Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 14

Lunafreya smiled as she saw the familiar figure, dressed in a slightly different uniform, then again he was now Captain of the Kingsglaive. "Good evening Captain Ulric," she greeted and he turned, bowing to her.

"Good evening your Highness, I hope you are enjoying yourself." The greeting was formal, the cheeky grin not so much. She smiled and slipped her arm into his and he took the hint, guiding her to the dance floor. "I should warn you; I'm still learning."

"Then it is a good thing I know how to heal," she whispered and he laughed but they began to move. She could feel Ravus watching them but she ignored her brother. He wasn't as bad a dancer as he thought he was, likely due to all of his combat training.

She liked Nyx, she had enjoyed travelling with him and Crowe to get to Insomnia and she had spent some time with him after the battle as well. He was a good man; he did his best for his men despite having never imagined becoming Captain. They talked quietly as they danced, before turning to watch the newlyweds leave, Prompto and Noctis' Retainers trailing them until the Royal couple turned and shooed them away. Luna laughed softly at that.

"We have so many guards on the hotel that those three aren't really needed," Nyx offered.

"Good, the deserve to relax and enjoy the party." She danced another with him and then went to her brother.

"The Kingsglaive Captain?"

"He is a friend Ravus, I am allowed to have those," she pointed out and he sighed.

Once she had danced with her brother she went to a surprised Prompto but he bowed and escorted her onto the floor. "How are you dear friend?" She asked as they moved elegantly across the floor. She knew Hermione had practised dancing with him over the years.

"Alright," he smiled slightly.

"Congratulations on your new title, you deserve it."

His cheeks went red at her words. "I…"

"Hermione loves you Prompto, nothing will ever change that."

Once their dance was done she went to have a drink and some finger food. They had eaten earlier but dancing was hungry work. She danced with both Ignis and Gladio, then Nyx again before dancing with Lord Clarus and she even managed to drag the Marshal onto the floor. The night ended with her dancing with King Regis.

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Noctis woke slowly like he always did but something felt different and he forced his eyes open to be met with a mass of messy curls, confused for a second before it his him. He was in bed with his wife. He felt his cheeks warm as he remembered the night before, sharing a bath with her, being encouraged to explore her body as she touched him in return and then they'd gone to bed… it'd been awkward at first but the time spent in the bath had helped and after….well…

"Awake?" she murmured and then she rolled over and smiled at him. "Good morning husband," she leant in to kiss him gently.

"Good morning," he returned nervously and then groaned in embarrassment as his stomach growled and she laughed.

"I think it's time for breakfast, you didn't each much of the dinner last night."

"Guess I was too nervous," he admitted, swallowing when she sat up and the sheet fell down to her waist. He gripped the sheet as she got up and went to pick up her robe, slipping it on. He hesitated but then forced himself to leave the bed to grab his own, trying not to blush. How could she be so nonchalant about being naked? Then again, she'd been with Prom since they were fourteen, and Prom had been living with her since they were even younger. So they had probably seen each other naked a lot but he wasn't used to that, not since he'd recovered enough from the Marilith attack that he'd been able to shower alone. He slipped a pair of sleep pants on under the robe and she nodded, pulling on a nightgown under her own.

They left the bedroom to find Ignis setting breakfast up for them, making him very glad they'd put more clothing on, especially when he spotted Gladio and Prompto on the couches.

"Good morning your Majesties," Ignis smiled.

"Morning," Noctis greeted, fighting the urge to blush again. They sat down to eat and he looked at them. "You guys eaten yet?"

"Yeah, we've been up for hours. Dad said to tell you that the King is leaving in two hours to return to the city," Gladio told him and he nodded, they'd need to be there to see him off publicly.

He glanced over at Prompto and then nodded. "Prompto?"

"Yeah?" the blond looked at him and he beckoned him so Prompto got up. Noctis took his hands and closed his eyes, feeling his magic surge through him and into his friend, feeling the link settle.

"Iggy can teach you how to store and call items, especially your guns."

Prompto stared at him with wide eyes before nodding. "I…thank you."

"I should have done that ages ago," he answered.

Once they'd eaten they went back into the bedroom to shower and dress appropriately for the press.

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Regis smiled at the sight of his son and daughter-in-law as they walked to join him and his party. He wished he could stay longer but he had to return home. Besides, no newlywed couple wanted the parents around for their Honeymoon. The idea that he would not see his son for a whole year saddened him but Noctis needed that time to settle into life as a husband and in the Imperial Court.

He drew his son into an embrace before smiling down at him. "I am so proud of you Noctis. Take this time to get to know your wife. When you return to Gralea your things will be there already, as will Dustin Ackers. Please remember to call your old man from time to time," he suggested and Noctis groaned.

"Dad…" he grumbled. "I'll miss you," he whispered and Regis hugged him again, glad that while the press could see them, they couldn't hear what they were saying.

Regis then approached the Empress, his new daughter and she smiled at him, curtseying. He drew her into a hug, happy when she hugged him back. "Welcome to the family. I look forward to seeing you in a year," he smiled at her and she nodded.

"I am looking forward to seeing Insomnia under better circumstances," she offered and he nodded. She glanced at Noctis. "I will do everything I can to make it an easy adjustment for Noctis."

"Thank you," he bowed and stepped back, Clarus and Cor heading for the Royal Vessel with him. He kept his eyes on his family until they were out of sight.

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Noctis looked around his suite, seeing everything he had chosen to bring, Dustin having arranged it all before they even arrived back in Gralea. The suite was bigger than his one back in Insomnia because it was the one designed for the spouse of the Emperor or Empress with a connecting door through to the other suite. They had talked about him living in her suite but had decided to keep separate rooms, at least for now. Maybe in a year or two they would be comfortable enough to share all of the time.

He knew Prompto had a suite down the hall now thanks to his title, but that he still preferred the small 'maids' room that was part of Hermione's suite and he didn't mind at all. He knew it was hard for Prompto to change a lifetime of thinking as her bodyguard. Ignis had claimed the equivalent room in Noctis' suite to ensure he was always on hand. Gladio had a suite next to Prompto's which he would share with Ignis when Noct's Adviser didn't want to stay in his suite. Of course the 'room' that Ignis and Prompto had were actually a small set of bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette designed to ensure that the maid or valet was always at hand.

He had enjoyed the time in Altissia, playing tourist and ignoring the press with their cameras. The guys had remained on the edge of things, letting them spend the time together to get to know each other better. Which was why he was intending to remain in his suite that night. Tonight, Hermione and Prom should get some time alone together. He could use the night to really get settled in.

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After hanging back for the time in Altissia it felt almost odd being back in the suite, just the two of them, but when Hermione turned her back he moved to help unlace her gown. She smiled at him and then kissed him. he kissed back eagerly, hands on her hips. They stripped fully and then got into bed, Hermione tugging him on top of her. "Mia?"

"I want this with you," she whispered, running her fingers through his hair.

He nodded shakily before kissing her. He'd never dreamed he'd get to do this with her, even when Noctis had told him he was okay with them, even when she'd kept him at her side for so long, had given him a title so no one would say anything… "I love you."

"I love you too," she promised.

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Ignis paused, inclining his head in greeting. "High Commander."

"Scientia, right?" she asked and he nodded. "Settling in alright?"

"It is going well, thank you."

"No need to be so formal. We're a pretty tight knit group, we've had to be to survive. Formality is for the Court and cameras."

"I see…"

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Regis smiled as Lunafreya stepped out of the car, waving for the press, before she walked up the stairs towards him. "It is good to welcome you back to Insomnia Princess."

"Thank you King Regis," she took his hands in greeting. They let the press snap a few pictures before entering the Citadel. "Have you heard from Noctis recently?"

"Last night, he appears to be settling in well."

"I've been watching the news coming from Gralea, the press seems to love him."

"That they do, though he would prefer it if they left him alone more. I wish I could have been there for his crowning as Prince Consort but I am glad you were there."

"I crowned Hermione, it seemed right to do the same for Noctis. I can tell you that they are getting on well, even without the cameras there is genuine affection now in their interactions."

"I had thought so from speaking with Noctis but it is nice to have it confirmed. And young Argentum?"

"Fits with Noctis and his friends as if they grew up together," she smiled and Regis nodded, he had seen some of that while Prompto had been staying in the Citadel but it was good to know that they were still able to be close. He escorted her to the same rooms she had used during her last visit and then left her to rest and settle in.

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"Your Highness," he bowed and she smiled at him. He knew it was crazy, impossible even, but every time he saw her…

"Captain," she greeted in return. "It is good to see you again."

"I hope you had a good journey?"

"Yes, thank you. I was looking for the gardens, could you show me the way?"

"Of course," he offered his arm and she took it, letting him lead her through the Citadel. They talked softly as they walked, of the various changes since the war had ended.

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Noctis relaxed back on the couch, watching a movie, his arm around Hermione's shoulders as she leant against him, her feet tucked up in Prompto's lap. They'd been married for eight months and it felt normal now. She was amazing and he was honoured to rule at her side, because he really did, he wasn't just there as a symbol of the peace, he had real power in the Empire. The Council was a lot easier to deal with than the one back in Insomnia, probably because they were all young and new to their positions.

He thought…maybe…he might be falling in love with her. He wasn't really sure; how did you know if you were in love? He glanced down at her and smiled. He had never imagined feeling so happy and content.

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Noctis enjoyed showing Hermione and Prompto around his home. After a year of marriage they just fit together so easily. He'd had so much more freedom growing up than she'd had and she liked getting to see all of his favourite places.

It almost felt strange being back in Insomnia after a year but it was also nice. Thankfully the press wasn't hounding them. He had missed his Dad a lot and he knew Gladio had missed his family too. Being away for six months wasn't easy but thanks to phones and tablets they could attend meetings electronically and do their paperwork.

It was amazing to see how much his Dad had changed since the battle; the changes had ben gradual so he hadn't noticed until they'd been apart for so long. He'd actually lost some of the premature aging the Ring and Wall had caused. He didn't even need his cane anymore! It was a relief; he didn't want to be King for a long time yet.

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Nyx stood as the Prince-General of Tenebrae entered his office unannounced. "Your Highness," he bowed to the man who stared at him.

"My sister has become very fond of you Captain; I expect you to continue to treat her with the outmost respect."

"Umm…" What?

"Ravus, leave him be," Lunafreya chided as she entered the office, Nyx's gaze immediately drawn to her.

"I'm sorry, what is going on?"

Lunafreya smiled shyly at him, reaching for his hands and he gave them to her, shocked when she stepped in and kissed his cheek.

Oh.

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Prompto laughed as Noctis chased Hermione around the table, poor Ignis moving to protect the meal. They had returned from six months in Insomnia yesterday and it was good to be home. He liked Insomnia but Gralea was home. His laugh turned into a cough and he doubled over, unable to stop.

"Prompto?" Ignis called in alarm and then Noctis was at his side, guiding him to a chair.

"Easy Prom," his Prince murmured, and then he felt the cool rush of Lucian magic. "Just breath." Thankfully the coughing eased but his chest ached.

Hermione joined Noctis at his side, her magic running through him as well and then she swore softly.

"What.." he wheezed and she rubbed his back.

"Shh, try and relax," she whispered.

He knew there was movement and then he felt Gladio lifting him from the chair, carrying him to his room.

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"What is it?" Ignis asked, watching Gladio carry Prompto to his bed.

"Call the doctor please Ignis," Hermione answered, tears in her eyes.

"Majesty?" he asked in alarm, confused since he knew how good she was at healing.

"The human body was no designed to support so many alterations," Noctis whispered.

"Two of the older children who survived have died in the last six months, their bodies gave out due to all of the implants," she explained. "It's been kept quiet although the families who have taken the children on know so they know what to watch for."

"I told Dad last call and we sent the data for the Citadel medical staff to look over."

Ignis felt sick as he made the call. he had seen the metal plate that took up a good portion of Prompto's chest, how much stress did that put on his body and why hadn't they realised? The doctor soon arrived and kicked them all out while examining Prompto. One look at the man's face when he emerged said it all.

"I believe that we can alleviate his condition surgically Your Majesties. Further investigation will be needed, but I do not believe his organs have been compromised yet."

That was better than he had begun to fear at least.

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Prompto fought his fear as he lay on the table, hearing the hushed voices of the medical team. It was a mixed team with experts from Gralea, Insomnia and Tenebrae. They were going to remove everything they could from his body, to at least buy him more time. He'd heard of the deaths but it hadn't even crossed his mind he was at risk due to Hermione and Lunafreya's healing him over the years. He didn't want to die, not when life was finally so wonderful

He swallowed, trying not to hyperventilate as a needle was inserted but then a hand took his and he stared up into eyes he'd know anywhere. "Mia?"

"We're here," she promised and he realised the gowned man beside her wasn't medical staff either, it was Noct. Her gloved hand caressed his cheek.

He managed to nod, watching them instead of what was happening around him, beginning to feel light headed, floaty. "Wha…" he blinked.

"Just relax sir," someone said.

He felt a mask pressed over his face, the air in it was cold and smelled funny.

"Nice deep breaths."

Prompto took a deep breath, then another and…

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Noct watched Prompto's eyes fall shut, his body limp on the bed and the anaesthesiologist checked him over.

"He's under," the man announced.

Noctis drew Hermione away to give the doctors the space they needed. They were there in case of complications. He had a store of hi-potions and phoenix downs on him in case of the worst. Even sedated, he could feel Prompto, like he could feel Gladio and Ignis, if he felt that falter he would act.

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Ignis watched as Lunafreya and Nyx said their vows. Who would have guessed this would happen? He felt a hand brush his and glanced out of the corner of his eye at Aranea. They had been seeing each other for six months now and he was….happy. She understood his role in Noctis' life, she had spent years as Hermione's only female friend after all. He glanced at where the Empress and Prince Consort were sitting, Prompto between them.

The blond was still shaky but he had come through the surgeries well. He would need continual magical healing to remain healthy but they had bought him several decades. The surgeries were being refined and the others with many implants were being out through them to give them the longest, healthiest, lives they could. It was a good thing Prompto was no longer her bodyguard as combat would not help his health in any way.

Ignis' gaze went back to his Empress; he had the feeling she had some rather good news to share soon. He would remain quiet until she chose to tell Noctis but it was good. While King Regis' health had improved drastically it would still be good to ensure the line of succession was secure and give him time with his grandchild.

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Noctis stared at Hermione, was he hearing things? They were leaving tomorrow so that he could have his twenty-first birthday in Insomnia but… "What?" he asked dumbly and she smiled, taking his hand to press to her lower abdomen.

"I'm pregnant Noct," she said again.

TBC…