The Lady in Red Fur

Chapter 4

"Is he dead?" Cosmog asked in a low whisper.

"I don't know," Moglin whispered back, "go poke him!"

"You poke him," Cosmog retorted.

"No you!"

"Knock it off you two," Mog snapped. "Before you wake him up."

The two shut their mouths. Aerith looked at him and then back at Mog.

"We should see if he is hurt." Aerith said finally.

"What if he is hunting you?" Mog asked, his voice grave.

Aerith's eyebrows furrowed. "But... if he is hurt then I can't leave him."

"Why don't we see if he is alive first and then go from there?" Mog suggested.

Aerith nodded. Carefully the four approached the body. Once she was a step away Aerith let out a little "hello" but no response came. The four looked at one another shrugging. Aerith reached over carefully and with one finger poked him. The moogles fled behind her, scared that he might wake up. Aerith shut her eyes, thinking he might jump up and attack. Nothing happened. The moogles popped their heads out from behind the fur clad girl. Mog bravely flew over to the body.

He poked him several more times but found no response. Then with much effort he was able to turn the man around. The man had flawless skin and flaxen hair. He was very well built, his muscles defined under his wet clothes. Aerith knelt down and brushed the strands of hair from his face so she could get a better look.

"Do you know him?" Mog asked.

"No, I have never seen him before..." she trailed off as her eyes fell to an insignia on clothing. "He is someone of importance though."

She pointed out the insignia on him. The moogles floated around to see the insignia. Aerith reached down and touched his side she lifted her glove hand to find blood on it. She gasped softly and looked at the moogles.

"Well what do we do now?" Mog asked finally.

"We need to get him to the cabin," Aerith instructed. "If we can, do you think you can mend his wound?"

Mog grimaced. "I am not that good at it though... but I can try my best."

With much effort the four managed to get the man to the cabin. They placed him on Aerith's bed since it was the only bed available. Mog examined him and asked for water and soap to clean him up. He then instructed Moglin and Cosmog to get him certain herbs for the wound. They hurried from the cabin leaving Aerith and him to clean the man.

"I hope he will be okay," Aerith said cleaning the wound carefully.

"It's not a deep wound," Mog noted. "He should be fine as long as we clean it and put the healing herbs on it."

Aerith smiled. "I wonder who he is."

Mog shrugged as he continued to clean.

Moglin and Cosmog returned with their hands full of herbs. Mog took the herbs and using a mortar and pestle began to grind the herbs together. Aerith and the other moogles watched as Mog worked. He was smart. Smarter than he gave himself credit. Yet, he was also humble about his abilities. Aerith liked that about Mog.

Once he finished making the herbs into a paste like substance he spread it over the wound carefully. The man never once flinched. He must have been in such a deep sleep that the stinging sensation the herbs normally brought did not bother him. After the wound was covered in the paste substance, Mog took the bandages and carefully began to wrap it. After tying it securely, Mog looked at his work then at his friends.

"All done." he said.

"Do you think he will wake up soon?" Aerith asked.

Mog shrugged. "No, idea but he should be okay."

Cosmog leaned over him. "What do you think this insignia means."

The other three looked down to see him pointing to a wolf like pin on his shirt. It was the same on Aerith had pointed out earlier. Aerith carefully undid it to get a better look. As a princess, she was somewhat familiar with royal families crests. Her families crest was that of a lily flower. Yet, she was unsure if this was a royal crest or maybe someone of nobility of the kingdom she was in

"I don't know this one," she answered honestly.

Moglin looked over her shoulder at it. "Well, we'll find out when he wakes up I suppose but until then... can we make some soup?"

Cosmog's ears perked up and he looked at Aerith with pleading eyes, clasping his hands to one of hers. "Oh please, oh please!" he begged.

Mog rubbed his tummy. "All that work made me super hungry."

Aerith laughed. There was not much else she could do for the man other than let him rest. She also already promised to make kupo nut soup for them. She nodded and the moogles let out a cheer.

XXX

Cissnei would make a full recovery, much to Aerith's relief. However, the punishment that was inflicted on her was terrible. Rosso played with her, baited her, and wanted to make the princess's bodyguard to look like a fool. Had Aerith not intervened and begged King Weiss for her to stop Rosso would have pummeled her to a bloody pulp.

Aerith had been furious with Angeal for not intervening himself. She was angry that her mom did not even think to stop it. She was pacing back at forth in her mother's office ranting about how cruel it was. Ifalna listened to her daughter. Angeal was in the corner of the room quietly listening, eyes closed. The other occupant of the room was Reeve Tuesti. Aerith knew him as the head of the city development. He had been talking to her mother about a housing situation when Aerith burst into the room. Reeve silently resided himself into a chair to allow Ifalna to deal with her child.

"How could you let Cissnei do such a thing?" Aerith cried out. "You knew she was being baited and that... that woman was a capable fighter. She was ruthless and she would have killed Cissnei!"

Cissnei was like a sister to Aerith and the thought of her guard dying horrified her.

"Aerith," Ifalna called calmly. "I told you. Cissnei is a grown woman and she foolishly was baited into that fight. Angeal warned her..." she turned to Angeal, "Did you not?"

Angeal opened his eyes and looked at his queen. "I tried but she refused."

"But..." Aerith began to protest.

"Aerith," Ifalna firmly said, "Cissnei very well knew that the Tsviets people are exceptional fighters. I mean no disrespect to Cissnei or the other guards of our kingdom but she knew what she was getting into. I'm sorry that she was injured but until then I shall assign Angeal to be your guard."

"But he is your guard, mother." Aerith said. It was not as if she disliked Angeal. She was just used to Cissnei and did not want anyone else looking out for her. "Who will protect you?"

Angeal looked perplexed but Ifalna smiled at him. "Do as I say Angeal and Aerith do not worry for me. I have Reeve here to protect me."

Reeve smiled."My life is yours, my queen."

Aerith wondered if her mother was joking but before she could inquire the Queen spoke again. " I hear you have an outing with King Weiss today."

Aerith grimaced. She only had to go on this outing because it was a deal to stopping Rosso from hurting Cissnei anymore.

"Yes," Aerith nodded grimly, "it is to be alone. I assume he does not wish for Angeal to go as well."

"I am certain his guards are more than capable of protecting you." Ifalna said.

"No doubt..." Aerith said dryly. "I better get ready."

With that the princess left the room. Ifalna inclined her head toward Angeal. "I need to ask you a favor Angeal."

"Your wish is my command your majesty."

Aerith was still angry with what happened with Cissnei. Her mother acted as if she did not really care. Why not? Cissnei was a loyal and trustworthy person. Her mother should have ordered Cissnei to not fight. Upon returning to her room, she found a dress waiting for her along with her maids. However, Aerith shooed them from her room wanting peace. Once they were gone, she locked the door and headed for the window. She pushed it open and cool rush of wind hit her. Her window looked over the garden and she wished she could go down there.

Not wanting to cause an issue by sneaking out to the garden, Aerith cupped her hands to her mouth and called out, "KUPO!"

She waited. She looked around when three dots came floating down from the sky. One by one the moogles zoomed into her room before plopping down on her bed. Aerith looked over at them and joined them on her bed.

"You look upset, princess." Mog noted.

Aerith explained the situation to her friends. The three were sympathetic. Even though they did not personally know Cissnei, they believed she was a good person. Talking to the moogles put her at ease. It was as if these three were the only ones who understood her.

"Why can't everyone just understand like you guys do?" Aerith asked as she pulled the three into an embrace. She hugged them gently, burying her face in the fur on their heads.

"Because we aren't royalty," Moglin said. "Although I wouldn't mind wearing such pretty dresses."

Aerith chuckled and released her friends. Knowing she had to go with King Weiss soon, she bid her friends farewell. She took the dress laid out for her and placed it on. Aerith liked the blue dress as it was light and flowed nice. Most of he gowns or dresses were heavy as if she was carrying weights on her body. She looked at vanity where all her crowns sat. Aerith found it ridiculous to have so many crowns but who was she to say anything? Her mother would just tell her it was tradition or something to that extent. She chose a small silver tiara that was fashioned to look like flowers and vines.

"Ugh," she groaned when she was finished. "I don't want to go alone with him."

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Aerith looked over and began to call out for whoever was there to come in. Then she remembered it was locked. She got up and undid the lock and pulled her door open.

"Yes?" she asked peering out the door. There stood Angeal. Aerith looked up at the handsome older man.

"Your highness," he said, with a bow. "King Weiss has called for you."

"Oh, yes, I just need my cloak." Aerith quickly retrieved a blue cloak and wrapped it around her. She returned to the door and saw Angeal cast his eyes downwards.

"Is something wrong, Angeal?" Aerith asked softly.

"No," he answered.

Aerith frowned. She was use to Cissnei. Angeal was curt and "all work" type of guard. Cissnei and her would talk like old friends and if something were bothering the lady guard, she would speak about her troubles. The two were very open about nearly everything. Again, she did not hate Angeal but he was her mother's bodyguard.

The two walked down the halls, Angeal always behind her. When they arrived to the entrance hall. Weiss, his brother, and their bodyguards waited. Rosso wore a smirk that Aerith wish she could slap off her face. However, Aerith knew if she tried it would just spell trouble. She ignored the red haired woman and tried to focus on King Weiss.

"Princess," King Weiss said taking her hands in his.

"So good of you to join us." Nero said, his voice oozing with sarcasm.

Weiss brought her hands to his lips and kissed the back of each hand. Aerith ignored Nero's comment and the unwanted touching from Weiss.

"Forgive me for taking so long," Aerith apologized.

"I would wait forever for you, princess." Weiss said.

Aerith highly doubted that. He released one hand while placing the other at his elbow for her to hold. Aerith disliked how he kept forcing her to take his arm. Of course, she wanted little contact from him but she had to bite her tongue.

Angeal stepped forward. Out of respect he bowed. "Your highness, I leave the princess in your care."

King Weiss looked down at Aerith, causing the princess to look away.

"She will be well taken care of," he said then looked back at Rosso. "Don't you agree?"

The woman chuckled. "No harm shall come to her, isn't that right Azul?"

"She will much more safer with us then someone of... your age."

Aerith's free hand clenched. They were clearly taunting Angeal. They wanted to see if they could bait him like Cissnei. However, Angeal simply bowed again. Their rude words fell on deaf ears. He turned around and left them. Aerith should have known better than to think Angeal would let something childish as their taunting get to him. After all, he was the one telling Cissnei to ignore them.

Aerith watched him leave before being led outside. Unlike last time, there was no carriage waiting for them. Aertih looked confused when brought before her were four chocobos. Two of them were gold while the other pair were a more dull yellow.

"I'm not one for carriage rides, princess," King Weiss said.

"We are going to be riding them?" Aerith questioned.

"She is a brilliant one brother," Nero sarcastically called out, before mounting one of the gold chocobos.

"Ignore my brother princess," King Weiss said.

"Oh do not worry about that," Aerith said. "Anything that comes out of his mouth goes in one ear and out the other."

Nero glared at her. "In and out so fast one must wonder if you have a brain in there."

"Brother," Weiss said, his tone a warning.

Aerith let out a false laugh. "Oh do not worry, your highness. I am not easily offended by such childish behavior."

Weiss smirked ignoring the piercing glare from the younger brother. Rosso and Azul took their seats on the backs of the dull yellow chocobo. Aerith noticed there was only one left, which was saddled with a very flashy and expensive saddle. She wanted to inquire where a fifth bird was when she realized she would not be riding alone.

King Weiss's hand found the small of her back. He guided her to the bird and when she was close enough, he placed both hands on her waist. Aerith was stunned when he lifted her with such ease onto the bird before climbing up himself. It was as if she weighed nothing at all. She knew King Weiss had a muscular physique. His clothes accentuated it. However, she did not realize how strong he was. She was positive now that his guard Azul would be able to throw her about like a ragdoll being that he was much larger and more muscular than the king. Perhaps, Angeal new that as well which reinforced his resolve to not be baited.

King Weiss wasted no time. He took Aerith's hands and placed them around his waist. With her legs to one side, Aerith knew she had to hold onto the king otherwise risk sliding off. Albeit she held on reluctantly and would much rather take a fall than have the unwanted contact with Weiss. Every moment she was forced to take his arm or feel his hand up on she felt her stomach lurch.

The king, the princess, prince, and guards rode their chocobo's to the vast grass plains of the kingdom. Aerith was curious to why exactly he would come here. There was nothing special, at least to them. While Aerith loved nature, loved to be lying among the tall grass and let the warm wind brush over her, she was sure that the Tsviets were not looking for a relaxing afternoon.

"So tell me princess," Nero said, as if reluctant to talk to her, "what kind of animals live in your kingdom?"

"Animals?" Aerith whispered.

King Weiss looked over his shoulder at her. "Yes, many fierce beasts roam our kingdom. What kind roam about in yours?"

"Not many that would cause harm if any." Aerith said. "But, then again, any animal when frightened can easily attack someone. In this field anyway there are only docile ones."

"How boring," Nero drawled.

Aerith looked quizzically at them, unsure why they were asking.

"You are interested in animals?" she questioned innocently.

Weiss smirked, "You could say that."

"Well, there is only one animal that I know of that can be fierce. They were hunted a long time ago but my great grandmother put a stop to the hunting of them."

"What creatures are these?" Nero asked, his interest rising.

"Red lions or the red wolf... they were never specifically named. They were hunted for their furs and the uniqueness of their tails."

"And what is so special about a tail?" It was Azul who asked.

"Yes, what is it some fashion statement?" Rosso chimed in.

Aerith rolled her eyes, "It's because it is a flame."

The Tsviests fell silent. Nero looked at her. An eyebrow arched from him as he moved his chocobo closer. Aerith peered over her shoulder at him.

"Where are these creatures?" Nero asked.

"They live in the forest somewhere." she answered.

"Where exactly!" Nero snapped.

Aerith looked bewildered and insulted at his snapping. However, she felt Weiss's hand over hers. Aerith shuddered at the touch. Despite the fact she unwillingly had to hold onto him, the very feel of his hand on her sent a nervous shake go through her.

"Nero, please," Weiss said to his brother, thus silencing him. "Tell me, princess, is there an exact location to these creatures? You have our interest and it would be quite a shame to not be able to see these fantastic animals."

Aerith felt reluctant to actually tell him where the fire animals were. They were practically sacred animals to her kingdom now. Seeing them was rare unless one knew where they were. When she was a child she had pleaded with her mother to see them. Her mother obliged, but not without the necessary precautions. It had been a long time ago and Aerith would be lying if she said she did not want to see them again. They were, as Weiss put it, fantastic creatures.

Suddenly, she felt a tight squeeze on her hand. Aerith winced.

"It is rude to keep us waiting," Weiss pointed out.

"The path to the forest should lead to the area they are known to roam." she said quickly, hoping to appease the king.

When her hand was released, Aerith let out a small sigh of relief. However, a stinging sensation lingered. The Tsviests readied their mounts and headed for their new destination. Aerith drew her one hand away from Weiss and looked at it. It was bright red and she could see his finger prints on her skin. The throbbing continued as they entered the forest.

Nero began to get impatient when there was no sign of a fire beast. He began to accuse Aerith of making such a thing up. She ignored him though and told them to continue along as it would not be much farther. Finally, they came to a stone quarry. Aerith slipped off the chocobo and hurried away.

"This is where they roam." she insisted.

Nero got off his bird and looked down into the quarry. His eyes scanned the area but found no sign of the creature. He rounded on Aerith.

"Are you trying to make a fool out of me?" he snapped.

He approached Aerith and the princess backed up frightened of him. However, Weiss came between them. Aerith looked over the king's shoulder and saw the look of disbelief on the prince's face. Weiss then turned to Aerith.

"Are you sure," his eyes glared into hers. Aerith nodded vigorously.

"I swear this... oh!"

Aerith looked past him, gasping. The king, prince, and bodyguards looked toward the direction she was staring at. There before them, was a beast with fur like fire. Sharp claws were visible and its teeth were bared. Its tail twitched and on the very tip was a flame.

"Remarkable," Nero mouthed.

Aerith looked at the creature and she saw that one of its eyes was missing. She frowned but was still in awe at the beast. To see one so close was breathtaking. However, the sudden sound of metal alerted Aerith. She saw Nero unsheathing a blade from his side. The prince motioned for Azul and Rosso to surround the beast. Horror filled the princess as she stepped forward.

"What are you doing?" she cried out, grabbing onto Nero's arm. "You cannot..."

Nero shoved her away. The sudden act, caused the princess to stumble to the ground hard. She let out a groan and looked weary at the prince.

"It's head will be a excellent trophy!"

The beast let out a warning growl and before Aerith could do anything else, Azul and Rosso were already attacking the beast. She cried out and tried to intervene when a hand grabbed her. She looked back and saw King Weiss holding her in his vice grip.

"It be unwise for you to get involved." he said.

"Stop this at once!" Aerith cried.

He looked down at her and smirked. It was then Aerith realized that Weiss would not listen to her. She was not the queen of this kingdom and she was going to be HIS future wife. The king would rule over all... not the queen.

Suddenly, an anguish cry erupted. Aerith's eyes found the beast, becoming tangled in vines. Already, she could see injuries on the beast, and blood seeping through wounds. Aerith cried out louder begging them to stop but she could not escape the king's grasp. She cursed herself a million times and then some for foolishly leading them here. She should have known there was some underlying reason for coming here.

"I'm going to mount this head on my wall." Nero laughed raising his blade.

Aerith shut her eyes, unable to watch such a thing when the sound of metal hitting metal clanked loudly, echoing throughout the quarry. The princess's eyes flashed open as she saw Angeal, blocking the attack with his own sword.

"Angeal..." the princess whispered.

"What is the meaning of this?" Nero snapped.

Angeal pushed the prince back with his sword and stood up straight.

"It is illegal to hunt these animals in our kingdom." Angeal spoke. "Under the proclamation of Queen Sarah, the twentieth ruler of this kingdom, you are hereby banned from this area and will be brought before her royal highness Queen Ifalna."

Nero glared at the guard. However, Aerith could see that the older man would not back down. His eyes were like steel and Aerith could not tell what emotions were coursing through him. Weiss released Aerith and stepped forward.

"We are terribly sorry," he said. It was a false sorry. Aerith knew it and she knew Angeal could sense it too.

"Hunting is a sport in our kingdom," he continued. "My brother being one of the best."

"I ask that you return to the castle immediately to prevent further incidents." the bodyguard said firmly.

"Very well..." Weiss said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Come along, princess."

"The princess will return with me," Angeal snapped. "She is under my watch by the order of Queen Ifalna and will remain under my care."

Aerith looked mildly shocked at Angeal's swift and forceful tone. She knew Angeal was her guardian but curiosity was filling her head with many questions. One thing was for certain; she had rather return to the castle with him than the king and his companions.

The look on Weiss's face though was clear annoyance. Aerith was sure had Angeal not thrown her mother's name into the sentence somewhere, the king would have taken her regardless. However, he reluctantly obliged the guard and left with his companions. The moment he was gone Angeal approached the princess. Aerith ignored him and ran toward the beast. Angeal saw this and grabbed her arm.

"Angeal please!" Aerith begged. "He will die if we do not help him!"

The creature cried out as it struggled. Blood continued to pour from his wounds and his whines became sharper. Its claws dug into the ground, its body twisting in its trap.

"Your highness your safety takes priority over any other." He tried to reason.

However, Aerith would not be reasonable. The guilt would eat her away until there was nothing left of her.

"I am your princess," her voice was firm and loud. "and as your princess you have to follow any order I give. I order you to help me now!"

Aerith never liked to use her authority to acquire what she sought. Even so, she could see the mild shock in Angeal's eyes. It was then Aerith realized she sounded much like her mother when she scolded her for being unruly. Without another hesitation, Angeal placed his arm before him and bowed.

"As you command, my princess." he said, acknowledging her authority.

Angeal brandished his large broad sword. The red cat like creature whined and howled in agony as the vines tightened due to his thrashing. Angeal carefully analyzed the situation and after a moment used his sword to slash the vines away, freeing the beast. The beast crumbled to a heap on the ground and Aerith maneuvered toward him. However, Angeal grabbed her by the arm. The princess looked at her guardian perplexed. Angeal did not know if the creature out of fear would attack her if she approached.

"The wounds... we must..." Aerith whimpered.

"Allow me to approach first," he cautioned, "on my mount I have medicines and wraps, bring them to me."

She did as she was told. When she returned, Angeal was at the beasts side who had stopped struggling. Its eyes looked tired and full of pain. Aerith knelt down next to Angeal. Together, they worked on helping the poor beast but the princess was still curious of her bodyguard's appearance.

"How did you know we were here?" she asked.

"Your mother appointed me as your guardian until Cissnei returns," he grunted.

"So, that is why you followed us?" she asked.

"It is my duty," he replied as she placed medicine on the beast's wound. The beast cried and Aerith instantly placed a hand on its paw, gently rubbing it. Angeal looked at her.

"Are you well, my princess?" he asked.

Aerith opened her mouth ready to say she was fine when she remembered the rough treatment. She wanted to speak to him about it but the princess worried that he would lose focus on the beast and dote on her.

"Yes, I am fine..." she lied.

Together the two worked and the temperature began to cool. Aerith tried her best not to let the chilling air bother her. She wanted Angeal's attention only on him. Though she tried, her body involuntarily shivered. Angeal caught sight of this and stopped.

"You are cold," he stated.

"Please, do not..."

"My duty is to you first!"

"And I gave you an order!"

He gazed at the princess and sighed. "You are just like your mother sometimes."

"It was my own stupidity for leading them here." she said sadly. "Had I realized their intentions early on this would not have happened."

"You're highness," Angeal said.

"Please do not try and tell me I am not at fault here. I carry some blame regardless."

Angeal nodded. The two continued to work when finally each wound was wrapped. The creature watched them sad eyes but there was nothing more they could do. Aerith patted the beast gently, offering what little comfort she could.

"We have done all we can," the guard spoke. "Let us return to the palace."

Reluctantly, Aerith left the beast's side. The creature curled up and watched them go. Aerith wanted to remain at its side, to nurse it to health but she was sure Angeal would not allow it, especially since the air was becoming increasingly cold.

Angeal helped Aerith onto his chocobo. Her legs dangled off to one side and for moment she felt lightheaded. The events of this day were taking their toll on her. She wanted to get home quickly. However, Angeal did not join her on the chocobo. He held onto the reins and began walking. .

"Angeal if you walk all the way we won't reach the castle until late." Aerith said, her voice shaky.

"It be inappropriate of me to ride with you." he said. "I am your guard and as such..."

Aerith cut him off. "Please, just sit on the bird."

Angeal looked up at her. He heard her voice wavering and her eyes looked tired and swollen. Aerith assumed he would deny her request. Angeal was a very by the book type person. However, perhaps he felt some sort of sympathy for Aerith, for he climbed up behind her, holding the reins on either side of her.

"I only oblige to you request until we near the castle." he stated clearly. "And it is only because you look as if you are about to be ill."

Aerith nodded. "Thank you for your kindness."

"It is my duty," he said.

Aerith looked at him frowning. Cissnei and Angeal almost seemed like polar opposites. Cissnei was much more open and friendly. Cissnei admitted that even though it was her job to protect Aerith, the woman stated that even if it was not she would defend Aerith to her last breath.

"Duty..." she whispered. "We all have our duties."

Angeal raised a brow.

Aerith continued. "Mother has her duty to our people as queen. You have your duty as a guard. My duty is to marry a man and secure an allegiance... we have very unfortunate lives."

"I chose this life." Angeal replied. "I would gladly use my life to protect your mother's and you as well princess. I have no qualms about it. It is my duty and I accept it."

"Yet, I did not choose this life." she snapped back. "What he has done these past days is... is..."

Aerith buried her face into her hands sobbing. Weiss was nothing more than an arrogant bully, flaunting his power. He was purposely acting possessive of Aerith. Making sure people would see that she was his as if she were some prize. He allowed his guards to mistreat others and even allowed his brother to harm a sacred animal. He did not care about any rules her kingdom had as if he believed himself to be above them.

"Princess," Angeal breathed, "please do not become upset."

"Angeal, please, do not tell me to not be upset. I am supposed to marrying this man! I never received any indication of this and now that I meet him everyone is encouraging me to know him. Know him for what? That I will come to love him? You may be my guard but it was of your own freewill. What of my own? Why is it that I have to marry out of duty but not my mother? I-I... I..."

Aerith began to hyperventilate. Angeal stopped the chocobo.

"Breathe, my lady. You are causing yourself more distress than need be."

It took a moment for Aerith to begin to breath normally but her eyes still brimmed with tears.

"Forgive me, I meant no offense," Angeal apologized. "I understand your worries and forgive me that I am not Cissnei. She shows more compassion than I do."

Without warning, Aerith wrapped her arms around the man, burying her face into her chest. Angeal should have removed her from him. Such contact would be frowned upon since despite being a high ranking guard and a personal bodyguard to the queen, he was still a guard. However, sympathy etched its way into him, and his steely eyes softened.

He brought his hands around and held the trembling girl to him. The tender warmth Aerith felt reminded her of her father. She greatly missed her father as she was close to him. Yet, this felt almost the same and Aerith found herself relaxing as mind and body drifted.

When Aerith's body became limp Angeal reached down with his naked hand to feel her forehead. He could feel the heat rising and realized the princess was showing signs of a fever. Carefully shifting her so she was more secure, Angeal snapped the reins and hurried across the field toward the palace.

When Angeal returned to the palace, he walked in carrying Aerith in his arms. Any onlooker became curious and watched them pass. However, the bodyguard did not looked disturbed by the odd glances. His face remained impassive. When Angeal bumped into the queen and her advisers they were stunned into silence. Angeal did not look at the men surrounding the queen. He only looked at her.

"There is much we need to speak of, my queen." Angeal said with a bow of his head.

"What is wrong with my daughter?" Ifalna asked, alarmed.

"She fainted," he said before sweeping past. "I shall inform you once I have taken her highness to her chambers. Send a physician immediately."

Ifalna looked over at Reeve. "Please be quick."

"Of course, my queen," Reeve bowed before taking his leave.

Ifalna watched as Angeal's figure disappeared down the corridor, carrying her beloved daughter. A frown formed on her face and her heart clenched tightly.