Final Fantasy XV: Warrior of Lucis
Name: Bellatrix Lucis Caelum
Nickname: Bella
Age: 18
Height: 5ft 3in
Appearance: Fair skin with a golden undertone, oval shaped face, high cheekbones, chiselled jawline, sharp almond shaped green eyes, long thick eyelashes, small button nose, rosy full lips and rosy cheeks, black straight hair up to her hips, side swept bangs, toned arms and legs with a curvaceous body.
Voice: Emilia Clarke
Chapter 1: Goodbyes and Hellos
Bellatrix Lucis Caelum sat in front of her mirror as her lady in waiting Maria brushed her hair. The young woman was the youngest child and only daughter of King Regis and the late Queen Aulea. She was a beautiful Princess who inherited most of her features from her father but only some features from her late mother. People around the Palace would tell her that she looked more like her father than her mother but she reminded her father more of his late queen than himself.
But of course, many people compared her to her brother, Noctis. She was different compared to him, he acted less like royalty and more people were able to relate to him more. The people loved and adored the Crown Prince for who he was rather than what he was. The Princess however was taught from a young age to act like a Princess even though she hated it. She found it hard to express herself and felt as if she was a puppet to play her part. In a way, she was jealous of her brother who was free to do what he chose. He had many friends, the only friend she had was Iris Amicitia. But that did not stop the Princess from loving her brother any less. He meant the entire world to her and she loved him terribly just like how she loved her father. Noctis and Regis knew that she was the bridge between them.
Speaking of bridges, it had been 3 months since she had turned 18 and she and the Kingdom knew what that meant. 12 years ago, Queen Sylva Via Fleuret wished that the Fleuret and Lucis families would one day be combined by marriage. In order to build a bridge between Tenebrae and Lucis both children from those families had to marry. It was first agreed that once the Princess came of age, she would marry Ravus.
In her heart, Bella did not want to marry Ravus. It was not because he was the High Commander of the Empire, it was just that her heart loved another. Since she was 15 her eyes were always on Gladiolus Amicitia; not only was he handsome, but he had a kind heart. Of course he was never aware of her feelings, no one but her and Iris knew. However, he only saw her as the Prince's sister and someone he had to protect nothing more nothing less. She had wished she had the courage before to speak with him and get to know more about him, but her lady in waiting would scold her for this. Fortunately within the past 3 months, Gladio and the Princess got to know each other more. But it meant nothing now, he along with Noctis, Ignis and Prompto were going to Altissia and Bella would get engaged in Lucis.
Today she would meet her betrothed for the first time in 12 years. Bella wore a black short sleeved with a v-neckline, gold sequin midi skirt, black tights, black heels with a diamond gold choker and gold chandelier crystal earrings. She also wore a golden hornlike crown on top of her head like her father's. The young Princess wore minimal makeup, a dark red lipstick and some mascara.
"Would you like your hair left out or would you rather something else?" Maria asked. The lady in waiting was a 50 year old woman with white hair, fair skin, brown stern eyes and a small frame. She was someone Bella did not respect at all as whenever the Princess would take interest in something other than her royal duties, her lady in waiting would shoot her down. Bella's eyebrows furrowed together when her lady waiting spoke.
"Does it really matter?" She asked bitterly and Maria grinded her teeth together.
"You will not disgrace the Lucis name by showing that kind of attitude in front of the Prince of Tenebrae. You will become Queen of Tenebrae soon, why don't you start acting like one?" She hissed.
"I am not a puppet." Bella replied and turned to her whilst standing up. "I act however I want to and if the Prince does not like that then maybe I will not marry him."
"Do not forget your duty as Princess. If you refuse to marry Ravus then you will bring shame and dishonour to the Kingdom" Maria growled and Bella fell quiet. It was true. The young woman looked down and she frowned.
The clock in her bedroom gonged indicating it was noon and Bella looked up with a soft gasp. Her brother was leaving and she had to say goodbye. The young woman ran towards the door, grabbing her bag, with her lady in waiting barking at her to come back, but she wasn't going to listen. The young Princess ran through the halls and down the stairs to the lift. She took the lift down to the reception of the building and sprinted across to the door. The doors were pushed through by the footman. The young woman ran to the edge of the stairs and saw her brother turning around; he must have been waiting for her.
"Noct!" She yelled and ran down the stairs as quickly as she could. Noctis and his friends turned around to see her. They were all surprised; she looked so beautiful today. Gladio's cheeks were a faint red and completely hot; Bella was more beautiful that she already was.
Bella jumped from the stairs and onto her brother. Her brother opened his arms and caught her whilst taking a step back. The young woman wrapped her arms around his neck and held him against her.
"Bella…" He hugged her back with a sorrowful smile.
"Good luck on your journey." She mumbled. "I will miss you terribly." She pulled away from him and he let her go.
"You're all dressed up..." He had a hint of disgust in his eyes and disappointment in his voice. His sister noticed this and she gulped.
"Yes, today I am going to meet the Prince of Tenebrae." Bella stated. "I wish I could go with you to Altissia. But I must stay here."
"I would have taken you with me but I can't." Noctis replied and she placed her hand on her chest.
"I understand. I look forward to seeing you again." The young woman turned to Ignis. "Please take care of my stubborn brother. Make sure he eats his vegetables."
"Yes, Your Highness." He nodded and she pouted at her brother whilst pointing her finger at him.
"You make sure you eat whatever Ignis puts on a plate for you. No raising your nose or picking at your food." Prompto was snickering in the background whilst Gladio smirked.
"Yes I will." He whined and she looked at Prompto.
"Please stay by his side and send me whatever embarrassing picture you take of him." She smiled.
"You'll be the first person to see 'me!" He exclaimed.
"Hey!" He groaned.
When Bella turned to Gladio, she felt her heart break a little. She had to let him go without telling him her feelings. Her gaze became gentle and she had this soft smile on her face.
"Please protect him and yourself from any harm that may befall you." Bella stated. "I know you're the best to do so." He placed his hand on his chest and bowed his head down.
"Yes, Your Highness." He stated and stood up.
"Congratulations in future for your engagement, Princess Bella." Ignis stated and she blushed whilst nodding.
"Yeah congrats! You're gonna be Bellatrix Nox Fleuret, Queen of Tenebrae." Her cheeks were a faint red after what Prompto said. "I've heard he's very handsome. Aren't you lucky?"
"Ah really?" Bella asked nervously.
"I'd say he's lucky." She was internally screaming at Gladio's comment.
"She's only 18, pretty much a kid and she's marrying someone 10 years older." Noctis muttered and Bella was quite offended by this remark; since this was what the tabloids were saying.
"I act like more of an adult than you do." She countered back. "Stop seeing me as a child and look at yourself in the mirror for once." The others were dead silent until the Crown Prince raised his hands and broke the silence.
"You got me there." Noctis said. "I'll bring you a souvenir from Altissia. Will that make you happy?"
"I don't want a souvenir." Her eyebrows furrowed together.
"Bella, don't be spoi-"
"I want you here." She interrupted him and his eyes widened a little. "Do you really have to go?"
"I have to, Bella…" He mumbled and it pained him to say so. She sighed shakily holding back her tears but nodded with a smile.
"Well, if you're going to get me something; could you get me something from the Rock of Ravatogh?" Bella sounded cheerful and excited.
"You want a rock?" He asked sarcastically.
"Obsidian would be perfect." The Princess replied. "Though it is rare."
"Why would you want obsidian?" Noctis questioned.
"Because I want it, you just wouldn't understand." She stated and he shrugged.
"Gotcha. Alright see ya." The Crown Prince waved and she waved back.
"I pray you have a safe journey and a quick return." The others got into the Regalia and just as the Prince was about to enter he turned to his sister.
"Take care of the old man for me." He stated and she placed her hand on her chest.
"I promise!" She exclaimed cheerfully.
She watched her only love with stinging teary eyes. Their driver did a U turn and was driving to the exit. She felt her heart break into a million pieces and those pieces fell to the pit of her stomach. Her heavy breathing came out shaky as the tears finally fell down her cheeks. The Princess clasped her hands together with them pressed against her chest which was raising up and down from her heavy breathing. The next time she would see him again was going to be as a married woman.
"I love you…" Her voice squeaked quietly as the car passed through the gates.
Something switched from within Bella when she watched the car pass through. She gripped onto her fists and shook her head. There was no way she was going to let them go, no way was she going to let the man she loved go whilst she settled with her duties. The young woman was running towards the gate even though it was far away.
"Wait!" She yelled but they couldn't hear her.
"Bellatrix!" Her lady in waiting yelled with anger and the Princess felt someone grab her arm with the roughest and firmest grip. It was so hard that she could feel Marie's nails dig into her skin. But the Princess ignored the pain and her lady in waiting as she advanced forward in an attempt to run after them. But Marie yanked her back in a rough manner as if she was a wild animal being pulled by its leash. The Princess fell onto her knees as she was being dragged back until her emotions exploded.
"No! He needs to know! He needs to know my feelings for him! Let me tell him I love him, please!" Bella cried but her protests meant nothing.
"I am not stupid, girl. You are not running away from your responsibilities! You are a Princess and you will not dishonour your family or kingdom!" The Princess tried to pull free from Marie's grasp but her grip was too strong. The tears had streaked her. Her knees were also scraped from the concrete and bleeding which angered the lady in waiting even more. "You will marry your betrothed whether you like it or not! Do you understand me?"
"I don't want this! I want to be free to do whatever I choose! I don't want to be a puppet anymore!" Bellatrix was screaming at this point. "I want to be as free as a bird. If I stay here I will only be a bird trapped in a cage."
"Shut your little spoilt mouth and behave!" Marie hissed and grabbed her by the hair.
"Let her go now!" Instantly Marie had let go of the Princess who stayed still whilst staring at the floor. The voice was extremely stern and could only come from one person; Cor Leonis who had 2 royal guards by his side.
"Cor-" He would not let her finish.
"How dare you manhandle the Princess? Who do you think you are?" He hissed. "Take her away."
"But-" Again, Cor would not let Marie finish.
"But nothing, get her away from here." The guards dragged the woman away from the Princess who was on her knees with her arms wrapped around herself sobbing and shaking.
Cor looked down at the young woman and felt his stone heart crack and drop. He placed his hand on her shoulder and took out something in his pocket. It was a potion and he handed it to her. She took it and broke it with her hand whilst standing to her feet. Her injuries slowly healed and the Marshall pulled her to her feet.
"Are you alright?" He asked worriedly.
"Yes…I am fine." She muttered softly.
"Will you still be okay meeting the Prince?" Bella nodded. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I just need to wipe my face." She said and looked up at him. "How do I look?"
Cor looked at her and smiled. He took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the tears. Thank goodness she was wearing waterproof makeup. Whenever the Marshall looked at her he would have this warm feeling in his ice cold heart. He didn't have a child but this young woman standing in front of him was like his own. Since she was a babe, she had been close to him. Her first word was "Gor" which broke her father's heart because he knew she meant to say Cor. Cor was more like a father to her than Regis was. Not only was he extremely supportive but he gave her advice and listened to her problems. He was the only one other than her father to reassure her that it was okay to drop the proposal. The Marshall was also the only one, other than Iris, to know her secret.
"I know the truth, Princess." He stated whilst staring at the gate. She looked up at him confused on what he meant. Cor looked down at her with that usual stern look which Bella was not afraid of. But his hard glare melted away. "You're in love with Gladiolus aren't you?"
Bella's eyebrows rose and her green eyes widened. She gasped quietly and felt her heart stop for a good minute or so.
"W-what? Don't be absurd." Bella replied but the older man just glared at her again. The glare was enough for her to stop lying. She felt her muscles relax as she sighed; letting everything go. "I…I do love him but it is too late. He only sees me as his best friend's sister."
"How long have you had feelings for him?" He asked and she gulped.
"5 years." He did a double take at her.
"5 years and you didn't tell him your feelings? Wait…does he know?" She shook her head.
"Only you and Iris know and I would like to keep it that way." Bellatrix mumbled. "If father knew…"
"If the King knew he would have wanted you to follow your heart. Bellatrix, there is still time. If you tell the King he will cancel the proposal and you can meet Noctis and the others at Hammerhead." Cor explained but she knew that there was no point.
"No, I have to marry Ravus. I am promised to him as he is promised to me. If I do this then it may cause danger for Lucis. And even if the proposal is cancelled; what if Gladio doesn't return my feelings?" She asked with teary eyes. "I have to do this Cor, for the good of the Kingdom."
"Very well…" His voice broke with pain and his tone broke her heart.
"I will love him," She smiled. "I just need time." She murmured.
"Very well." Cor nodded and then checked his watch. "We must leave. Are you ready?"
"Yes, we should leave. A Princess is always punctual." She stated.
"I'll go and get a car."
Cor left quickly and within 4 minutes he returned inside a beautiful black car which was bulletproof and the windows were tinted to avoid the attack of the paparazzi. The Princess got into the passenger seat and closed the door. They exited the plaza and the Marshall was driving towards their destination which took only 15 minutes to arrive to. He parked in front of a very tall building called the Regalia building.
"Are you sure you don't want me to be there?" He asked worriedly.
"Cor, if you think about it, this is a date." She smiled. "I will be fine don't worry."
The Princess took off her seatbelt and wrapped her arms around Cor whilst hugging him. She knew he was overprotective of her and the fact that she was meeting the High Commander of the Empire who she is engaged to made him feel scared. He hugged her and patted her back.
"I know you're protective. But I will be okay. If there is any trouble I will call you." She pulled away and had her usual wide grins where her dimples appeared. Whenever he saw that grin it felt like his day was brightened from it, like it was the radiant sun.
"Alright. Take care okay. If anything happens call me." She nodded.
"I will." The young woman waved and got out of the car.
Bellatrix entered the tall building and walked to the receptionist who was texting on her phone. The woman looked 23 with wavy brown mid-back length hair in a messy ponytail, olive skin tone and blue eyes. She wore a white shirt with a black pencil skirt. When she felt a presence she looked up and gasped.
"Oh, Princess." The young woman smiled. "Welcome to the Regalia building. You're going to the Regalia Restaurant right?" She nodded. "Perfect, just take the elevator at the end of the hall, the restaurant is on the top floor."
"Yes, thank you." The Princess nodded. "Um, has the Prince of Tenebrae arrived?" She asked with pink cheeks and the young woman smiled with a sigh of delight.
"Aw that's so cute. But no he hasn't arrived yet. You're actually early." The receptionist stated.
"I see, very well. Thank you." She stated and walked down the hall.
The young woman took the golden elevator which was guarded with 2 bodyguards wearing black suits. They placed their hands on the chest and bowed. She nodded and entered the elevator.
It was golden in colour with a mirror on the doors from inside and a window on the right hand side. The Crown Princess pressed the button which indicated the 100th floor. It moved extremely quickly at 10 metres per second. She did feel a little queasy in the spacious elevator but just looked outside to get her mind off it. It took approximately a minute to get to the top. She heard a bell ring and the doors opened to a restaurant.
Bellatrix exited the elevator and was met with the owner of the restaurant; Mr Angelus. He was a 45 year old man who stood at 5ft 10in with dark brown short hair, fair skin, forest green eyes and a slim body. He wore a dark blue suit accompanied with a black tie and white shirt with black shoes.
"Princess Bellatrix, it is an honour to welcome you to Regalia Restaurant." He grinned and she smiled back.
"Thank you Mr Angelus. This is a beautiful restaurant and it is an honour to meet you." She said.
"I will escort you to your table." Angelus stated.
Bella followed the owner further into the restaurant which was humungous and extravagant. The carpets were black and the curtains on the window were gold. It looked like it could fit 150 people in the room alone but for a spacious restaurant there was only one individual table in the middle. There was ironed white linen on the table on top of black linen which trailed on the floor. The centrepieces were small vanilla candles with red roses. Mr Angelus pulled out a chair and she sat down.
"I will go and check on the preparations in the kitchen. Here is a menu of the dishes available. Is there anything you would like to drink?" He asked curiously.
"Yes, can I have a glass of water please?" She smiled.
"Why of course, now please excuse me." The middle aged man walked away and Bella sighed.
The young Princess felt like her heart was beating so fast that she would collapse. She felt extremely nervous about meeting the Prince of Tenebrae. For some reason she felt like she wasn't good enough for him and that he would immediately reject her. A waiter placed a glass of ice cold water on the table then left. She took a gulp of it and calmed herself down by counting from 10 to 1 in her head. Her breathing was back to normal and her heartbeat slowed down.
Bella opened up the lunch menu; she was starving having only a light breakfast back at the Palace. If she was at home she would order a shit ton of takeaway or go and pig on street food with Iris. She remembered Marie telling her that she should order something light to not seem rude in front of the Prince.
'Fuck it, I'll order whatever I want I'm starving.' The woman thought and smirked at a dish. She knew exactly what she wanted now. The young woman was also looking at the dessert menu too.
The elevator doors opened and out came the Prince of Tenebrae who had no bodyguards with him. The man wore a white slim fit suit with a black shirt and a lavender tie. His goal was to meet the Princess of Lucis and get some answers out of her about where the Crystal might be. He didn't see this as a date but rather interrogation without it seeming to be.
But when Ravus entered the restaurant and laid his eyes on the Princess he didn't expect his feeling to change. When his mismatched eyes fell on the young woman he felt his heart swell with this feeling unknown to him. He could feel his cheeks become warm and the hair at the back of his head raised up. He didn't expect her to be so…beautiful. The last time he saw her, the Princess was only a young child. But now she was a young woman. She didn't look 18 at all, she looked like a mature woman in her mid-20s. He snapped out of such ridiculous thoughts and feelings shaking his head. The young Prince cleared his throat.
Bella looked up at the man, blinked and her eyes widened. It was him…it was the Prince of Tenebrae. And Prompto was completely right; he was extremely handsome. She gulped and felt her heart beating so fast. Her cheeks were hot and turned a faint pink. The Princess stood up, straightened out her skirt and did a curtsey. He placed his hand on his chest and bowed his head down respectfully.
He walked up to her and held out his hand for her. She was a bit shy at first but decided to take it. Ravus bowed down a little and placed a sweet gentle kiss on her hand. She thought for a moment there that she would faint but there she was still standing. He looked up at her and she had a clear sight of her beautiful mismatched eyes. He stood up but still held onto her hand.
"It's been so long, Your Highness." Ravus stated.
"I am delighted to see you again, Your Highness." She smiled at his softly and the sight of her smile was something so beautiful to him. "But I would like you to call me Bella."
"If only you will call me Ravus." Bella glanced down coyly then nodded.
"Please, sit down." She sat down and he sat across from her. "Shall we begin, Bella?"
