The princess looked up at him with half lidded eyes.

"What do you want from me?" she asked.

Ardyn smiled as he traced his fingers under her chin.

"Have I not told you before, Stella?" he asked. "I want a companion for the next ten years. Someone who can bring light to my darkness before my final breath…"

His fingers ran along her lips. He swallowed.

Would she be horrified if he kissed her now?

He leaned down inadvertently, breath tickling those tempting lips…

"You…" Stella murmured, "weren't specific on what kind of companion…"

Earlier…

Ardyn's efforts to calm down Stella over the rest of the day were met with vicious hostility. She threw books and boots at him whenever he appeared.

It would have been amusing if Ardyn wasn't genuinely making sure she was sound of mind. He had another batch of medicine for her fever and he needed to make sure she had all of it this time. He could, of course, wait for the fever to worsen so she was too weak to throw projectiles at him.

Also, how many pairs of boots does she need?

Ardyn examined the ankle boot he had caught half an hour earlier. It looked very impractical with its heel and decorative buckles which glinted in the light of the Citadel. Perhaps they were for formal occasions.

He set the boot aside and sat back in the throne, stretching his neck. It's not like she was seriously hurting him, since he could feel scant pain, but her childish behaviour was getting irritating.

At least he knew for certain that she and Noctis were related.

As he closed his eyes, listening to the wind gracing the hall, he felt a disturbance amongst the daemons that wandered the once majestic city. After a few minutes, he could hear shouting.

Ardyn opened his eyes.

There was no mistaking the tones of anger that fuelled that voice like a Behemoth's roar.

Ardyn got up and wandered to the ledge where he could see the gates. He narrowed his eyes at the sight of three individuals, one of which was rattling the iron bars and demanding his attention.

He warped in front of them and the commotion ceased.

Gladiolus was caked in dirt and daemon blood, as was Ignis though not as dishevelled. Beside them was Prompto, his arms carrying a large bag.

"Gentlemen," Ardyn said as he crossed his arms. "I admire your tenacity, but I must insist…"

"Let us say goodbye," Gladiolus snapped. "You want her for ten years? Let us have ten minutes to give her stuff to her."

Prompto nodded, shifting his arms around the bag.

Ardyn's patience was already thin and Gladiolus's interruption nearly snapped it.

Pressing his lips together, he surveyed the group.

In his consideration, he pictured Stella's smile.

He just wanted to see it again.

"Take four steps back."

The trio looked at one another before complying. The gates swung open and Ardyn held a hand out before they could come forward.

"Only Prompto."

As far as he was concerned, Prompto was too intimidated to even consider pursuing the princess as a love interest.

Gladiolus and Prompto looked at each other, before the blonde nodded and skittered through the gates. The iron creaked as they slammed themselves closed once the gunslinger was next to the accursed.

"Shall we?" he addressed Prompto whilst waving a hand to the Citadel.

Prompto glared at him as they made their way across the plaza. Ardyn gave the chamberlain and shield one last glance before following Prompto in.

The journey up to Stella's room was silent. Prompto fidgeted beside him nervously, eyes darting from one corner of the lift to the other. Ardyn eyed the bag he was clutching. They must have emptied out her apartment in Lestallum to fit everything in. The zips were straining to contain whatever was inside.

Once they were outside her door, Ardyn unlocked it.

"Go away, Ardyn!" Stella shouted as soon as she heard the click.

"Now, Stells," Ardyn sighed as the door swung open and he caught the book that was aimed for his head, "you have a visitor."

Stella paused, another book already in her hand, ready to throw. She was in her bed, topless and using her blanket to cover her chest. She was propped on her knees, a stack of books beside her. Her body was flush from the fever.

The princess lowered her hand and narrowed her eyes. Prompto peered around Ardyn and waved.

"Hey, Stells."

Stella widened her eyes. "Prompto!"

Ardyn gestured for Prompto to go in, which the gunslinger did enthusiastically.

"Stells, are you OK?" he asked as he dumped the bag on the bed and embraced her.

He pulled away to feel her forehead.

"You're burning up!"

Stella sat back, bringing her knees to her chest.

"My own fault…" she muttered.

"Prompto," Ardyn said and they glanced at him, "ten minutes started the second you walked through the gates. Use your time wisely."

Prompto gritted his teeth and turned back to Stella. Ardyn leaned against the doorframe, watching the exchange.

"Just you wait, Stells," he heard Prompto whisper, "we're going to bust you out the first chance we get."

Stella smiled sadly and Ardyn felt something in his chest stir.

"It's alright, Prompto," she said. "I'll be fine, I think…" She tucked some hair behind her ear. "I'm just…afraid…"

Ardyn closed his eyes, sighing quietly.

Yes, afraid. Because he was the big, bad monster.

"It'll be alright, Stells! Just be careful."

Ardyn opened his eyes in time to see Stella flick Prompto's nose.

"You first," she said and Prompto rubbed his nose.

"Hey, what do you mean by that?" Prompto whined.

"You know exactly what I mean."

Prompto placed his hands on his hips. "Who got turned into a toad three times in a row at Costlemark Tower?"

"Who got dragged backwards in the mud by a griffin?" Stella mocked his stance. "Five times, no less?"

"Hey, not cool," Prompto said with a flinch. "It took ages to get my hair perfect again."

Stella laughed, and it was the sweetest music to Ardyn's ears.

The princess looked around her room, sighing softly. "At least I'm home?" she said with a shrug.

Prompto chuckled. "Oh, I almost forgot!"

Stella tilted her head as Prompto fumbled around the pockets in the bag and pulled out a stack of photos.

"I got some of these printed to remind you of our journey!"

He propped himself next to her, holding them out for the princess to see. Ardyn pressed his lips together, wondering what photos he had picked out.

"Prompto, why would you take a picture of that?!" Stella exclaimed as she pointed to one. "Wait, how long have you had that?!"

"It's one of my favourites," Prompto chuckled as he held up the photo. "Sure, I didn't know much about photography back then, but this one came out fine."

"By the Six, it's embarrassing!"

Prompto laughed as he held it out of reach whilst she tried to snatch it.

Ardyn saw that it was a picture of when they were still teenagers. It was a picture of Stella, in school uniform that was messed up from a long day, and she seemed to be singing karaoke.

"Prompto, delete it!" Stella whined as she flailed her hand at the photo.

"Nope! I've got multiple copies of this photo! And I'm going to make sure everyone has a cherished memento of Stells the Dancing Queen!"

"No!"

"And look," Prompto grinned as he grabbed another photo, "this was when we played that Dance Dance Strike game!"

Stella gasped as she snatched that away and Prompto tried to grab it back.

It was upside down, but Ardyn could see Stella, in school uniform again, hand on hip and two fingers framing her eye as she winked.

He smiled.

How adorable.

Also, she looked very cute in that uniform.

Ardyn wondered if she still had it…

"I must make sure this never sees the light of the new dawn," Stella said and Prompto stuck his tongue out.

"I have the digital back up at home," he said. "I will publish them in flyers and scatter them all over Eos!"

"That's a waste of paper," Stella laughed as she held it further out of reach.

They rough housed for a few moments, until Ardyn cleared his throat. They glanced at him, Prompto sprawled across Stella. The accursed forced a smile.

"Two minutes," he said whilst holding up a couple of fingers.

The young friends gave him a disdainful look before sitting up. Stella grimaced and looked up at Prompto.

"Could you tell Gladio that I'm sorry?" she said and Prompto widened his eyes.

"Stells, he should be the one saying sorry," Prompto argued then lowered his gaze. "I mean, I'm sorry too for letting that happen…"

Stella shook her head. "No, I'm worried if I did anything that led him on." She shifted, fiddling with the blanket. "I only ever thought of him as a big brother."

"Well, he should have been more honest with his feelings," Prompto shrugged as he put the photos to the side.

He pushed himself off the bed and stretched his arms. "Is there anything else I can say to the guys?"

Stella's eyes lit up. "Tell Ignis…"

Ardyn gripped the sleeves of his coat.

Prompto smiled as Stella hesitated then leaned away. "Um, actually, don't tell Ignis anything. I just wish for you guys to take care…"

Prompto tilted his head. "You sure? I'm sure he'd appreciate…"

Stella bowed her head, looking a little forlorn as she shook it. "No…it doesn't matter…"

Prompto sighed and nodded. "OK." They grimaced when Ardyn cleared his throat again. "We'll see you soon, OK?"

"Right," Stella nodded. "Safe travels."

Prompto gave her a big hug before Ardyn cleared his throat a third time, getting a little impatient. He stepped to the side as the blonde waved whilst leaving the room. He glanced at Stella, who was waving back then closed the door. The lock clicked back into place and he gestured for Prompto to continue down the corridor.

"Just letting you know," Ardyn cheerfully said as they went down in the lift, "we're not expecting any more guests for a long time."

He heard the gunslinger swallow quietly and smirked.

"Have a good evening."

He waited by the Citadel as Prompto jogged back over the plaza. The gates opened for him then slammed shut once he was out.

The blonde talked to his two companions for a short while before they took their reluctant leave.

Ardyn closed his eyes and recalled Stella's laugh and smile. Without realising it, the corners of his lips went up for a moment.

Ardyn hesitated at Stella's door. He held a cup of medicine for her, his other hand hovering over the doorknob.

He unlocked the door and paused.

When the princess didn't scream at him, he stepped in and saw her in her bed, looking at the photos Prompto had left behind for her.

He cleared his throat and she looked up. She squinted at him as he crossed the room, offering the medicine.

"Drink all of it this time, my sweet," he said as Stella eyed it distastefully.

He replaced the stack of photos with the medicine and watched her hold it to her lips.

The faces she made were endearing.

"Every drop, dear star," he said firmly, and Stella cringed. "It's for your own good."

Stella took a deep breath, pinched her nose and tilted her head back to chug the medicine down. Ardyn smirked as he glanced at the photos in his hand.

The top photo showed a campsite setting. Stella was next to Ignis, chopping vegetables. Prompto had caught her in the middle of laughing and Ignis was smiling as he tasted the soup that was brewing.

Ardyn narrowed his eyes momentarily and turned his attention back to Stella when she spluttered after chugging the medicine down. He tilted the cup towards him and smiled in satisfaction when he saw that it was empty.

"Good girl," he said as he took it off her.

Stella stuck her tongue out, rubbing her neck as she coughed. The accursed set the photos on the bedside table and reached out to brush her hair out of her face.

"Now," he said, hooking a finger under her chin and tilting it up so he could look in her eyes, "I do hope you're happy now." He grinned mischievously. "Why don't you give your lonely uncle a hug as thanks?"

Stella flinched and he chuckled.

What he didn't expect was for her to actually bring her arms around him and squeeze him in a reluctant hug.

She felt warm against him. Nestled so perfectly in his chest, head against the crook of his neck.

A puff of breath escaped her as he hugged her back, resting his cheek on top of her head.

She smelt like vanilla from her shower earlier today. He wanted to bury his nose into her dark locks.

Stella withdrew her arms and he kept a hold of her for a few more seconds before doing the same. He smiled, cupping her cheek.

"There now," he cooed, "that wasn't so bad was it?"

His hand drifted down to her neck and Stella held her breath. She winced as his fingers began to rub her muscles.

"So tense, sweet star," he murmured. "Let me help you sleep easy tonight."

He turned her to her front and ran a hand down her back. Stella gripped the pillows as he lifted the hem of her pyjama top.

"I don't think that's a good idea," she said quickly.

"Come now," Ardyn sighed, "it is only your back. You don't even need to fully take off your top."

Stella was still tense as he edged the top up her back, pulled it over her head but not off her arms. He ran his fingers down her bare back and she shivered.

The princess moaned softly when he began rubbing her tense muscles. He smiled as she relaxed under his touch.

"There now," he cooed, "you have so much stress on your shoulders. Forget about everything tonight."

He saw her bite into the pillow she was holding. His fingers traced a scar that curved around her shoulder.

"Oh? Was this from a Behemoth?"

Stella grimaced.

"Stage accident."

Ardyn raised his eyebrows and she glanced at him.

"Backdrop splintered and landed on top of me," she murmured. "Had to go to hospital and get a lot of splinters removed."

She flinched as he pressed his lips to the scar.

"Next time say it's from a Behemoth," he said with an amused chuckle.

Stella huffed as he continued massaging her back.

The minutes ticked by in blissful silence. It was twenty to nine according to Stella's clock when Ardyn pulled her top back down and eased her onto her back.

The princess looked up at him with half lidded eyes.

"What do you want from me?" she asked.

Ardyn smiled as he traced his fingers under her chin.

"Have I not told you before, Stella?" he asked. "I want a companion for the next ten years. Someone who can bring light to my darkness before my final breath…"

His fingers ran along her lips. He swallowed.

Would she be horrified if he kissed her now?

He leaned down inadvertently, breath tickling those tempting lips…

"You…" Stella murmured, "weren't specific on what kind of companion…"

Ardyn chuckled dryly. "I'm blessed enough with your presence alone."

Stella parted her lips to speak but he silenced her with a chaste kiss. As brief as it was, he felt a jolt of affection run through his body.

"Sleep, sweet princess," he said as he pulled away. "You need your rest."

Stella closed her eyes at his command. Ardyn hummed softly as he sat back and watched her sleep.

At some point during the night, Ardyn wasn't sure when, but he had changed his position on the bed to lie next to the princess. He had brought her into his arms, resting her head on his shoulder. He tangled his fingers in her hair, thumbing her braid.

Stella slept on, blissfully unaware that she lay in the arms of her captor.

Ardyn's fingers brushed across her cheek, his eyes focused on those tempting lips.

What would it be like if she kissed him?

Ignis didn't seem to appreciate what blessing it was to have such a pair of sinful lips kiss him willingly. How could he be so blind to Stella's overflowing affection for him?

Unless it was on purpose.

Then, he should tell Stella that he wasn't interested.

No matter. Ten years will go by and Stella would be grown up, mature and her infatuation for the King's Hand will be nothing but a memory.

"Let's leave."

Ardyn lifted his eyes to see a younger version of him, hair still black and eyes still blue, in front of a blonde woman. She looked determined, arms across over her chest.

"If you don't want my father to oblige us taking the vows, let's go now and I will write a letter to him saying we got married in the next town."

The younger Ardyn hummed thoughtfully. He smirked wickedly.

"Oh? Are we now?"

The woman widened her eyes and stepped back.

"What's with that look?"

She screamed as he suddenly bundled her over his shoulder.

"Here we go eloping~!" he had sung so jovially.

"Put me down! I CAN WALK, PUT ME DOWN!"

Ardyn chuckled at the memory when it faded.

"Aileen…"

He closed his eyes, a sad smile appearing on his face.

His memories of her were fading gradually.

Twenty years, wandering aimlessly as he prepared for the True King's ascension, he struggled more and more to remember her.

He attended Stella's first performance to observe her, on top of his other observations of the family in general.

And when she sung, he could have sworn her voice was just like Aileen's.

At last, after so long, he felt like he was home. Reality was banished by that beautiful voice. It was like waking up from a horrific nightmare.

So, Ardyn attended more of the princess's performances. He watched her grow up, blooming into adulthood like the most precious rose in a garden. His disguised visits were more to steal a glance at her, more than monitor Noctis's progress.

He stayed in the shadows, allowing her to be happily ignorant to his existence.

Until, one day…

"Oh!"

Ardyn recalled how startled Stella had been when he purposely knocked into her on the train to Tenebrae.

She had clutched onto his coat to stop herself from falling over.

"I'm so sorry!"

He had laughed at her apology, even though she had not been at fault.

"It's alright. Wait. You're Princess Stella, are you not?"

She had tried to walk away from him, but he wouldn't allow it.

"Forgive an old man, but I must confess to be your number one fan."

She must have heard that many, many times. If only she knew just how true his words were.

"Please, may I borrow a moment of your time?"

"Well…"

"The way you portray the character of Maria is simply breath-taking. You must have studied hard for the role."

His flattery didn't seem to sway her, but he didn't give up.

"Please, it needn't be longer than five minutes."

He was able to pressure her to sit before him at least. He was successful to procure her autograph.

"Ardyn…"

The way she tested his name on her lips made him shiver.

They talked for hours, Stella relaxing as he brought up topics which brought forth her excitement.

He kept the conversation going to allow the Glaives escorting the princess to leave without her noticing. It was also pleasurable to have her attention on him, no-one else.

Ardyn looked down at Stella, squeezing her gently.

"Will you be able to make me feel again, I wonder?" he murmured softly, brushing her hair out of her face.

Stella shifted in her sleep and he purred softly.

"If only I could have you for more than ten, painfully short years…"

He kissed her forehead sweetly.

He rested his eyes, his head on top of hers.

The world of ruin outside continued to move around them. The usurper held his princess close, memories of a life long forgotten circulating his seldom peaceful mind.