Tifa couldn't sleep. The events from last night continued to haunt her mind over and over. When she finally did managed to fall asleep, she would wake up with beads of sweat around her neck and a soaked pillow. It's now morning and Katherine barges into the young girl's room, unannounced. Katherine quickly taps Tifa's shoulder harshly.
"Get up! Get up now! You're gonna be late for breakfast!" She snatches the blankets away from Tifa's small frame.
Wiping the cold and crust away from her eyes, Tifa slowly gets up, ignoring Katherine's pleas to rush her. Tifa wants to ask why breakfast is so important but decided against the decision. She'll have to learn to keep her mouth closed if she wants to survive in Edge.
"Go to the bath tub now! Some servants will assist you, and while you're in there, listen to what they tell you. This is your first breakfast meeting in Edge." Katherine rushes to the other side of the room where the closets are located.
Breakfast meeting? What does that mean? Tifa thought. She does what Katherine told her and went to the bathroom portion of her chambers. The servants threw several orders at the child while she bathed. Tifa thought bath time was a time to relax and cleanse your body; not to be drilled about what to do and what not to do. She often thinks that these people forgets that she's older than what she appears to be. She continues to listen to them. From what to do when Vincent speaks to her to what she should request to eat, all of the information is overwhelming. To her dismay, the servants are with her for the entire duration of her bath so listening to them drill her about breakfast, on top of looking at her naked body, is very uncomfortable for Tifa.
Finally, she manages to get out of her tub, and walks over to Katherine, who's now laying her dress on the bed.
"Put this dress on. I'll wait for you outside the door."
Katherine leaves the room along with servants, allowing Tifa to finally breath for a change. It's all too much for her. Her marriage to Vincent, being ripped away from Midgar, and the abuse from Grimoire is a lot to take in. Tifa fumbles with her dress, as she quickly puts her dress on. She pushes aside her current thoughts and meets with Katherine outside her chambers.
"Come with me." Katherine firmly says as she walks down the hall, leaving Tifa to walk faster than normal to keep up with her pace. "This is your first breakfast meeting with myself, Vincent, and Grimoire so just observe." Katherine spoke, taking a glance over her shoulder.
"Yes ma'am." Tifa answers. "Am I suppose to say anything?"
"Not this time." Katherine smiles slightly. She's thankful the child is finally picking up things. "At least nothing pertaining to politics. If someone asks you anything about yourself, you answer."
"Yes ma'am." Tifa replies. A sudden rush of relief washing over her body.
They finally reach the end of the corridor, and Katherine makes a right. There's a set of double doors that Katherine opened so effortlessly once the pair reached the end of the corridor. The doors leads to a balcony area, overlooking the front of the castle. There are guards at the gate letting merchants in and out along with chocobos and their tamers. Vincent and Grimoire are seated at a huge round table. There are servants around as well, two on each side of the table next to Vincent and Grimoire, respectfully. One of the four servants pours Grimoire a glass of orange juice, while the other three gathers Katherine and Tifa some silverware.
"Sorry I'm late my dear." Katherine says as she sits across from Grimoire, while Tifa sits across from Vincent on the opposite side. "It has been a very busy thirty six hours."
"I couldn't agree more." Grimoire replies, shooting a glare at Vincent, which Vincent decides to ignore. "However, we must get to business."
The servants comes back with Tifa's and Katherine's breakfast. They both have their share of eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, and grits. Tifa hesitates before picking up her silverware. Is it appropriate to start eating without permission? The young girl glances at Katherine, who also isn't eating her food, and also has her silverware in her hands. Grimoire gives a simple nod toward Katherine and she nods in return before shoving a forkful of eggs into her mouth. Tifa awaits for Grimoire to do the same, but he never did. He instead just stares back at her with a sly grin on his face. Tifa is confused by his expression so she turns to Vincent, who appears agitated. It's too early in the morning to be playing such mind games. He nods and Tifa picks up her fork but then stops.
"Thank you…. my...Lord." Tifa has everyone's attention. Grimoire smirks wickedly as he takes a bite of his biscuit.
"You're welcome." Vincent replies.
A few seconds goes by before Grimoire speaks. "As we all know, the peace treaty between Edge and Midgar has been fulfilled." Grimoire pauses and looks over at Tifa before continuing. "However, it seems our queen to be has lived a sheltered life. Tell me child, have you ever seen the outside of Midgar's castle?"
Tifa swallows her bacon before responding. "My mother and father would often let me play with my friend in castle courtyard."
"Well, have you ever left the castle quarters?" Grimoire clarifies.
"No sir." Tifa replies. "Mother and father said that it was dangerous for me to go outside."
Grimoire heavily sighs before commenting. "Well that is going to change in due time. Katherine, what is the current status of Joe?"
"Several witnesses say that he was caught stealing from the castle's chocobo carriage." Katherine replies as she wipes her mouth with napkin. "I say we behead him."
Grimoire smirks before replying. "I agree. Stealing, especially from us, have dire consequences. Next order of business...Elena." Grimoire motions for one of the servants to refill his orange juice. "What are the details?"
"Her and Cissnei exchanged harsh words to each other." Vincent spoke up. "Cissnei claims that Elena made some rather lewd comments about her and some royal knights intervened. Elena then spat on one of the knights."
"Behavior like that will not be tolerated." Grimoire grumbles as he finishes his bacon. "Have Elena meet me in the grand hall. We will dissolve this situation immediately. Anything else?"
When Katherine and Vincent doesn't respond, Grimoire continues. "Good. Meeting is adjourned." Grimoire gets up from the table and walks away, motioning for the servants to clean up the area. "Oh, and one more thing." Grimoire turns to face Vincent. "Bring your new wife to the grand hall."
Grimoire leaves, leaving Katherine, Vincent, and Tifa with their breakfast. Vincent frowns at his father's request. Katherine takes a few more bites of her sausage before pushing her plate away. She gets up from the table and waves her hands at the servants to clean her area as well.
"It wouldn't hurt to get Tifa acquainted with the castle quarters after the meeting with Elena, Cissnei, and your father." Katherine says as she looks over to her son.
Vincent nods as his response and Katherine takes her leave. Tifa and Vincent continues their breakfast in silence. Once Tifa is done, she pushes her plate and glances at Vincent, who's drinking his orange juice. He glances at her and she quickly looks down. He sighs, looking at the child. She's just a mere ten year old who have to adjust to this new life in just a short while. He wants to be easy on the child, but he knows he can't. With his father around with his demands and his mother having no voice whatsoever, Vincent is caught in a rock and a hard place. He knows his father is going to do something drastic to prove a point to Tifa once they meet him inside the grand hall.
Shaking his head, Vincent spoke. "The king is going to want you adjusted here very quickly, and he will do everything in his power to make sure you're a proper queen."
"Y-yes sir." Tifa responds hesitantly. "What must I do?"
"You will learn." Vincent places his glass down before continuing. "You learn and learn very fast because you will be tested."
"I'll try my best, sir." Tifa straightens her posture before continuing. "What do you think he will test me on?"
"Everything." He sighs as several thoughts run through his head. Grimoire is a very harsh man, but he's easy to read. Vincent doesn't know where to start. There is so much to teach in such a small time frame. "From etiquette to emotional response, you have to be perfect. I know you're a child but your age or appearance doesn't matter here. I need you to understand that."
Tifa nods and Vincent continues with his lecture. "If you wish to make your days easier here, start by appearing you are trying to adjust. A step in the right direction is to cater to my every need, even if my demand is ridiculous. Also, serve me, even though most actions are demeaning."
"Like what?"
"For instance, do not address me as 'sir'. I am your king, not a knight. 'My Lord' will suffice. Also, a tender gesture will be required of you."
"Like, a kiss on the cheek?" Tifa questions.
"No. That's too romantic. You are to serve and to stand by me, not love me." Vincent hates that he's the one destroying Tifa's way of living. The way love was displayed to her in an everyday fashion before arriving in Edge is something he envies. Though the actions were fake, at least had a taste of what love and respect is. However, like others in Edge, he knew the truth. Another time and place to cross that bridge. No matter how he wishes to preserve Tifa's innocence, he knows he can't. He wants her to survive in Edge, even if that means tearing her away from everything she knows. Better him than Grimoire. The poor child may not have an eleventh birthday if it's up to Grimoire.
"Oh….how about asking if you need anything?" Tifa suggests.
Vincent takes a moment to think before responding. "That could work. Show me how you would do that."
Tifa gets up her chair and stood in front of Vincent for a couple of seconds. She takes a deep breath and smiles."Is there anything else I can get you, my Lord?"
"Too forced. Try again."
Tifa thinks for a moment before responding again. "I'm gonna go to the ladies' room. May I get you anything, my Lord?"
Vincent nods. "That's a little better but next time, try not to hesitate."
Tifa nods, feeling her confidence slowly building up. "My Lord, Queen Polly is over there." Tifa places her hand on Vincent's shoulder. "May I speak with her?"
When Vincent nods, Tifa continues. "Thank you, my Lord." She does a small bow before pretending to walk away. "How's that?"
"Great." He has to admit, the girl is a fast learner.
Vincent continues with his lessons. "If King Grimoire or Queen Katherine says something you don't like, what do you do?"
"Say nothing, especially to King Grimoire. A girl in my position that questions a king can be beheaded." Vincent senses the sadness in her voice. Tifa continues with her answer when Vincent doesn't respond. "I'm really not supposed to say anything around guests, even if I back talk Queen Katherine. It would make you look bad."
"I see the queen have given you a few pointers." Vincent stands from his chair, towering over the young girl. "Come. Let's meet the king in the grand hall. He requires our presence urgently."
Tifa nods and follows Vincent as he navigates the both of them to the grand hall. On her way there, Tifa takes time to admire the castle walls. The walls are adorned nicely by lit torches and Edge's royal family crest.
"My Lord, what's that creature on the crest?"
"That is Neo Bahamut." Vincent answers as they made a left and continued down the corridor. "Neo Bahamut is a mythical being that have been said to have had led to Edge's multiple victories in wars centuries ago."
"Oh! It's the stronger version of Bahamut." Vincent stops and stares at the girl. "Bahamut is a being said to have helped Midgar win wars too."
Vincent nods. "That is correct, but do you remember what I told you about magic?"
Tifa's smile quickly fades. Gaia, he hates tearing her down bit by bit. As soon as she grasps some sort of happiness, he's there to snatch it away. He is beginning to get more and more disgusted with himself as the seconds tick by. "Yes, my Lord. It's forbidden."
"It's forbidden for women, especially women in your position. You will be beheaded." Vincent corrects rather harshly.
Tifa nods and the duo continues their trek to the grand hall in silence. Once they arrive, Vincent spots his father sitting on his throne. There's an empty throne that is next to Grimoire's right that's reserved for Katherine. It is way less flashy than Grimoire's throne. A few spaces to the left of Grimoire's throne stood Vincent's. It isn't as big as Grimoire, simply because Vincent is the prince, not the king, but it's still flashy. It's made out of solid stone with the back being covered in gold and of course, Edge's crest. Grimoire has a similar looking throne, but only his is made from complete marble and his crown is etched into the stone with two massive swords on the very back of the throne. Katherine's throne is a basic stone throne. The thrones shine brightly against the sun that peers through the stained glass windows. As the newly married, royal couple approaches Grimoire's throne, Tifa noticed there is no spot for her. Vincent glances at Tifa with a stern face before swiftly looking up at his father, who is sipping a glass of wine.
"Father."
"Vincent."
"King Grimoire." Tifa gives a small bow.
Grimoire smirks. "Excellent."
"Come Tifa." Vincent orders and motions for Tifa to stand on the right side of his throne. So far, so good. Vincent thought to himself as he sits on his throne. A servant walks by and offers Vincent a glass of wine. He takes it and then the servant offers some to Tifa. Not knowing what to do, Tifa looks at Vincent.
"Bring some apple juice for her."
The servant bows and swiftly retreats to fulfill Vincent's request. A few moments later, the servant comes back with the apple juice. Tifa starts to put the drink to her lips, but then stops, pulls the glass away from her lips, and looks at Vincent. He nods and Tifa drinks her juice. Vincent can feel Grimoire observing the duo, that wicked smile is sign of pleasure.
A few minutes goes by when a royal knight walks into the grand room and knells before the royal figures.
"My Lords, Cissnei and Elena are here."
"Send them in." Grimoire orders.
The knight bows and leaves the grand room. Vincent leans in closer to Tifa while Grimoire excitingly adjusts himself comfortably.
"Keep your hands intertwined with each other and in front of you during the duration of this meeting. Remember what we discussed."
"Yes, My Lord."
Vincent nods in satisfaction as he takes a sip of his wine. Tifa hastily finishes her apple juice and a servant takes the glass away from her hands before she could open her mouth to make a request. Elena and Cissnei are escorted in with two royal knights right behind them. The four of them all bow to their lords and the knights steps back, awaiting for Grimoire's or Vincent's command at any moment.
"So, I hear you ladies had a squabble and spat on one of my knights." Grimoire's attention darts toward Elena. "Explain to me why you spat on my knight, you wretch."
"My Lord," Elena begins. "Cissnei seems to think that she's untouchable."
Cissnei rolls her eyes. "Keep those eyes unrolled!" Grimoire barks. Cissnei flinches and Grimoire motions for Elena to continue. "My Lord, the accusations made against me are completely false."
"Is that so? Tell me more."
Elena swallows away a hard lump before continuing. "My Lord, I did say some rather inappropriate things to Cissnei, but My Lord, please understand that I was just defending myself." When Grimoire's response wis nothing but a small sip of his wine, Elena continues. "Cissnei said some rather cruel things to me about not being married. And I said I'd rather be unmarried than to be any man's whore."
Grimoire sits his glass back down. "Go on."
Elena repositions herself and continues. "After that, she said 'I'm a whore who belongs to royalty. I will always be protected.' I said 'No you're not. You're just a medic like me who's spreading their legs for married men'. Then she said 'Again, I'm a whore who belongs to royalty.'"
Grimoire strokes his beard in silence and turns towards Vincent. He's staring at the women intently. Grimoire notices that Tifa is standing still and is performing proper etiquette.
"Sounds like a bunch of he say she say." Vincent comments. "How do we know your words hold value?"
Elena swallows another hard lump and turns her attention toward Vincent. "Because, My Lord, Cissnei wears an engraved ankle bracelet from a royal member."
Everyone is silent. Even Grimoire is at a loss of words. Grimoire shifts his weight and a frowns creeps onto his face. Tifa, too nervous to move her head, cut her eyes toward Vincent, who seems to have a frown on his face well, she couldn't tell.
"Knights, bring Cissnei to me." Grimoire orders.
Both knights grabs Cissnei and pushes her toward Grimoire. The look of disgust could have killed her, if such a thing was possible. Grimoire grabs her ankle and snatches away the ankle bracelet, not caring about the slight yelp that escapes from Cissnei's lips. The king pushes her harshly away from him, and before she could get her footing, she's grabbed by the two knights and is forced to stand next to Elena. Grimoire studies the ankle bracelet carefully before glaring at Cissnei and places it in his pocket. Cissnei has a look of fear on her face.
"Prince Vincent, it seems that Elena is telling the truth. Cissnei, this little whore is parading around our castle wearing an ankle bracelet belonging to a royal family member of Midgar." Grimoire looks over at Tifa. She wants to look over to him but is too afraid. Grimoire smirks. He craves the fear in her body.
"Oh really?" Vincent spoke. "Such disrespect isn't allowed here in Edge, even with the peace treaty with Midgar."
Grimoire stands from his throne and walks toward Elena and Cissnei. "What do you think we should do?"
"Midgar isn't an enemy so I say leave her off with a warning." Vincent answers as he crosses his legs.
Grimoire nods, pondering Vincent's answer. He takes another sip of his wine as he stops in front of the two women. Both are very tense and scared beyond anyone's imagination. Grimoire turns to Tifa, who has a look of anguish, though she never let her gaze fall. Grimoire appreciates the child's bravery.
"Princess Tifa, what do you suggest?"
Tifa breathes out a little to even her voice and rid it of any fear. "I stand by your decision, King Grimoire, and also yours, My Lord." Tifa gives a small nod towards Vincent as she gives a light touch on Vincent's shoulder.
Grimoire couldn't help his sinful smirk. She'll be doing anything for his son in due time. He turns back to Elena and Cissnei as he finishes the last drop of his wine. When the remaining contents were gone, he smashes the glass against Cissnei's head, causing Elena and Tifa to jump back in fear. Elena clashes with one of the royal knights and Tifa grabs onto Vincent's right arm. Grimoire stood in place with a vicious look on his face, while Vincent, completely unfazed, watches his father.
"Knights, take this whore to the dungeon!"
The knights quickly grab Cissnei. "Why?! Why?!" She screams over and over as the knights take her away, her blood leaving a small trail.
"You may be excused, Elena."
"Thank you, My Lord. Grimoire. Lord Vincent and Princess Tifa." She quickly acknowledges and practically runs out of the door.
"Never wear a brand of another nation here, no matter if that nation is friendly." Grimoire swipes away some glass on his clothes and looks at Vincent and Tifa. "Meeting is adjourned. Servants, clean this mess up." Grimoire leaves and the servants quickly runs to the glass and blood.
Tifa, still shook from what just happened, looks at Vincent, who is standing from his throne.
"Congratulations. You passed your first test."
"Thank…..thank you, My Lord." Tifa whispers.
"Come on. Let me show you our courtyard and get some fresh air."
Tifa nods and walks alongside her future king. As she walks by, she glances at Cissnei's blood and flinches at the thought that it could be her blood on the floor if she were to ever make the king angry.