(A/N): not my BOOK! I didn't write this story tired of explaining but y'all get the jeezs.
Original author: (lord of the land of fire)
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14026728/1/Eminence-of-Alexia
Chapter 1: Just what she needed
He fell to one knee and looked up at her with clear blue eyes. He spoke with a confidence and certainty one would expect from someone of his station.
"Princess Alexia, would you be mine? So that we may enjoy these precious days together."
"Sorry, not interested."
The look of stunned amazement on his face was hilarious, but she had years of experience in hiding her thoughts and maintaining the image of the unattainable, perfect princess. She turned on her heel and walked away without another word.
Eric wasn't actually a bad guy. He was the second son of a duke, skilled in bushin sword style, and pretty easy on the eyes. His personality was kind of bland, typical of the upper nobility he just sort of assumed he was inherently superior and entitled to whatever he wanted. (Nothing at all like her of course.) That didn't make him unlikeable, just boring.
The truth was she didn't particularly want to date anyone. She knew a political marriage was waiting for her, one that she would have no real say in. So, she wanted to enjoy her freedom for as long as she could. In fact, the only reason she'd even consider going out with anyone would be to try and force Zenon to back off. He was getting way too pushy about his candidacy. She'd tried to brush him off with the usual mix of cool disinterest and feigned ignorance. But he pretended not to notice and kept bothering her.
He was really starting to be a pain in the ass.
Unfortunately, there really wasn't anything she could do about it officially. He was handsome, wealthy, one of the finest swordsmen in the country, and well connected politically. Worst of all, people thought he had a 'exemplary character.' Everyone, including her father and sister, thought he was a splendid candidate. It wasn't as if she could tell people that he was way way too perfect, and actually kind of creeped her out. Without any legitimate reason to eliminate him as a suitor the best she could hope for was just to make him give her some space.
The way to do that would be for her to publicly start dating someone. That had its own set of issues though. She wanted to enjoy the rest of her school life doing as she pleased. There was no point in trading one nuisance for another. If she started dating any of the candidates for her hand in marriage (like Eric) they'd cling to her and try to spend every second they could with her. She was not only a princess but an amazing beauty after all, what boy could possibly resist her charms? And if that weren't bad enough the second she showed any interest in someone there'd be pressure to make a serious commitment to them. That was the last thing she wanted.
What I need, she thought. Is some idiot no one will take seriously. He needs to be cute enough for people to think I'd be attracted to him, but too low ranking to be a serious candidate for marriage. The sort of guy they'll all see as nothing but a fling. But where can I find-
"PLEASE EXCUSE ME!"
The sudden shout snapped Alexia out of her thoughts. There standing in front of her was a boy in the Midgar Academy school uniform. He had black hair and ruby red eyes. His clothes were a bit disheveled, and his hair was a mess. He was kind of cute though.
He jolted into a stiff and awkward bow with one hand stuck out to her and his face parallel to the floor. "P... Princess A… Al… Alexia! I l… love you! Please go out with me!"
Alexia stood there in amazement. She'd had over two dozen confessions since arriving at the school and this was easily the most awkward and painfully forced one she'd ever witnessed. She had never seen him before and had absolutely no idea who he was. Everything about him just screamed poor nobility from out in the sticks. Obviously, he was some uneducated freshman who'd fallen in love with her at first sight.
In other words, a complete idiot who had no idea what he was doing.
Bingo, she thought.
Alexia reached out and gently took his hand into hers. "I'd love to."
There was a long pause and she thought she heard two gasps coming from around the corner. Eventually, he turned his face to look up at her. He didn't appear happy. He looked as if he were staring at an avalanche that was five feet from burying him.
"Uhm, excuse me? What did you say?"
"I said I'd love to. That is the answer you were hoping for, isn't it?"
"Uh…"
The look of sheer terror in his eyes was so hilarious it took every ounce of self-control for her to not burst out laughing.
"What's your name?"
"Cid Kagenou."
"Well, Cid Kagenou, I'll be in your care from now on. Please treat me well."
His legs started to shake, and she thought he might faint. She was very proud of herself for not doubling over in laughter.