The Lady in Red Fur
Chapter 12
If Aerith could pass over the day she would have. Watching the decoration for the party being set up, the scent of food wafting from the kitchen, and fast pace of the servants causing her to be bumped into was enough to irritate her. It irritated her how clumsy the servants were being. It was not as if she was invisible. She was in a large red cloak! If it was not the carelessness of the servant than it was Reno, who seemed to find her everywhere to just taunt her. However, what truly irritated her was the idea that the guests attending would mostly consist of eligible young women that Cloud could possibly consider to be his wife.
One lucky woman would be the King's intended. She would be the one dancing with him, sharing enjoyable conversations, and be allowed to touch him, placing gentle kisses on him. Aerith daydreamed of dancing with Cloud. How good it felt to be with him. His blue eyes looking only at her, his ghost of smile for her. Her daydream came to abrupt end when a servant knocked into her arm, hurrying past her with a basket full of vegetables.
The lady in red fur sighed sadly. She walked along the corridors but found herself wanting to be outside. The garden was beginning to bloom and soon would be in full of colorful blossoms and bright green leaves. Outside, she curled herself under the kupo tree, its buds a bright pink. Yet, she a sadness tightened in her chest, not just for King Cloud, but she longed to be home again. She missed frolicking as a child in her gardens, her rides through the meadows and countryside. She missed the beautiful lilies that seemingly only grew in her kingdom.
Thoughts of her home brought thoughts of her mother. It had been so long since she had last seen her. Was she well? Had Weiss finally left the kingdom? Was her mother worried for her still? Did Angeal return to his post or was he completely relieved of duty? She though of her friend and personal bodyguard Cissnei. She missed Cissnei so much and wondered if she recovered from her injuries by now. She had to but Aerith could not erase the image of Cissnei looking so beaten and broken. It also reminded her of Red XIII, or Nanaki as he was really called. Had he escaped the palace himself after his distraction?
So many terrible thoughts filled her mind that she had no idea the moogles had perched themselves in the tree above. While Mog and Moglin were focusing on Aerith, Cosmog was searching to find a kupo nut that may have come early. His nose twitched as he sniffed around. Moglin looked back at him and cleared her throat. Cosmog looked at her and glumly floated down to a lower branch.
"Kupo?" Mog called softly.
"Kupo," Aerith said in a sad tone.
"Aerith please don't be sad anymore," Moglin said. "We want you to be happy."
"Its hard to be happy when you feel so down..."
She leaned back against the tree and tilted her head to look at the sky. It was bright blue and the sun was beaming down upon her. It was a perfect day but for her it would have been more appropriate if it were gloomy and rainy.
"Well, tonight's the party," Cosmog said. "Why don't you go and dance with the king."
"No!" Aerith snapped. "I... I cannot! What if he does not like me for me but because I am dressed so pretty. He doesn't even know my name! How can he even care for someone he does not even know?"
Mog frowned and floated down to her lap. He sat there looking up at her.
"Aerith, you like him. I mean really like him and he likes you! Don't run away."
Aerith held her head down. "But if I go there and King Weiss finds me..."
"Who cares about him!" snapped Mog, his yellow pompom shaking. "How long to you plan to hide and be miserable? Forever?"
"But..."
Suddenly, there was a loud laughter echoing somewhere in the garden. Mog gasped and flew back into the tree, hiding with his friends. Aerith stood up and brushed the grass from her coat. The laughter continued and she followed it. She stood behind a large hedge. She could not see through it but she knew that laughter was familiar. She cocked her ear to listen.
"You cannot be serious," King Cid laughed. "You think you are going to get away with not dancing tonight. PAH! Rufus is going to drag you down that throne by your ear if you think you will just sit there."
"Uncle, please, I do not want to attend this party to begin with."
"You're acting like a stubborn child, Cloud."
Aerith held her breath. Cloud did not want to go to the party?
"Forgive me uncle but my mind is too busy thinking of other things."
"You can't still be thinking about the princess who came the last two parties, right? You don't even know her name!"
Cloud groaned. "Will you not remind me. I already get enough hell for that from Reno and Zack."
Cid smirked. "Well, how hard would it be to say 'Hello, I am Cloud what is your name fair lady?'"
Aerith could tell Cloud was probably glaring at his uncle.
"Forgive me but I was too busy speaking with her and dancing that I damn well forgot! I feel like I already know her from somewhere. Is that strange? I say it to myself a million times and it still does. To know someone that I never met, it sounds insane!"
"Well you are not wholly sane are you?" Cid replied sarcastically. "But then again who is? Is this really what you wanted to talk about? To make sure you aren't insane"
Cloud sighed. "Yes, no. I am just unsure what to do. This woman is just... I want to to see her again."
Aerith's heart tightened and she held her breath.
"You think she is the one? What are you some lovesick fool?"
There was a pause before Cloud said, "Maybe I am."
"Of course you are, you are your mother's son." snapped Cid.
"Mother was crying when she came here." Cloud argued.
Cid scoffed, "Your mother may have been crying because she had to come to this dump of a kingdom but when she got over that crap she was completely lovesick. The mushy letters she would write about how happy she was, how she would sing in the mirror or walk around as if the world was nothing but sunshine and rainbows... bah! It was embarrassing but she none the happier."
"So... what does this have to do with me?"
Cid growled, annoyance was clear. "If this mystery girl can make you happy whose to say she isn't your match made in heaven. She showed up at the last two, go to this damn party and wait for her, you fool!"
Cloud let out a small laugh. "Perhaps you are right..."
Aerith ran to her room. She opened the window quickly to let her friends in. She cried out joyously as she threw her hood from her head. She grabbed Mog by his paws and spun around with him.
"Princess are you okay?" Mog asked, becoming dizzy.
"She looked happy," Cosmog said.
"I want to go to the party. I have to go!" Aerith cried.
"Well that was fast, what changed?" Moglin asked.
Aerith let go of Mog and collapsed on her bed in a fit of giggles.
"Me! He is thinking of me! The real me!" Aerith cried.
The moogles looked at one another in confusion.
"I think she is losing it." Cosmog said.
"She is in love you dolt!" Moglin said hitting Cosmog's arm. "And it sounds like the prince is as well!"
Aerith got up from the bed and grabbed the satchel hidden beneath. She tore it open in haste and picked up the third dress inside. She lifted it out and brought it up against her. The dress of glittering diamonds was blindingly beautiful.
"So are you going to go?" Mog asked.
Aerith opened her mouth to say yes but hesitated. Her hands gripped the dress tightly.
"You should go." Cosmog said.
"Yes! Go!" Moglin urged.
Aerith bit her lower lip. She looked at her friends who were looking hopeful.
"I..." she began but Mog flew forward and placed his paw on her mouth, effectively shushing her.
"No, don't runaway." Mog said. "Not from him."
Aerith looked at her friends, her chest tightened. She looked down at the dress and then her thoughts drifted to Cloud. Before she could even answer there was a knock at the door. All four of them looked annoyed. The moogles took the dress and hid with it under the bed. Aerith flung her hood back on before answering the door.
"Yes?"
"Oh look the carpet is awake now." Reno laughed hearty.
Rude rolled his eyes before saying to Aerith, "Please, come with us."
"Is something the matter?" she asked.
"No," Reno said. "King Cid wants you present to dine with him for lunch. He said something about having to listen to another noble's gossip his ears were going to bleed him dry... then he said if you refused he would have us drag you down to see him, by your furs mind you."
Aerith froze. "What?"
"He just wants someone to talk to." Rude informed. "Follow us."
Aerith did as she was told, closing her door behind her. She followed the two to a small room. Inside, King Cid was lounging in a cushioned chair with a table of refreshments before him. His bodyguards were present, sitting on a long sofa. Both were helping themselves to food. When Cid saw Aerith he immediately stood up.
"So you finally decided to show yourself." he snapped causing Aerith to flinch. "You two, leave us, I don't need this place being more crowded then it already is."
Reno and Rude nodded and left the room. Aerith watched them leave before Cid's growling voice called for her.
"Sit your ass down here and eat with me."
"Yes your majesty." Aerith said politely.
Aerith sat in the only unoccupied chair. She was handed a plate and was told to "dig in." Aerith carefully placed food on her plate.
"So," Cid growled again. "Who do you think you are?"
"Excuse me?" Aerith asked, confused.
"You think you are special you can ignoe coming to meet with me?"
Aerith went to respond but Cid cut her off instantly.
"And what's worse my little shit of a nephew allows it? You must have him wrapped around your little finger. I swear is saving his life that important that he would kiss you ass?"
Aerith looked horrified but none could see. She held up her hands in protest when Cid and his guards let out laughs, confusing Aerith more. She did not know if Cid was mad or happy to see her.
Cid smirked as he downed a cup of wine. "Seriously, why does my nephew bend over backwards to be so nice to you?"
Aerith shrugged. "Perhaps the same reason you are nice to me?"
Cid let out an exaggerated gasp. "ME? Nice you to you? Vincent did you hear what she said?"
"I did," Vincent nodded. "She said you were nice to her."
"Barret did you hear?" Cid asked the larger man.
"Yes," Barret grunted. "I heard the whole damn thing because I am sitting right here!"
Cid laughed again. "So he's nice because you don't treat him like he's something special. Good because he isn't special. He is a normal snot nosed kid who need a good whipping to keep him in line. Last thing we need is some brat on the throne."
Aerith laughed weakly. "Does that make you not special?"
"Of course it doesn't. Me? Special? PAH! A crown on someone's head doesn't make them special. It just makes them have to make the hard decisions that others are too damn scared to do. I don't shit gold you know? Cloud is a normal kid. A good kid though. A little dumb sometimes but a good kid."
"I think your nephew will be a great ruler." Aerith said honestly.
"Why do you say that?" the King asked.
"Because, he is kind." Aerith said. "He does think of others"
"You mean he thinks of you," Barret said suddenly. "He is always nice to you."
Aerith shook her head. "No, he is nice to everyone. Even when he is stressed out and wants to hide from the world."
A smile crept on Cid's lips. "I am glad to hear you say that."
"Why?"
"Because, coming from you I know it's the truth and not some hogwash a freaking noble is telling me to get in my good graces." Cid let out a sigh. "Sometimes I worry for him. My nephew sometimes has his head up, non pun intended, in the clouds."
Aerith tilted her head. "Is something wrong with him?"
"He is obsessed with this girl. Has he mentioned her to you?"
Aerith shook her head. "No, I am afraid not."
"Well, considering he talks more openly to you than anyone else I thought maybe he would have confided in you."
"Me?" Aerith asked surprised.
"Yes you!" Cid snapped. "I see the way he talks to you as if you guys have known each other forever and a day."
Aerith felt her heart thump loudly. Could it be true that Cloud really felt a close connection to her. Aerith felt as if a giant weight was lifted off her. She had been worried about Cloud not truly caring for her but perhaps he did, and the only way to find out for sure was to see him again, get to know him.
Aerith resolved that she would go to the party and see Cloud. Until then she enjoyed her time sitting with Cid. She laughed and enjoyed his company as well as Barret's and Vincent's. The hour grew late when a servant came into the room to announce to the king that the hour was growing late and he needed to get ready for the royal ball. Cid was not thrilled as he hated wearing his most formal attire. However, he bid Aerith farewell and left to get ready, Vincent and Barret in tow.
As he left, Aerith noticed the servant was still there waiting for her.
"Yes?" Aerith asked.
"My King has a request for "His lady."
"What is it?"
"His highness wishes for a bowl of soup for dinner."
Aerith nodded. "As his highness wishes."
When the servant left, Aerith herself needed to hurry to get ready for the party. She wanted to be there right as the dancing began. She wanted to be Cloud's first and only dancing partner tonight. As she moved quickly through the halls, she reached the tower staircase that would lead to her room when a voice called out to her.
"RED!"
Aeith turned to see Yuffie. The young girl looked frazzled.
"Yuffie, what is it?" Aerith asked.
"I have been looking everywhere for you! I need your help, please!"
Aerith felt her heart clench. She wanted to say she was busy but the look on Yuffie's face made her consent to her request.
In the ballroom, Cloud was greeting his guests as they came up to the throne, bowing or curtsying to him. His guards could see the anxious look in him as he kept staring at the top of the grand staircase.
"Oh boy does he look like a wreck," Zack said to Tifa.
"It is going to be worse when all these women want to dance with him." Tifa replied. "He is not going to dance with one of them."
"He is going to have no choice in the matter." said Tseng. "Unless he wants to be rude as possible to these ladies. Not to mention Rufus will drag him by the ear on the dance floor if he does not."
Zack smirked. "I want to see that."
Cloud came and sat on his throne. His hands were wringing nervously as he stared at the door. It was only a few minutes since the music started. Yet, where was she?
"My King," Zack said. "Are you okay?"
Cloud shook his head.
"You look as if you are about to throw up." the raven haired man noted.
Cloud nodded. "I am."
Tifa smiled trying to reassure her king. "My King, please, try and relax. Why not dance with one of the lovely young ladies?"
"No thanks," the king replied flatly.
Tseng looked at him, "You do know if you do not dance with them Rufus is going to make you."
Cloud sighed. There was only one lady he wanted to dance with but when he caught Rufus's glare from across the room he knew he would have no choice. He groaned inwardly and stood up. Almost on instant women were gathering, hoping to be the first to dance.
"Zack, if I don't make it out of this alive," Cloud said. "kill Rufus."
Zack smirked, knowing it was a joke. "Torture or immediate?"
"Torture." Cloud said as he nervously walked down to the floor.
Over and hour later after helping Yuffie, Aerith burst into her room surprising the moogles. She begged them to help her get ready.
"Ugh, I can't believe I am late!" Aerith cried.
"What took you so long?" Moglin asked, holding the dress of diamonds.
"Oh, it was Yuffie. She needed help and I couldn't say no." Aerith said hurrying out of her red fur. "And I have to also make soup for the king as well. I am so late!"
"Well, we can't keep the prince waiting any longer!" the female moogle said with a smile.
The boys excused themselves so Aerith could get into the dress. Out of all the dresses, this one made Aerith feel like a real bride to be. It fell off her shoulders but had long sleeves. The skirt of the dress ruched around her body while the twinkle of diamonds embellished the dress in intricate patterns. When she was dressed the boys returned and they looked at her in awe.
"Wow you look amazing," Mog said.
"She is so pretty!" Moglin squealed in delight.
"So beautiful," Cosmog was blushing madly and was thankful for the layer of fur covering his face.
Aerith blushed herself. She then quickly put on her shoes and her mother's ring.
"What about her hair," Cosmog asked.
"I think we should leave it up," Mog said and then added, "but use this."
He handed Moglin a white ribbon. Where he found that puzzled the others but Moglin did not hesitate. She placed the white ribbon in Aerith's hair, removing the pink one in process. She then quickly redid the braid, finishing the princess's look.
"Now this time," Mog said as Aerith grasped the door handle, "don't run away."
Aerith laughed. "No running."
Aerith crept down through the castle making sure she would not be seen. The moogles fluttered behind her giving her confidence. They would however hide somewhere in the ballroom to keep their presence unknown to the other residents of the castle. Once at the double doors to the ballroom Aerith took a deep breath. She looked back at her friends and they gave her encouraging smiles before flying off to find a spot to hide in the ballroom.
Aerith felt incredibly nervous. She had to see him again. She wanted to feel his hand on hers and the warmth they shared together. She would tell him her deepest feelings and then they could be together. She knew he felt the same, he had to. The rose he kept and the questioning of the holly leaves before meant so. After a moment, she pushed open the doors. She stepped toward the top of the steps and looked over when she felt her breath get caught in throat. Horror filled her eyes and a sharp pain stabbed her heart.
Dancing on the floor was Cloud with a princess with golden hair. The moogles had seen this when they entered and wished they had been faster to stop their friend from witnessing such a scene. Cloud's guards who were around the room spotted her first and soon everyone in the room was looking. When Cloud realized something was off, he followed the eyes of his guests to the top of the stairs. A gasp escaped his lips but before he could even do anything she ran.
She knew she promised Mog she would not run but she could not believe this. The beautiful princess with golden hair and him dancing, smiling, looking happy together, it was too much for her to take in. Aerith felt foolish for believing she was special, that Cloud's smiles were meant for her. Yet, he looked at ease with this new girl. Perhaps then, she had been wrong. Maybe everyone was wrong about her, Cid, the moogles, herself, and Cloud were all wrong!
Aerith was heading up the steps to her room when Mog, Moglin, and Cosmog surrounded her, effectively blocking her path.
"You said you wouldn't run away!" Mog said.
Aerith looked sadly at them. "You saw it, didn't you? How happy he looked. If he can look so happy with someone else then I must have been fooling myself to even think that I am special to him."
"Aerith!" Mog cried out in frustration. "You are just running away! He wants to be with you. I know it. You just have to go to him."
"No! I can't... I just... can't."
Aerith pushed past them and up to her room. She hurried inside and found her red fur where she had left it. She reached down and grabbed it holding it to her. For a second, she hesitated putting it on. It felt so good to not have to wear the fur. How long would she have to hide beneath this, forever? Would she ever be able to walk among people as herself?
Mog, Cosmog, and Moglin entered the room. Aerith slowly began to reach for the clasps to remove the dress.
"Uh, Aerith..." Cosmog said. "Aren't you supposed to make soup?"
Aerith groaned. "I forgot..."
"I'm sure his highness would want it soon." Mog said. "You better hurry."
Without bothering to take off the dress of diamonds, Aerith wrapped herself in her coat and hurried down to the kitchen. Aerith took her place at the far end of the kitchen in the back corner. She quickly began preparing the soup when she noticed something.
"I forgot my gloves..." she whispered staring at her hands. "Mog will you go get them and here take my mother's ring. I don't want to get it ruined."
She slipped the ring from her finger and handed it to the moogle. He nodded and took the ring. He was gone in a flash but came back with the gloves in hand. Aerith slipped them on, feeling security in them. The soup was bubbling in less than an hour. Soon she was sharing the soup with her friends while what was left would be for Cloud.
Aerith stared at her soup as her friends slurped theirs down. They were enjoying it but Aerith found her appetite nonexistent. This soup tasted bitter in her mouth and she pushed her bowl to her friends. Moglin and Cosmog were eager to eat it but Mog looked at Aerith thoughtfully. Whatever he was thinking, he did not say.
When they finished eating, Aerith ladled the soup in a ornate bowl for the king. She set it on a silver tray with utensils before covering it up with a lid.
"Let's hurry before the servants come." Aerith said.
Aerith, Moglin and Cosmog headed for the door when they her heard the sound of something clatter. The looked back, startled to see Mog zooming toward them.
"What happened?" Moglin asked.
"I thought I saw a bug crawl under the lid... I was wrong. It was my shadow... or something." Mog answered before hastily saying, "See you in the room!"
He then zoomed off. Moglin and Cosmog zoomed after him. Puzzled, Aerith looked at the tray. As odd as it was, Aerith let it go. She was too drained to investigate. After all, her friend would never do anything bad.
Aerith walked through the halls and she could hear the music winding down, signifying that the dinner would begin. She hoped Cloud would enjoy his soup tonight. She stopped momentarily as the edge of the hall leading to the main hall where the party was at. An anxious feeling ran through her. She wanted desperately to go in there and see Cloud. She was dressed beautifully beneath the fur, enough to attend this gathering. Yet, she could not. Sadness took over and she quickly hurried on her way.
Aerith let out a long yawn. The events at the party were enough to make her want to sleep forever. Despite the stinging in her chest, Aerith did her best to push the thought of ever being with Cloud out of her mind. After all, she realized how foolish she was going to the party when she should be in hiding.
Nearing her room, she could not wait to take off the dress underneath her clothes. Despite the beauty of it the dress itself was heavy. Not to mention the cloak she was wearing was thick fur and not light either. Pushing open the door, Aerith walked in to find the moogles already waiting for her. All three were rubbing their bellies in delight. She smiled at them and closed the door behind her.
"I can't wait to get out of this dress," she said softly to them.
"Dont mind us..." Cosmog yawned his eyes closed, "Too tired to..."
The moogle let out a snore. Aerith giggled as she peeled back the hood of her cloak. It did not matter how upset she was inside, seeing her friends in such a carefree attitude made her feel better. At least a little bit better.
As Aerith began to pull off her cloak there was a loud knock on the door. Instantly, all three moogles were wide awake. Aerith yanked her cloak back around her and placed her hood over her head. The moogles dashed out the window in seconds as she reached the door. She pulled it open and saw Reno and Rude standing outside her door.
From under her hood, Aerith peered at their faces. The look on their faces made Aerith uneasy. Normally, Reno would tease her about wearing such a cloak. Rude, despite being a quiet person, never seemed to have such a strenuous look on his face before.
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
"You have to come with us." Reno said. There was no amusement in his voice. No smile in his eyes to lighten the mood like he usually did.
Aerith nodded her head slowly and stepped out into the hall. She looked between the two men as they escorted her down from her room. She tried to inquire where they were taking her and why but the two remained silent. However, the destination was clear when she saw the large pair of double doors that led to the the throne room. The doors opened upon their arrival and when Aerith stepped in she felt her breath get caught in her throat. All the guests, the guards, even servants were all here. All their eyes were on her.
She walked the long stretch of the throne room feeling the eyes burning on her. She felt like a prisoner on the way to their execution. Her eyes looked away and she saw Cloud sitting on his throne. By him were his bodyguards, Zack, Tifa, Tseng, and even Elena. They all were staring at her. Aerith looked down at the ground. She wished she could disappear to the floor or be like her friends fly away. She could do neither and soon found herself in front of the king.
"Lady," Tseng addressed her, as most people did since she never told them her real name. "Are you the one who prepared the soup for his highness this evening?"
"Y-yes..." Aerith nervously responded.
"And in doing so you attempted to murder the king?" He asked.
Aerith gasped. "What? I would never... I- what is this all about?"
Confusion flooded the girl and her eyes were wide with horror. Kill the king? Kill Cloud? She would never do such a thing! It was absurd.
Tseng stepped forward. "His highness nearly choked to death on your soup."
"But I didn't do anything to it... I made the soup as always..." Aerith brought her hands to her face in fear. What were they going to do to her? Arrest her? Kill her? She could not even attempt to run and she was sure that even if her moogle friends were watching they would never be able to stop the guards by themselves.
Tseng began to speak when Cloud held up his hand. He stood from his throne much to everyone in the room's confusion. He walked toward her and when he was in front of Aerith he stopped. Aerith lowered her head, unable to face him. She got down to her knees in hopes that if she groveled enough he would offer her some forgiveness. Perhaps he would allow her to leave with her life and she could go back to the cabin in the woods. Tears began to form in her eyes as she waited for her punishment.
"You made that soup right?" he asked. "Of course it was you because you're the only one who knows how in this entire palace."
"I'm sorry..." she whispered her head low to the ground. "I don't know what happened..."
"Why are you sorry?" he asked.
Aerith tilted her head up slightly. The last sentence caused a collective "What" from many of the onlookers and Aerith included.
The king knelt to one knee and grasped her shoulders. Aerith picked herself up slightly. Cloud took one of her hands and peeled off the glove on her. Aerith tried to take her hand back but Cloud refused to let her go. He took off the second glove and threw it on the ground carelessly.
"You know..." he began, "... in hindsight I should have probably realized sooner."
"R-realized what?" Aerith asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Why it was so easy to talk to someone I just met. Why I felt as if I knew someone for a long time when I have no idea who that someone is. It's because I've been talking to her and know her well."
Cloud's hands reached for the hood. Aerith wanted to turn away but found herself paralyzed in shock. Cloud gently pulled the hood off her head. Her brown braid cascaded down her back. A collective gasp echoed around the room as the cloak fell to the floor revealing Aerith dressed in the gown of glittering diamonds. The dress shined brightly in the light, giving Aerith a glow. Cloud stood up, taking the hands of the princess before him and helped her up.
"If you wanted to get my attention," Cloud said smiling at her, "You could have just talked to me instead of dropping this in my soup bowl."
He held up Ifalna's ring and Aerith gasped. "But how did..." it only took Aerith a moment to realize what happened. Mog, she gave the ring to him. He had put it in Cloud's bowl of soup. It was obvious. Mog was not going to let her run away from him. He was sure that if Cloud found this he would come to assume the truth.
Cloud placed the ring on her finger where it belonged but kept a firm hold on her hand. Aerith's emerald eyes looked at him and smile broke out on her face. She opened her mouth to speak but Cloud held up his free hand to silence her.
"Before you say anything." the king spoke seriously. "This is so they won't nag me to death about it anymore but... can I finally know your name My Lady?"
She laughed, nodding her head. "I am Aerith."
Cloud smiled and hugged her to him. As he did Zack's voice could be heard saying, "FINALLY," followed by a harsh slap. However, Cloud ignored him and continued to hold Aerith to him. Aerith wrapped her arms around him and smiled as well.
"Aerith," he whispered, savoring the name. He moved back to look at her face again. He felt his heart swell and Aerith felt herself begin to tremble. Cloud then leaned over and kissed her lips, something he had been longing to do. Aerith kissed him back, secretly sharing the same longing. When they broke apart, the two touched their foreheads together smiling at one another.
"So where do we go from here?" Aerith asked.
"Let's go to the garden," he said shyly. "I hear it's a good place to talk without being interrupted by everyone... usually."
Cloud took Aerith by the hand and led her out toward the room. Before he left though he turned around momentarily and said to everyone in the room, "Thank you for attending." He then looked toward Rufus, "Don't bother me."
Then he was gone taking Aerith with him. Mog, Moglin, and Cosmog who had been watcing, had smiles on their furry faces.
"That's so romantic..." Moglin sighed.
"Mog you are so smart." Cosmog said. "Now she can be happy."
Mog yawned. "Yeah, it went better than I thought it would... now I am ready for bed."
Outside in the garden, Cloud was leading Aerith to the far end near the kupo tree. Faint lights from the castle wall overhead provided the minimum for the king to see clear. Feeling he was far enough, he stopped and turned to the beauty behind him. The king stared at her still in awe. He could scarcely believe that she was here. The lady before him turned slightly from his gaze. The darkness hid away the blush on her cheeks.
Gently, Cloud took her face in his hands and turned her to face him. Her bright emerald eyes would look at him and then avert several times. She was just as nervous as Cloud was. He found it hard to speak even but he did anyway.
"You are the most beautiful lady I have ever seen," he said. "For a long time I thought you were a dream but you are here, really here."
Aerith placed her hand over the one he had on her face. She closed her eyes relishing in the warmth of his hand.
"I was scared," she admitted softly.
She went to continue but Cloud pulled her close to him, holding her in a warm embrace.
"You don't have to," he said. "I will protect you from now on. You don't have to worry, okay?
"Yes," she agreed.
Cloud smiled, "I want to know everything about you."
She looked up at him from within his embrace. Her eyes were shining brighter than any precious jewel.
"As do I, your highness." she said.
"Cloud," he corrected. "Call me Cloud, Aerith."
She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him gently. She broke only for a second to whisper his name, "Cloud."
XXX
The moogles awoke to find Aerith merrily spinning around her room, humming a tune she made up. The fur coat lay draped over her bed and she was still wearing the dress of glittering diamonds. She had spoken with Cloud long into the night, talking about this and that and how happy they could be with one another. The moogles were happy for her but they were even more happy when Aerith presented them a loaf of bread with kupo nuts. She had spent the early morning making it for them as a thank you.
"So yummy," Cosmog mumbled as chewed.
"So when are you and King Cloud getting married," Moglin teased.
Aerith blushed. "Marriage, it is too soon I think... maybe..."
The princess erupted into a fit of giggles. She then decided to finally change from the dress of diamonds and into her humble pink dress. She hoped it would be decent enough to wear when she saw Cloud again. After all the only other outfits she had were the dress of emeralds, rubies, and the coat.
After changing, the princess strolled down the castle corridors to find Cloud. Several of the servants who passed her were still in shock to see her as she was. Some were so nervous that they bowed repeatedly. Aerith claimed it was not necessary but since she was close to the king, the found it to be improper not to. Aerith hoped Cloud would be in his study this morning. She hurried along and when she came to his near the door to his study she could see the door open. Carefully she smoothed out her dress to make herself more presentable. A smile erupted on her face at the sheer thought of seeing the king.
"No, this is a problem," Rufus said.
Aerith smile fell. It sounded as if Cloud was in a important discussion with his adviser. Aerith thought perhaps she should come back later. She turned to leave when something else caught her attention.
"Why would King Weiss come here?" Cloud said.
"That is what I wish to know as well," Rufus voice growled. "King Weiss doesn't just visit kingdoms. He usually has ulterior motives behind him. For a while he had been occupying residency at the kingdom of the Cetra before the princess disappeared."
"The Princess was intended to marry King Weiss." Cloud stated.
"Intended, yes, but then she went missing, remember? The only reason he would be coming here is if he believes that the Cetra Princess is here."
"When will he be here?"
"Tomorrow..."
From outside the door, all the color drained from Aerith's face. Cold sweat slid down her spine before she nearly fell to the floor due to her legs giving away her support. She regained herself and pressed a hand over her mouth to muffle out a cry before running away. She bolted to her room, throwing open the door and slamming it shut behind her.
The moogles who has been relaxing on the bed looked up to see a horror filled Aerith. Aerith began sputtering words incoherently that Moglin and Cosmog looked at Mog to translate. However, the moogle with the yellow pom-pom looked just as confused.
"Aerith," Mog said holding his paws up. "Calm down!"
"No, no, no, no, no!" Aerith repeated. "I have to go! I have to leave now!"
"Wait, what? What do you mean you are leaving?' Mog asked, confusion still written on his face.
"You can't leave! What about King Cloud?" Moglin said.
"I thought you guys were in love!" Cosmog added.
Aerith shook her head and grabbed her satchel from under her bed. She tore it open and began throwing in things to take with her.
"I can't he's coming here!"
"Who is?" the moogles asked together.
"King Weiss! He knows I am here. He is coming here!"