Chapter 3
Squall looked around the room in disinterest. He was thankful that Irvine had asked Rinoa to dance with him so he could finally breathe without her presence.
After a moment or so, Irvine walked towards Squall a large grin spreading across his face. "Having fun here, all by yourself?" he teased.
Squall didn't answer. Quietly, he sipped his wine glass and then set it down without a single word.
"Oh come now, Squall! Go knock yourself out! Look around!" Irvine said, waving at a few women from afar. "We are totally surrounded by angels. Tell me, is this heaven or what?!" Another grin spread across his handsome face as he took another sip from his wine glass. "'Oh, Squall! Why don't you dance with me! Oh Squall!'" he mimicked in a high-pitched tone.
"…I hardly find you amusing," Squall grumbled, glaring at his friend.
"Squally, why don't you dance with me?" Rinoa whined, hugging his arm again as she walked towards him.
"…Whatever."
Rinoa pouted. "You're so cold, Squall!" she complained, stomping her foot on the marble floor.
Irvine glanced at the two nervously. "Um, Rinoa, why don't you dance with me again?"
"Again? I always dance with you. Now I wanna dance with my Squally," Rinoa snapped.
Squall flinched slightly and sighed. He got up from his seat and walked away quickly before Rinoa could catch up. With relief, he sighed and leaned against the marble wall. Suddenly, a striking blonde standing in the very middle of the dance floor caught his gaze. The prince glanced at her curiously, as she stood there silently, glancing up at the glassy roof.
As a shooting star passed by, the lovely woman stopped looking up at the sky and by chance turned to glance at Squall.
A gentle smile rising to her pink lips, Quistis walked over to where Squall was standing. "I see you're out here all by yourself," she said as she got to him.
Squall sipped from his wine glass then placed onto a nearby tray. "Is it that obvious?" he asked with a small shrug.
At this the princess chuckled softly. "Would you care to dance?" she asked, gesturing towards the dance floor as the music changed into a more happy rhythm.
Squall shrugged. "I don't dance…I don't know how to," he answered honestly, shrugging once again.
"Oh, I think a mighty prince such as yourself would be a fine dancer," Quistis replied.
"How did you know I was a prince?"
Quistis grinned slightly. "Lucky guess, I suppose. Now come and dance with me," she said, tugging on his hand gently. "I'm sure you'll do fine."
Squall gave up resisting the beauty's offer to dance and walked with her towards the middle of the dance floor.
Quistis placed Squall's arm around her hip and the other in her hand. She then began to slowly move her feet to the rhythm, hoping the prince would follow.
Squall at first clumsily followed, occasionally tripping over his partner's feet. Yet in no time, he learned quickly the steps to the dance and had no sooner danced better then any professional dancer, with Quistis following his steps.
As the song picked up a faster pace, the dance floor cleared as everyone gaped with awe at the two dancers.
Quistis cleared her mind and let the music take over, performing the dance steps by reflex, not by memory. Her heart began to beat with excitement, as she spun through the dance floor, spinning gracefully, allowing her flowing skirt to spread out.
Selphie and Irvine watched from different places and grinned mischievously.
Irvine shook Rinoa slightly and pointed at Squall and Quistis. "Look, Squall's actually dancing!"
Rinoa glanced at Quistis holding Squall's hand and threw a fit. "What is that whore doing, touching my Squally?!?! She's not good enough for him!!!" she snarled jealously.
Irvine gulped. "But, Rinny, they're just dancing," he argued.
Rinoa turned around to glare at Irvine angrily. "No one can touch my Squally but me!!! I'm the only one good enough to even look at him!!!"
"But, Rinny –" Irvine began.
"Shut up, shut up, shut up!!!" Rinoa squealed, kicking Irvine angrily.
Selphie clapped her hands together happily as she watched her best friend dance with the dashing prince. As Zell stood next to her, she began, "They look so good together! I almost wish she marries him!"
Zell glanced at Quistis and Squall and grinned. "Whoa!!! Does she know who she's dancing with?" he asked curiously.
Selphie shrugged. "Dunno. They just met a few minutes ago," she answered. "I've been keeping a close eye on her like you asked me to," she whispered quietly, leaning her face close to Zell so only he would hear.
Zell chuckled. "Heh, wouldn't she be surprised."
Finally as the music stopped, Quistis finally opened her eyes and smiled. As a burst of applause erupted throughout the ballroom, Quistis glanced at her audience and bowed. She then turned towards Squall and curtsied. "Thank you for the dance, noble prince," she said, softly. "It was quite a thrill."
Squall bowed and ignored the applauding audience.
After a moment or so, Cid clapped his hand loudly, calling everyone's attention. "May I have your attention please? Thank you. Now, you are all gathered here today to celebrate my beautiful daughter's 18th birthday." Cid motioned his hand for Quistis to step towards the throne.
Quistis smiled and walked towards the throne happily. Occasionally, she gave a small wave or nod to her guests as she swept towards her father.
Irvine choked over his wine. "Sh – sh – she's the Quistis? Princess Quistis?! Yowza!!!" he whistled. "Man! If there were more babes like her here, then I'm moving in!"
Rinoa continued to frown as she glared at Quistis. "Irvine! Please!" she snapped shifting her gaze towards her companion.
Cid patted Quistis' shoulder softly before continuing his announcement. "As you know the legend, when the first child of the royal family reaches his or her 18th birthday, he or she receives great powers to protect the kingdom. I am proud to say that my daughter will now inherit the powers granted to her from birth," he announced. He then turned towards Quistis and smiled, taking her hands in his. "This is it, Angel. You will be given the burden of Balamb on your shoulders. Are you ready for this?"
Ignoring the cheers and applause, Quistis swallowed hard and nodded slowly. "I'm ready," she answered without further hesitation.
The room grew hushed as all eyes turned to gaze intently at the princess. The room darkened slightly, as a small and gentle glow began to emit from the Quistis' forehead.
In a few moment or so, the small light quickly spread, surrounding Quistis in a silvery glow.
Quistis gasped as a searing pain entered her body, causing the silver light to disappear around her. As she let go of Cid's hands, she discovered that her palms began to glow with a silver light before fading.
As the last trace of the silvery light disappeared, the room began to brighten once again as the people in the room clapped or cheered on the princess.
Cid smiled proudly at his daughter. "Be a good ruler, Angel," he whispered softly in her ear before Edea came and hugged Quistis.
"I'm sure you will be a prize to any man who marries you," Edea whispered in Quistis ear before letting go of the embrace.
Quistis smiled hesitantly at Edea and nodded to her father.
Cid held up his hands as a burst of applause erupted throughout the area. "Settle down now," he said, allowing the guests to cease their loud cheers of excitement. "Although we celebrate my daughter's birthday, we also celebrated her betrothal," he continued, still smiling proudly.
Hearing this, the guests broke out into hushed chatter as they looked up at the king with looks of confusion or disbelief.
Quistis frowned and looked puzzled. She had never recalled Cid or Edea bringing up the matter of marriage to her. Not once had they even spoken to her about such important things. "What? Betrothal? Since when was there – "
Edea raised her hand abruptly, cutting Quistis short. "Yes, your betrothal. Your father and I have discussed this matter, and we've decided that it's time for you to marry," she answered, placing a hand on Cid's shoulder.
Cid nodded and smiled. "Edea's right, Angel. We both think it's time for you to marry to produce another heir to inherit your powers," he agreed, sipping from his wine glass. "So, you should either marry a prince or a king. Either one of them should be good enough to attain the royal blood."
Irvine snapped his fingers in disappointment. "Damn, that puts me out of the running of – Whoa!" he exclaimed suddenly, as he spotted a beautiful girl dressed in long, yellow gown. "Damn she's HOT!!"
Squall and Rinoa glanced curiously at the girl Irvine was staring at and raised an eyebrow, saying nothing.
Selphie, dressed in a shimmering yellow gown, ran up towards the throne and stood at Quistis' side, followed by the troubled Zell.
Zell had the same look as Quistis. Obviously he had no idea of Quistis being betrothed. "What the hell is this all about? Quisty's not even ready for this. Are you, Quisty?" he asked.
Selphie nodded her head in agreement, too shocked to say anything else.
Quistis continued to scowl. "But…but I hardly know anyone," she protested.
"That's why we've chosen for you," Edea answered, smiling cheerfully.
"You've what?" Quistis, Zell, and Selphie clamored in unison.
Cid nodded. "Angel, your mother and I have put a lot of thought about this. So we've decided that there can only be one man worthy for your hand," he began as Edea motioned a hand towards someone.
Edea smiled. "Yes, we've decided that the only man worthy of your love is Seifer," she continued as Seifer approached, grinning slightly.
"Seifer?!" Selphie and Zell blurted out in alarm.
"Yes, Seifer," Cid answered. He took Quistis' right hand and placed it in Seifer's grasp. "He is a fine and excellent young gentleman. His skills with fighting are exquisite! Who better to protect you than Seifer, Angel."
Quistis gaped at Seifer. The words in her throat refused to come out as Seifer brought her hand up to his lips.
"I see that she is speechless with the engagement," Seifer sneered, a small smirk touching the corner of his upper lip.
Edea and Cid smiled at Quistis then at Seifer. "I'm sure you'll make a wonderful bride," Edea added, before signaling for the party to go on.
Quistis pulled her hands away from Seifer and continued to scowl.
Seifer nudged her gently on the ribs and grinned. "Don't worry, you'll get used to me," he muttered.
Zell gave Seifer a dangerous look before Selphie gave him a hard jab in the stomach. "Don't ruin another party with that temper of yours," Selphie scolded.
"Hmph!" Zell looked around at the guests and noticed Squall desolating himself from Rinoa. Grinning widely, Zell rushed towards him and slapped his hand on Squall's shoulder. "Squall! WAAAAASSSUUUP?"
Squall glanced at Zell and nodded, while sipping from his glass. "Oh, it's you," he answered dully. "It's been awhile, hasn't it?"
Zell scratched his head. "Yeah, I haven't seen you ever since that last engagement party they threw for you. So, you married yet?" he asked curiously.
Squall emptied his glass before answering. "I broke off the engagement a week later. She wasn't my type. Besides, I don't plan on marrying just yet, maybe even never," he replied, setting his empty glass down on the table.
"Heh, I knew you were gonna break off the engagement. She really wasn't your type. Too quiet if you asked me," Zell agreed. "In fact, I only remember her speaking one worded sentences to me. That was really creepy. So where is she now, anyway?"
Squall shrugged. "She didn't take it so hard when I explained to her the news. In fact, she looked pretty happy," he answered.
"You having any regrets yet?"
Squall nodded grimly. "I should have married her when I got the chance."
"Huh? Why?"
Squall motioned his head towards Rinoa, who was pestering Irvine. "My parents are now forcing me to marry…her," he replied gloomily as Rinoa approached them.
"Squally, there you are!" Rinoa exclaimed before throwing her arms around him.
Squall made a face as Zell chuckled amusingly. "Squally? Hehehehe…Looks like you've got your hands full," he replied as Squall tried to back away from her grasp. He gave the prince of Esthar a pat on the back before adding, "Have a nice life."
From behind Zell, Irvine chuckled also. "Zell, long time no see, buddy," the sharp shooter exclaimed, placing a hand on Zell's shoulder.
Zell glanced behind him and noticed Irvine. "Oh, so you're still alive even after that little incident."
Irvine nodded. "Heh, barely. I thought I was gonna die until I realized that if I lived, I'd be a hero and more chicks are gonna love me," he replied humorously.
"Same old Irvine, I see," Zell replied.
Irvine cleared his throat and glanced at Quistis again. "Hey, you never told me you had a sister."
Zell glanced at Quistis who was chatting with Selphie and grinned. "You never asked. Anyway, you're too late. She's already taken."
Irvine shrugged. "Yeah, well I wasn't thinking about her, even though she's a babe. Boy she is one hot babe. BUT! I'm thinking about that hot chick next her," he answered, staring at Selphie. "You know, her cute little friend." He began to drool slightly until Rinoa elbowed him in the ribs.
Zell glanced at Selphie and grinned. "Oh, you mean Selphie." He looked back at Irvine then at Selphie. "Hey, Sephie, Quisty, come here. There's someone I'd like you to meet," he called.
Quistis and Selphie glanced at Zell and then walked towards him, breaking away from their conversation.
"Selphie, I'd like you to meet Lord Irvine Kinneas," Zell introduced as Selphie glanced at Irvine.
Irvine bowed and held Selphie's hand. "Pleasure to meet you, pretty lady."
Selphie's cheeks turned bright red as Irvine kissed her hand. She giggled slightly. "Pleasure to meet you, Lord Irvine. I'm Selphie, but you can call me Sephie, since that's what almost everyone calls me here," she replied.
Zell pointed towards Squall and Rinoa. "And this is Prince Squall and Lady…uh…"
"Rinoa," Rinoa prompted.
"Rinoa," Zell finished.
Selphie curtsied and smiled. "Welcome to Balamb! Quisty, come here. Don't stay too quiet!" The young woman grabbed Quistis' hand and dragged her next to Zell.
"Quistis, meet Lord Irvine Kinneas." Zell pointed towards Irvine, who kissed Quistis' hand.
Quistis gave a warming smile towards the sharpshooter as he kissed her hand. "Ah, so you are the infamous Irvine. Zell often talks about and an incident that occurred during your last meeting together," she said, a smirk rising to her face.
Zell cleared his throat as Irvine turned a deep shade of red. "Oh well, that incident! Well, you see, Zell often exaggerates when he tells his little stories," Irvine replied.
Once again the Zell cleared his throat, trying to change the subject. "And this is Lady Rinoa," he finally said, turning towards the raven haird girl.
Quistis glanced at Rinoa uneasily as Rinoa gave her a hostile look. "Pleased to meet you, Rinoa," she said politely.
Rinoa gave her a tight smile before looking away.
Zell raised an eyebrow over Rinoa's hostility before turning to Squall. "And I believe you've already met Prince Squall Leonhart."
Quistis glanced at Squall and smiled. "Yes, we've met," she said, curtsying. "Hello again, I suppose."
Squall bowed slightly. "Congratulations on the engagement," he said stiffly.
"Um, thank you I suppose," Quistis replied, her face beginning to flush slightly.
"Yeah, congrats," Rinoa sneered, before putting an arm over Squall. "We're engaged too. Shouldn't you congratulate us?"
"Oh," Quistis replied, glancing at both Squall and Rinoa, "congratulations."
At that very moment, Irvine's eyes grew wide. "Hey, Squall, look! It's her!"