A Royal Heart
This is my fic for the big bang event sponsored by the wonderful @nalugruviaevents !
My amazing partner was @goldenmorpho who made a gorgeous piece of art to go along with my fic and big thanks to @rieriebee for being our lovely mod for our group.
This is a Gruvia princess Au and ive been working on this bad boi for a few months now. So I hope you all enjoy!!!
It was a dark day on the kingdom. The clouds turned foggy and the sky cried viciously as Juvia watched her mother's casket lowered into the earth. Juvia clenched her fists until her knuckles turned a ghostly white as the worms squirmed on top of the carved wood. Even though her burial was filled with all of the people who adored her, it wasn’t good enough. The smile that shone brightly on the princesses face was locked away under her icy heart as she said her final goodbye to her mother and this lands queen.
In that moment Juvia struggled to hold a smile and her heart was filled with a dark cloud. Every step she took, every breath gasped was held underneath a burden of sorrow that couldn't be shook. Her life became trapped under her mask and eternal rain swarmed inside her.
-Two Years Later-
“Juvia my dear.” The door opened to reveal her father. “I have a question for you.” His eyes were trained on his pride and joy. He leaned against the opening to her room and watched as she brushed her hair, a sigh escaped his lips. She looked so much like her mother that he began to question if she was even gone sometimes, but then Juvia turned and mustered up a small smile. His eyes soften and he walked behind her and picked up her tiara.
“Juvia is listening.” She stated and watched through the mirror as her father placed the silver crown on her head, something he would do since she was a little girl. A simple act, but nonetheless comforting
“You will be 18 soon my dear.” She knew where this conversation was headed and nodded accordingly. “And that means-”
“Juvia is to be wedded, I understand.” She sighed and slipped on her ring and stood to walk towards her balcony. “Juvia knows her duties as a princess.”
King Loxar followed her. Guilt fled through him knowing how unfair life could be. Since the death of her mother, Juvia refused to be courted, and he couldn’t blame her. However the kingdom needed their next queen and Juvia’s time for match making was coming to an end.
“His name?” she asked as she picked a flower blooming from the tree. The petals fell onto the marbled balcony as her dainty fingers plucked each petal, a silent wish destined to each.
“Well, you get to choose.” At these words the princess turned her head. Perfectly plucked eyebrows arched and furrowed as confusion crossed her face.
“Juvia believed that courting was over, my husband is to be determined already.”
“Yes but I decided that if you were to be married, it would be for happiness and love. Juvia-” He placed his hand on her shoulder and tilted her chin up. Sapphire orbs glistening in the light, a reflection of emptiness came from the depths of her pupils and he begged for the day that her heart could be free from grief but that possibility would take years and years, maybe even centuries. “I want you to be happy. Marrying your mother was my greatest moment right after your birth. Being a royal means sacrificing your happiness for the sake of the kingdom, but I want you to be able to have a marriage that you are happy with, even if it's just for a moment.” he said.
A small nod came from the princess. “Thank you father, but Juvia is confused. How will Juvia decide?”
“I have devised a competition. The rules are simple, the first man to make you laugh shall win your hand.” He smiled brightly and his response was a crooked head and a raise of eyebrows. “It shall start in two months.”
“Juvia thinks that is a silly way to determine a marriage.” She smiled softly at the thought of her father's plan.
“Maybe” He kissed the top of her head and turned to leave her room. “But you will be happy.”
Juvia turned her eyes towards the giant willow tree that sat outside her balcony.
“Happy.” She whispered. The word seemed foreign to her but she wondered if someone could actually bring her joy to her surface.
--
“Princess Loxar, dinner is ready in the grand dining room.”
“Thank you Levy.” Juvia spoke.
She walked down the hallway that was plastered with murals and paintings of past relatives and leaders. The iconic blue hair was traced back for many generations, a true symbol of her family's crest.
Her eyes were trained to the walls when she bumped into something hard, or someone. Instantly she fell back on her bottom, her plush skirt providing a pillow as the other person let out a groan and a basket filled with rags was tumbled to the ground. Her head was a mess before she came back to her senses and realized what had happened.
“Ehh, Your majesty my apologies.” The foreign voice spoke as he rushed to her side to help her up. She hadn't seen his face yet but the moment their fingers met, a spark ran through her body. She squeaked as she was toppled onto her feet.
Her eyes finally met the man who had overthrown her balance and she let out a quiet gasp.
In the servants clothes was a boy. Dark raven hair that swept across his face and eyes that captured her in a way no one's had. Her was about her age and she didn’t recognize him at all.
He stuttered another apology and it took Juvia a few moments to realize she had been staring at him for far too long.
“Please it's alright, it was an accident, Juvia wasn’t looking where she was going, my apologies uh?”
“Oh Gray, Gray Fullbuster, at your service.” His demeanor changed when he did an over the top bow and picked up his basket.
“Are you new? Juvia doesn’t believe we have met before.”
“Oh um yeah. I was taken in as a new stable and servant, plus anything else that needs to get done.” His eyes went to the floor, a sense of embarrassment washed over him. “I shouldn't keep you waiting for dinner Princess-”
“Juvia. Just Juvia is fine.” She corrected him and a dust of blush filled his cheeks as he nodded slightly.
“Oh okay, Juvia. Sorry again for bumping into you.” He bowed slightly and awkwardly for that matter and quickly left the hallway leaving Juvia feeling flustered.
She took a step forward before turning her head to see him leave, something about him intriguing her but she shook her thoughts away and found her way to her dinner chair.
As she sat and quietly ate her soup, Juvia’s mind kept bouncing back towards the raven haired boy.
There was feeling deep in her gut, one she didn’t know how to handle and her thoughts became consumed with him.
“Juvia? Are you alright? You have been zoned out all through the meal.” The father asked and her eyes widened and she felt a small blush as if she had been caught doing something wrong.
“Juvia is sorry, she seems a little preoccupied is all with...the competition.” She managed to stutter out.
“Oh. Yes of course.” He father gave her a nod.
She set her spoon against her bowl and looked back to her dad that sat across from her.
“Father? What was like when you first met mom?” She asked. His eyes looked to hers and he was almost in disbelief. The queen was hardly a topic they discussed unless it was for public purposes.
A soft look arrived on the king's face. “Well it was a slow start. I was quite a stubborn suitor and when I began to court your mother, I really didn’t care all that much about marriage. But then there was the ball and the last dance of the night went to her and I. Under those lights, she glowed like an angel, her smile was breathtaking and then it clicked for us. It’s all a matter of time but you will know when it happens my dear.” He stood and walked to kiss the top of her head before leaving the dining room to attend to his duties.
Juvia sat in silence with her thoughts, wondering if she would ever feel that moment.
--
After dinner, Juvia resigned to her bedroom. Her held a glass in one hand and was humming a simple tune before tripping.
“Ahh” She screeched and saw the glass of water spilled on the carpet, yet her body was inches from the floor.
“Are you alright Princess?” The voice came and when she stood she was met with the brown eyes of Gray.
“Oh, um, yes, thank you Gray.” She squirmed and dusted off her dress. She looked down at the mess she had made but Gray was already on the floor cleaning it up.
“I’ll go fetch you another glass Princess.”
“Juvia. Please call me Juvia.”
“Oh right. Sorry Princ-Juvia, still not used to it.”
“That's alright. Sometimes Juvia gets frustrated at this massive castle,always making her trip and such.” she grumbled.
“Yeah, I like it. Nice and roomy. Beats my shack any day.” He commented.
“Y-you live in a shack?” She asked and he nodded.
“By the rivers edge nice view...I can bring you if you would like?”
Juvia stopped to think and knew she probably wouldn't be allowed without an escort to go. “Tonight? Juvia could sneak out to see?”
“Sneak out?” A smile crept to his face. “Sure tonight sounds good. Warning, it's a little small.”
“Small is perfectly fine.”
“Then I guess tonight it is” he smiled and walked towards the kitchen. A blush spread onto his face as he realized that the Princess was coming to his see where he lived.
--
As night fell over the kingdom, the only sound was the click of the princesses balcony double door where she silently slipped out with a simply black cloak covering her body. The giant tree helped guide her way down until her feet felt the earth and the cold air of the night filled her lungs.
A small lantern softly lit her way as she walked through the back gardens and towards the stables. The creak of the wooden door to the horses private stalls let the boy know she had arrived.
“G-Gray?” She softly called and nuzzled her horses nose as she passed by. Her voice let out a speak and she was picked up and the top of her hood fell to reveal her blue locks.
The familiar hands that helped her off the floor during their first encounter held her tightly as she turned in his arms.
“Princess.” He whispered and even in the darkness, she could sense how close they were. His nose brushing against hers before pulling back slightly. “I was afraid you weren’t going to come.”
Her hand brushed his cheek and she gazed at him silently. “Juvia would never break her promise.”
He nodded and guided her out the back door and to his own private quarters. A small wooden shack that was meant for one, or two if you tried, it was small and looked desperate but he assured her that it was more than enough.
They sat on his bed, her back against the wall and him on the other side. The night was filled with conversations.
“And that’s how Juvia will get married.” She sighed. His eyes trailed her face and knew that it must suck to have to be wed to a person you don’t really know.
“Well look on the bright side, you’ll be married to someone who can possibly bring you joy. And since it’s your kingdom, you’ll always have me.” He shrugged and turned his face.
“Yes, Juvia will.” She whispered and they fell into a quiet moment. Her gaze found the window and she looked down. “Juvia must be getting back.” Her voice held sadness and she didn’t want this moment to end but Gray nodded and guided her towards the back gardens.
“Did you climb the tree?” He asked amazed and she simply nodded and began to walk forward. Her feet stopped and she turned back towards Gray who had a look of dread hinted on his face. Quickly her lips pressed against his cheek and left just as fast.
“Thank you Gray for listening to Juvia, she knows it’s a lot to process but she feels much better.” Her legs climbed the tree and she left his with a blush on his face and a heartbeat that was going way too fast.
“Anything for you Juvia.”
---
The routine of her slipping away into the night became common and they had mastered each others schedules, bumping into each other or her personally asking to go fetch something. They had become closer than ever, a true friendship had blossomed and Juvia felt safe and happy when she saw the familiar face. As the end of the two months were nearing, Juvia's fondness for the servant had grown and he seemed to be returning the favor.
The other servants had noticed the connection and banter and teasing arose from Grays side but he shrugged and folded the silk napkin.
“I don’t know what you’re getting out of this?” Levy said. She dropped another pile of napkins on his table and he turned to look at her.
“What do you mean?” He asked.
“The competition starts next week, she’s going to be married.”
“Yeah and?”
“Gray.” Levy sighed. “Once she becomes queen do you really think she’s going to leave her nightly quarters to come see a poor servant boy in a run down stable?”
“Well its not-”
“Face it. Once that crown is placed on her head, small glances and chit chat are all you are getting.”
“Why do you care so much Levy?” He scoffed but deep down he knew she had a point and a feeling of dread washed over him.
She sighed once more and looked at him sadly. “Because I don’t want you to get disappointed. I know what it's like to grow close to someone you can’t have. It's one of the worst feelings.”
Gray watched Levy walk out the door with a tray of folded napkins. Her words played over and over in his mind and he wished he had more time before the stupid love fest started.
That night when Juvia entered the quiet stable, Gray wasted no time.
“Juvia, when you are married, is this going to end?” He asked and stretched his hand to rub the back of his head.
The princess returned her tea cup to the sauer in her hand and looked at him with confusion. “What do you mean Gray?”
“It’s just that...you’re going to be married soon and have the duties as the queen. You won’t have time for a poor stable boy like me.” He gazed fixated on the window and he lowered his head in shame. That's all he was, a poor stable boy. A boy whose parents were killed and he was shipped to the castle in order to survive. He was sitting with the princess yet when he looked around, all he saw was a damp shack and a lonely place to call home.
“T-thats not true. Gray, you are one of Juvia's friends, I would never-” But she stopped because she understood what he was saying. “Juvia doesn’t see you as a servant and she never will. Juvia might become queen and sure her responsibilities may take over more of her time but she doesn’t undervalue you at all. You are very important to Juvia.”
“Thanks Juv.” He smiled.
“It’s getting late, Juvia should go.” She left quietly as she came, dreading the fact that this might be one of the last times she would have with Gray.
—-
“Let the completion start!” The guard said and sounded the horns. Juvia watched as many princes from across the lands had shown up to claim her hand.
Her eyes wandered to each man. She knew some faces such as Prince Natsu. There was Prince Loke and she would rather choke to death before marrying a playboy like him. Prince Lyon who was always hot on her tail and didn’t know that her eye rolls meant not interested.
Many other men were there too, some nobles from high class families and just plain rich boys with too much time on their hands.
She sat above the ballroom in the watching throne and her eyes found the dark hair boy dressed in the waiting uniform with a silver tray in his hand. He looked up and noticed her stare and gave her a small smile as he handed one of the suitors a glass of champagne.
Her attention went back to the announcer and the competition was in full swing. She was lead down to the row of boys and dreaded each moment.
Juvia moved down the line, each man was to introduce himself and that meant her hand was being kissed more times than she wanted and jokes were being cracked. No one made a lasting impression except for when she turned her head and noticed that Gray looked exceptionally well in his attire. A small blush formed from the thoughts but quickly vanished when Prince Lyon placed his lips to her hand and she suppressed a gag.
Her usual frown made its way to her face as the group was taken to the back landscape to ride horses and play some sports. Juvia shot a small glare at her father who only offered a thumbs up and a smile.
“Juvia is not looking forward to this.” She huffed under her breath.
--
The days passed by and the routine began to wear on the princess. Everyday she would spend countless hours with different men, slightly chatting and trying her best not to let her mind wander. The only thing keeping her going was the thought of her leaving her bedroom door and finding Gray at the stables where she pours her heart out and even makes fun of the suitors as they share a slice of cake she had snuck away from the table.
The week was coming to a close and her mind felt exhausted. No one, not a single boy had even brought a simple smile to her lips, a few got close but that was because one of them fell. Tonight was the last event, the gala and the most important. Tonight would be the night she would choose a suitor and by the looks of it, she wouldn’t be marrying a man for love but instead one she could tolerate.
Everyone would show up in their best suits and dresses and dance the night away. Juvia hoped that maybe tonight, she would dance with someone and know they are the one, but she knew not to get her hopes up.
There were only a few more hours before she had to greet the insane amount of people, and only a few days before she was engaged to someone.
Her eyes were lost in the mirror as she waited for her corset to be tightened.
“Princess you look lovely.” Levy stated as she places her silver crown on top of the princesses royal blue locks. Levy was right. Juvia stood draped in a royal blue ball gown with silver linings. Long lace sleeves framed her fingers and her mothers ring proudly shined on her hand.
“Thank you.” Juvia gave a small smile and stepped off the dressing stand and followed a guard towards the ballroom.
She entered and all heads turned towards her. Gasps were sent across as she walked with grace and elegant towards the top of the staircase where her thrown and father stood.
“My dear you look marvelous!”
“Thank you father.”
“Just remember have fun tonight.”
Juvia tried to smile and turned towards her throne. As she went to sit down, a hand was already in her face and she peered up at the figure.
“Princess, may I give you the honor of having the first dance with me?” Prince Lyon said and it took every muscle in her body to not scoff at his arrogant ways, but her gloved hand found his and she was lead to the dance floor.
As she placed herself in the proper dancing position, her eyes found Gray. He hadn’t spotted her yet as he was busy serving food and wine to people much more important to him.
“Yeah know our children would have magnificent hair and be extremely beautiful.” Lyon said and captured back Juvia’s attention.
Her face fell flat and she rolled her eyes and finished the dance and left right as the beat stopped. Every time she walked away from a dance, another suitor was in her face and she had no choice but to curtsy and engage in three minutes of pure torture while the boys talked about their future children and how they were the best, Juvia's eyes kept going back to the raven haired boy.
An hour or two had passed and she finally escaped to the back of the room near the trays of desserts. Picking up a small slice of cake, a gasp escaped her lips as Gray whispered a ‘hi’ in her ears.
“Oh Gray, it's just you.” For the first time that night Juvia had smiled and Gray returned the gesture.
“Yep just me.” He smirked and placed his tray down. “How's it going?”
Juvia rolled her eyes and scoffed. “Juvia is having the time of her life.”
“I bet.”
She looked around and quickly took his hand and guided him down the hall. She pulled them into the living room and sat them on the couch.
“Aren’t you going to get in trouble if you are caught?”
Juvia shrugged and for once she didn't care. “Juvia needed to escape from there. If one more man came up to me I was going to scream.”
“I can understand that.”
His gaze went past her blue locks and to the mass amount of picture on the fireplace mantle. He quickly stood and picked up one of a baby Juvia. She was in a blue frilly dress and was smothered in chocolate cake. He noticed her bright smile in the photo and was thankful that he was lucky enough to see her smile now.
“Juvia thinks those pictures are embarrassing.” Her face was heated up and embarrassment made her hands to cover her face.
Laughing Gray sat down and took her hand in his. He looked around and brought her face closer.
“I had a bad stripping habit as a child. My parents would chase me down until they managed to get my clothes back on, even happened in public.”
Juvia’s eyes widened and her cheeks filled with air until she let out a laugh. A true laugh. One that filled the depths of her tummy and sent tears out of her eyes. Gray watched her face get redder as she let to laughs escape.
“Beautiful.” He whispered to himself and he couldn't help but join.
After seconds of feeling completely free, her giggles died down and she covered her mouth slightly.
“Your laugh is amazing.” he commented and she paused. “I’m really glad I heard it.”
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Then I guess you’d be glad to know you’re the first.” Her eyes were still locked with his and their nose brushed against each other.
“Can I be the first to kiss-” but before he finished she had grabbed him by the collar and pressed her lips against his.
In that moment she felt her armor fall, her iced heart melt more than it had and a warmth fill her. He kissed her back with such passion that she was afraid to pull away and let the moment end.
In the need for air the pair pulled apart. His lips became tainted with a slight pink and her crown had fallen to the floor but all she cared about was him.
She let out a small giggle and his lips found her cheek. “I love your laugh.”
“I love you.” She felt him tense. “I mean I-Juvia-”
“I love you too.” He kissed her once more.
--
The king looked around the ballroom for his daughter. Panicking he excused himself from the place and wandered down the halls knowing she had probably left for a drink in the kitchen. He passed the living room and stopped. Backing up, he carefully peered into the room.
Sitting on the couch was Juvia. Her knees to her chest and her dress draped over the velvet seating. Next to her was the servant boy, Gray. sat looking at each other and a tear came to the kings eye as he heard it.
He heard the melody of her laugh. Saw the blush spread to her cheeks as she covered her mouth and playfully slapped him on the arm. Gray continued until she was holding her stomach and wiping a tear from her eye.
The king left before being spot and smiled brightly.
--
The pair slipped back into the grand ballroom, each taking their place on the other side of the room. The warm feeling in her stomach didn’t die down as she stole a glance of him before returning to her throne up above. She sat next to her father and didn’t realize her smile was still in motion.
She turned to look at her father and saw the misty look in his eyes.
“Father? Are you alright?” She asked and placed the top of her hand on his.
“Im perfect Raindrop.” He placed his other hand on hers and she smiled at the fact that he used her childhood nickname.
“It's time to announce the final dance.” He said which made her smile drop a little.
“Oh, yes of course. However none of them had done what you requested, Juvia is sorry.”
He kissed the top of her hand and stood. “I know Raindrop.”
He cleared his throat and was handed a microphone. “Attention everyone! Thank you so much to all the fine men who participated in the challenge for my daughters lovely hand and our kingdoms future. I have decided on the final dance and there has been a clear winner. Juvia my daughter, will you take your position in the center of the floor?”
She nodded and with each step, her heart grew heavy and heavy until she felt empty standing in the middle. She could hear the whispers of everyone wondering who was the lucky winner but she knew that her father must have chosen a random one. She could feel the intense gaze of Gray and knew that her heart belonged to him but now she would be wed to another man.
“The only man who is fit and well enough to earn my daughters hand is Gray Fullbuster.”
Juvia's eyes snapped up and she locked eyes with the raven haired boy who stood with the silver plate to his chest.
“What?” Both of them whispered but Juvia's heart swelled as Gray was pushed towards her.
“This is an outrage!”
“He's a poor boy”
“A true disgrace”
People kept yelling and Gray looked down, ready to leave the dance floor until his wrist was grabbed lightly.
“Juvia I-”
“You did it.” She smiled.
“What?”
“You made me laugh.” She giggled. “You make me happy. Happier than I have been in a long time.” Her arms wrapped around his shoulders and she pulled his face close to hers.
“Thank you.” She said before kissing him.
Gray shut his eyes as he leaned into the kiss. All eyes were on them and in the moment, Juvia felt happy. A pure and subtle emotion that she had been craving and it was worth the wait.
They pulled away from their kiss and she heard the final song play. Smiling, she took Grays hand and lead him in the dance.
Everyone watched as they spun around on the floor, her dress glided along the ballroom floor and small giggles left her mouth.
Gray thought she looked radiant and he was in awe that he was in love with a girl like her. A part of him fell as the song came to an end but the look on his princesses face told him that she enjoyed it.
“What now?” He asked as he looked around the room.
“Now Juvia and Gray live happily ever after.” She smiled.
“I like that plan.” He smirked and he grabbed her waist and planted another fairy tail kiss on her lips.
---
