The lights of the Crown City shone in the night, the hustle and bustle of the sleepless city filled with the sound of beeping and speeding cars, footsteps crossing the busy streets, and music from ever corner filling the quiet apartment. On the leather couch, I watched as Noct fumbled with the screen of his phone, preoccupied with an intense battle in King's Knight. He cursed under his breath and his face contorted with frustration, shaking the phone for a few moments.

I stood by the coffee maker, brewing some Ebony as I listened to the sounds of his game. smiling fondly as he went back at it again.

"Having fun there?" I chuckled.

"If you call dying fun, then no," he replied. "is the coffee ready yet?"

"Almost," I answered, pulling out two Coleman brand mugs.

Noct sat up, propping himself against one of the pillows on the couch, "Put some cream and sugar in mine," the prince said.

"Yup," I smirking. "the Crown Prince of Lucis, drinking coffee and he actually hates it."

"Hey," he took offense to that. "I may hate it but I have to drink it. It makes me look cool."

"It makes you look stupid," I quipped, bringing our cups of coffee to the living area.

My name is Alma Leonis. I am eighteen years old, fresh out of high school and am now a part of the Crownsguard. My father is the war hero, Cor Leonis, who was given the title of Immortal and also the marshal of the Crownguard. I take pride in the fact that I followed in his footsteps. I stand at five foot three with a very petite frame, have blue eyes and long brown hair. I met Prince Noctis in high school and he has always been like a brother to me since then. My hobbies include reading and studying battle tactics on my free time but I am also one of Noct's retainers.

"Thanks, Alma," he smiled as I gave him his coffee, blowing on the tan liquid and taking a polite sip. I joined him and brought my feet onto the couch.

"You nervous?" I asked.

"Terrified," he said in a low voice, his blue eyes resting on his drink. "I know that I have a responsibility but I don't think I'm ready."

I gave him a comforting smile, "No one is ready for any responsibility. But I think you'll be alright." I placed a hand on his shoulder. "You'll make Lady Lunafreya happy."

"Y-You think so?" He met my gaze through his jet black hair. "I haven't seen her in twelve years."

I pointed to the notebook on the dining table, "Yet you still write to her in her journal. That says a lot."

He stood up and made his way to the book, opening it to the page where he left his recent message, "Guess it does, huh?" he looked back me. "with you guys on the road, it won't feel so hard."

"Happy to be of service," I gave him a single nodded. I left my seat and walked back towards the kitchen. "Anyway, I should be getting back. I have to wake up early to overlook training in the Citadel. Prompto is going to receive his garb tomorrow too."

"He must be excited," Noct chuckled as I drained my coffee into the sink.

I shook my head with a small grin, "You have no idea." I placed the mug into the dishwasher. "You know how to start the dishwasher, right?"

"Uh, yeah," he rubbed the back of his neck. "Ignis showed me how a few years ago."

I grabbed my leather jacket from one of the chairs and slipped it on, heading towards the door. "Make sure you wake up early tomorrow," I reminded him with a giggle. "or Ignis isn't going to be happy."

"Yeah, yeah," he smirked, waving a hand as I slipped into my shoes. "I didn't turn twenty in twenty days. And also the great Cor will kill me if he found out his daughter is out late in another guy's apartment." He added the last part with a smirk.

I laughed and opened the door. "Good night, Noct."

"Night," He leaned against the wall with his arms crossed.

I closed the door behind me and made my way towards the elevator, heading to the ground floor. I pulled out the keys to my sleek black car and slipped inside, pulling out of the parking garage and onto the road leading home. Tomorrow was the day before we set out for Altissia. It was going to be a hectic day filled with helping Noct pack his things and cleaning out his apartment. I felt a bit melancholy at the thought of him leaving his apartment. We made a lot of fun memories there.

I never knew Noct personally when I was a child since my father put me and my older brother through rigorous training so we could become exceptional warriors. I never went to elementary or middle school because I had many tutors who would teach me the general education. House Leonis is a well known noble family alongside House Scientia and House Amicitia. The three families are closely associated with the Royal Family of Lucis and there were high expectations on my part. Although I enjoyed learning, I wanted to have some friends. I had asked my father if I could attend public high school and he complied. He thought it was the time I socialized a bit more. On my first day, I was tasked to clean the classrooms after school and that's how I met Noct and his friend Prompto. Although they were two years older than me, I always hung out with them. We studied together for midterms and finals in Noct's apartment, went to parties hosted by the other students, attended school festivals together, even trained in combat together on some days. When they had graduated that same year, I felt a small sadness that I was going to be alone for the next two years but even then, Noct and Prompto always seemed to want to spend time with me. I cherished every moment I had with my new big brothers.

I turned onto my street and parked my car by the curb in front go my house, pulling the keys out of the ignition and locking it after exiting the vehicle. I opened the gate and walked towards the porch, slipping the house key into the lock, entering my home. I closed and locked the door behind me and hung my jacket, putting my shoes on the low shelf and slipped into some slippers. I turned the lights on, finding the house was empty. My father and my brother had been spending time in the Citadel this week, preparing for the treaty signing with the Empire of Niflheim. They hadn't been home since last Wednesday and practically slept at the palace. One hundred fifty years of war was going to end in a peace treaty and a wedding. However, even I felt something wasn't right. Maybe that was why the veterans of the Crownsguard had been staying at the Citadel this week, not for preparations for a peace treaty, but for an ambush.

I went up the stairs and towards my room, today's fatigue starting to finally set in. My room was painted a ruby red, with glass doors draped by white curtains, leading to a balcony. The queen-sized bed held brown sheets and there was a dresser next to it. A large dressing table with a mirror rested on the right side of my room by the walk-in closet, holding makeup and fragrances and on the left side was a bookshelf and a couch to lounge. On the far corner near the window was where my canvas, sketchbooks, and art supplies where.

I walked towards my closet, pulling out a tank top and pajama bottoms, slipping into them after taking off today's outfit. I crawled into bed, my eyelids growing heavy the moment my head hit the pillow.

The morning sunshine stung at my eyelids and I turned away from the light, yawning and rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I reached for my phone and checked the time. It was seven o'clock in the morning. I had to be at the Citadel by nine o'clock. Quickly, I sprung out of bed and went to find my Crownsguard garb, which consisted of a black shirt with lace on the back, exposing my upper back and my shoulders, leather jeggings, and a fitted leather jacket. I went into the bathroom for my morning routine, brushed my teeth and took a quick shower. I blow dried my hair afterward and then went into the kitchen to make myself breakfast. When I was ready, I grabbed my phone, wallet, and keys, slipped into my high heeled boots with red soles, got in my car and drove towards the Citadel.

Every morning was busy like the one before. Adults went to work, kids walked to school, I even found several black cars resembling mine heading for the palace. It was a quarter before nine by the time I reached the Citadel. I got out of my car and gave the keys to the valet, walking up the steps and into the building.

Upon entering, I found Noct already inside, accompanied by our friend Ignis Scientia. He has known Noct ever since they were kids. He was a young man of twenty-two who stood at six feet with light brown hair, green eyes, and stylish glasses. He would tutor Noct and look after him because King Regis was always busy. He would also come to the apartment to cook dinner for him after school and I would join them sometimes.

They were in the middle of a conversation with Captain Titus Drautos, a middle-aged man who is the commanding officer of the Kingsglaive, an elite group of soldiers within the Crownsguard comprised of people from outside the city, who fight on the front lines for the kingdom of Lucis.

I walked towards them and their eyes shifted towards me as I came closer.

"Alma, you're here," Noct gave me a warm smile.

"Good morning, Alma," Ignis gave me a nod.

"Good morning, Lady Alma," Captain Drautos greeted me.

I smiled towards them, "Good morning. How are you?"

"A bit tired," Noct sighed and held his hips.

Ignis adjusted his spectacles, "A fine day it is, however His Majesty is caught up in an important meeting and may not be able to meet with Noct."

"Oh," I replied softly. "I'm sorry. I know how much you wanted to see him." Noct waved his hand, shrugging it off.

"Don't worry about it. He's probably busy with the preparations for the treaty signing." Even though he was smiling, I still saw a hint of sadness in his eyes. For as long as I could remember, even before I knew him personally, Noct had always wanted to spend some time with King Regis. It had always been hard for him, being alone and always being surrounded by servants.

"What are your plans today, milady?" the Captain asked.

I answered, "I'm overseeing training with Sir Clarus. And also, our friend Prompto will be getting his garb today."

"That's wonderful news."

Ignis gave me a small smirk, "Well, we can't keep you waiting now. You have duties to attend to. We'll see you tonight at Noct's place."

"Good enough," I chuckled. "See you two later. Good day, Captain."

"Good day." the Captain nodded.

"See ya." Noct gave me an informal wave.

I went down the hall and into the elevator towards the training room on one of the top floors. I exited the elevator and turned left towards the large black doors, listening to the grunting and clashing of wooden swords and the echoes of people falling. I opened one of the doors, walking inside, finding Sir Clarus Amicitia overseeing the men and women training. By his side, I found his son Gladiolus, or Gladio, also watching them. The Amicitia family are the sworn shield of the Lucian kings. Sir Clarus protected King Regis and Gladio was tasked to protect Noct.

"Alma, you've arrived," Sir Clarus greeted me.

"Good morning," I said. "I hope I'm not late."

"Not at all," he chuckled, shaking his head.

Sir Clarus was a middle-aged man with a shaved head and blue eyes. He wore the black and gold robes of the Lucian ruling council. He has known King Regis ever since they were children.

"Thought you wouldn't make it," Gladio gave me one of his smirks. Like Noct and Prompto, I had also known him ever since I was in high school. He was a tall guy of twenty-three with the body of a warrior with long, brown hair shaved along the sides. He had a long scar running over his left eye, which he obtained by protecting Noct from a drunken stranger, dark amber eyes, a jaw beard and a deep voice. He has tattoos of feathers along his arms, which belonged to the eagle tattoo he had on his left pectoral, hidden by his leather jacket.

"Why wouldn't I?" I asked him.

He laughed and I looked at my feet. For as long as I could remember, I always felt uneasy around Gladio. I couldn't really put my finger on it. I guess he just looked intimidating. Whenever he was around Noct, I always made up an excuse to leave and on times where I couldn't, I tried ignoring him altogether. His very presence always seemed to change me and it didn't help that he was here today.

"What," he towered over me, for he stood at six foot six. He was a giant compared to me. "had enough of me already?"

"I'm here to oversee training, not make small talk," I raised my head and gave him a soft glare.

He only smirked again and his father cleared his throat, at the edge of laughter, "Let's just observe these warriors."

I obliged and turned away from the hulking giant before me, crossing my arms as the recruits continued to practice their sword skills.