded up parchment of the table beside him, and handed it to Gajeel.

Gajeel glanced at the broken seal and saw that it was in the shape of a rose. He read swiftly through the greeting and opening paragraph of the beautifully scripted letter, and skipped to the portion which detailed the ladies requirements.

I have given your wishes and the needs of my people mush thought, my lord. I regretfully accept the necessity

of a marriage. To that end I have considered the matter with extreme care. Desire is a very remote place, as you

well know. I know of no eligible men in the vicinity besides my neighbor, Sir Laxus, who is unexceptionable.

I therefore respectfully ask that you send ma a selection of at least three or four suitors. I shall choose a husband

from among them. To assist you in the task of selecting the candidates for the position, I have prepared a recipe for the

perfect husband.

You my lord, obviously have interest in these lands. i understand that you wish for them to be protected, as do I. From your

Point of view, therefore, the future lord of Desire must be a trustworthy knight who can command a small but effective group

of fighting men. I will remind you that he must bring such a group with him, as there are no trained men-at-arms here on

the island.

In addition to that obvious requirement, which I know that you will see to, I have three more requirements of my own.

I wish to specify them in detail so you and I are on the same page.

First as regards, his physical appearance, must be a man of moderate proportions and stature. Second, my future lord must be a

man of cheerful countenance, and well-mannered, pleasuring disposition. Third is absolutely important, that my husband must be a

learned man, one who is capable of reading and enjoys intellectual discourse.

I trust my three requirements are quite plain and my recipe is clear. There should be no problem in you finding several candidates.

Please send me the candidates quickly so that you don't lose anymore profits.

Gajeel refolded the letter aware of the unholy amusement in his father's eyes. "i wonder how she came about these requirements,"

Metalicana chuckled " I suspect she took the basic elements from some minstrel's ballad, you know the sort. They generally feature a chivalrous hero who vows his undying love to his lady."

"A lady who normally belongs to another man," Gajeel muttered

"The hero's liege lord, for example. Aye I know the sort of song you mean. i do not care for such my self."

"Ladies love them"

Gajeel shrugged "how many candidates do you intend to send?"

"Two, "

Gajeel's brow rose "not three or four?"

"Nay. In my experience you only ask for trouble when you give women too many choices."

"so two suitors them, myself and another,"

"Aye."

"Who shall I be competing against?"

Metalicana grinned evilly "Sir Laxus of Dreyar. good luck to you son. The ladies requirements are simple are they not?"

Gajeel handed the letter back to his father."she is fortunate, is she not? i meet one of her requirements. I can read. Gihee"

Gajeel made his way down the long hallway on the way to his room, so that he can pack his items for departure, when his step brother Lahar. Even thorough he has a very manner full appearance and seems to be a gentleman who excels at his role of heir of the family, he is actually a cocky little asshole. He passed me and bumped into my right should and began to speak.

"I hear you are getting another mans trash," Lahar said with a chuckle, Gajeel continued walking ignoring him

"Your just a bastard son who deserves second rate trash anyway," He said as Gajeel continued to walk away, about to turn around and punch him in the face when one of the maids came and began talking to Lahar. If he had punched him and the maid reported me Gajeel he could kiss those lands good bye faster than a ship can sink. One of these days Gajeel will show Lahar that even though is a bastard son, he is better than him.