Avalanna was sitting on her Father's council after the battle had taken place that led to their…. Victory. She had been there… Like she had for many of battles. Was she supposed to be? Not technically. But she had always been defiant when she felt the cause was justified. She had been sneaking to battle with the Kingsglaive for several years now. At first, everyone tried to stop her, once they realized what she was doing. It took them awhile. She was able to go to five battles with them before she was discovered… Probably because she had been the 'savior' of their favorite 'hero'. She was quickly demasked as no one had any recollection of who she was. Though, Nyx was always suspicious of her and she made sure she retreated before he could piece anything together. Once discovered, she got quite the earful but not from her Father, oh no… from her best friend. Gladiolus was furious for days with her. He prevented her from going with them once, well… tried to. Nyx actually helped her and she was able to join them after all. There was no stopping her. She was going to fight with their people, because of that, it had caused them to be unwavering faithful. Some even joked and called them the Queensglaive. Never to her because she would see it as a slight to her family. She would never be Queen. Her brother was the chosen and she would ensure he would be an excellent King and have the people's support. She would do anything for her brother… anything to ensure the safety of this Kingdom.

Avalanna was having trouble tolerating the council today. They think we won… we actually won… She was a bit hot headed and temperamental but she was on the council for a reason… because she knew when to reel in those impulses and when to release them. Because the people loved her and she was able to provide insight that others on the council would miss. Her Father valued her opinion and she hoped, someday, her brother would too.

"Princess Avalanna…" Her Father began, "You have been quiet on the matter. Please give us your thoughts as you were there and witnessed the battle firsthand."

She bowed her head at her Father, "Thank you, Your Majesty." She was always incredibly formal at the council, "The Empire is toying with us. We didn't win. They let us think we did but we are out matched, I'm afraid. I don't know how much longer we can hold out." She paused, internally readying herself for the next part, "Your Highness, with all due respect, I suggest… making terms of a surrender."

As expected, the council erupted with arguments for and against surrendering. Finally, they were silenced by her Father, "Enough. Princess… you were not finished. Continue."

She nodded again towards him, "Your Majesty. To ensure the safety of the citizens of Insomnia and all of Lucis, I would urge you to surrender to Niflheim rule. To… entrust the terms of peace are met… I would suggest a set of arranged marriages. Noctis and I to wed someone suiting of Niflheim. I would not choose. I would let Niflheim choose the pairing. We would be lucky that they would accept those terms. I.. believe this is the best course of action to save as many lives as possible. I would not ask our people to put their lives on the line for an inevitable losing battle. Your Grace." Avalanna ended with a bow of her head again. She hated saying it all. She wanted to fight to the very end. Until her cold, dead body was rotting in the ground beside the members of the Kingsglaive and her Father knew, her Father knew her well enough to know how much it killed her to suggest those things.

There was a brief moment where he smiled at her, letting her see how proud he was of her before he addressed the council, "I am inclined to agree with the Princess."

"Your majesty! You can't seriously-"

He held up a hand, ending the council members sentence, "And what would you suggest?"

"I… There must be another Kingdom that can offer their aid! Surely! Perhaps we can offer the Prince or Princess's hand to ensure their assistance? Niflheim cannot be trusted! Not even in a possible peace!"

"There are no other Kingdoms that would be so bold to stand against Niflheim by offering assistance to Lucis." Clarus Amicitia spoke, "I agree with the Princess. Our best option is to attempt at a peace."

Another uproar broke out among the council but this time, was silenced by an unannounced guest. The Chancellor of Niflheim, Ardyn Izunia. "Your Highness." He bowed, "If I may… I offer a peace treaty. Surrender all Lucis territories, outside of Insomnia, to Niflheim rule… And… The Prince is to be wed to the Lady Lunafreya."

"Those are your terms?" The King asked of him.

"Well…. There is one other little matter." He looked at Avalanna, "The Princess is to wed Lord Ravus."

She could feel her heart sink. Avalanna did suggest an arranged marriage to entrust a peace but now that it was real… Her life was slipping away and into another's hands so suddenly. She wouldn't let it show how much it unraveled her, obviously, she was far too stubborn for that.

"We will discuss these terms." The King replied after a moment of silence.

"Yes, well… You have a day, so don't wait too long now."

Once Ardyn was out of sight, the discussion was in full force but ultimately, it was decided that the terms would be accepted. She was finally alone in her room. In her night gown, she stood on the balcony overlooking the great city of Insomnia. Her city. She would be leaving it tomorrow and would likely never see it again. Avalanna had avoided any run ins with Gladiolus. She couldn't look at him right now, couldn't be around him. Everything…. She tried so hard to ignore but he was always a constant in her life and she… Had to stop thinking or she would venture into territory she couldn't… shouldn't… but, oh so wanted to…

Luckily for her, a member of the Kingsglaive appeared on her balcony, "Nyx." She barely whispered in a greeting.

He walked over to her, "Lanna." He used her nickname, something she let very few do, most didn't dare to try anyway, "Is it true?"

She nodded, knowing he was asking about the treaty and everything it entailed.

"Goddamnit!" He slammed his fists into the balcony railing, "Why? There is no peace with them, Lanna."

She let out a small laugh, "There is no winning either, Nyx. We're doomed if we keep going. At least this… This… the people have a chance. A chance to not worry. A chance to live. A chance to have some certainty in their future. And that… that is everything."

Nyx relaxed, "I… never looked at it that way." He sat on the railing in front of her, "I don't envy you, Princess. Always thinking of what's best for everyone involved. I admire that about you."

"You shouldn't admire me at all."

He gave her his best charming smile, "I'm a sucker, I guess."

She rolled her eyes and shook her head at him.

"Lanna." When she looked at him, he wore a serious expression, "I know you… You know… It's not talked about… but I know. Gladio-" She cut him off. She knew exactly what he was referring to and it could never be said. Saying it made It real. Thinking about it made it real… and it could never be real. "Regardless… I know you don't see me that way but I figured you might… want to let off some steam."

He pushed himself off the railing and looked down at her with sultry eyes. Yes… yes, she could use exactly what Nyx could offer her. No strings attached. Like always.

She looked away, "Well, you're no good to me out here." She gave him the once over and raised an eyebrow, "Or with clothes on."

A smirk displayed across his face, "Yes, Princess."

She followed him inside and made sure she would not be bothered for some time. There was a tremendous amount of things she couldn't express normally but could through the help of Nyx. Their times together certainly released tension and she desperately needed that now. She was glad that he was intuitive and most of all, glad for his indiscretion. She would be tired tomorrow for the start of their journey to Altissia but… it would be a worthwhile tired.