He was accustomed to a certain level of control and understanding where his kingdom was concerned. It was infuriating, being left in the dark.

What, precisely, had happened to the Glaive he sent for Lunafreya? Was Noctis' absence for his own protection or something else entirely? And if Noct was to make himself scarce, was that also meant to extend to her?

That last one, at least, she eventually answered.

"I daresay you need no input on greeting the diplomatic attache, Father, so I will leave you to that. I only ask that you give no indication that Noctis and I are in the city—not even to Lady Lunafreya."

But why?

"Very well," he said.

It meant hours of posturing and pretending as if he had no idea what snakes were in their midst. After, the entire imperial company would be settled into guest rooms within the Citadel, as per Reina's instructions, rather than at Caelum Via resort. As with a myriad other orders she had issued that morning, Regis could not fathom the purpose of keeping the imperials so close by. He did know, however, that there would be no peace in Insomnia until they were gone, one way or the other. It was not an afternoon he relished the thought of, but in light of recent developments it looked less dismal.

In spite of himself, he was beginning to feel hopeful. It was difficult not to, watching the efficiency with which Reina handled one concern after another. Even so, he had a nagging suspicion that the imperials were planning something insidious and thus far Reina had not provided any countermeasures that suggested she knew of it—whatever it was.

Still, if ever there was a moment to trust her blindly, this was it. Either she turned their fortune or Lucis fell. He was already prepared for the latter. He would simply have to invent some way to send her and her brother out of the city, if it should come to that.

"Thank you, Father. I will reconnect with you this evening, before the reception dinner." Reina moved for the steps.

"Reina—" Regis took a step toward her, leaning heavily on his cane.

She stopped.

"May I request that, regardless of what your own plans are, you take with you a trustworthy guard? Every monarch—no matter how skilled—benefits from a companion, yet you have no retinue of your own." Not for the first time, Regis cursed himself for his lack of foresight in her childhood. How had he allowed Ignis and Gladiolus to become attached only to Noctis? Capable though she may have been, Regis feared for her safety—even within the Citadel. Their home was soon to become a den of vipers. Would that she had some friends.

"I do…" Reina said slowly. She paused, as if trying to recall some detail—or, perhaps, trying to sort out Dream from reality. "But Ignis is with Noct and Iris is only fifteen, still."

Iris Amicitia? Clarus' daughter? And what did she mean, fifteen still?

If they survived the next two days, he would have this whole story from her.

Regis sighed. "I would prefer someone worthy—but if you must take a Glaive…"

"Cor," Reina said.

Regis shut his mouth. For nearly as long as she could talk and walk, Reina and Cor had been butting heads. Neither was ever actively antagonistic toward the other, but nor were they friendly. It was a shame, given how damn similar they were. And yet…

"I'll take Cor, if you'll spare him from city watch."

"Of course." Regis' brain caught up with him, again. If she would have Cor, he could breathe easier; of everyone in the Crown City, Regis couldn't have chosen a better guard for her, himself. "He will be pleased."

Reina shot him a twisted smile. "To be back in the Citadel, perhaps."

So she was still fully aware that they did not get along. Interesting.

"Have him meet me at my rooms." She made a motion as if to turn down the steps again, then stopped. Instead she crossed to Regis and gave him a fierce hug and a kiss. "I'll see you soon, Father."

She had watched him die last night and he had spent the better part of the morning trying to push her away. Maybe she had returned different—Gods knew what else she had Dreamed in addition to the fall of Insomnia—but he could still see his little girl underneath, if he looked closely. He hugged her as tightly as he could and sent thanks that he should be blessed with such a daughter.

"Quite soon," Regis said.