Chapter two:

Concentrate. Read their moves. Find an opening.

The hum of my sword slicing air was comforting, because it calmed me in a way that nothing else could. If I felt stressed out or anxious, 'sword dancing' as Zangan believed, would right away put me at ease. It placed my mind in an almost meditate-like state, focusing only on one thing. Technique.

"...Excuse me Miss Lockhart. If I may interrupt?" The voice echoed clearly through the hall.

I stopped midway through one of my finishing exercises, and faced the direction of the doorway. I was not pleased at all; I hated being interrupted while training.

"Yes?" I answered sharply, one hand on my hip.

Yet the advisor did not flinch from my voice. Although I was of higher class than him, he felt he had more authority over me because if his 'experience' in the kingdom. Cornelius was always like that, and being an old man helped him back up his little theory. It was silly that he greatly respected my father, but saw me as nothing but a child.

I was 21 for god's sake! You'd think with all his 'wisdom', he would at least be able to determine that.

"Your father has summoned you," Cornelius responded, eyeing my clothing. "He expects you to arrive in proper attire, for he wishes you to meet a visitor." With that said, he bowed at the waist and left.

Hmpf. Well that was quick; it must be an important person. I mused. I'm surprised he didn't drawl on like he usually did about my appearance.

Cornelius never approved of breeches and a shirt, especially if it was worn by a women like myself. Actually to me it was quite comfortable, but I knew father would never agree. He only lets it slide when I'm training.

I wiped my forehead and replaced the training blade back on the rack. Proceeding through the main door, I walked steadily down the hallways pondering about who the visitor was.

I guess the gossip was true. I smiled at the thought. That's a first. But still, I wonder who the visitor is? I could only hope it's not some bore father wishes me to meet again. All those old professors are just so dull! I don't know if I can take it anymore!

Once making it into my room, I walked straight to the adjoining door which led to my bath. The steam greeted me warmly, and I welcomed it. So as soon as I slipped out of my sweaty clothes, I sunk neck deep into the hot water. My muscles quickly reacted to the sudden change in temperature, and eventually began to relax. I sighed contently.

My eye lids began to droop lower, and I almost felt myself nod off. But I jerked my head up, remembering I was needed by my father. If I was to be late, Cornelius would have my head for it. I hastily cleaned and soaped myself and climbed out, wrapping a towel around my body.

I opened the door to my bedroom, and to my dismay, found a dress already laid out for me by the maids. I had told them countless times that there was no need for it, because I was happy to pick out my own wardrobe. But they always took it in their own hands to see what I should wear.

Taking another step towards my bed, I inspected the dress further. The neckline was dangerously low; just as I expected. And it appeared to be sleeveless, but the straps were made to be off shoulder. It was obvious the maids wanted me to impress someone.

I scowled to myself. But once again my mind reminded me that I was pressed for time, so I grabbed the dress almost yanking it on.

I swear! Angry thoughts flew freely in my head. Those maids are really going to get an earful from me!

As soon as the dress was on, I immediately grabbed a brush from my dresser and quickly tore it through my hair. Thankfully it was half dry, and it cut off half the time it would usually take to comb my long locks. Glancing at the mirror, I took an extra second to make sure everything was alright.

I tilted my head. Ok. Maybe the dress wasn't that bad. During my previous my inspection, I failed to see that it was still a simple dress, just how I liked it. The length of the dress was long and flowing, so as to sweep the floor just barely. And it was nothing very flashy but instead elegant and neat. Still though, the idea of so much skin showing just to impress someone; especially someone I didn't even know. I sighed inwardly, who was this visitor anyway?

And besides, my father already had someone in mind for me; the son of Duke Strife.

Yet it was strange, because Duke Strife was already wealthy. And if it meant that I would marry his son, servants just happen to be paid more. The only conclusion I could come up with, was that this visitor must be even wealthier. That must be it.

But I knew father probably wouldn't change his mind about the Duke's son and me because he was already good friends with Duke Strife himself. And it was all a matter of time before he would finalize the whole ordeal.

But the maids are stubborn. My inner voice intervened. They would try anything for more money.

True, I put in.

Then all of a sudden, a loud ring echoed through the corridors. I gasped. The hall clock! It rang and rang, indicating the time and mentally telling me I should have left already. I yanked my door open and got ready to run out, but my dress stopped me abruptly and I nearly tripped and fell. Smart one Tif.

I groaned, quite frustrated with myself. Damn.

The last chime of the clock interrupted my silent cursing and I quickly set out into a swift speed walk.

The hallways seemed endless when one was rushing, but I was relieved when I finally rounded the last corner. I looked ahead to see Cornelius standing in front of two closed doors, back straight, and head high. Please. It was all for show, and he knew it.

"I see you've decided to show up." His words literally dripping with sarcasm.

As soon as I stopped in front of him I coldly replied, "You know I would have. And might I add," I gave him a sweet smile. "I'm only doing this for father, not you."

"My words exactly," he remarked smoothly, and immediately gave a fake gasp. "My goodness! We agree! I do say we must celebrate."

I rewarded him with an icy glare, and reached for the door knob. Cornelius hastily slapped my hand away at my sudden action.

"You must be introduced," he ordered.

I exhaled in defeat. At this rate I'll never make it into the room. Ignoring my little show, Cornelius took another second and then lightly knocked on the wooden front. A muffled reply met our ears and the advisor let himself in. I stood behind the other closed door.

"I am to announce Ms. Lockhart's arrival," Cornelius' voice rang out loud and clear. And I shook my head, smiling at how such a simple line could be so important to him.

Once he stepped back out, he motioned for me to walk in. I followed his instructions obediently, and the door closed behind me with nothing but a click.

I saw my father sitting at a small rectangular with various papers scattered among the top. His attention seemed to be on one particular paper he had in his hand, but when he noticed I had been standing by the doorway he immediately put it down.

"Ah Tifa, I am glad you have come," he stood up and walked over to me, embracing me softly. "You must meet our guest; he is a very important person to the realm."

My eyes shifted to the tall chair at the foot of the table. It screeched back, and a man stood up from his sitting position, and slowly turned around.

The moment our gazes met, my body immediately stiffened. His steel blue eyes were unmistakable; unforgettable. And that's how I knew, it was him.

His cheekbones were high and he had a defined mouth, despite the permanent smirk which constantly played among his lips. From his head, he had quite a few stray strands escaping his sunny blonde hair, but he flipped them back casually, a gesture that I could tell was probably a habit of his.

"Miss Lockhart, I am pleased to have finally met you. I have heard nothing but praises from your father." Rufus Shinra's voice was pure velvet, every word rolling off his tongue was as sleek as one can get.

It was all an act.

My first motive was to instantly slap him, so as to wipe that stupid smirk off his face. But I clenched my jaw down hard, and plastered on a smile. I knew father would be most displeased if I did anything rash. So I tentatively raised my hand towards him, our eyes still on each other. If anyone was to break the hold, it wouldn't be me. I could hold anybody's gaze, with me winning every time.

And as I expected, Rufus looked away, his eyes traveling to my hand. He stepped toward me and gently took it in his. Raising it to his lips, he softly kissed it, lingering there for a second longer.

I was tempted to pull away and was literally about to do it, but thankfully my father broke the moment, and I looked in his direction slowly pulling my hand from Rufus' grip.

My father cleared his throat nervously. "I am glad that you are both acquainted with each other now. And-…"

A quiet knock was heard from the door, and a moment later Cornelius' head popped through the opening, eyes curiously looking to see what he had interrupted.

"I am sorry to interrupt. But I must have a word with his Highness, if it's not too much trouble?" His voice was quiet, as if he were to get scolded for coming into the scene.

A sigh escaped my father and he apologized to Rufus for delaying the meeting. Rufus nodded his head in response, "It is quite all right sire, I'm sure your daughter will be fine company." With that said my father opened the door slowly, took a final glance at me then walked through.