A/N: Well, let's do this! Welcome to my first multi-chaptered jerza fic. I cannot wait to go through with this and I have so many ideas and asdfghjkl;

Fun Fact; original plot would've had Jellal fucking around with Ultear behind Erza's back, but she would've known and pretended it didn't hurt her. BUT I CAN'T DO THAT TO MYSELF SO NO.

Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail

Chapter 1: Binding Of An Angel

"She'd bind herself for her kingdom."

It was a moonless night, the darkness in Magnolia spreading like spilled black ink through the abandoned streets. For the first time in months, they had been granted a night of peace, with no enemies flocking their homes and ripping away their wives and children. For once, the citizens all thought in relief, the royals and the council had some time to get their act together.

It wasn't that they blamed their king and his council, no; they were extremely grateful. A single citizen was yet to die despite the length of the war, which was surprising to say the least. Soldiers, however, have died in countless droves, but that couldn't be helped. The enemy had a vast array of monsters that they could waste and Magnolia was extremely small to begin with. Despite it's size, however, it's strength knew no bounds. Their generals and warriors were strong, and the rumours about their bountiful armours and spells and magics would never stop being formulated.

Up upon the Fairy Hills, stood the castle, home of the royals, the council members and everyone and anyone associated with them. The castle gave off a warm vibe, much like the warriors themselves when they weren't on the battlefield, and stood tall and proud among the small, scattered villages that surrounded it.

"They've pulled back for some reason," the prince, Laxus Dreyar, began. His voice was hoarse, having only been used for yelling out orders for the longest time, and his eyes were bleary. Sleep was a luxury they could no longer afford. He fought every night and every day for a long, long time, ensuring the castle's safety and the safety of their people through the power of his lightning. Using his lightning, he'd protect; never again would he harm those he loved. Time and time again, Mira would tell him the past was the past, but it still haunted him. "I think we should be worried. Double the security for the night, send out our best."

His wife, Mira, put a hand over his clenched one soothingly, but her own blue irises gave away her worry over the matter. She knew how tirelessly her husband and family worked themselves lately, as monster after monster made its appearance within the kingdom's grounds. How that was, nobody knew yet; extremely powerful dark magic must be at work for such an occurrence to happen and for them to not be able to predict it. "I agree, they have something planned. We can only hope we are still strong enough to stop them from harming our citizens."

"Grandfather," Laxus continued, gazing at the king with a look of pure hidden meaning. He relished his wife's warmth, letting it envelope him and help him keep a clear, calm mind. He was fighting for his people, and more specifically his family; failure was not an option. "I shall go out on guard duty, and see how close to their borders I can get. I am positive they are using some sort of dark magic to block us all out and hide themselves. If we can figure out the trick to their magic and disable it, our chances will increase tenfold!"

Makarov, the now solemn king of Magnolia, glanced at his grandson with concern; the boy hadn't had sleep in weeks, maybe even months. He knew that everyone at the table right now, royals and council-members alike, were exhausted both mentally and physically. Natsu had been severely injured the night before, and seeing Lucy's tears over her fiancees condition had broke his heart. All of the castle's inhabitants were his children, blood-related or not, and seeing their pain caused him pain.

"Your Highness, if I may speak," Gray Fullbuster spoke up. Being one of the core members of the council and apart of the closely-knit group of friends here in the castle, the fact that they were being bested and injured by such monsters caused him great frustration. He knew of their strength, and it was immense, so how in the world were they losing? "This war has escalated at a rapid pace, and it has reached the point where even within the castle walls we are constantly worrying about the safety of our wives and children," he glanced at Juvia, taking in her pregnant state and worried look, "is there no allies we can call upon to assist us?"

Makarov linked his fingers together, linking them and letting his chin rest atop. He knew, tonight, he had to tell them of the deal that had put onto their plates, but could he really let her go? To a monster, no doubt? "They have all turned away and shunned us because of our hopeless chances, unfortunately. And who's left...well, they are lacking in numbers and are sorting themselves out."

Gajeel, one of the newer members of the group, slammed a fist down on the table. He too, like Gray, was angered by the fact their wives were constantly getting put into danger. They had to leave the castle everyday for hours upon end; how were they to know if their wives were injured? Or, god forbid, killed in a raid? There had to be some way to put his mind to ease! "Damn it, are you fucking kidding me? We've done so much for them and those...those...pansies are just running!?"

Levy sighed softly, not even bothering to correct her husband's use of inappropriate language, because this time around, it was completely appropriate. Yet she knew there was nothing she could ever do about his foul tongue but stop him from swearing around their future children. She knew he was simply angry with the fact that they were in so much trouble, midst the war and whatnot, but yelling and swearing wasn't going to help with anything. Why couldn't he see that? Thinking back to the scrolls she had been reading earlier that day, she remembered something she had wanted to ask the king at the meeting, something that could possibly mean help for their kingdom. "Your Highness, what of Sorciere? Have they chosen a side yet?"

"Those cold bastards?!" Natsu exclaimed, jumping out of his seat in his anger. He detested their king with all his might; their only meeting hadn't gone well. Natsu's first impressions were usually spot-on, and they were hardly ever wrong. He had been raised to see underneath the underneath, and with Jellal the underneath was all darkness and deceit and even further down was simple more darkness and lies. "May I remind you of what a womanizing asshole their king is?"

Erza glared at her childhood friend, silently telling him to sit down to which he complied, grumbling under his breath. She knew he had a short-temper that was explosive, but this was too much, especially considering how much stress everyone was attempting to handle. Natsu's anger, though, was really the least of their issues. "Although I agree with Natsu, I think they really are our last chance, Your Highness. Any chances of an alliance with them?"

The king was silent, pondering to himself as to how he could reveal their predicament to the fierce redhead. She was, at this time, the only one who could save them all, yet he didn't want to burden her with such a job. She was an angel with purely white wings, her essence filled with innocence, and to bind her down with chains would be the greatest sin of all. Yet he knew he couldn't make the decision for her, because in her eyes that would be even worse.

"There...has been word," he began to speak, catching everyone's attention. Natsu cried out in disapproval, Erza straightened up and was watching him with sharp eyes, and the others, too, were watching him like a hawk. The words weren't coming to him, and again, he heaved a sigh. It seemed like, at the moment, his old age was finally starting to catch up on him, creeping up behind him and filling his essence with tiredness and exhaustion. "I don't believe you'll like it though," he sighed.

"C'mon old man! Spit it out!" Natsu was dying to see what the bastard had told his king, and was completely oblivious to the suddenly tense atmosphere. The door had been opened, yet no one had stepped inside. Lucy, who had been sitting on Natsu's left, contemplated getting up and shutting the door again, because, really, it had to have been wind, right? However, at the same time, she was wary has to what could be waiting on the other side of the door. The others seem to be stalling, too; nobody moved towards the door.

"Really, Dragneel, you should have a bit more respect for your king," an unfamiliar, masculine drawl sounded through the room, causing all their conversations to stop. Again, they turned to the door, and were shocked to find a vaguely familiar figure standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame in the most carefree manner they'd ever seen in a while. Considering the war had been stretching on for months, 'carefree' wasn't a word they even considered using anymore.

The new arrival was draped in a heavy, black cloak and was wearing a smirk on his lips; it was the king of Sorciere himself, Jellal Fernandes. Natsu, now speechless, fell back in his seat, still glaring at the bluenette. Said man moved further into the room, the candlelight from the dozens that were lit flickering ominously. Almost as if someone in that room was about to have their fate sealed. Little did they know at the time, that was what was exactly going to happen.

"A womanizing asshole, hmm?" Jellal continued to speak, letting his eyes roam the faces of the room's occupants, searching for one face in particular. That one face that had been haunting him since he'd caught a glimpse of it, what seemed like ages ago. Finally, he found it, and he let his eyes roam her form hungrily. Scarlet locks of hair framed her perfectly shaped face, full of colour and life. Continuing south, he took in her bountiful assets and rounded hips, ending at her legs that seem to stretch on for miles. "That's a bit judgmental, don't you think?"

She'll do, he thought to himself with yet another smirk. Who was she to agree with her pink-haired idiot of a friend?

Erza had been eyeing the newly arrived king with distaste, uncomfortable with how he was running his eyes down her body. Suddenly she wished she was in her armour, and not one of her favourite gowns. The deep burgundy gown was sleeveless and backless, and had a small trail, and the neckline was cut deliberately low; low enough for Jellal to get quite an eyeful. The lacework on the corset was detailed, the front of the skirt opened up as a curtain would, revealing the black underskirts that were cut in a similar fashion to make it look like the dress had ruffled added onto it.

"So, have you told her yet, Makarov?" Jellal turned his attention back to the old man, waiting for a response. Of course, he knew, that the old man had not told them yet, and had been secretly hoping he'd help them without taking one of their princesses. Fat chance. She was to be his and his alone. For some unknown reason, the very thought of another man touching her sent his mind into a turmoil of pure rage. He couldn't help it; she was so intoxicating that there was no words for it.

"I was getting around to it, Jellal," Makarov was, again, tired of the world, and the people in it. This man was purely using blackmail to get his hands onto one of Makarov's precious people, and he hated the fact that he had no choice but to play along and see what the gods had in restore for his children, or more one child in particular. She didn't deserve this, but there really was no other choice. He had to keep repeating to himself one person wasn't worth the kingdom, and that that one person was the strongest woman he knew. She'd survive, she had to survive.

"Tell us what, Grandfather?" Laxus didn't like the way the bastard had been eyeing his little sister-like figure, and his whole body was tense with barely containable rage; the man just wanted to punch the cocky king in the face so hard his ancestors would feel it. Mira, too, was openly glaring at the young king with a look of mistrust, to which there was no reply. Jellal was used to it all, being who he was with the kind of personality and attitude he harboured.

"Jellal here has...kindly offered his kingdom's support for one of our own's hand in marriage."

The uproar those words brought on was nothing short of catastrophic. He watched, chuckling internally, as they all reacted differently to the predicament; Laxus, Gray and Natsu all jumped out of their seats, roaring questions at their king. Gajeel had actually cracked the table, and was contemplating throwing the broken piece at the sly bluenette who was watching them all with a look of sadistic humour. Levy and Lucy had both their hands covering their mouth, their shock taking over. Mira and Erza, on the other hand, were struggling to control themselves, but Erza was fighting fear at the same time; the kind of fear that crept up on you and tried to strangle you from behind.

She was the only one in this room unmarried and not promised to someone else.

"As some of you can already tell," Jellal spoke over the noise, his arrogance making a reappearance, "there's only one woman in this room who's available for such a commitment."

"No!" Laxus roared, his anger getting the best of him. "I won't allow this! Grandfather, we don't need this bastard's help to take out Ivan!"

"We're not handing over Erza!" Natsu raged whilst agreeing with Laxus, his fire bleeding and burning the air around them. Hand over Erza to a sick bastard like this? She was one of the strongest people he knew, but at the same time, he just couldn't! There was something in Jellal's eyes that was intimidating him, almost as if he knew exactly what he wanted with Erza and to Natsu, it didn't seem like it was any good intentions.

"Your Highness," Levy spoke up hurriedly. "Think of it this way; by handing over Erza, you're handing over one of our best warriors! Won't that be affecting our chances?"

Jellal grimaced. Could they not see they had already lost this battle? "But you're gaining another militia. I think that compensates for one woman, yes?"

In return to his words, everyone, save for Erza, gave him an incredulous look. Did this man legitimately believe that a militia made up for the loss of Erza goddamn Scarlet?

"Let's get this straight, Fernandes," Natsu snarled, stomping over to where the man stood and pointing a finger at his face. "Erza has the strength of 1000 militia, and the elegance of the world's best dancer. She can't be replaced, and I swear to the gods if you toy with her, I will break you!"

To back up his point, the other men in the room, save for Makarov, cracked their knuckles, glaring over at Jellal, who simply gave them a sly smirk. He knew of the brother-sister relationship she shared with all of them, and he knew he had to be wary of them all; they'd go to hell and beyond to keep her safe.

"At this point, your words don't matter to me, Dragneel. I'm waiting on your answer only, Erza," the name rolled off his tongue in the most appealing way, exciting him more than it should've. Said woman was staring at the wall, lost in thought, but at the sound of his voice, she turned back to him, rising out of her seat with determination etched on her pretty features.

"Erza, you don't have to-" Gray hurriedly gave his sisterly friend a reason to say no.

"I'll go," her voice was steely, hiding any emotion away from her family. She really, truly did not want to marry a man she didn't love, but for the sake of her loved ones and her kingdom, she'd gladly do it. She'll bear the pain of separation and the pain of a loveless marriage for them a thousand times over if it could bring back the lives lost already in this war.

She'd bind herself for her kingdom.

Jellal smirk widened. "Perfect."

Out of his cloak, he pulled out sheets of parchment. She got up, walking to his side, rereading the agreement, and signing where she had to with the quill Makarov provided her with.

After she was done, he nodded, giving one set of the agreement to Makarov and putting the other back into his cloak. "Let's go."

"What?!" Lucy, for the first time that night, spoke up. The shock that had only taken over her friends for a short while had taken her over completely, and up until that moment her mind had been a blank, white canvas. "She hasn't packed her things nor as she said goodbye to the court! Juvia doesn't even-"

"My carriage is waiting outside and we must depart tonight if we are to have any hopes of returning to my castle safely. I can provide her with clothes and necessities," he cut her off before she could try and persuade him into letting Erza stay another night. "Now, shall we, milady?"

Erza walked over to the door, absentmindedly fingering the pendant that hung from her neck; it was a heart made out of all the birthstones of her closest companions; Laxus, Mira, Gray, Natsu, Lucy, Levy, Juvia and Gajeel. They would always be with her, no matter how much distance separated them. They had to win this war, and their victory was riding on her decision; she'll do her damn best to make them proud.

It was too much; those in the room who had known Erza the longest knew, from the shake of her shoulders, she was trying not to cry out or scream. Lucy stumbled out of her seat, tears already dripping down her face, and raced over to her friend, throwing her arms around her frame and hugging her close whilst sobbing. One by one, the others joined in on the hug, before it was just Jellal standing in the doorway, looking anywhere but the small group of people all in tears, save for the woman who was leaving. Words were being exchanged, but nothing reached his ears but the soft voice of his Scarlet as she reassured them; would she ever talk to him like that? The way that-

Shaking his head, he shoved the bitter thought out of his mind, growling at himself for losing himself in a moment of weakness. A minute later, she was walking at his side, her friends trailing behind them to send them off. They reached the front doors, and the guards standing around opened them for them, eyeing the group with confusion.

Unlike earlier, there was now rain pouring down in sheets, soaking them the instant they were outside. Jellal, of course, had his cloak, but Erza's dress was instantly sopping wet and clinging to her curvy form. Hurriedly, she walked down the path after her husband, and together they made it to the carriage.

Like the true gentleman he most certainly wasn't, he opened the door and held it open for her, waiting for her to climb in. Sending one last, longing gaze at her family, she picked up her skirts and stepped in. When she settled herself in the farthest corner, he climbed in afterwards, telling the driver to step on it and closing the door after himself.

It had been an hour, and they were now on the outskirts of town, thundering their way down the road. Her dress was still soaking wet, and she was shivering as quietly as she possibly could. At least, that's what Jellal thought; the way she sat in the corner looking dejected and depressed was starting to make him uncomfortable. Not to mention even in the darkness of the carriage he could tell she was extremely cold.

It was the first sneeze, however, that made him sigh and move over to where she sat, taking off his cloak and revealing the long-sleeved, dark blue shirt he wear underneath. It hugged his lean form tightly and was surprisingly comfortable despite how stiff it appeared.

Knowing she had no choice, she remained silent as he wrapped the heavy cloak around her, his masculine scent attacking her senses almost immediately and trying to seduce her. She forced her mind to go blank, welcoming the warmth with gratitude. But he didn't stop there, no; lifting her up, he pulled her into his lap and held onto her, looking down at her face to catch the fleeting expression of confusion, fear and weariness.

"A sick wife is of no use to me," he told her coolly, not wanting her to suddenly believe he was a warm and compassionate person. He most certainly was not...not anymore...and with good reason. Shaking his head, he pushed back the suppressed memories for what seemed like the millionth time. He would not let those memories control him. Now was not the time for him to be recalling such depressing thoughts, not when he had a job to do.

He'd make them proud.

Erza froze, taking in his words, and could only hope he didn't mean what she thought he meant. Now warm in his arms, she stared out the window, praying to whoever was listening that she'd make it out of this alive. She knew, however, that she'd have to give it her all if she were to make her family proud and make her sacrifice worth it, because this man...something was off about him.

Not as in he was an enemy, no...but in a sense in which it felt as if he was secretly extremely sad, and as if he were hiding his past from the world. Really, though, nobody knew how the man had come to throne; the story went that his father gave him the crown on his deathbed.

Erza didn't doubt the story, no, but she did feel like there was more to it. Either way, she'd dig up the past and find out the truth, just as Natsu, Lucy and Gray would expect her to. It wasn't as if she had anything better to do.

She'd make them proud.

A/N: Review with your opinions? :) What do you think Jellal is hiding about his past and these 'memories'? What do you think awaits them in Sorciere? Hoping this lived up to your expectations, until next time!

PS: I hope to keep up with this story and provide art of all of Erza's dresses HOPEFULLY. No guarantees though.