Disclaimer: Not mine

Chapter 17

Luna stood as her brother and the Chancellor entered the room, the strange man smiling and bowing to her.

"We have wonderful news for you Princess," he smirked. From his cost he withdrew an envelope. "You have been cordially invited to the wedding of the decade in Insomnia. I hope you don't mind my company for the journey?" He held the envelope out, and she reached for it, finding it was addressed to her.

She opened the envelope to see it was what he had claimed, an invitation to Noctis and Prompto's wedding, making her smile.

"No tears or upset sister? Your beloved Prince is to marry another."

"No Ravus, I am very happy for them. I find it sad that you have listened to stories and rumour. We were children when we met, Noctis is a dear friend, nothing more," she told him firmly. She then looked to the Chancellor. "The Chancellor of Niflheim is invited?"

"Sadly no, but no lady should travel so far unattended and your brother has other duties to see to. And of course, the Emperor wishes to send his congratulations to the Prince as well."

"I see," she nodded. "Then I had best see to arranging an appropriate dress for the occasion." She turned and left the room; she needed to call and warn them.

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Gladio saw Noctis and Prompto curled together on the couch, whispering, and leaning over a large book…a photo album? They looked so happy and so in love; Prompto looked so human and normal. He was still struggling to get his head around the truth about the kid. He didn't look like he was half undead creature. And Gladio winced at his own thoughts, knowing that was very unkind, it made him no better than those who spoke against Prom because they thought he was a Niff…which he technically was.

Seeing him drink from Noct that day had been a shock, he'd almost attacked him, except it had been very obvious that Noctis was enjoying what he was doing. Prompto had literally killed to protect Noctis, surely he would never put him in danger. He just had to trust that they knew what they were doing, that they wouldn't take silly risks.

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Regis smiled at the younger man as he entered the office, bowing. "We are about to be family Harry, I think we can dispense with the formalities, at least in private or with the children," he offered, extending his hand and Harry shook it, taking the offered seat.

"If you insist. How are the preparations going?"

"Everything's as ready as possible, except your suite."

"Which is why I'm in the city. Ignis made it very clear that several fittings would be needed. I guess that means I'm stuck here until the wedding," he shrugged slightly.

"Do the boys know you're here yet?" Regis asked, moving over the more informal sitting area to join him.

"Not yet, thought I'd surprise them," Harry grinned, and Regis chuckled. "How have they been handling things? Prompto doesn't like worrying me but the upcoming wedding is all anyone's talking about, even beyond the Wall, and I know a lot of people aren't happy in the city."

"Those beyond the Wall are?"

"The Prince marrying one of them? It was a shock but most see it as a good sign, that they haven't been forgotten, that Prompto will speak for them…which then puts more pressure on him."

Regis nodded, it was easy to see that to those beyond the Wall Prompto would be their Prince, the people's Prince, because he had been born among them, grown up travelling from settlement to settlement. They would expect him to champion them to him and the Council…and when they didn't see enough change… he bit back a sigh. He could see that Harry knew what would happen as well. Prompto was very mature for his age but it would still hurt him, would he buckle under the added pressure? The Council was very happy with how things were, other than the war obviously, and while Regis wanted things to change they wouldn't, not as long as the Empire was entrenched on the continent. They just didn't have the manpower to remove them forcibly.

He found himself wondering if Harry would accept a position in the Citadel, to support his son but also because Regis could do with an outsiders perspective, fresh eyes on things. He casually mentioned rumours of an imperial invasion and Harry had simply nodded and admitted everyone was expecting them to try it at some point. Apparently only those within the city thought the Wall impregnable, everyone else in Lucis figured that if the Empire threw enough troops at it then it would eventually fall and…Regis wasn't sure they were wrong. He did not have the strength to summon the Old Wall, could he sustain the current one if it came under continuous attack for any length of time? If that happened…would he be forced to pass the Ring to Noctis and pray the power of the Chosen King, untested as it was, would be enough?

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Ignis stared in shock at the slip within the envelope. The invitation had been sent as a courtesy, no one had expected…surely there was no way? Ah, a plus one, that explained that. Allow her to attend but with someone of their choice at her side. He would need to make sure the King was aware they would be having an Imperial guest.

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Prompto curled up against his Dad, he was too old and big to fit in his lap anymore, had been for years, but he still craved closeness to him. He'd been shocked to get a message telling him to come to the house but it had been a wonderful surprise, he hadn't expected to his Dad to come till a day or two before the wedding. He'd gotten used to being at his side while they were travelling and it had been hard to adjust to him not being there anymore when Prompto had returned to Insomnia. He felt his Dad stroking his hair, felt himself drifting towards sleep, exhausted by the hectic schedule due to the wedding preparations and continuing lessons on what he'd need as Noct's husband.

"Dad?" he mumbled.

"Yeah Prom?" he asked.

"Noct…he said he…that you…"he blinked, shaking off the lethargy to sit up, facing his Dad. "He said he talked with you…that he wants to be with me," he swallowed hard, "forever."

"We've talked a few times, yes. He's asked a lot of questions about vampires. I've already agreed that if he's mortally wounded I'll turn him, even now when you'll keep aging for a few years. He loves you enough to give up his humanity to remain by your side. That's a rare thing, to want this for love and not the possible immortality. Don't you want that too?" he asked, frowning, and Prompto shook his head.

"I want Noct for as long as possible," he whispered. "But…I'm scared, I know it can go wrong."

"It can, but Noctis wouldn't be fighting the changes since he knows what to expect. I'm also not anywhere close to being new at turning someone either."

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He stared at the envelope that Ignis had passed on to him. While it would be marvellous to have Luna attend the wedding, and it would help settle the rumours that still persisted about them being in love, Regis did not like the note of her having an Imperial escort. He had honestly not believed they would allow her to attend at all, so that they were sending a single escort and the Chancellor at that…what was Iedolas playing at? He could not deny their entrance to the city, not without risking a diplomatic incident. It would cause a lot of trouble to throw up a fuss over one escort, and a non-military one at that.

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Noctis fought not to blush as he handed over the container to the waiting nurse before he went back to sit on the exam table. He still couldn't believe he'd just done that but his Dad had agreed, with the marriage bringing him even more into the public eye than normal, and the possible Imperial reaction to it, it was best they begin looking to secure the line of succession. No one had been picked out yet but now if anything happened to him, from a catastrophic injury that removed his ability to have kids to Harry turning him (not that his Dad knew about that possibility), they'd still be able to get kids from him. Technically, even if they lost what he'd just provided, his Dad could do the same and his half-sibling could rule.

He hadn't told Prompto what he was doing yet, he was going to wait until after the wedding, Prompto knew it had to be done at some point after all. He didn't want him to think he was rushing into it, they didn't have to have a kid for years yet if they didn't want to, it was just better to be safe than sorry.

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Harry plated up their dinner as Prom set the table. He hoped he had put his Childe's fears to rest, not that he blamed him for being worried, nothing was ever guaranteed. If he could be turned when in full health then everything should be textbook perfect. Harry knew the stress of the wedding was likely making him more worried about Noctis eventually being turned.

"Heading back or staying the night," he asked when the meal was done, and Prompto hesitated, thinking it over.

"Staying," he grinned.

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Noctis stretched out on the couch, watching a movie, glancing up when the outer door opened, his Dad walking in. He hit pause and sat up, worried by his sudden appearance.

"No Prompto?"

"He's back at the Argentum's with his Dad for the night. Is something wrong?" he asked as his Dad sat in the armchair.

"Not wrong, but I have news on the guest list for the wedding," there was a slight smile on his face but worry in his eyes, and Noctis didn't know what to think about that.

"Well, Prom's Dad is already here and my guest list are all here, except Luna but…" he trailed off as his Dad's smile grew. "No…really? She's coming?"

"She'll be here in four days," his Dad confirmed.

"You're serious?" he'd never dreamed Luna would be able to come, why hadn't she said anything the other night on the phone?

"Yes Noctis, Luna is coming to the wedding."

"I…wow, I mean we hoped but we never dreamed the Empire would let her come. Is Ravus?" he grimaced slightly, and his Dad laughed.

"No, he isn't. She will be escorted by the Imperial Chancellor though."

"Politics," he sighed. "Well, how much trouble can one man cause? And with Luna there to watch and give her blessing, hopefully it'll shut the gossip rags that are insisting she must be heartbroken up."

"Hopefully," his Dad agreed. "We'll have to arrange a formal greeting for when she arrives. Ask Prompto and Mr Argentum if they want to take part, they don't have to, although Prompto will need to be at your side when it comes time for them to depart."

Noctis nodded. Prompto wasn't married into Royalty yet so he wouldn't be expected to be part of the formal greeting unless he wanted to be. He figured he'd say yes though, Prompto had told him that he wanted to be fully at his side for everything. Harry might prefer to stick to the shadows as much as possible though.

He couldn't believe it; Luna was finally coming to Insomnia! If she hadn't let go of us Dad's hand all those years ago then she would have grown up in the Citadel…which wouldn't have helped the stories of them being true love. Noctis did love her, but they hadn't seen each other in so long, and he loved Prompto. He knew Prompto would be happy to see her again too, they had become good friends since he'd returned thanks to the phones.

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Harry stood still as he was fitted for his suit for the wedding. Thankfully, it should be the last fitting needed. It was far more formal than anything he had worn in decades, centuries maybe. He would be standing by his son for the ceremony, despite his dislike for the spotlight and having photos or film taking his image was risky. The less physical proof of his lack of aging that was around, the better. But he could never let Prompto get married without being at his side. Besides, they had both told him of how the magic had been different when Prom took his Oath to Noctis, so that was another reason to be there, he might need to throw up an illusion or something when they gave their vows.

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Luna closed her bag, being extra careful to make sure her dress for the wedding wouldn't be badly creased or anything. She'd never been to Lucis before and was excited, even if she'd only get to see the capitol. Every excursion she had ever made had been very structured, the Empire dictating where and when she went anywhere in her duty as Oracle. This time she would have only the one escort, the Chancellor, and surely she could lose him easily enough within the Citadel in order to see the boys privately.

It would be wonderful to see them both again. She'd had only a few pictures over the years to see for herself that Noctis was truly recovered from the injuries that had brought them together. The phone had made things much better than just the occasional short note, his voice had changed a lot over the years but he was grown now. He wasn't the same boy he had been and that was as it should be, she wanted to get to know the man he had become. And dear Prompto, she wanted to know him better too, she still wanted to know how he and his Father had gotten in and out of the manor without being seen let alone caught.

She gathered her coat and picked up her bag, excited to go. It was her first trip in an airship as well.

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Noctis kissed Prompto, pinning him to the wall, hands slipping under his shirt.

"We're gonna be late," Prom murmured, his own hand running through Noct's hair. "Gonna…mess up Iggy's work," he warned.

That made him stop and pull back, resting his head against Prompto's shoulder. "No fair," he whined. "You're irresistible in that suite."

"Back at ya," Prompto chuckled. "Come on, time to see Luna and meet the Chancellor."

He groaned; he didn't want to play nice with some Imperial. He wanted to see Luna, not him. Prompto kissed him softly and then took his hand, tugging, and Noctis let himself be pulled out of the bedroom. They headed down to the entry hall where Ignis immediately moved in to ensure they looked presentable. It wasn't surprising to see no sign of Harry Argentum, he'd expected his absence.

He spotted his Dad approaching, looking them over as he walked towards them, Clarus and Cor at his back. "Very nice work Ignis, they actually look presentable," he teased and Noctis rolled his eyes.

"Dad," he shook his head, but was happy when he was pulled into a brief hug. "Is she here?"

"Sir Ulric is driving them to the Citadel now," he answered. "Do try and be polite to our Imperial guest as well."

"I'll try," he smirked.

His Dad chuckled and then drew Prompto into a brief embrace. "You'll have a fine time trying to keep him under control, you sure you want to marry him?"

"Positive," Prompto grinned, taking his hand.

Noctis grinned and lifted their hands, kissing the back of Prompto's. "You're stuck with me now."

"Technically not for another three days," Ignis pointed out.

"Alright, let's get this comedy act on the move, shall we?" Clarus asked, and Noct caught Cor smirking.

They got into position and headed outside, moving down the carpet that had been laid down the stairs. He wondered if the flashes from the cameras bothered Prompto's better vision, he hoped not.

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Prompto ignored the camera flashes as he walked at Noctis' side, Ignis and Gladio behind them. He had to get used to the publicity, the King…Regis had warned them both that as newlyweds the press would be very eager to photograph them at every chance. There'd likely be no more trips into the city without being recognised.

He felt Noct's fingers brush his, turning his hand to let him tangle their fingers together, they'd never held hands in public before. Not even after they'd attended the ball announcing their engagement. They'd shared a chaste kiss then for the cameras but it was preferred that they keep things very low key. More public displays of affection were allowed once married and it seemed Noct thought it was close enough to get away with holding hands. Most couples held hands from the start, they had too but only in private or when sure they wouldn't be recognised. He felt Noctis squeeze his fingers and squeezed back as they came to a stop on the lower landing.

There were crowds lining the way to the Citadel, all wanting a look at the Oracle and probably them as well. Prompto spotted the car in the distance, able to see Ulric at the wheel, two figures in the back. He was looking forward to seeing her, but the Chancellor? Did he have anything to do with the MT project…would he think Prompto looked familiar even with the changes his Dad had caused?

As the car drew closer, Prompto could make out the two in the back, Luna looking beautiful and her companion…his heart froze as he took in the man…he knew him…

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Noctis turned his head, feeling Prompto's flash of terror, saw him staring at the car. It hit him what that meant, he recognised Luna's escort, the Chancellor. He reached through the bond between them, offering support, wrapping him in his love. Prompto shuddered slightly before blinking. He used his free hand to signal Gladio behind his back, warning him to be ready to run interference.

What were the odds of the Chancellor having met Prompto? It had to have been before he was rescued which meant he looked a bit different now so that should help, but if the man had seen lots of the children and knew the one they came from…then he'd still recognise Prompto. And if the man did and made a scene…maybe they should have told his Dad the truth, at least about Prompto's origins even if they left the vampire side out of things. If he found out like this…no, his Dad knew Prom, he wouldn't care. Still, he would not appreciate it coming out like this and in front of so many.

He held tight to Prompto's hand as the car pulled around the drive to stop at the base of the stairs, Ulric getting out to open Luna's door even as one of the Guard moved to open the Chancellor's for him. The Chancellor…was not what he was expecting as the man smiled and waved cheerfully before offering Luna his arm. Luna…Prom squeezed his hand and he glanced at him, getting a soft smile that did nothing to hide the worry in his eyes.

The two ascended the stairs and his Dad stepped forward in welcome.

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Harry shook his head as he watched Ardyn play to the crowd, he was enjoying himself at least. He was perched well above the action, sitting on a narrow ledge several stories up, enjoying the birds eye view of events. There was a Glaive the next ledge down, completely unaware of Harry above him. He knew Prompto could sense he was close by and Ardyn would know he was somewhere around, but no one else would be able to tell, although the other boys would assume he was.

Lunafreya looked well, if a little uncomfortable on Ardyn's arm, not that most would be able to tell, she was the picture of serene poise. The smile on her face as she greeted Regis was genuine and then she was past him and greeting Noctis and Prompto, having to act as if his Childe were a stranger. Obviously, Ardyn hadn't even hinted at the fact that he knew more than a mere Chancellor would.

The four stood before the crowds who cheered as the Royals waved, not that anyone knew the eccentric man was of Royal blood. His presence at such an important event brought with it the hope of possible peace.

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Ardyn sipped the expensive champagne, smiling happily at those who passed, ignoring how the nearby Crystal grated on his nerves, and then a hand touched the small of his back, a wave of magic washing over him, dulling the sensation. "Careful, isn't that risky?" he asked, turning his head to see Harry.

"No one will notice me," he shrugged, moving to lean against the wall beside him.

"Still, consorting with the enemy…"

"I'd ask if this place brings back memories, but it was under construction when you…"

"Were executed? Yes, it was. Although I did visit a few years ago during a festival for my dear brother," he sneered.

"Ah, so that was you. You really did make a mess from what I heard."

"You didn't see for yourself?" Ardyn teased.

"Nope, I was in the middle of nowhere helping the hunters with a mess. Didn't hear about it till nearly a month later."

"It seems my presence has caused your son some stress," he pointed out, motioning discreetly to the boy. It was amazing, the boy seemed completely human to him and yet he knew he was only half human.

"Did you ever visit the facility?"

"Ah, he recognised me? Amazing. I assume that means his heritage is not widely known?"

"Noctis and the Retinue know the full truth, the Empire and my changing him. They've kept his secret due to Noctis making them swear too, although by now I think they would keep it without that."

"Well you can assure him that I shan't go spilling his secrets."

"That should be interesting considering he doesn't know about you."

"Oh my, so many secrets," Ardyn smirked as Harry rolled his eyes.

"Try not to cause too much of a stir," and with that the vampire was gone, only to be spotted a few moments later crossing the room to his sons' side.

He supposed it was a nice enough party to greet them, despite the fact he knew his presence was unwanted. The question was, should he make things even more interesting by approaching dear Regis with the information that he was the source of intel? Perhaps reveal Drautos as a traitor? Endear himself to his 'family' so that they would help Harry try and find another way for more than young Noctis' sake? So many choices.

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Luna smiled as the boys stood to greet her, her guide leaving the room. "Dear Noctis," she held her hands out and he moved to her, taking her hands before pulling her into a hug.

How long had it been since someone had embraced her so happily? She held on tightly, closing her eyes, feeling his magic and that of the Crystal, and then he was pulling away and Prompto was shyly stepping closer. She smiled at the youngest of them, offering him a hug as well.

Soon they were sitting together and talking about things they couldn't over the phone when there was a chance, however slim, of being overheard. It was so easy to talk with them, there was no stilted conversation, they laughed and teased, touches affectionate and open. She wished she could stay in Insomnia with them but she knew it wasn't possible. And how could she stay and be their friend...without speaking of Noctis' fate. Seeing them together, how would Prompto go on without his best friend, his soon to be husband? Though, there was something… Prompto was part of Noctis' Retinue and thus bound to his magic, but it felt very different to the weak links to Ignis and Gladio, no, this was much, much, stronger, and deeper. And there was something else about it that she couldn't work out.

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Noctis fought the urge to fidget as he stood on the landing beneath the Throne in his brand-new clothes. Ignis and Gladio stood beside him and that helped but he couldn't help the glances he kept throwing at the doors.

"Relax, he's not going to stand you up," Gladio muttered too softly for anyone else to hear.

He was right, but the crowd was making Noctis anxious. He glanced at his Dad who smiled happily at him, looking so proud of him it hurt. Luna stood beside him in her role as Oracle, theirs would be the first Royal wedding in over a century to have an Oracles blessing and she smiled at him too. Her dress was very pretty, Oracle white but a far more formal style than most pictures showed her in, she'd had a new dress made just for the day?

Finally, he heard silence fall and then he saw Prompto and Harry walking from the doors towards them, his eyes locking on Prompto's. Wow…the Royal tailors had really outdone themselves. He looked…Noctis swallowed and took a deep breath.

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Prompto slowly ascended the stairs to join Noctis, glad when the attention turned to be on all of them and not just him and his Dad. That had been more than a little overwhelming. He took Noctis' offered hand and they faced the King and Oracle together. They were finally getting married!

TBC…