Noctis wasn't a morning person. Waking after a night of slumber meant forcing his stiff body to move, slowly discovering each aching muscle and joint and working the pain loose. It made him feel old beyond his years. He hated how the injuries of his childhood had left their permanent, though unseen, marks on him.

It wasn't fair.

He groaned and tried to roll over, but his body wouldn't quite obey. Everything felt unnaturally heavier somehow. Everything felt wrong.

"Son? Can you hear me?"

Dad?

Noctis tried to reply, but he could only manage a huff of breath. A trickle of panic began to form, but it couldn't overcome his warm, comfortable exhaustion or the safety he felt upon hearing his father speak.

"You're alright now. You're safe, my son." Regis' voice sounded so soft. It reminded Noctis far too much of that gentle tone his father used to use on him when he was bedridden as a child. "You were drugged, but we've given you something to help clear that out of your system. Just don't force yourself too much to move at the moment."

Drugged?

Fuzzy memories came back to Noctis of leaving his apartment to meet Prompto at the coffee shop. He remembered the child's crying coming from the alley and how he'd gone to look in the dumpster, and then…

A sudden wave of adrenaline pumped though his system as he recalled the flare of pain from a pinprick to his neck and then the world going dark.

Someone had gotten the jump on him. Noctis had faltered in using his training or even just his common sense. He'd let down his guard, and he'd paid the price for that.

Feeling anxious and ashamed, he opened his eyes, squinting in the dim light of his bedroom. Regis was sitting on the edge of the bed next to him. Not far off, Gladio stood, tense and brooding. Whatever had happened, Noctis could tell his Shield was already berating himself mentally for failing his Prince.

Noctis locked eyes with his father.

"W-what…" his voice was scratchy and sounded dreadful, but he simply cleared his throat and continued, "What happened? I remember the alley and then everything went dark. How did I get here?"

There was a moment of silence. It seemed as if his father was gathering his thoughts, and for as much as Noctis wanted to push him to start speaking, he, instead, held himself still and waited.

"Prompto saw your abduction." Regis finally replied. "He took a picture of the car that took you and texted Ignis, Cor and Gladio."

Noctis nodded. That made sense.

Thank the Astrals for Prompto…of course he'd be nearby and ready to take a snapshot.

Noctis reasoned out that Ignis, Cor and Gladio were probably able to track him down from the information they found in the picture. They must have saved him.

"Then," Regis continued, "Prompto followed the vehicle on foot, and he was somehow, miraculously, able to keep up with them."

Wait, what? Prompto did that?

"The people who planned your abduction," Regis continued, "had managed to cause massive gridlocks in the city, and the Citadel went under lockdown after a series of loud explosions – which we later found out, was merely teenagers with powerful fireworks who'd been payed handsomely to light them off." Another pause ensued, highlighting the fatigue and concern that etched the King's face. "In the chaos, it was…difficult for anyone to get to you quickly. You were in great danger."

There was a haze to Noctis' thoughts still, and it took him a few seconds for a new panic to settle over him.

He bolted up into a sitting position; his vision blurred and the world swayed as Noctis asked, "Where is he? Where is Prompto? Is he alright? What happened? Why isn't he here?"

He couldn't stop the questions from pouring out. They tumbled from his lips, each more desperate than the last. The panic and dread he felt was too familiar – reminding him too much of the trauma and loss he suffered in his childhood. His pulse, now frantic and wild, ran cold at the thought of Prompto being hurt, lost or dead.

It was then that Gladio took a hesitant step forward.

"Prompto will be fine. I just got a text from Ignis. He and Cor got blondie back. They're heading to the Citadel now."

Back?

Noctis blinked. That didn't make any sense. Why did they have to get Prompto back? He wasn't the one who'd been abducted. How was he in danger and Noctis was safe in his bed? None of it made sense.

"From what I understand," Regis said softly, "Prompto followed your abductors to their hideout. He then snuck in and located you in a room of the establishment. However, he quickly realized that he wouldn't be able to carry you out without being discovered, so he texted the location to Ignis, Gladio and Cor, hid you under a bed and took your place."

"The kidnappers had a bag over your head," Gladio added, "So, Prompto put that on, along with your boots and coat, and the goons didn't bother checking him over before taking him to their next meeting location. They thought they had you still." Gladio gave a soft huff. "It was a dangerous move on blondie's part." There was an odd mix of admiration, regret and anger in the Shield's tone.

Noctis felt a cold dread envelope him. He'd been helpless and vulnerable. Worst of all, Prompto had put himself in danger for him. He could have been killed. Prompto had to have known that. He had to have…

He was sacrificing himself for me.

That thought burned in Noctis' head. He felt overwhelmed by Prompto's loyalty and friendship, and he was sick too at the thought that he'd almost lost his best friend. That wasn't Prompto's job. He wasn't supposed to put himself in harm's way. Noctis didn't want that…right? He frowned, recalling all the conversations he'd had with Prompto about the blond joining the Crownsguard.

Honestly, Noctis wasn't sure what he wanted any longer. The whole thing made him feel dizzy and sick. There was only one thing he was absolutely sure of…

"I want to see him…when they get back." Noctis wasn't asking, and if anyone refused him, well, he was damn well going to find a way to get to Prompto.

"Of course, my boy," Regis answered, a gentle smile adorning his face. "I thought you'd say as much. Just be patient with the lethargy in your body and let Gladio help you."

Noctis considered hopping out of the bed right then and making his way for the door, but already, just from sitting up, his body was fighting him. Weighted and numb, his limbs were difficult to control, and he doubted very much that he could get to his feet on his own, let alone stay standing.

As if he could read Noct's mind, Gladio stepped forward.

"We just need to get you moving a bit," the Shield said, "The injection you were given to combat the sedative is slow acting. Let's get your arms moving first."

Noctis nodded and Gladio moved to start helping him stretch.

It all felt like a training session…sort of. There was more shame now though. Noctis had messed up. This was his fault. Sure, Gladio was probably blaming himself and maybe Ignis was wallowing in guilt as well, but, in reality, it was Noctis' own choices that had gotten him abducted.

He was the one who'd insisted the route from his apartment to the coffee shop was safe and that he didn't need an escort. He was the one who'd followed the sounds of the sobs into the alley without waiting for backup. He'd thought he could handle it. He was so sure of himself, and, in the end, he'd put himself and, eventually, Prompto in danger. This was his fault.

"I'm sorry," Noctis muttered as Gladio helped him stand. Regis had already, reluctantly, left them to return to his duties – with the promise that he'd clear his entire evening schedule to spend time with Noctis.

Gladio grimaced and then sighed. "Yeah, you were kind of stupid today." The steely edge to his gaze soften a bit. "But I get it. You thought a kid was in trouble and you acted with your heart. It's hard not to react sometimes. We've all been there. Just learn from your mistakes, okay?"

The question was laced with concern. There was a hint of 'don't ever do that again because the stress nearly killed me' to it.

"Yeah." Noctis mumbled, wanting to say more but needing to direct most of his focus on putting one foot in front of the other.

Slowly, they made their way from Noctis' room down the hall toward Prompto's quarters. Their progress was infuriating sluggish, but no matter how hard Noct tried to pick up the pace, his body refused to go any faster.

Just outside of Prompto's room, Ignis greeted them. It was odd to see him with his hair a mess and his clothes dirty and wrinkled, but he acted as if nothing was amiss.

"How are you feeling?" Ignis asked. "Should you be out of bed just yet? I can imagine the sedatives haven't totally left your system."

Noctis shrugged. "I want to see Prompto."

"Yes, of course," Ignis answered as he looked to Gladio. The two seemed to have some kind of quiet conversion before the Advisor's gaze returned to Noct. "He's in the shower now. He'll be out shortly. Perhaps you can wait in the kitchen for him? He'll be coming out to get…"

"I'll wait in his room," Noct replied quickly, peeling himself from Gladio's hold. He staggered slightly, but caught himself and managed to appear somewhat steady – at least enough so that his Shield didn't immediately reach for him. "I'd like to talk to him in private."

There was a distinct hesitation from both Ignis and Gladio, but both seemed to come to the same conclusion at the same time.

"If that is what you wish…" Ignis replied.

"You know where we'll be if you need us," Gladio added.

Noctis nodded and turned, knowing that neither man would leave the hall until they'd seen him disappear into Prompto's room. They would wait, ever loyal, ensuring that he wasn't going to change his mind at the last second and request help, but he wasn't.

Carefully, slowly, he made his way into the room and sat on the edge of Prompto's bed. He could hear the shower running in the bathroom, and he relaxed slightly at the sound.

Prompto was safe. He was here. Yeah, Noctis had messed up, but he hadn't cost his friend his life. He almost had though.

The longer he sat waiting, the more anxious Noct grew.

What am I going to say to him? What will he say to me? Will he be mad? Will he still want to be a Crownsguard? Do I still want him to be a Crownsguard?

The sea of questions and doubts playing in his mind weighed him down, exhausted him, until he wasn't sure at all any longer of what he wanted or what was right…and then, Prompto came out of the bathroom.

Still stunned to find Noct sitting in the room, Prompto forced a wide smile and prayed it looked genuine.

It wasn't that he didn't want to see Noct, because he really did. He just didn't want to incur the wrath of the Prince just yet, as he was certain that Noct wasn't going to be happy about what Prompto did that day.

"Heya, bud," Prompto finally managed with a chuckle. "Crazy day, yeah?"

Noctis' expression remained passive. His glossy eyes fixated on the blond. "What were you thinking?"

Prompto shrugged, smile easing. That hurt. He knew it had been coming, but it still hurt.

"That was stupid dangerous," Noct continued, his voice cracking slightly, finally giving some hint to his emotions. "You could have been killed!"

Prompto frowned, his voice coming out small, weak. "You could have been killed."

Mouth drawn in a tight scowl, Noctis shook his head. "No, they wanted me alive. They wanted a ransom. I was in a lot less danger than you were."

Already Prompto was exhausted with the conversation. He didn't want to fight about it. He didn't have it in him to argue, and yet…

"You…" Prompto started, faltering on his own thoughts as he shifted his gaze down to his feet, "…y-you were unconscious and looked so helpless. There was no way I could leave you like that – there was no way I could just let them take you." He could feel the tears starting to sting his eyes, but he somehow managed to hold them at bay. "They talked about maybe selling you off to people overseas… and… Astrals, Noct…. I couldn't… I couldn't…"

Prompto paused to take in a shaky breath, and he let his gaze return to Noctis.

The Prince looked defeated. Face pinched with sorrow, a few silent tear streaked down his cheeks.

"You're my best friend," Prompto said, "I had to help you."

Silence encased them both for a few moments, and, as it lingered, Prompto slowly padded his way over to the bed and sat next to Noct.

"I'm still trying out for the Crownsguard," Prompto said at last, and he could feel Noct tense at his words.

"Why?" Noct's voice sounded so lost and small. "Today was…"

"Today," Prompto interrupted, "was so not fun, and I realized that I need a lot more training to be ready…just in case." He looked up at Noct, waiting until the Prince met his gaze before he spoke again. "I'm not going anywhere, buddy. Today didn't even come close to scaring me away. I plan on sticking by your side for as long as I can, but that means I need to be ready to help protect you too. Your life is kinda crazy, Noct. I'm not gonna lie about that, and I get it, and I want to be able to help you through that crazy, yeah?" Prompto paused to shrug. "I'm not just here for video games and comic books, okay? I'm not just a fair-weather friend."

Noctis nodded, but his frown pulled a little tighter. "If I'd lost you today…if they had killed you, I don't know if I could have handled it. No one…" Noct gave a shuddered breath, and wiped back a few tears. "No one just lets me be myself like you do. Eventually, everyone else pushes me in to this role of being the Prince, but you don't. Even when you came with me a few royal functions, you treated me like…just me, and suddenly I was the Prince but still myself. It didn't feel like an act. I didn't have to hide my personality away under some royal veneer. For once it felt natural."

Prompto could feel his face flushing. "Geez, dude, don't start getting too sappy on me now. I know I'm awesome and all, but don't put me on a pedestal or anything."

There was a split second of panic for Prompto –where he thought the joking tone didn't take, that his friend wouldn't cave to his antics, but then Noctis gave a soft chuckle and the blond felt himself relax.

"You are such a dork," Noct signed, a small, sappy smile adorning his face. "I was saved by a dork."

Prompto grinned. "Gladio is never going to let you live that down."

"Well, he wasn't saving me…" Noctis replied, and his smile faltered. "He's having a hard time swallowing that, so I don't think he's about to give me too much grief."

Yeah, Prompto was pretty sure everyone was probably kicking themselves for one reason or another at the moment.

"You okay if we go and get some grub?" Prompto asked. "I'm starving." Plus it'd be a great distraction from awkward conversations, maybe? Well, at least Prompto hoped so.

Noct nodded. "Sure, bud, but you gotta help me to the kitchen. My legs are still kind of jelly."

Prompto chuckled and got to his feet, offering a hand to Noctis. "Of course, dude…ever at your side."

Ignis let his thoughts calm – let his mind focus solely on his cooking. Rarely did he let himself indulge so deeply in his hobby that he drown out all the lingering ponderings of his work, but today he needed the break. Today, his fears, stress and anxiety needed to be held at bay.

He didn't wish to dwell on Prompto's near death, or how the boy had been injured and traumatized. No, Ignis wanted to be selfish for a few moments. He wanted to give his tired brain some time to elude the chaos of emotions that had been driving his actions that day.

"Smells good," Gladio muttered from his seat at the table.

The large man had remained silent since he'd entered the room, choosing merely to sit and open one of his paperback books while Ignis cooked. The quiet had been nice though as had the companionship.

"Peppery Daggerquill Rice," Ignis answered, and Gladio gave a hum of understanding.

Both men knew it was one of Prompto's favorite dishes.

They went quiet again, only the sounds of the cooking meal echoing in the room. It wasn't until Ignis was putting the finishing touches on the dish that Gladio stood and started to set the table.

When the tasks were finally done, when there was no more work to busy Ignis' hands, he knew it was time to break the silence.

"We both failed Noctis today, it wasn't you alone," Ignis said evenly. "Don't take on that full burden yourself."

Gladio sat with a huff. "I know, but that fact doesn't really help." He looked up, warm amber gaze meeting Ignis'. "Does it?"

"No," Ignis replied, sitting down as well, lacing his fingers together in front of him as he thought. "…but it may help if we work together to review and revise Noctis' morning security plan, craft a new training program designed to teach Noctis how to deal with abductee situations, and get Prompto's applications started for the Crownsguard testing. I think including Prompto in more of Noctis' trainings would also be a wise move."

Gladio gave a soft grunt, but Ignis could decipher no intelligent answer in that lone sound. Whether Gladio agreed or not, Ignis could not be certain. Still, he felt no need to press for an answer just yet. The Shield looked lost in thought, as if he were struggling with some great internal debate.

"Those…" Gladio said at last, "are all great ideas, Iggy."

There was more, something the answer had been hedging back and forth on, but Ignis had an inclination as to what was weighing on his friend's mind – it was most likely the same doubts and fears that kept softening Ignis' own resolve.

Prompto testing for the Crownsguard needed to happen. Ignis knew that. He knew there was no way the young blond was going to just walk away from being Prince Noctis' friend, and, as the Prince's friend, Prompto would, inevitably, become a sort of last line of defense should the worst happen.

Even without proper training, Prompto had proven he'd willingly step into that role. While Ignis felt a fond admiration for the boy's loyalty, the Advisor also felt a pull of regret and sorrow. Prompto and Noctis deserved to just be young and foolish friends. The incident today was the sort of thing that stamped out that carefree innocence.

Ignis remembered back to after the attempt on Noct's life when he was a child. The pain he suffered, the fear he felt – it had stilled some of his childlike wonder. He had been more reserved after that, quieter in a way that broke Ignis' heart.

"Oh man, Iggy…" a happy voice chirped.

Ignis startled a bit, glancing up to find Prompto and Noct wandering into the kitchen. The Prince was leaning heavily on the blond, obviously still under the influence of whatever the abductees had forced into his system.

Prompto was beaming a warm smile at Ignis, "It smells great! Is it Peppery Daggerquill Rice?" There was a comical, eager expression of hope adorning Prompto's face; Ignis couldn't help but smile.

"Of course," he answered, "It felt like the appropriate dish to make."

Clenching a victory fist, Prompto gave a little dance, earning a grumble from Noct who inadvertently had to join the motion as he was still relying on the blond for support.

"Ha-ha…sorry bud…" Prompto replied, crooked grin in place as he helped Noctis take a seat at the table.

"That was uncool, man," Noct muttered, slinking into his seat with a scowl.

Ignis was quick to serve up their meal, and they ate, conversing about nothing of extreme importance. The banter was light-hearted and easy somehow, when it clearly should have been anything but that.

It was as if they all knew a deeper conversation about the day's happenings would be needed….eventually. But, now was the time to heal, to be happy that they were all still whole and together.

After the meal, both boys seemed to be drooping heavily, from exhaustion and full, warm bellies.

Ignis cleared his throat, silencing the rather mellow conversation about King's Knight that Prompto, Noctis and Gladio were having.

"I believe," Ignis said solemnly, "that we could all do with a bit of a rest, and…" He paused, noting that Prompto was squirming slightly in his seat – obviously struggling with some inner anxiety over what the Advisor was going to say. It made Ignis cringe a little to think he still caused the boy such stress. "…I've taken the liberty of calling the school to let them know you would each be missing your lessons tomorrow so that you could rest up."

Both Noctis and Prompto gave a subdued shout of excitement over that.

"And," Ignis added, "study for your rescheduled Calculus exam."

Joy shattered, unison groans sounded.

"Man, Specs, you can never just chill, can you?" Noctis grumbled.

"No," Ignis replied with a smirk, "I daresay I cannot chill."

With that, Prompto laughed, and, through all the trauma of the day, the Advisor knew they were going to be just fine.

Three days later, Prompto fidgeted in the hall, waiting with dread for the Kingsglaive at the door to motion him into the King's study.

He was trying his darnedest not to hyperventilate. After all, he'd met King Regis before, but usually Noct had been around when he had. That had softened the intimidation factor somehow.

Now though, Prompto was alone, trying to drive the tremble from his hands and legs as he stood outside waiting for the frigging King to call him in for a conversation.

What does he want? Is he gonna tell me I can't join the Crownsguard? Did I do something wrong?

With Ignis' help, Prompto had applied to take the Crownsguard test. He'd been grateful for the Advisor's instructions. A lot of the paperwork was a bit confusing. Prompto would have gotten it done…eventually, but with Ignis' help, it went fairly quickly.

"Okay, kid…time to go in."

Prompto startled and then offered up a lopsided grin. The Kingsglaive, one he'd seen often but hadn't gotten the name of, smiled back.

"You'll be fine," the man offered and motioned toward the door. "Now, don't keep the King and the Marshal waiting."

The Marshal? Cor was in there too? Oh Astrals, this had to be about his Crownsguard application. Did he fill it out correctly? Did he do something wrong? Was he not qualified? Was it because of the barcode on his wrist? Did it have anything to do with that? Were they going to reject him already?

On autopilot, Prompto moved, his brain frantically turned the same loop of doubt and fear over and over in his head. Suddenly, he was standing in front of the King's ornate desk. Behind the mahogany, sat the King, and, to his right, Cor stood.

Prompto shifted, and try as he might to keep his posture ramrod straight and sure, he found himself hunching, shoulders drooping as he worried his lower lip and stared up at the King.

"There is no need for trepidation," Regis smiled. "This meeting is merely a formality…or, perhaps, an opportunity to appease my curiosity."

What did that mean?!

Prompto nodded, as if he understood – not wanting to admit that he still had no idea what was happening.

"Regis," Cor started, "has some questions for you about your future…about why you would want to be a Crownsguard." A soft, tender smile graced the Marshal's face. "This isn't a test. You needn't worry about that. The King simply wishes to be sure you understand what lies ahead if you pledge your life to the crown."

Oh…okay? That kinda made sense…maybe? Nope…this still all felt weird.

"Why do you wish to join the Crownsguard?" Regis asked, the smile never leaving his face as his unblinking gaze fixated on Prompto.

Already Prompto could feel the word vomit just building up inside him. How could he possibly make this come out in a way that wasn't going to be disorganized chaos? That was such a big question, and it had been tossed out so nonchalantly.

He shifted again and then realized too much time had passed without him giving an answer. Cor's smile slipped slightly; it was edged with concern now. Regis, however, kept his diplomatic smile frozen in place.

Internally, Prompto groaned as he realized he was just going to have to start speaking and hope for the best.

Here goes nothing…

"I like being Noct's friend…"

Shoot…should I not call him 'Noct' in front of the King? Is that wrong? And how stupid is that to start…I like being Noct's friend…ugh…

"I mean…I didn't really have many friends before Noctis…Prince Noctis…and it means a lot…to…me."

Stupid…stupid…stupid…just calm down…take a breath…

Prompto paused for a moment, not continuing until he felt a slight bit of tension ease from his chest. It was then, with some clarity and confidence he didn't know he possessed, he looked Regis in the eye and continued.

"Noct is my best friend. I know I'm not the bravest, smartest or strongest person he could have at his side, but maybe that doesn't matter – that's not what he needs. He's already got Ignis and Gladio, so they've got all those categories covered..." Prompto gave a soft chuckle and lowered his gaze to the back of a picture frame sitting on Regis' desk. Vaguely, he wondered if the picture was of Noct. "I know I could never be like them…and that's okay…I guess, but, all the same, I want to stay at Noct's side. Really, I just want to help him as much as I can, and I'm really good at being like stupidly loyal." He took another deep breath. "I don't think he sees how great he is…how great he'll be as a king someday. I know he doesn't like to think about that…he doesn't like to think about how…"

Prompto stopped, not wanting to say that Regis would die one day – probably sooner rather than later with how much the wall had been draining him of late.

"I understand," Regis answered quietly. "If I may ask another question…"

Prompto blinked, looking up to find the smile now gone from Regis' face.

"Um," Prompto stammered. "You're the King…I'm pretty sure you can ask me as many questions as you want."

Cor laughed, and the harsh, sudden sound seemed to drain the tension from the room.

"Yes," Regis chuckled, "I can see how you would think that…but politeness still applies…even to royalty." Once again, the joviality faded from the King's face, replaced by somberness. "What exactly makes you think Noctis will make a good king one day?"

"Because," Prompto blurted out, "he cares…like about everyone. He doesn't always act like he does…sometimes he's kind of closed off and acts like a loner, but he does care…like always. Just like you…I mean…not that you act like you don't care about people…not that part…but the part about caring, I mean," he paused to give a little huff, wondering how he messed that up so badly. "I think a good King cares about his subjects…he gives all he can to protect them…like with the wall…and I know… I know Noctis would do everything he could for his people. He would give everything he has for them, and that's why he'd be a good King…I think…and with Ignis to advise him and Gladio to be his Shield…I know he'll be a good king."

"And with a friend like you at his side, to help ease his burdens, to remind him to laugh, to help him remember what he is fighting for," Regis added, "I would most certainly agree with that sentiment."

Prompto opened his mouth to respond, but he couldn't seem to force a single word out. Instead, he felt his face flush hot as both Cor and King Regis smiled back at him.

"I believe that is all for now," Cor added. "You may go."

With a curt nod, Prompto turned and fled before any more questions could be sent his way.

I hope I didn't mess that up too much…whatever that was…

Regis leaned back in his chair, hands resting in his lap with fingers interlaced.

"He is a fine boy," he said, still staring at the door, smiling to himself at how the blond had scampered from the room like a scared rabbit. "A bit fidgety, but far braver than he gives himself credit for."

"He'll make a damn fine Crownsguard…not in the conventional sense, of course," Cor replied softly. "But in his own way."

"Yes…" Regis replied as he closed his eye and thought back over Prompto's answers. Stupidly loyal… Regis smiled; he liked that. He thought he could even apply that same term to a few of his own friends.

"You won't deny him from being a guard once he passes the exam, will you?" Cor's question had some lace of a threat to it, something few others would dare offer their King.

Regis opened his eyes, looked back at the Immortal and laughed. "And suffer both your wrath and Noctis'? I wouldn't dare! Besides, I think it would ease my worries to know my son had such a good friend at his side. It does the crown a great service to have that friendship."

Cor's scowl softened and then lifted to a tender smile. "Yes, it does."

Leaning forward, Regis shuffled through a bit of the paperwork on his desk. "We should get back to work, though. These reports, unfortunately, won't review themselves."

Regis' gaze rose just a bit though to the framed picture he kept on his desk.

Cor had given him a copy of it, having gotten it from Prompto a few months back.

In it, Noctis had his arm slung around Prompto's shoulder and both boys wore beaming smiles; standing behind them, wearing amused smirks, stood Ignis and Gladio. It was perhaps the best photo Regis had ever seen taken of his son. He looked so happy, as if he didn't have the weight of the Kingdom resting on his shoulders.

It reminded Regis of a photo he'd taken long ago with his own friends at his side, when he too had been able to smile like the weight of the Kingdom wasn't on his shoulders.

Enjoy these times, my son…they end too soon…