Disclaimer:

I do not own nor claim to own any aspect of Final Fantasy VII, including the storyline, characters, locations, and music contained therein. I am making no profit off of this. As this will be the only disclaimer, please refer to this chapter in the future.

Author's Note:

(7/7/2015)

I am determined to complete this story. Thank you to everyone who has stuck by me through this process. I appreciate your patience and understanding. After going through a huge lifestyle change in the latter half of 2014 I've finally regained my inspiration and motivation to write. I've edited all of the completed chapters and will be re-posting them once every 3 weeks to give me a chance to work on the remaining chapters. I'm already well into the editing process of chapter 12, so I'm confident that this time I'll finish it. Please bear with me and I hope you enjoy the edited chapters. If you feel so inclined, please leave a review to let me know how many of you are still out there.

Also, this is the only chapter that will have so many POV changes. All other chapters will only have one POV change.

On the Wings of Fate

By: Jenna Duffy

Chapter 1

Two Worlds

Uriel. A city of pure light where angelic beings prosper.

Desdemona. A city of darkness where demonic figures reign.

Light and Darkness; two forces that have been in constant struggle since the dawn of time.

Can two totally opposite beings find love even though their parents and their societies forbid it?

(Tifa)

"Tifa, darling, you really should think about getting dressed," my mother said as she laid a deep red ball gown on my bed and began smoothing it out.

I sighed as I looked out my window, watching a small flock of birds fly by. "Oh, Mother, going to this ball every year is so daunting. I don't even know why I go. Father's only going to force me to stay in my room again like he does every year."

My mother walked around beside me and laid a hand down on my shoulder. "I've already spoken to your Father about that. He's agreed to let you enjoy the ball this year, albeit quite reluctantly," she told me.

I arched one of my eyebrows as I turned to her. "Really? How in the world did you manage that?" I asked, one corner of my mouth curling up. The prospect of actually being able to mingle this year instantly piqued my interest.

"Well," she replied, smiling back. "It wasn't very easy. Let's just leave it at that. Oh, and you'll be expected to share a dance with Cloud." My improved mood promptly disappeared, the smile sliding off of my face. My mother saw my sour expression and shot me a disapproving look, gathering some of my long hair in her hands and slowly combing her fingers through it. "Sweetheart, as the crown princess you have a very important image to uphold. Your betrothal to Cloud is important to this kingdom."

I sighed again and couldn't stop myself from rolling my eyes. I had constantly been reminded about that my whole life. "Yes, I know. He's just so…uneducated. Being in public with him is embarrassing," I said, gently running my fingers over the glossy feathers of one of my outstretched wings.

My mother breathed in deeply as she let her hands fall back onto my shoulders. "That may be, but you won't have to worry about that much longer. Your father has insisted that Cloud begin taking etiquette lessons. He'll be a polished gentleman worthy of the title of Prince by your wedding. Now come," she said, gently extracting my hands from the feathers of my wings. "Let's get you ready."

I nodded reluctantly as I let her lead me away from the window, suddenly feeling the walls begin to close in on me, which only added to the discomfort I currently felt because of the corset. I realized that I should have been happy about getting married, but it just felt like I was trapped with no hope of escape.

(Vincent)

"Father, must I go through this humiliation every year?" I asked as a servant helped me tie a red and gold satin ascot around my neck. I could have done the job just as well, but, like my father said, I was royalty and our servants were there for a reason.

"Son, you know as well as I that we must in order to keep peace with the Urielians. It's something we've done since before you were born," my father replied, crossing his arms listlessly.

The servant finished tying my ascot around my neck then pulled a black and red overcoat from my closet, sliding it onto my shoulders. I gently slid my black leathery wings through the two large slits in the back, then buttoned it up. I hastily dragged a brush through my long ebony hair before tying it back with a black silk ribbon.

"So how many eligible bachelorettes will I be meeting tonight, Father?" I asked, examining myself in the mirror and rubbing out a few of the wrinkles in my pants.

He chuckled and came to stand next to me. "Just a few."

I sighed, trying to keep my aggravation from showing. It seemed to me like my father was almost infatuated with finding me a wife. He had never said so out loud, but I felt as though he didn't trust me to find someone on my own and that wasn't very comforting.

"Where is the ball being held this year then?" I asked, straightening the cuffs of my jacket.

"In the city of Midgar," he replied.

"The Kingdom of Humans…again?" I asked, turning my head to lay my deep red eyes on my father. "But, Father, I thought we were forbidden to return there after what happened last year?"

A heated argument had unfortunately broken out between a group of Urielians and Desdemonians. Once everyone's tempers had flared it didn't take long for the argument to turn nasty. Of course, the President had become quite upset when he found out and told both cities that we weren't welcome to return. If we wanted to continue throwing our little peace party, he had said, we needed to find somewhere else to do it. Apparently, he had changed his mind.

"Over the past several months, President Shinra realized that he might jeopardize his relationship with us as well as the Urielians if he followed through with it. You are well aware of how impulsive and emotional the Humans can be, and he didn't want to risk making either city angry," my father responded.

I nodded once. "Then we can only hope for a more favorable outcome this year."

"Indeed. Come, we must ready the Gryphons for flight."

(Tifa)

I gently placed my hands on my hips and turned back and forth, examining myself in my mirror. "Mother, how do you expect me to dance in this?" I asked, attempting to take a deep breath and only resulting in taking a small gulp of air.

"Oh, don't fuss," she said, stopping behind me and lightly teasing my hair with a comb. "You'll be fine."

"I hope so," I replied, turning slightly to take another look at myself sideways. Even though I had worn a corset many times before I had never been able to get used to seeing my waist so tiny. It just didn't seem natural.

I turned my head as a servant entered, breathing heavily. He took a deep, calming breath before speaking. "Highnesses, your mounts are ready. The King is waiting."

"Thank you," my mother said in her political voice. "Please inform him that we are on our way."

"Right away, Malady." He bowed slightly then left just as fast as he had come.

"Well," my mother said, turning back to me. "I suppose we'd better go down there. Your father doesn't like to be kept waiting."

I smiled as I followed her out of my room, knowing how true that statement was. Father was indeed a very impatient man. The sun was just beginning to set as we made our way into the courtyard where my father was waiting, sitting atop his Pegasus, Ramses. A servant came and helped my mother onto her mount, who she had named Sierra, as another servant helped me onto my Pegasus, Fenrir.

My father looked over at me and smiled. "You look extravagant this evening, daughter."

"Thank you, Father," I said, smiling back at him.

My father looked over at my mother and took her hand in his. "Are we ready to leave, my dear?"

She nodded. "Yes, we are."

"Alright, then. Let's get going!" He spurred Ramses forward and the Pegasus took off down the cobblestone path way with my mother and I right behind him. Fenrir opened his wings, riding up into the sky, and I opened my own wings to help stabilize him before we began our descent on the Kingdom of Humans.

(Vincent)

"Son, make sure the Gryphons are well taken care of," my father said as he dismounted from the large beast he was sitting on and passed me the reigns. "And make sure the handlers give them fresh meat."

"Yes, Father," I answered, nodding my head once.

I turned and led the Gryphons toward the stable, idly scratching my own Gryphon's crest as I walked. My black Gryphon, Skandranon, and my father's silver Gryphon, Kahn, were keeping their minds closed to me for the time being. Both the Humans and Urielians believed them to be dumb animals just like their horses and Pegasi are. Keeping up the charade was merely a way to tell them that neither race knew as much about us as they thought.

Once I entered the stable, a Human Gryphon handler that had been trained specifically for tonight approached and took the reins from my hands. He glanced at both Gryphons before looking at me expectantly, ready to carry out any order I gave him. "Anything special you need me to do for them?" he asked, petting the black feathers of Skandranon's muscular neck.

"Just lay fresh meat out for them and make sure they have clean hay to sleep on," I ordered, folding my hands behind my back.

"Of course," the handler said, leading the Gryphons to their own separate stalls. While he was helping Kahn settle in, Skandranon poked his jet black head above the wooden barrier of his stall and winked one brilliant blue eye at me. I smirked, then looked back at the handler, glad that he hadn't noticed our exchange. "I'll get that for them right away." The handler disappeared to another area of the stable to retrieve the meat and hay as I turned to leave.

I walked calmly but briskly to the large mansion that was located about fifty meters away from the stables. As I approached the door, an elderly Human with gray hair and thick bifocals looked up at me, blinking his nearly sightless eyes repeatedly. A confused expression appeared on his wrinkled face before he recognized me.

"Ah, Prince Vincent." He looked down and checked my name off of the list in his hands. "Welcome, your Father is waiting for you."

I inclined my head toward him, a small smile on my lips. "Thank you."

I stepped inside and politely greeted all the dignitaries, Desdemonian and Urielian alike that looked in my direction as I made my way through the enormous ballroom. I wasn't concerned with trying to figure out which ladies my father had invited for me to meet. I trusted that he would be more than willing to introduce me when the time came.

As I walked toward the small balcony where my father was sitting, I paused at the base of the stairs for a moment, astonished by how many Urielians and Desdemonians were conversing freely. Last year it had been an entirely different story. From the beginning, both groups had stayed away from each other like there was some invisible line drawn across the dance floor. If a Urielian just looked at a Desdemonian wrong it caused an argument.

If only we could act so civil every day, I thought, climbing the stairs to the balcony.

I shook my head as I sat down beside my father, making him turn his attention toward me. "Is something on your mind, son?" he asked, a whisper of a frown creasing his brow.

"I guess I'm just surprised," I answered, continuing to scan the crowd from my higher vantage point. "I didn't expect to see everyone getting along so well considering what happened last year. Why can't our people have peace like this year round?"

He looked down at the floor and carefully pondered his answer. "Our people and theirs have been fighting ever since the dawn of time. We've known nothing else. I guarantee it won't last long, son. Just wait. An argument is bound to happen," he said, leaning forward and propping his elbow on the arm of his chair.

I averted my eyes away from my father's face, disappointed that he didn't have any confidence in his own subjects. Cooperation was a two way street and I was certain that if the Urielians were open to a heightened state of peace, our cities just might be able to get along. Even then, my father's negativity wasn't doing much to reassure me. I had no idea what was going to happen tonight and the only thing I could do was hope that what my father said wasn't going to come true.

"Well, son," my father said a moment later, clapping his large hand down on my shoulder, "it's time for me to introduce you to the ladies I invited. Then we go mingle with the Urielian rulers."

I sighed heavily and reluctantly followed my father onto the dance floor. I would have rather stayed home on Desdemona then be subjected to another round of match making. I couldn't let my aggravation show, though, so I took a series of deep breaths to keep myself calm. I might not enjoy his attempts to find a wife for me, but I needed to be gracious and bear it. I was the prince, after all. Acting like an immature child wouldn't impress the people I would soon be ruling over.

It took nearly an hour for me to meet all six women. They were indeed very lovely and had obviously been raised properly, but none of them caught my eye. All I could do was tell them that I was honored to meet them and hope my father hadn't told them anything to lead them on. I knew the right girl was out there somewhere. I just needed to find her.

"See anything you like?" my father whispered.

I shook my head. "You should already know the answer to that," I replied, choosing not to look at him. I knew the expression he would be wearing well.

Thankfully, he didn't continue his prodding as we walked up the stairs to the Urielian's balcony. As soon as the Urielian rulers spotted us approaching, they rose out of their seats and moved to greet us. My father shook King Lockheart's hand and I could tell that the both of them were trying their hardest to be civil. My father's eyes were like stone and King Lockheart's mouth was set in a grim line.

"Paul," he said, releasing the King's hand and turning to the Queen. "Arella." He kissed the Queen's hand then addressed the King once again. I offered my own greetings to the King and Queen as well, shaking their hands in turn.

"It's good to see you both again," the King said. "I trust everyone is enjoying themselves?"

"Indeed," my father answered. "Everyone has been getting along splendidly so far."

The King smiled as he turned toward the dance floor. "That's good to hear." The crowd below suddenly became quiet and my father and I moved to stand beside the King. "You're just in time," the King said to both of us. "My daughter and President Shinra's son are about to share a dance."

I frowned as I glanced over at King Lockheart. Of course, I knew they had an heir, but I had never seen her during the previous years' balls. She had been a silent enigma for as long as I could remember; I didn't even know her name. I followed the King's line of sight, spying a lone Urielian woman in a deep red ball gown slowly striding to the center of the dance floor. Everyone else had quickly cleared the space, all their eyes resting on her. The princess looked up at the balcony, her gaze going immediately to her father, and I had to tighten the muscles in my jaw to prevent it from sagging open. Just seeing her from a distance, I knew that she was more beautiful than any Desdemonian woman I had ever met.

How is it that this is the first time I have seen her? I thought, perplexed.

A moment later, Cloud Shinra stepped onto the dance floor and walked toward her. I remembered seeing him briefly last year and noticed that he hadn't changed very much appearance wise. His blonde hair still looked like he had gotten his hand stuck in one of his electrical sockets. As Cloud bowed to the princess, taking her hand in his, I wondered what kind of relationship they had. The way the President's son was looking at her made me think they were sharing more than just a friendly dance, but it wasn't my place to be making such assumptions.

(Tifa)

I wasn't looking forward to my dance with Cloud at all. Even though we were betrothed I really couldn't stand to be around him. My attitude toward him had started changing when he began resembling his older brother, Rufus, a little too much. My father kept telling me I would learn to love him, but I knew that if I didn't love him already, I would never be able to force myself to later on once we were married.

I glanced up at my father when I reached the center of the dance floor, trying to keep from showing the displeasure I was feeling on the inside from showing on my face. The Desdemonian Emperor was standing to his right along with who I assumed was his son, the prince. My father simply nodded and I inwardly sighed when I saw Cloud walking toward me out of my peripheral vision. He bowed at the waist when he reached my side and held his hand out toward me. I considered it for a brief moment, once again dreading having to dance with him, – and in a corset no less – before curtseying and gently placing my hand in his.

The orchestra began playing and I screwed on the most believable smile that I could muster, letting Cloud lead me across the dance floor. My father had informed me we would be dancing the waltz when we arrived and that Cloud had been taking dancing lessons for the past couple weeks just to prepare him for tonight. The steps he was incorporating were some of the most basic and he wasn't very fluid, but he got through the whole dance without tripping, so I considered it a small success. By the time we finally finished, I thought I was going to pass out. After tonight, I wasn't ever going to dance in a corset again.

The crowd surrounding us applauded politely as Cloud escorted me back to my balcony. I noticed that all of the Urielians were wearing wide, proud smiles, but the Desdemonians only looked mildly amused. I chewed absently on the inside of my cheek as we walked by them, wondering what would have to happen before the strained relationship between our two peoples would improve. I refused to think that we would continue on like this for thousands of years to come. Ever since I was younger, I knew that gaining a better diplomatic standing with the Humans shouldn't have been my father's priority. He should have been making an effort with the Desdemonians instead.

When I become Queen that will be one of the first things I do, I thought with absolute certainty.

I pulled my hand from Cloud's grasp when we reached the bottom of the stairs and gathered my skirts into my hand so I wouldn't trip. I needed to greet the Desdemonian rulers before I escaped to get some air, which I was happy to do. Maybe if I could get the prince on my side then negotiating for more peace later would be easier. My mother and father were wearing genuine smiles when I joined them, each of them taking a turn giving me a congratulatory hug.

"You danced beautifully, my dear," my mother said, kissing my cheek.

"Thank you," I whispered back as my father took my hand in his and led me to meet the two silent Desdemonians standing beside the railing.

"Emperor and Prince Valentine," my father began, "I'd like you to meet my daughter, Tifa."

I smiled at the Emperor and curtsied, valiantly hiding the fact that I was still out of breath. "I'm honored to meet you, Your Majesty," I said. When I turned to the prince, however, as soon as my eyes met his hauntingly mesmerizing red gaze, I nearly froze. Luckily, I managed to show him the same courtesy before my mind completely locked up. "I'm honored to meet you as well, Prince."

The prince bowed at the waist, his long ebony ponytail falling over his shoulder in the process. "The honor is mine, Princess," he said as he straightened, his voice as smooth as velvet.

I smiled politely at him before turning to my father. "I'm going to step out for some fresh air," I said, trying in vain to take another deep breath. "I'll return shortly."

He nodded stiffly. "Just be mindful of the time. Dinner will soon be starting."

I nodded and turned away from him, making my way out to the balcony as quickly as possible. While I was walking away, I couldn't help but think about how handsome the Desdemonian prince was, feeling my heart fluttering like a hummingbird's wings in my chest just thinking about his gorgeous red eyes.

I sighed in relief once I could feel the cool evening breeze blowing gently through my hair and scratched my ribs, wishing I could take that useless, constricting garment off, but knowing I couldn't until after dinner. I leaned against the marble railing and gazed down at the city below me. Even though I had been here just a year before I was still left speechless at the sight of Midgar. The bright, colorful lights and loud music that were filtering upwards never ceased to confound me.

The Kingdom of Humans was similar to the Urielian and Desdemonian Kingdoms because the Royal Palace was above the city, but that's where all similarities stopped. For example, I had never even heard of electricity before I was betrothed to Cloud. Even after Cloud and I are married I know I wouldn't ever get used to machines doing work that I could just as easily do for myself. Indoor plumbing was advanced enough for my society. Plus, the Humans were more...rambunctious, to put it mildly. Human females would walk around flaunting their bodies in clothes so tiny that they were barely covered and the males were no better, treating their women like trophies to be won instead of companions.

I froze as a chilling thought occurred to me. Will Cloud treat me like that? I thought, bringing a hand up to my face to nervously chew on one of my nails. After all, I don't love him, so maybe he feels the same way about me.

I shifted uncomfortably in front of the railing and, for the first time all night, it wasn't because of the corset. The last thing I wanted my future husband to do is treat me like some kind of prize. I had never questioned my betrothal so much before and I was beginning to wonder if that's what I should have been doing all along.

(Vincent)

I felt immensely privileged to watch the angel princess dance. At times it almost seemed like she was floating across the floor and I found I couldn't take my eyes off of her, even after the music had stopped. My gaze followed her as she approached the balcony and she became even more captivating the closer she got to me. I cleared my throat, shooting a sideways glance at my father as the princess exchanged embraces with her parents, and suddenly felt slightly nervous to be in her presence. I had never felt so irrational in my life.

When her father introduced her to us the only thing I heard was her name and I just barely managed to acknowledge her when she addressed me, the color of her eyes nearly taking my breath away. They were the most captivating shade of red wine I had ever seen and I marveled at how they seemed to swim and sparkle in the lighting of the ballroom. My knees nearly buckled when she smiled at me and I was glad that she turned her attention to her father so I could have a moment to recover. I took the liberty of examining her further, hoping that no one would notice me staring. I knew how impolite I was acting, but she had effectively bewitched me.

Now that she was standing in front of me, I noticed that her red gown was decorated with elegant golden patterns spread across the bodice and skirt. The tight bun that her rich chocolate hair was arranged into was held together with chopsticks, a few wisps of her silky hair framing her heart shaped face. Her delicate, white feathered wings were absolutely gorgeous. They were folded gracefully by her sides, the flight feathers themselves so long that they nearly swept the floor.

She suddenly turned and began to walk away, pulling me out of my trance. Once she was out of my sight, I was compelled to follow her like a moth being pulled toward a flame, but I stood my ground and pretended to be interested in the conversation my father was having with King Lockheart. Instead I slowly counted to thirty in my head then waited for a break in the conversation to excuse myself. The last thing I needed was for her parents to think I was interested in her.

"Father," I whispered in his ear.

"Yes, son?"

"If I could be excused for a few moments?" I asked, briefly glancing at the King.

"Of course," he replied, grinning at me. "Go socialize."

I nodded then inclined my head respectfully toward the King before leaving the balcony, in search of the Urielian princess. I knew my father was assuming that I was going to seek out one of the women he had introduced me to earlier, but that couldn't have been any farther from the truth. If he found out who I was really going to see I knew he wouldn't be very happy.

It took me a few minutes to discover that the Urielian princess was on the outside balcony and, after quickly looking over my shoulder at my father, stealthily crept outside. I didn't want to reveal myself to her just yet so I hid in a dark corner beside a large pillar, content to watch her in silence. I exhaled slowly out of my nose and crossed my arms over my chest, leaning back against the wall behind me and narrowing my eyes slightly. The princess didn't look much younger than me, maybe a few years at most, which only furthered my curiosity. Her mother and father had indeed done an acceptable job of concealing her for all these years.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when she pulled one of her wings down in front of her and began running her fingers through the white feathers, humming an unfamiliar tune to herself. An involuntary smile pulled the corners of my mouth up as I listened, committing that tune to memory. Her voice was just as beautiful as the rest of her.

Right as I was getting ready to step forward and introduce myself, Cloud Shinra appeared on the balcony. I instantly froze and swore under my breath, cursing his horrible timing, but knew it was probably for the best. I certainly didn't want to get caught talking to her.

(Tifa)

"Princess?"

I rolled my eyes as my fiancé's voice reached my ears. "Hello, Cloud," I muttered, not bothering to turn around and acknowledge him. After our dance was over I had been hoping I wouldn't have to spend any more time with him for the rest of the night, but I knew my parents weren't going to let me off that easily.

"Is that all I get? Just a hello? What about a hug?" he asked, coming to a stop beside me and stretching his arms out.

I shook my head. "Cloud, you know that isn't appropriate without my escort present. Must I keep reminding you?" I asked, finally turning my disapproving gaze to him.

He dropped his arms back to his sides and resigned himself to just standing beside me, all the while looking extremely displeased about my rejection. "You're no fun sometimes, my dear," he said, suddenly sounding bored.

"I am a princess, after all, and I have standards," I said sternly. "Until you're my husband, displays of affection of any kind are highly inappropriate. Even my parents have informed you of that."

"Yes, Tifa, I know that," he replied, sounding very much like a child receiving a scolding.

I huffed and looked away from him, getting tired of assuming the role of a responsible parent whenever we were together. Most times it was hard for me to believe that I was younger than him since he acted like such a spoiled brat. His older brother, Rufus, was even worse, but instead of being immature he was cocky and arrogant. Having to spend any amount of time with both of them together made me want to rip my hair out. Even though I was betrothed to Cloud, Rufus thought it was his mission in life to get under his brother's skin by trying to impress me.

"Then you would do well to start remembering that. I'll have my father give you another lecture the next time it happens," I threatened, making sure he knew how serious I was.

He let out an exasperated sigh as he backed away from the railing, propping his hands on his hips. "Believe it or not, Princess, I didn't come out here to argue with you. Your mother sent me to fetch you for dinner," he said, offering me his hand.

I reluctantly took it and followed him back inside the ballroom, forcing the corners of my mouth upward to save face.

(Vincent)

I watched Cloud lead Tifa from the balcony and stayed where I was for a full minute before leaving myself. I had to admit I was mildly disappointed that I hadn't been able to speak with her and I wasn't sure if I was going to get another chance. I let out a frustrated sigh as I followed a pair of Urielian males – who had wings about as grand as the females of their race – to the dining hall.

Only a selected few from all three kingdoms with an invitation were allowed to come to the annual ball, which I was grateful for. The dining room was barely big enough to hold the current amount of guests let alone every member of each community. I quickly took my seat next to my father at the table reserved for the royals, calmly straightened my jacket, and nonchalantly leaned forward, trying to get another glance at the Urielian Princess. I inwardly sighed when I was unable to find her, then leaned back in my seat once more.

"What are we having for dinner tonight, Father?" I asked casually, unfolding my napkin and laying it across my lap.

"A three course meal of Desdemonian, Urielian, and Humanoid cuisine is being served. Sounds mighty good to me," he replied, taking a sip of his wine.

I nodded, not really interested in what we would be eating, my mind still on the conversation that Cloud and Princess Tifa had shared out on the balcony. The most disappointing thing that I had discovered was the princess' engagement to Cloud. I certainly hadn't been expecting something like that, which only made it harder for me to get her beautiful, glowing face out of my head. The only thing I didn't understand was their attitudes toward each other, especially Princess Tifa's. Deciphering her body language hadn't been very difficult though. I could tell that she wasn't very accepting of his presence and it had only gotten worse when he had angered her. I could very well call myself insane if I treated someone like her with such blatant disrespect. If I was in his place, I would treat her with the dignity and respect that she deserved.

My resolve to speak with her and get to know her only became stronger the longer I sat thinking about her.

(Tifa)

I sat down beside my mother, feeling only slightly better after getting some fresh air. Breathing was easier when I kept my back straight so I was confident that I would be able to get through dinner without too much difficulty.

"I can't wait until I can take this corset off," I said, scooting closer to the table and delicately folding my napkin over my lap.

"Tifa, you've worn corsets many times before," my mother responded. "You should be used to it by now."

"If I have not gotten used to it by now, I doubt I ever will," I said, taking a small sip of ice water.

The first course was served a few moments later and I gingerly picked at it, knowing I wouldn't be able to eat very much. I would only end up making myself more uncomfortable if I over ate. I sighed in relief when the waiters came by to collect the dishes, but groaned under my breath when they immediately placed the second course in front of me.

"You're acting so strange tonight," my mother observed, frowning over at me as she delicately dabbed the corners of her mouth with her napkin.

"I'm doing the best I can," I replied, lightly nibbling on my food. "I'd be able to eat more if I wasn't wearing this corset."

"Well, complaining about it won't make it any better."

I nodded, knowing she was absolutely right. I was letting my aggravation over my encounter with Cloud on the balcony get the better of me. "I'm sorry, Mother," I apologized, looking over at her. "Cloud just upset me earlier."

"What did he do this time?" she asked, meeting my gaze. She was no stranger to my fiancé's odd behavior.

"It was nothing I couldn't handle." She nodded and turned back to her meal, not feeling the need to prod further. She knew I was more than capable of keeping Cloud in check.

Once the third course had been taken away, I wiped my mouth and took one last sip of water then turned to my mother. "May I be excused now?"

"You don't want to stay for desert?"

"No, thank you," I answered, hoping that she wasn't going to insist.

My mother shot a sideways glance at my father before looking back at me. "Go ahead. Please dress in something presentable."

I sighed in relief and leaned over, kissing her on the cheek, before setting off toward my room. Since I was betrothed to Cloud, my parents had requested that President Shinra set aside a room for me whenever I came to visit. The more I thought about my steadily approaching marriage to Cloud, the more I didn't want to follow through with it. The only problem with that was, of course, my parents.

I smiled when I saw the doors of my room come into view and bunched my skirts into one hand, quickening my pace. I burst through the doors, shutting them behind me none too quietly, and quickly stripped the dress off of me. Once it had been carefully draped over the bed, I got to work untying the back of the corset. After it was completely untied, I threw it to the floor and collapsed onto my bed, reveling in the feeling of actually being able to breathe deeply again.

Once my head didn't feel like it was spinning anymore, I sat up and slid off the bed even though I would have preferred to stay laying down. A nap sounded lovely right about now, but my parents were expecting me to make another appearance and I certainly didn't want them to send Cloud after me again.

I hummed in thought as I opened my closet, considering what I had that would be appropriate. I had taken it upon myself to keep a small number of nice dresses here in Midgar since the Human servants had filled my closet with a large variety of their kind of clothing. I absolutely abhorred Human clothing. Most of the blouses were so tiny that they looked like a child would own them and when I happened to find a nice dress it wasn't very modest.

I huffed as I pushed the Human clothing aside and grabbed a simple white dress from the back. It had long sleeves and the skirt went all the way to the floor, something I knew my parents would approve of. I slipped it over my head then picked out a nice pair of white pumps. I pulled the chopsticks out of my hair as I sat down at my vanity and took the time to fix my makeup and change my jewelry.

After running a brush through my hair a few times, I left my room and headed for the balcony outside the ballroom, knowing it would be a while yet before my parents would be looking for me. I felt much more comfortable out there and I knew that was because I didn't feel like a bird in a cage.