Chapter 7

Love?

Kaya couldn't believe what she was hearing...

Noctis loved Lunafreya? and she loves him too? they're in a relationship? then...

"Wh... What does it mean then? why... why wouldn't you tell Sir Regis about this?" Kaya couldn't really find a suitable excuse for the way she was feeling right now. It was difficult to say if she was feeling aggravated? upset? dismayed?

It was a strange feeling... as if something had been taken away from her but she she couldn't seem to put a finger on what. She couldn't even remember what...

" I have tried, several times but I know that he wouldnt agree. Not yet. He wouldnt even let me explain, lock me up and never let me return to the city..." Noctis replied letting out a heavy sigh. He had tried, but everytime his insecurities weigh his feet down and he is unable to take any step. Kaya was trying her best not to feel used and broken, she didn't know what to feel.

"So... that means this marriage is..." Kaya startedn unable to say it to the end, at first she had a hope that even if Noctis wasn't wilful for this marriage, she might be able change his mind giving him everything there is to give. She thought Noctis was just weary of the responsabilites, and maybe if convinced of the good that this relationship could bring, he might try to make it work too. But...

Noctis looked at Kaya, noticing her expression, it was utterly blank, void of every emotion and every hope that she might have had until now...

"Look... I can understand how awkward it must feel to be stuck in a hollow relationship with me but trust me, I'll never force you to do anything. we just need to convince dad that this relationship, this marriage is not gonna work. If it happens, then dad himself would call this off. then we both can go our seperate ways."

Noctis suggsted, a gleam of hope in his eyes. Kaya could see her own hopes drowning in the sea of those in Noctis's gaze. She had never thought that a relationship like this could be of use as well... more like, she couldn't believe that what she thought could work, didn't have anything left to work with. It wasn't going to work... because Noctis wouldn't try... for he loves Lunafreya...

"Kaya? are you Okay?" Noctis asked, leaning closer and Kaya nodded instantly getting up, a proper smile onto her lips which she knew the weight of. Pretending to be fine when you're not is the worst someone could have to go through in any situation.

"I understand what we... what I have to do." She assured but the truth was, she didn't know what to do anymore. She was lost. Completely

"I'll get your coffee. Why don't you uh... change?" She asked faking a smile as best as she could before making her way out and that left Noctis thinking if he had said too much.

He didn't think Kaya had any reason to be upset about this, she wasn't in love with him, she didn't ask for this marriage. So even if everyone found out this relationship wasn't working, it would either be because of Noctis being uninterested, or Regis' false judgement...

Noctis was clearly missing the big picture. If this relationship didn't work, people wouldn't just question Noctis' interest, they would also ask the flaws in the girl and if she had made any efforts to make it work... there were many things to be questioned upon Kaya and her family, more than Regis and Noctis. Not everyone was open minded as Noctis himself, may Lunafreya belong to a family of fortune and name, but she wasn't the right choice for Noctis. That's what Regis would think because unlike Noctis, the man looked for the skill of fair judgement and understanding instead along with affection and commitment and this girl was very capable of giving that.

Kaya made her way into the living room and quietly sat down, the couch felt unusually warm and soft. She was suddenly feeling sleepy, the sudden revelation had messed up her thoughts. She didn't know what do from here...they love each other... then would there be any point in trying? tying to be more than a responsibility? She didn't think of herself, COULDN'T think of herself as a friend to him, because a friend seemed way closer to Noctis. She never got to know more than his name...

On the other hand, Lunafreya must have known him for a long time. She must have formed a bond of understanding that she couldn't in mere few weeks... or months? as long as this relationship lasts.

Since Noctis didn't need to give this relationship a chance, it only meant she wouldn't have anything to strive for. When knowing your failure is destined and you're supposed to lose no matter how hard you struggle, it becomes questionable whether you should try or not. Because the probability of succeeding was in pure minuses.

"Kaya?" Noctis called dragging her out of her deep thoughts and she looked up at him, a confused expression on her face. She had been spacing out for about 5 minutes now, just staring out in the empty space.

"I thought you were going to get me coffee?" He added, gesturing towards the cup which still had the coffee Kaya had brought for Noctis when Lunafreya came. It took Kaya a moment to realize and she instantly jolted up from the spot, holding back a nervous chuckle.

"Forgive me, I was just... I'll get it now. Wait p-"

"No it's alright. I'm actually going to meet up with my friends."

Noctis interrupted causing Kaya to give him a slightly detached look. Meet up with friends... or just Lunafreya? But then again, who was she to object.

Shaking her head out of the nnecessary thoughts Kaya nodded, relieving him with a slightly deflated smile.

"Great. I'll be back before lunch so you wouldn't have to starve. See ya." Noctis said, with a smile rivalling hers and for assurance, giving a soft pat to the wife's head. Kaya found the gesture quite cute, enjoyed it even as her smile brightened up and watched him stroll out.

She wanted to follow him to the door and watch him till he disappeared in the far but held herself back. It would only add to her longing and sadness...

Once she made sure what she heard was real and not just her imagination, she sank onto the floor drawing her knees closer to her chest trying to hold herself together. She didn't know what to do... did she mess up? Even if she did... it was her choice... even if she suffered, she couldn't blame anyone but her own self.

"Sleep... Kaya. It's going to be a long day..."

She assured herself letting out a heavy sigh and pushed herself up onto the feet, making her way into the bedroom. Her gaze fell upon the bed, a shiver running down her spine. She wasn't sure if she would be able to sleep on that bed as comfortably as she could last night. It didn't feel right. It didn't make sense why it wouldn't feel right since she and Noctis were husband and wife. Just officially she could guess. Dragging her feet further inside the bedroom she grabbed the blanket and made her back into the living room. It was warmer in the living room and the couch felt warmer even and cozy so she decided to lay down there, adjusting the cushions by her head and curling up into the blankets she closed her eyes.

She had used up her brain cells way beyond their capacity so it didn't take long for her to fall asleep.

a while later...

Kaya being a light sleeper she was, immediately woke up wide to the sound of the door creaking open.. She knew it hadn't been long since Noctis left, was he back? But she could hear the rustling of paper bags and footsteps. Her gaze following the sound meeting with a familiar face.

"Oh I'm sorry, did I wake you up?" Prompto spoke, a smile spread onto his lips. She hadn't expected him to show up anytime sooner.

"I didn't think I would have to show up here for at least a week, honestly." He admitted, knowing that's what she wondered too. He shrugged his shoulder putting the grocery bags onto the counter before making his way into the living room.

"Just to give some space to the new couple you know? but Noct called me, said he had somewhere to go and there was nothing at home for you to eat. .He had suggested I should just bring you food but I thought we could just cook something special and celebrate your arrival."

Kaya sat up though she didn't abandon the blanket as it was too comfortable.

"Sleep if you are tired. I can cook something nice for you, or at least try to. Noctis doesn't like my cooking. but I bet you will." He said with a suggestive chuckle and headed back into the kitchen

Kaya didn't want to laze while Prompto worked, it didn't allow her to rest so she pushed off the blankets and followed him into the kitchen.

It felt awkward to have someone other than Noctis around. Prompto didn't find it odd to act friendly with someone he had known for no more than a few days. He just wanted to keep her company, as a friend. Or at least thats what he thought.

"Its okay. you don't really have to do this, you know?" Kaya replied, standing by the door watching as the blonde sorted out everything. It seemed he was used to being in this kitchen.

"Why not? I was thinking about having something good for lunch, something other than pizza you know? I have been living off it for about a week now and it is not good to have so much pizza for such a long time. Besides I am sure you can cook well so I thought I could learn something for you?" Prompto made up, flashing a wide smile to Kaya. She didn't know where could have Noctis had to go to but she had a feeling it had something to do with Lunafreya... She felt the need to know.

"Where...is Noctis?" She asked, looking at Prompto who paused for a moment. He wasn't sure what to say now since he wasn't sure what Noctis had told Kaya yet. He wasn't sure if he had told Kaya about Lunafreya. Longer the silence the more sure Kaya was getting sure of her assumptions

"Out. with friends. you know, it's been a week since Noct hadn't replied to any of their calls. They might have found him somewhere around the corner and dragged him for coffee and an explanation. It's just friends do that a lot, and we are the best of friends, me, Noctis, Ignis and l-"

"Lunafreya?"

Kaya interrupted, calmly. Prompto paused staring at the counter blankly. It felt so awkward all of a sudden.

"He told you about her?" He asked, turning to look at Kaya. She was clearly upset with Noctis, and more likely to want to know why not even Prompto said anything about this. Not before marriage, not last night? Her expression was evident of the bitterness she held for the two right now. Prompto's lie about Noctis being with his friends instead of Lunafreya had triggered her. Were they planning on keeping her in the dark till this went on?

"Look, we didn't have a choice Okay? It's... its complicated..." Prompto replied trying to justify what they did.

"Did you not?"

She questioned, staring at the blonde for a brief moment before sighing. What was the point in reacting so suddenly and so bitterly...

"Listen Kaya?" Prompto called following after her as she made her way into the living room. She should be having this discussion with Noctis but when they had the chance to discuss this Kaya decided she couldn't question him. She sat down, clasping her hands in her lap trying not to break down in front of someone she barely knew. someone that was barely responsible for the situation she was in.

Prompto sighed plopping down beside her and looked at her. She was calm, surprisingly so. But there was still hint of regret and sadness clouding her features.

"I... I don't know what to do now..."

She replied, her tone low.

Prompto could sympathize with her. He just didn't feel he had the right to for he was partly responsible for putting her where she is right now.

When her family bid farewell to her, she had been entrusted with their expectations as well. She didn't know what reaction Noctis expected Regis to have when he finally learns of their marriage being merely a judgement of his thrust upon the two, but she knew very well how her family would react. They would be sad, that it didn'work out but they would also want to know why it didn't and she wouldn't be able to lie. Then they would know that she allowed herself to be used and that would definitely shatter them.

"Should I still try? but what will I get then?" Kaya asked, looking Prompto blankly. He could tell she had been thinking of a reason to strive for.

"Break down of this marriage, this relationship would hurt Sir Regis much as his refusal would have... then why couldn't he just refuse...?" She added, unable to put a finger on a sensible reason to why Noctis would think doing something like this would solve everyone's problem...

"Because circumstance didn't allow him to. So didn't they to you." Prompto replied. He had thought of this situation as throughly as Kaya had.

"Both of you are in a situation where if you choose the straight path, would it not only hurt your families but shatter their faith. I agree that Noct did wrong to agree to this marriage and this mess would have been less complicated but it had been done... We can't do it..."

He added. He didn't want to make it count that they had come to ask Kaya of her reasons and encourage her to back off but it would be cruel since she must have been forced by something as well.

"For now... there is no way out. Only choice you both have is to try your best." He suggested. He knew it wasn't easy for Kaya to keep on struggling but she didn't have a choice. He wasn't the part of this problem, so he couldn't tell Kaya was wasn't thinking about herself, but about Noctis, his family, her family and about Lunafreya as well. She was too selfless and somewhat stupid. Prompto sighed, looking away. He wanted to help her, she was the powerless one here.

"Look... you promised Sir Regis, didn't you?" Prompto said, trying to remind Kaya. She did promise to him that she would look after Noctis and give her all to make this work. She shook her head not wanting to think about how miserable it would feel after trying so hard and losing

"Its not... it's not going to work..." She managed to say as the pressure of her heavy feelings was making it hard for her to express herself.

"How do you know?" Prompto asked, staring at her. She didn't understand what the blonde meant as she looked up at him.

"How do you know it's not going to work when you haven't tried? have you been to the future?" Prompto added, not wanting to sound comical in such an intense moment. Kaya stared at him for a brief moment, a faint smile crept upto Prompto's lips. He was getting good at pep talk, wasn't he?

"Kaya, you promised Sir Regis, that you're gonna take care of Noctis. He expects you, I'm sure to be not a wife, but a friend for him right?" He added and Kaya could tell it did make sense. She still remember the advise Regis had given her before leading her into the chapel. He told her of everything he was trusting her with.

"Kaya, Noctis needs you as a friend that will never be his shadow to follow him, but a light guide him to the right path." He added, with a faint smile that did encourage Kaya.

"See, I failed to do that which is why this happend. Wrong happened Kaya, and Noct is going for the wrong again because he feels his judgement is beneficial to everyone. But he isn't thinking about what effect might his plan have on your family and his dad... but you do right? and think about it, what would you tell your father? why didn't you relationship work? Because Noctis asked you to not try? but your family, forget about Noctis, but you? you have to do what you promised Kaya. Sir Regis trusts you, he trusted you to at least try. and you're not seeing what I'm seeing, and I'm seeing a lot than you think there is..." He said leaning closer and stared into Kaya's eyes, gaze that wasn't hopeless anymore.

"How can you lose, when you haven't even tried?" He whispered. Kaya stared at him for a brief moment. that did make sense... right? She looked away, remembering every word Regis had said to her on the day of her wedding.

"Everything will be against you, and in a sensible way my love. Everything will encourage you to stand up for yourself, to abandon the decision you've made. It would even be easy, all you'd have to do is come back to me and tell me I did wrong. I promise I won't force you, I would accept it and set you free. But tell me Kaya... wouldn't you regret, that you didn't even try just because your hope wasn't strong enough?"

Prompto didn't know what was going through Kaya's head, didn't know what had her so lost in thoughts again. He just hoped he hadn't made her miserable more than she already was.

Prompto sighed standing up and held back a whine. He was starving and his stomach was starting to growl.

"Ugh... why don't we order something? Cooking would take time and I'm dying of starvation."

He suggested with a nervous smile, not wanting to sound selfish for he had said he would cook for Kaya. She didn't care for she was lost in the thoughts. Second thoughts. She admitted the situation was complicated but if she stuck to Noctis' plan, it would take some time but the conclusion would be the same. But if she stuck to her plan, what Regis had said, there is a slight chance that things might change... she can't just lose hope. Lunafreya wasn't right for Noctis, Regis knew that. Besides, Love and passion isn't all you need to spend your life with, understanding is the key. Kaya took a deep breath and turned to Prompto, a soft smile encouraging her expression. She didn't need to think too much, she had a promise to keep.

"I am going to try. For Sir Regis, and for my family at least. I'll give it my all, I'm sure my efforts won't disappoint me. Even if I had to fail, I would fail with everything but regret." She replied, and indeed, regret is the worst thing to have in life. Prompto's smile brightened up, wasn't that a good sign? So at least she wasn't feeling cornered anymore.

"Great! even though I didn't get what you meant but let's have some pizza to celebrate your mood then!รข

Efforts dont cost anything, but sitting there and letting everyone take what they want would definitely be injustice and Kaya had a promise to keep. She would give it her all, and return to Regis with satisfaction that she tried to make it work, something that wasn't supposed to even be... a hollow relationship...