Disclaimer: I don't own FFXV.
Warning: Noctis/Prompto.
Summary: He heard rumors about Lucis' royal family, that their crimson eyes possessed powers to control people. If one gazed into those ruby red eyes, then any thoughts or feelings were never really their own again. He never trusted a Lucis, but Noctis Lucis Caelum most of all. Ever since His Imperial Highness gazed into those red eyes, Prompto could barely trust himself anymore.
Chapter One
He wasn't fond of Lucis, the kingdom his betrothed belonged to.
He heard rumors about Lucis' royal family, that their crimson eyes possessed powers to control people. If one gazed into those ruby red eyes, then any thoughts or feelings were never really their own again.
The Lucis royal family was hosting a ball. He had been invited to the extravagant event. He couldn't refuse as his attendance was mandatory for these types of events.
"Your Imperial Highness!" Noctis beamed, his carriage halting in front of the Citadel, where Prince Noctis stood upon the steps leading into Citadel. "I'm so glad you came. I hope your travel was pleasant."
He never considered himself superstitious. Those tall tales about Prince Noctis' crimson eyes were … terrifying enough to make him a believer.
He chose not to look Prince Noctis in the eyes the remainder of his stay. It should suffice in keeping him safe from whatever magic the Lucis royal family used to sway the minds of enemies in their favor.
"Thank you," Prompto sighed, as Prince Noctis held his hand, to help him as he stepped out of the carriage. "As pleasant as my travels were, I'm afraid I'm a bit worn out."
It was strange that Prince Noctis wouldn't let go of his hand. His curiosity was satiated as Prince Noctis pulled him into a hug.
"I see you're already trying to get rid of me," Noctis chuckled, enveloping his lithe frame, squeezing the petite blond in his arms. "It's not going to work."
"Who do you think you are?!" Prompto challenged, trying to push Prince Noctis away, but his attempts were futile.
"Your betrothed, my dear. Who else would dare to marry you?" Noctis grinned, though releasing Prompto, the lithe blond retreating away and into the company of a Niflheim guard.
He huffed at the absurd question and then stomped off, "Hmph!"
The Lucian prince smirked as Prompto scurried into the Citadel, "Feisty, little thing."
XOXO
He was escorted to a guest bedroom in the royal wing, a lavished bedroom fit for such an important guest like him.
He lay on the bed, to take a short nap and recover from the travel. A few Lucian servants went in and out of his bedroom, with bowls of fruits and Lucian pastries as appetizers.
He couldn't fall asleep, not in a strange room and foreign land. He was worried about the rumors and Prince Noctis' ungentlemanly behavior, the rude and rough treatment he was welcomed with upon his arrival.
There was a knock on his bedroom door, just before the wooden doors swung open and Prince Noctis' royal retainer bowed before him. He remembered seeing the young man tending to Prince Noctis many times to forget him, but Ignis Scientia was more than just a servant to Prince Noctis. His relationship with Aranea was similar, who was sworn to serve him since birth.
"Good evening, Your Imperial Highness. It's an honor to meet you. I was asked by Prince Noctis to tell you that dinner is ready," Ignis smiled, his green eyes moving, wandering his small frame in admiration. "If you'll follow me …"
"Of course," Prompto sighed, standing up, trailing Ignis to the dining hall.
The hallways were lit by candlelight. The flames flickered as Ignis and he walked by. He saw paintings of past kings and queens hanging on the walls. He halted in front of the late King Regis' portrait in respect.
"King Regis was a good man. He's missed by many in Lucis," Ignis stated, standing further ahead, patiently waiting for him.
The elderly king did what men before him couldn't. It was King Regis' dying wish to secure peace between Lucis and Niflheim. It was that same wish which betrothed him to Prince Noctis.
"The one who also trapped me in this loveless marriage to your prince," Prompto scowled, crossing his arms, pouting at the painting.
"It's not so loveless," Ignis said, chuckling.
"Whatever do you mean by that?" Prompto asked, icy, sapphire eyes narrowing.
"His Highness does care for you," Ignis murmured, bowing his head.
"As he should," Prompto scoffed, walking past Ignis.
XOXO
He saw Prince Noctis standing in front of the fireplace. The Lucian prince turned around to greet him with a hug and kiss on the cheek.
He frowned at the physical contact, but Prince Noctis' embrace was gentle this time. He could smell Prince Noctis' cologne, the fragrance surprisingly appealing to him. He shut his sapphire eyes, to lay his head on Prince Noctis' shoulder for a moment.
He sat across from Prince Noctis, with his fork and knife cutting into a juicy Lucian steak. He was enjoying the food, especially the Lucian baked desserts. He had a sweet tooth, regardless most weren't aware of it.
"You look beautiful tonight," Noctis complimented, sipping wine, watching him eat sweets. "You always do, Your Imperial Highness."
"…Thank you," Prompto sighed, his cheeks flushing, freckles illuminating. "You look handsome as usual."
The Lucian prince smirked, "Well, I'm glad I'm to your liking."
He rolled his eyes, "You shouldn't get ahead of yourself."
His betrothed stood up anyway, then knelt on one knee before him. He sighed and crossed his arms, not wanting to dance with Prince Noctis.
"Will you honor me with a dance, Your Imperial Highness?" Noctis asked, mischievously grinning, but still winning him over. "We should practice for the ball tomorrow."
"…Fine," Prompto agreed, sliding his hand into Noctis'. "You and your parties …"
Prince Noctis sneered and spoke into his ear, "Don't complain, my love. It's you who'll be the belle of the ball as always."
XOXO
He was leaning on Prince Noctis now, his head laying on Noctis' shoulder again.
The Lucian prince didn't mind, just gently swaying him to the soft piano music. His eyes grew half-lidded, then fluttered shut a moment later. He had avoided looking Prince Noctis in the eyes for the day, but can his lack of eye contact work during the ball? Or is he being naïve in believing a rumor?
The clock struck midnight and Prince Noctis came to a standstill in the middle of the ballroom, where Noctis and he parted their embrace. His hand slipped from Prince Noctis', though Noctis suddenly tightened his grasp on it. He let Prince Noctis place a kiss upon his hand, except this time Noctis' lips lingered longer on his skin.
"Your Imperial Highness, I could dance with you forever," Noctis smirked, his thumb brushing, caressing the back of Prompto's hand. "It can wait until tomorrow, though. We should rest for now, but especially you. You're the one who traveled so far."
"Yes, I should," Prompto sighed, cheeks flushing, hand trembling in Noctis' grasp. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."
He looped an arm around his bodyguard's, the young Niflheim soldier escorting him to his bedroom. He still threw a glance at Prince Noctis over his shoulder.
The Lucian prince was standing in the same spot with his hands in pants pockets, "Sweet dreams, my love."
He rolled his eyes, "Goodnight, Prince Noctis."
A/N: What do you think? Leave me your thoughts.