A/N: I am soooo sorry that these updates came so late. I've been away from the internet for quite a long time-unwanted circumstances and such... Anyway, I hope these two chapters make up for it. Thank you to everyone who reviewed and as per usual please leave another review if you've finished. I really want to know what you think. I'm currently working on Chapter 13 of this story, so expect another update in a week or so. I am bent on finishing this story just as I have done with Blood of My Blood.

Chapter 6: A Prince's Welcome

It was already two hours after lunch when Natalie found herself sitting in the gazebo located in the vast palace gardens. Her morning was a busy one; she barely had time to enjoy her day. A meeting with her parents and the court's noblemen had left her bored and in want of amusement. The high palace walls had conveniently blocked her view of the outside world. It was a place made known to her through television, but she'd never been there before—until her eighteenth birthday that is.

So here did this princess stay, not expecting company and just leisurely enjoying the fresh breeze that blew through the garden. Some flowers were still in bloom—no doubt a vivid remnant of spring. She still had an hour more to spare before she should get ready for the coming of a royal guest. Her attendant had informed her of these events in the morning—as was her mother's request. For some reason, Kadaj's words had returned to memory. He promised her some days ago that he'd be seeing her again, and now he was coming here. Was he aware of this future event?

Natalie sighed, mindful of that intimate dance that night. Tonight, there would be a formal dinner in honor of Kadaj's coming. It was Sephiroth's orders that he send his brother here for the summer, and Natalie knew that it was wrong, but for some reason, she was suspicious of that plan. She didn't know why though, so she left it at the back of her head. Her father however, had no such qualms with the idea. To put it simply, the king was thrilled—in his own way. He immediately arranged for an entourage for the prince, though he was wary of Kadaj's reputation, but he was to be his daughter's future brother-in-law, so they really couldn't do anything about it.

The princess was also aware of course. She wasn't a fan of newspapers, but she had once caught a headline screaming of a scandal that involved Kadaj. From what she could remember, the young blue blood was reported to have been seen partying in a night club and had caused a bar fight after getting drunk. And that news was but a year ago, but the impression remained of course. After meeting him at the party, a sudden thought occurred to her that maybe he had changed.

Her thoughts were broken by the sudden entrance of her personal attendant. She seemed to be in a hurry, and normally, Natalie would've stood up at the sight, but she remained seated, still pondering her earlier thoughts.

"Your highness," she gasped, resisting the urge to sit for it was improper lest her lady invited her to. "Her majesty has requested for you to come to her quarters at once," she resumed her breathing hard.

Natalie sat still, staring ahead, hands folded across her lap. "Josie?"

At the sound of her name leaving the princess's lips, the attendant quickly erected her position. Princess Natalie rarely called her by name for kingdom tradition forbids it, even in these days of modernization.

"Yes, your highness?"

"What is the outside world like?" Natalie mused, almost to herself but turned her head so she could see her attendant's pretty face framed by lustrous brown locks. "Is it as bad as my mother talks of?"

"Oh no, your highness," replied the young woman. "But it is a place highly resided by danger for a fine young lady like you."

"Why, girls not of my status live freely in that place don't they?" Natalie asked, quite shocked at the startling description of the place occupied by the masses.

Josie nodded once. "Yes, your highness, but you are of a delicate upbringing. Those people can never understand you if you were to be there. Princess, I believe her majesty told me fairly well to hurry," she said, casually reminding the girl of her true purpose of having been a bother.

"Oh yes. Yes of course," Natalie smiled, snapping out of her thoughts and standing up as her attendant led the way.

vVvVv

Kadaj sat back warily, ignoring the latte that had been set on his cup holder since the beginning of the hour-long flight. He had no such plans to drink it now, since it was certainly cold, and after taking a sniff, he knew he wouldn't like it anyway. He had everything packed, and his semi-formal suit put on, he had boarded their private plane that was bound to reach Ceres in an hour's time. Kadaj wasn't really sure how long he was up in the air, but it already seemed like a long time. He knew it was possible, for being stuck in the seat doing nothing was a not a pleasant way to pass his time. The TV that had been set was airing a film made in the old times, and of course, it was hardly entertaining.

More long minutes were spent in boredom. He could hear the laughter and the jokes of his bodyguards that were seated far back and who were enjoying a friendly game of poker. One of them had mustered up the courage to ask him a while ago if he wanted to join, but he refused, wanting to spend some time alone. Just as Kadaj was beginning to doze off, the voice of the flight attendant was heard instructing them to prepare for landing.

Kadaj groaned. Why were good times always supposed to be ruined? And after the announcement that the plane had touched the ground, Kadaj's phone vibrated in his pocket. The call was from Loz, probably checking if he had arrived in one piece.

"Hi Loz," Kadaj greeted with an air of boredom and exhaustion.

"Hi little bro," he sounded really cheerful, and that made Kadaj frown slightly. "So, is everything alright?"

"More so than you can imagine..." Kadaj mumbled, unknowingly being sarcastic. Don't get him wrong. Kadaj liked Loz because unlike Yazoo, his second eldest brother refused to talk formally with his brothers. He preferred plain old language, and Kadaj liked it that way.

"Oh, that's good to hear." Kadaj could picture Loz beaming, and if his brother knew he was being sarcastic, he didn't show it.

"So why did you call?" Kadaj inquired, out of patience for polite talk.

"Yazoo asked me to. He wanted to check if you were okay. Are you?"

Kadaj sighed. "I'm fine. Tell Yazoo I'm okay, and I'm not a baby that needs to be looked after and taken care of every single minute."

"Okay, Kadaj. Call if you feel like it, and we'll do the same once in a while. See you in two months."

"'Kay. Don't let your guard down." Kadaj hung up after that, and rose to his feet, eager to get out of the dreary plane and its heady scent that made his nose ache. He longed to be outside, alright, and it wasn't for long.

vVvVv

The airport is always crowded with people—that's almost a self-written fact—so it wasn't really surprising when a great number of them paused from what they were doing once they caught sight of the playboy prince who had a stately reputation and after the scandal a year ago, wasn't completely forgotten by the people or the media for that matter. Kadaj wasn't really surprised that once he entered the building, guards and armed forces had already been stationed across the airport, in every nook and cranny, ensuring the extra safety of—not just the passengers—but of the prince himself.

Reporters came up to him now and then, flocked around him like annoying birds when they saw he had a good dish to serve. Microphones and cameras were following him and being pointed his way, and numerous questions were asked as to his unexpected arrival that had just been announced this morning. Kadaj only gave them one statement.

"Would you kindly tell us what the prince of the Kingdom of Nyx is doing here?"

"Your highness, what do you say about those people who have continued to openly criticize you for your reputation?"

"Your majesty, the people are eager to know your purpose for coming here."

Kadaj stopped walking, and spoke: "There shall be a press conference later on in one of the rooms in his majesty's palace. Feel free to ask your questions there."

With that said, the media still refused to leave him alone. So much for a private trip. It was one of the many reasons why Kadaj resented publicity. He walked at a faster pace, his personal bodyguards doing their best to shield their master from the media. Each time his opinion was asked, Kadaj simply shook his head and continued on until he reached the private car that had been sent for him by the king. But even there, they continued to pester him. And just to give a little thrill, Kadaj rolled down the tinted window from his seat and reporters flocked and questioned him relentlessly. He merely flashed them a charming smile that he was oh so popular for and was all too smoldering for the ladies and signaled for the chauffeur to get moving.

vVvVv

The Augustes lounged comfortably in the massive receiving room, waiting for the arrival of their guest. It served particularly as a lobby, and the family of three casually sat around the couches set up over the luxurious carpet adorning the floor. There was a grand piano near the reception desk where a hired musician might play, but in the meantime, the royal family just waited in silence. King Frederick—dressed in his coat-and-tie attire—was engrossed in a newspaper while a cup of coffee was perched on the coffee table. Queen Adriana—dressed in a smart woman's blouse and a pencil skirt—was quietly thinking while sipping on her cup of tea. And our ever charming Princess Natalie—wearing a knee-level sleeveless turquoise dress, her hands donned with white gloves—was casually reading a paperback novel of the romance genre.

"Pardon me to interrupt your reading, dear, but what time of the day did our guest say he'd be coming?" The queen asked, placing her cup of tea on the coffee table.

"Six in the afternoon," he nodded, once, returning his attention to the newspaper.

The queen said no more after that, and they were once more shrouded in silence as the royal family waited. It was fifteen minutes later when Natalie found herself close to dozing off, and feeling somewhat as if they were on a vigil instead of sitting comfortably on the couches waiting for a VIP. Having able to read enough, she sighed, and leaned back on the soft pillows and laid the paperback novel down. And it was at this juncture that the trumpets outside the palace walls resound—announcing that the prince had just arrived. Natalie sat upright, her attention heightened for the reason that a princess must never be caught slacking.

The double doors at the entrance of the receiving room were opened, and the family stood up and greeted the prince with a warm welcome. The king greeted the young prince lavishly, personally introducing his wife and daughter even though Kadaj already knew who they were. And Kadaj, acknowledging the gracious welcome of his hosts, bowed courteously to the king and queen, and then, taking the princess' gloved hand, bent down and kissed it, his eyes meeting hers in a powerful gaze that nearly rendered Natalie speechless.

And off they went to get ready for the press conference that was to take place after dinner. Frederick and Kadaj walked ahead of the ladies, casually conversing political affairs as the butler took his cue and walked ahead of them to lead his masters to the dining room where the food would be waiting. Natalie silently trailed after them; hands at her sides, face set forward, her mother walking with the same regal posture next to her. She might've looked calm and serene on the outside, but inside she was confused as a whirlpool.

So Kadaj's promise came true. She met him again. That kiss on the hand had been a sign of courtesy, but that look he gave her. It was so...mesmerizing, like those green eyes peered into her soul. His eyes held an incalculable amount of mischief in them, and it made the princess insatiably curious as to what Sephiroth's motives were for sending him.

And so, to dinner they sat. The first course of the meal had arrived and was set in each plate. Natalie had begun eating cautiously just like everyone else—always careful not to spill any morsels into the table cloth.

"First off, what may I call you, Lord Kadaj? It seems to be too much of business thing if I shall address you by title. My family and I prefer a close fellowship," Frederick smiled.

Kadaj dabbed his table napkin across his lips, and replied. "You may call me 'Kadaj'."

"Of course, your highness. So Kadaj, your brother, Lord Sephiroth has informed me that you will be going off to college in the fall. If it's not too much of a personal question, may I inquire about your plans?"

Well, it wouldn't do any harm to tell the king about his future education. What harm could he do?

"Well, as to me and my brothers' plans, we have unanimously agreed to send me to college in Mideel. I have already sought out a fine university to house my education," Kadaj explained, taking a sip of wine from the goblet.

"State universities in Mideel can be quite picky," the queen commented, taking a very lady-like bite on her steak.

Kadaj nodded. "Perhaps so, but it's not a problem that can't be easily fixed with a little attitude adjustment." He smirked as the king and the queen both fell silent. "What about Princess Natalie?"

Natalie looked up instinctively at the mention of her name. Her mother threw her a knowing glance, sending the perfect message that told the princess to keep her mouth shut.

"Why, Natalie is being home-schooled," the queen replied with a pleasant aura. "But since we can't let her become totally dependent on the comforts provided her, she will spend her college years away from home." The queen explained with a sweet smile.

"I see." Kadaj flashed Natalie an innocent smile which didn't go unnoticed by her parents.

The two reigning monarchs threw worried glances at each other, knowing full well of Kadaj's famous reputation, and Natalie wasn't exactly stable enough to deal with those things yet; she was perfectly susceptible to the prince's charms, and besides, she was to be engaged to Sephiroth by summer's end.

After that slight conversation, awkward silence reigned once more—increasing the chasm of indifference between the hosts and their guest. Natalie ate silently, enjoying her meal, and throwing side glances Kadaj's way, hoping he didn't notice. How old was he? He looked so young, probably a little older than her if she was correct. And yet, he seemed to be more informed about everything; another reason why Natalie sometimes resented her life as a princess. She sighed quietly. She had three more years before she could get out of her shell.

vVvVv

As promised, after dinner the royalties casually made their way to the function room of the palace where the press was sure to be waiting, and as they filed in one by one, the guests rose and the king lifted hand and coaxed them all to sit. After the usual introductions, they were soon bombarded with loads of questions that demanded answers as much as the people demanded perfect governing.

A journalist in the crowd stood up. "I wish this question of mine to be answered by his Excellency," she bowed, and Kadaj swiftly took up the microphone lying idly on his side of the rectangular table.

"The people of Ceres wish to know your purposes of coming here, and will it bring good terms to the masses?"

'Well, duh. I'm not exactly all play and no work. It would do you good if I kept watch over your king,' Kadaj thought and seriously considered giving that answer, but Sephiroth would seriously wring his neck if he dared answer like that.

"As obedience to the requests of my brother, Lord Sephiroth, I come here as his personal ambassador for the summer and am also here to discuss political affairs which might further occur once my lord is already married to your gorgeous princess," he smirked.

"So your Excellency has come here as prior the lord of Nyx's request?"

"Quite right, sir..." Kadaj replied cordially.

A media reporter stood and addressed the king. "If your majesty would be so kind as to answer my humble question, I would be much obliged."

"Pray speak," the king declared, the room bathed in silence as camera flashes went on everywhere.

The reporter bowed. "I would only like to know if the princess is truly ready for her future engagement and wedding by summer's end. Not to say that I'm questioning your leadership sire, but I only want to know what the masses would expect and if the kingdom is truly ready for unification and extension of borders."

The king cleared his throat, not the least bit offended. He expected this line of questioning, and he cared deeply for his people and for his ancestral pride. He had to answer these questions with firmness and confidence. Or else, what shall these people say?

"I can assure you that this prosperous kingdom of ours is rightfully ready for unification by the marriage of two monarchs each coming from different domains. And I have no such qualms over passing this kingdom my family has inherited from ancestral birth to a new and much more superior race." The crowd nodded in agreement, some jotted down notes. "And I do believe that Lord Sephiroth's family is a fully capable one. The people of Ceres ought to give them credit for it. And I truly appreciate Lord Sephiroth's emphasis on filial trust in the form of personally sending his brother here in order to personally oversee affairs that we are to discuss in the future."

The reporter spoke up yet again. "Your majesty's answer is truly promising, but my first question has not been answered yet."

The queen took over after receiving a knowing glance from her husband. "If you wouldn't mind, our king has given me the pleasure to reward you with an answer to that question." The people nodded, pens poised at the ready. "I can assure you..." the queen declared proudly, "...that your princess is physically, emotionally, and socially ready for such a responsibility. She has proved herself to be very submissive, and meek. Princess Natalie is a calm and collected young lady, and her studies shall not be neglected and the tradition of celebrating our princess's eighteenth birthday won't be forgotten. In spite of her marriage, she shall still continue her education with Lord Sephiroth's permission, of course."

There was murmuring in the crowd, and Natalie froze as every one's gazes seemed to train on her. One journalist slowly stood, and asked her question in a loud voice.

"I beg pardon from your majesties—not that the answers weren't enough. But as it is still a free country, with all due respect, I wish to hear Princess Natalie's answer of the question given by my fellow media reporter."

Natalie raised her glazed blue eyes to the crowd, displaying the air of confidence that was essentially needed and never lacking in a blue blood of her descent. Every princess should never show signs of insecurity if there be any.

"I believe my queen, has accurately portrayed my would-be answer. I may appear young, but I am mature and perfectly adequate in manners and submission. I assure you personally, that I am ready for my fated destiny at summer's end. As surely as I have done all these years, I shall continue to be your loyal and kind-hearted princess. I seek not the control of my inheritance, but the good of my people, and I am always willing to listen to your comments—may it be positive or negative—that I may make myself useful and approachable."

Their audience had stood up and clapped for the young monarch who had so prestigiously given her answer. It was truly wise, and confident. She was indeed ready. The others nodded in sheer agreement, and no one was able to ignore the king and queen's heartfelt and proud smiles towards such a witty answer that could only be given by learned young women. Natalie has proven that. Kadaj on the other hand, clapped in a gentlemanly way, and found a nugget of respect being forced into his brain. He found himself thinking—and as he stared at the princess now—that she was a young lady of noble integrity indeed.