Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Once upon a time, in the shimmering Land of Spirits, there lived a princess named Lucy. Her golden hair caught the sun like threads of light, and her laughter was said to charm even the wind. But Lucy's world was not one of endless joy.

Tragedy struck when she was but a child when her beloved mother passed from this world too soon, leaving behind a void that no courtly splendor could fill. The king, grief-stricken and burdened by sorrow, could not bear to look upon his daughter, for she was the living reflection of the queen he had lost.

Instead, he ordered the newly promoted Captain of the Guard, Loke, to watch over the child and make sure she was safe. Loke was still a young warrior with hair like a lion’s mane, the strength of the fiercest beast in the land—which he had to slay to win the position—and yet he had a heart untempered by the harshness of war. The Land of Spirits had not gone to battle in three generations, and war was now a mere dark story told by grandparents to scare children.

For his unmatched bravery, he was called The Lion. Now, his duty was clear: protect the princess at all costs.

On the day of the funeral, half the kingdom had come out to grieve, filling the royal capitol city. Rain, rare and solemn in the Land of Spirits, wept from the heavens as mourners gathered beneath somber skies. Slowly, the mourners departed, until even the king retreated to his carriage, cloaked in his grief.

Only Lucy remained behind, standing small and fragile by the wet tombstone. Her tiny hands clenched at her black mourning dress. Now that no one was watching, she surrendered to the pain of loss. Her sobs broke free, raw and aching, carried on the wind like a lament.

No one heard.

None but the new Captain of the Guard.

From a respectful distance, Captain Loke watched. The sight of the grieving princess, so lonely and broken, stirred something fierce and protective within his heart. Abandoning protocol, he approached her quietly.

Kneeling beside the princess, Loke hesitated only a moment before wrapping his arms around her trembling body.

“I have no one now,” she choked out between sobs.

“You will never be alone, Princess,” Loke vowed, his voice steady despite the tightness in his chest. “I will serve you for as long as I live. I swear it.”

The rain softened, as if the heavens themselves heeded his oath.

* * *

The next morning, Princess Lucy awoke to find Captain Loke stationed beside her bedchamber door, his orange hair glinting in the early light streaming in through her window.

“Princess,” he greeted. “The king has given you two servants to be companions.”

He opened the bedchamber door, and two young women stepped in, seemingly barely of age. They bowed and introduced themselves. Aries was a spirited lady-in-waiting with boundless energy but a nervous streak. Virgo was a meticulous chambermaid with biting wit and surprising strength for her petite size. Together with Captain Loke, they became her unlikely circle of friends within the castle walls.

Though she was still weighed by grief, something shifted within her—a glimmer of hope sparked by the unwavering presence of her new guardian. Morning after morning, Loke was there, the first person she saw upon opening her eyes, his smile warming her heart.

He stood vigil by her door each night, slept during her morning lessons, and shadowed her steps throughout the rest of the day. When duty pulled him away, his formidable second-in-command, Lieutenant Taurus, took his place, ensuring that no harm would ever come to the king’s only child.

It was Loke’s vow, made on that sorrowful day by her mother’s tomb, that shaped Lucy’s heart most profoundly. His loyalty was unyielding, his promise unwavering, and as the years turned the child into a young woman, that bond would be tested in ways neither could have foreseen.

* * *

Years passed. Princess Lucy blossomed into a breathtaking mirror image of her late mother. The resemblance was painful for the king, who avoided her whenever he could. So when he called for Lucy the day after her eighteenth birthday, the castle hummed with curiosity and apprehension.

Virgo and Aries fussed over the princess’s gown, smoothing every seam until it gleamed like starlight. Meanwhile, the pageboy twins, Gemi and Mini, raced through the halls and burst into Loke’s quarters, breathless and wild-eyed.

“Lion! Lion!” they chorused. “The king called for the princess!”

Loke bolted upright, instantly on edge. He knew what that summons likely meant.

He ran to Lucy’s chamber, but she was already gone. He ran to the king’s private study, but the doors were already shut, and Aries and Virgo stood outside. They saw him, still in night clothes, and pouted in sympathy.

“I’m sorry. He said no one’s allowed in,” Aries said, twisting her hands together.

He thought he heard Lucy yell. His instinct was to burst in there, but the two King’s Guard stationed in front of the massive doors crossed their spears to block him.

Loke’s shoulders bristled. “I am Captain of the Guard, personal protector of the princess—”

“I’m sorry, Captain,” one of them said, not budging. “King’s orders. No one is to enter that room.”

He’s purposely keeping me away from her, Loke realized.

Hours crawled by while Lucy remained sequestered behind those heavy doors. Only a single kitchen maid had been allowed in or out to bring them supper.

It was well into the night, the candles burning down, when the king’s doors finally flew open. Lucy stormed out, fury radiating from every inch of her regal form. Her gown swept furiously across the marble floor and she stomped away through the halls. Loke fell in behind her, shadowing her without a word as she marched toward her chambers.

When they reached her door, he moved ahead to open it. Lucy brushed past him without so much as a glance. Her lips were pressed thin, and her eyes gleamed with unshed tears. Inside the room, Aries and Virgo sat chatting together, but they rose to bow deeply as Lucy entered.

“I don’t want to see either of you again,” she snapped at Virgo and Aries, her voice trembling with suppressed rage. “Virgo, I have every right to punish you.”

“I will accept it, Princess,” Virgo replied serenely, bowing with a strange, masochistic smile.

“And Aries—”

“I’m sorry!” wailed Aries, clutching her white skirts dramatically.

Lucy clenched her fists, visibly holding back harsher words. “You’re not entirely at fault, but I’m angry. Neither of you warned me.”

“It was the king’s orders,” Virgo explained. “Defying him would be treason.”

“Whatever. Just… go away. I don’t want to see you until tomorrow.”

Aries wrung her hands. “But who will help you get dressed?”

“Anyone else. I don’t care who. Captain, you do it.”

Loke stiffened. “Wha— Me?”

“That’s an order,” she barked before marching over to her window to glare out at the stars.

Virgo and Aries exchanged wide-eyed looks with Loke, who stood frozen. The captain’s stoic facade cracked for a fleeting moment. The orders of royalty were absolute. They had to be followed, no matter how illogical or, in this case, immodest.

“Good luck, Brother,” Virgo intoned solemnly.

“Don’t remove everything,” Aries whispered with a mischievous grin.

Ignoring their snickers, Loke squared his shoulders and closed the door.

Lucy stood by the window, gripping ledge so tightly her knuckles turned white. Loke saw her shoulders shaking with tears she had been holding back all day. Finally, she could hold back no longer.

“He’s marrying me off,” she choked out between sobs. “The Prince of Dragons is also newly of age. Since I just turned eighteen, they wanted to finalize everything as soon as possible. They’ve been planning it for who knows how long. Month? Maybe years. Maybe since the day I was born. It seems everyone knew but me.” Her tear-streaked face turned toward Loke, blazing with fury. “Did you know?”

Loke hesitated before answering. “His Majesty informed me three months ago. I was ordered to remain silent.”

“You still could’ve warned me!”

Captain Loke stood stiffly. “It was an order from the king.”

“If my father ordered me to leave this castle and marry a dragon, would you let me go?”

“I have already been instructed, on the wedding day, I am to escort you to the border and no further.”

Lucy knew she should have expected that, but it still stunned her for a moment. Her breath hitched. “You’d do that, wouldn’t you? No hesitation.” She sniffled, and rage flamed in her eyes. “Would you take me there, even if it’s against my will?”

“My duty is to this land and to the royal family,” the Captain replied loyally. “If it’s the king’s will, I must obey.”

“So if my father ordered me to marry some man I don’t love, should I also blindly obey?”

“The king has many reasons for this arrangement…”

“Yes, yes, he spent the entire afternoon listing all the reasons.” She glared up at Loke again. “If my father ordered me to lift my skirts for this man and let him take me to bed, must I obey that as well, even if it’s not my will?” she demanded, her voice cracking with anguish.

Her words hit him like arrows. “Princess, please.”

“What if I refuse? Would you hold me down, pin me to the bed?”

Loke’s stomach clenched, rage flashing in his eyes. “Princess, don’t—”

“Would you lift my skirts yourself, so that the Prince of Dragons can consummate the marriage?”

Loke’s jaw clenched as the image of another man touching her gnawed at him.

“You would have to force into this,” Lucy whispered in a sneer as tears streamed down her face. “Because I swear, I will not—”

“Don’t make oaths you can’t keep,” Loke snapped.

Her eyes blazed. “Why not? You made me an oath, that day at my mother’s graveside. You swore you would be with me forever,” she said, and her burst into tears as the memory of that promise was intricately tied to the grief of losing her mother.

Loke dropped his head. “That’s why I’m warning you. I made that promise when I was young, foolish. I didn’t realize… there was no way I could keep it.”

She heard his voice almost crack, and her stoic captain looked vulnerable. Lucy reached up and touched his face. The air between them grew thick with unspoken longing and unbearable tension.

“Then I will not make an oath lightly,” Lucy said, her face serious and stern. “I swear, I will not let that man touch me. I would rather throw myself out the window.”

“Princess—”

“And I swear,” she snapped, cutting him off, “if you keep treating me like some delicate jewel, I will shatter myself just to spite you.”

She stroked his face. Her boldness left him reeling, caught between his rigid training and the undeniable pull of raw, messy human emotions. He loathed how much control she wielded over his heart, yet his duty chained him from crossing the line. He could not touch her back. All he could do was close his eyes and hope for more.

“If it ever came to that,” he whispered, finding himself leaning into her touch, “my pride as a Spirit would tell me that I must follow the orders of my king, but my honor as a man would prevent me from going that far.”

Lucy’s face softened. “Then there is more than duty in your heart,” she whispered with a tiny flicker of hope. She stepped back with a sly smile. “Undress me.”

Loke’s pulse thundered. “Princess…”

“That’s an order.”

She walked over to her dressing stand, pulling pins out of her hair. The golden strands tumbled down, and she scratched her head with a sigh of relief. Then she gathered all of her hair to one side and looked over her shoulder at Loke, who still stood frozen like a statue.

“Well?” she said expectantly.

Loke swallowed hard as his veins surged with desire he could not allow to consume him. Steeling himself, he approached. She turned her back to him, facing the mirror on her dressing stand, where she could see his face in the reflection.

Loke looked at her back, how the dress hung off her shoulders, and the creaminess of her skin. How he wanted to touch those shoulders! He pushed that thought aside. His hands shook slightly as he loosened the ties of her gown, a little awkwardly, but he managed to carefully draw the fabric away. He lifted the huge gown over her head and set it aside.

The corset beneath had been tied brutally tight by Virgo and Aries. He had to tug at the cords and figure out the knots. Finally, it loosened, and Lucy felt a rush of air fill her lungs. It made her lightheaded, and she stumbled to the side. With the speed of a lion, Loke swooped her up before she fainted.

“That stupid corset was going to kill me,” she wheezed. “Why do I have to wear it that tightly for my father? Like he cares!”

He straightened her up until Lucy was firmly back on her feet. Then he stripped the corset off, leaving only the thin chemise clinging to her form.

“Would you like anything before bed? Perhaps some wine for your nerves?”

Lucy sighed. “I shouldn’t drown myself in wine, as tempting as it may be. Let me wash up, then help me into bed.”

Loke walked over to the window to give her privacy as Lucy washed up for the evening. He finally heard her feet, now bare, pad over to him. He turned just as she was reaching out to his shoulder. Her outstretched hand froze but then continued forward, coming to rest on his chest.

He wondered when this had began, when the sweet girl he had protected became a woman. On her end, he knew Lucy had started to develop feelings for him years ago, but he had easily avoided it. She was a child, after all.

The past two years had been harder to ignore as the child became a young woman as Lucy grew bolder, not just blushing cutely, but deviously finding ways to touch him. He usually turned away, once he had to actually scold her and tell Aries to prevent the princess from doing inappropriate things.

Now, she was of legal age, and here, hidden from all eyes, the temptation grew.

As her hand felt over his uniform, his heart trembled. “Princess…”

“Call me by my name,” she whispered.

He could not! He finally took her wrist, shocking Lucy, but immediately he gripped her hand with both of his strong, hardened hands. He raised it up to kiss her knuckles. Lucy’s cheeks flushed.

She was painfully beautiful!

“Let’s get you to bed,” he said, his voice edged with sternness. She would not break his will today.

Lucy slumped, realizing he would be stubborn again. Loke guided her over to the bed and gently held her hand as she climbed onto the thick mattress. Her hair cascaded over satin pillows as she settled in. He tucked her in gently and caressed her head, like he had done when she was a child with nightmares. It calmed her, and her eyes drifted closed. Loke’s hand lingered on her golden locks, so soft and smooth.

“The prince wasn’t even there today,” she muttered. “They sent some brute with piercings and a foul mouth. The Land of Dragons…” She shivered a little. “I’ve heard about that place. They say it’s a land of fire, metal, strong winds, where lightning strikes, poisons brew, where even light and shadow battle for supremacy. They’re always fighting, and the nobles are infamous for being destructive. I don’t want to live in a place like that.” Her eyes opened, and her voice was tiny as she pleaded, “If my father orders you to force me to go there, please don’t make me.”

To Loke, the young woman once again because that little child, alone and scared with no friends her own age to help her, only him and some servants.

He continued to stroke her head, wishing her could promise to protect her this time, but knowing he could not. “The king’s orders are absolute, for me and for you,” he said with the weight of tradition pressing down on his words. “If you’re going to be a queen, you must learn that.”

“I don’t wanna be queen,” she muttered with a pout.

Loke’s face softened at how childish she still was at time, although eighteen now. “What does my princess want?"

She gazed over to him, smiling at the way the candlelight flickered in his flaming orange hair. “I want you to keep your promise, the one you made me in front of Mother’s grave, that you would never let me be alone, that you would serve me for as long as you live. I want to be greedy and keep you with me forever.”

The weight of that oath tensed his shoulders. “Princess…” He wanted to say more, but his duty and honor forbade it.

“I don’t want a Dragon.” She gripped the hand on her head and held it, rubbing her thumb over his knuckles. “I want the Lion.” Lucy watched how his face shifted from shock at such boldness to anguish. “Do you want me?” she asked with hope

Loke dropped his head, unable to look at her angelic face. “I cannot answer that,” he whispered through gnashing teeth.

She sat up a little and stroked her fingers through his ginger hair. “Do you love me?” she asked in a mere breath. After all, who knew what nosy servants might be listening in at the door.

“As my princess…” he began, but Lucy cut him off quickly.

“Not as a member of the royal family. As a woman. Do you love me?” She chuckled and admitted, “I already know the truth, you silly Lion.”

Slowly, Loke raised his head and gazed into her soft brown eyes. She was breathtaking! Despite having been by her side since she was a child, he was not blind to how she had blossomed into maturity.

“To love you would be…” He stopped the fervent words, and Lucy saw the tenderness in his face return to its stony firmness. “…far overstepping my place.”

She pulled back angrily and mumbled, “Damn you and your decorum.”

Loke rose and stood stiffly by her bedside. “I am Captain of the Guard, loyal servant of the royal family. Servants are to be shadows, unseen even by the ones we watch. Above all, I am honor-bound to follow my king’s commands.”

“Is your honor actually worth your happiness, or mine?”

“It’s not just honor,” Loke said with a sad smile. “Falling in love with my king’s daughter is treason. Do you really wish me to end up beheaded?”

The stubborn princess looked away and refused to answer.

“Sweet dream, Princess," he said formally. He blew out the candles and strode out of the bedchamber.

When he opened the doors, Virgo and Aries nearly stumbled in, their ears pressed to the door, eager to hear something juicy. He growled slightly, worried about how much they had overheard. He shut the door and glared at the two women.

“I’m sorry,” Aries squeaked. “We were worried for the princess.” She pouted at the closed door. “It's so sad. You both love one another but can’t do anything.”

“Because I love her, I won’t do anything,” Loke declared, taking up his stiff stand before her door with his hands behind his back.

“Brother punishes himself too much,” Virgo stated.

“We’re servants to the royal family,” Loke said sternly. “If you wish to serve your mistress, gather what gossip you can and tell me everything there is to know about this Prince of the Land of Dragons. If there is a single flaw in this arrangement, I want to know.”

Aries nodded, happy to see he was not giving up without a fight. “Got it!”

Virgo tilted her head to the side. “Then does Brother plan to stop this engagement?”

“I can’t,” he admitted, “but I can point out any dangers to the princess’s well-being. One day, she’ll have to marry, but it’ll be to a man she wants.”

"She wants Brother," Virgo pointed out.

Aries nodded in agreement. “I’m sorry, but the only man Princess Lucy has ever shown interest in is you.”

Loke looked over at her door. “I must remain by her side, but I cannot… usurp her,” he said, putting it as delicately as possible.

Virgo tilted her head. “Princess could always usurp Brother. Horsemaster Sagittarius says Princess is quite skill at riding horses. She could ride your—”

“Enough,” Loke growled, slapping a hand over her mouth. His ears burned as Aries dissolved into giggles. “For once in your life, Virgo, think before you speak.”

Aries tamed down her laughs and tugged on the chambermaid’s uniform. "Let’s go. We’ll gather intel on that dragon prince for you,” she promised.

As they scampered off, Loke resumed his post, but Virgo’s words lingered.

The image of Lucy riding flickered in his mind, only it was not a horse under her. He clenched his fists.

“Damn that Virgo," he muttered, teeth gnashing as desire warred with duty.

Chapter Text

Much to Captain Loke’s chagrin, the news Aries and Virgo brought back about the Dragon Prince was all positive. The people loved Prince Natsu. Of all the nobles, he was the favorite. He was a strong fighter, which Loke admired about him. Some said his personality was a bit fiery, but he was loyal to friends and gentle to family. He admired his brothers Laxus and Gajeel, and he watched out for his little sister Princess Wendy. He even had three half-brothers whom he respected, Cobra, Sting, and Rogue.

They did report that Prince Natsu hated to ride horses, which was one of Princess Lucy’s pastimes, having been taught ridership by Horsemaster Sagittarius. Loke had hoped that this meant Natsu was bad around animals, which might point to a hidden flaw in his personality. When he looked into it, it was all for naught. Prince Natsu had a cat named Happy and was rarely seen without his kitty companion. That made him seem even more likable, which frustrated Loke.

As the weeks passed, Loke related all this news to Princess Lucy. Part of him hoped she would slowly develop an interest in the Land of Dragons, purely so she could be happy about her upcoming marriage. Part of him eagerly anticipated some bad news, something to show a vile side to the Dragons that would put an instant halt to the wedding plans. Thus far, nothing.

The princess had to start lessons on how to behave as a queen. Over the years, she had mastered many arts for nobility, and she even knew how to fight, since a princess had to know how to defend herself until her guards showed up. Now she had to learn about wooing the people, gaining public affection, using feminine charms to help solidify treaties, and what to expect when it came to raising children. Playing with her cousin Bisca’s small toddler was fun, but she was usually glad to hand Asuka back over to her parents.

One morning, as Lucy was preparing for her lessons and Captain Loke was about to change shifts with Lieutenant Taurus, the princess’s tutor Capricorn stepped into the bedchamber.

Primly, the old tutor announced, “The king has declared that Princess Lucy must learn what to expect on her wedding night.”

“What?” shouted Lucy, blushing instantly.

Taurus quickly stepped back in. “I can train her!”

Capricorn glared at the perverted, bullish guard. “The king said the only male in this kingdom he trusts to be with his daughter for such sensitive training is Captain Loke.” He looked at the stunned Captain of the Guard. “You will assist me in this lesson.”

Loke looked over in shock to Lucy, who was already bright pink.

Hesitantly, Lucy asked, “Exactly what sort of lesson is this?”

Capricorn bluntly answered, “A lesson on how to mate.”

Both Lucy and Loke went red.

Taurus begged, “Ooh, tag me in, Captain! Tag me in!”

Virgo and Aries shoved Taurus out of the room and stood guard by the door.

“To… To mate?” Loke choked out. “She needs lessons in something like that?”

“If she is to be a good wife, she must know the basics of proper bedroom etiquette.”

“Etiquette?” Loke exclaimed. “In sex?”

Capricorn pushed his glasses up his nose. “Captain, she is a princess, not a rutting tavern wench. Unlike whatever women you may have had, she is nobility, and she must act with decorum even in a matter so intimate as this. Now, obviously, you won’t mate with her,” he assured. “You will only do as I instruct. This is to train the princess in what to expect and how to properly act toward her husband. Role-play, nothing more.”

“Can’t she read about mating in a book?” Loke cried out, sounding strangled.

“This is an ancient tradition, that the Captain of the Guard train the princess so she does not shame herself on her wedding night. I assure you, Prince Natsu is receiving training as well, lessons agreed upon by both kings, so that he does not shock Princess Lucy with anything perverted the first night. After that first night, you may discover ways of lovemaking which better appeal to you both, but at least for your wedding night, the act of consummating is as much a royal duty as signing a treaty. It binds you to your oaths as the wife of the prince.”

“But she’s still—”

“Captain Loke,” Princess Lucy interrupted, and the blonde stared up at his aghast face with a mask of noble serenity. “It’s the order of the king. His orders are absolute and must be followed, right?” she pointed out with a sly smirk.

He wanted to curse, but he tried to calm down. He had been told that he would assist Lucy with some of her training, just now what subjects. He thought it would be fighting, not… not this.

Still, the king trusted no one else but him with this task. He had to prove his loyalty.

“Very good,” Capricorn said in approval. “Now, Princess Lucy, after the wedding party, you will retire to your bedchamber early. You will be bathed in rose water so you smell pleasant for your husband. Your lady-in-waiting will leave you undressed on a bed prepared for that night. This will include inserting a small bit of oil into your… ahem… female region.”

Lucy grimaced. “Oil? Why?”

Capricorn paused as he considered the best way to answer that. “It makes the penetration process easier.”

Lucy turned bright red, and Loke choked again.

“Once you are prepared, the lady-in-waiting will blow out all but a few candles. This should ease some of your embarrassment. She will then guide your husband into the room. Let us set up the scenario. Obviously, you won’t be naked for this.”

“Why not?” Lucy asked in a sassy attitude. “Captain Loke has seen me naked many times before.”

Capricorn cleared his throat. “That was when you were a child. You are now a woman and engaged to be married. Aries,” he called, getting a squeaked ‘I’m sorry’ from the lady-in-waiting. “Please remove all but the princess’s chemise and arrange the bed as you have been taught.”

“Yes, Mr. Capricorn.” Aries hurriedly removed Lucy’s outer gown and corset. The blankets were turned down, Lucy climbed into the bed, and only the sheet was pulled over her.

“A single sheet for modesty,” Capricorn schooled primly. “Aries, you may leave. Virgo too.”

“Will I be punished?” the maid asked.

“No, just stand outside the door and allow none to enter, especially no men.”

The two ladies left, leaving Loke and Capricorn alone with the half-naked Lucy.

“When your husband enters, he will compliment you. You should do the same. A bit of small talk is expected to break the tension. Then, beckon him to your bed.”

“Understood,” said Lucy. She gazed at Loke. “Well… husband… that was a good wedding service.”

Loke did not moved, so Capricorn prompted him. “Captain, some compliments.”

“Right,” he said breathlessly as he tried to force himself into the role. “You… look beautiful.” Somehow, complimenting her now was hard. “Your wedding dress was… nice.” Decorum battled with his feelings. Slowly, he stepped forward. Could he really compliment her freely now? “The way your hair shined amidst the wedding candles was like fairies of gold, but the brightest thing of all in that room was your smile. A million candles couldn’t compare to it.”

Lucy heard a change in his voice, and she felt her cheeks warm up. “You looked dashing yourself, especially the way your pink hair shined amidst your crown, Prince Natsu,” she said with a wry tone.

Loke smirked back at this dangerous, silent game between them. He was normally the one forced to act cold toward her. This was her revenge. “Call me not a prince tonight, my dear. I am your husband. Show some respect.”

“Well… husband… won’t you come to bed with me? I’ve been waiting for this moment, my Dragon.”

Loke glared that she was persistent in reminding him that this was mere role-play. “Capricorn, what has our prince been taught to do at this point?”

“Right. The prince will pull back the sheet.”

Loke walked forward and did as he was instructed.

“He will climb into bed beside you, caress your skin, and kiss you. Of course, Captain Loke doesn’t have to—”

“It’s okay,” Lucy cut in. “I trust the captain. He has kissed me goodnight many times as a child. It meant nothing. This is no different, right?” she asked Loke, staring hard at him, a fire behind her brown eyes.

“Right,” he breathed out, heart pounding. It could mean nothing. Nothing!

“Besides, training me is an order from the king, and we must follow the king’s orders. Right, Captain Loke?” she asked poignantly.

He knew she was challenging him. Him! The Lion!

So be it!

“As a servant of the royal family and soldier of the Land of Spirits, it is my honor to fulfill the king’s order to the utmost of my ability,” he affirmed. Then Loke stretched forward and caressed Lucy’s skin. “Well, my dear bride. As your husband, I will treat you gently. You need not fear,” he said softly, then Loke leaned over, his lips softened. Lucy lift her head, her lips ready, but she felt the kiss land on her cheek instead. Loke pulled back with a playful smirk, and Lucy gave him a flustered pout.

Capricorn cleared his throat again. “On the lips, Loke. She must learn proper kissing.”

“Surely, she’s kissed!” Loke snapped, but then he thought back on it. In all of his years being by her side, he never witnessed something like that. “Right?” he asked her.

Lucy gave him a tiny shrug and shook her head.

His heart melted. She truly was their pure princess! He gently touched her chin, lifting her head, and leaned over again. He whispered so close, she could feel his breath. “Then I get at least one first with you.”

Their lips met, and Lucy felt her chest surge. Loke’s lips burned, yet they felt so soft. Her heart raced, yet she did not want to tremble. She wanted to feel this to soak in it, to always remember this moment.

Her first kiss!

He pulled back, his green eyes warm, his smile gentle, and Lucy began to open her mouth. Then the happiness fled his face, and anguish furrowed his brow. She began to reach up to him, wanting to ease his pain, but Loke turned his head back to the old tutor standing awkwardly nearby.

“What next?” he asked, his voice hoarse and angry.

Capicorn gazed at the two with pity, but he had to go on. “Your husband will then commence flatteries and provocative touching. This is to help calm you and prepare your body for what is to come.”

Loke scoffed and said, “And I suppose I’m expected to do that as well.”

Capricorn looked at him stolidly. “Are you unable or unwilling?”

“No,” he laughed bitterly, but his eyes drifted back down to the blushing, worried princess. “No,” he whispered, stroking the top of her head to calm her. “I’m definitely able…” His fingers curled around her ear and brushed along the side of her neck, making her body shiver. “…And willing,” he sighed in longing. His hand drifted across her shoulders in a way he had wished he could do for months now. Then he drifted down over her thin chemise. “Of course, this would feel much different if you were naked,” he teased. “But I suppose just to train you, this is enough. Just to teach your body how to react for your husband.”

His hand caressed over her bosom. Lucy gasped, then quickly covered her mouth.

“No, no, my princess,” he said smugly. “When your husband touches you, you will feel your heart race, your breath quicken, and you might gasp, even shout. Do not cover your mouth,” he said with a predatory gleam in his eyes. “Your husband will want to hear those sounds. It will arouse him,” he whispered heatedly, gazing over her body and grasping her breasts a little harder, “and that’s your duty now… as his wife.” He did not mean to end that phrase bitterly, yet Loke practically spat it out. He took a moment to compose himself. “What next?” he said, his voice husky.

“You should tell him how it feels,” Capricorn instructed. “Do be honest, but if at all possible, be flattering. If he is nervous, calm him down and encourage him. If he is experienced, tell him he has some skill.”

Lucy snapped her gaze over to the tutor. “Is Prince Natsu experienced?”

“We don’t have information on—”

“No,” Loke cut in. “I looked into it. According to humors, he has been completely uninterested in women.”

“Is he into men?” Lucy asked in surprise.

Loke tried to hold back a laugh but was not able. He muttered, “There are some rumors.”

He did not want to get into the whisperings of court intrigue that Aries had discovered. Rumors always happened. Surely, there were rumors about him and Lucy as well, despite his insistence on never behaving inappropriately.

Never until now.

But this was training, right? An order from the king.

He had to do his best.

“Tell me how it feels, Lucy,” he said in a low, sensual voice. “Do you like when I do… this?” He suddenly pinched the perk tips poking through her thin gown.

She let out a moan and arched her spine, yet she slapped both hands over her mouth.

“I told you, don’t do that. You’ll look weak and bashful.”

“I am bashful!” she snapped.

Loke chuckled and told her, “Not on this night. Now, tell me.”

“It … it feels… what am I even supposed to say?” she whimpered as he rubbed her pressed her breasts out to his hand.

“Ah, yes,” Capricorn said, glancing at some notes. “Tell your husband if it feels good or if he’s too rough. Do be honest. You both must learn and grow into this, so communication is key. If it is pleasurable, then say you want more.”

Loke was breathing harder as he watched her squirming. “Tell me, Lucy,” he whispered, starting to lean over her again. “Tell me.”

She bit her lip as he lightly brushed over her breasts again. “It … feels good.”

“And?”

Her eyes opened, huge within her bright red face. In barely a whisper, she pleaded, “Touch me more.”

Loke smiled proudly. “That’s better.” He leaned over again to kiss her as his fingers toyed with her breasts. He could feel the heat rising from her writhing body. He nipped her earlobe and breathed hotly into her ear, “Moan for me, Lucy.”

“Captain Loke,” Capricorn called out. Loke’s hands jolted back off the princess’s breasts, and he sat up in shame at getting carried away. Capricorn was giving both of them a suspicious look. “I just recalled something the king requested. Virgo,” he called out, and the maid immediately opened the door. “The King of Dragons commanded that we insure the princess has never known a man. Inspect her for a hymen.”

“What?” Lucy cried out.

Virgo looked confused. “You do know, there’s no such thing as a hymen check.”

“It’s an order from the king. The princess’s value is in the fact that she is a virgin.”

Lucy sat up in outrage. “My value?” she screamed. “What am I: goods to be bartered and traded?”

“In a sense, yes.”

“Well, screw that!” she threw off the sheet.

Loke gently held her shoulders. “Princess…”

“No! That’s ridiculous and insulting!”

“Is this going to a problem, my lady?” Capricorn asked suspiciously. “Is there something we should tell the King of Dragons?”

She backed off and looked away in simmering rage. “No,” she whispered. “No, I’m still a… um…” She swallowed hard and shirked away from Loke. “Does Virgo really have to look at me down there?”

“Not really,” Capricorn said with an amused smile and shake of his head. “Like Virgo said, there’s no such thing as a hymen check. The hymen does not break after sex. It remains intact unless the penetration is forceful, and should it tear, it will grow back. Still, the Dragons may have their own doctor to check out. Virgo, please inspect to make sure everything at least looks normal. You’ve been taught, correct.”

“No,” Virgo said coldly.

Aries popped her head in. “Oh! I was.”

Capricorn looked down at his notes. “Did I write it down wrong?” he muttered. “Well, both of you, tend to the princess. Loke, let give them privacy.”

Capricorn walked to the far end of the massive bedchamber and turned away for decency. Loke followed him, keeping his flushed face toward the wall while the two servants tried to calm Lucy enough for the ridiculous inspection.

“Captain,” the tutor whispered privately, “as you know, our departed Queen charged me with the education of Princess Lucy. I am a friend of the family, not a servant of this castle. I am under no oath to the king, only a bond of loyalty to Lucy. You, however, are a soldier of this kingdom. Your loyalties are to the king.”

“I serve the royal family with pride,” Loke affirmed sternly.

“Exactly,” Capricorn whispered soft enough so Lucy could not hear. “You serve the crown, not to the princess. You fight for this land, not for her heart. I know you’re not a fool, Captain. You must know what Lucy feels about you.” Capricorn leaned in closer. “You have two choices: either break your loyalties and take Lucy far away from this place; or do your duty, serve the king, and break her heart.”

He whispered back with gnashed teeth, “Which would you suggest I do?”

“I am loyal to Princess Lucy. I don’t want to see her hurt. If she marries this prince, he will definitely treat her well, spoil her, protect her with his life, but I’m not sure if he can truly love her. She will be miserable in the midst of luxury, though she might learn new happiness with the arrival of children. On the other hand, if she abandons her duties as a daughter of the king, she will lose everything. She may end up happy in the midst of poverty, but she may regret it later in life when she can’t raise her children in the same splendors she enjoyed.”

“Damned either way,” Loke realized with deep regret. “Is there no alternative?”

Capricorn sighed sadly. “Perhaps you’ll think of one. For now, my duty is to make Lucy happy. Forgive me if I use you in that pursuit.”

Loke was about to ask what he meant, but just then, Aries and Virgo came back. Lucy had the sheet pulled all the way to her chin in shame.

“Everything looks… well, as normal as can be,” Aries said awkwardly. “I’m sorry.”

“Report that to the king,” Capricorn told her. “Also, I want you to take more lessons in how to prepare the marriage bed. It didn’t look inviting enough.”

“Yes, sir! I’m sorry, sir!” Aries said fretfully, and she scurried out.

Virgo walked up close to Capricorn. “That was not necessary,” she said, her normally stoic voice now brimming with fury that did not completely show on her face, until one knew Virgo. Loke knew his relative well enough where she called him Brother. He saw just how furious she was.

Capricorn nodded in acknowledgement. “I don’t like it anymore than you. Stay outside the door. Don’t enter, no matter what you hear.” The old man and a sly smirk.

Virgo tilted her head. She looked from the humiliated princess, to the flustered captain, then back to the crafty tutor. She slowly smiled back.

“Understood, Mr. Capricorn.” She turned sharply and marched out.

Capricorn waited until the door was shut. “Well, now that this duty is out of the way, let us return to our lesson.”

“That was humiliating!” Lucy cried out. “She… touched me… down there. Just having her look at me that closely was embarrassing.”

“Lucy,” Capricorn sighed. “Your husband will also look at you down there. He will do far more than look. He may kiss you down there, or lick you. He will definitely touch you. You must not stop him or pull away. A bit of coyness is expected, but you cannot turn him down just because you feel embarrassed. You are a princess. This will be your wedding night. You must show no shame or fear. That’s the whole purpose of this lesson, to ease you into the idea of sexuality.”

Loke sauntered back to the bed. “Capricorn’s right. Covering yourself like this is shameful.”

He yanked the sheet away to see that her thin gown was still bunched up near her thighs. Seeing those milky white legs made Loke gulp hard. Lucy gasped and let out a squeaking cry, but Loke sat beside her. He caressed her arms to calm her.

“It’s just me,” he whispered.

She looked up into his green eyes and saw all the warmth was back.

“Realize, Lucy,” Capricorn schooled, “your future husband is a man of curiosity. The King of Dragons has affirmed that Prince Natsu has never known a woman. That’s surprisingly rare for a prince,” he admitted, wondering how this beloved noble never had a love affair before. “He will want to see all of you, touch you, explore you, and kiss you all over. These are all actions normal to the bedroom, and you should encourage his touches.”

“Encourage them?” Her eyes were locked onto Loke, feeling hot under the way his hands glided over her skin. “Husband,” she said again, trying to move past the humiliation. “Touch me more.”

Loke looked hesitantly back to Capricorn, who nodded in approval. With a gulp, he ran his hand up her thigh. He felt the shivering in her skin from his firm fingers, and Loke’s mind found focus in seeking out her skin. He caressed her face, dragged his nails over her neck, and ran his fingers over her collar. Lucy’s breath caught, she trembled slightly, then she hummed in a heated moan. That sound shot straight through Loke’s veins. He pulled her gown to be between her legs, then yanked her knees apart.

Lucy gasped at such roughness. “Loke!”

“Captain,” Capricorn warned.

“I can’t see your womanhood this way,” Loke explained in a seductive tone. Then his hand rubbed against the cotton fabric that barely shielded her, shocking her with his bold touch. “And my fingers can’t touch your skin. Your modesty is safe. After all, the king trusts me to teach you this and somehow still restrain myself. You must know what to expect, and that includes things that might be embarrassing. Isn’t that right, Capricorn?” His eyes were sternly on Lucy as he waited for approval.

The tutor smiled to himself. “Indeed. Carry on, Captain.”

He rubbed circles around her, making her squirm. “I must prove my loyalty to the king. I must train this naïve princess in the ways of being a good wife and how to please her husband.”

She smirked between heated panting. “Please him? I don’t know how to please a man. I’ve never done something like that. Shouldn’t I learn that too?” She looked past Loke to where Capricorn stood in a corner, trying to be stern about this erotic scene. “Shouldn’t my lessons include how to treat my husband, how to touch him in a way so I don’t hurt him? Or am I to be purely submissive?”

The tutor cleared his throat. “I… I suppose… some lessons in male anatomy are required.”

Lucy smiled in triumph and turned her eyes to Loke. “My husband won’t come to bed dressed in a uniform. I must learn about the way a man looks so I don’t panic and shame myself on my wedding night.” She glanced down to the stiffness in his trousers. “How does such a thing fit inside?”

Capricorn butted in, “That’s something that cannot be done.”

“Agreed,” Loke said, and he immediately climbed off of her.

“Even if you can’t do that, you can show me so I know what to expect,” Lucy insisted. “The king trusts you, after all. You will follow our orders. Now strip, Captain!”

Loke looked down at her with anguish and desire. He glanced to the gown bunched between her legs and saw a wet spot where he had been rubbing. This was the worst teasing ever. He wanted her more and more, yet with Capricorn looking on, he feared his desires. Still…

“An order from a member of the royal family must be obeyed,” he said, and Loke began to unbutton his uniform. “The princess must know what to expect of her husband. She may blush coyly, but she should not act afraid.”

He pulled his tunic off. Then he yanked on his belt and dropped his trousers, never taking his predatory eyes off of her.

Lucy gazed upon the erect manhood with shock and fear. If she had been alone with him, she might have acted differently. If he had showed it to her with bashfulness, she might have dominated him, like she was used to doing. However, like this, with Loke boldly exposing himself and Capricorn looking on, she felt nothing but dread and shame.

“Capricorn,” Loke said in amusement, “I’m a bit shy about men seeing me like this.”

“Of course. I will step out, Captain,” he offered.

“Wait…” Lucy began, but her tutor eagerly left the two of them alone.

“That old goat really is using me,” Loke muttered, unsure whether to be thankful or furious. “Well, Princess, are you just going to gawk at it?”

Lucy jolted a little, then worriedly looked back to his erection. “I… I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”

Loke smiled down at her. Such an innocent girl! “Of course not. That’s what I must teach you, after all. Here, give me your hand.”

Lucy reached her hand up to him. Loke took it and brought it to his body. He wrapped her fingers around his shaft and watched her wonderment as she held him.

“It’s hot,” she whispered in awe.

“Stroke it.” With his fingers around hers, he moved her hand. His eyes fluttered closed at the feel of her soft fingers caressing him. “Not too tightly. Loosen your grip. Yes, like that,” he whispered. His breathing came slow and even at the feel of her caressing him up and down. Her hands felt like silk as she stroked the inflamed skin.

“There’s something leaking,” she said in uncertainty.

“That’s normal. It means you’re doing it right. It means…” He swallowed hard to regain control. “It means you’d make your husband… feel good.” He shivered a little as she stroked over his head and then back down the shaft. “Very good!”

She gazed up at him and saw how his eyes narrowed like a lion on the hunt. “What more should I do?”

He smiled playfully. “You might lick it, even suck on it. You don’t have to, though.”

“I should learn what to do and practice, right?” she reasoned.

Lucy leaned in closer. She stuck her tongue out and gently tested it out, licking off the pearl of moisture that had gathered on the top.

“The taste is bitter,” she commented.

“Princess, perhaps you shouldn’t…”

“I want to,” she interrupted.

Then, firmer, she licked him again. Loke felt his knees weaken. He gazed down in amazement as she licked his length. Then, to his surprise, she took it into her mouth.

“Stars!” he gasped.

It took all of his self-control not to grab the back of her head and slam into that warm throat. She bobbed her head on him, but suddenly she plunged too far down. She gagged and pulled back, wiping her mouth.

“That’s enough,” he said, sitting on the bed beside her. “Any more and I’ll shame us both.”

“Not enough,” she coughed. “What should I expect? While I do that to my husband, what will he do to me?”

Loke face drew up in longing. “Princess…”

“Won’t he touch me back? Or am I expected to do all the work and get no pleasure in return? Surely, a wife gets pleasure too.”

His teeth gritted as he looked over her body. “I can’t do that.”

“Just what you did before.” She took his hand and guided it between her legs. “Even if it’s through the gown, I want to feel you touch me again. It… It felt good.”

Loke felt moisture seep through the chemise almost instantly. She was drenched! He could already smell the sweet aroma wafting up from her. Unable to resist, he rubbed her, feeling what little he could through the cloth, and this time without anyone looking over his shoulder who might see the longing in his face.

“Lucy,” he whispered, watching how her body reacted to his touches. He rubbed her breasts as well, feeling them through the fabric.

She smiled to hear him use her name and not her title. “Loke,” she moaned as he kept rubbing right against her.

“Really, would you call another man’s name on your wedding night? That would shame you for life. Use his name, Princess.”

“N-…Nats-…” She could not bring herself to say that other name. “I think maybe you’re touching me wrong. It’s making me hot and weird.”

“No, that’s what is supposed to happen,” Loke schooled. “You must open yourself up to that heat and take him in wholly as your other half. He will kiss you, fondle you,” he said as he caressed her breasts through the fabric of the chemise, “and make you feel like you’re burning up inside. He will… will mount you. He’ll pierce into you.” Suddenly, he pinched her nipples as they poked through the thin chemise.

Her back arched at the slightly rough touches. “Loke!” she gasped.

“I’m serious, you really mustn’t get into the habit of saying my name,” he warned sternly. “Call me something else.”

She opened her eyes and gazed up at him. “Husband,” she sighed.

Loke’s heart ached tormentingly. “You’re a cruel woman.”

“You’re the cruel one, reminding me of that man. I don’t want to think about him at a time like this. I only want to think of you, Loke.” She grabbed his head with both hands. “Now, kiss me. I have to master how to do that, don’t I?”

Loke leaned over her, flattening her body down onto the bed, and his lips pressed firmly against hers. She hummed, enjoying the heat.

Loke leaned up into her ear and whispered, “Open your mouth.”

She did, and his tongue slipped in. Lucy jolted, but as she could taste him, she let him explore, and her tongue met his. Her back arched, pressing her breasts more into his hand. He grasped at them. Then his head went down, and he took one clothed nipple into his mouth.

“Ah, Loke!” she cried out.

“Say husband,” he warned.

“Beloved,” she called him instead.

Loke’s body melted at hearing her say that. “There’s something else he may try. Probably not on your first night, but you should be forewarned.”

“Then teach me,” she begged. “You’re experienced, right? A man like you must have had many women in the past. So teach me everything you know.”

“Sadly, I can’t do that much,” he chuckled as he scooted down on the massive bed and settled between her thighs. “But this…I should be able to train you on this at least, though I doubt it’ll feel as good through clothing.”

He looked at the spot on her chemise where he had been touching. Her dampness discolored the fabric, and he saw some thick fluid already seeping through the threads. His face leaned in, and he licked that area.

Lucy gave a gasp, but she suddenly went silent. All she wanted was to focus on the amazing gentleness of how his tongue played on her. She hummed, moaned at times, whispered soft pleads of “more“ and “right there.” Then her hips began to thrust on their own. Her face tensed. She felt something changing within her, like a spring coiling, ready to snap at any moment.

As he sensed her drawing closer to her climax, Loke pulled himself up. Touching her like this was taboo, yet it was still an order: to train her in the ways of lovemaking. However, actually bringing her to that great climax…

Was that too far? Or should he teach her what to expect with that, as well?

After all, if a woman who has never experienced a true orgasm suddenly has one, it can be a shocking, even terrifying, experience.

While he debated what he should do, Lucy reached down and grasped his manhood again. “I touch you like this, right?”

Loke lost his breath as she stroked him vigorously. “Yes. Stars, yes, like that.”

As she pumped him, his fingers sought a little deeper into her. Although he was still blocked by the thin gown, he could feel the hollow where, one day, her husband would have the pleasure of piercing into her. For now, all he could do was touch her there, tease a little deeper in, thrusting the fingers blocked by cloth until the chemise was practically inside her.

“Oh… what… what’s happening?” she gasped. “Stars! Loke, it’s… too much. It’s too much! I… I can’t… can’t breathe. I can’t… I’m gonna black out.”

Loke pulled back and gazed heatedly down at her. “I’m sorry, Princess, but I’m going to steal one more first away from your husband.”

“What?”

Before she could wonder what he meant, Loke’s fingers rubbed more frantically. She let out a quivering cry as she felt her whole body burn.

“Don’t hold back,” he urged.

As her cries grew louder, she began to put her hands up to her mouth.

Loke grabbed both wrists and pinned them to the pillow. “I told you, don’t covered your face.”

“But I’m gonna scream.”

“Then scream. It’s what you’re supposed to do.”

“But… but I can’t…”

“Forget etiquette!” he cried out. “Surrender to it.”

She gasped at his shout, but the strain in his face made her body clench. “I’m… scared. I feel like I’m going to lose control.”

“Me too,” he hissed. “So don’t let me lose control on my own. We’ll both lose it together. That’s what being a husband and wife is about.”

Still, he saw her biting her lip, and he sensed that she was trying to hold back. After all, this was normal behavior for a woman who was new to love. Strangely enough, learning to let go, learning to trust your own body, and convincing yourself that you really will not die from the blissful agony, was not something that came naturally. True female orgasm was something hard to reach, and harder to give into freely.

“Lucy,” he said softly, caressing her sweaty face. “Even if you lose control, I’ll be right here. I’ll protect you. So don’t hold yourself back.” He leaned over and whispered into her ear. “I want to see you turn into an animal. I want to hear you shriek. I want to feel the monster within you break free. Let me feel it, Lucy. Give in. Let me slay that beast for you.”

His hand toyed down below, other hand pinched and teased her breast relentlessly, while his lips covered the gasping cries from her mouth. Lucy flailed on the bed, and she began to time his maddening thrusts to her own hand, stroking him faster and faster. Loke’s stomach began to coil tighter He shuddered as he felt his own inner monster about to break loose.

“Lucy,” he warned.

“Don’t stop!” she wailed.

Loke knew he was lost, but such an order…

She did not even need to be his princess for him to obey her.

He tried to hold himself back, yet when he saw her body snap upward in a stiff arch, heard her wailing cry of overwhelming bliss, and felt the tightening around his partially-inserted fingers, he lost control. He roared out, jolts of pleasure shot through him like supernovas exploding in the heavens, and his seed messed the white undergarment gown.

With the release came waves of joy beyong anything he had known in his life. Loke held still, panting weakly, listening to Lucy’s weary breaths, and feeling the lingering jolts still shiving through her body. He looked down and saw the exhaustion on her sweaty, flushed face.

So erotic!

Loke suddenly grasped her, holding her close to him, feeling hot with both passion and shame.

I shouldn’t have done that! I should have stopped her! Dear stars, what have I done?

“Loke,” she panted in surprise. “What… What just happened? I’ve touched myself before, but… that… It’s never happened before, not like that. Everything inside me…”

His breaths came heavily, and he slowly rose onto one hand to gaze down wearily. “Touching yourself? You’re a naughty princess.” She looked so sensual, flushed and panting like this, that he could hardly help but steal another starving kiss from her. “That is called an orgasm.”

“Oh! I… I’ve read about that,” she mumbled bashfully. “It’s never felt quite like that, though.”

“It’s not easy for a woman to reach it. Your job as a wife is to train your husband to get you to that point without him coming first.”

She looked down at the fluid now on her hands and clothes. “Is that…” She pointed to the white splatter. “Is that what happens to men?”

He looked down regretfully at the gooey mess. “Yes. I’m sorry about that. Your husband will ejaculate like that, but inside of you. That is the finality of the consummation of marriage, when his seed marks you… but inside, not outside like this.”

“I want to feel it,” she whispered with lowered lids.

“You will,” he said sternly. “On your wedding night.” He began to pull away with a bitter expression.

Her hand reached out to him. “Stay the night with me,” she said tiredly.

He sat up and caressed her golden hair. “I can’t. The temptation would be too great.”

“Then take me,” she offered, rubbing her hand over his naked chest. “Who would know?”

“I would,” he said with a dour frown. “I can’t mar my flawless diamond princess before her wedding night.”

She looked stubborn, but she saw the anguish in his face. Then Lucy took two fingers, scooped some of the sticky seed up, and placed the fingers into her mouth. The taste was bitter, salty, but she still sucked it off and swallowed it down.

Loke’s mouth dropped as he saw her do that. “Princess!” he cried out in horror.

She smirked. “Your seed has marked me inside now. You’re not my husband, but I don’t want anyone except you. I love you with all my heart, and I want to consummate this love. Our love.”

Hearing her say that was pure pleasure, yet fear struck through him.

A consummation of love? With his king’s daughter?

He looked away, but there was a portrait of the late queen on the wall. He looked in another direction, but a coat-of-arms hung in the corner. Everywhere he looked, there were reminders that she was nobility, and he was nothing but a soldier. Panic began to overtake him. He felt as if soldiers might burst through the door at any minute to haul him away for sullying the princess. Yet his heart wanted to do far worse.

He wanted her!

His hand began to reach out to the bottom hem of her chemise, wanting to lift it, to yank the whole garment off, to see her naked body, claim it, obey her every desire…

His hand drew back and clenched. “I can’t!” he snarled.

He pulled away, fleeing from those inviting eyes. He walked across the room, yanked up his discarded clothes, and tugged his uniform back on. He realized that, once again, he was hiding his desires behind this barrier of duty and loyalty.

“Loke…”

“I need to assure Mr. Capricorn that what he heard was not what he thought he heard. I cannot leave you in shame.”

“So will you leave me like this?” she shouted, holding out the dripping mess on her gown. “Learn to take some responsibility, Captain.”

He walked over to a dresser, dug out another chemise, and threw it at her. “You’re a big girl. Dress yourself.”

“Loke!” she shouted in anger and frustration. Although her body felt weary from passion, part of her realized there was more to love, and she instinctively felt unfulfilled. “Maybe I’ll take you with me after marrying, do my damn duty, but keep you with me instead as a paramour. Queens do that all the time.”

Loke shook his head. “I won’t take another man’s wife.”

“What if I wasn’t a princess?” she asked. “What if I was just some commoner in a tavern who you met on a rainy night? What would you do?”

“Pointless questions.”

“Loke,” she called out as he neared the door. “Do you love me?”

He paused, and his brow strained tightly. “You’ve asked me that before. I can’t answer.”

“Why? Do you not know?”

He looked back at her, and his eyes looked close to tears. “I don’t want to lie to you, Princess, but if I told you the truth, I would be committing treason against the royal family.”

“Just by telling me that you love me?”

He thought of the irony. “Simply by having that emotion toward my king’s daughter makes me guilty.”

“Then you do love me! You just can’t admit it.”

“I can’t say it, and I can never show it to you.”

“Then what do you consider this?” she demanded, pointing to the moist stain.

His face remained stern. “An order from my king, who trusted me to teach you about lovemaking without sullying you. I’ve kept true to my duty and taught you the ways of men.”

“Damn you,” she whispered, gritting her teeth in bitterness and anger. He opened the door and stepped out. She screamed at him. “Damn you!”

Loke shut the bedchamber door. Sure enough, Capricorn was guarding the door, while Virgo was down the hallway, keeping away any other servants.

“I take it the lesson went badly,” the old tutor muttered.

Loke grumbled, “She is a spoiled brat who wants more than she can have.”

“Nobles often are that way,” Capricorn intoned with a nod. “But you didn’t—”

“Give her half an hour,” he cut in as Loke saw two soldiers walking by down the hall. “You may continue your lessons then, and Capricorn…” His voice lowered as he kept an eye out for other servants. “I managed to hold myself back this time, but don’t ever use me like that again or we will both be hanged.”

The tutor backed off. “Understood, Captain.”

The tutor left down the hall, and Loke collapsed against the bedchamber door. He was still overwhelmed by what just happened. A feeling of deep shame pooled in the spot where his lust had flowed out. He leaned his head back, barely controlling his instincts to rush back into that room and take Lucy wholly.

Then he heard her voice on the other side of the door. “Captain?”

He glanced left and right, making sure no one was in the area. “Yes, Princess?” he whispered back.

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled almost too quietly to hear through the closed door. “It’s just… You’re the only man I trust, the only man I have ever loved.” He heard a sniffle. “I don’t want to lose you.”

He smiled at the sincerity in her words. “I don’t want to lose you either,” he confessed quietly, hoping she could still hear him. He gritted his teeth in a feeling of intense shame. He looked around the hall again to make sure it was safe to speak. “Maybe, when you leave this palace, perhaps the king will let me go with you as a bodyguard.”

“That’d be nice,” she muttered, “but you’re right. I’d be another man’s wife. It wouldn’t be fair to you, nor to Prince Natsu. I need to grow up, don’t I? Stop being so selfish. Stop wanting what… what I can’t have.”

His hand rested on the door, wishing he could open it and enter, just to hold her. “Lucy,” he sighed.

“I’m sorry for being so cruel to you. I’ll try to act better. I need to act like a queen, not a spoiled princess. I promise, I’ll be better. I won’t tempt you again.”

He closed his eyes, hating the barrier that kept the two of them apart. Just like this door, her duty to remain the flawless Diamond Princess and his duty of guarding her chastity would always separate them from what their hearts truly desired.

Order me, Princess. Order me to come back in. Order me to hold you! Command me…

“I’ll be in the bath,” Lucy told him. “Send Aries and Virgo in when they return. I need them to do some… um, some laundry.”

Loke swallowed hard as he thought of the mess he had left behind and how wet the gown got from the Princess’s own moisture. “I’ll let them know.”

“Thank you. And Loke…” Her voiced trailed off. Despite the door in the way, he heard her sigh deeply. Then, so softly he easily could have misheard her, she whispered. “I will always love you, my Lion.” Then he heard her footsteps receding.

Loke shut his eyes as his heart burned. “And I shall always love you, Lucy.” A tear slipped down, and he rubbed it away quickly. He straightened his back, pushed some disheveled orange hair out of the way, and loyally remained at his post.

Chapter Text

The week passed in awkward silence. Princess Lucy and Captain Loke barely exchanged glances, their usual familiar ease replaced by stiff formalities. If there were rumors about the Captain of the Guard being ordered to instruct the princess in “bedroom etiquette,” none were bold enough to voice them too loudly. Loke remained stoically professional, Lucy unfalteringly proper. He kept his distance; she avoided his gaze.

But unease lingered like a storm waiting to break.

On the seventh night, disaster struck.

Lucy slept peacefully beneath moonlit sheets, unaware of the shadow that slipped through her open window. The figure crept across the room, soundless as death, eyes gleaming with malice.

He loomed over her, his breath hitching in glee. “Too easy,” he whispered darkly.

A gloved hand shot down, pressing a damp cloth over Lucy’s mouth and nose. Her eyes flew open in shock. A sickly sweet scent invaded her senses, making her limbs feel heavy and numb. She thrashed, clawing at his wrists, but her strength ebbed as her world spun into dizziness.

“That’s it,” the intruder crooned. “Back to sleep, princess.” His gaze flickered downward, lingering on how her gown had slipped off one shoulder, exposing pale skin. “Although…” He licked his lips. “I could have a little fun before handing you over.” His fingers curled as he prepared to grope her. “I’ve never touched the breasts of a noblewoman.”

“And you never shall!”

A flash of silver split the darkness. The intruder screamed as pain seared through his arm. He looked down in disbelief—his hand lay severed on the blood-stained sheets.

Captain Loke stood over him, sword gleaming like a predator’s fang under the stars. His eyes burned with feral rage.

Instead of running the man through with his sword, Loke drew back and delivered a bone-crushing punch to his jaw. The intruder reeled backward, gasping in agony.

“No one touches the Princess of the Land of Spirits without my permission,” Loke growled, his voice low and dangerous.

With her senses muddled by the drug, Lucy watched through struggling, hazy eyes. The Captain was no longer a man, but a lion hunting his prey in the dark.

The intruder fumbled for a dagger with his remaining hand. Loke didn’t even flinch. He kicked the man’s arm with brutal precision. A spark flashed through the darkness as his armored boots struck against the weapon, sending it flying through the air and embedding into the wall.

Loke sneered. “Pathetic.” Another devastating punch to the gut sent the intruder hurtling backward. “Who hired you?” he demanded.

Cradling his severed limb, the man looked all around in terror, but there was no escape. Rather than face capture, he turned and fled to the window.

“Wait, no!” Loke cried out.

The intrude flung himself out. A strangled cry of defiance or loyalty—no one could make it out—faded into the night, followed by a sickening crunch as his body hit the courtyard below.

Loke leaned out the window . Blood pooled beneath the twisted body below. Already, an alarm blared, bells rang through the starry night, and soldiers raced toward the princess’s tower.

“Seize that intruder!” Loke commanded, voice sharp as steel. “If he’s somehow still alive, interrogate him. If he’s dead, put his head on a pike and feed his body to the dogs.”

Lieutenant Scorpio’s voice rang up from below. “Captain, the princess?”

He looked back to her and saw Lucy looking at him, trying to sit up but unable to fight the dizzying effects. “She’s alive,” he assured grimly. “Send the doctor to the princess’s room. She’s been drugged.”

As soldiers swarmed below, Loke turned back to Lucy. Now that the danger had passed, dread settled into his bones. He lit a lamp and sat on her mattress.

“Princess?” he asked softly, worry cracking his voice.

Lucy trembled, her breath hitching. Suddenly, she clutched his tunic, burying her face against his chest. Belated terror wracked her body in sobs.

Loke froze for only a moment before wrapping her in a protective embrace. He smoothed down her hair, voice low and soothing. “It’s safe. He’s gone.”

His gaze flicked to the severed hand still staining her blanket. Grimacing, he lifted it by a finger and tossed it to the floor.

“Loke,” she sobbed, her voice raw. “Lie to me.”

“Lie?” he echoed in confusion. “Are you hallucinating?”

“Just lie to me,” she whispered desperately. Her teary face lifted to him. “Do you love me?”

Loke’s breath caught at the audacity of asking such a rebellious question at a time like this. It took a moment before he understood the purpose behind her request, and a smile lifted his lips.

If she needed comfort, even if it came wrapped in falsehoods—

If it was an order from the royal family—

“No, Princess. I don’t love you.”

“Do you want me to get married?”

His heart burned, but he forced the lie through gritted teeth. “Of course I do. I can’t wait to see you in the arms of that prince. I hope he’s satisfied with you. I hope you’re a tender, loving wife to him.”

Lucy’s tears subsided with each falsehood, her breathing steadier. “Last week, with Capricorn…”

“Princess,” he warned.

“Was that purely out of duty? Nothing more?”

He sighed at her cunning. “That’s right,” he whispered, brushing a tear from her cheek. “It meant nothing. I did it because I was ordered to.” He cupped her face, his thumb tracing her lips. “I would never do it again.”

Her cheeks flushed. “Because… you don’t love me… right?” she asked, her voice trembling but laced with understanding. The lies he told her revealed the truth that they could not speak aloud.

“Exactly,” he sighed. “I don’t love you. I never have. I never will. I protect you as my duty as Captain of the Guard. Nothing more.”

A moist laugh bubbled from her throat. “You’ve told me that line so many times over the years. You big liar.”

Her dizziness returned, and she slumped unconscious into his arms.

“Princess?” he asked in fear. “Lucy!”

The door burst open. The palace doctor, Crux, hobbled in with his assistants, followed by Virgo, Aries, and a squad of soldiers.

“Harumph! Blood?” Crux grumbled, eyes narrowing at the crimson-stained sheets.

“Not hers,” Loke assured quickly. “She’s drugged but uninjured.”

“Harumph! Step aside,” Crux ordered.

Loke backed away as the doctor checked her heart and felt her forehead. Then Crux found the cloth the man had used to drug her. He sniffed it, grimaced immediately, and held it out with a sour face. “Sweetroot extract. Nasty stuff.” He barked orders to his assistants for a counteragent.

Virgo approached Loke, her expression firm. “She’ll be fine, Brother.”

“I should have been in this room,” he muttered, disgusted with himself.

“Yes,” Virgo agreed bluntly. “You should have.”

Loke slammed his eyes shut. Virgo could be so sharp with her words, with both stinging humor and stabbing accusations.

A soldier in King’s Guard livery entered and saluted. “Captain Loke, the king wishes to see you.”

Loke exhaled heavily. After a night like this, of course the king would demand answers.

He marched through the halls of the castle, everyone now on high alert. Servants scurried like frightened mice, and every candle flickered with a desperate glow, casting long, jittery shadows against the ancient stone walls. The scent of wax mingled with the lingering metallic tang of fear.

Loke came to the towering double doors of the throne room. Massive and adorned with intricate carvings depicting legendary battles, the doors radiated authority and grandeur. He straightened his uniform, steeled himself, and knocked firmly.

“Enter,” came a dignified reply.

He pushed open the heavy doors, which groaned on their iron hinges, and marched into the vast expanse of the throne room. Moonlight filtered through stained glass windows, tinting the marble floor with hues of crimson, azure, and emerald. Golden lanterns reflected light in shimmering arcs, adding warmth to the vaulted ceilings. Velvet banners emblazoned with the royal crest hung from towering pillars, and the air carried the scent of aged stone and polished wood.

At the far end of the room, atop a raised dais, sat the king. His brownish hair was graying at the temples, and a massive mustache framed his stern mouth. Even like this, woken from sleep and forced to dress in a rush, his regal attire, heavy with gold embroidery, gleamed even in the dim light. Despite the wrinkles forming on his face, there was a commanding presence about him that spoke of years of rule and hard-won wisdom.

Loke advanced with measured steps until he reached the dais. There, he dropped to one knee, head bowed low. “My king.”

“Captain,” the king’s voice rumbled with authority, “how is my daughter?”

“Uninjured, sire. The intruder drugged her, but Doctor Crux is already curing her.”

“Drugged? Are you saying he got so far as to reach her bed?”

“He was as silent as a shadow, but he made the mistake of speaking.”

The king’s eyes darkened. “Why were you not in the room with her?”

Loke’s jaw clenched. He had anticipated this question. It had been his choice, a grave mistake in hindsight, but if he admitted to why he and Lucy were keeping their distance, it would be his head on a pike next to that intruder.

Knowing this, he chose his words carefully. “She is a woman engaged to be married. According to decorum, I should have stopped being alone in a room with her the day she came of age. We both agreed a week ago that such a thing was no longer appropriate.” If asked, he was sure Lucy would agree with his white lie.

“I see,” the king hummed, stroking his mustache thoughtfully. “I will have one of her female attendants stay with her at night from now until the wedding day. As this alliance with the Land of Dragons nears, I fear more attempts may be made by those wishing to sully my daughter’s virtue.”

“None shall touch her, sire,” Loke swore fiercely.

“Does this include you, Captain?” the king asked with a stern glare. “I’ve heard rumors whispered around the palace.”

Loke swallowed hard. “If you mean about that lesson, I was following your orders. I didn’t—”

“A lesson where you asked Capricorn to leave, and then the maids found suspicious stains on my daughter’s undergarments.”

Loke’s throat went dry with horror and shame. “I… I never even touched her skin, sire. I swear. Maybe her face and neck, all according to Mr. Capricorn’s guidance, but… but it was all part of the lesson.”

“I wonder,” the king said, his anger barely suppressed behind a regal visage. “You are the best fighter in the Land of Spirits, Captain Loke. My dear wife—stars shine for her—chose you as Captain of the Guard despite your youth. She felt you would be best to guard Lucy, and you’ve done so well for seven years. I cannot remove you from your post without rousing suspicions, but I can use your station for other means.”

“Sire?” Loke asked, dread pooling in his gut.

The king held out a letter sealed with the royal insignia. “This letter is the last confirmation for the alliance with the Dragon King. It includes a sworn statement by Aries that the princess is unsullied by a man. I trust that status has not changed,” he said coldly.

“It has not, sire,” Loke said stiffly.

“This letter must be delivered into the Dragon King’s hands. When he has signed it with his seal of approval, you will escort Prince Natsu to the Land of Spirits. The wedding will be held here, and once it is consummated, you will escort both the prince and the princess to the border. After you return from that duty—your final duty to her—we will discuss the future of your career within this castle. Obey my commands flawlessly, and you may keep your post. Disrespect the Dragons, and I shall have you executed. Am I clear?”

His eyes stayed on the ground, verbally beaten into submission. “Yes, sire.”

“Good. You’ll ride out immediately.”

Loke looked up sharply now. “But the princess—”

“Will probably sleep for hours,” the king cut in. “Are you already questioning my orders, Captain Loke?”

He drew back and dropped his head. “Of course not, my king. Your orders are absolute, as is my loyalty.”

Loke climbed the dais, took the letter with a deep bow, and left the king’s presence. Before leaving, he secured a new guard to watch over the princess and went to Lucy’s room. Virgo stood outside, so Loke went up to her.

“How is she?” he whispered in worry.

“The princess was cured,” Virgo told him. “She is sleeping heavily from the drug.” She glanced over at the soldier behind Loke. “Why is he here?”

“Lieutenant Sagittarius will guard Lucy until my return.”

Loke briefly told Virgo about the king’s command. The stoic maid began to look deeply concerned.

“He’s sending you away? After this?”

Sagittarius had to agree. “It seems like the worst timing.”

“We do not question the king,” Loke said, his loyalty now agonizing. “Tell the princess I will be back as quickly as I can, and I will arrive with her new husband.”

With that, he spun and stormed away, rage boiling in his glaring eyes. Loke marched out to the stables. He lit a few lanterns, rousing some of the sleeping horses. Eerie shadows swayed across the hay-strewn floor. He walked up to his horse, Regulus, and stroked its nose.

“O Regulus, give me your strength. Tonight, we ride hard, old friend.”

He prepared the horse, saddling him with ease and climbing on top.

The horse regally stepped outside of the stables, and Loke cast a wistful look up at the tower.

In Princess Lucy’s room, he saw a bright golden glow of candles and the shadows of people moving around to take care of her.

At least she was in good hands.

“Let’s not leave her alone for too long,” he told the horse.

The horse whinnied, and with a tap of the reins Regulus began a firm gallop. Loke pretended that it was the sting of the cold night wind that made his eyes tear up and streak over his face. He deftly wiped the salty tears and kept focused on the dark road ahead.

Without looking back, he rode hard into the night, headed to the Land of Dragons.

Chapter Text

It had been raining that day. Maybe all that week. It felt like the world had been gray for ages. She was so young, yet her world had fallen from bright colors to monochrome. The memories of that time, so many years ago, were vague now, just flashes, scenes, and feelings. She did not remember much, except the rain and the sadness.

And black. A sea of black bodies, threatening to swallow her fragile, gray, gloomy world.

Yet amidst that grief and blackness, an orange sun came out, bright and welcoming, walking toward her, kneeling beside her, hugging her into his world of color and away from the grayness. Loke's hair had been short back then, a new soldier, barely out of training, someone she had seen around but never talked to.

Her mother had introduced him only a week earlier, while lying in bed...the beginning of the grayness.

"My dearest Lucy, this man is named Loke. He's going to look after you from now on. Captain Loke, please watch over her. Be her knight. Oh, come here, Lucy. No need to be shy. He's a good man, a true gentleman. I hope you come to trust him...to love him. He's the sort of man I wish you could...could... Oh, dear me, I can't say it after all."

Lucy never found out what her mother was trying to say, because Queen Layla died a few days later.

Then, in the midst of the deepest grief she had ever known, an orange sun shined through the rain, piercing green eyes reassured her, and she knew that although her mother was gone, she had left behind this knight to comfort her tiny daughter.

On that day, this glorious orange sun spoke to her and promised her: "You will never be alone, princess. I will serve you for as long as I live. You need only to call me, and I will be there. I will never let you feel lonely."

He kept his word. He did more than stand guard. He hugged her as she cried over the next few months, woke her from nightmares, and calmed her with his gentle voice. While the rest of the castle staff refrained from speaking to her out of uncertainty, and her own father did not even want to look upon her, this knight talked to her for hours, listening to anything she had to say, no matter how childish or irrational her fears. He listened, and he shielded her from the blackness.

With her orange sun around, color returned to her world, a sterile life that had taken her mother and stripped all emotions from her father. He read stories to her when she was bored, put on puppet shows for her to make her laugh, helped her change into her clothes—until Aries and Virgo were hired to do such duties—and Loke played with her when she had no one else around. He gave her toys on holidays and birthdays. Although his pay was probably not much, and she could have had any toy in the kingdom, the ones Loke gave her were special, because they were not given out of duty, but out of kindness.

It was that kindness that made her want to be closer to him. She was unsure when things changed. Suddenly, when he kissed her forehead and tucked her in for the night, it made her hot inside. Her dreams were about him. She got bashful when he walked with her through the gardens. When he complimented that she was growing into a fine young woman, her cheeks went hot. She thought of how to please him when picking out new gowns.

Once, when she heard that Loke was not on duty because he had gone to a festival with a lady, she felt jealous for the first time in her life. The next day, when he returned, Lucy demanded that he never leave her alone again.

That was probably when he realized she was in love. He had looked so stunned at that time, then deeply regretful. She was still young back then, maybe fourteen...too young, especially for an older man like him. However, he hugged her, thanked her for being concerned, but told her in the kindest words possible that a man sometimes needed feminine comfort.

She would never forget her words that day.

"Let me be your comfort!"

Then she tiptoed up, kissed him on the mouth, and ran away in humiliation.

Her first real kiss! It was not so much stolen as tossed at his feet in a moment of jealousy.

That caused a chasm of awkwardness between them that lasted throughout the next few years. He was more cautious. He stopped tucking her into bed. He rarely entered her room just to see if she needed someone to play with. If she called for him, he always came, but he left it as her ordering him, not him taking the initiative. She realized later, he might have gotten scolded even back then for being too friendly with the princess. She missed those days when he was always beside her, when he could hug her and she could fall asleep in his lap listening to him reading fairy tales.

Still, he was always there, always a comfort. That sun never set. She only had to call out his name, and the orange hair arrived, along with a smile that could warm her in winter, and eyes that chilled her in summer.

It was on her sixteenth birthday that she formally confessed.

"Captain...no, just Loke. I...I want you to take me out."

"Of course, princess. Where shall we go? I can arrange an entourage and..."

"No, not like that. I want it to be just us."

"If that's my princess's orders..."

"No! I don't mean orders. I mean...I...I like you. I want to court you."

He had stared at her with something like a mix between fear, sadness, and unbounded happiness, all mixed and tormenting his face. Suddenly, his eyes dropped. "You honor me too much, my princess. I have to decline."

Being denied something she wanted was an act Lucy did not face too often, and the spoiled princess reacted badly. "Do you have a lady?" she spat out scathingly.

"Yes, there is someone I'm courting at the moment."

Just then Lieutenant Taurus walked by. "More like three someones he's juggling at the same time."

"Taurus!" Loke had paled in utter terror at being overheard. "You'll forget this conversation or I'll beat all memories out of your bullish head."

"Hey, I know you'd get beheaded if you touched her. Even if you went for it, I wouldn't say anything."

"B-beheaded?" Lucy was confused by that. "What does he mean, Loke?"

He explained firmly. "You're the princess, only daughter and sole heir of this kingdom. You must marry royalty, and likely the king will pick someone for you soon. Whoever he picks will be the next King of the Land of Spirits, so likely it will be a younger son of a noble family. That's how these things work. You simply can't court a lowly man like me. It's forbidden, on punishment of torture and death, for any commoner to touch you intimately."

Again, his eyes dropped, and something flinched through his face. He looked lost in a memory. It struck her: he must have already gotten a warning...a very harsh warning!

"Loke..." she sighed, wanting to reach up and hold him, like he had held her through the dark times, but now caution stayed her hand.

"Forgive me, princess, although you honor me far above what I deserve, I must decline. Taurus, you're on duty now." Then Loke hurried off, running away from her.

Lucy still remembered the tear that had slipped down his eye just before leaving the room. That was when she realized that her emotions were not one-sided. He felt something as well, but he was doing everything possible, even courting numerous ladies at once, just to suppress those forbidden urges.

One more memory came to her. They were the last words Loke spoke to her before she fell into a drugged stupor. She had told him to lie, because it was the only way to hear his true feelings.

"I don't love you. I never have. I never will." I love you. I always have. I always will.

These memories played through Lucy's mind as she slept fitfully for an entire week, fevered from the attempted-kidnapper's poison. With each dream, her heart grew firmer. There was only one man she had ever been interested in, and only one man she wanted to wake up beside every morning. He was the only man who had ever showed her love, yet he could never tell her honestly.

She wanted her sun to always shine.

She wanted her Lion to always stand guard beside her.

When Princess Lucy finally recovered from the abductor's drug, it was already a week after the incident. Although awake now, Doctor Crux insisted that she stay in bed just to be safe. Aries and Virgo took turns staying with her throughout the night. Extra guards were outside her window, and no one managed to break in, although there were rumors about other attempts thwarted by the outer guards.

When finally the doctor could no longer convince the princess to remain in bed, he allowed her up only for a walk around the gardens, nothing more. With excitement, Lucy brushed out her hair while Virgo and Aries tied her corset and helped her into a gown that was far too elegant for a mere stroll. However, Lucy had not seen Captain Loke for two weeks. When she asked with worry if he had gotten into trouble for allowing an intruder to get close enough to touch her, Virgo assured her that he was not punished. However, neither Aries nor Virgo told her what actually happened to him.

So when Lucy stepped out of her bedchamber, she was shocked that, instead of the orange-haired captain, it was Lieutenant Scorpio who guarded her door.

"Why are you here?" she cried out, not caring it she sounded unreasonably angry. "Where's Loke?"

"The captain left to deliver a letter to the King of the Land of Dragons," replied Scorpio.

Lucy felt the happiness rush out of her, leaving her feeling cold inside. "He left? He didn't say anything!"

"We are very sorry. You were unconscious when the king sent him."

"When did this happen?" she demanded.

"The night you were attacked, princess. Within the same hour, I believe. He had hardly enough time to assign me to guard you."

"But...but the Land of Dragons takes two weeks by horse," she muttered sadly. "He's probably there already." A shiver made her feel weak again. Loke was likely already in that frightening land, facing the scary sons of the Dragon King. "Why...why did he go? For what purpose?"

Scorpio smiled gently. "He'll be bringing your future husband, so it's a time to rejoice. When Captain Loke returns with Prince Natsu, the whole kingdom will celebrate your marriage."

That made Lucy even more furious. "This was Father's doing, wasn't it?" She turned sharply at Aries and Virgo. "Why didn't you two say anything about it to me?"

Aries squeaked, "I'm sorry!"

Virgo was calmer as she banally explained, "Brother told me where he was going, but the king ordered us not to tell you, and his orders are absolute. Will I be punished?"

Rather than shout and make a scene, Lucy stomped down the hallway. She walked as swiftly as she could while still being dignified. She tipped her head when guards and servants bowed out of her way, and she marched out of the castle into the spacious gardens. There was one section, a walled-off garden that was only opened for the head-gardener Cancer and the royal family. It had been her mother's special place to sit and look at the stars.

Lucy went to the walled garden and waited for Cancer to put down his trimming sheers so he could open it for her. She entered alone, insisting that Aries and Virgo wait at the entry gate. She sat on a swing hanging from a willow tree and rocked herself slowly. Tears dripped from her eyes. She hugged herself, thinking of Loke's touches, those lies he told her, and how it was the only way to get him to confess his feelings.

"If you don't want me to marry, why...why, Loke?" she sobbed. "Why would you go to bring that prince here? Is there truly no way to escape the iron fist of my father?" She covered her face and wept into her hands. "Loke...please don't make me marry him. Take me away. Always be with me, and never let me be lonely, like you promised."

Weeks passed, and people said the stars no longer shined as brightly at night since Captain Loke left the Land of Spirits.

The princess's melancholy became obvious to the whole castle. There were whispers in the servants' quarters. By then, it was no secret that the princess did not want to marry, and the servants pitied her. However, as much as they all wished they could do something to stop this inevitable sadness, they feared the king. All of them felt oppressed under his hard eyes. All they could do was look at how the princess grew thinner and paler.

Libra the cook said she was barely eating and losing weight fast. Cancer the head-gardener said she was not coming out for walks anymore. Sagittarius the horsemaster said she had not been out riding even once. No one knew what to do to cheer her up. Some said that instead of this marriage being something to celebrate, perhaps it was a reason to mourn. They would be losing their diamond princess for a time. It had been part of the agreement between the two nations. The wedding would be in the Land of Spirits, yet she then had to live in the Land of Dragons and could not return until the birth of her first child, so the Dragons could ensure that the next in line for the throne was one of their own and not a bastard son.

At last, Princess Lucy realized it was almost time for Loke to return. She was eager to see him, but she dreaded that he was bringing her betrothed prince. She sat at her window staring off to the castle banners, looking for a sign of the captain's return. Often, she glanced down to the gardens to see Lieutenant Scorpio walking along the river with his girlfriend Aquarius.

She imagined herself and Loke ambling through the nightly shadows, gazing at stars, holding onto one another, kissing discreetly, anticipating what may come when they returned to somewhere private, where love can be fully expressed.

Lucy longed for a simple romance like that. Was it really so taboo for a princess to want to marry out of love, not duty? Would it really threaten the whole kingdom if she courted a commoner like Loke? Why was such a thing punishable by torture and death? It wasn't fair!

"I wish I was a normal girl," she lamented. "I don't want to be a princess. I just want..."

Her words faded away. If she spoke them and someone overheard, Loke could be beheaded for treason. She didn't want that!

"What do I want?" she wondered.

She thought it ironic that, all her life, she was given every material thing she could ask for, yet when it came to love, her father never provided such affection, and he threatened the one person who showed unconditional love to her.

Thus was the life of a princess...and she hated it!

Chapter Text

On the night of the new moon, when only the stars lit the heavens, Lucy had just begun to brush out her hair for the evening when there was a rap on the door.

"I'm not in the mood for visitors, Scorpio," she called over.

Despite her warning, the bedchamber door creaked opened. "What about a visit from your knight?"

Lucy dropped her hairbrush and looked over in awe. Orange hair, catlike eyes, and although the captain of the guard was still in his riding clothes covered in dust, the Lion had lost none of his majestic charms.

"Loke!" She bolted up and ran straight into his arms, burying her face into his chest and inhaling the scent that belonged to no one but him. A second later, she realized how foolish that was. She let go and backed away with a shiver of paranoia. "Is...is he with you?"

"I come alone, and I sent Lieutenant Scorpio away." Loke's hand rested on her cheek, and his eyes tightened with worry. "The rumors are true. You've lost weight."

She looked aside, feeling foolish for making him worry about her. "Food doesn't taste as good when it's not you delivering it to me."

"Fickle princess!" He grabbed her and held her close, running his hands over her nightgown and up into her golden hair. "I missed you, too," he whispered.

After a heartfelt embrace, Lucy pulled back and looked up into his face with tears of joy in her eyes. At last, he was back! Suddenly, her smile became a scowl, and she slapped him with a resounding crack. His glasses were knocked off his face, and a red print marked his cheek.

"How dare you leave my side without my permission!"

He rubbed out the stinging mark. "The king's orders are..."

"I don't care! Never leave my side again, Loke."

He gazed down at her and smiled. "Okay, I won't."

She eyed him suspiciously. "Are you now in the habit of lying to me?"

"No," he said gently. "I will never lie unless you order me to. It's just that I've come to a conclusion about orders and the monarchy. I will follow any order you give me." He leaned down and whispered into her ear. "Anything at all."

Lucy looked up with huge eyes. Any order? She wondered just how far she could take this decision. "All right, then kiss me."

He smirked at her defiant face. "With pleasure."

He attacked her mouth voraciously. Lucy was stunned by such boldness, but she had missed this feeling. She hummed against his lips, and instantly his arms wrapped around her. Her hands clutched at him, ran up into his hair, and pulled his face closer so she could deepen the kiss. His tongue pressed between her lips, and she opened herself up to him. Their tongues swirled, a moan shivered out, and suddenly Loke pulled up, breathing hard. Lucy felt lightheaded and had to catch her breath.

"Stars, I've missed you, Loke!"

His face tensed with passion. "And I've missed you!" He dived down for another kiss. "I had to leave because of the king's orders," he explained between frantic kisses to her cheeks and neck. "I realized while I was away, I rarely follow your orders. Why should I, a mere soldier, obey my king yet disobey my princess? Who am I to pick one over the other?" He stopped nibbling her skin and rose to peer down at her. "Something Capricorn said made me think. His allegiance is to you, not the royal family. Where is my allegiance?" he whispered in anguish. "How can I pick one noble over another? So long as I am not directly disobeying my king's command, shouldn't I obey you as well?"

"What did the king demand?" she asked, curious and worried.

"His precise command was that the letter of alliance should be placed into the Dragon King's hands, and when it held his seal of approval, I must bring Prince Natsu here, oversee the wedding, and after all is consummated, escort you two to the Land of Dragons."

She drew back with a panicked look. "The prince..."

"He never said I had to be the one to place that letter into the Dragon King's hands," Loke smirked slyly. "Nor did he ever specifically command that I could not touch you. It's a generalized rule, but not a direct command that passed out of the king's mouth." He had a mischievous gleam in his green eyes, but slowly it faded with the harshness of reality. "To be honest, I'll be hanged or beheaded for this..."

"No!" she gasped.

"...but I no longer care." He took her face into his hands. "For once in my life, I want to dedicate myself fully to you. For tonight, and for as long as you command it...you'll be my master."

She looked confused and worried. "But the letter?"

His soft laugh held all the playfulness of a kitten. "I went all the way to the Land of Dragons. The king did order that much. However, when I got there, I deemed that a sweet blind beggar woman should deliver the letter. I even paid her a silver. Now, if that beggar decides to burn the paper to keep herself warm at night, the Spirit King can take that up with her."

Lucy's eyes began to water as she laughed. "You didn't bring the prince."

He caressed her face. "My order was to bring the prince after the Dragon King's seal was on that paper. I'm sure, if he ever finds that document, he'll let the Land of Spirits know that we should go pick up his bratty boy."

"Oh Loke!" she cried out, hugging him tightly. "But...but Father will punish you."

"True," he admitted. "I decided that, as captain of the guard, I should pick my punishment. I choose exile. Before dawn, I'll be far away from here."

"You're leaving? Then take me with you!" she cried out.

He smiled and caressed her cheek. "Is that an order, princess?"

"Yes," she said firmly. "But first..." She ran a hand through his hair. He still had dust from the road on his uniform, but his face looked even more dashing like this. "Love me," she moaned. "Make me yours...please."

Loke's eyelids lowered at the seductiveness of her face. "As you wish, princess."

He lifted Lucy off her feet and rushed her to the bed. He dropped her to the mattress and climbed right on top of her.

"Whoa, Loke," she gasped at such eagerness, yet she did not dare push him away.

His hands slid up her gown, pulling it to her waist. Then he pulled her into a sitting position and yanked the gown over her head, exposing her naked body. Lucy bashfully covered her breasts, but Loke tugged the hands away.

"What did I tell you about shamefully covering yourself?"

"That was about my husband," she replied drolly, eagerly undoing the buttons on his uniform.

He yanked the shirt off and began to pull on his belt. "Didn't you say before, you consummated your love to me?"

She blushed as she recalled that day, placing his seed in her mouth.

"Perhaps I should consummate my love to you as well," he whispered heatedly as he tugged his pants off.

"Without a wedding?" she teased.

"We are in the Land of Spirits. Let the spirits witness our oaths." He leaned over her again and rubbed his nose against her. "Let's get married, right here, right now. I promise to honor you, respect you, obey your every wish, and to love you, as I have always loved you, for the rest of my days. That's all I need to say, right?"

She giggled softly. "I promise to love and honor you, treat you with respect, and never sully your pride, for the rest of my days."

"Then a ring to symbolize our oaths." Loke pulled a gold ring off his pinkie finger and slid it onto her ring finger. "A little big, but it'll work for now. Thus, as the captain of the king's royal guard, I pronounce us husband and wife. Let us seal our oath with a kiss." He leaned over and crashed his lips into hers.

Although done half in jest, Lucy felt her heart racing. With all her soul, she wanted this to really be a marriage. Maybe it was. He was a captain of the guard, after all. He had the authority to perform marriages.

"Is this for real?" she asked in a dizzy daze as Loke licked his way down to her breasts.

He raised up and gazed into her hooded eyes. "Do you want it to be?"

She reached up and caressed his face. "Yes."

"Then call me that name."

She laughed softly, yet with all her heart Lucy said, "Husband."

A tingle went through Loke's body. Legal or not, he felt that they were wedded in spirit now, and that was all that mattered in this land. "My princess and my wife." Saying that brought a tear to his eye.

Lucy shook her head. "Not princess anymore. When the king learns of what we're about to do, I might be disowned as his heir. Still," she smiled, holding his face with both hands, "I would rather live as a commoner with you by my side, than as a queen and lonely." She leaned up and kissed him. "Never leave me, Loke."

"I will always be with you," he swore.

"Serve me for as long as you live."

He nodded solemnly, remembering the oath he gave her as a child, crying by her mother's grave. "You need only to call me, and I will be there. I will never let you feel lonely."

Then she looked deeply into his eyes. She felt his breathing getting quicker, and the stiffness between his legs warned her of what was about to happen. "Say you love me. But don't say it just because I ordered it. Say how you really feel."

His hands slid over her naked skin. His face looked lost in utter happiness. "I love you with all my spirit, Lucy. I can't ever lose you. I want to make you mine...for all eternity."

"Then show me," she breathed, spreading her legs for him.

He leaned over her, kissing her deeply. She loved the way his body felt heavy on top of her. He radiated strength, loyalty, and kindness.

"I'll be gentle," he promised, pressing up against her. "Just trust me."

"I do," she affirmed. As she felt him, she gasped, her head threw back, and she was instantly lost in the sea of pleasure.

As Loke slowly made love to her, he began to realize something. Lucy was called the Diamond Princess because of her flawless beauty, yet it is only when a diamond is broken, chipped away, and skillfully shaped that it shines with its true luster.

As he pierced into her, as he marked that porcelain skin with bites and sucks, as he watched her sweat and cry out in bliss, he finally saw her shine with true, unobscured beauty. He was a craftsman's chisel, pounding relentlessly again and again, breaking away the innocence so that the dazzling lady inside could finally glow.

The pace quickened, and they both succumbed to their love. As she cried out Loke's name, Lucy felt the shackles of her social station fall away. At last, she could be who she truly was. She could set aside the title of princess and simply be Lucy.

He had not only given her love. Loke gave her freedom!

When it was over, Lucy slept in exhaustion. Loke gazed down at her. The candle had burned out, so only the stars lit her face. Their fluids had stained the sheets. The castle would know what happened here that night. He would probably be hunted through all the kingdoms.

That was fine. So long as Lucy wanted him, so long as she loved him, he would continuously fight for her. He would face exile, because he would not be alone. His perfected diamond would shine with him.

He moved some hair out of Lucy's face, which made her stir and wake up. Her eyes shined in the glimmer of stars outside, and Loke leaned over to kiss her.

"Dawn will be here soon," he warned. "Are you able to walk?"

Lucy sat up slowly. Despite weariness and tingling in her thighs, she got up. Loke assisted her to dress, and she packed some belongings that were precious to her, mostly mementos of her mother. She also brought all of her jewelry, knowing they would need money for food and shelter at wherever they ended up traveling.

"Dress warmly," he advised. "We're heading somewhere cold."

"The Land of Ice?" she asked, grabbing her thickest cloak.

"Queen Ultear has promised asylum for both of us. I'm an old friend of her brother, Prince Gray. Once, I helped him during a challenging trial, so he owes me a favor. I already wrote to him, and Gray promised he, his brother Duke Lyon, and his sister the queen will protect us from the Land of Dragons and the Land of Spirits. Honestly," Loke chuckled and he picked up Lucy's heavy bag and slung it over his shoulder, "Gray has an old rivalry against Prince Natsu. When I told him I was stealing away Natsu's bride, he was thrilled to do anything that might humiliate the Dragon Prince."

Loke crept to the door and opened it slowly. He saw Capricorn standing guard. The tutor looked back at him and nodded firmly.

"None have come by, Captain," he assured. "Virgo and Aries are doing a fine job of keeping the servants out of this area."

Lucy blushed as she realized her tutor must have heard everything that happened between them that night. "You're all helping...why?"

Capricorn gave her a tender smile. "My duty is to you, princess, and not to the royal family. I sneaked Loke in here, and now we will sneak you both out."

Then Aries and Virgo came forward. They helped to carry some of Lucy's bags, and they gave her a traveling cloak with a deep hood that hid her face. Then they hurried through the halls.

Suddenly, the Gemini twins rushed into the hallway. "Back, back!" the two small children warned.

The group drew back as one of the king's chancellors walked by with a midnight snack. Once he was gone, Gemi and Mini hurried out again, checking passages and distracting guards with their antics so the others could sneak by.

Finally, they reached the main entrance. To their surprise, they were met head on by Lieutenants Scorpio and Taurus. Loke reached for his sword, ready to fight his old friends and underlings.

Scorpio explained, "We heard you had returned, and we knew you'd try something foolish, Lion."

"Scorpio," Loke warned, reluctant to unsheathe his sword.

Scorpio smiled. "We're going to help."

Taurus nodded eagerly. "We'll get you two out of the grounds. Anything to protect Princess Lucy's nice body."

Loke sighed of relief, and his hand released the sword hilt. "Thank you. It's good to have friends I can count on."

"Besides," Taurus chuckled, "we know it would take more than the two of us to beat someone as strong as you."

Their sizable group hurried forward, keeping against walls, with Taurus or Scorpio scouting ahead, then waving them to hurry. Loke wrapped his arm around Lucy as she shivered from the cold night air and the thrill of running away from the castle.

They at last made it to the river that lazily flowed through part of the palace grounds. Lucy saw Aquarius with one of her boats, and Momma Pisces was at the helm, with her darker child at the stern.

"We'll get you out of here," Aquarius promised. "Only because Scorpio asked me to help."

Lucy looked around. Other members of the staff had gathered to wish her safe travel. She cried as she saw that, despite her father's heavy fist, so many of her friends were eager to ensure her happiness.

"Thank you, all of you," she sniffled.

"Just don't get caught, ebi," Cancer warned.

Aries bashfully said, "We'll distract the king somehow...I'm sorry."

"If anything is discovered, I will take full punishment," Virgo decided.

"Have fun, have babies!" Gemi and Mini cheered.

"Moooove it along, you two," Taurus laughed.

Lucy gave them all hugs, although Aquarius shoved her away. Then she climbed onto the rocking boat.

"Pisces," Capricorn called out to the boat-wright. "Take them ten leagues downstream. Sagittarius is there with a couple of horses. That should get them out of the Land of Spirits."

The child nodded. "Understood, Momma."

Capricorn glared. "I'm not your mother!"

"Fufu!" Mother Pisces chuckled. "Let's go, son."

"Yes, Momma."

The boat sailed away, slipping into the darkness and the river fog, gliding silently out of the castle, passed the nearby village, and out into open lands where only morning birds sang and frogs chirruped. Loke hugged Lucy around from the back, sheltering her from the moist chill, and gave her a soft kiss on the head. He realized this was only the start of their new adventure together, and it would not be easy for them. Still, with Lucy as his master, he would fight any enemy.

The sun began to rise, turning the fog into lacy gold. They arrived at a fording, where Sagittarius was standing with two steeds. Loke assisted Lucy up into her saddle, then mounted his own horse Regulus.

Sagittarius saluted stiffly. "Be safe, Captain, Princess... moshi-moshi."

"Thank you. Bye-bye, Pisces," Lucy cheered, waving goodbye. "Thanks, both of you."

"You're welcome, Momma," the child replied.

"I'm not your mother!"

When Lucy looked up at Loke, grinning with eager excitement at finally breaking free from the shackles of her duties, he knew that they would always be happy, so long as they had one another. He would protect his love, and always treat her with pride.

On that day, the two escaped the Land of Spirits, and after a long ride over many harsh roads, they at last came to the Land of Ice. There, the gentle Queen Ultear took in Lucy and Loke, hiding them from her father and any retaliation from the Dragons. However, they heard that Prince Natsu asked his father not to blame either the Spirits nor Princess Lucy. Peace was settled in other ways between the two nations, and Lucy lived without fear.

She and Loke brought beauty and joy to the Land of Ice. Lucy became the confidante of Prince Gray's fiancé Juvia, and Loke enjoyed hunting parties with the Ice Prince. They lived together in happiness, maybe not with all the splendors Lucy had known as a princess, but certainly the Ice Nobles did not let them live in poverty.

A year later, rumors reached the King of Spirits that Lucy had given birth to a son. At the news of an heir, the king at last forgave his daughter and offered to let her come back home, with Loke as her new prince. She, Loke, and their son returned to tearful reunions with her dear Spirit friends. Lucy reconciled with her father, and Loke got training on how to act as a prince. He had a natural gift at charming others, although he still preferred to sneak out and have a dueling scuffle with Taurus or Scorpio.

In time, Lucy became the Diamond Queen of Spirits, and Loke was crowned as her beloved king. They ruled during an era of peace, and the people in the Land of Spirits swore that while Queen Lucy reigned, the stars shined even brighter in the night sky.

And they lived happily ever after.

The End