"Are you sure this will work?"

"Of course, Lucy, just remember with what I told you about walking and you'll be fine," It's the next morning and Elie is helping me disguise myself so no one else will recognize me. She dyed my hair black and dressed me in a simple outfit. I threw my old dress away, it was torn and filthy with everything we went through. She also showed me the way commoners walk and how I should hold myself.

"Walk straight but hunch your shoulders down," She had said, giving me an example of the way she walked, "It shows that your a commoner just like anyone else, but your still proud to be one."

I practiced a few times and soon was able to do just that. It was kinda nice actually. Definitely a relaxation to what I had to do at the palace. There was no, "Sit up straight, Lucy," or "Don't hunch like like, your a Princess for Mavis' Sake!"

"It looks so different," I say once she finishes dying my hair and it's all dry.

The dress I'm wearing is a little uncomfortable because it's  different than what I'm used to. There's a red bow tied on the top of my head and two long pig tails trailing down my back, tied with red ribbons. The dress I'm wearing covers a white blouse and the top is brown and red. The bottom is red and flows out a little.

The red shoes I'm wearing are really comfortable and I honestly prefer them more than the heels I had to wear at the palace.

Here is the picture of Lucy's outfit <3
(But her hair is black because it's dyed)

"There," Elie says, smiling, "Now you look more like a village girl."

"Arigatō!" I tell her, smiling too, "I really appreciate your help!"

"It's really no problem, Lucy," She replies, while cleaning up, "I am happy to serve our kingdom's Princess, " I smile softly in response and pull on the hem of my skirt. Today we're going to arrive to the village and I'm a bit sad to part ways with Elie. She's been so kind to me and I wish I could do something to repay her.

"Elie, it's time to leave!" Haru calls from his place on the wagon.

We both pack up the rest of the food and clothes before packing it up in the back of the wagon. Elie easily climbs into the front of the wagon and sits beside Haru. Natsu raises his eyebrows at my new outfit and hair color, but doesn't say anything as he helps me up. And I end up sitting in the back with him sitting beside me. Happy flies and sits comfortably beside me. The ride to the town takes about an hour and the view from the road is absolutely gorgeous. The water from the river nearby sparkles lightly in sunlight. Natsu and I have to stop Happy from flying to the water. "But I want more fish!" He struggles against our grip.

"Not now," Natsu sighs, pulling him back, "You have enough for now. We can always buy some at the village market."

"Fine..." Happy huffs, crossing his little arms.

I giggle quietly.

"It's not funny, Lushie," Happy pouts and turns to look at me, "Wait...why is your hair black?" He asks, pointing.

I face palm, "And to think Natsu was the dense one..."

"Hey!"

-•-•-•-

An hour later we finally arrive to Sunset Village. I hop off the wagon once it stops and my eyes widen in amazement. It seems that there is some type of festival. The town is lit up with lights all around. Stands of food, clothes, jewelry, dishes, furniture and activities are placed all around the street. My eyes wonder to the necklace stand by the village entrance. Silver and gold chains with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and crystals decorate the table.

"Would you like to look around before we head to the Inn, Princess?" Natsu says, noticing my excited stare.

"Of course!"

He chuckles at my enthusiasm and tells the couple. After saying a sad goodbye to Haru and Elie, we leave to look around. Happy flies close to us and sometimes perks on Natsu's shoulders. Odd stares follow us as we walk around. I immediately clutch onto Natsu, afraid to be separated.

"Stay by my side, Princess," He tells me, noticing the stares directed at us. I nod and hold on tightly.

Maybe the black hair isn't helping.

"Look Mama!" A little girl giggles, "A flying blue cat!"

"That's an Exceed, dear," Her mother replies, shaking her head while laughing.

"It's only Happy they're looking at," Natsu says, smiling his toothy grin. I look around and in fact notice that the stares are mostly on Happy. I sigh in relief. Although, Exceeds are rare in this kingdom, it's not unusual. There are exceeds like Happy all around the world, but only a quarter of them live among humans.

My eyes widen when I see one of the jewelry stand and I tug Natsu. He follows my eyes and sighs, but nods, allowing us to go look. Pulling his arm, I drag us to the stand and immediately examine one of the necklaces that caught my eye.

"Wow, it's so beautiful..." My hands brush the beautiful sliver colored chain with a diamond in the middle. It reminds me of the necklaces at the palace that my father used to give me during special occasions. The delicacy of the chain and the lightness of the diamond. Seeing this makes me miss my father and I wipe the tear that starts to fall.

"Are you alright?" Natsu asks, noticing my tear.

"I'm alright, really."

Placing the necklace down, I smile at the seller and continue to walk. Natsu immediately catches up and holds onto my arm. Happy flutters behind us, his little wings making swooshing sounds.

"Hey, Natsu?"

"Yes, Princess?"

"Can we go to the Inn now, I'm really tired," I lie, swallowing hard. Yes, I'm a little tired but seeing those necklaces made me sad and resting is what I need now.

"As you wish, Princess."

________________________________________________________________

Hey guys! I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

I meant to update it yesterday but I didn't have time! So here it is now!

Thanks for reading and I'll see you next time!

Have a great day or night!

Stay safe! ✌️💖

Date published: April 6, 2020
Word Count: 1029