Finished - Dec 5, 2020

Word Count - 4716

Music - Two Steps From Hell - Miracles

Summary:
Continuation to my previous short story, Ever After. The original shot took a lot of inspiration from the folk tale Cinderella and the movie Ever After. This is the second part to their story, where Lucy leaves her Villa and goes to the palace with Natsu.

**********************************

"Lets go home." Natsu's words flooded Lucy's tired mind, she had never thought of her previous residency as home. The thought of a real home was foreign but deeply craved.

Lucy was removed gently from Natsu's lap as he stood up, dusting his white pants from the hey on the floor. He also took off his black and gold coat and dropped it over Lucy's shoulders. The fabric was warm and smelled like Natsu.

"This should keep you covered." Natsu helped Lucy weave her wounded arms into the long sleeves.

Lucy remembered her haggard appearance and pulled the coat around her tighter. In all the surprise, she had forgotten how unladylike she looked. Only wearing her undergarments and the light under slip from her gown at the ball. But the lovely satin material was now ripped and ruined. Slashes ripped through the cloth where she had previously been whipped.

"I-I'm sorry." Lucy apologized for the sight of her.

"Nothing about this is your fault." Natsu placed his hand on the top of her head in reassurance. Lucy nodded in response, now feeling silly about apologizing.

"Can you walk?" Offered his hand out to her for stability.

"I think." Lucy tucked her legs underneath her and pushed herself off the ground, but found it was much harder than she thought it would be. For her legs were gravely sore from the massive list of house work she did before the ball, plus her sprint back to the Villa where her Malinda caught her. Not to mention the double dose of torture she endured. Her entire body was exhausted and couldn't function correctly.

Natsu caught her arms as she wobbled, she was obviously not ready to walk on her own yet. Knowing this, Natsu decided it would be easier to simply carry her. He gently leaned down and placed his left arm under her knees and lifted her off her feet.

This action earned no complaint form Lucy, which surprised him. Usually she was feisty and never let him carry her, but something about her was different this time. She was over exhausted and needed comfort, Natsu was more than willing to help in these matters.

"Grey." Natsu addressed his best man servant. "Ride ahead and notify the Castle medical staff that we will be arriving soon."

"Right away, Sir." Grey bowed slightly and turned on his heals towards the Palace.

"Who was that?" Lucy asked as Natsu started to ascend the ship's stairs.

"Thats Grey." Natsu smiled. "He is my personal servant, but really he's a trusted friend."

It was at this moment that Lucy realized that she didn't know any of Natsu friends. She had met his father briefly at the ball last night, but besides that, she was clueless about his home life. What were his friends like? Would they like her? Would she fit in? Was she fit to be a Princess?

They exited the upper deck of the shop and Lucy's eyes filled with sunlight. As her skin connected with the warm sun rays, she suddenly wasn't worried anymore. It was a new day and she had her whole life of freedom ahead of her. She never dreamed of the ability to go and do whatever she wanted, she always saw herself stuck serving Malinda. But now she felt a brightness that could not be compared.

Natsu carried Lucy off the ship and found Happy, his horse, waiting patiently on the dock. Lucy remembered Happy, Natsu would often ride Happy into the forest to meet her. She loved seeing Happy, feeding him treats and ridding through the trees together with Natsu.

"Hey big buy." Lucy stroked his neck softly, the horse recognized her and pushed his nuzzle into her shoulder gently. "Sorry, I don't have any treats right now. I promise I will bring some next time."

Natsu couldn't help but awe at Lucy's kindness, even after everything she had been through, she still took the time to think about his horse. She was in no physical shape to do anything, but yet she always put others feelings above her own.

"I'm gunna help lift you unto his back." Natsu prepared the saddle for two people. Lucy nodded and stepped in position, Natsu hooked his hands under Lucy's shoulders and helped her climb up. Once she was steady, Natsu placed his foot in the stirrup and hoisted himself behind Lucy.

She was just the right height that Natsu could easily see over her head, they had ridden on Happy together dozens of times, so it was a familiar position for both of them.

Natsu took the reins and clicked them, signaling Happy to start their journey home. Lucy fell sleep almost immediately, her back leaning against Natsu's chest and shoulder. She must have been extremely worn out! He could feel her deep breathing as she slept peacefully on his chest, making it hard for him to focus on driving. Luckily, Happy was very familiar with the roads, meaning Natsu didn't have to pay full attention to where he was going.

Luckily, the trip was short and uneventful. Upon their arrival, Medical staff were waiting for them. Natsu pulled Happy to a stop and gently slid Lucy off Happy's back and into the waiting arms of the professionals. Instead of following her, he personally took Happy to the stables. He knew the nurses would have to clean Lucy and get her changed into better clothes. So he decided that he would visit her in about an hour after.

He noticed that Grey was still with his own horse as Natsu put Happy away, making sure he had plenty of hay to eat.

"How are you feeling?" Grey leaned over the wooden gate.

"I don't know." Natsu confessed.

"A lot has happened in the last two days."

"Tell me about it." Natsu sighed, leaning on the other side of the gate.

"What are you going to do about Malinda?"

"Currently? I want to kill her." Natsu's eyes darkened.

"I'm not surprised." Grey simply shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "She is the person responsible for hurting and selling your future wife."

Grey's words didn't help diffuse Natsu's bitter attitude. "She was definitely responsible for selling her as a slave and treating her like dirt. But we don't know if she was the one who physically hurt her."

"True. But that doesn't answer my question. What are you going to do with her?"

"Nothing. Yet. I know Lucy wouldn't be happy if I acted poorly, I need to get the full story from her before I can decide anything." Natsu pondered.

Grey smiled to himself. "I'm proud of you."

This random compliment shocked Natsu and he gave him a confused look. "What was that for?"

"You did the right thing, deciding to wait and learn the truth instead of acting rash. If Lucy has influenced you in this way, then I know she will change this Kingdom for the better."

"Thanks Grey. I believe she will too."

"Any time." Grey pat Natsu's shoulder firmly. "Lets go, I cant wait to meet her."

**********************************

A groan escaped her throat as Lucy rolled over in her sleep. The ground beneath her felt soft and warm, like she was floating on a cloud. This experience was definitely the most comfortable she had ever felt. Yet she forced herself to open her eyes, blinking a few times she sat up.

Looking around she was in a room she had never seen before. It was clean and very nice, a small room with white walls and simplistic furniture. She had been sleeping in a large bed, it was the fluffiest and nicest bed she had ever slept in! She never knew sleeping could be so pleasant! At the Villa Lucy's "bed" consisted of an old musty mattress and one blanket. Lucy had to make the blanket out of old clothes/cloth that she collected from old laundry. She always woke up sore and stiff, never well rested.

Lucy traced her hand over the clean sheets in wonder at the soft texture. She then noticed her hand, what was placed on her finger. The gold ring Natsu had given her, it was beautiful and definitely the fanciest thing she owned. With her other hand she fiddled with it, turning it around and around her finger.

"Thats a really pretty ring." A voice startled Lucy and she looked towards the door.

Standing in the doorway was a small girl, probably no older than fifteen or sixteen. Lucy didn't recognize her at all and didn't respond to her comment.

"You don't have to be scared of me." The girl smiled and walked closer to Lucy's bed. "My name is Wendy!"

"Hi, I'm-" Lucy started to answer, but was cut off.

"Lucy." The girl finished for her. "I have heard all about you."

This caught Lucy off guard once again and she suddenly felt self conscious.

"Don't worry." Wendy sat in a chair next to the bed. "Natsu told me everything. He can't stop talking about you."

"How do you know Natsu?" Lucy asked.

"He is my big brother."

The pieces finally clicked, she remembered Natsu mention his sister.

"Of course, it's great to finally meet you." Lucy smiled, seeing Natsu's enthusiasm in her eyes.

"Nice to meet you too! I'm so excited to get to know you!" The small girl cheered. "But I'll go tell Natsu that you are awake. You probably want to see a familiar face."

"Thank you Wendy."

The girl left to fetch Natsu and closed the door quietly behind her. Once Lucy was alone she stretched her arms out, pulling her sore muscles. Lucy noticed that her arms, legs and torso were all covered in fresh bandages. She must have been cleaned, the though about someone else cleaning her made her extremely embarrassed. But at least she smelled good! She reached for her hair to smell the perfumed fragrance closer, but she found that her hair didn't reach her nose. Taking both hands, she fondled her hair around, realizing that it was gone. Her once long hair had been chopped to her mid neck.

At first she panicked, not knowing how to react about her shorn head. She loved her hair, she love braiding it and brushing it. But now it didn't even touch her shoulders! She didn't remember it getting taken off, but her night was all very blurry.

This was the perfect time for Natsu to open her door. He noticed her saddened expression and rushed to her side. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"My hair..." She breathed sadly.

"It will grow back." He realized her problem and smirked. "Besides, it looks nice this way."

Natsu lifted his fingers and traced through the freshly cut ends, the length making it easier for him to finger brush. Her new hair reminded him of someone from his past.

"My mother had hair like this." Natsu couldn't seem to stop playing with it.

"Your mother.." Lucy blushed immensely at this comment, maybe she should always keep it short, if it brought that kind of reaction from him.

"As you already know, she died when I was young. Just after Wendy was born, but I still remember her." Natsu seemed lost in thought as his fingers still brushed against her scalp.

"What was she like?" Lucy asked, wishing she could remember her parents.

"She was very stern, but kind. She was strict and stubborn, but always loving and understanding."

Lucy smiled at the glimpse from Natsu's past, he rarely talked about his childhood.

"In a lot of ways, she was the perfect partner for my Father. He was harsh, boisterously loud and rash. But she grounded him and kept his head straight, with her wisdom and devotion."

"She sounds like an amazing woman." Lucy smiled warmly.

"It's not just your hair that reminds me of her." Natsu pointed out flatly.

"Really?" Lucy asked, almost skeptically.

"I asked you to marry me, not because we are great friends, but because I can see a future with you. I can see that we already have the same relationship as my parents. You are my comfort, you ground me. I value your opinion and wisdom more than anyone, even the royal advisors. It is and always has been you that I take my problems to, you that I want to share my life with."

At this point Lucy was in tears, she had never heard Natsu suddenly praise her before. She had heard from the servants and nurses that Natsu spoke highly of her and quite often. But she had never heard such things come from his mouth before, her emotions were bubbling over.

"I can not imagine my life with out you either. The only thing I looked forward to was spending time with you! Even if we only talked about silly or stressful things, I was with you. You showed me what a real friendship could be, but I realized very soon that it was definitely something more."

Together they reached their hands out to each other and tightly embraced one another, Natsu sitting on the edge of the bed.

"If it wasn't for you and Levy, I wouldn't know anything outside of that Villa. Malinda never let me into town or passed the forest." Lucy confessed.

Important  information jumped back into Natsu's memory. "Thats because she didn't want anyone to recognize you." 

Lucy pulled back from his arms and gave him a puzzled stare. "Recognize me?"

"Well, I just found out about this today, but, apparently my Father recognized you immediately." Natsu scratched the back of his neck nervously.

"How?!"

"He recognized your dress."

"But that was just a random dress I stole from my Malinda's closet." Lucy sneered.

"My Father gave that dress to a close friend of his."

Lucy still didn't't seem to understand, so Natsu explained further. "After the ball he did some digging on Malinda and found some interesting things. He found out why she had that dress in her possession and he also found your Family Name."

"My name?" Lucy was in utter shock, she never imagined she would have a name.

"Malinda was a foreigner who moved to Magnolia for marriage." Natsu sat up straight and began his story. "She married a widower named Jude, but unfortunately, only a year later he got sick and passed away."

"I know that much, Malinda told me that she married a wealthy man. But soon after marriage, he died." Lucy confessed.

"But she didn't tell you who that man was, did she?"

Lucy shook her head, very curious.

"Before Jude married Malinda, he had a wife named Layla. They were very happy together and they decided to have children. Unfortunately, Layla was very frail and couldn't handle the birth of their first child. She died in childbirth. Therefore, Jude decided to bring another mother to take care of the child. But once Jude passed away, the child disappeared."

"What? How can a person simply disappear?"

"They didn't. Lucy, you are that child." Natsu looked deep into her eyes.

Lucy was completely speechless, all this new information flying around her brain.

"Lucy, you were born of Jude and Layla Heartfilia."

"Wait." Lucy wasn't even listening to him anymore, she had hundreds of questions.

"You were born of Noble blood and the last heir of the Heartfilia line."

"How? I don't understand!" Lucy was having a panic attack and found it hard to breath.

"Malinda never let you leave because she knew people would recognize you as a Heartfilia, you are the spitting image of your mother, Layla."

Lucy took a deep breath and swollowed all her history. She couldn't comprehend that she was was born of Noble blood. She was always told that she was pulled off the streets and "saved" of starvation. Lucy always assumed that this meant she was either the illegitimate child of some harlot or abandoned.

The only question she could manage to ask was "Did Malinda know?"

Natsu nodded sadly. Understanding what this meant Lucy took a deep breath and calmed herself from the anger burning inside her. She remembered the life she had spent in Milanda's Villa, everyday lying to her and treating her like a slave. Then something very important came into the front of her mind.

"Where is Levy?!" Natsu was surprised by Lucy's sudden urgency.

"She must still be at the Villa." Natsu remembered the girl who had accompanied Lucy to the ball and seeing her at the Villa.

"You have to get her out of there! Malinda is unpredictable and jealous of everyone more fortunate than her. There is no telling what she'll do." Lucy squeezed Natsu's hand.

"Did she do this to you?" Natsu motioned his eyes down to Lucy's injuries.

Lucy's shoulders lowered and avoided his gaze as she nodded slowly.

Now that Natsu had a name to blame for Lucy's condition, he could only think about tearing Malinda apart...slowly. But he also knew that no matter how terribly Malinda treated her, Lucy would never approve of such things. It was one of the things he loved about Lucy, she was extremely forgiving.

"I will personally fetch Levy myself." Natsu reassured Lucy of her safety.

"I will go with you." Lucy pulled the sheets off her legs and started to get out of bed.

"What?" Natsu placed a hand on her arm, stopping her. "Not a chance, you are still hurt. You need to rest."

"No way!" Lucy protested strongly. "She is my sister and I know that house better than anyone."

"But Melinda will be there." Natsu tried to reason with her.

"I'm not scared of her. Not when I know you will be there." Lucy smirked, knowing that this was key to getting what she wanted.

Natsu rolled his eyes, both flattered and annoyed by her comment. "Fine."

Lucy jumped out of bed, but realized she was still dressed in the white nightdress she had been sleeping in. She couldn't go out that like, she needed clothes.

As if on cue, Natsu pointed to the chair in the corner. "The maids left you a change of clothes, I'll let you get dressed. Be back in a few minutes."

"Perfect!" Lucy smiled and waltzed to the piece of folded cloth on the chair. The color was bright and the fabric soft and elegant. "Wait, this isn't mine."

"It is now, we had it delivered for you." Natsu joined in her observation of the fancy gown.

"But I don't even know how to put something like this on. It has so many pieces!" Lucy held up the corset, trying to find the right side up.

Natsu blushed, looking at the undergarments and covered his cheeks. "I'll get someone to help you."

He quickly let the room before Lucy could notice his embarrassed features. He held his pounding heart and pushed his hair out of his eyes nervously.

Hearing footstep tapping down the hallway, Natsu looked up to see one of his trusted servants. The large, fit man's stern face never changed expression. His dark demeanor never shaken and attitude hard as steel.

"Gajeel." Natsu addressed his friend. "Will you accompany me to the Ferez Villa?"

"Of course, Sir." The tall man towed slightly with respect.

"Thank you, my friend." Natsu felt a bit better with Gajeel at his side. "Come with me and prepare the carriage."

This order seemed to catch Gajeel off guard and he simply starred in confusion at his Master. "The carriage Sir?"

"You hear me." Natsu turned down the hallway.

"But you hate the carriage."

"I know." Natsu gulped at the thought of riding in the shaky, wooden box. "But Lucy is coming with us."

"Doesn't she know how to ride?" Gajeel knew the answer, but decided to pester Natsu.

"Yes. But she is much too weak to ride right now."

"Uh huh..." Gajeel obviously wasn't buying Natsu's excuse. "You know as well as I do, that's she would be perfectly fine riding horseback. Even with her injuries."

Natsu didn't comment, Gajeel was right.

"You just want to keep her hidden from Malinda, you're trying to protect her."

Gajeel hat his the nail on the head, but he still kept his mouth shut. By Natsu;'s silence, gavel knew he was right and snickered.

"Alright, you win. I'll go ahead and ready the carriage." The dark haired man strode quickly in-front of the Prince and  disappeared down the hallway.

**********************************

The carriage ride was quiet, nothing heard besides the squeaky wheels and bumps of the road. Lucy sat nervously next to Natsu and across from Grey, while Gajeel steered the carriage. She had just met these two men, but she felt strongly comfortable with them.

Natsu had his head in his hands, proper up against the window, his eyes closed. His expression fixed on concentration, like he was in pain. This worried Lucy, not knowing the cause of his quiet behavior. Therefore she broke the silence and asked a question.

"Why is he so still like that?"

"You've probably never seen him like this, huh." Grey chuckled and folded his arms. "He gets motion sickness. He gets sick to his stomach whenever he has to ride in a carriage. That is his coping mechanism, seems it's the only time he is ever quiet."

"I can still hear you." Natsu opened one eye.

"Sorry." Lucy squeaked and shut her mouth,  not wanting to make Natsu any more sick than he already was.

Natsu closed his eye again and shifted his position, leaning his head upon Lucy's shoulder. Feeling much more comfortable, he took in her smell and relaxed.

This small action stunned Grey, he had never seen the Prince be so personal with anyone before. Plus the fact that carriage rides made him grumpy and agitated, this seemed like the last thing he would do. But this just proved to Grey how well fit they were together, especially because Lucy was not fazed by their close position at all. Meaning that this was not first time Natsu had rested his head on her shoulder.

Grey was happy that Natsu had found someone that made him feel so safe.

When the carriage stopped, Natsu opened his eyes and cracked his neck, feeling better again. Looking out the window he saw the Ferez Villa. They had arrived.

Natsu's thoughts were drawn away from the window and down at his hand. He could feel Lucy's hand trembling slightly in his. He looked up to her face and saw that same expression he saw at the ball just before she fled. Wide, terrified eyes and chattering lips. Fear.

"Hey Luce." He squeezed her shaking fingers lightly. "It's okay, you are safe."

Lucy nodded and took a deep breath, her nerves still running haywire. Back at the Palace, she thought she was ready. But now, sitting at the front gates, she had lost her confidence. Yet, she needed to come. As scared as she was, she needed closure, she needed to face Malinda.

"You don't have to go in, no one is forcing you ." Natsu reassured her softly. 

"I have to go, just not yet." Lucy said seriously.

"Alright." Natsu nodded. "Grey and I will go ahead. You can follow with Gajeel whenever you are ready."

"Thank you." Lucy couldn't tare her eyes off the cobble stone building.

The door opened and the two men climbed out of the carriage.

"Gajeel." Natsu addressed the footman. "Stay with Lucy, escort her inside when she is ready."

"Yes Sir." Gajeel bowed and closed the door, leaving apprehensive Lucy inside.

Natsu and Grey walked up to the wooden doors and knocked. After a few moments the door was opened by Levy. Just as the day before, she bowed respectfully and let them inside.

"Your Majesty, come in." Levy's voice trembled. Unlike yesterday, her demeanor had changed. Yesterday, Levy was wearing a nice dress and her hair was done. Nothing about her seemed out of the ordinary, except for the large bruise on her cheek. But today, there was a big difference.

Levy's dress had been soiled and ripped, as if she had slept outside. Plus, her cheek had swollen up and turned colors. So this is how Malinda treated her family.

"Please Ma'am would you bring us to the Master of this house?" Grey asked politely.

Levy nodded and lead them to the sitting room and gathered her mother and sister. Both women looked pleased by the Prince's unannounced visit.

The sight of Malinda set Natsu's teeth on edge, he wanted nothing more than to drag her away and behead her himself. But instead he sat quietly on the couch as Grey spoke.

"You and your family have helped the Prince locate something precious to him. Therefore you shall all be rewarded accordingly."

"Rewarded..."Malinda's voice dripped with venom. "You re most welcome, your Majesty. But we are not in any need of gifts or sympathy. Instead, may I offer you my daughter Savina."

Natsu's eyes widened at her words. This woman had the gaul to refuse gifts form the Royal Family, then on top, try to push her daughter onto the Prince. She was way out of line!

"She is my firstborn daughter, raised in all the proper educate. Plus, she in knowledgeable in all official things, such as; trade, education and class."

Natsu knew these were all lies, he heard much about Lucy's "sister" and how Malinda offered Savina to every man who came into their home.

"Actually, Ma'am." Grey stopped her from spouting. "We wish to take your second born."

Levy's eyes widened in hope of being taken away.

"Her?!" Malinda laughed. "How can a second born compare to my first born? She is not fit, not ready for such a life. Leave her here with me and I will good care of her."

Before Grey could answer, the door to the sitting room opened. All eyes were drawn to the sudden movement and remained silent in shock. Standing in the doorway was Lucy, she looked angry and determined. Showing herself to Malinda, dressed as a princess, which she was...or would be soon.

"If she stays with here, you would show her the same kindness you showed me. I wouldn't wish your 'kindness' upon anyone." Lucy's eyes held anger and sorrow, but her voice spoke calmly.

Malinda's expression paralyzed in shock, as if she were looking at a ghost. "Y-You..."

"Hello Step Mother." Lucy addressed Malinda, now knowing who she truly was.

"How did you..." Malinda stopped her sentence and diverted to play the victim.  "How could you betray your family? What do you have to say for yourself?!"

Lucy took a deep breath and said what she came here to say.

"I have many things I wish to say to you, but I am wise enough not to. I don't need to lay my sorrows upon you, I don't need to waste my tears on you, I don't need to understand why you did what you did. Therefore, this goodbye is the last you will see of me."

The room stayed silent as Malinda soaked in Lucy's words, leaving her speechless.

Proudly, Natsu took Lucy's hand. He didn't need to say anything more, for Lucy had said it all for him. Finally content, they were ready to move on. Therefore Natsu nodded his head to Grey and they walked out of the Villa.

"Time to go, Miss." Gajeel lead Levy out the door. She looked up to him with peace and gladly walked with him out the door.

Natsu, Lucy, Grey, Levy and Gajeel all reported back to the Castle. While Malinda and Savina were exiled from Magnolia and sentenced to a lifetime of labor in the workhouses. To live the rest of their days just as they treated Lucy.

On the brighter side, about a year later; Natsu and Lucy were wed. Becoming the next couple to rule the throne with peace, kindness and new energy. Making Magnolia the happiest and most prosperous kingdom in all Fiore.