Erza was so insistent with Natsu going to the masquerade ball. Something he didn't feel the need to do as a royal knight. He didn't know why she was persistent about it, but here he was walking down the halls of the royal castle. He never liked royal events. They were always so flashy and grand, but he did work for the palace so could he really complain?

Natsu had remembered that Erza said she'd meet up with him, but he couldn't find her anywhere. The king had announced the start of the ball and his daughter's engagement once Natsu had made it into the room. So most of the crowd was already dancing by the time he came in. He felt like he had to squeeze through the huddled bodies to make it anywhere else in the room.

The people around him were spinning around him, dancing as if the night would never end. Until suddenly, a woman had crashed into his body. Her eyes quickly lifted to meet Natsu's. A smile crept on his face. Her face was covered with a blue and gold mask, but by her eyes Natsu could tell she was a very beautiful woman.

"Someone seems to be lost." His voice came out soft as he stared into her brown eyes.

"I'm sorry," She quickly apologized, "It wasn't on purpose I swear."

Part of Natsu didn't want to let go of this woman. Something about her seemed so familiar. But before he could think anymore, the words spilled out of him, "Care for a dance then, Miss?"

His body had taken over before the woman could reply. He had grasped her left hand and placed his other on her waist. Soon the two of them were swaying and dancing to the music. They became in sync and moved their way around the crowd the surrounded them. However, the woman seemed distracted, Natsu wanted to keep her attention, so he began to speak.

"I'm sorry if this was too much, miss." Natsu apologized to her. He felt somewhat bad for not giving her a choice in dancing, but who would let such a pretty woman like her dance with another man? He pulled himself of his thoughts, "You just seemed to be lost in the crowd."

The woman seemed captivated, at a loss for words, but she smiled and she teased him. "I did get lost, but you seem to be my knight in shining armor."

He wanted to laugh about how accurate she was about his job, but instead he decided to continue the teasing and get more information out of her. He found himself wanting to have more of her addictive charm.

"Anything for a dazzling woman like you. Might I ask your name?" He asked as they continued to dance like they were the only two in the ballroom. He smiled at her, as he took in every detail of her face that he could see. Her brown eyes had been so familiar to him. Why was that? But before he could think anymore, the woman had answered him.

"Lucy." Her name had rolled off her tongue as if she was always meant to tell him it. However, he tried to keep his composer. Lucy... is this truly her?

***

Lucy didn't speak to Natsu all the next morning. His sudden proposal to abandon her duties left her speechless, or was it because part of her truly wanted to do it? His seriousness to his words had somehow frightened her.

She knew he meant it, but did he truly know what he was asking her? Regardless, she didn't give him an answer last night. She could remember staring at him for a moment, and then telling him goodnight. Since then, they haven't shared a word between each other.

The ride in the carriage had been a quiet one. Everyone had been too antsy to see what awaited them at Lord Dan's. Lucy most of all, she was nervous to meet her future husband. Ever since she and Natsu had agreed to their relationship, she only found herself more on edge.

Why did her life turn out this way? Everything never went her way, so why was something so vital in her life given away so easily? Her father had given her up for a marriage like she was a pawn on his chessboard.

However, her thoughts were interrupted by Levy. Her lady-in-waiting placed her hand on Lucy's shoulder. Lucy met eyes with Levy, and gave her a questioning look.

"We will be arriving at Lord Dan's very soon." She spoke with sadness in her voice.

Levy's words now replaced every thought Lucy had in her mind. She had spent the morning ignoring everything around her that she didn't notice that they had arrived in Malba. It was a small town, however; from the look of the streets the people were lively. But of course, that was because they had noticed the fancy carriage heading to the biggest building.

Lucy studied the mansion as they drew closer to it. She wasn't scared or nervous. The feeling of emptiness had consumed her to the core, and she wasn't sure how to feel. She had been mad for so long that she couldn't muster up any feelings about her situation. Maybe Natsu had a good idea when he offered to run away with her. It was too late to turn back now.

It had felt like an eternity for Lucy as the carriage slowly rode up to the doors of the manor. The colors of brown and gray seemed more dull up close. But as she pulled her eyes away from the residence, she found a man standing with two guards men behind him.

He was an older gentleman, not as old as her father, and he stood tall with a grin plastered on his face. His slim figure seemed weedy, however; his crimson colored hair and red eyes stood out to Lucy. Erza was the only other person she had ever seen with red hair.

Lucy felt her body shift forward slightly when the wagon came to a halt. Her eyes were fixed on the man and his guards. She watched as one of the men opened the door, allowing Lucy and her entourage to exit the carriage.

The princess was first to leave. She felt her legs wobble as her feet hit the stone path. Faking a smile, Lucy looked at the man and awaited him to introduce himself. She raised a brow as he just stayed silent for a moment. Then like a rock had stuck him, he finally opened his mouth to speak.

"Your Highness, it's a pleasure to finally meet you officially and not at the ball." He projected as he bowed lightly to her. "I am Dan, and I'm happy that your travels were safe."

Lucy eyed the man, glancing from head to toe. I don't remember meeting him at the ball. Her mind then filled with other thoughts. Dan wasn't totally unattractive, but he gave off an eerie feeling. Like he had been hiding something behind those red eyes of his. Nonetheless, Lucy stuck out her hand and waited for him to shake it.

"Nice to officially meet you as well, Lord Dan." She greeted Dan and shook his hand. His touch had sent shivers down her spine, a feeling that she decided she hated.

"Come in, you must be tired from your travels. I'll have my maid show you to your rooms. From there we will have supper." Dan explained as he studied each person who had gotten out of the wagon.

Lucy nodded and turned to face Natsu. She had the feeling of needing him at her side. She didn't feel safe near Dan. Natsu gave her a small nod as he carried one of the small chests of her items to Lucy's side.

When Lucy turned back to Dan, a woman with pink hair stood before her. Lucy had thought this young maid was very pretty. Her bright blue eyes were locked on Lucy,

"Good evening, Your Highness. I am Virgo, and I will be attending to you while you stay at our residence." Virgo spoke like she had rehearsed the sentences over and over. They held next to no emotion in them.

"Thank you. However, I have my ladies-in-waiting, Levy and Juvia, with me, so I won't need to have a right hand woman with me at all times." Lucy explained as the group slowly moved inside the building.

"I was tasked with making sure your every need is met. Please allow me to accompany you." Virgo said, never taking her eyes off Lucy.

Taking a deep breath, Lucy glanced at her ladies-in-waiting. Neither woman looked like they knew what to say or do. Levy shrugged her shoulders, staying silent and Juvia was too busy taking in the environment.

Lucy could only nod and agree to let Virgo tag along with them while they stayed in Malba. When Virgo got her word, she had led the group upstairs. The mansion wasn't as big as the palace, but it could fit more than one family for living.

They had walked down the corridor to four separate rooms. Virgo had explained that each person who came got their own room, Juvia and Gray would stay together however. Natsu and Levy walked into the first room, which would be Lucy's, and had set the princess's belongings at the end of the bed and left to go to their rooms.

Lucy had thought it looked like any guest room back at the palace. It wasn't as spacious as her room, but it had enough to where she would be comfortable. She had her own bathroom which had its own respective set of doors.

As Lucy was studying the room, Dan had come up behind her. He placed a hand on her shoulder. Startled, Lucy spun around and gave him a small glare.

"It is truly wonderful you are here, Lucy." He whispered. The same chilling feeling ran down her spine. Why did he suddenly call her by her name?

"All due respect, please refrain from calling me by my name. Until we are familiar, please call me 'Your Highness', Lord Dan. After all, we just met." Lucy rejected the idea of this man calling her by her name. Even if he was her future husband, it was disrespectful until they would be married.

Dan had seemed taken aback by Lucy's words, but his demeanor changed with a snap. And he looked as though her words didn't affect him.

"I understand, Your Highness. Supper should be ready soon. I will send a maid to alert you when. See you then." He said as he walked out of the room, leaving Lucy behind in her new room.

Lucy still had this feeling of uncertainty about Dan. He seemed nice, but her gut had told her otherwise. Why did he seem a bit familiar? Did they meet at the ball when she was drunk? Or was it beforehand?

His quick actions had made her think of the man who had interrupted her and Natsu after their first dance. The one with the ugly bird mask, was that Dan? That gentleman had called her by her first name then too. However, with the mask, it was hard to tell if Dan was that man or not.

Before she could think anymore, there was a small knock on the door. Lucy's voice came out quickly, "You may enter."

With permission, another woman had opened the bedroom door. She was a young woman with light pink hair and brown eyes. She held her hand up to her face, in a loose fist. Her big brown eyes landed on Lucy. Her voice was a little more than a murmur.

"Your Highness," She paused and glanced at the floor. After a moment, she realized she had been quiet a little too long. "I'm sorry... Supper is ready, I'm here to guide you. Everyone is already in the dining hall awaiting your arrival."

"Yes, thank you." Lucy replied as she followed the maid out of the room. Lucy could tell she was a bit shy. Was it because she was royalty? Lucy had never met a maid so shy in her life. All the maids back at the palace were confident and outgoing. Nothing like the two ladies Lucy had met here. Virgo seemed too focused on her job and had little emotion. And this one was a little too timid to ever have a job like this.

"I'm sorry," The maid apologized again, which had tugged Lucy out of her thoughts. "I didn't introduce myself. My name is Ares...I'll be with Virgo when she accompanies you. I just started not too long ago..."

Lucy remained silent, unsure of what she was supposed to tell Ares. Not even a day into staying at Lord Dan's and he had already assigned her two different maids. Levy and Juvia were enough to support Lucy in any way she needed. Did Dan feel like she needed extra?

The two women made it to a set of doors. There a footman greeted them and bowed his head to Lucy as he opened the door for her and Ares. When they walked inside, Lucy took in her surroundings. The dining hall certainly wasn't big as it was at the palace. Lucy thought it could fit maybe two dozen people at the table.

At the table stood her attendees, Dan and another woman Lucy didn't recognize. The woman had shoulder-length purple hair with a white streak that went along the left side of her face. She had a scowl look plastered on her face. Her yellow eyes were like daggers, and they lingered on Lucy until she had reached the seat Ares had pulled out for her. When Lucy took the seat next to Dan, everyone else sat down. Natsu, who had sat across from Lucy, had a concerned look, but kept silent as Dan spoke.

"A toast to Her Highness for her safe travels here." He began, and he held a glass of wine towards Lucy. "I cannot wait to marry you in three months."

"Three months? I thought the wedding was next week." Lucy had questioned. She had clearly remembered her father saying how fast the wedding would be.

"Yes, three months. We barely know each other, and I thought that would be enough time to get to know one another. I didn't like the idea His Majesty had on marrying right away." Dan explained as he set the glass to his lips and took a small slip. "Is that alright with you?"

Lucy had been shocked and a little angry. When did her father and Dan decide this? And why was she the last one to know? Not only was she the last to know, but now she had to stay here in Malba for three months. What was she supposed to do within that time besides get to know her future husband?

"Sounds lovely." Lucy lied as she took a sip of her wine. She still couldn't understand fully why Dan had picked three months. She'd have to write a letter to her father as soon as she was able to.

The group ate in silence, but Lucy was quick to lose her appetite after the news she had just heard. She had been too caught up in her anger to be hungry. Natsu had noticed the change in her demeanor, and he nudged Levy. The lady-in-waiting looked at the princess. Standing up from her seat, Levy made her way to Lucy. She pushed the princess's plate forward and lightly pulled the chair.

"Your Highness, we had a long day and you look tired. Why don't we retire for the night?" Levy asked, to which Lucy had glanced at her and nodded her head in reply.

"Please excuse me. Goodnight, Lord Dan." Lucy said as she got up from her chair and followed Levy out of the room.

The rest of Lucy's attendees pardoned themselves and went after Lucy and Levy. Gray was the last out of the dining hall, and he bowed to Dan as they had left the room. Lucy had kept to herself the whole walk. When they had gotten to her room, Lucy had let everyone go for the night.

Everyone, except Natsu, had gone back into their rooms. He stayed for a moment and studied Lucy. Her eyes were dull and she held zero emotion in her. But she gave Natsu a half smile and turned in, closing the door behind her.

Lucy fell onto the soft bed and stared at the canopy. It was a dark red, it had matched the sheets on the bed. Her eyes felt tired, but her mind had been racing. To try to subdue her thinking, Lucy began to tug off the dress she had on. It was a simple blue dress, one of her favorites, but it was too much to sleep in.

Part of Lucy felt lonely all day. She probably should've talked to Natsu more. She ignored him most of the day after his offer last night. If she was honest, it was because the offer scared her. She wanted to run away. To get away from her duties and quit being a princess. This life had too many responsibilities, and it had overwhelmed her. Running away now sounded perfect considering now she had to wait three months to marry a man she didn't want to.

Dan seemed nice on the outside, but Lucy knew there was something odd about him. She just couldn't tell what. Or she was overthinking because she didn't want to marry him. Making him the bad guy in her mind seemed easy because of that reason alone.

Lucy shook her head, she had been in and out of deep thought since this morning. She opened up one of the chests that was brought. Pulling out a nightgown, she quickly slipped it over her naked body and then she let her hair down. Laying down on the bed was much more comfortable now.

She had to be overthinking, sleep was what her mind needed. Too many things had come all at once for her, and she knew that the only way to let it stop for the night was to get some rest. However, that had seemed impossible. The longer she laid on the bed, the harder it became for her mind to rest. She had been wide awake, even if she didn't want to be.

Lucy glanced over, her room had a balcony on the right side of the bed. Maybe some fresh air will help my mind clear up. Lucy thought as she pushed herself off the bed. The handles of the door were cold as she grabbed them. With a small yank, the doors had opened and Lucy made her way outside.

The night air was cool, but not so cold that Lucy needed another layer of clothing. The stars glowed brightly in the dark. A handful of constellations were settled in the sky. Lucy studied them, remembering each one. Leo had been in full shine, although she had enjoyed every constellation when her mother and she would study them, Leo had always been her favorite.

A sigh escaped Lucy's lips unwillingly. What would her mother think if she were alive now? Would she have agreed to send Lucy off to marry a random duke, or would she have let Lucy marry whomever she wanted? Too many questions that would never get answers.

"How long have you been out here, Lucy?" Lucy quickly snapped her head towards the voice. To her right sat Natsu, who was sitting on the railing of the balcony. He had a half smirk on his face, but his eyes were filled with worry. "You'll catch a cold the longer you're out here."

Lucy was speechless, even after she ignored him all day, he still came to her side no matter what the circumstances were. Her body moved on its own as Lucy grasped Natsu in a tight hug as soon as he placed his feet on the balcony. A little grunt left his mouth at the impact of her, but he soon returned the hug.

"I'm sorry." Was all Lucy could muster up. She had been rude to him, and he didn't deserve that for wanting what he thought she wanted to hear. He stayed quiet for a moment, then spoke. Lucy could feel his heartbeat increase slightly.

"No, I should be apologizing. I thought that what I said would be something you wanted to hear, but I was wrong. I should always ask what you want." Natsu explained as he let go of her and grabbed her shoulders. "You gotta lot going on."

"I do..." Lucy paused and her eyes suddenly met with Natsu's. He was such a thoughtful man, how could she ever stay mad at him long if he made her heart soar with every touch. "It's a lot more bearable when we are together."

She cupped his face and brought his lips to her own. They stayed there for a moment, the kiss grew more intense as time went on. Neither wanted to pull away, however; they would need air sooner or later. They didn't hold back as Natsu picked her up by her hips and moved her inside of the room.

Carefully without tripping over himself, he closed the door behind them and brought both of them over to the bed. He was gentle with Lucy as he laid her down, both taking a moment to get their lungs full of air.

The kiss seemed never ending however once they began again. Only taking small breaks to catch their breath. When they separated, Lucy had noticed how red Natsu's lips were. His eyes had become full of lust now that they were trained on Lucy.

She felt her face get hot. Natsu was an attractive man, and lord only knew she couldn't resist too much longer. Lucy wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him to her once more. Their lips collided with a fire beneath them.

She needed him, and the heat of his skin only made the feeling of wanting him worse. Once Natsu had placed his hands on her chest and under her thigh, the need increased. Lucy began to take off  Natsu's vest, but Natsu had pulled away from their kiss and looked at her before they continued.

"Are you sure you want this?" He asked, never letting go of the skin that was in his grasp.

"Yes, I want you."

With her permission, he kissed her deeply. All while, Natsu had practically ripped his clothing off as fast as he could, but never once broke the kiss. Lucy had a small struggle with her nightgown, but soon both of them had been naked.

Lucy had loved the way Natsu's skin had felt against her own. The warmth he radiated was calming, but somehow made her want to touch more of him. Her mind had been dragged out of her thoughts once she felt his member touch her inner thigh.

Her nerves began to pick up as she remembered that they hadn't had sex since they were filled with alcohol. Nonetheless, those nerves had soon died down as Natsu gently played with her core.

Lucy could feel his fingers get wet as he gently rubbed her bundle of nerves. Her hips bucked and a soft moan released from her lips. His hand could work its magic, and she'd thank him, beg him from more if it meant she could continue to feel this good.

In return, Lucy moved her hand down Natsu's chest and found his hard member. She began to stroke it slowly. Natsu had let out a small growl that vibrated against her lips. The two had broken away from their heated kiss. Natsu had begun to place kisses all over Lucy's torso.

Lucy had been so caught up in Natsu pleasuring her, that she had forgotten she was doing the same for him. Still, Natsu had continued to make her feel good regardless of her forgetfulness. His fingers were soaked now, and he slowly eased one of his fingers inside of her core.

Lucy had let out a surprised moan, not totally expecting Natsu to put his fingers inside her. Yet, she didn't complain because of how it made her body want more. Sooner or later, Natsu placed another finger in, the walls of her core stretched to accommodate the new digit.

"Your moans are beautiful." Natsu mummed against her chest. He placed more wet kisses on her and began to suck on her delegate skin. After he pulled away, the skin was a fresh light red, but it made Lucy feel weak at her knees.

" Aahh! " Her legs shook as Natsu's fingers had zero resistance while they pumped in and out of her core. She could feel her body explode with an overwhelming feeling. One that filled her with ecstasy.

She felt her mind go blank and her eyes rolled into the back of her head. Not thinking it was possible, but Lucy wanted more. How could someone be so irresistible? Never in her life did she see herself wanting someone as much as she craved Natsu.

"Please," Lucy breathed out between moans, "Let me return the favor."

Natsu glanced up from in between her breasts. Their eyes met for a moment before Natsu slowly pulled out his fingers. Lucy watched as he sucked each finger for a moment, and then laid next to her.

As quickly as he laid down, Lucy found herself hovering above him. His pink hair was sprawled against the puffy pillows. Red had slightly tinted his cheeks, and there had been lust still lingering in his eyes as he ogled Lucy and her body.

Coming to her senses, Lucy had lowered herself between Natsu's legs and his rock hard member was in her grasp. Picking a steady pace, Lucy began to stroke his cock. A groan released from Natsu and he threw his head back into the pillows.

"Wet me up..." Natsu said, holding back his moans.

"With my mouth?" Lucy asked, unsure how she was supposed to do it.

"That works."

Lucy shrugged her shoulders and parted her lips, inviting his member inside. A gasp slipped out of him as she did. Lucy was not quite sure how to do this, but taking a guess, she bobbed her head so his shaft went in and out of her mouth. More moans came from Natsu, she must've hit a weak spot.

The wet feeling between her thighs began to grow and run down. She liked pleasuring Natsu. It was exciting seeing his reaction to her. Butterflies grew in her stomach, she wanted this man. More than ever in the last two days. Would he agree to have sex with her?

After a few minutes, Lucy let go of Natsu's cock with a light pop ! Nastu shook his head, snapping himself back to reality, and he glanced at Lucy. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing... I just," Lucy bit her lip and sat up. Her hand fell to her core. Her fingers rubbed and the wetness went on her own hand. "Can we go farther?"

Natsu had seemed almost shocked that she was asking, but he happily obliged and sat up. He kissed her deeply and let her lay on the pillows. He took his hands and slightly spread apart her thighs, exposing her womanhood to him. He licked his lips, but his eyes met Lucy again.

"Are you ready?" Natsu asked again.

"Yes."

"Tell me if you dislike any of it." Natsu clarified, "I'll go slowly."

Lucy was grateful Nastu was being gentle with her, since neither of them could remember their first night together. Now, they were completely sober, and doing it at the pace they wanted.

Nastu lined up his cock at her entrance. He rubbed the tip of it against Lucy's wet core, she moaned in response. With a deep breath, Natsu began to slowly push inside of her. Lucy could feel her womanhood stretch to adjust to his size. He was quite large, and she was unsure if he would fit.

However, her doubts washed away when she realized that he was able to slip in with ease. And it felt way better than his fingers had. Lucy finally released the breath she had been holding. Nastu's member fit fully inside, and she loved it.

Nastu sat for a moment as Lucy got used to him. Once she had seemed okay, he began to pump in and out of her. His actions had earned a moan from both of them. Lucy's head was spinning. Each time Natsu had pushed himself back in, her body began to quiver. Her heart skipped a beat, her nerves had relaxed and she had pulled him closer.

Lucy found herself kissing Natsu as he thrusted. Her legs had wrapped themselves around his hips as he picked up the pace. Nastu had let out a mixture of moans and growls, each of them making Lucy wetter by the minute.

She never wanted this feeling to stop. She welcomed everything that had to come with Natsu. His warmth, love, and the happiness that he gave her was something she craved. This man was hers. But somehow, she wanted more.

"Harder." She demanded.

Without any hesitation, Natsu followed her demands. He slammed into her, just enough to not hurt her. And he picked up his speed. Lucy wanted to scream, but Natsu quickly covered her mouth. She moaned into it, loving the feeling he was giving to her.

Lucy could feel her walls tighten around Natsu, and suddenly she felt an overwhelming feeling. One that had made her eyes roll and her heart rate increase. Her body was filled with adrenaline and ecstasy. I want him. Natsu's mine. He's all mine.

"Damn, I'm going to burst." Natsu groaned in her ear.

"Give it to me." She begged as he pumped into her a few hard times and a groan escaped his lips.

Suddenly, Lucy felt her insides get hot. Every ounce Nastu had sprayed into her she could feel. She watched as Natsu tried to gather his breath. He slowly pulled out of her and she observed as a white liquid leaked from his tip.

"You're beautiful." He whispered as he found her lips again. "Mine if I stay here tonight? I'll make sure I'm gone before Levy comes."

Lucy was speechless, this man was incredible. She was grateful to have and love him. She nodded her head and lightly patted the empty spot next to her. A smile formed on Natsu's face as he happily turned and grasped her from behind and dragged her to his chest.

His voice broke the silence. "I love you."