"You can have the girl, though I expected you'd want something else as compensation," Queen Brahne drawled on to the white haired man standing in the doorway. It was late, much too late for any normal meeting of decency to be going on for a Queen.

"Don't be silly, the girl is payment enough…"

"Maybe so, but you can only have her on the condition that I still get to extract the eidolon's power from her," Brahn responded.

"Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less," Kuja replied in a well-disguised disgusted voice. Patience, soon this ugly elephant lady will be out of the show for good.

"Excellent," the Queen said with glee. "I want you to take her tonight."

"Why so early?" Kuja asked, his blue eyes narrowing dangerously. "Surely you can't expect it to go unnoticed that the princess has disappeared in the night?"

"Don't take me for such a fool. I have already started spreading the news that she is to be married off to some prince on a distant continent," the Queen said, trying to sound insulted.

"How convenient for someone who didn't expect me to ask for her as a prize," Kuja retorted, a smile forming on his lips. "You must still have a soft spot for the girl. Once through with her you could have had her beheaded for some made up crime."

"Don't question my reasoning, just get her out of here, I will call upon you when I am ready to take the eidolons from her." Queen Brahne stood and motioned for Kuja to follow her out of her private chamber. Suppressing an eye roll, Kuja followed after her. Oh how he loathed working with the Queen, but it was necessary that his plan work.

Upon reaching Garnet's room Brahne allowed Kuja to enter first. Sneering at the soft sigh he emitted at the sight of the girl.

"So beautiful, even in sleep," Kuja said. "Can you assure she won't wake until I get her out of here?"

"I put a good bit of sleeping weed in her evening tea, she should be out for a good while," Brahne explained.

"Very well," Kuja replied as he moved over to the sleeping princess. She was still dressed in her daily attire, apparently too tired from the sleeping drug to change. She was light as he lifted her in to his arms. "There will be no re-negotiations. What's done is done," Kuja said.

In the next moment he was gone, having jumped from the balcony to the silver dragon waiting for him just below the railing.


Kuja sighed. It had been going on two days since he had brought Garent back with him. Just how much sleeping weed did that stupid woman give the princess? She had been out ever since he had taken her. Anger swirled in his eyes as he went to check on her once again. Upon entering the room he had given to her, he was pleasantly surprised. It seemed that Garnet had finally come around and was sitting on her bed, reading the letter that Brahne had instructed for him to leave for her.

Garnet's eyes swelled with unshed tears as she finished reading the message. She knew her mother had changed, she knew something was wrong, but she had no time to act. Looking up, she saw a strangely familiar man leaning in her door way. She recognized him and yet she could not place who he was. Silence danced between them, as their eyes locked.

Garnet studied his face; he was older than her, but she could not discern by how much. Had she seen this man a few times around the castle? Why did he seem so familiar to her? Deciding that fear would not get her anywhere, she hardened her resolve and returned his gaze confidently.

Kuja watched fear pass across her face as she contemplated her current position, but it was soon replaced with one of defiance. Oh, she would make a wonderful Queen to his eternal kingdom.

"Do I know you? What is the meaning of this?" Garnet found her voice, and it betrayed her, cracking slightly with unshed tears.

"Surely the princess can read, your mother explains everything," Kuja said calmly, deciding that showing his false sweetness to her now would be useless. "As for who I am… you knew me once… a long time ago."

"I can't remember, and this… this doesn't make any sense," Garnet stumbled over her words. The reality of the situation was crashing cruelly down upon her shoulders. Kuja watched as she began to break down, this would never do. If she was to be his Queen it would not help if she was afraid of him, not like this. He never really liked the approach of ruling by fear anyway, it made things too boring.

"I'm sorry," Kuja lied. He couldn't say he honestly felt whatever emotion it was that caused mortals to feel sorry, but only said it to calm her. "It's alright, you're safe here." Garnet did not look up at him or give any indication that she had heard what he said. He allowed the silence to linger on before speaking again.

"I… hope to at least to be on some sort of speaking terms." He chose those last words carefully, not wanting to push her. The last thing he needed was for his future Queen to hate him. He could always find another, but he was set on Garnet. As far as he was concerned she was the most beautiful princess, therefore deserving to be his Queen. He would have to warm up to her more than this, though.

"Dinner will be served shortly, maybe after that you would like a tour?" Kuja tried one last time. This had piqued her curiosity. Finally, Garnet looked up to meet his gaze. There were two ways that this could be done. She could fight like hell and possibly get horrible treatment, or she could be agreeable and hope that he would be kind to her until she found a way out of this. Deciding the latter was better, she nodded.

"I think I would like that…" Garnet said guardedly.

Kuja gave a curt nod before turning to leave her.

"I will come for you when dinner is served, you should be able to find everything you need in this room. Call out my name if you find yourself in need."

"Wait!" Garnet called after him, getting to her feet as though she meant to follow. Kuja stopped but did not turn around to face her. "What is your name?"

"Ah, it cuts me to the core that you don't remember me," Kuja said dramatically, but the grin he had on his face when he finally turned to look at her gave him away. "My name is Kuja, and I am glad to have you here Princess Garnet."

Garnet was bothered by his behavior. He seemed polite enough, but she was still uneasy. She honestly couldn't recall meeting him before. His attire was completely outlandish, and he was… his attitude… she just couldn't put her finger on it. All she knew was that she didn't feel comfortable here.

It didn't help that the tone in her mother's letter was so cold and rejecting.

Oh mother, what has happened to you…?


Before long, Garnet was up and exploring her new room. Temporary, this is only temporary. Everything was lovely, fit for the princess she was. There was a bed much like from her home against the wall, only instead of pink; everything was in dark blues and silvers. It gave her the feeling she was walking along the night sky. There was a large white wardrobe with many gowns, some for formal occasions others for casual wear. It was like Kuja had this all planned out and it frightened her a little. There was all the clothing she would ever need, a matching white dresser and vanity took up the rest of the wall space. There were fine silver plated brushes and mirrors. Inside the vanity drawers rested make up, perfumes, anything a princess could ever want for.

It was absolutely bizarre. Did another woman live here at some point?

After looking over everything, Garnet noticed a door that joined her room to a small wash room. A beautiful silver tub sat in the middle of the room. Perhaps a nice hot bath would do her some good.

Moments later, Garnet was lowering herself into the tub, allowing the warmth to relax her and take some stress away. Sinking lower till just her nose was above the water, she let her mind wander. She had already been out for a few days, what was going on at home? She racked her brain trying to remember the white haired man who claimed to know her.


It had been about an hour and a half before Kuja came back for her. He could have barged into the room, but that wouldn't have been very polite at all.

"Princess, are you ready?" Kuja called.

It took only a moment before the door opened and Garnet stood before him. She was beautiful even in the simple dress she chose from the wardrobe. She did not meet his gaze, but instead kept her eyes trained on the ground. He could hardly hold back his smirk as he offered her his arm. The girl blinked in surprise, hesitating longer than was appropriate. She jumped slightly when he out right laughed at her.

"Please, to you my canary, I am harmless," the sorcerer attempted to make light of their situation. The blush that stained her cheeks was priceless, and she shook her head, allowing her fingers to gently curl around the proffered limb.

"How have the accommodations treated you?" Kuja looked down at Garnet as she walked in silence beside him.

"Lovely. Thank you." Garnet was every bit the proper princess, relying on her years of strict upbringing to get her through this.

"This must be terribly uncomfortable for you," Kuja said trying to coax her into talking. She resisted him, only giving the barest of nods to acknowledge his words. He mentally sighed, thinking it best they just stay in silence. What a boring audience she was turning out to be.

"It is. You claim that I know you, but the letter my mother wrote explained very little. Why was I not informed of this arranged marriage?" Garnet sighed. Kuja was slightly surprised but pleased to hear her speak. "Where have we met?"

"Don't worry; I'll be sure to tell you as much as I can." Kuja replied, leading her into the dining hall.

Garnet gasped quietly as she looked around the room. Kuja smiled at her awe as he led her over to the table and pulled out her seat for her. Yes, his home was rather impressive even for someone who was used to royalty. Pushing the chair in behind her, he took a seat across from her. Garnet looked down the long oak table. It would have been ridiculous for them to sit at opposite ends; there would be no conversation at all.

All courses appeared in order as if by magic, and Garnet would not be surprised if that had been the case. She ate slowly, keeping her manners in check.

"I fear that if I try to explain our initial meeting, it would serve only to cause you more distress," Kuja began.

"I don't understand," Garnet replied, searching his face for an answer.

"Walk with me then," Kuja said.

Once again he offered his arm to her, and once again she eyed him warily as though he were trying to ensnare her in a deadly trap. If he was trying to get her to trust him, he was doing a poor job of it.

Kuja walked her through the palace; head high, pointing out important rooms or places Garnet would need to know. He was obviously very proud of the elegance he had surrounded himself with as he explained of the beasts that guarded the corridors from intruders and of the sand whirlwinds that protected his home. Once through with that, they stopped in the library and he allowed her to sit as he paced in front of her.

"I've told you everything I can about the palace. What do you wish to know princess?" Kuja asked after a period of silence.

"Was I really sent here to be wedded to you?" Garnet asked; the tone of her voice telling of her doubts.

"In a way," Kuja replied cryptically.

"What does that even mean?" Garnet was exasperated, and her composure was slipping. He was staring at her again, that infuriating gleeful look on his face as if knew of something absolutely hilarious and refused to share it with her. How was it possible to hold a conversation with him and gain absolutely no information?

"Now is not the time," Kuja finally answered, and he seemed distracted and completely unhinged at that moment. She felt the need to tread carefully.

An insane look teetered in his expression, and in that instant she feared she had done something wrong. Kuja wanted nothing more than to reveal his master plan to his future queen. He longed to have an audience to awe with his genius, to tell her how he would be the ruler of two great worlds. Everything had worked out perfectly so far. She was not ready he realized, but that was okay. Anything worth having took time to prepare.

"Are you angry with me?" Garnet asked suddenly. It was random, not the question Kuja had expected her to ask. He had not raised his voice to her, nor did he get short with her. She hadn't spoken enough to offend him. Why would she ask such a thing?

The sorcerer stopped mid pace and looked into her curious brown eyes. She was so innocent he almost couldn't stand it.

Garnet could see the craze dispel from his eyes, masked by an over friendliness. She didn't think he'd answer her, but finally, he did.

"Of course not princess, why would I be upset with you?" Kuja continued to watch her curiously, and it didn't seem she had a response for him. "Never mind that," he conceded when she did not speak again. "Just know you are not at fault."

"Are you all alone here?" Garnet didn't mean for the next question to fly out of her mouth like that, but it was just strange to her that he would have all of these arrangements made like he had company on a regular basis.

"I used to be, but you're here now." Kuja replied. Yes, there were the monsters that attacked intruders, but he worked alone for the greater part of it.

"Don't you get lonely?" The princess asked. The more she distracted him with conversation the less unstable he seemed.

"I tend to keep busy; there isn't much time for loneliness." Kuja explained, eventually moving to take a seat beside her. He took notice of how Garnet seemed to tense slightly, but she made no move to get away from him.

"I wish you would tell me what I'm doing here," Garnet tried again.

"You are a clever girl princess, you'll understand soon enough why you are here." Kuja said casting a glance at her.

"You can call me Garnet," she responded after some time.

"As you wish," Kuja agreed, wondering what thoughts she had twirling in that mind of hers. This was going to make for a very interesting scene. What would she do when she finally found out what was to happen to her, when she remembered who he was? If things went as planned, she would join him and use her Eidolons to help him with his plan.

They were at a stalemate when he finally escorted her back to her room.

"Who are you really?" Garnet asked after a few moments of silence. Her eyes found his, and she held his gaze. Ah, she could be so unwavering, but he would frustrate her time and time again until he determined she was ready for the truth. It was better for things to remain a mystery for now. He would enjoy toying with her.

"Do not worry about that now, only trust that I am a friend. The rest will reveal itself in time." Kuja smirked; she was clearly not pleased with his answer.

"Since you insist," Garnet replied.

"You should rest… If you need anything you need only call out. Goodnight, my canary," Kuja said, disappearing around the corner.

Garnet watched him go; his informal way of addressing her was strange and put her on edge. He acted as though they had been friends for the longest time. He also acted younger than he seemed, like a child trapped inside an adult's body.


It was a clear night in Lindbulm, and the regent was waiting for his messenger to return.

"Well? What did he say?" Cid asked impatiently as Blank walked through the doors.

"Baku said that he and his crew would be more than happy to assist you, and that your pay is more than acceptable. They will head to Alexandria as soon as possible," the messenger explained.

"Very well," Cid said with a sigh. "That is all." Blank bowed and left Cid to his thoughts.


The next several days passed by without incident. Garnet was left to her own devices for the majority of the time. What Kuja was doing when he was not entertaining her, she did not know. The beasts guarding the castle allowed her passageway and she spent a lot of her time reading in the library. The reading material consisted mostly of play scores and poetry, not that she minded. Her host was very strange indeed. Always kind, for now at least. She just couldn't figure him out.

There was finally a break in routine. Kuja was taking her somewhere, and she hoped that now might be the time for her to get away.

"Where are we going?" Garnet asked.

"To a small village called Dali. I need to make sure things are going accordingly," Kuja replied keeping his eyes forward.

Garent accepted his explanation without further question, following him outside to a balcony. There didn't seem to be any means of transportation here and she wondered how they were going to get anywhere. She was waiting patiently for him to give her further instruction, a brow raised in question when he turned to her with a smirk pulling up the corner of his lips. He looked absolutely devious, but gave no warning as he swept her up in to his arms.

"W… Wait! What are you doing?" Garnet asked frightened as he walked towards the edge of the balcony. Kuja chuckled, seeming almost gleeful. He had never invaded her personal space like this before. She was rigid, not relaxing in to his hold, but not struggling to free herself.

"Really, you're overreacting," Kuja said, though she was surprised he could stop laughing at her long enough to actually speak. "I'm sure you're used to your boring means of travel, but I'm not an ordinary being."

Garnet stared at him, her mouth agape as if she meant to speak to him. Her voice failed her and she could only watch as the next series of events unfolded. She thought perhaps she was dreaming.

"Hold on," Kuja said as he jumped from the balcony. Garnet had to suppress a cry as she flung her arms around his neck and hid her face in his shoulder, an act of self-preservation. The short fall made her stomach drop, and she didn't have the courage to look up even after they had stopped. She had the distinct feeling of tilting, or being held over unstable ground, like a floating dock of sorts.

"Is this how you plan to spend the rest of the day?" Kuja teased her, his shoulders shaking as he chuckled.

Silly girl…

Garnet slowly looked up from the safety of Kuja's shoulder. He was standing upon a silver dragon and they were flying. He wasn't holding onto anything but her.

We're going to die…

Garnet was unwilling to relinquish the grip she had upon him. Her eyes searched around in wonder. She had never seen a continent like this before, it looked to be completely made up of sand and dirt.

We're on a completely different continent?! This may be my only chance to reach Uncle Cid…

"Have you ever been flying before?" Kuja asked, drawing Garnet away from her thoughts. Her head turned to take her gaze away from the view of the continent, and she jerked when she realized just how close in proximity they were. It was enough that she could feel his breath ghost across her cheeks.

"I- I… no, not like this. Just a few times before in one of uncle's air ships…" Garnet answered.

Kuja gave a small nod to her response before setting her on her feet. She was frozen to the spot afraid to move away from him. It made her cringe, yet she welcomed the arm he kept around her waist. Her unease served only to fuel his amusement. Looking over the side of the dragon, it was a long way down, one that she did not want to experience. She felt so exposed with the wind blowing all around her. In the airship you could forget you were thousands of feet from the ground, but on a moving dragon, it was not so easy.

"Are you scared?" Kuja asked, humor lacing his tone.

"Yes," Garnet whispered almost immediately, managing to sound annoyed.

"I won't let you fall." Kuja replied. "You'll see my canary, once freed from the cage, you won't so willingly return next time."

Garnet wasn't sure what he was referring to, instead opting for silence, left with no choice but to trust that he wouldn't let her down.


The theater district was bustling with fan girls as Baku made his way back to the hide out. He flung the door opened and laughed.

"Wake up ya lazy good for nothings. We got a job! A good paying one at that, get yer arses in gear! We head out in 15 minutes!" Baku didn't wait for a response and walked back out to wait outside.

"What a wake up," Zidane muttered rolling out of bed. "Yo, Cinna, I don't think he was joking you better get up."

"Yea, yea…" Cinna muttered. Shaking his head, Zidane climbed down the ladder and headed outside to talk to Baku.

"So, what's this all about?" Zidane asked once he was outside.

"We've got a missing princess to find." Baku said laughing. "Princess Garnet."

"I thought she was married off, not kid knapped," Zidane said stretching.

"If you'd like to believe that rubbish then go ahead… I thought you was quicker than that Zidane. The girl is taken in the middle of the night? The rumor of her marriage to this strange man that no one but the Queen knows was only started a few days before she was taken," Baku said.

"Yea, now that you put it like that, something doesn't seem right," Zidane said thoughtfully. Moments later Blank, Marcus, and Cinna emerged from the hide out.

"Alright, the rest o' the crew is at the theater ship already, let's get a move on. We're goin' to Alexandria to see if we pick up any clues as to where the princess actually is," Baku said.

"I had a feeling that this whole 'marriage' story was a load of bull," Blank said, crossing his arms.

"Yea, yea, we have no time to waste, let's go!" Baku hollered, laughing and heading to the ship.


Garnet was deep in thought trying to formulate a plan to escape.

"Something troubles you?" Kuja asked, interrupting her quiet contemplation.

"Not really," Garnet said slowly. She was debating on telling him, she didn't know who he was really in league with. "Can I ask you something?" Dark brown eyes regarded him warily.

"Certainly," was his response.

"Would you take me to see my uncle?"

Silence ensued.

As far as Garnet knew, Kuja was a prince from some distant continent whom she was supposed to be married to. She didn't realize at the time how far from the truth that really was.

"As you wish…" Kuja said.

Garnet whipped her head to face him. Had he honestly just said yes?

"Don't look so surprised, you're not my prisoner," he added. Still, she did not trust him.

Excellent, I was hoping she would bring this up. She'll likely relay everything she knows to the regent. It's all going as it should be…

"I… Thank you," Garnet said, averting her gaze.

"Well, as long as you promise to return with me, I don't see why I couldn't let you visit with your uncle for a while," Kuja responded, the amused smirk never leaving his face.

"Of course," Garnet replied, not sure if that was a promise she intended to keep. Maybe if he kept being agreeable she could tell her uncle everything she learned while staying with him.

It didn't take much longer for them to reach the village. Garnet was surprised to see that there were literally no adults around, and it appeared the children were running the village. She followed after Kuja quietly as he led her to an underground factory.

So, this is where all the adults are….

They walked through the tunnels and past machinery. Just what is this place?

Kuja left her only once to speak to one of the workers. Garnet took that time to explore a little. She came to a conveyer belt with eggs on it. It appeared to be taking them to a mist machine. She didn't have time to see what was on the other side for Kuja had found her. Those barrels that were in the first walkway had the sign of Alexandria on them…

"Curious are we?" Kuja asked.

Garnet jerked and turned around keeping her eyes averted to the ground.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to pry…" The princess said; looking up in surprise as Kuja started to laugh.

"It's quite alright Garnet. Either way we must depart, especially if you want to see your family," her white haired companion said.

The princess offered a small smile, though she was unsure. She was certain she would never get used to his constant invasion of her comfort zone as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders to guide her out.

The sorcerer had hoped that she would be bold enough to look around. Getting Lindblum involved was a big part in his plan. He was certain now that the young princess could make that happen for him. The poor girl was playing right into his plan, and making it quite interesting at that.

A few minutes later Garnet was glued to Kuja's side as they were flying to Lindblum. Another thing she would probably never feel comfortable with was his preferred mode of transportation.

"To Lindblum," Kuja said, and the dragon complied. He held on to her not as though she were a person, but as though she were a precious belonging that he didn't want to have ruined.

When they arrived at the castle, Kuja let the princess enter alone.

"I'll be waiting for you here," he had said when she realized he wasn't following her and shot a questioning glace over her shoulder. She nodded before making her way inside Dragon's Gate.

"Princess Garnet? Is that you?" The guard asked.

"Yes, I've come to pay a visit to my uncle," Garnet said.

"So, is it true? Were you married off?" The guard seemed skeptical. Garnet suppressed an eye roll thinking it better to uphold the charade in front of the castle guards.

"Yes, may I see my uncle now?" Garnet asked. The guard still looked unconvinced, but allowed her onto the lift. The girl looked just like princess Garnet and the Regent would be able to verify if she was or not.

"We'll reach the top level shortly," the guard said, and he was right. The lift came to a halt and Garnet was allowed to exit and make her way to the throne room.

"Princess Garnet," the guard on the left was the first to speak, "we weren't expecting you."

"I know, I apologize for appearing on such short notice, but what I need to discuss with the regent is of the utmost importance."

"Of course your highness," The guard said, opening the door for her.

Upon entering, Garnet bowed to her aunt and uncle.

"It is good to see you again Uncle Cid, Aunt Hilda," the dark haired girl said.

"My goodness," Hilda began, "Garnet is that really you?"

"Yes Aunt, I'm sorry I didn't announce my intent to visit earlier, but I was… detained…" Garnet said with a sigh.

"So we've heard," Cid said. "Dear, you've grown into a lovely young woman. What happened? Where have you been for these past several days?"

"It's a long story uncle, but I will tell you everything I know," Garnet said. Collecting her thoughts she told the regent everything that had happened since she woke up in Kuja's palace. When she finally finished, Cid and his wife remained silent for a moment.

"So, he hasn't harmed you?" Cid asked.

"No, he's been very kind to me actually. I don't know what to think, but I believe I can find out more if I stay with him," Garnet suggested.

"I don't know dear, I'd fear for you safety," Hilda said.

"Is he here with you?" Cid questioned. "Obviously not in this room, but did he come to Lindblum with you?"

Garnet hesitated, if she said yes, he would want to see him, and she really didn't see that going over well.

"No, he's not here as of this moment…" Garnet lied smoothly.

"Princess, I really think that you should stay here with us until we figure out what you mother is up to. We need to know what was being produced in that underground factory, and I know just the group to send," Cid said.

"I know," Garnet answered. "…but I told him I would go back with him. I don't feel that he would stop me from seeing you again."

Cid looked to his wife. The princess seemed set on doing something, anything, for her kingdom. She didn't appear distressed about her current situation, maybe it was worth a try. The regent had a hard time justifying sending his niece back in to a potentially dangerous situation.

"Alright, but you cannot trust him… Take this… It will send a sign to bring help if you are compromised," Cid looked her in the eye, handing her a small crystal that when shattered would give away her location and signal the need for assistance. "Your father would never have forgiven me if I let anything happen to you."

"I understand, thank you Uncle, I promise to be careful," Garnet smiled.

"Very well, we hope to hear from you soon dear. Farewell," Hilda called as Garnet turned to leave.

"You shall," Garnet said as she walked down the hallway and out the doors. She only hesitated a moment before she walked down the stairs.

As promised, Kuja was waiting for her outside the gate.

"Your talk went well?" Kuja asked.

"Yes," Garnet replied as they walked side by side to where the dragon waited. "He is insistent that I visit again soon."

"You can come here whenever you like," Kuja said. It made no difference to him if she wanted to see her family; their involvement would only further his plans. Besides, if he was going to get her to trust him, it would be necessary that she not think of herself as his hostage.

The way back was not familiar, and the sky darkened unnaturally as they neared their destination.

"Are you taking me to Treno?" Garnet asked in confusion.

"Yes, you may want to stick close little princess. As you know, it is night all the time. It would be easy for a young lady like you to get herself into trouble," Kuja said with a smirk.

"I'm not a child, I can take care of myself," Garnet answered.

"Of course not, I'm only concerned for your well-being," Kuja responded with a chuckle. It wasn't a total lie. He was concerned for her, concerned in the way that a child was worried that their favorite toy may be stolen. He didn't want his new Queen to be injured. It wouldn't go well if she got hurt. He needed her for his plan to succeed as well. Besides, she belonged to him, but just didn't know it yet.

"Fine, I won't go wandering," Garnet said; mostly just to appease him as they walked towards the Kings Mansion auction house. They did not enter through the front with the rest of the crowd, but a private back door that wasn't accessible to anyone else.

"This place is amazing, who owns this?" Garnet asked looking around the extravagant establishment with some appreciation.

"I do," Kuja answered.

Garnet turned her gaze towards him. Just who was this guy? He obviously had connections. Was he really royalty, or perhaps a well off noble?

"Don't look so surprised my canary, let us get some food and then perhaps sit in on the auction?"

"That would be alright," Garnet said after a moment of contemplation. She would have to try and find out a way to get more information from him.

Kuja led her to one of his private rooms. It was simple in décor, but still beautiful, a place setting for two under the dim lighting. The food was already on the table, steaming away as though it had just been put there seconds ago. He walked her over to her chair and pulled it out, pushing it in behind her as she sat. He moved smoothly across the floor to sit on the chair opposite of her.

It was almost like he was trying to court her, but everything was a joke. The princess wasn't sure how to take him at any given time, let alone trying to determine his intentions. It was an exhausting game to play.

When they were finished, she looked up to find him staring at her from across the small table. The humor was gone from his expression for once and he was the one that seemed to be deep in thought.

"Is there… something on my face?" Garnet asked.

Kuja's mask whipped back in to place, a smirk crossing his face.

"It's nothing, princess," Kuja answered, she didn't believe him.

They were settled on a private balcony, and down below were seats. A well-dressed man stood on stage announcing that the auction would begin in five minutes. While they waited, she sat on the edge of her seat watching people walk in and sit down. Soon enough the auctioneer was calling out prices for the first item. The value of whatever was being auctioned off quickly rose. It was almost amusing to watch two nobles fight over the rare artifacts up for bid, neither wanting to give in, and apparently not caring how much they had to pay. Eventually one would cave and the other would win, but the prices went ridiculously high.

Finally it came to the last item of the evening. It was a beautiful red gem that hung off of a gold chain. Kuja did not miss the way Garnet's eyes lit up as she saw the necklace.

"Do you want it?" Kuja asked as the bidding began. Garnet looked over at him curiously. She did take a liking to the necklace but she didn't want him to buy it for her, she would never be able to accept it. He could tell by the way she averted her gaze that she would never ask him for such a thing. He would show her he could be generous. Snapping his fingers the auctioneer stopped the bidding.

"I'm sorry folks, but the auction is over for now, this prize necklace may be up for bids at the next auction," the auctioneer said. Once the nobles exited the building, the auctioneer walked up to the balcony where Kuja sat.

"For the lady I presume?" Kuja gave a short nod, and the auctioneer walked behind Garnet clasping the necklace for her. Kuja handed the man a sizeable bag of coins and dismissed him. She was uncomfortable, her expression gave her away. They were hardly friends, every time they spoke to one another it was like an endless riddle.

"I can't take this…" Garnet stuttered moving her hands to undo the clasp.

Kuja laughed, gracefully capturing her fingers with his own to stop her.

"Think of it as an apology if you must," Kuja said.

The poor girl was so confused by the time he escorted her to the room she would be staying in. Nothing he did was genuine, or so it seemed. Perhaps given some time he would slip up and let his guard down around her.

"Sleep well," Kuja said, giving her a mock bow.

"Thank you," Garnet responded, not being able to keep the upward inflection from her voice. He was laughing at her again as he left her to get some sleep. Maybe a good rest would allow her mind to recharge.