The fireworks have started. You clutch your camera, as you feel a wave of butterflies fly up your stomach, hearing the first whistles rambunctiously shooting up into the sky, followed by a loud rattling; a sudden reminder that you're here for a reason beyond just taking photographs. The smell of sulfur quickly follows.
God, those things are dangerously near, you realize. Not unlike the man wearing the long coat and a fedora, leaning on the balcony with his back turned to you, only a few meters away.
Unwittingly, you pause to study him. Ardyn Izunia, the Niflheim Chancellor. A man who seems to be commanding much of the Empire's political movement, yet all together a man of mystery. He's taller than you imagined from the pictures, a vain looking man who is particular about his appearance. His eyes are fixed in the direction of the King and the Emperor, who seem engaged in conversation.
Who knows, maybe this peace treaty will really work out for the best...
He raises his glass at someone, taking a slow sip. You look across the balcony at Nyx and Lady Lunafreya. Suddenly you feel really small. You grab a flute of champagne from a passing waiter, and down it all in one go.
Even though you've never been one to be shy, you're not used to being around royalty. Being one of the lower ranking Kingsglaives, you've never even seen the King this close. The only reason Nyx managed to sneak you in was your skills with the camera. Posing as the royal photographer, you've been taking meaningless snaps of the guests through the early evening, having people pose and raise their glasses at you.
Everything around you looks and feels expensive, from the champagne you just necked down, to the huge aquarium in the middle of the balcony that houses every type of carp known to man. Even the dress you borrowed feels way too fancy on your skin. These people are used to luxury; caviar and gold. You desperately need to seem more natural, or it could all go terribly wrong. You feel the champagne flush through your body and warm your cheeks. Quick glance at Nyx, who's got his eyes on you. Silently, you open your mouth to mime at him;
How do I look?
He smiles and gives you a quick nod.
That's good enough.
You turn towards Ardyn Izunia, who's still got his back turned to you. One deep breath.
Come on, you can do this. Here we go then, into the lion's mouth.
Wearing your most innocent smile, you approach the Chancellor.
"Pardon me, sir?"
He turns around slowly, laying his eyes on you. He looks surprised.
"Would you mind if I take a picture?" He seems amused.
"By all means my dear. What is it for?"
"It's only for the royal collection. Might see it in the paper if it turns out good," you try your best to be bubbly and charming.
"But of course. How do you want it? Shall I just stand here?"
"That's absolutely fine, be natural," you smile.
Aiming the camera you focus on him, snapping a few shots. He looks straight the camera, and right through the lens, at you, as he leans on the banister with a smirk. "Nearly done." A few more snaps. You stop.
"Was that alright?"
"Wonderful!" you remark lowering the camera. "Would you like to see?"
"Why not."
You approach the Chancellor and stand right next to him, taking your time browsing through a few photos.
"Very handsome," you say with a cheeky smile. You mean it. The camera seems to be fond of him, like it or not. He's got a strange charisma, a peculiar mix of macho and a total dandy. He's got a taste for frills and flair, seems very grandiose in his manners, yet there's something understated and rough about him.
"I'm happy if you're happy," he responds, looking at the photographs over your shoulder. You look up and for a brief moment your eyes lock. He's wearing that slightly amused smirk.
Go on, time to make some small talk. Just make him relax a little...
"Oh yes, very happy," you respond enthusiastically, "Probably the best photos I've taken all night! It's fine to take pictures of well dressed important people, but it's quite different to get one of the Chancellor."
He smiles at you, "Is that so?"
"It's a rare pleasure to get a snap of a man of your importance. And of your charisma..."
Am I overdoing it? Too bold too soon?
He seems to go straight for the bait.
"Nonsense dear, the pleasure is all mine. I get so bored at these kinds of events, it's nice for someone to take interest. Let us drink to that."
Who'd have thought, flattery works a charm on this guy.
He lifts up his flute again. "You don't have one? We must fix that immediately," he quickly spots a waiter, hails him over, and picks a flute of champagne for you. "Here you go dear. May I ask your name?"
You hesitate for a second, trying to decide if revealing your real name would be a wise move at this moment. Yet without further resistance, your lips let out your name as you receive the glass. He repeats your name slowly, as if tasting it, figuring it out. Clinking his glass against yours, he adds, "What a lovely name. Pleased to make your acquaintance." With that, you both drink. His amber eyes linger on you only momentarily, as his gaze drifts back towards the King and the Emperor.
"Are you looking forward to this peace?" you ask, trying to keep his interest.
"Oh most certainly. It's about time, isn't it?"
You find it hard to believe he would really mean what he's saying. It's well known in the palace that most of the Glaives are very suspicious of the Empire's intentions. Hell, even the King's rumoured to be suspicious. Why peace, after all this? Why now?
"Absolutely. It'll be nice to have some freedom of movement in and out of the city. I'm looking forward to exploring more of Lucis," you continue, "My plan is to leave as soon as the borders are opened."
He smiles at you. "Great plan! I hope you get to go sooner than later."
"I take it you've travelled a lot, sir?"
"It comes with the job, I'm afraid," he responds, with his eyes on the Emperor, then turning to you, "Lucis is truly beautiful. I'm sure you will enjoy your travels. Be sure to stop by Galdin Quay for their famous seafood!"
"Oh I will, I love seafood!" You feel awkward and clumsy in your attempts to create some rapport with him.
Surely a man of his status is used to ladies approaching him all the time... perhaps he's bored of it?
A moment of silence falls between you and you see the Emperor and his entourage move from the balcony past the aquarium, towards the lift. Ardyn follows them with his gaze and then, suddenly turns to you.
"Well I would simply love to stay and share another glass with you, but I'm afraid duty calls."
Your heart starts pounding.
It's now or never. Just do it!
"Oh but of course!" You try to think on your feet. "Before you go, would it be too rude of me to ask for a photograph with the Chancellor?"
You can tell he's flattered.
Good thing I'm a genius, you mentally pat yourself on the back.
"Of course not, my dear. Excuse me -" He calls over a waiter, who's collecting glasses nearby. "Could you take a quick photograph of us for the lady?"
"Of course, sir!"
You give the camera to the waiter, showing him what to press and how to aim, then move back to the banister and next to Ardyn. A bit closer... To your surprise he wraps his arm around your waist and pulls you right against him. You look up and a nervous chuckle escapes your lips. A faint scent of musky perfume floats around him.
This man smells amazing. Ok, focus, quickly now!
The waiter aims the camera, "Smile!"
You gently move your arm around Ardyn's waist, and carefully drop the tiny transmitter into his trouser pocket, leaving your hand to rest on his hip. He turns to look at you, an intense stare, boring right into your soul. Your heart's about to leap out of your chest. Something's not right about him.
This man is dangerous.
He grins at you.
Thank god... he thinks I'm flirting.
The waiter is snapping away, seemingly really getting into it, "Lovely, lovely!"
"I think that's OK," you interrupt just as he's reaching his flow. "Thank you very much!" You take a step back from Ardyn. "And thank you, sir, it was truly a pleasure to meet you."
"Please, call me Ardyn," he smiles, lifting his hat and giving you the slightest bow. He's annoyingly charming, likeable, handsome.
"I'm afraid I must hurry on. If our paths ever happen to cross at Galdin Quay, I'll be sure to treat you to that famous dinner."
With a cheeky smile, he turns around, giving you a little wave with his hand as he walks away.
"Uh... Thank you!" you manage to respond, even though he's too far to hear you by now.
The waiter hands you your camera. "Lucky girl!" he says with a wink, picking up his tray of glasses.
"Yeah..." you smile, even though your knees have gone all wobbly and your heart is still racing.
Pulling out a chair from a nearby table, you sit down to calm your nerves. You look up to see Nyx checking up on you from across the balcony. You give him a couple of nods, but can't help but look worried.
It's done.
He nods in response, and then looks away, not to cause any suspicion.
You sit there, taking in the view; all the guests with their snacks and drinks, dancing and genuinely enjoying themselves. You can't believe you managed to pull it off. What if the transmitter doesn't work? What if it falls out of his pocket? What if he finds it?
Skimming through the photos, you reflect on the absurdity of the situation, and the possible consequences that could follow were you to be caught.
"Excuse me, miss?" You look up. It's Lady Lunafreya, looking positively glowing in her beautiful designer dress, smiling at you.
"You are the photographer?"
"Yes, madam, I am."
"Could I ask you to take a picture of me and one of the Kingsglaives?"
"Of course, madam," you agree, getting up and following her across the balcony to where Nyx is stood on guard.