Disclaimer- I do not own Final Fantasy VII or its characters. It is property of Square Enix.

Summary- When forced into an arranged marriage, Aerith the Princess of the Cetra discovers her future husband is nothing more than a cruel person. Determined to escape her fate, Aerith with her friends make a daring escape. However, when Aerith goes into hiding in a coat of red fur. In her hiding, another man becomes the object of her affection. He is the prince of the neighboring kingdom. Aerith tries to keep her feelings buried but soon realizes she cannot. Yet, if she reveals herself she risks being discovered by her horrible fiance and forced to marry him. Can Aerith truly follow her heart and be with the man she loves or is the intrigue of royals too powerful to overcome?

The Lady In Red Fur

Chapter 1

Rain fell from the dark clouds above, hitting the trees and earth below. Lightning crackled every so often illuminating the otherwise dark forest. The creatures of the forest took shelter in the trees, within caves or their burrows frightened by the storm.

The sound of feet scraping against the ground, twig being broken, echoed before being drowned out by the thunder. A figure ran through the trees along a dirt path that was now becoming mud. Its breathing came out in large gasps as it ran. Clutched in their hand was a red orb. Flames came out of the orb lighting the path ahead. The figure whimpered as it tried to keep the flames burning but the rain was coming down heavier, dousing the fire. Finally, it gave up and dropped the orb carelessly to the ground before it too dropped to the ground.

The creatures of the forest watched it carefully when lightning flashed. For a brief moment, one could see the figure was dressed in a coat made of red fur, with a large hood draped over its head. Their hands were covered in leather gloves of the same color and their feet were adorned with brown boots. The face was concealed completely under the hood. Had anyone stumbled upon the figure at this point would have thought it a monster but its soft cries were a direct contrast to the beastly attire.

Its hands reached to their face as it let out a cry of anguish. Thunder rumbled drowning out it cries and more rain pelted down on upon it.

As it slumped over crying, a trio of white creatures emerged from the path behind. Each one a furry white, with purple bat like wings, red noses, and large pompoms dangling from their heads. Two had red pompoms but the one at the head of the trio had a yellow one. Each one also soaked from the raging rain.

"Look!" the yellow pompom one called out. "We found her."

The one creature pointed toward the red clad person. They floated toward her, landing next to her. One of the creatures brought his hand up to touch her.

"OH!" the figure was startled. Its head flew up and the hood dropped from exposing a woman to the rain. A chestnut brown hair , emerald eyed, and porcelain skin woman looked fearful of what had just touched her. When she saw the furry creatures she felt relief wash over her. Without thinking she scooped the one closest to her and hugged it to her.

"Don't cry," the one being hugged said. His voice was a distinct male voice "We promised we would find you. Moogles are good at finding things you know?"

The creatures, moogles, looked up at her face with warm smiles.

"I'm so scared Mog," she said, calling the moogle in her arms by his name. His yellow pompom brushed her cheek.

"We're here," a chipper feminine moogle said. "We won't let anything happen to you."

The third moogle shook himself trying to rid the water soaking his fur. It proved pointless as more water fell onto him soaking him again.

"Can we please find somewhere dry to rest?" he asked. "Preferably one with lots of kupo nuts?"

The human woman laughed slightly. "Cosmog is your tummy that empty?"

"I haven't eaten in a whole three hours!" He complained.

The girl moogle smacked him for being inconsiderate to the woman's situation.

"Can't you see she is upset!" She snapped. "You men are so inconsiderate to others feelings."

"Moglin," the woman said softly. "Cosmog is right..."

Cosmog whispered, "See she's hungry too."

"We need shelter fast..." she finished to which Cosmog groaned.

Mog who was still in her arms took her hood and promptly placed it back on the girl's head. He smiled up at her and began to fly. Moglin handed her the orb smiling as well. Cosmog's stomach growled and he embarrassingly looked to the ground. The girl felt a small smile tug at her lips

"Don't worry, like I said moogles are good at finding things." Mog reminded trying to reassure her, "we'll find somewhere to spend the night."

Sure enough the moogles did find a place for the four to rest. It was a cave and lucky for the group there was dried wood and leaves within so they could use the materia orb to start a fire. The moogles were shaking the water from their fur, much like how a dog would. Cosmog was smacking the side of his head trying to get water out of his ear. Moglin was carefully smoothing out her fur trying to make her appearance look less ragged and more ladylike. Mog was nearly dry when he watched the lady clad in red fur slip out of it. She peeled off the gloves and the boots as well to let them dry.

She was wearing a simple pink dress now with a satchel slung diagonally over her. She lifted it over her head and sat it down on the ground before sitting down herself. Mog joined her by the fire.

"Are you okay?" Mog asked in concern.

"How can you ask me such a thing?" she said bitterly.

Mog frowned.

The girl continued, "I have no idea what to do now. I can never return home. I'll never see my mother again."

"Princess..." Mog said softly.

The girl snapped, "I am not a princess anymore! I'm nothing. I don't even know how to survive out here. W-what have I done?"

Cosmog and Moglin now joined them.

"Princess... I mean..." Mog trailed off. "Aerith it isn't like you had another option that was better for you."

The lady, Aerith, eyes widened in shock. She was realizing what was happening to her. "I ran away from home so I wouldn't have to marry someone."

Moglin piped up, "But he was a bad man and you know it."

Cosmog nodded his head in agreement, "Yeah!"

Aerith placed her head in her hands. Her mind began to play events in her recent past like a projector.

The Princess of the Cetra peered behind the corner of one of the castle many corridors. She was wearing a blue cloak and a simple dress and shoes on. At her elbow she had a brown basket with a cloth covering the contents. Glancing up and down the hall she spotted no one. She dashed down the hall that led to a set of double doors. These doors led to the palace veranda. She pushed open the door as quietly as she could but it still creaked. Pausing, she looked to see if anyone had noticed. No servant or guard appeared. She smiled and slipped out the door.

The veranda was placed just outside the palace gardens, her true destination. She ran to the edge of the veranda and carefully climbed over the banister and hopped down to the ground. Next, she made a mad dash through the gardens. It was early morning and none of the palace gardeners would be tending to the plants at this time. That was lucky for her. She did not want anyone spying on her.

She came a tree at the far corner of the garden. The tree was large and created nice shade for the princess. A nut fell down from a tree as a branch trembled from something above her. She looked up at the tree and found that the leaves made it impossible to see what was hiding inside.

"Kupo?" she called out.

The tree rustled and several more nuts fell from the tree. The princess placed her hand above her, to make sure no stray nut would hit her face. Then three furry white faces popped out of the tree.

"Kupo!" they called back in unison.

"Aerith!" Mog called out as he fell from the tree. Aerith lifted her arms and caught the moogle. She did a little spin before letting him go. Moglin floated down gracefully and daintily landed on the ground. Cosmog dropped down and landed with a loud thump.

The moogles were familiar with Aerith. She had known them since she was little. In fact, she was the only one to know of these three creatures who resided in the palace gardens. The moogles insisted they did not like being around humans much but the tree in this garden was a kupo nut tree. Kupo nuts, being the favorite food of all moogles, brought them here. When she first met the moogles, Aerith had climb the kupo tree to hide from her nursemaid. At the same time the moogles had flew into the tree to eat the delicious nuts. The moogles and the little princess frightened one another and all four fell out of the tree. Upon realizing the princess was not going to harm them the moogles warmed up to her. They became secret friends and everyday, when she could, Aerith would visit them.

Aerith rested on the ground, placing her basket next to her. Cosmog became curious and began sniffing the basket. She smiled at them. Despite them being the same creature each one had their own personality. Moglin always attempted to be proper and ladylike. She kept her fur perfectly clean so it was always glossy. Had she been a human, Aerith was sure Moglin would fit in the royal court perfectly. Mog was very laid back and easygoing. He was smart though and the bravest of his friend. He was good at making things too. Cosmog, as Moglin would say, was lazy and only cared about food. While true, Cosmog was also sensitive and kind. He also had a good sense of taste. Aerith loved all three of them.

"How are you this morning?" Aerith asked.

"Very well," Moglin replied.

"What's in the basket," Cosmog sniffed again and again. "It smells good!"

Aerith snatched her basket, giving them a playful smile.

"Well, today I have..."

She took the cloth out from her basket and laid it out on the ground. She then pulled out a loaf of bread, that was still warm. Cosmog's squealed in joy and reached for it. Moglin smacked his hand away.

"Behave yourself," she said with her nose in the air. "This is for all of us."

Mog tilted his head and pondered. "You took that from the kitchen without asking again, didn't you?"

Aerith grinned sheepishly.

She broke the bread in four equal pieces. Cosmog greedily took his and took a big bite out of it. Moglin took small bites but became greatly annoyed when crumbs from the crusty bread flew onto her as Cosmog ate.

"One day you are going to get caught," Mog said as he ate. "Not that I am complaining... this is really good."

"Now if we had Kupo Nut bread it be the best!" Cosmog dreamed, his mouth salivating at the thought.

Aerith shrugged, "They won't miss this one loaf. My mother has guests coming to the castle..."

Trailing off she could not help but grin again. She reached over and tickled Cosmog's tummy. He began to laugh loudly. "What can't you make out of the kupo nuts?"

"He can't make a thing," Moglin said, between bites.

"I can too!" Cosmog defended himself.

Mog rolled his eyes before saying, "If you can why not make some?"

"Too much work," he replied.

Aerith lay back on the grass as she ate her bread with her friends. She had to enjoy this moment because she was sure one of the servants would be coming within the hour to find her. She should have already been preparing for her mother's guests but entertaining royals was not as fun as being with her moogle friends.

"So who are these guests?" Mog asked as he rested next to her, hands behind his head.

"Some royals from the Tsviets Kingdom." Aerith said grimly.

"Not fond of them?" Mog asked.

"I don't know anything about them, to be honest, other than that they are a strong kingdom." Aerith replied, "It's probably for a peace treaty. My kingdom is small but is rich in resources..."

"Like kupo nuts!" Cosmog said, now cracking open the nuts to eat.

Aerith laughed slightly before saying, "All I know is my mother's advisers say we need allies for protection."

"Doesn't seem so bad," Moglin said. She remained seated, refusing to lay on the ground as it would make her dirty.

Aerith sighed heavily. At times, she could not stand listening to intrigue between royals or other high class citizens. The people seemed so fake at times, that Aerith could not stand even being in the same room as them for long. Though she usually had to grit her teeth and bear with it.

The princess and the moogles were enjoying their time together when the sound of a voice came from somewhere in the garden.

"Princess Aerith!"

Aerith sat up. The moogles instantly flew from their spot, hiding within the tree. The next thing the princess knew one of the servants came rushing from behind a row of rose bushes. The servant was a girl. She had brown hair and a more toned body. Unlike most female servants who wore dresses, this one wore pants and a shirt. She was sweating and breathing heavily. Aerith wonder how far the servant must have ran to find her.

This woman was not just a servant. She was Aerith's personal bodyguard. The woman spotted Aerith and let out a sigh of relief before rushing over to the princess.

"Hello Cissnei," Aerith said sheepishly.

"Hello?" Cissnei huffed. "Are you trying to get me in trouble?"

Aerith looked away in shame. "Sorry."

"I came to get you, thinking you would be ready, and what do I find?" She asked exasperated. "You missing and the servants in a panic!"

"I was just enjoying..." her eyes shifted to the tree, knowing the moogles were watching her, "...the weather."

Cissnei quickly brought the princess to her feet. "I don't want to know why you are here but we need to get you ready! The guests from Tsviets Kingdom are here!"

Aerith's eyes widened, "Already?"

"Don't you ever listen to your mother?" Cissnei cried out in annoyance. "They would arrive for here before breakfast."

Cissnei began to drag Aerith. Aerith could not recall when the actual arrival time was. However, now was not time to think about it. Cissnei and her arrived to her bedroom where several servants were pacing back and forth. Once Aerith arrived it was like a whirlwind and Aerith was caught in the middle. The servants dressed her in one of the more lavish dresses she had, that weighed heavy on her. They braided her hair and decorated her with necklaces and bracelets. They finally finished by place a diamond tiara on her head, one that Aerith only wore on special occasions or when meeting with royals.

Once ready, Cissnei hurried her out of the room down the grand staircase to the main hall. The servants lined the sides of a red carpet (which was laid out for guests), and her mother waiting anxiously. Aerith took a deep breath and walked down the steps to meet her mother. The queen, looked relieved when she saw her daughter.

"Where have you been," Queen Ifalna scolded quietly.

Cissnei who was behind her, quickly responded. "Her highness overslept."

"Oh, Aerith," The queen looked at her daughter.

Aerith turned away, "Forgive me, it was an accident."

"Stand up straight and look presentable," Ifalna ordered quietly.

Ifalna looked every bit regal. The crown on her head was larger than Aerith's own tiara and covered in more jewels than one could count. Her own dressed looked more intricate as well as the robe draped over her shoulder. Ifalna was holding a long staff with the top adorned with what looked like wings encrusted with jewels.

Aerith stood just behind her mother. Cissnei had taken her place behind Aerith as always. Queen Ifalna's own bodyguard was not too far away while the royal advisers were also present. Aerith waited on baited breath as the doors to the palace opened. The sound of horns blaring indicated the arrival of the Tsviets.

"Now presenting," A man spoke, "His royal highness or the Kingdom of Tsviets, King Weiss the Immaculate."

Aerith had to keep herself from laughing. Did this king give himself that title? She wondered if this was going to be another arrogant royal that she would be biting her tongue with. Seconds later a man came through the doors followed by his entourage. Aerith watched as the king approached. His body muscular. His hair is silver spikes that draped down his back to his shoulders. His clothes were predominantly white with accents of black and high boots. He held himself in such a way the exuded confidence.

Once he was in front of the queen, He gave a curt bow which the rest of his people followed. Ifalna nodded her head and he stood. His eyes were hidden by the strands of silver in front of his face and Aerith could not see them.

"Greetings, King Weiss," Ifalna said, "It is an honor to have you in my kingdom."

"The honor is all mine," he insisted.

Aerith wondered if he actually meant it but it would be impolite to say otherwise.

"I'd like to introduce my daughter," Ifalna said. The queen looked back at her daughter. Aerith politely moved forward and curtsied low to him.

"It's an honor to make your acquaintance." she said.

King Weiss held out his hand to her. Aerith placed her hand in his and he helped her up. He brought her hand to his lip and brushed the back of her hand with them. However, Aerith barely noticed as now that he was right in front of him she could see between the silver strands at his eyes. Blue eyes with a circle of yellow surrounding them. Aerith had never seen eyes like this and it made her uncomfortable.

Weiss let go of her hand and turned to his entourage. "My brother, Prince Nero."

He held out his hand indicating a man with black hair. Aerith could not tell whether it was purposely unkempt or because his hair was just unruly. The young brother wore a gray suit with accents of blue, knee high boots. The king and prince looked every bit regal but neither wore crowns. The simplistic design of their clothes had its appeal. It definitely showed off their masculine bodies well.

"Also my personal bodyguard, Azul and Rosso," Weiss said indicating a man and woman.

The man, Azul, was large and heavily muscled. He was incredibly tall and Aerith found him intimidating. Also wearing clothes of gray with blue accents. A cape draped over his shoulders. His hair was blue and eyes golden yellow. The woman, sporting very revealing clothes had crimson hair and eyes. A long red cape draped over her but her stomach and thighs were bear. Aerith wondered how she could be a bodyguard in such an outfit. She was a stark contrast to her own bodyguard.

"It is my pleasure," Queen Ifalna said. "Please, join us in the dining hall for breakfast."

"I'd be delighted." King Weiss said. "We have much to discuss."

Aerith leaned over to Cissnei, "Why are they dressed so oddly"

Cissnei heard the princess's whispered question.

Cissnei responded in a low voice, " Tsviets Kingdom is known for their warriors. They are dressed in the typical outfits. Don't be fooled by looks your highness, I'm certain that either of them could be a fair match against any opponent."

Aerith nodded and turned to follow her mother into the dining hall when she noticed King Weiss at her side. She bowed her head politely.

"It be my pleasure to escort you, princess." he said.

Aerith could not be rude and refuse, despite the uneasiness she felt. If she did her mother would certainly scold her harshly. She took his offered arm and looked back at Cissnei. Cissnei could only shrug but remained close.

As they walked King Weisss spoke quietly to her. "Your kingdom is... charming."

"Thank you for your kind words." Aerith said. She wished the dining hall was closer.

"I see it has many beautiful treasures." He continued. "Your mother was very much correct on that."

Aerith nodded, "The Cetra kingdom does have many treasures."

King Weiss gave her a smile only causing the uneasiness to grow in Aerith.

"She spoke highly of you as well," he continued. "Her words do no justice though. Nor do the rumors of your beauty."

Aerith gave him a weak smile. "You are too kind your majesty."

They came to the dining hall and Aerith slipped from the king. She took her seat next to her mother at the table and breakfast was served. Ifalna, Weiss, and his brother Nero were talking pleasantly to one another. Aerith did not take particular interest in their conversation.

"Isn't that right Aerith?" Ifalna said.

Aerith eyes widened slightly. She did not hear what her mother asked. She looked up and smiled weakly.

"Y-yes...?" She answered.

"Your daughter does not seem so sure," Weiss laughed.

"Perhaps her mind is somewhere else," Nero said. "I hope we are not boring her or maybe she has no mind at all."

Aerith gripped her the utensil in her hand hard. She shook her head, "Not at all, I was just absorbed at how delicious the food is this morning. However, if it is my mind you want to see then perhaps speaking of something more interesting would gain you its attention."

Ifalna gave Aerith a sharp look. She smiled politely.

"It is very good," Weiss replied before inclining his head to Ifalna, "You spoke highly of your daughter, I can see why. She isn't one to simply sit when someone is deliberately insulting her."

Weiss gave Nero a look. "Forgive me for my brother's rudeness. He does not warm up to others well."

"All is forgiven," Ifalna laughed merrily, "Right Aerith."

"Yes, mother."

Breakfast continued and Aerith could see Nero glaring at her. She ignored him but this time paid more attention in case she needed to answer. Breakfast ended and Aerith was ready to return to her room to get out of her dress into something more simple however it was not happening.

"Would you like a tour of the kingdom, King Weiss?" Ifalna asked.

"Only if your daughter would be accompanying me." he said, looking directly at her.

Aerith turned toward Cissnei and whispered, "No, no, no."

Cissnei whispered back, "I don't think you are going to have much choice."

"I think it be a wonderful idea," Ifalna answered. "After all you should get to know each other."

Aerith turned to her mother a smile plastered onto her face. "Mother would it not be better if you showed his highness? After all it be quite rude to not show him around."

"No, Aerith," her mother said firmly making no room for argument. "King Weiss as requested for your company and I firmly believe it to be a good idea.

Well I don't, Aerith thought grimly. Yet, she relented to the unfortunate circumstance. "Please allow me to change into something more fitting for traveling."

Aerith went to excuse herself.

"Very well," King Weiss said as she brushed past him. "I need to learn much about my future bride before the wedding."

Aerith stopped dead in tracks. "What!"

Author Note- Found this buries in my files and decided to post it. It is based on the fairy tale "Catskin" or similar to other versions. The moogles are all from Final Fantasy 6 and I wanted to use them as her friends versus using Cait Sith and Red XIII again. Also, changed up the villain to be Weiss this time around. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy.

Princess~