Warning: Noctis/Prompto.
Chapter Four
The metal bars rattled.
Without hesitation, Prompto scrambled backwards. His eyes were wide – full of fear, even watering with teardrops. His cell was surrounded – numerous Lucis soldiers stationed outside, but they're hurt. He saw so many injuries: broken arms, black eyes, busted lips, and blood. He began wondering, then. Did Lucis lose again?
His heart fluttered frantically. After all, Prompto didn't trust them – believing that they might hurt him, especially when Lucis lost another fight. However, Prompto soon saw Ignis – standing behind the torn young men, who then stepped aside for him. He was very confused now. He didn't understand what was going on. Was he finally going to get executed?
He began trembling, then. He was afraid of dying, not wanting to feel pain. Even so, Prompto didn't want this life – trapped inside of a cell, where Noctis sometimes tormented him. After all, Prompto didn't have the strength to argue anymore, not with him. In fact, Prompto was just exhausted, his body drained of energy.
"You're free now," Ignis said, as Prompto tilted his head sideways. "Your innocence has been proven. You're finally free, Prompto."
"What?" Prompto squeaked, as Ignis sighed deeply. "How?"
"We were outsmarted by Niflheim again. They knew our battle strategies, like always. The mole is still among us, then. It's obvious you're not him, Prompto."
"I want to go home, just take me home."
"Of course, Prompto. We'll take you home, but His Majesty wishes to apologize to you first."
"I don't want his apology. I just want to go home."
"And you will, Prompto. I promise this will be quick."
"I want to go home …"
"Oh, Prompto. You'll be fine. I'll be beside you."
"I wanna go home …"
XOXO
He had been summoned, though.
He stood awkwardly beside Ignis, with his head bowed. After all, Prompto couldn't meet their gaze, especially not Noctis' stare. However, Prompto could feel his eyes – trailing over his body, which made him uneasy. So, Prompto fidgeted uncomfortably – trying to hide behind Ignis, who reassuringly smiled. It didn't ease him, though.
He wasn't listening, either. In fact, Prompto was daydreaming – trying to mentally escape, but technically that wasn't working. Unfortunately, Prompto couldn't escape – King Regis' voice tethering reality, but Noctis' gaze, too. Their words were meaningless, just spoken for good media coverage. It brought tears to his eyes, especially because then they're not sorry.
His best friend was expressionless – leaning against the throne, but still watching him. However, Prompto grabbed Ignis' sleeve – wanting to go already, not comfortable underneath everyone's gaze. The King leaned forward, with a small sigh, though. This was supposed to be quick, wasn't it?
"We should've known better. I hope you can forgive us," King Regis said, as Prompto's chin shook. "Your parents still haven't contacted us. You'll be under the Citadel's care from now on. Is that okay with you, Prompto?"
"That's just how my parents are," Prompto sniffled, as King Regis grimaced. "I really just want to go home."
"Of course, I understand. Ignis will take you home."
"Iggy already told me …"
"It's good you trust him. I don't know how to apologize to you. How can I say sorry? Is there anything you want besides longing for home?"
"A dog would be fine."
"Well, I can make that happen."
"May I go now, Your Majesty?"
"You may, Prompto."
XOXO
So, Ignis drove him home.
His house was empty, like usual. His parents were gone – far from Lucis, but he could care less. He had calmed down – got some fresh air, sat underneath the sunlight, and bathed. As he changed clothes, Ignis prepared him lunch – spaghetti, which was incredible. However, Prompto wasn't hungry, his stomach couldn't tolerate that amount of food.
After all, Prompto wouldn't eat, just starve while imprisoned. Even so, Prompto did nibble and took tiny bites, not wanting to upset Ignis. He loved Ignis' cooking, but couldn't complete his food. His body couldn't tolerate the portion size – unaccustomed to big meals now, expect water.
The brunet sat across him – studying him, with those sharp green eyes. He took another forkful, but barely could swallow. It was very rich – full of flavor, just absolutely tasty. Even so, Prompto couldn't eat anymore, his stomach churning. For this reason, Prompto put down his fork, not forcing himself anymore.
"You're so frail looking," Ignis fretted, as Prompto looked away. "Don't worry, Prompto. You can eat that later."
"I'm sorry," Prompto frowned, as Ignis sighed and shook his head. "I just can't …"
"It's okay, Prompto."
"Thanks."
"I understand, Prompto. The Citadel serves awful food to prisoners. The majority of them just stop eating altogether."
"Yeah."
"I'm glad you're not there anymore. Well, I'll leave you to get settled. If you need anything, you can always call me."
"I will, Iggy. You're the best."
"That's sweet of you. I'll see you later. Goodbye, Prompto."
"Bye, Iggy."
XOXO
When Ignis finally left, Prompto turned the television on.
He watched cartoons for a while, but they were reruns. So, Prompto turned to another channel – a news station, which played King Regis' speech. Of course, Prompto was curious – listening to King Regis' speech, then. The King was apologizing, especially because Lucis lost again. The elderly man looked genuinely sorry, but Prompto knew better than to trust him.
Those who are royalty are taught etiquette – to pull of facial expressions, especially for speeches. He hugged his knees, not wanting to listen anymore. However, King Regis began talking about him, especially because people have questions. So, King Regis had to answer, or he'll have bad publicity.
The media asked good questions – questions about him, the future battles, and injured soldiers. However, King Regis had answers to everything, even to the questions about him. Fortunately, Prompto's picture wasn't displayed, or he wouldn't be able to go outside anymore.
"He's under my care," King Regis said, as Prompto shook his head. "We've been trying to contact his parents, but our efforts are always unsuccessful."
"I have such great caretakers, don't I?" Prompto scoffed, as King Regis received another question. "My foster parents neglect me. And my King imprisoned me."
"The Council is under heavy investigation. We're doing our best to figure out who the spy is. It's obvious that they're working for the Empire."
"Isn't it obvious, Your Majesty? Your spy is not of Niflheim origins. They're of Lucis origins."
"Our soldiers are healing. They're receiving the best medical care possible right now."
"Give me a break. I'm going to bed."
A/N: What do you think? Leave me your thoughts.