Marriage vs. Love

Aeris woke with a start and sat up quickly in her bed. It was the same dream.. the same dream she'd been having for the past week, what did it mean? Looking down at the form beside her, she smiled. The pleased smile on the sleeping silver-haired prince's ethereal features calmed her, she sighed and settled down beside him again. The wedding had happened, but the murder had not. The dream was always the same, she dreamt of the wedding.. but always during the festivities Sephiroth was killed, the death was different every time, in one dream, he was poisoned, in another he had been pushed from the high platform and had broken his neck. But this latest dream was the worse and most vivid, Sephiroth had been stabbed in the back, a jealous lover. Aeris made a mental note to talk to the prince when he awoke and she yawned, closing her eyes again and praying no more nightmares came to her as she drifted off to sleep again.

* * * * *

Sunlight streamed through the window and Sephiroth woke with a contented sigh, looking over at his wife. She was still asleep and he slid out of bed, trying not to wake her. Walking to the bathing room he washed and changed into his clothes. He was sitting in the outer chamber, a serving girl, brushing and braiding his hair, when Aeris finally emerged. Dismissing the girl when she had finished, Sephiroth smiled at Aeris. "Good morning, my dear. Sleep well?"

Aeris sighed and shook her head quietly as she picked at the food that was sitting on a tray beside him.

Sephiroth frowned. "Another nightmare? What was it this time..?"

She nodded. "A knife in the back.." Sephiroth flinched and Aeris absently twisted a lock of hair in her hands. "This one was so vivid.. a jealous ex-lover of yours."

The silver-haired prince smirked and pulled her down into his lap, kissing her cheek lightly. "That is one thing you needn't worry about my dear wife. The only one who came before you, is dead."

"Oh, I'm sorry.."

Sephiroth shook his head. "It's ok, she died during the last war."

"She was a solider?"

Sephiroth nodded, a faint smile on his lips at the memory. "Yes, she was.. one of the best.." A knock at the door interrupted him. "Come!" Sephiroth called.

Captain Valentine entered. "Forgive me, sires.. But there is a messenger come from Kalm, I think you should read it." And he handed the message to the prince.

Sephiroth frowned as he read the note and handed it to Aeris who stood up and walked over to a window as she read it..

To Vincent Valentine, Captain of the Midgar palace guard;

Currently, certain events deny me from talking with you in person.

Rebellious groups are beginning to arise within the town and it is believed that they are planning to overthrow the royal family.

I felt it my duty to inform you 'sir. There is unrest within the township and I do not know if I can keep hiding here any longer.

I beg of your help, we do not wish for this situation to grow any further.

It is already widely believe that the royal family as outlived its usefulness to the kingdom and I fear this will cause civil unrest.

I will keep my eyes out on further leads until I know of your response.

"This came from one of your spies?" Sephiroth asked, raising an eyebrow at the raven-haired man.

Vincent nodded. "A very trustworthy one, sire. One who wouldn't of contacted me if they didn't think the situation serious."

"Captain.." Sephiroth growled as he stood up, his emerald green eyes almost glowing slightly in anger. "We cannot allow any unrest within the kingdom. Have you informed my father?"

"Not yet, sire. I was on my way to his chambers now."

Sephiroth nodded slightly. "Do so.. and tell him I'm taking a trip."

"Sire?" Vincent blinked, confused.

"Aeris.. you and I are going to Kalm." Sephiroth smirked.

Aeris blinked and then grinned with a chuckle as she handed the note back to Captain Valentine. "How wonderful.. a tour of the kingdom would be beneficial for moral of it's citizens."

Vincent frowned, but knew better than to try and talked the prince out of this idea. Perhaps it might be for the best.. he thought and bowed to Sephiroth and Aeris. "Sire.. my lady. I'll go and inform his highness of this situation."

Sephiroth nodded and gave the raven-haired man his leave, then, turning back to face Aeris he grinned wickedly. "So, what are we going to do until it's time to leave..?"

Aeris giggled. "Oh I'm sure you already have a few ideas, my love."

"You could say that.."

* * * * *

Aeris smiled as she stepped out of the carriage, looking around the town. "It's so.. compact.." She commented, looking up at Sephiroth as he climb out of the carriage behind her.

"You've never been out of Midgar before?" He asked, raising a silver eyebrow under the hood of his cloak.

Aeris shook her head. "No.. I never had the money, or the need to.." She shrugged lightly as he lead her towards the Governor's house.

The governor was waiting for them in the main parlour of the house. "Your highness.. it has been while.." She said with a smile and bowed her head respectfully. Turning to face Aeris, she smiled. "Lady Aeris, it is a great honor to finally get to meet you."

Aeris smiled. "Thank you, governor.." She looked the girl over slowly. Shoulder length blonde hair framed a fine-boned face and cool blue eyes. She was of a reasonable height and build, just slightly on the petit side.

The governor chuckled faintly. "Please, m'lady.. just call me Elena."

"It is good to see you again, Governor Tehlatt." Sephiroth smiled lightly.

"Tehlatt?" Aeris blinked. "Wasn't that the name of that bodyguard from Wutai?" She asked, glancing from Elena to Sephiroth.

Elena nodded. "Yes.. I was married to Tseng Tehlatt, he wasn't the captain of guard back then, though.." She shook her head lightly. "It didn't work out."

"Oh.. I am sorry, Elena."

"Do not worry about it.. we parted on good terms." She said, smiling at Aeris.

Vincent cleared his throat behind them. "Perhaps you should show them to their room, governor. So that they may enjoy the town at their leisure."

Elena nodded. "Of course.. you are quite right, Captain Valentine." Gesturing to a servant girl, who was waiting in the wings, she had them shown to their room.

After the they had left, Vincent turned to face Elena. "Ok.. give me your report."

Elena sighed and took a seat, gesturing for Vincent to do the same, which he declined. "There is a small fraction, small but effective. They are sabotaging crops and livestock, blaming it on the guards and royal family. A lie of course.. but a lie the people are starting to believe."

Vincent frowned and crossed his arms over his chest. "Do you know who the ringleader is?"

Elena nodded. "Yes... but I've no proof it's him, just a feeling."

"I think I might have to pay this man a visit." He growled quietly.

"A good idea, captain. But may I suggest you change first. They may not know your face around here, but everyone here knows the colors of the palace guard." She smirked lightly.

Vincent raised an eyebrow. "A reasonable idea.. thank you, Elena."

* * * * *

To be continue..