Cor hadnt expected to enjoy Prompto's company or smile so much. Once he started sharing the stories he knew about the boy's mother; he found it impossible to stop. Prompto's innocence and wide eyed stare of amazement was so different from the gaze of fear and silent respect that had become to norm for the guard that he found himself craving more.
Prompto had quickly carefully snuggled against the older man, the last few days had been rough on him but he felt safe with Cor, it wasn't the same kind of safe as being with his parents but it made him sleepy. He closed his eyes, still trying to listen to the stories Cor was telling him about his mother and the various pranks he had shared with her when they were both kids but eventually the stress of the last few days caught up with the blond and he fell into the first peaceful sleep since the attack.
Lance and Sylva noticed how comfortable Prompto was with their old friend, they watched as Prompto fell in love with the older man and saw the same kind of interest in Cor's eyes. Once Prompto fell asleep, curled up against Cor's less injured side, the worried parents rose and silently approached the duo.
''So whats really going on?'' the answer was whispered by Cor, his kind eyes turning sharp as he evaluated the couple before him. He had noticed their stiffness and the presence of hunters on the other side of the hospital room door, with Prompto asleep their wariness was even more pronounced and Cor wouldn't allow that to continue.
Sylva shared a glance with her husband before they both shared their current situation with Cor. He listened to them carefully, hand absent mindedly petting Prompto hair. Once the situation was fully explained including the fact that Prompto was actually adopted, Cor sighed angrily before he reassured them, '' I'll deal with the Crownsguard, they won't have anything to say if you all travel with me. As for what will happen to Prompto…'' He paused to gather his thoughts, '' I wasn't sure but when we were attacked, the daemons reacted strangely to him. His blood destroyed the hand of the daemon who touched it. I don't see him being a threat, he is too much like you, '' He grinned teasingly at Sylva, '' But we will have to investigate more about it before anything can be decided.''
Sylva glared at Cor, '' If you think I'm going to allow anyone to hurt Prompto!'' Cor quickly motioned for her to calm down, '' Sylva, you have my word. No harm will be done to Prompto, I wont allow it.'' Lance laid a hand on his wife's arm before turning back to Cor, ''You may command the crownsguard but can you really say such things? The king will need to be told and even you cannot go against his decision.''
Cor shook his head, '' I cant say what His majesty will decide but he does listen to me and his son is about the same age as yours. At the very least, you can be assured that he wont allow undue harm to come to Prompto.'' The discussion was put to an end by a knock on the door which startled Prompto.
Lance quickly tugged Prompto off the bed and unto the floor to stand behind him while Cor called out, '' Yes?'' The door opened to allow Elis in. '' I'm sorry to disturb you Mr. Leonis but I was asked to get another blood sample for further testing.'' Prompto whimpered at the mention of the blood samples. The doctors and nurses had tried numerous times to get some over the last 2 days only to be continuously refused by his mother or father. He didn't know why they wanted it but he had caught on fairly quickly that it wasn't good. Elis heard the boy and offered a smile to Prompto, '' The blood sample needed is from Mr. Leonis, you don't have to stay around if it makes you uncomfortable.''
Cor greeted the nurse who had been assigned to him since the beginning of his stay, '' What for?'' He hadn't missed Prompto's reaction but he had expected it after how the last few days had been for the boy. Hearing Elis' response seemed to make the small family relax. Elis approached slowly, not wanting to spook the young boy. '' Your injuries have healed significantly and the doctors have decided to release you if this last blood test returns within normal range.''
Cor nodded, thankful that he would be released quickly, knowing that he had quite a bit of work to do before he could return to Insomnia. He extended his left arm to Elis, as the nurse prepared the necessary equipment and addressed Sylva and her husband, '' My phone got damaged in the fight, the sim card is still functional but I cant make call with it. Can either of you buy me a new one? I need to make a few phone calls as soon as I can.''
Lance reached into his pocket, quickly removing the sim card from his phone before handing it over to Cor. '' Feel free to use it as long as you need to.'' He turned to Sylva and Prompto, '' Its nearing midday, why don't we go eat something and leave Cor to rest for a bit?''
Sylva smiled at her husband in agreement, '' That sounds like a wonderful idea. Unless you want us to stay Cor?'' Cor smirked as he accepted the phone and hummed as he answered, ''No need. I'll be busy for a bit but feel free to come back whenever you want.'' The last part was directed more towards Prompto then his parents. The suggestion worked as he had hoped, and Prompto smiled brightly, '' Thank you!'' He grabbed his mother's hand and followed his father out, leaving the crownsguard to the care of his nurse.
The following 2 hours passed by quickly for everyone, Cor making several phone calls first to Regis then to his second in command who had stayed in Insomnia during his expedition; the king had reacted to the news as Cor had expected. Angry at the way such a young child was being treated like a criminal and curious about the possible explanations for both what Cor had witness during the attack and the blood results from the hospital.
His adviser, Mr Scientia, had been a part of the conversation; already starting to make arrangement for a copy of the results to be sent to the Citadel's medical staff and arranging for the boy and his family to stay in one of the guest quarters until further discussions could be held. The responsibility of announcing the decision to the Argentum Family had been left to Cor, much to thehalf-baked annoyance of the guard.
By the time Cor had been cleared and discharged from the hospital, the hunters of Galdin Quai keeping an eye on Prompto had been told to allow them to leave unhindered. Cor waited for them at the hospital entrance. He hadn't really expected Prompto to sneak up on him nor for the boy to jump on him to hug him.
'' Mom said you told the doctors and hunters they had to let us leave!'' chirped the blond boy as he hugged to man closer. Cor ignored the pain that came with the hug with practiced ease and settled for patting Prompto softly, '' Well, your parents told me you have school to return too. I couldn't just let you skip it because of a misunderstanding.''
He greeted a more relaxed Sylva and Lance, '' I spoke with His Majesty; you have all been invited to stay at the Citadel for a while. He would like to discuss a few things with you both as to what should be done.'' Sylva and Lance glanced at each other, words unneeded between them. This was better than what had been waiting for them here.
It would take a few days of traveling to return to Insomnia but with Cor traveling with them, there was nothing to worry about.