Chapter Text
Juvia marvelled at the gardens as the carriage made its way to the castle. It was almost as green as the island, but with cobblestone paths and a large fountain centrepiece. A young girl with two long, dark blue ponytails hurried down the front steps of the castle. As soon as Gray had stepped out of the carriage, the child jumped into his arms.
“You’re back!”
Juvia hesitantly stepped out of the carriage with Frosch in her arms. Suddenly, Happy appeared from the sky, dropping to the ground and releasing Natsu. Pantherlily followed behind them.
“That was awesome! See Wendy, I told you we could find more exceeds!” Natsu exclaimed.
“Wow! They look just like Carla!” Wendy said with excitement. She noticed the girl standing among the exceeds and titled her head in curiosity. “And who’s that?”
“Wendy, this is Juvia, she grew up far away on an island. Juvia, this is my sister, Wendy.” Gray introduced them.
“Hello! Are these your exceeds?” Wendy smiled at her.
“No, they’re Juvia’s family. Happy, Pantherlily, and Frosch.” Frosch looked up shyly from Juvia’s chest.
“Come on, I’ll introduce you to my parents.” Gray told Juvia, leading her away and leaving the exceeds with Natsu and Wendy.
The King and Queen waited in the ballroom for their son to return, the Queen holding a white exceed.
“We should have waited, Silver,” The queen said worriedly.
“I know what’s best for my son, Mika. How could I have asked him? He was off somewhere sailing the high seas,” The King shook his head. The Queen chuckled, placing the exceed down on a nearby chair.
“I remember someone else who used to love adventuring,” Mika pointed out, and he huffed in protest.
“Yes,” Silver spluttered. “But I grew up! I take my responsibilities seriously, and so will he!”
“Mother! Father!” Gray entered the room before she could respond. His mother greeted him excitedly and wrapped him in a hug.
“Good to have you home son,” Silver told him, slapping him on the shoulder affectionately.
“It’s good to be home. I’d actually like for you to meet someone. Her name is Juvia,” Gray gestured to the empty doorway.
Instead of the blue haired girl, two exceeds emerged through the door. Happy raced in excitedly as Pantherlily tried to call him back.
“That’s Happy and Pantherlily,” Gray chuckled.
“Oh, how lovely! Just like Carla,” Mika giggled.
The two exceeds came to a halt beside the chair where she sat, and Happy looked at her with wide eyes. The white exceed scoffed and looked away, unimpressed.
Gray stepped back into the hallway and found Juvia hovering beside the door. He offered her his hand and gently tugged her into the room.
“Mother, father, this is Juvia. Natsu and I found her stranded on an island, likely shipwrecked years ago.” Gray exclaimed.
“Um, hello,” Juvia blushed and dipped her head. She suddenly felt very out of place surrounded by such opulence.
“Welcome. Oh, what an ordeal, alone for all those years?” Mika said sympathetically.
“Oh, Juvia wasn’t alone. She had the exceeds, and the dolphins, and the birds,” Juvia explained bashfully.
“Yes, pets are such a comfort. I’m sure Wendy can’t imagine her life without Carla.” Mika agreed.
“Do you like fish?” Happy asked. Carla raised a brow at him.
“I don’t think we have the same idea of fish,” she said. “I only have fish that is cooked or prepared properly,”
“That’s probably much better than Happy’s raw fish,” Juvia laughed, crouching beside the exceeds. Carla smiled and turned her attention to the girl, happy to ignore the other exceeds.
“She certainly seems comfortable around those creatures.” Silver mumbled to his son.
“Juvia’s been around animals for years. She can talk to any of them, not just exceeds,” Gray couldn’t keep the pride out of his voice. Silver sighed.
“That’s interesting. Now listen, Gray, I have important news. A cause for celebration,” Silver turned and gestured towards the grand staircase, where a blond girl in a pink gown was slowly making her way towards them. “Son, I am delighted to introduce you to Princess Lucy, your future bride.”
“My what?” Gray exclaimed.
Juvia looked up in surprise as she spotted the beautiful girl.
“Welcome, my dear.” Silver said, ignoring his son’s reaction.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Gray,” Lucy bowed towards him.
“You as well, your highness.” He turned to the king. “Father, I-“
“Yes, very excited, I’m sure. And her father, King Jude.” Silver interrupted, as a tall, well-dressed man made his way down the stairs.
“An honour to meet my future son in law.” He said, standing beside his daughter.
“Your highness,” Gray bowed his head, but then turned back to Silver. “Father I am-“
“Overcome with joy!” Silver cut in again, smacking his son on the back.
“I can see it!” Jude exclaimed, holding his arms out. “Everyone gathered here for the engagement ball, tomorrow night,”
“Tomorrow?” Gray spluttered. He shared a concerned glance with Juvia before she hurried out of the room. Lucy also watched her go with a frown.