They had at last arrived in Altissia after a slightly awkward boat ride she had spent trying to avoid the gaze of everyone but Prompto. She couldn't help but notice a different look to him this morning, something different in his eyes and the way he looked at her. His eyes were a double-edged sword, equal parts gloom and affection.
Altissia was even more beautiful than Galdin Quay, and she gaped at it all as they crossed a long water bridge over a crescent waterfall to enter the city gates. The whole place looked as though it was slowly being swallowed by the sea, with its canals and streets of water.
As Ignis negotiated their way through the immigration office to gain access to the city, Astrid whispered excitedly to Prompto, "I need to talk to you soon. I have to tell you something important."
"I have something to tell you too," he whispered back.
"Many thanks," Ignis called over his shoulder at the immigration officer. "Let's get out of here before they change their mind. We should head for the Maagho restaurant of which Cid spoke. Hopefully this 'Weskham' fellow can give us some information."
The gondola pulled up to a seemingly floating restaurant and bar, surrounded on three sides by canals. The bartender greeted them warmly. "Welcome to Accordo, lads. Cid mentioned you'd be dropping in. Weskham Armaugh, as you've gathered. My word, you've grown, little Prince." Astrid kept to the back of the crowd, hoping for a moment to talk with Prompto while Noctis got the current state of things from Weskham.
A short-haired blonde woman in a sharp turquoise suit entered the bar as Noct conversed. Weskham paused, turning his attention to her. "My dear Camelia… it's been a while."
"I heard about your distinguished guests," the woman replied, turning towards the group.
"Ah, you've an ear for gossip," noted Weskham.
"Gentlemen, I won't waste your time. My name is Camelia Claustra."
"First Secretary of the Accordo Protectorate," interjected Ignis.
"Prompto," Astrid whispered excitedly, then motioned with her head to the side. She foresaw the political discourse to come wouldn't miss the two of them, and took her chance. He nodded and began to follow her, making their exit.
"Viscountess?" She heard Camelia's voice and froze, her eyes widening in terror as she slowly turned her head. "Lady Astrid, is that you? We heard reports of your vehicle being attacked and feared the worst! Lord Reginald will surely be relieved his bride has arrived safely."
"Viscountess?!" her four companions exclaimed in unison, the entire group turning to look at her in astonishment.
"Uhh...surpriiise?" she said meekly, cowering under their collective gaze.
"Lady Astrid? Why didn't you tell me?" Prompto said, his face awash with all sorts of emotions.
She turned to look at him anxiously. "Prompto, I can explain…"
"It all makes sense now," he said, his voice quivering. "You couldn't be with me because you literally had no choice! Were you just toying with me the whole time? Just...just leading me on?!" He paced back and forth, obviously agitated.
"No, Prompto...I care about you a great deal!" she assured him desperately.
"You lied to me!"
"I'm sorry, Prompto. I… I didn't want to make you feel inferior."
He stopped pacing and stared piercingly at her, on the verge of tears. "Well this is a great way NOT to do that," he said sharply before darting for the restaurant's main doors.
"Prompto! Prompto wait!" she called after him.
"Let him go, Asti," Ignis said softly. She slumped in a nearby chair, her head in her hands.
"Ignis… what have I done? I've screwed up everything," she sobbed.
He moved to her side, placing an empathetic hand on her shoulder. "I'll… try to talk to him."
"Thank you," she sniffled, leaning her head against him.
"I… hate to break this up," Camelia began coldly, "but I'm sure there are a multitude of emergency wedding plans to sort through after informing your betrothed you are indeed still alive. My valet here can take you to his estate if you'll come along."
She looked up at Ignis with a panic-stricken expression. "It'll be alright," he said reassuringly. She nervously stood, looking around at the three of them, and then to Camelia.
"I'll miss you guys," she whimpered.
Gladio stepped up first to give her a hug. "Good luck, midget. Keep practicing," he said, pulling her against him.
"I will. Be nice to Prompto for me, okay?"
"No promises," he said with a smirk.
She smiled and moved onto Noctis. "Nothing but the best, Noct. I hope it all works out for you. You'll make a great king, I just know it."
"Heh, thanks. I hope it works out for you too." She let go of him and stepped up to Ignis. He pulled a small brown bag from his pocket and handed it to her.
"Miniature chocolate pies...a parting gift," he said, his lips smiling without his eyes.
"Thank you, Iggy. Good as your word. I'll miss you and your cooking," she said, hugging him tightly. "Keep these guys in line."
"I will. Be sure to call me if you need anything, even if it's just to talk. And don't worry about Prompto. You know nothing keeps him down long."
"Tell him...tell him I'm sorry, and I hope he can forgive me. I never meant to hurt him. That was the last thing I ever wanted to do."