Love vs. Marriage.
The next morning Aeris was sitting at the desk in the room she had stayed looking out the window that faced the countryside. I wonder if the king will give his permission. With a sigh she stood up and walked over to the bed, collapsing face down onto it. I'll defiantly need to get some new dresses or something. She thought, a knock on the door making her jump. "Come in." She called out as she sat up.
Zack walked into the room wearing his usually palace guard uniform. "M'lady.." he said with a low bow. "The prince has sent me to help find you some new attire before you are to attend court this afternoon."
"Thank you, Zack." She smiled and left the room, Zack following closely behind her as they left the palace and headed for market place.
* * * * *
Meanwhile in one of the King's private rooms, Sephiroth was still trying to convince his father to let him marry the flower girl. "What is it about her don't like?" He asked, pacing up and down the room, hands clasped behind his back.
Hojo remained sitting in his chair at the fireplace, watching the dancing flames and every now and then taking a sip from the wine glass he was holding. "Well, for one thing, she is a commoner."
Sephiroth stopped pacing and turned to face the king, arms folded. "Is that all that bothers you?"
"For the time being.."
"Father, believe me when I say I love her." He knelt down on one knee beside the king's chair. "Please give us your blessing."
"You truly wish to marry this girl?" Hojo asked as he looked down at the prince thoughtfully.
"Yes! I do very much wish to marry her. Her beauty is only equaled by the love in her heart."
Hojo sighed and nodded slightly. "Very well, I shall give you my blessing to marry this girl." Sephiroth jumped to his feet, "but.." Hojo continued. "I shall keep an eye on her and if I see anything that displeases me, you shall not receive my crown. Is that perfectly clear?"
Sephiroth frowned slightly but nodded. "Yes sire, you shall not need to worry." With a bow he took his leave and made his way through the palace to Aeris' room, pausing outside when he heard her giggle.
"Do you think he'll like it?"
"Of course he will." Came a male voice. "You look absolutely stunning."
Sephiroth opened the door to find Zack brushing out the knots in Aeris' hair. Aeris turned around in her seat and smiled. "Sephiroth," standing up she bowed her head in a low curtsy. "What do you think? Does m'lord approve?"
Sephiroth was speechless as he looked her over, his electric green eyes taking in every detail of her new dress, it was a delicate shade of pink with white lace trimming and gold embroidery. Aeris glanced at Zack, worried the prince didn't approve, but the grin on his face told her otherwise.
"Wow," Sephiroth stated. "You're even more beautiful than I remember." He chuckled lightly as she blushed. "But, we need to do something with your hair."
"I was just working on that, sire." Zack intoned as he gestured for Aeris to take her seat again.
"I'll leave her in your capable hands then Zack." He said with a smile at Aeris. "I'll send Captain Valentine to come and get you when court begins this afternoon." And with another glance at her he smiled and left the room, closing the door behind him.
"I think he liked it." Aeris grinned and Zack nodded quietly, brushing her hair again.
* * * * *
"He really is quite taken with her, isn't he?" Yuffie muttered to her bodyguard. "She is rather beautiful. It's a pity.." She sighed quietly as she turned her attention back to the court.
"What's wrong your highness?" Captain Tehlatt asked quietly.
"Tseng, I know I've said I wish to learn to fight and protect my kingdom. But I also know my father will not stop trying to marry me off. I wonder who he'll send me to next.."
The raven-haired man studied her quietly for a moment before speaking. "I shouldn't be telling you this m'lady, but I believe your father has Baron Reno Sasuki of Mideel as his second choice."
"Oh merciful god, not him.. please." Yuffie groaned and Tseng smirked lightly, knowing the princess knew all to well about the tales of Baron Sasuki's reputation. Especially those involving alcohol and women.
"Then let it be known.." The king's voice brought Tseng's attention back to the front of the hall. "That my son shall be wed to the Lady Gainsborough in one week's time." Cheers went up around the court and Tseng found it hard not to clap as well.
* * * * *
To be continued......?