The Empress From Another World || NALU

06 - Unexpected Bonds

06 - Unexpected Bonds

Natsu's eyes remained fixed on the carriage as it disappeared into the distance, a mix of emotions swirling within him. His initial irritation at Lucy's audacity was now coupled with bewilderment and a strange undercurrent of concern.

"Gray," Natsu finally muttered, "prepare a horse for me."

"My Lord?" Gray questioned, taken aback.

"I said, prepare a horse. I'm going after her," Natsu's tone was resolute.

Without wasting a moment, Gray hurried to fulfill his Emperor's command. As he readied the horse, he couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected turn of events. It wasn't often that Emperor Natsu was so visibly affected by someone else's actions, especially the Empress's.

Mounted on his horse, Natsu rode at a brisk pace, following the direction the carriage had taken. He wasn't entirely sure why he felt compelled to chase after Lucy, but a nagging feeling tugged at his heartstrings. The Emperor, known for his stoicism and aloof demeanor, found himself delving into unfamiliar territory - the realm of concern for another's well-being.

After a while, Natsu spotted the orphanage in the distance. He reined in his horse and dismounted, tying the reins to a nearby post. As he approached the building, he saw Lucy conversing with a group of children outside. His presence went unnoticed as Lucy knelt down to their eye level, her expression gentle and caring. It was a side of her he hadn't witnessed before, and it both intrigued and confused him.

"Empress," Natsu called out, his voice carrying a touch of surprise.

Lucy's head snapped up, and she blinked in astonishment. "Natsu? What are you doing here?"

Natsu cleared his throat awkwardly, suddenly feeling self-conscious under her gaze. "I... came to see what all this was about."

Lucy rose to her feet, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. "You followed me?"

Natsu shifted uncomfortably. "Yes, well... I wanted to make sure you were safe."

"Safe?" Lucy repeated, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You thought I needed protection?"

Natsu's cheeks warmed slightly, and he averted his gaze. "It's not like that. I just..."

Lucy chuckled softly, her laughter carrying a hint of amusement. "You're quite the enigma, Emperor Natsu. Here I thought you were only concerned with yourself and your own desires."

Natsu frowned, feeling a mixture of defensiveness and embarrassment. "I do have responsibilities to uphold."

"Of course, you do," Lucy replied, her tone softening. "But you know, it's not a weakness to care about others, to show compassion. It doesn't diminish your power or authority."

Natsu stared at her, his usual air of regality giving way to a vulnerability he rarely allowed himself to display. "I... I never really thought about it that way."

Lucy approached him, her gaze steady and earnest. "Maybe it's time you did. After all, power isn't just about ruling with an iron fist. It's about making a positive impact, about protecting and nurturing those who rely on you."

Natsu's brow furrowed as he absorbed her words. "You sound like you know what you're talking about."

A wistful smile tugged at Lucy's lips. "I've seen my fair share of hardships, Natsu. And I've learned that sometimes, a little kindness goes a long way."

They stood there for a moment, the silence hanging between them pregnant with unspoken emotions. Natsu found himself captivated by Lucy's unwavering gaze, her eyes like windows to a world he had never fully explored.