Chapter 13: The King’s Concern

The throne room of Alvarez was a marvel of architectural grandeur. High, arched ceilings adorned with intricate carvings towered above, and rich, red carpets lined the floor, leading up to the throne where Ajeel, the current king, sat. His presence was commanding, his eyes sharp as he observed the figures approaching him.

Lucy, flanked by Brandish and Dimaria, felt a wave of apprehension as she stepped into the grand chamber. The weight of her situation pressed down on her shoulders, but she steeled herself, knowing that this meeting was crucial. As they approached the throne, Lucy noticed Ajeel's expression shift from one of authority to one of concern.

["Welcome, Lucy Heartfilia,"] Ajeel greeted, his voice resonating through the room. ["I've heard of your arrival. I trust you are feeling better?"]

Lucy nodded, though her heart pounded in her chest. ["Thank you, Ajeel—Your Majesty. I am, but there's something I need to discuss with you. It's urgent."]

["Call me Ajeel; there's no need for formalities,"] Ajeel told her, his tone softening slightly. It was clear that his relationship with Natsu had earned Lucy a degree of familiarity in his eyes. He motioned for her to continue, his gaze never leaving her.

Lucy took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before she began. ["I came to Alvarez seeking refuge,"] she started, her voice trembling slightly. ["I've been running from something… something I don't fully understand. A dark force, a presence that seems to be chasing me. I don't know what it wants, but I know it's dangerous. And now, with this baby…"] Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach. ["I'm afraid I won't be able to protect her, or anyone else."] Ajeel's eyes narrowed, his tone hardening. ["A dark force? This is no place for vague threats, Lucy. What exactly are you running from?"]

Lucy hesitated, feeling the weight of Ajeel's intense gaze on her. But then she spoke with determination, knowing that she couldn't hold back any longer. ["I don't know what it is, but I've had visions—nightmares—of something terrible coming. And now, with my pregnancy…"] She placed a hand on her stomach again, her voice trembling slightly. ["I'm terrified I won't be able to protect my child, or anyone else."]

For a moment, there was silence in the vast throne room, the tension thick in the air. Then Ajeel leaned back in his throne, his gaze sharp and calculating. ["Pregnancy, you say? This complicates matters. A child born of one of Fairy Tail's strongest mages, carrying the blood of dragons… There are those who would see such a child as a weapon—or a threat."]

Lucy looked up at him, her heart racing. ["What do you mean?"]

["There are ancient prophecies,"] Ajeel explained, his tone grave, ["that speak of a child born under certain circumstances, a child who could tip the scales of power. If this force you sense is aware of your pregnancy, it may see your child as a threat or as something it can use to its advantage."]

Lucy's blood ran cold at the thought. ["But how do we stop it? How do I keep my child safe?"]

Ajeel's expression softened just slightly, a rare show of empathy from the usually stern ruler. ["The first step is ensuring you remain safe here in Alvarez. This empire is strong, and we do not fear shadows or whispers of danger. We will strengthen our defenses, and I will personally see to it that the best protections are placed around you and your child."]

He paused, his eyes narrowing as he considered the situation further. ["But we must also gather more information. This force, whatever it is, must be understood before it can be fought. Brandish, Dimaria, I will require your assistance in this. Call upon our resources, and reach out to those who possess ancient knowledge. We need to know what we're dealing with."]

Ajeel's expression softened, a rare show of empathy from the usually stern ruler. ["The first step is ensuring you remain safe here in Alvarez. This empire is strong, and we do not fear shadows or whispers of danger. We will strengthen our defenses, and I will personally see to it that the best protections are placed around you and your child."]

He paused, his eyes narrowing as he considered the situation further. ["But we must also gather more information. This force, whatever it is, must be understood before it can be fought. Brandish, Dimaria, I will require your assistance in this. Call upon our resources, and reach out to those who possess ancient knowledge. We need to know what we're dealing with."]

Ajeel returned his gaze to Lucy, his expression firm. ["You are under our protection now, Lucy. Whatever this is, we will stand by you. But I also understand that you will help us in understanding this threat."]

Lucy nodded, a mix of fear and resolve in her heart. ["I understand. I'll do whatever it takes to keep my child and everyone else safe."]

["Good. You are one of us now, Lucy,"] Ajeel said, a rare warmth in his voice. ["We protect our own. And remember, you have the heart of a warrior. You have faced many challenges before and emerged stronger each time. This will be no different. Now as basically a member of the Alvarez royal family, your child will be treated as a prince or princess."]

Lucy's heart lightened at his words. ["Thank you, Ajeel. I won't forget this."]

As Lucy walked away from the throne, flanked by Brandish and Dimaria, she felt a new sense of resolve. The road ahead would be difficult, but she was no longer afraid. With the support of Alvarez and the hope of reuniting with her friends in Fairy Tail, she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead