Greetings and Salutations everyone, this story here was inspired by reading such wonderful stories such as "Unexpeted" by Radiklement and "Walk Tall" by Avanchi. I would highly recommend you read their stories if you have not already. That being said. This story is a bit more AU than the base story of FFXV where Noctis isn't so... apathetic about everything. I wanted to see him actually care about everything going on around him instead of watching him fumble around like a helpless child in a dark room. I felt that perhaps if he'd been more aware of everything going on things would have most likely turned out very differently. But, I'm getting distracted; this is an AU story, so some characters who were once dead in the cannon timeline may be alive, others with different roles, who's to say? Now then, enough of my Yammering, please read and Enjoy! -Knownobody.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own the Final Fantasy Franchise, they belong to Square Enix.

A King's Duty

Prologue

The hum of the constant flow of traffic echoed off of the walls of the skyscrapers in the city that never slept; the setting sun giving it an almost ethereal glow. The citizens hustled to and fro all either leaving or arriving at their many destinations. The many buildings housed goods such as articles of clothing of the latest fashions, furniture, and many different kinds of electrical devices. The many restaurants seemed to be filled to the brink with throngs of people with more coming as the delicious aromas of the foods being served wafted through the streets. Lines of people gathered at some of the many clubs, dressed ready to party and have a good time with their friends and loved ones.

Deep in the city a young man with messy black hair waved to his blond haired best friend as they parted ways at an intersection. The young man wore a white short sleeved shirt with a red stripe running down the middle, baggy jeans held up with his belt that was several notches in to keep the overly large pants from falling down. He wore a white cap to help hide his face from the local passerby, but if they looked close enough they could see his blue eyes obscured by his black bangs.

He casually walked down the busy streets with his hands in his pockets, blending in perfectly to those walking around him. Weaving through throngs of people with a simple "excuse me," or a "pardon me," he made his way closer to a parking garage. The large building was still at least a hundred yards away or so down the street but that was to issue to him. A walk was always healthy for you after all.

The young man had noticed however that for the past several blocks that someone had been following him and his friend before they parted ways, the blond probably never even aware of their follower as he had. He was surprised however, to notice that it wasn't quite who he'd thought it would be. Whilst trying to be as subtle as he could he quickly ducked into an alley between buildings. Not but a minute passed before he reached out and grabbed the person. He quickly pushed her up against the brick wall, covering her mouth as he did so, only to find himself sprawled out on the concrete ground before the young lady.

She had short dark curly hair, wore a black and red tank top with a red plaid skirt her legs covered by black socks and matching boots. She had two belts running across her wait, one holding up her skirt, and the other holding the leather brace on the backside of her skirt in place. Unsurprised by how quickly she broke his hold and flipped him onto his back the young man groaned as he took her proffered hand to get back onto his feet. "Geeze Noct," she said with exasperation. "Way to treat a lady," she huffed, putting her hands to her waist as Noct brushed the dirt off of his clothes. "A simple "Hey" would have sufficed."

"Hello to you too Iris," Noct replied, his voice faint as he tried to recollect his breath. "Learn that one from Gladio?" he asked cracking his back. She was Iris Amicitia, and while she looked defenseless she was more than capable of holding her own in a fight. Her family has served his own family for countless generations as stalwart bodyguards. She herself was assigned to protect him along with her older brother. She merely shook her head response, he reasoned it was self-taught then. "And in my defense," Noct quickly added. "You were stalking me for at least four blocks."

She smirked at him. "You only noticed because I made it obvious!" she teased. She may have been a few years younger than Noct, but she was an invaluable friend to him. "Chocobo Butt didn't seem to notice though," she added. "Not too good for an aspiring Crownsguard, especially when around royalty." Noct couldn't help but chuckle at her description of his best friend's never changing hairstyle, and while he did find it mean on some levels, he had to agree that Prompto's hairstyle of choice did in fact remind him of the backside of the large feathered flightless birds that he was so fascinated with.

"Well he was a bit tuckered out after all of today's work," Noct defended as they stepped out of the alleyway and continued their way to the large parking garage. "I'm surprised you found me first, I thought for sure it would have been Gladio."

"Oh don't worry, my big brother is waiting for you back at the apartment with Iggy," Iris replied following behind him with a smile on her face as she held her hands behind her back. Yet even then he knew that she was keeping an eye on everything around them should anything happen to endanger her charge. "And just an fyi, they're both pretty upset with you right now," she added causing him to sigh. Seemingly able to sense the apprehension forming between them she decided to change the topic. "So Noctis, where were you today?" she asked.

"Well, first we went to go and help orphanage with some building repairs, as a side note, please remind me to see to getting some more funds sent their way for utilities and provisions, they're understocked for how many refugees are there," Noctis replied nonchalantly. "Then afterwards we played with the kids a bit before their attendants called them all in for lunch and bid us farewell. After that, Prompto and I went to the refugee sectors to check up on things there, make sure there were no ill disputes and the such, and after that well, here we are," he said causally wave his arms around.

"Busy day then," Iris hummed in response. "I know you trust Prompto and all, but you know Gladio and Iggy would get off your back with these little excursions of yours if you'd let at least one of us tag along with you," she added.

"Yea," Noctis sarcastically replied. "Cause nothing screams nobility more than your brother's overly intimidating self or Iggy's over professionalism," he said with a sigh. "Iris, you know that I don't do all of this to be recognized as the prince right? I do it because I want to."

She knew. She knew that Noctis worked himself day in and day out to help the people of Insomnia. She knew he did it because that's just how he has been since he was little. "A king's first duty is to his people" is what he would always say, something that his father had told him years ago that he'd taken heart to. But what he didn't know was that even though he went through such lengths to try and keep himself anonymous, the people still realized it was him and loved him for all of his effort and his willingness to set aside the credit and rewards just to see his people happier. They loved him.

"Yes, I know Noct, you say it all the time, but what about me, you can always ask me to come, I'll happily tag along," she said with a smile. He gave her a smile in return.

"Not that I don't appreciate the offer, but some of the places I go to can be," he paused for a second looking for the best way to put it. "A bit unsavory for a lady such as you," he finished. "Besides your brother would kill me, prince's shield or not," he also added. At this Iris huffed walked up behind him and tripped him causing the prince to fall flat on his face.

"Not that I don't appreciate your concern, but I'm pretty sure I can handle myself just fine," she said haughtily as she leaned over him with a grin before she pranced along with a merry skip in her step; leaving the prince to get back up onto his feet once again. She stopped a few paces ahead of him waiting for him to catch up.

"How did you even find me anyway?" He asked out of idle curiosity, jogging a few steps to catch up with her.

"I'd been tailing you all day," she replied with an almost bored shrug. "Close enough to know you were still around, but far enough to still give you some privacy. Almost lost you early today so I actually went to choco-butt's place and asked his land lady where he went, since I figured he was with you, and well yea, been following you ever since then."

"Oh great, my own personal stalker," Noctis teased, trying to embarrass her.

"Yup!" she agreed with a mischievous smile on her face. "And don't you forget it," she mockingly warned complete while wagging her finger at him like a parent disciplining their child. "So don't do anything naughty!" They both laughed to themselves and fell into a comfortable silence as they continued on.

Their boots echoed off the concrete walls as they entered that garage. The dimly lit room didn't pose any dangers or give off any bad vibes however, but nevertheless they quickly proceeded through until they reach a motorcycle parked near the far side of the back wall on the first floor. Settled on the black leather seat was a folded jacket with a helmet sitting on the top of it. The motorcycle was sleek with a shiny black coat, its wheels sporting bright polished silver rims.

"Want a lift to your ride?" Noctis offered.

"What going to dump me off at the train station? No, I don't think so come on, we're going back to your apartment before Gladdy sends the rest of the Crownsguard after you," Iris said as a mirthful smile graced her face.

"Right," Noctis merely replied before handing the ribbed jacket to the young lady. She refused and crossed her arms. "You wear it," Noctis insisted. "I insist."

"Royalty," was her one word response before pushing the leather jacket back into his arms. He was about to offer he the helmet as well but the pointed look on her face stopped him before the words even formed in his mouth. With a defeated nod he slipped the jacket on over his shirt and put the helmet on his head. Iris smiled appreciatively. "Thank you for being gentlemanly though," she said as she got on the bike behind Noctis.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his back as he revved up the bike and drove out of the garage and onto the streets, a blissful gaze in her eyes. She'd probably never tell him, but being close to him like this always filled her with warmth and joy. She'd been fond of him ever since they were little kids and she'd gotten lost in the Citadel's gardens where he found her and led her back to her brother who had been sick with worry.

She leaned with him in perfect synchronism turn for turn as they drove from the clustered city streets onto one of the many overpasses that connected the massive cities different districts. All over the various buildings screens displayed advertisements and news broadcasts. Every once in a while a massive ornate statue of one of the previous rulers of Lucis standing proud broke the curtain of buildings, never failing to strike awe into the hearts of all that saw them. The sun's light had long since faded at this point and so they were led by the bikes headlight as well as the many lampposts dotting the streets. As night finally took over the city the livelihood of its people only seemed to grow, with more people flocking to establishments with their friends and loved ones. It was another sight that Noctis never tired of seeing.

They exited the freeway and entered the largest district in the city, or as it was more commonly referred to as the "Crown City." It was comprised mostly of large tall skyscrapers; however one stood out among the rest. Located in the very heart of the city was the Citadel, a large building with four high towers branching out from each of the corners. It was the tallest building in all of Insomnia. On occasion a bright glow could be seen gleaming from in between the four towers showing the power of the Crystal of Light that the gods had placed in Noctis's family's care eons ago.

Their destination however was not the Citadel. It was a different building located a short distance away. A tall several story apartment complex with the same Gothic architecture as the rest of the massive city was what Noctis called home. After getting into a large debate with his father and his retainers Noctis was allowed and apartment outside of the Citadel, however as a rule of thumb, his Amicitia bodyguards had an apartment of their own just a couple doors away from his own, and that should the need arise he would be moved back into the Citadel at a moment's notice should the King order it.

Gladiolus Amicitia was waiting for them as they parked the bike in the underground parking lot. He was a tall muscular man with black hair tied back into a ponytail. He wore a gray tank top and white jeans. His muscular arms were crossed over his chest showing off his tattoos as he leaned against one of the pillars that the duo parked next to. "Bout time you finally returned," he grunted pushing himself off the concrete. His voice was low and Noctis could hear exhaustion in his voice. Even so he had already given the two a quick but thorough look over for any injuries, noticing the dirt on Noctis's clothes.

"Hey Gladio, sorry about the wait, I got held up along the way," Noctis replied as he got off the bike, motioning to Iris who was getting off after him. He sat the helmet back down on the seat, but kept the jacket on.

"What!" she exclaimed. "That is so not true!" she defended herself, Gladio looked back and forth between Noctis and his younger sister who was huffing at the boy. Whatever frustration and anger he had held for his charge at the moment vanished without a trace. They both turned to look at him when he started chuckling at their antics.

"Come on, Iggy is waiting for us upstairs," Gladio said as he motioned for them to follow him. They walked over to the elevator that would take them higher up into the building to the floor they stayed at. Gladio had always held a soft spot in his otherwise ice cold heart for these two. Noctis was like the little brother he never had and Iris was his dearest little sister. They had grown up together, Noctis didn't seem them as his body guards so much as the siblings he never had. Their father, Clarus Amicitia was the chief bodyguard of the King, and as such he was often staying in the Citadel for days at a time, hardly ever having time for his children since they were little. So Gladio took on the role of a father figure to Iris, as well as being her brother.

Once the elevator reached their floor the three of them spilled out into the hallway. "I hope Iggy has some food going, I'm starved," Noctis said as he rested his hands on the back of his head. The neared his apartment and Noctis unceremoniously opened the door with a simple "I'm home," before removing his shoes by the door. The other two followed suit.

It was a nice apartment. It had a large open living room with a beautiful view of the city skyline. In front of the window sat a large black couch and a clear glass coffee table. On the sides around the table sat two similar love seats for when all of his friends came to visit. Up against the wall situated between two bookshelves sat a large television set that had been playing the news. On the coffee table sat two folders with political reports covered in notes and marked with sticky notes all sprawled out over the glass surface. The television was showing a news broadcast but Noctis didn't really pay it any attention.

He walked over and plopped himself onto the couch just as Ignis Scientia stepped out of the walk in kitchen. He wore a white dress shirt and dress pants. He had black suspenders over his shoulders. He wore black glasses despite not having bad vision. His light brown hair was spiked up at the front, but combed perfectly in the back. In his hands was a plate that he had just finished washing and was in the process of drying. "Ah, welcome back Noct," he said to Noctis. He then repeated the greeting to the others as well.

He set the plate and the towel down on the counter before adjusting his glasses. "Don't get too comfortable Noct," he warned. "Your father wants to see you as soon as possible."

Noctis immediately rose to his feet. "What? Is everything alight?" he asked. He had feared for his father's health for some time now. His father's body had aged far quicker than it should have since he had begun using his magic much more frequently to power his soldiers and defend Insomnia from the Niflhiem Empire nearly twelve years ago.

"I don't know Noct, it may have something to do with the Imperial Ambassador that had arrived earlier today," Ignis replied. The puzzled look on the younger man's face told Ignis that he had been completely unaware of the visit. Noctis was already making his way out the door putting his shoes back on. Gladio was right behind him; when they saw Iris valiantly try to hide a yawn.

"Iris, you can stay here if you want, you're probably exhausted from following Noct all day," her brother said. "I'll tell you what's up when we get back," he added. The girl nodded her head before settling down where Noctis had been sitting here moments ago and began to lie down on the couch, close to dosing off. Ignis followed the other two boys out of the house before locking the door behind them.

The walk back to the garage was filled with an uncomfortable silence. Noctis had never felt so nervous about going to see is father as he had been now. For most men his age, a father calling out to his son wouldn't seem so serious, but not everyone was the son of King Regis Lucis Caelum. Especially if it had anything to do with the empire that Lucis had been fighting for centuries. The others seemed to have picked up on his mood and decided not to say anything. They arrived at their location, one of Noctis's cars, one of the few that would allow all three of them to fit at the same time. Most of the prince's vehicles were motorcycles or sports cars. This one was one of the rare few, if not the only one, that could seat more than two people at a time.

The drive was short, quickly arriving at the Citadel. The Crownsguard stationed at the gate immediately recognized them and opened the golden gates, one of the only accessible points in the tall fenced off wall. The courtyard leading up to the Citadel's entrance had a red piled road with large fountains on either side. Just before the doors, at the bottom of the steps sat a large marble insignia of the kingdom's royal family where Ignis parked the car. Ignis and Gladio stepped out first, allowing Noctis to lower the front passenger's seat to exit the car.

The Moon was visible in the sky from where they stood as Noctis looked up at the imposing building. With a deep breath he made his way inside. Beyond the ornate doors the lobby was decorated with floors and support columns made entirely or back marble, ornate gold patterns broke the monotone black. A few large potted plants added a bit of color to the otherwise dreary hall. Government officials hustled to and fro trying to finish their work before the night dragged on too long. The guards inside the palace were all Kingsglaive soldiers, elite men and women hand selected by his father and granted some of his magic. They were the best of the best, often sent to the front lines or assigned to other seemingly suicide objectives.

Weaving through the masses the trio awaited an elevator that would take them up to the throne room. The ride was silent, Noctis was sure his friends could feel the anxiety pouring off of him. An Imperial Ambassador, here in the Citadel? Where they here to demand Lucis's unconditional surrender? Did his father want to send him on an assignment? Was he preparing him for something Noctis knew he wasn't ready for? His mind was a flux with worry. Passing through the waiting room lined with comforters and paintings depicting Lucis's history along the walls they approached the throne room doors.

With a deep breath Noctis pushed the doors open after passing the glaives guarding it. The room was long and spacious. Marbled floors led up to a split staircase in which a secret passage that only Noctis, his father, and the royal shields knew about was hidden behind a false wall in between them. At the top of the staircase sat the throne. The chair was carved from an obsidian slab, fitted with gold trimmings and red cushioning; on both sides of the throne was a golden statue of the phoenix and the reaper, the sigil of House Caelum. Upon the throne sat the king, Regis Lucis Caelum CXIII, Noctis's father. He his hair and beard greying graying earlier than it should, his face was stern, yet soft at the same time. He wore a black suit and matching cape fastened by a golden steel pauldron over his right shoulder. He had a golden leg brace over his right knee. Resting in both of his hands sat his trusty ornate cane. Despite being only in his mid-forties, the man looked to be near his sixties. His blue eyes however shone with the wisdom of an aged old man.

Standing next to the throne was a bald man dressed in an ornate black robe decorated with gold trimmings. His face was rigid, and his expression unreadable. This was Clarus Amicitia, Head of the House Amicitia and Shield of the King. Despite his choice of attire, Noctis knew that this mean was far more dangerous than he could possibly imagine. Had a man of ill intent step foot in Noctis's place, he would have been dead several times over before taking three steps into the room.

King Regis's eyes softened upon seeing his son. "Prince Noctis," he greeted, standing up to see him better. He leaned on his cane, the sight of it making the young prince wince.

"Your highness," Noctis replied as he crossed his fist over his heart and bowed in respect to his father and king. His companions followed his example. At first such greetings had been awkward for the boy, but over time he came to understand the weight and responsibilities of the title.

"Please, if you would, I like to have a moment alone with the prince," Regis said, dismissing the Amicitias and Ignis. The three men bowed and stepped out of the room back into the waiting room. As soon as Clarus closed the door behind him Regis sighed and relaxed, all formalities lost. Regis smiled to his son as he climbed up the stairs.

"You wanted to see me dad?" Noctis asked after reaching his father and giving him a small hug, which the king was all too happy to return.

"Yes, son," Regis replied. "You know how proud I am of you for everything you do for the people of this city," he said turning away from him to stare out the large window next to the throne. "And yet, as proud as I am, and confident in your abilities, there are things that I fear I can never prepare you for," he said, his voice suddenly sounding somber.

"Does this have anything to do with the ambassador that was here earlier?" Noctis asked. Regis turned to look at his son, his piercing blue eyes filled with so many emotions. He set his arm on the young prince's shoulder.

"Yes," he said. "The empire has come to offer terms of peace." Noctis's eyes shot to those of his father. "They are willing to end this war, on the condition that all Lucian lands, sans Insomnia and its immediate borders are to be surrendered to Niflhiem control.

Noctis was left speechless. "But…" he started. "That's…" he stopped himself. Thoughts of how audacious and ludicrous the demands were immediately flooded to his head, but then he looked outside the window and how the hustle and bustle of the massive city below. A realization dawned on him. Their peace, their protection was nothing short of borrowed time, eating away at his father's life force aging him years faster than natural. It couldn't last forever. And when it would fail, and the city exposed to the very real danger that sat out there ready to pounce like a cat on a trapped mouse…

"You mean to accept the terms," Noctis said. It wasn't a question, it was an observation. His father smiled thinly. "You mean to accept the terms of the treaty, to end the war, and stop this senseless fighting, to protect everyone."

"Yes," Regis nodded. "I do, though I do not do so lightly. Many will see it as cowardice, an old man trying to save power." Noctis lowered his gaze, his fists clenching. "Many beyond the wall will feel betrayed, abandoned. Perhaps their love for their prince will guide them in these dark times, but I must do what I can to ensure their safety for as long as possible. Noctis understood. He knew that should their positions be reversed, he'd make the same decision.

"There is one thing that I must ask you Noctis," the prince faced his father again. The father's eyes focused as if he was having trouble forming the words he needed to say. "For everything that you've done for our people, there is something I need you to do for the world."

Noctis unintentionally shuddered; his body filling with apprehension. "What do you need me to do dad?" he asked. With a deep breath both royals tensed for the next words that would be said.

"Noctis," Regis started, the seriousness in his voice sounded forced. "I need you to marry a noble woman from the empire." Noctis felt his blood run cold, his face paled and he found it hard to stand.

He had to be wed to a noble woman from the empire? It made sense, and he should have expected something like this to happen eventually. But even then, his mind was running rampant with anxiety and worry. Married? What would Iris think? What would Prompto, Ignis, or Gladio think? A thought ran through his head that tore his heart asunder. What would Luna think?

Knowing his father was expecting an answer he tried to catch his breath. Words failed him as his emotions ran rampart within him. With a deep breath he met his father's gaze; the older man's eyes shown with sympathy while the prince's seemed almost broken. "A king's duty is to his people," Noctis recited. His voice was shaky at best. With a forced smile he gave his response. "A prince can do no less, I will marry the imperial noble woman," he said, tears threatened to spill from his eyes.

Regis nodded and clasped both of is hands on Noctis's shoulders. "I am very proud of you Noctis, Lucis couldn't ask for a better prince," he reassured. Noctis replied by turning his gaze to the ground his entire body shaking. "You will depart in two days' time for Galdin Quay in the southern tip of the Leide Province. There you will board a ferry that will take you to Altissia." Noctis nodded his head, only half paying attention to his father's instructions. "Once there you shall be wedded to your betrothed, the Lady Lunafreya Nox Flueret of Tenebrae," he finished.

Upon hearing the name of his fiancé Noctis's eyes shot up, going wide with shock. His body now filled with an entirely different kind of anxiety, but was overpowered by relief and happiness. It was too much for Noctis to take as his legs could no longer support him. He began laughing as tears of relief spilled down his cheeks. Perhaps, things wouldn't be so bad after all, he thought.