Noctis and Luna entered the small flat hesitantly but a little less tense than before. Pryna and Umbra both made their way over to the balcony, laying in the sun together. A gentle breeze entered the flat through the doors that led to the balconies. Noctis stepped forward, scanning the area with cautious eyes.
So, Luna got us a flat with everything we need? Wonder what Luna asked for this for.
Drawn out of his thoughts by the sound of a door opening, he looked to where the sound came from. Luna had disappeared behind a set of double doors. "It's rather spacious, Noctis." He followed her voice to what was a bedroom with a four poster queen sized bed. It reminded him of her bed back in Tenebrae as kids. The sheets were white with a navy blue trim on the edges of the bed. He also noticed another door for what he assumed was a closet until he opened it, showing a large bathroom with a walk in shower and glass doors. He couldn't help but notice the double vanities that were in the bathroom as well. Odd... Noctis thought to himself.
Luna was putting her effects away, noticing his expression while she finished up. "Shall we have something to eat? Have you eaten breakfast?" He was pulled out of his musings to see her watching him, her arms in front of her and her hands folded. She eyed him with a curiosity that she hid from him in the hotel.
"I'd say yes but I am not any use in the kitchen. In fact, I'm kinda banned from being a kitchen unless I am supervised by Ignis. Happens when I prove it is possible to light a toaster on fire." He was rubbing the back of his neck, his ears turning a dark shade of red. To this Luna had replied, "I meant I make something for us. I know my way around the kitchen, without burning the toaster." She smiled at the end of her comment.
They went to the kitchen, Luna looking in the fridge and cabinets for something to eat. Seeing some black tea, she prepared a pot of water for them to have some tea. She turned to Noctis frowning slightly, "I'm afraid we will need to purchase some groceries since it appears that there is none available here." He nodded, getting ready to get up but stopped when she placed her hand on his, "Not right now. I kinda wanted to explain what was going on." To this he nodded, "Shoot." He sat down on the couch, motioning her to join him.
Taking a deep breath, she looked into his blue eyes before speaking, "Chancellor Izunia knew about me going to see you." She saw his eyes widen in slight annoyance, but she stopped him from saying anything by placing her finger to his lips. "He knew your hotel room number, threatened to tell Ravus that I was going to see you at night and wanted me to surrender in exchange for turning a blind eye to my visits. I couldn't let him bring harm to you so I told him that after the rite, I would return to the empire quietly. When I told Camilla, she said it would be impossible to fulfill that promise because my safety was already secured by your negotiations. I know it's stupid but I didn't want to be locked up again, fearing the possibility of not seeing you again, so I threw myself into trouble with the empire. I am so sorry Noctis."
By this point, Luna was crying. She knew she didn't want to lose him again. She had already chosen to keep the empire away from him by letting go of King Regis' hand twelve years ago. Watching that broken hearted look in Noctis' eyes had hurt her so much. Hearing his cries for her haunted her every night for about three years. She swore to herself it would never happen again, especially after they had revealed so much about their lives in their notebook. She knew he was lonely after all these years, even though Ignis, Gladio and Prompto were there.
Wiping away her tears Noctis smiled at her, "I'm just happy I get to spend time with you. Be by your side. I'm not upset so don't cry. Please." She nodded before leaning in to connect their lips in a gentle kiss. Noctis groaned, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her closer into his lap. They pulled apart, baby blue eyes staring into midnight blue eyes before leaning their foreheads together. "As much as I love exchanging kisses with the lovely Oracle, we do need to get groceries and I need to go to the jeweler to fix your ring. Plus I was hoping we could go out tonight for dinner."
She smiled at his words, reminded of the beautiful engagement ring he proposed to her with, the thought made her heart flutter. "We should get that fixed. I would love to wear it." He smiled at her, knowing she was genuinely happy to be in his presence and not because he was a royal. She wanted to be with just plain old Noctis. Not that I'm plain... I wonder though...
"Penny for your thoughts Noct?" He shook his head out of his thought process, "Would you still want to marry me if I was just plain old Noctis? Like a common born guy instead of the crown Prince of Lucis or the chosen king of light?" Luna nodded firmly, "Yes I would. When I look at you, I don't see the title, or our destined paths, I see a shy guy with a big heart that he hides behind a moody face and a gentle nature." He blushed at her description of what kind of man she saw him to be. "Thank you Luna. I appreciate the honesty." "Anytime Noct."
Temporary Imperial Base, outside Accordo
Ravus was sitting inside of a makeshift headquarters for the Imperial Army. He was tapping his fingers on the table, waiting for the chancellor to arrive. They already had the hired dragoon, Aranea Highwind, sitting there reviewing the battle formation they created for the Hydrean battle Sunday. She looked over at the blonde commander wondering why he looked more agitated than usual. Loqi was explaining the plan to her but she was dying to know what had Ravus so perplexed.
"Commodore Highwind, are you listening?" Loqi stopped his briefing to see her staring at the Commander. "Something you wanted to say to the commander?" She was brought out of her musing of his expression by Loqi addressing her. Ravus locked eyes with her, "Commodore?" "I've just got my curiosity peaked is all. One of the the main questions I have is," she took a deep breath. "WHY THE HELL AM I PARTICIPATING IN THIS CAMPAIGN?"
Ravus smiled, "I have you here for something outside of this campaign. I am waiting for the chancellor to get here so I can brief him and then turn my attention to you with the assignment I have for you." "Oh, I apologize then. Forgive my attitude, commander."
"Squabbling with a potential Mrs. Fleuret? You know what they say about workplace romances. They never work out in the long run."
Ravus turned a deep shade of red, unable to form a sentence for the man standing in the doorway, a grin clear on his face. He hid his eyes under his fedora. "Izunia, you wanted us to be here for the briefing? To taunt us before a briefing?" Loqi shouted. "Or perhaps word from the Emporer?" Ravus questioned, rising to his feet, preparing to begin the briefing. "No, I'm afraid I am here to speak to you on a personal matter, if you could spare the moment." Ravus looked to Loqi and Aranea, motioning to them to leave the room, the two soldiers passed the chancellor, bowing their heads slightly. Ardyn stepped into the room and closed the door, directing his eyes back to the elder Fleuret.
It always amused him how the older of the two royal children of Tenebrae chose to fight against Lucis, even though it was the empire who killed his mother and invaded his lands. Perhaps he knew deep down that fighting along Lucis would have been a lost cause. Or maybe that Regis choosing Lunafreya to escape with over Ravus angered him to a raging vengeance point. Regardless of the reasoning, Ardyn was pleased with the results. The blood of the Oracle was split, denying Lucis the ability to learn the true nature of the crystal or how to harness the Astrals to their aid as Noctis was able to. If Lunafreya or Ravus learned they could call the gods to their aid, as a united front against the empire, he knew that said empire would fall in a fortnight. Instead, things were proceeding according to his plans, the white prince of Tenebrae unable to tap into the laten abilities of his bloodline.
Growing agitated with the silence from the chancellor, Ravus decided to speak first, "Is there something you wanted to discuss or are you going to stand there with that ridiculous look on your face?" Ah there's that firey temperament he's famous for. Ever the impatient prince, Ardyn mused. "I'm here regarding your sister, the fair Lady Lunafreya."
"Has something happened to her?" Ravus cursed himself internally, primarily for showing concern for his sister to the Chancellor. Izunia was like a shark that smelled blood in the water and Ravus knew he was the prey. If the snide smirk on Ardyn's face was any form of indication, "It appears she has left the estate of the First Secretary, I have yet to track her down." "What makes you think she left the estate?" Ravus countered, "She was there last night."
Ardyn took a few steps forward, "Yes, she was there last night. After you left the room, I decided to lay her options out on the table for her. I gave her a choice to surrender quietly or by force. After some quiet deliberation, she told me she would surrender to the empire quietly after the rite. However, this morning I received word from the office of the First Secretary that anyone from the empire was banned from seeing the Oracle. Add to that, I have spies following the young Lucii around and they tell me he left the hotel this morning, although he has not checked out."
Ravus snorted at this new information, "For all you know, Noctis could have just went out for the day." I don't like that smile on Izunia's face. What the hell am I missing? "Ah, but my dear white prince, the young Lucii left alone, after his retinue had already left. The shield was rather agitated I hear." Ravus' eyes widened at this final piece of information, "What are you not telling me, Izunia?" Ardyn smirked darkly, "You're precious little sister has been sneaking out of the estate to rendezvous with Prince Noctis in his hotel room since his arrival in Altissia. Every single night, her and those messengers of hers would slip out. Who knows what kind of indecent things the Lucian prince has done to your sister."
Hearing the words come out of the magenta hair colored man's mouth made his blood boil. What if he is right? What if Noctis is being inappropriate with Luna? I don't think she would be so reckless to just spread her legs for that little brat. After all, he would never make her happy. Ravus was pulled out of his mind and his anger when Ardyn spoke again, "Or perhaps, the lady was the one to orchestrate what the current situation is?" This new set of comments caused Ravus to growl, "Lunafreya would never be so stupid!" Ardyn kept a straight face, his voice calm, eerily so, "You didn't see the look of desperation in her eyes when I told her the choices she had."
Maahgo
Weskham had made the boys breakfast while they were trying to pick the older men's brains for how to handle the young king. Ironically, the father and son had more in common than anyone wanted to truly admit to. The headstrong behavior was really the tip of the iceberg, the distain for green vegetables, not listen to their shields, pissing off their advisors regularly, ignoring any kind of advice that could make the duty easier- talking about Noctis made Cid realize just how much like Regis he was and it made Cid a little teary eyed.
The boys also learned how Weskham came to Altissia to open Maahgo after the Insomnian health department wouldn't let him open a fresh seafood restaurant in the middle of the crown city due to them being twelve hours away from Galdin Quay and Weskham refusing to pay the tax that went into the delivery of fresh ingredients. "WHY pay someone to do it when I can do it my damn self?" This caused the trio to laugh raucously. "Apparently neither Regis, Clarus nor Cor wanted to give me special leeway on the subject and instead opted to say nothing when it came to trying to get a royal permit… I never felt so pissed. It would be like them saying no to Cid having his garage because he doesn't have an assistant or cause he won't work on the Regalia. Which is true but still…"
Ignis was the first to sober up, "So we now know why Weskham left home. Cid, I may be too forward in asking but what caused you to leave Insomnia after your travels?" The other two crownsguard finally stopped laughing to hear Ignis ask the older man the question. Truth be told they all were a little curious as to what caused the falling out between the old mechanic and the late king but no one had bothered to ask. Weskham gave a sympathetic look at the mention. He was going to say something but Cid raised his hand to stop him, "Well he married and started a family." They all felt their jaws drop. "I'm calling bullshit!" Gladio coolly stated. "And you'd be correct, Gladiolus," Weskham interjected quietly.
"I'm just messing with you guys. Well to begin with, it happened right after the death of the queen. Little Noctis was teetering between life and death. Reggie was inconsolable between the loss of his wife and possible loss of his heir," Cid stared into the glass of orange juice. "My son, Cindy's father, was the driver to the royal car that had the two of them that night. He died that night as well. So, I was hurting too. Cindy had lost her mother to the scourge when she was about three. So her daddy and I were all she had left. Losing him had driven me mad, mainly because it left my grand daughter with no parents. People were talking about her going into the system as a ward of the crown." They all waited with bated breath to hear more. Not once did any of them take their eyes off the old man.
"Cor and Clarus had called me to the Citadel to handle the paperwork for my son's funeral. It hurt too much to know I was burying my only son. I went with Weskham since he was slightly hovering over me like a mother hen after I got the news. Clarus had offered his sympathies and Cor was polite and a stickler as usual. It was when I asked about how Reggie was that made me angry. Cor was blunt, said it would be better to keep my distance from the king. After all, my son was the driver of the car that held the royal family. I felt my blood boil, to hear one of my oldest friends accuse me and mine of intentional harm to another." Cid was squeezing the glass in his hands, the tension suddenly thick in the air.
"I saw Reggie and walked up to him," he continued. "But instead of offering my condolences to the king, I saw my old friend, so I slugged him. Hard." Prompto was taking a drink when Cid stated what he had done and immediately began choking on his drink. "W-w-wait… What!?" Ignis felt his jaw drop in horror and Gladio shook his head in disbelief. "Cor was about to kill me before your father and Weskham slipped between the three of us. Clarus held Reggie back and Weskham separated me and Cor. If those two weren't there, I honestly would be dead. In a dungeon or executed immediately. Thankfully, that wasn't the case, Reggie ordered me out of the Citadel while he contemplated the proper punishment. He didn't arrest me because of Cindy not having anyone else and Noctis needed him. I never bothered waiting for the answer. I packed my grandkid up, said my good byes to Weskham and left Insomnia. I told Clarus to send the king my regards and that I'd spare him the trouble of making a decision. Left and never said I was sorry for acting on my emotions."
The group remained quiet long after he finished before Ignis spoke up, "I don't think he would have punished you." This caused all of the men to look at the strategist. "What makes you say that Iggy?" Gladio questioned. "Everything that was done, happened in the heat of an extreme emotional situation. The king had lost his wife and Noct was on the brink of death. Cid lost his son. In the end, after cooler heads prevailed, the king would have wanted to apologize to Cid because the weight of indirectly blaming an old friend of treason, especially when it wasn't the case, would have weighed more than punishing a man for hitting the king, especially if the man who hit him was one of his brothers. They were both grieving fathers."
Weskham nodded in agreement, "Somehow, I believe that is the case as well. Besides Cid, didn't Leonis apologize to you in both Hammerhead and Caem?" The older man nodded, "Idiot is still apologizing. Hell, he calls at least once a week to apologize since the fall. Wish he would stop being a softie about it already. Pain in my ass as always." The trio of crownsguard once again burst into hysterics at the thought of the ever so stoic captain of the Crownsguard being anything but serious. "The mental image…" Prompto stated breathlessly. "I'm gonna have so many mental pictures for that now…" Gladio stammered out. "Somewhere in Lucis the Immortal is sneezing because we are all gossiping and laughing at his expense," Ignis muttered, as he sipped his coffee.
"So, tell us, what's got you three all in a twist? And where the hell is the prince?" Cid inquired calmly. "That's why we need advice," Ignis stated. "So spit it out," Cid stated groggily.
"Noct ran off with Lady Lunafreya," Prompto blurted out. Weskham dropped the coffee pot he had and Cid started choking on his drink, clearly the orange juice came out of his nose. "He did what!?" "He ran off with the Oracle," Gladio reiterated. "WHY THE HELL DID YOU LET HIM LEAVE YOUR SIDE? ARE YOU THREE STUPID!?" Cid shouted. The trio had to cover their ears due to the close proximity. "Now Cid," Ignis began. "We trust him enough to make a decision of this magnitude on his own. He has weighed the pros and cons of his decision and he even has gone so far as talking Gladio into standing down because he was practically seething at leaving him alone." "Besides, it's for their own sanity, let alone all of ours." Weskham decided now was the time to interject, "Why do you say that?" "Prompto, explain," Ignis stated.
"He's becoming more and more withdrawn from us as a group. I've been photographing our journey from the very beginning. At first, you could see glimpses of him being withdrawn and down in his expressions. It usually happened after Umbra came to Noct. But as we got closer to the idea of finally coming to Altissia, well, he seemed gloomy at the prospect. He's been having more nightmares too. Some nights you know he is dreaming about his dad, those nights, he… well he usually ends up in the back seat of the regalia the next morning. Other nights, he spends crying. I've never really gotten through on what causes the tears but the only words that I get out of him are I need to see Luna. The words never change."
He was mellow in his wording, afraid to finally be revealing just how much he observed his best friend. Noctis was Prompto's entire world in a sense these last ten years. From when he first got the letter from Lady Lunafreya to now, Prompto watched Noctis with eagle eyes that even Ignis would be impressed and shocked at how well he watched over Noct. "Here, I'll show you what I mean," Prompto calmly stated as he pulled out his camera. He was scrolling through photos when he came across one from the other day, on the gondola. "Check his expression in this one. He is staring off into the distance as if he is preoccupied with something." He passed the camera to Ignis who then passed it to Gladio and then finally to Cid.
"I recognize that look," the old man stared. "Weskham, it's been about twenty years since we seen that look." He passed the camera to the owner, a grin plastered on his face. Weskham smiled as well, "He is preoccupied but that look in his eyes is undeniable. Poor boy is in love. By the forlorn look in his eyes, poor kid has it bad. My heart goes out to you boys. He wouldn't have listened if you told him no anyways." He passed the camera back to Prompto. "Leave him be. As long as he checks in with you, you guys will be okay. Don't be surprised if he is not checking in at your pleasure. Seems to me that he and Regis share that one commonality. Once they've got their heart set on something, nothing and NO ONE will get in their way." He took out a bottle of Vodka, and five shot glasses. "Weskham…" Cid mentioned passively. "Um, dude it's only eleven am." Prompto coolly added.
"Trust me," Weskham stated calmly. "You boys just lost against your king. Take the shot and go about your day. And pray the Lucii gets in contact with you." He poured the shots and raised his in defeat. Cid motioned the same before the trio joined in with them. "Down the hatch," Ignis stated as they all kicked back their defeat.
With Luna and Noct
They made their way through the market place, having stopped at the jeweler to fix the ring that Noctis had made for Luna. Thankfully it was a job that would be done by the end of day at sunset which made the Lucian happy. He had paid for it ahead of time stating that he would pick it up later.
Now they wandered the farmer's market, picking out foods that they would eat, Luna adamant about Noctis getting vegetables that he would eat. He agreed to carrots, potatoes and tomatoes with little fight. However anything green was a bigger issue. It perturbed the Oracle how much the king still hated vegetables that were green, even ignoring her when she mentioned picking some out.
Thankfully, she learned he would eat mushrooms and bean sprouts with a minimal tantrum involved. She had already purchased apples, grapes, oranges and bananas from the produce vender. She also kept an eye out for Ulwatt berries, a favorite of both of theirs for jams and a special dessert close to their hearts. Noct had mentioned how Ignis was constantly attempting to recreate the pastry to minimum success. "Perhaps we should tell him to join us one evening, that way I can tell him the proper way to make it," she giggled as she said, seeing his head shake at the idea of his friends around her. As much as I love my bros, this is something I am not willing to do yet. Share my time with Luna.
Luna observed him as he looked at the spices, picking out a selection that would work with a combination of fish, poultry and beef, thanking the six for all those supply runs with Ignis. They bought the meats and pastas, the bags that Noctis was carrying, growing heavier by each stop. They had stopped once more to get flour and teas to close out their grocery trip. Making their way back to the flat, Luna offered repeatedly to assist with the bags, hoping he would relent but not once did he ask for help.
"It's not very gentlemanly of me to have my lady carrying heavy bags. Besides, we still need breads, milk and eggs, so if you'd like to help me, that would be how. I don't think I'd make it back without breaking something." He laughed nervously at the thought, haunted by the memory of breaking eggs while shopping with Ignis early on in their journey, it haunted him for far too long. Ignis chasing him with the broken eggs to toss at him before making him buy more. He shivered at the thought.
"So we will purchase the eggs, milk and bread now. It's still early in the afternoon. Shall I make us some lunch?" Luna questioned happily. It brought her joy to be able to spend time with him. He shook his head, causing her to frown. "Let's bring this stuff back to the flat then I'll treat you to lunch." She was going to protest before she bumped into someone. Quickly apologising, she bowed to show her apologies when an accent stops her.
"No need for apologies, Your Highness, might I be able to assist you with the errands?" She looks up to see a brunette with glasses and a black suit on, his hands covered in black gloves as well. Beside him, was a slightly taller man with raven hair, scars on his face, open shirt and tattoos on his arms. He also wore all black. Behind them was a blonde with a camera in his hand. He wore black as well but had a red plaid shirt wrapped around his waist. He was smiling at her waving at her.
"I'm sorry, do I know you gentleman?" Luna questioned. To this, she heard Noctis laughed sarcastically. "How the hell you guys find me?" "It really is not that hard to find you if we really wanted to look for you," Ignis replied. "After all, there are three of us and only one of you, Highness."
These guys are unbelievable! Noctis thought to himself. I've barely been with her for four hours and they've managed to find me. Man I hope Gladio isn't still mad.
"So we will take these, you two can continue shopping and I will prepare lunch. Yes?" Ignis stared at Noctis as Gladio and Prompto both took all the food the two royals purchased. "Well we still need a few more items," Luna interjected. "Besides that, I'm afraid you wouldn't know where to take it all." She smiled at Ignis with a glint in her eye, knowing she had him there. "True enough my lady," Ignis replied, extending his hand. "The keys and address if you please." To this, Noctis slapped his forehead. This is not going to end well. They haven't introduced themselves to her and she is not going to just trust them. Unless I say something more to hint at who they are but I really don't want them following us around like a pack of wolves. Six give me strength…
"Now, surely you don't think I'd be so foolish as to tell you such private information. For all I know, you gentlemen could be stalkers out to harm myself or dear Noctis here. Even worse, you could be spies of the Empire, waiting to relay the information back to the Chancellor or High Commander." Ignis was taken aback by Luna's defenses. She's rather clever. A perfect match for Noct.
"I apologise my lady," he began, bowing slightly. "My name is Ignis Scientia, a member of the Lucian crownsguard in direct service to his royal highness, Prince Noctis Lucis Caelum. The larger gentleman with the scars is Gladiolus Amicitia, the sworn shield of the king to be, and the younger member of our group is Prompto Argentum, best friend of Noctis and member of the crownsguard. We are honored to meet you Lady Lunafreya Nox Fleuret." Luna turned to Noctis to see him nod and smile, "It's alright Luna, they're harmless. Consider them my version of Pryna, Umbra and Gentiana." To this she felt herself burst into a fit of hysterical laughter, "Hey! Did you just compare us to dogs?" Prompto shouted while Gladio growled muttering something about his pain in the ass princess charmless, causing Noctis to begin bickering with Gladio and Luna losing all semblance of self control, laughing uncontrollably at their banter.
They all stopped and watched the princess laugh so honestly. There's something I never thought I would ever see again, Noctis thought. Luna laughing. Literally laughing. I hope Prompto took a couple shots. Looking over at the blonde he smiled when he saw his hopes confirmed. Prompto was smiling at the sight, glancing at Noctis who mouthed a simple thank you.
After she found her self control again, she looked at the four men, happy to be surrounded by such pleasant company. "Here," she said passing the keys to Ignis. "Noctis will text you the address. If you could be so kind to pick up the last details for us, I'd be in your debt. I'm afraid Noctis and I have a previous engagement, so we will catch up later." Luna grabbed Noctis' hand running away with the prince, ignoring the calls of his bodyguards. "Sorry, but I am not ready to share your attention with your friends just yet. Humor your bride to be a little longer?" They stopped to catch their breath, Noctis leaned in close to Luna, "I'm glad we are on the same track. Let's get your ring, Mrs. Caelum." he leaned in to kiss her, sealing their agreement.
Author's Note: Whew, longer chapter than usual. MAY is a very busy month for me. My oldest son turned 5 this year, my birthday and mother's day are all in the same week. This year my second son's birthday was on mother's day. Plus my husband's birthday and my second son being sick most of the month. Bipolar weather and lack of inspiration has been a bit of an issue but reading other people's work is helpful. Think I've got a muse but don't know for sure yet.
Thanks to everyone who's reading, adding it to favorites and even being so kind to review the chapters. I appreciate it so much and it is very encouraging for me not to give up on writing this story. Although, I won't give up yet on the idea. I've still got it in me. Please review and tell me what you guys think. See ya next chapter