• (Lucy's POV) •

"Princess?" It was Virgo. "Can I come in?" Me and Natsu stayed silent, staring at each other in shock. All of a sudden the door started to open, so Natsu swiftly jumped off me and I pulled my dress strap back onto my shoulder.

"Princess!" Virgo gasped. "Please forgive me for interrupting you! I shall take a punishment now."
"No Virgo," I said. "No punishment. Just keep your lips sealed."
"Understood, princess." Virgo replied.

I looked at what she was holding in her hand; it appeared to be a dress.
"What's the dress for? Virgo?" I asked.
"Oh, this is your dress for the ball in two weeks time, princess" she replied.
"Umm.... I was planning on staying at home instead of going to the ball." I explained. Shock covered Virgo's face.
"Princess!" She gasped. Again. "A fine lady like you should not stay at home on the night of the ball!"
"But I have no one to go with." I sighed.
"Don't worry princess, it's all been sorted out for you." And with that, she left.

'It's all been sorted out'

Five words I didn't want to hear.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

The next day I arrived at school and got out the carriage, waiting for Natsu to recover from his motion sickness.
"Come on Natsu, or I'll be late." I sighed. Suddenly, I felt someone's presence, so I swiftly spun round to see Sting looking at me.

"Good morning Lucy." He smiled.
"Morning." I replied.
"What are you doing standing outside?" He asked. "You'll be late for lessons."
"I'm just waiting for Natsu." I explained, gesturing to the pinkette who was sat on the floor, looking pale. Sting shook his head.
"A gentleman should not make his lady wait for him." He said sternly, loud enough for Natsu to hear. He got the hint and stood up, then walked up behind me.

"Oh dear," he sighed. "Lucy, what is that on your neck?" He asked, glaring at Natsu. Oh crap. He saw it! I swiftly covered it with my hand.
"I-uhh....It-" I was interrupted my Natsu.
"She accidentally walked into a door yesterday evening." He explained.
"Of course, that's why I can see bite marks." Sting said the last part very sternly, staring daggers at Natsu.

"Come, Lucy." He said offering his arm. "I'll take you to class, this dragon scum doesn't deserve to touch a precious young lady like yourself." I heard Natsu scowl, but I took Sting's arm, and we walked to class.

Word Count- 420