The troop of soldiers marched forward, destroying everything in its path. The knights of Fiore tried desperately to kill them, but nothing seemed to work. They were undefeatable..

Minerva's eyes flew open and she whimpered. The horrified faces of those poor knights. The dream was so vivid..so real..

The woman sat up in her bed and hugged her knees to her chest. Her silk nightgown was slick with sweat. The window was closed and there was no draft, but she still shivered. The candles near her window flickered..So peaceful..

Lady Minerva closed her eyes and dozed off once more..

~ ~ ~

A piercing scream jerked me awake. Well, I was actually on guard duty with Gajeel- guarding the cells down in the dungeon. And since most of the prisoners had been executed the day before, there wasn't much to do. So, it was quite boring. And that's how I fell half asleep.

"Upstairs," I hissed, prodding Gajeel's arm. He nodded and followed me upstairs.

I bumped into Jellal who was running through the corridor on the second floor, surrounded by guards.

"What's wrong?"

"I think someone might've broken into Minerva's chambers and started a fire. Her curtains are all burnt and there are glass shards outside below her window."

"Is Lady Minerva alright?" Gajeel asked worriedly.

Jellal nodded. "We think the culprit escaped."

"Did you see the culprit?" I asked.

"Well..no," Jellal began, rubbing the back of his neck. "There's got to be a culprit, though.."

~ ~ ~

"Darling, are you alright?" King Faust asked, hugging Minerva close as if she were still a small child.

"Y-yes," she whispered, burying her face in his soft jacket and closing her tired eyes.

"Did you see the intruder?" he asked gently.

"Intruder?" Minerva asked, hesitating. "Yes.."

King Faust stroked her hair gently. "You know, you can tell me anything. You are my ward. Your father was my best friend, you know?"

She nodded.

"I love you like my daughter. I'll always be there for you no matter what. I promise."

~ ~ ~

"How is she?" Porlyusica asked.

I didn't respond.

"Is she okay?"

How did glass shards end up outside if the culprit was outside? Why were there no shards inside?

"Porlyusica," I said slowly.

"Yes?"

"Who knocked over Minerva's candle?" I asked. "That's what started the fire, right?"

"I believe so," she said. "But I don't know how.."

I sat down on the wooden bench and faced her. "Do you think...magic?"

"The culprit has magic?" Porlyusica asked. "Possibly, but-"

"No. Does Minerva have magic?"

Porlyusica turned around slowly and whispered angrily, "Erza!"

I don't know why, but something made me feel vexed. I was one hundred percent sure Minerva had magic now. And Porlyusica knew. She was thinking the same thing I was.

"I have magic," I whispered to her. "I should know if-"

"If Lady Minerva has magic, that's dangerous. I hope she doesn't realize it.."

I nodded. "I need to help her. She must be scared."

"NO!" Porlyusica said, getting up suddenly. "Don't. It is not worth it. Remember, your destiny. To protect Jellal, not Minerva."

"Porlyusica. When I discovered I had magic, I panicked. Mira helped me get through it. And here I am now. Alive." I motioned to myself. I continued, "Minerva has no one. Faust cares for no one, and Jellal and Prince Siegrain are loyal to their father. You will never understand what it's like to live in a kingdom that bans magic. Want to know why? Because you're not a sorceress!"

I left the room and slammed the door.

~ ~ ~

"I forbid it," the dragon said.

"You forbid everything," I said. "I'm so tired of-"

"Why do you come here if you ignore my warnings?"

I sighed. "Igneel.."

"You're destiny is to protect Jellal alone. To watch him grow into the greatest king Fiore has ever known. Leave Minerva out of it! For goodness' sake, how do you know Minerva has magic?!"

"She's a Seer," I said suddenly.

Igneel grunted in surprise. "And how do you know that?"

"She's been having strange dreams. Even Porlyusica can't stop them."

"Being a Seer is dangerous."

"Everything is," I huffed, turning around and leaving the complicated, useless dragon behind.

~ ~ ~

"Scarlet," Minerva said, nodding her head.

"My lady," I said bowing.

Minerva lay on her bed, her head propped up on the velvet pillows.

I wish I had a bed like that..

"I came to see how you were feeling."

She smiled. "I'm feeling fine, thank you."

"Funny how there were a fire and an intruder on the same night," I said casually.

"Funny."

"Did you accidentally knock over the candle?"

"I'm tired, you may leave."

"I only want to help you," I whispered, walking to the door.

"Leave."

"My lady-"

"LEAVE."

The vase next to her bed cracked.

If I were anyone else, I would have called for a servant to fix it, but I was a sorceress, and I knew from experience that an angry voice had power. Especially when you were untrained.

I pretended not to notice and walked out her chambers.

Minerva had magic.

~ ~ ~

Minerva stared at the cracked vase.

"My lady- Oh! How did that happen?" Mira Jane asked, hurrying to clean it up.

The woman didn't answer and closed her eyes.

She was in danger. Strange stuff was happening. She knew it was magic. What else could it be?

But most of all, she was scared.

If King Faust found out..

He'd have her killed. Ward or not.

He cared for no one. Not Jellal, not Siegrain. And certainly not her.