Marriage vs. Love

As the carriage pulled into the main courtyard of the palace, Zack jumped down from his seat and took Aeris' hand, helping her down. Which gained him a cold glare from Sephiroth and a worried glance from Cloud as he took down their baggage.

Aeris smiled at Zack, thanking him quietly, and she wrapped her arm around Sephiroth's as he headed for the main doors. "I think we have a lot of planning to do, m'lord."

Sephiroth nodded quietly, his mind was still on the last report that Vincent had sent him. It seemed the captain needed to stay in town longer than planned and urged that the prince and princess left town as soon as possible, things were progressing faster than they had initially surmised.

"What's wrong, my love?" She asked, once they were back in their chambers.

Sephiroth turned away from the window and looked her over. "Aeris, why did you marry me?"

Aeris blinked. "What..? Where did this come from?"

"Just answer the question."

"I love you, Sephiroth." She said, taking a step towards him. "You know that."

"Do you?!" He demanded. "Then you have no feelings for that guard, Zack!?"

Aeris gasped. "I.. no, sire.. I do not love him. He is only a friend, nothing more. Nothing ever more than that."

Sephiroth turned and looked out the window. "Leave me alone." He muttered quietly, not turning back around until he eventually heard the door closing. Slumping down into a chair he sighed, steepling his hands, elbows resting on the arms of the chair as he rested his forehead on his hands, closing his eyes. Thinking back over the journey back to Midgar, Sephiroth frowned as he remembered the closeness that seemed apparent between Aeris and Zack. She had blushed, just faintly, every time Zack's leg or hand seemed to accidentally brush close to hers. The prince wasn't stupid, he knew there was something there that was more than just mere friendship, but.. was this affection only one sided on the raven-haired guard's part, or did Aeris feel the same?

* * * * *

Things were going well for Vincent, he'd gained Cid's trust quickly and he'd soon have all the proof he needed. But, Vincent was also beginning to gain a fair about of respect for the man, and some small part of him, very small, felt it almost a shame that he'd have to try the man for treason. A sentence that always received the punishment of instant death. As far as Highwind was concern, he thought Vincent was just another wandering mercenary, one who wasn't afraid of getting his hands dirty, so to speak.

Vincent woke to the realization that someone was in his room, not opening his eyes he rolled on his side, back to the door as he slowly reached under the pillow for his dagger. Waiting for the right moment, Vincent spun around, sitting half up on one arm his dagger resting against Cid's neck. "What do you want?" He hissed lightly,

"Came ta wake ya up man. It's time for the meetin'.."

Vincent blinked and moved the dagger away as he sat up fully. "Hmm, very well."

Cid turned and headed for the door. "Nice reaction, by the way." He added before slipping out of the room.

Vincent sighed and stood up, getting dressed in those clothes again, and not for the first time wishing for his uniform, then made his way downstairs into the main part of the tavern.

"Hey there, handsome. Can I getja anythin'?" Sheena asked when he appeared.

Scowling inwardly, Vincent shook his head and headed over to the table where Cid and his other associates gathered.

* * * * *

Entering the stable, Aeris walked over the pen that held her mare. Reaching out she stroked the horse's nose lightly. "What to go for a run, Sylvia?" And she chuckled lightly as the mare whinnied in response. Turning to the stable boy she told him to saddle up her horse while she went to get changed.

Walking back inside she returned to her chambers, noting that Sephiroth was no longer there, and got changed into her riding gear. As she made her way back outside, Aeris gasped as she was pulled into a room. "What..?!" Blinking in the dim light, she frowned at the figure that stood infront of her, still holding onto her arm.

"Aeris, my lady.. please don't ignore me any longer!"

"Zack, no.." she tried to pull her arm back, but the raven-haired guard held firm. "Please, Zack.. let me go."

"Aeris, no.. I love you!" He exclaimed. "Don't turn away from me again!"

Aeris gasped as he pressed her back against the wall. "No.. Zack, don't do this." She whimpered lightly as he pressed a kiss to her lips. She tried to fight back but found it impossible as Zack was far stronger than her and she had no choice but to give in to his ravenous kisses.

Walking down the hallway, Cloud stopped when he thought he heard a whimper. Frowning slightly he opened the door that he thought the sound came from and gasped at the scene of Zack pinning Lady Aeris against the wall, kissing her with animalistic desire. "Zack!"

Zack pulled back and glared at his friend, still holding Aeris tightly. "Leave me alone, Cloud."

"No, Zack. What do you think you're doing?!" Cloud asked in shock. "This is wrong, Zack, and you know it!"

"I said leave me ALONE!" He growled and lunged for his friend.

Aeris gasped and ducked away as Zack let go of her, turning to face Cloud she gave him a grateful look as he gestured for her to leave, quickly. Running down the hallway she was making her way back to her chambers when she bumped into the king. Gasping she stumbled back a few steps. "I.. I am sorry majesty."

Hojo looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "And where were you going to in a hurry my dear."

Aeris shook her head, she knew it was very unlady-like to be running.. anywhere. Unwilling to report to the king about Zack's behaviour she closed her eyes and bowed her head slightly. "I was about to go out riding, sire.. but I, forgot something."

Hojo looked her over slowly, well.. she was wearing her riding outfit, so the story was plausible. "I see, then perhaps you wouldn't mind if I joined you." He smirked down at her coldly. "I was about to go myself."

Aeris nodded. "As you wish, sire." Hojo followed her to the chambers and she noted that Sephiroth still hadn't returned. In the back of her mind she did wonder to where he'd gotten to, but pretending to gather whatever it was she had forgotten. Aeris bowed to the king and he led the way out to the stables, she never saw either Cloud or Zack as they walked.

"Saddle my horse!" He king order the stable hands as he helped Aeris up onto Sylvia's back and she was lead out of the stables by one of the stable boys.

Soon Hojo hand joined her in the courtyard and the pair of them rode out of the main gate and into the courtyard, neither of them aware that they were being watched from two separate windows. Zack stood at one with Cloud behind him, a hand resting on the raven-haired man's shoulder in warning, and Sephiroth stood at the other glaring quietly at the king before turning and disappearing into the room, away from the window.

* * * * *

The time had come, an informant had just whisper to Cid that the King and Lady Aeris were out riding in the countryside. "Now's the perfect time." He growled, lighting a cigarette. "They are away from the palace and.. alone?" He looked up at the spy questioningly, to which the man nodded.

Vincent made a mental note of this traitor's face. He knew the person, he was one of the local blacksmiths in Midgar, fortunately for Vincent though, the spy didn't seem to recognise him. "So," he turned his attention back to Cid. "How are we going to do this?"

"Eager aren't ya, Vince." Cid chuckled. "I like that." Unrolling a map of the countryside and surrounding towns, Cid proceeded to explain their game plan.

Stupid.. Vincent thought as he half-listened to Cid, why would his majesty risk going out without a guard.. and why is Aeris with him, and Sephiroth is not? He remembered the meetings he had had with the king before the wedding and wondered if the king was going to try something.

"That's where ya come in, Vince.." Cid's words dragged him back to reality.

"Hmm.." Vincent glanced down at the map and looked at the place Cid was gesturing to. "Easily down, Cid.. do not worry about me."

"I ain't worried, man." Cid glanced around the table. "We leave in 15 minutes."

Vincent nodded and stood up, bowing his head to the men he then made his way upstairs to plan his own game plan. This isn't going to be easy.. he sighed, checking to make sure his sword and daggers were sharp. He knew the king wasn't much of a fighter, but how was he going to insure the safety of the king and Aeris, and at the same time capture Cid and his men, making sure none of them escaped.. fifteen minutes he said.. that doesn't leave enough time to send for backup. But, perhaps.. smirking lightly he slipped downstairs and out of the tavern unnoticed, heading for Elena's house.

* * * * *

To be continued..?

Please R/R