Welcome to this story! I was really excited to write it, so here it is! This story was inspired by the anime Yona of the Dawn. But it's going to be a bit different and my own style.

It's different than my other stories of course, because it's based on a fantasy romance and not a high school or basic life romance.

Also please feel free to correct me if I make any mistakes. It's important for me to work on my writing and improve it <3.

Anyway enjoy! ❤️

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My eyes fluttered open as the smell of breakfast wafted through my door. I could hear  bustling of servants as they chatted in the hall of the castle. A smile makes its way to my lips as I look out the window. The sun shines through, showing off the light from outside. I push myself up, using my right arm and smooth down my cream colored nightgown. 

My name is Lucy Heartfilia. I'm the princess of of Celestia, a small kingdom on the southern sea. It's a very small but absolutely beautiful. I live with my father, King Jude. My mother, Queen Layla died when I was just a baby. I don't know much about her. Father barely  speaks of her as it brings back painful memories. But I do know that I look so much like her and hearing that always makes me feel so much closer to her.

Since her death, Father has been extra careful, shielding me from the outside world. Next week is my 18th birthday and I'm finally going to be presented to the outside world.

"Princess!" Virgo calls through the door while knocking. Her voice takes me out of my thoughts and I sit up instantly. "It's time for get ready for the celebration today!"

Ah right...the special ceremony in my kingdom, celebrating the 400 year anniversary of my family's reign. How could I forget that? It's one of the most important events in the kingdom.

"You may come in!" I tell her immediately and see her open the door. She gives me a sweet smile like she always does and I return it warmly. I care about my maids and servants, even treating them as my friends. They are my only friends after all.

"When is the ceremony?" I ask while she prepares my bath.

"Tonight at sunset, Hime." Virgo reply, while helping me out of my nightgown. Once the bath is all set with soap and bubbly enough, she takes my hand and helps me in.

I sigh while bathing, thinking about my birthday next week. A half hour later, after I'm freshened up, Virgo helps me dress in a lavishing rosy gown. When I'm all dressed and ready, she leads me to our palace salon, where Cancer, our hairdresser, dries my blonde hair and prepares it neatly in locks down my back. When he's done, I twirl by the mirror and admire myself.

"Virgo, how do I look?" I ask, not glancing at her. My eyes are still on the reflection of myself in the mirror. I turned my head from side to side, looking for wha

"Beautiful as always, Princess." She gives me a nod, smiling. I grin back at her and continue to look at the mirror.

"Well if it isn't my beautiful daughter." I hear father's voice from behind me. "Looks like you were late to the opening ceremony again." He chuckled. "Oh what will I do with you?" Although he sounds stern, I can tell he's only teasing by the sound of his voice.

"I'm sorry, Father." I internally slap myself for missing the opening ceremony again. "I overslept again, didn't I?" I cross my arms and look at Virgo. "Why didn't you tell me?"

She shrugs. "Princess never asked."

"You could have still told me." I roll my eyes and turn back to father. "How did it go?"

"Quite smoothly." He answers, although he sounds a bit grim. "Our people seemed very content and happy." By the sound of his voice, I don't think he was being quite truthful, but knowing my father, I let it slide.

"Glad to hear it." I reply, then decide to change the subject. "Father, how do I look?" I twirl around for him to see. "Does my hair look fine? Is my dress not too tight? How is my makeup?"

"Beautiful my de-." Father starts, but sighs when I interrupt him.

"Well, duh." I beam and play with my hair. "I know that. It's just I want to make sure I look dazzling today."

"Let me guess, so you can catch Lord Sting's attention?" A familiar but annoying voice said outside the room. I roll my eyes when I see the speaker come in. It's none other than our pink haired and irritating guard, Natsu Dragneel.

He's leaning against the doorway, hands across his chest. His sword is strapped in the sheath at the side of his waist. He has that troublesome smirk visible on his face. His scaly scarf that never seems to come off , is wrapped snugly across his neck.

"What's it to you?" I grumble and cross my arms, glaring at him. "Shouldn't you be outside looking out for bandits or something?"

"No, dummy." He makes a big show of smacking his forehead. "I'm assigned to watch you today." His voice has a tint of aggravation in it. "Although I wish I could do anything but that." He mutters quietly under his breath.

A vein pops in my head. "Heard that, idiot!"

"What?"

"You heard me!"

"Heard what?"

"You know exactly what!" I punched his shoulder. We started throwing insults at each other. "Father! Are you really going to make me stay next to this idiot all day?"

Father just shakes his head, amusement in his eyes. Taking it as a yes, I huff in frustration.

"The way you argue, it's hard to imagine you were childhood friends." He chuckles. "But enough silliness for now, Lord Sting has just arrived and is looking forward to seeing you both."

"Really?" I instantly turn towards him, not realizing I accidentally elbowed Natsu in the stomach. His painful groan, made me glance at him. "Oops, sorry." I fanned my face innocently.

"Are you?" He whines, holding his stomach. There's a tick mark visible on his forehead and he looks at me angrily when I start running out of the room. "Oi, Princess! I'm talking to you!"

But I'm out of the room before he could speak. The only thing on my mind right now is the love of my life and childhood friend, Sting. Just like Natsu, he used to play with us when we were children. But he was always so kind to me and took care of me unlike Pinky who always teased and made fun of me. For years I've been in love with him and I'm going to finally confess my feelings.

But I haven't decided when. Maybe tonight at the ceremony or during my birthday party next week? But does he even love me back? Or will my love be unrequited?

I'm so deep in my thoughts, I didn't notice my surroundings until I accidentally bumped into the person in front of me.

When I almost trip at the sudden contact, strong hands grip both of my arms, steadying me.

"Watch where your go-." I start but instantly blush when I see who it was. I smooth my dress and stand up straight.

"Lucy! Long time no see!" Lord Sting flashes his breathtaking smile. "Still clumsy like I remember." He chuckles and pats my head affectionally.

"L-Lord S-Sting." I stammer nervously, while trying to smooth my hair to make it neat from being disheveled. "L-long t-time n-no s-see!"

"Aww, your so cute." He pats my head and grins. "Still the sweet little girl I've always known." There is only brotherly affection in his eyes and my fists clench tightly. Looks like he just remembers me as the child from long ago.

Might as well try. "Do you..." I take a deep breath. "Would you like to go out on a walk to the garden with me?" Please say yes!

Sting gives me a generous smile. "Maybe some other time, Lucy. I was actually hoping to go see your father and Natsu. Do you know where they are?"

The warm feeling in my chest tightens. All I want is to cry right now, but I manage to stop my tears and smile instead. "They were in the salon last time I saw them. But I don't know if they are still there."

"Won't hurt to check." He ruffles my hair. "I'll see you later, Lucy." Sting waves as he left. "I'm hoping to joust with Natsu later. Come watch us!"

I nod in response but stay silent and watch him walk away.

I slide onto the cold floor once his retreating back is out of view. Unable to hold my tears anymore, I begin to cry. It looks like I'm only the little girl from our childhood in his eyes. It looks like he doesn't see me as a woman or anything more.

"Princess!" The voice of that idiot says from behind me. "You can't just run off like that!" I turn and see him breathing hard as he runs towards me. "Jeez, give me a warning next time."

"Why do you care anyways?" I huff and cross my arms. "I thought you didn't want to guard me today."

"I don't have a choice now did I?"

I grit my teeth. "Whatever!"

"Who made you so grumpy all of a sudden?" Natsu said, leaning against the wall. I can tell he's enjoying this by the smirk he wearing. "Although, your always grumpy so I shouldn't be surprised."

"Why you!" I clench my fists.

He chuckles.  "Yes me." Grabbing my wrist, he pulls me up from my seating position, then drags me down the hall. "Now come on, Sting and I are doing a jousting match." He looks at me and rolls his eyes. "Yes, he requested for you to watch. So stop being sad or whatever and come."

My eyes widen at what he's saying. Does Sting really want me to come watch? If so, then my day has become much brighter.

"Alright!" I tell him brightly. ״Lead the way!" Shaking his head and laughing at my sudden change of attitude, Natsu leads me outside.

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I hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter!

Let me know what you thought of it!

I was really excited to write it so I decided to publish it now now!

Please comment and vote if you wish! It'll help me write more!

Love you, My Angels!

❤️❤️❤️

Date published: December 23, 2019
Word count : 1745