Disclaimer: Not mine

Chapter 18

It was a relief to escape the reception and slip back to Noct's rooms. The staff had been very efficient, his bags had already been unpacked. He wished he could take Noctis on a proper Honeymoon, show him Lucis, but it'd be a security nightmare. Instead they had a week free from all duties and they could see the country when Noctis undertook his Pilgrimage. They'd need that week for moving into their new quarters, married Royals got bigger suits with a full kitchen and multiple bedrooms. He supposed it made sense for when they had children, which was a scary thought. He knew Noctis had done his part to make it possible one day but he tried not to think of it because they were nowhere near ready for that yet.

They stripped out of their wedding suits, carefully hanging them up to save them from Ignis' wrath, and then tumbled into bed together, too tired to do more than kiss for a while until they fell asleep.

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Ignis checked on the newlyweds, smiling at the sight of them curled together in bed, obviously exhausted by the day. And they'd even hung up their suits! He closed the door and put the plates of wedding cake in the small fridge in the kitchenette. He was looking forward to having the use of the kitchen in their new suite, it would almost be like being back at the apartment.

The wedding had been beautiful and had gone perfectly. Part of him had expected treachery from the Chancellor but the man had done nothing and there'd been no Imperial attack or anything, thankfully. The war had slowed for the moment and he could only hope that lasted. The Empire had never sent a representative to Insomnia before…was it possible the Chancellor was there for more than escorting Lunafreya to the wedding…could there be a chance for peace?

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Cid sat at the table with Cor, Clarus, and Reggie, the alcohol flowing. He had…he really had missed this. Though, who would have thought Cor'd finally learn to hold his whisky? He'd sent Cindy off to bed hours ago once the reception wrapped up, they still had work waiting for 'em back home after all. Maybe…maybe keeping in better touch wouldn't be so bad…though that could be the excellent alcohol talking.

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Ardyn lay on the bed, everything becoming distant, hazy with pleasure, the voices silent as his blood was gently drained away. He wasn't aware of it as he reached for Harry, clinging to the vampire as he drank away the corruption. He hadn't noticed yet, but Harry had, as the daemons hold lessened on Ardyn, the less harsh his features became, almost younger, fitter. It made sense, the Scourge caused damage to the body until the victim became a daemon except for Ardyn that last step never happened and so he was continually being weakened and then healing in a never-ending cycle.

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Noctis woke slowly, snuggling into Prompto's arms. It took a few moments to remember… they were married! After what had felt like forever waiting and now it was all over and done. It was…more than he could have imagined when he told Prompto how he felt and that there allowances in the law. He'd spent most of his time dreading a political match, most likely with an Imperial to broker a peace so marrying the person he loved…

"Heavy thoughts?" Prom murmured, kissing his throat.

"I just…I never thought I'd really get to choose," he admitted softly.

Prompto shifted and Noctis let him move them around so they were face to face. "Well you're stuck with me now Noct, no takebacks," he grinned. "We really got married yesterday and no one can undo that," he promised more seriously. He leant in for a kiss and Noctis met him, hand moving to rest on his side.

"Morning breath," he mumbled, and Prompto laughed.

"With how good my senses are?"

Noctis grimaced, sometimes he forgot. He did tend to shower morning and night now, not wanting to smell, not that Prompto ever complained. Morning breath hadn't clicked, Prompto could smell it even if they stayed on opposite sides of the bed. Something he had to look forward to eventually… "Do you have morning breath?" he asked.

"I eat Noct, so yeah. Dad doesn't, really he has to be in very bad shape for his scent to change. Obviously if he's bleeding or eaten recently then I can smell that."

"But I've seen him eat," Noctis frowned slightly.

"Yeah, one more oddity. If…if you do…then you won't be able to eat."

Noctis nodded. He would be giving up a lot but to stay with Prompto forever it'd be worth it.

Prompto suddenly sat up, scenting the air. "Iggy brought breakfast, all our favourites."

"He's spoiling us," Noctis stretched lazily.

"I think everyone feels bad we aren't getting a real honeymoon," Prompto shrugged, rolling out of bed. "I'll get it," he leant in for a quick kiss and then left the bedroom.

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Cindy hugged Harry goodbye. "You tell Prompto he better keep in contact."

"Of course, you're the only mechanic he'd trust his bike to," Harry smirked.

"Well yeah, but ain't he stuck in here now? Married to the Prince and all."

"You really think that'll stop my son?" He chuckled, and she laughed.

"Guess not. I better get Paw-paw home," she motioned at where he was slumped in the truck, cap low over his face.

"Let the old grump sleep it off. Drive safe."

"See ya!"

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Lunafreya sat on the chair she'd been given, observing King Regis and his Council. She'd been to Gralea twice over the years, mostly to see her brother but also to play trophy for the government. Ravus had been given control of their own 'government' or what was left, though he had not been crowned King since she was meant to be Oracle-Queen. It was all very different to Regis' government. He ruled as King, but he listened to his Council.

Everyone was surprised when the Chancellor strolled in, a page hurriedly announcing him, poor boy was obviously very flustered.

"Forgive the intrusion your Majesty," he bowed, and she was surprised to realise he wasn't wearing his heat for once. He seemed…calmer or something.

"What can we do for you Chancellor?"

"Well, I thought you might wish to know who the Imperial spy in your government is?"

And chaos erupted. Luna tensed as someone moved closer to her, but it was a Glaive, his braids giving away his heritage. "Do you wish to leave Highness?" he asked quietly, eyes shifting around as he watched everyone.

Lord Clarus and the Marshal had moved closer to the King protectively and she considered it. If a fight broke out, it might be better for her to have left and give them less targets but…could she calm them down?

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Prompto looked around their new suite in shock, it was huge! It had to be the same size as both their old ones combined. "Do we even have enough stuff to fill this place?"

Gladio laughed. "That's what the wedding presents are for blondie."

He looked over at the massive stack. "Right…that's going to be a nightmare."

"Don't worry, I'll make note of who gave what for the thank you notes," Ignis called from the kitchen.

"Thanks!" Noctis called as he left the main bedroom. "My clothes are unpacked."

"And hung neatly?"

"Yes Iggy," he rolled his eyes, and Prompto stifled a laugh.

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Nyx stayed at the Princesses' shoulder, ready to defend her. But the King managed to bring order to the room, leaving the floor to the Chancellor. A traitor? He didn't want to believe it but….it also made a scary amount of sense. he had to keep his focus on her and any possible threats, his orders were very clear, he was to protect her from anything and everything. While she was in the room, she was his priority, others would protect the King. It wasn't very often he did bodyguard work but he didn't mind, the Oracle was far too important to risk.

And then he was left reeling in shock as the Chancellor spoke the one name he never would have dreamed…the Captain? No, it couldn't be, it had to be a trick.

"Cor," the King ordered, and the Marshal left the room.

With the accusation made, it had to be investigated, but they wouldn't find anything. They couldn't…for Hearth and Home, how could that be a lie?

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Harry could sense the unrest, but he remained in the guest suite, he had no reason to be wandering those sections of the Citadel and he didn't want to complicate matters. Not that he couldn't go unseen but for now he would leave them to it. Obviously, Ardyn had gone with his surprise information, he really did love stirring things. But when you'd lived as long as they had, you found what fun you could.

That he was actually helping the Lucis Caelum was a massive step though, it showed the lessening influence of the daemons on his mind. When sane, he knew it wasn't right to blame his brother's actions on his very distant descendants.

Harry had been tempted to march down to the Crystal and demand Bahamut face him, but he'd never risk trouble so soon after such a happy event. Prompto might just attempt patricide if he ruined their week off together.

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Cor rubbed his aching shoulder, even as he watched Drautos…Glauca be dragged off to one of the special cells, designed to hold even a royal if necessary. He didn't want to believe it but the proof had been undeniable. The armour had begun forming around him, forcing Cor to make a fatal blow to stop it. Thankfully it had, and then they'd wasted a phoenix down on the traitor, but he needed to be alive for his trial. He had to have a trial for the Glaive's sake, there were many who would never believe the truth without one.

How many soldiers would they lose…how many had he converted to his way of thinking already? They had a lot of work ahead of them sorting that out.

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Regis stayed still as Clarus took the call, listening. His friend then leant in and Regis fought to keep his face calm as the truth was give. Drautos…was Glauca. How? How could he be the monster Regis had barely been able to face a decade ago? How on Eos did he manage to run two armies?

He met the Chancellor's oddly coloured eyes and nodded. "It appears we owe you our thanks, Chancellor."

"You Majesty?" Lord Gavin asked.

"Captain Drautos is to be tried for treason," Regis answered.

"Sire?"

"Majesty?"

They spoke over each other and he raised his hand for silence.

"He was taken into custody after attacking the Guard members sent to question him, during which it was revealed that he is also General Glauca." Dead silence met that announcement.

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Luna bit back a gasp. The Captain…was the General? She remembered him from that day, despite the chaos. It was because of him that they had been orphaned and Ravus…had become who he had. No wonder the Empire had come, despite everything that had been done to hide King Regis and Noctis' presence; they'd been betrayed from within.

She knew the punishment for treason and for once she felt no need to speak for the condemned. She met the Chancellor's eyes and he inclined his head to her.

How well did Noctis know the Captain? Had anyone told him? A glance at her Glaive showed him struggling to keep his face blank, tanned skin pale with shock. She touched his arm and motioned discreetly. He nodded and led her from the room.

"Are you alright Sir Ulric?" she asked as they walked down the hall.

"Of course your Highness," he answered woodenly.

"I think I'll retire to my room, I'm sure there are many other places you will be needed."

He blinked and looked down at her. "Are you sure?"

"Positive, I will be perfectly safe and I can look after myself," she promised.

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Due to the Glaives in the room, word quickly spread of the Captains' arrest…and his other identity, sewing suspicion among their ranks. Who else had sided with him? Luche was getting a lot of suspicious looks but no one said anything, yet.

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"What is it?" Noctis asked as both Gladio and Ignis' phones beeped.

"Oh," Ignis murmured in shock.

"Iggy?"

"The Chancellor brought news of a traitor. Noctis…"

"Captain Drautos was General Glauca. Cor arrested him," Gladio finished for him.

Noctis felt his legs buckle, felt Prompto catch him. Titus was…no…that wasn't…he shuddered, seeing the fires…the seemingly endless lines of soldiers…heard Ravus screaming….Luna's hand slipping from Dad's…the Queen collapsing…

"Noct!"

He gasped, blinking dazedly at Prompto.

"That's it, you're okay," Prom was murmuring.

"Glauca?" he whispered; he just didn't understand how it could be true.

Prompto kissed him softly. "Let your Dad and Cor deal with him."

"Prompto's right," Gladio agreed. "But we're staying in here till we hear from Dad, just to be safe."

TBC…

Bit of a transition chapter.