In case anyone is wondering what the hell is going on here, the story switches from the land of Equidor to Seadon, depending on whom I am writing about. It will keep switching until both characters are in the same land. I hope this clears something up, though it's probably made it worse.
Disclaimer: Ok I don't own FF8, but I love it to bits.
In Equidor Meeting Almasy
"Rinoa" Her father said from inside the carriage. Rinoa cursed him, now she would have to leave the view of the window and start a conversation.
"Yes father" She said reluctantly turning her head away from the window.
"You must remember to be polite to Lord Almasy tonight" He said fixing her with a cold stare.
"I know father" Rinoa said annoyed. She had had this conversation with him over a hundred times; it was beginning to get tiresome now. He Father raised a finger to point at her, and opened his mouth ready to give her another long lecture about something meaning less. But before he could utter anything, Rinoa's mother spoke, saving her daughter from another sure headache.
"It's for the best honey" She said stroking Rinoa's arm, "He will be able to provide for you in a way me and your father haven't"
"I know Mother" Rinoa replied, tired of this discussion. "I know he can provide, and I know it's for the best. But it just doesn't seem fair!" Her mother gave her a sorry look, but then started telling her husband about how Madam Hue, had already made the wedding gown. Rinoa listened half-heartedly.
"Oh where is MY Knight?" She whispered, "Or maybe I'm not worthy of one!"
The driver forced the horses further into the black down pouring rain, with every crack of the whip. Rinoa wished herself out in the rain. To be free to jump in the puddles, but that would never be again. Not after she was made his Lady. The carriage came to a halt and Rinoa was forced out into her wish. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea after all. The rain splattered on to her hair and dress.
"Stupid rain!" Rinoa muttered, making a dash of the shelter of the doorway. Her mother not far behind her.
"You would think that they would put something here, to stop people getting wet!" Her mother exclaimed. Rinoa just nodded and smiled at the doorman as he opened to door for her.
This door was the entrance to her new life, once inside she could never go back. Rinoa took a deep breath and stepped inside.
"Wow" was all she could say as she stepped in.
"You haven't seen anything yet," Her father said, mentioning for her to follow him.
"You mean this isn't the main room?" Rinoa asked surprised.
"No sweetie, this is just the buffet room" Rinoa looked shocked, if this was just a place for the food then what would the main hall be like. Two golden doors marked the entrance to the ballroom. Rinoa regarded them with scrutiny, much too flashy. She was determined to disapprove of this room, however it looked. But that thought was clearly forgotten about when she saw the beauty of it.
"Oh my!" was all she could think of to say at that very moment. On the walls were gold edged mirrors; each had a partner on the opposite side of the room so when somebody stood in front of them the reflection went on forever. Large white marble pillars were the first things she noticed however. They stood at the edges of the room like guards. Pure gold snaked around them until meeting at the top in a tangle. Each gold strip then formed a large knot in the middle in which a huge diamond chandelier hung. Sparkling at all of the dancers below. The floor was equally as beautiful; it looked like a frozen lake, black with silver shimmers like the night sky.
A man with a red coat was walking to wards them. When he saw them he quickened his pace. He bowed first to Rinoa's father and then to Rinoa herself.
"M'lady, please follow me as my Lord wishes to speak with you" he said bowing again. Poor man. He clearly thought he was in front of royalty.
"Yes of course" Rinoa said following the man to a back room, on the other side of the dancers. Every time she looked at the man he bowed, it looked quite funny. He was walking and bowing at the same time, it looked like he was trying to tie up his shows on the move.
They finally reached the room, and Rinoa was quite glad to get rid of this embarrassing man. He had trodden on her toes a few times in his bowing. But alas he went in the room too. Inside was a small dining table all set out and waiting for someone to use it.
"I hope you have not eaten tonight My Lady" Seifer said walking towards her. Hyne this was not what she had expected him to look like. He was supposed to be old and turning grey. Not young and handsome. Could this really be the face of the man that brings so much suffering to the people of Equidor?
"No I haven't eaten" Rinoa replied, still mesmerized by Seifer's looks. Blonde hair and blue eyes but without the boyish look that blondes usually had. Seifer pulled out a chair for Rinoa and waited till she sat down before he left her side to occupy his own. The waiters fussed around Rinoa pouring wine, and placing knives and forks. After the food had been brought out. Seifer ordered them to leave, so that he could be alone with Rinoa.
"You know why you're here," Seifer said taking his glass, "I wish to make you my bride." Yikes, she had to give him credit for getting straight to the point!
"But why me?" Rinoa said before thinking. As soon as the words left her lips she wished they hadn't.
"What?" Seifer said looking annoyed.
"Well…" this would have to be the best cover up in the whole world, if she was to see daylight again. "You could have any girl in the world, why me?" She said, hoping to flatter him. To her relief he smiled.
"Maybe any girl is not good enough" He said looking at her, Rinoa felt uncomfortable and so looked down in her glass of red wine. "I know you do not love me" Seifer continued "But I have always admired you, also I know you have not wilfully accepted this offer of marriage, so I want to grant you one wish"
"Sorry?" Rinoa said not understanding.
"Name anything and it shall be done" When Rinoa didn't reply he continued "At least then you would of got something out of this marriage" Rinoa nodded. She looked him straight in the eye.
"Lower the taxes" she said still keeping his eye. Seifer didn't say anything, he was shocked. He had expected something childish, like a pony or a large amount of money. But this had stumped him.
"Very well" he said finally, Rinoa's face broke out into a grin. "Care to dance?" he said offering her his arm. She accepted and they left the room, leaving the half eaten food behind them.
I hope you liked, Remember Seifer is the bad guy, but he treats his ladies right. Well he does in my story.
Next chapter: Back to Squall's land, and does Squall have a crush???
Thank you to… Phoenix Blade, Exhile 87 and Silver Shadow and of course Laguna's Underwear.
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