Within the following days, new schedules were given to the boys. Prompto and Noctis both were put through some proper etiquette training to prepare for their public appearance. Noctis already knew the rundown of how it would go, but he insisted on being by Prompto's side and also used it as a refresher course.
Prompto on the other hand was a bit shaken by the sudden change. He was one moment just learning his algebra and history of the Lucian kings to now knowing how to stand up straight and keep a straight face for when he was on television. Overall he would have freaked out much more if Noctis hadn't been by his side every step of the way.
Noctis did his best to help Prompto remember all of the different etiquette lessons and helped tutor him between their meetings with Ignis. Still, he was so proud of his boyfriend putting up with all of this in order to be with him.
Finally came the scheduled day for them to announce to the world their courtship. Ignis had made them wear semi formal outfits to appropriately set the mood of their announcement, but he did have to admit their outfits set off their earrings nicely. He would bet money Ignis planned it.
"Ready to listen to me make a speech and look pretty?" Noctis asked quietly as he leaned in close to Prompto's side.
"Can't I look pretty all the time?" Prompto teased.
"You already do. This is more, can you look pretty without looking bored at my speech skills," Noctis teased.
"You'll be talking, so it's never boring. Not for me."
Noctis scoffed some but smiled at that. "Now you're just being ridiculously sweet. Please do not stop."
"Never will stop," Prompto said before booping his nose lightly against Noctis's cheek.
That earned a soft laugh from Noctis as he tried to keep in the right mood for their presentation. But Prompto knew just how to get him to relax and break from the royal duty mindset perfectly.
Eventually Ignis walked over to them. "We're ready for the two of you to step out on the balcony. Remember you have mics on your outfits but there are also extras set out there to improve the sound."
"Please tell me they cannot hear us right now," Noctis said softly. While he really did trust the audio engineers of the Citadel, there was always that risk of a mistake happening.
Ignis smirked. "As amusing as that would be, they'll be off until you step out onto that balcony."
Noctis sighed in relief and smiled. "Alright. Prom, you ready to go? I can go when you can." He said as he reached out to squeeze his hand tightly.
Prompto squeezed it back. "Let's do this."
With a large, meditative deep breath, he led them out to the balcony. He knew he shouldn't be surprised by the size of the crowd below, but this was also his first public appearance since that fateful gala nearly five months ago. Their cheer was nearly deafening to him, and he had to take a moment to take another breath to steady himself in surprise from their adoration he didn't expect.
Once he was settled, Noctis moved away from Prompto's side and went to the podium set up with a series of microphones from different news channels to all get their audio feeds. He gave the perfect press smile and scanned the crowd.
"Good afternoon everyone. I'm so pleased to see so many would like to hear from me after so long an absence. I'm sorry to have been away from you, but after the attack on the gala, I needed to take time to focus on my health and mental health to heal properly. We here at the Citadel have been working to focus properly on the mental health of everyone, from the janitorial staff to even the royals. So thank you for your enduring patience.
"But today, I know you do not want to hear about my thanks to the staff for working with me about the attack so long ago. No, today, I give you good, no, wonderful news." Noctis paused so he could look over at Prompto with a bright smile. "Today I am happy to tell you, your prince has been in a courtship with one of your citizens. And he is utterly smitten with him.
"His Royal Highness has been in a courtship with Prompto Amicitia for three months. We've been following the appropriate requirements for a royal courtship. And I'll say, I've never been happier." Noctis knew Ignis would get him for that interjection, but he didn't care. "And we'll be sure to let you know as we continue on through the courtship either positively or negatively."
There was another roar of cheering and clapping that came from the crowd. Maybe people shouted happily while others whistled. The response was far more positive than Noctis and Prompto could have ever expected.
Noctis grinned at the response and reached out to grab Prompto's hand to squeeze hard. He gave a big wave to everyone while pulling his love into a one sided hug to another wave of cheers.
"Thank you. Your appreciation means the world to us." He improvised. He didn't know what else to do at this moment. No one had expected this level of support. "Prompto and I are so happy you support us so much. Again, thank you."
Another roar of applause came and fireworks from the top of Citadel were set off. With nothing more for them to say, the two waved at the crowd before being directed back inside the building.
Noctis guided the two of them into a proper wave and smiled at the crowd. Then he allowed for the staff to guide them back inside and away from all those eyes. That's when he felt like he could take a proper breath.
"That was terrifying," He gasped as he dropped onto Prompto's shoulder lightly.
"I thought they were going to hear my heart beating!" Prompto exclaimed.
"They didn't, and it sounds like they like us. They- they approve of us being together." Noctis said with a weak laugh before pulling Prompto close to give him a kiss.
Wrapping his arms around Noctis, he bumped foreheads gently. "Even if they didn't, I'd still love you."
"I'd love you too. This is just- just cherry on top perfect," he said softly.
"Hmm think we could go for some ice cream and real cherries on top?'
"Wanna head to the kitchens to make a sundae?" Noctis laughed. "I bet they have everything we need."
"You bet! We deserve a reward!"
He laughed a bit more at that and tugged on Prom's hand. "Alright, come on. Time for you to get that reward."