Aeris was just arranging the last vase of flowers when Sephiroth entered the room. "Very nice, you've done an excellent job Aeris."
Aeris smiled and bowed her head slightly. "Thank you your highness." She was taken back slightly as she looked at him. No longer was he wearing his cloak and she saw that his hair was long and silver, braided tightly down his back to just below his waist, the bright electric green eyes almost seemed as if they were glowing and the silver embroidery was now visible on his tunic. She had heard the prince was handsome, but he wasn't merely handsome, he was beautiful, breath takingly so.
"Is something wrong?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, sire. I was... just wondering if you required anything else from me?"
"Hmm, not presently. But I insist you remain here for dinner."
Aeris blinked. "Dinner?"
"Yes," Sephiroth smiled lightly. "Call it... payment, for your flowers."
"Thanks you sire." She bowed again quietly as the captain of the guard came into the room.
"Your highness, the princess and her escort have arrived at the castle. Your father awaits you in court."
"Thank you Vincent." He held out his hand to Aeris, "come... I want you in court as well."
Aeris smiled and took his hand, "as you wish, sire."
They left the room together which earned a concerned look from Vincent, the prince isn't supposed to offer his hand like that to a commoner, he thought and decided he had to keep an eye on that flower girl.
Walking into the grand hall Aeris slipped into a group of courtiers and Sephiroth walked up and bowed to his father. "I am here at the king's request, to meet the princess of Wutai." He stated in a loud, clear voice, then added quietly that only the king and the captain could hear. "But I don't like this and wish I wasn't here."
Hojo smirked lightly and gestured for Sephiroth to take his place beside him. The prince shuddered slightly at the look but took his seat quietly and scanned the crowd of courtiers absently for Aeris.
"Your majesties." Came a clear voice from the other end of the hall. At the main doors stood two of the palace guards, Cloud and Zack, it was Zack who spoke. "May I present her highness Yuffie Kisaragi, Princess of the Kingdom of Wutai and her escort and bodyguard Tseng Tehlatt, Captain to the armies of Wutai."
Sephiroth turned his attention away from the nearby group and watched as the two lone figures walked forward and knelt at the king's feet. Hojo gestured for them to rise and they did so, a young brunette girl in the traditional kimono of her country and her raven haired bodyguard, dressed in navy blue and black. Is this some kind of joke?! Sephiroth thought, this girl can't be more than 16, and they expect me to marry her?!
"Your majesty." The princess spoke, addressing the king. "My father, Godo, King of Wutai, wishes to know what your answer is to his request." She didn't once look at Sephiroth, but Tseng did, he was watching the prince closely from beside his princess. And in turn, Vincent was watching the princess closely from beside his prince.
"The answer..." Hojo began.
"The answer is no." Sephiroth cut in, earning a glare from the king.
It was then Tseng spoke up. "May I enquire as to why you are refusing the princess' hand?"
"Simple," said Sephiroth. "I have chosen another maiden that I wish to wed." Excited whispers went through the hall, wondering who this lady could be.
"I see..." said Yuffie thoughtfully. "Truth be told I do not wish this marriage either. no offense to you Prince Sephiroth, but I would rather learn to fight and help to protect my kingdom than he tied down as some stranger's wife."
"I understand how you feel, princess." Sephiroth said as he stood up. "You have a courageous heart. Come, let us retire to the dining hall, we have prepared a banquet in honor of your visit." Walking down the steps he lead Yuffie out of the hall. At the door he paused and whispered to Vincent. "Captain, I have invited Aeris to dinner, make sure that she comes and is seated somewhere close to me. I do not wish for her to feel as if she is surrounded by strangers."
"Yes, sire, of course." Vincent said with a bow and left to find the flower girl.
* * * * *
To be continued ......