Author's Note: This is a bit shorter than I would've liked but it felt like a good place to end it so, yeah. I'm also taking in suggestions on stuff you guys might want to read about? Like about Stella's earlier years. I'll post it in another story instead of as chapters here though, because if I didn't you'll end up with more Interludes instead of actual chapters, so yeah. So send in requests? I have something like how Stella discovered her love for Behemoth Meat Cup Noodles coming up... soon-ish.

Three

May 15th, M.E. 756 – Rooftop, Caelum Via Hotel, Insomnia, Cavaugh, Kingdom of Lucis [Evening]

Stella really wanted nothing more than to cast a Firaga at each smug little Imperial face she saw. Unfortunately, her arm was tucked into her father's elbow. That and the dress she was wearing wouldn't have let her run. She was wearing a black off the shoulder tulle gown with a filigree sequin bodice. Her blonde hair was done up tonight in a more elegant version of her preferred half up-do with a silver Greek leaf hair pin holding it together. Regis lowly chuckled at her well-hidden disgruntlement.

"What are you thinking?" Regis whispered lowly, the sounds from the fireworks drowning out his words but Stella could hear him clearly.

"I'm thinking about how satisfying it would be to hurl a Firaga at the Chancellor's smug face." She deadpanned, side eyeing said man on the ledge raising a flute of champagne at her. She quickly looked away, turning her attention the sounds of people talking as Aldercept's arrival was announced.

"You always did like your fire."

"Like you adore using lightning?" Stella shot back.

"Hmm yes. Something like that. What do you think Noctis favors?"

"Probably ice. Like that cold aloof image he holds to hide how shy he really is."

Regis chuckled but his smile quickly turned fake when he spotted the white clad Emperor coming up the stairs. Aldercept's expression bore a smugness that Stella really wished she could wipe off with a good punch. She really regretted wearing the dress now, it had looked really beautiful when she bought it in Silver Lane but now, when she wanted nothing more than to punch in the faces of all the Imperial bastards? Not so much.

"He looks so conceited; it pisses me off." Stella grumbled. "And smile dad, we wouldn't want our esteemed guest to figure out how much he's not wanted here."

Regis lightly pinched his daughter's hand in reprimand but said nothing to rebuke her.

"A most grand reception, King Regis." Iedolas Aldercept greeted flamboyantly. "You honor all of Niflheim."

"Oh, the honor is ours, Emperor Aldercapt." Regis replied and Stella could hear the sarcasm beneath his words and mentally pat her father on the back. He definitely didn't sound sarcastic at all. She was a little proud she could detect it, actually.

"Ah and this must be your lovely daughter." Aldercept greeted her with a grin. "Photos do no justice for your beauty, Princess Stella."

A brief squeeze for courage on her father's arm and she held out a hand. Aldercept took it and kissed her hand with an exaggerated bow. Stella tried her best not to look like she was practically snatching her hand away from the Emperor.

"You flatter me, Emperor." She smiled ingratiatingly. "My late mother's beauty far surpasses my own."

"Why don't you accompany Lady Lunafreya, Stella?" Her father coaxed, eyeing Aldercept with well-hidden distaste. "I believe Emperor Aldecept and I have much to discuss."

Giving a nod and a peck to her father's cheek, she gave one last fake smile to Aldercept and almost ran to where Luna was with Nyx. Nyx looked almost amused, though there was annoyance in his features as well, while Luna looked at her in concern.

"I want to wash my hands." Stella muttered lowly, making Luna giggle.

"'Fraid it might give the wrong message if you do, Princess. Might want to wait till the party's over." Nyx teased lightly, though his tone remained somber. She had an idea of what conversation had been exchanged between the two, considering the hair pin Crowe had been carrying to give to Luna.

"I see you managed to get the pin. I'm sure it will suit you well." Stella said, smiling softly at it.

"Oh… was… your friend…?" Luna trailed off as she made the connection between the soldier who was supposed to retrieve her and Stella's friend. "I'm so sorry…"

Stella shook her head. "Crowe died a Glaive. We would have trusted no other to protect you." She caught Luna's hand in hers. "I'm simply thankful we did not lose you as well."

"Oh, it is such a pleasure to have your beautiful presence on this most wonderful evening, your highness!"

Ardyn's voice interrupting their moment almost sent Stella into a panic. But she managed to clamp an iron grip on her faltering emotions and turn to him, letting go of Luna's hands. Nyx glared at the Chancellor, not liking the curiosity in his eyes as they roved over his princess.

"Chancellor Izunia. Good evening." Stella greeted coolly, ignoring the quick beating of fear in her heart. "I hope the champagne is to your preference?"

"Oh, more than, princess, more than! I heard that this wonderful event was of your efforts? It is truly magnificent, from the decorations to the food and drinks." Ardyn praised her, still looking at her as if he would like nothing more than to strip every single thought from her head.

Stella suppressed a shudder as she placed a flattering smile on her face. "You place far too much credit on myself, Chancellor. It is the efforts of my people that have made this night such a success."

"It is a pity there is no music. I would have liked to dance with you, your highness."

No. Just. No.

Stella had to force her smile to stay where it was and hold back a shudder. "Unfortunate. But such celebrations should be reserved for after the treaty is signed."

"Indeed it should." Ardyn boomed, bowing in acceptance. "I do hope you will grace me with a dance at the festivities tomorrow."

"Of course." She acquiesced with grace. She knew it wouldn't happen. The bastard would be watching as discourse wrecked her city.

Without ceremony, Ardyn grabbed her wrist and she stumbled a little as he pulled her closer. Nyx made an aborted movement to intervene and his glare intensified. She could practically hear his teeth grinding in anger.

"I do hope we get that chance to dance, Princess. It is not every day that I have the chance to meet someone years older than how they appear." Ardyn whispered, ensuring only she could hear.

Stella froze, her eyes wide with horror as she realized the words Ardyn had spoken. Ardyn grinned at her nefariously, bidding her good night with a kiss to her hand and flouncing away.

"Stella? Are you alright?" Nyx immediately asked, his hand grasping at her elbow.

"Stella…" Luna called to her worriedly when she did nothing more than stare at Ardyn's retreating back, horror and bile rising in her throat.

He knows…

"I… need to be alone." Stella pleaded and walked away, shrugging off Nyx and Luna's confused and worried questions.

She still felt like bile would come out of her throat any second. Fear consuming her as she escaped towards the veranda at the back of the rooftop. She grasped the railing, leaning forward and trying to get her fear under control and her mind back on track. He knew. Ardyn knew of her reincarnation. Her heart thundered in fear at the thought, her breaths coming in short pants as she struggled to compose herself.

"Stella?"

Not expecting anyone to have followed her, Stella turned, ready to glare but stopped short at seeing Ravus's concerned face staring straight at her. Her fear bled away as joy filled her at seeing her old friend. Slowly a smile graced her mouth as she observed the changes Ravus had gone through.

"Ravus!"

A slow smile etched itself onto Ravus's lips, making him look years younger. Rushing forward, the Lucian princess enveloped her old friend in a tight hug. Ravus paused for a moment before his arms rose to return the affectionate hug. Stella noted that she only reached his chest and wondered when on earth Ravus had gotten so tall when she distinctively remembers being taller than him in their childhoods. His shoulders were so broad, they practically covered her entire frame. She knew she wasn't exactly a small woman, having inherited her father's height so it was a little weird for her that someone who had been shorter than her now dwarfed her considerably.

"I've missed you." She really did. Their letters had never been quite enough to stave how much she had wanted to travel to Tenebrae to see him personally.

"It is… nice to see you once again… You're beautiful, Stella. Pictures do you no justice." He smiled softly at her when they separated a little, still not willing to let the other go.

Once again, Stella wondered how was it possible that this ridiculous man could make her, a technically forty-year-old woman blush like a high school girl high on hormones.

"I… that…" Stella stuttered, not really know how to respond to that. When Aldercept had technically said the same thing, all she felt was disgust but with Ravus… She wanted nothing more than for the ground to swallow her whole to save her from embarrassment.

Ravus chuckled fondly. "I see even with all your accomplishments; you still do not accept praise well."

"I accept it fine!" Stella protested, then remembered all the times she couldn't really take it from the people she loved. "Just… not… when some people…"

"I'm happy I'm included in that small group of people you would blush for when you are praised." The former prince teased with a smirk.

"Stop it!" She could feel that her face was red hot by now.

Ravus laughed, freely and happily and Stella could practically feel her heart melt at the sound. A soft smile replaced her embarrassed visage. She hoped she could hear that laugh more in the future. Ravus deserved some happiness in his life too.

"I really like your laugh." Stella whispered lowly, red creeping up her face again when she realized she had said it out loud. "I'd forgotten how nice it sounded."

She laughed at his bewildered look and the red creeping up his ears. He grinned at her, looking at her with such fondness and affection, she forgot about the worries that had plagued her for the past few years. Talking to Ravus, even through their letters had always given Stella a sense of peace. Talking to him face to face is amazing, she didn't think she would ever want to part from him now.

They stayed silent, still in each other's arms, unwilling to let go so soon. Stella leaned against him, her head on his chest as he stroked her head with a warm hand. She was content to stay like this the rest of the night, letting Ravus's protective presence ease her mind and soul, letting her unease melt away.

May 15th, M.E. 756 – Stella's Quarters, Citadel, Insomnia, Cavaugh, Kingdom of Lucis [Night]

Stella collapsed on her bed as soon as locked her doors. Her body relaxed but still a little tense as she remembered the events of the night. Spending time with Ravus had been delightful but…

Ardyn knew. He knew of her reincarnation. He knew…

Stella shuddered, trying to push back her fear. She couldn't break now. He could have been talking about something else.

…years older than how they appear.

…Of course not. The blonde heaved a deep breath, trying to get her nerves under control. Okay. Ardyn knew. That was… bad. Really bad but he did not seem to have told anyone else. From what she could remember of Alice's memories, Ardyn will probably keep the knowledge to himself. Likely, he would use it to taunt her or Noctis.

But what if she was wrong? She can't claim to be a psychology expert and Ardyn wasn't exactly entirely sane. What if he held it over her, destroying the trust between her and her brother and her friends? What if he told the Emperor? The entire Lucian continent?

Breath, Stella.

No. She couldn't psyche herself out like this. She needed to stop over thinking things. Tomorrow was important. She needed to be at a hundred percent. She couldn't let Ardyn's knowledge of her reincarnation mess with her focus. She needed to kill Glauca. She needed to save her father and Nyx.

Centering her mind, Stella decided to get out of her dress and ready her things for tomorrow. Distantly in her mind, she wondered how Ardyn figured out her secret.

May 16th, M.E. 756 – Throne Room, Citadel, Insomnia, Cavaugh, Kingdom of Lucis [Late Afternoon]

Everything was in place. Crownsguards stationed around the city. Tipsters were out and about alongside Hunters, ready to direct the masses towards the tunnels. Those trusted were armed to the teeth so they could protect the citizens as the evacuation starts. Normal guards hidden by some trusted battle capable nobles were posted around the Crystal. Hopefully it would be enough to safe guard the Crystal but she highly doubted it. Stella tried to have some confidence in her people and her father's most trusted, though.

She had just finished preparing getaway cars and escape routes. The parking lot had been mostly empty sans a few cars in preparation of the worst outcome. Most of the larger vehicles had been repurposed to pull carriages through the tunnels. It had been a pain and a half to organize that under the noses of all they couldn't trust, but they had done it. Hunters and tipsters outside the walls and stationed at her shelters were ready to accept refugees. All that was left was the invasion itself.

Stella really regretted Alice's horrible memory recall. She could remember the exact events that eventually lead to weapons being drawn during the signing but not the little important details that could make or break a situation. She knew she was missing something. But she didn't know what. Stella hoped she did not change anything too much to the point she would be unable to predict what would happen.

Her phone ringing two hours before the treaty signing made a chill go down Stella's back. She quickly answered it.

"Princess." Nyx called, his voice rushed.

"What's wrong?" Stella asked, turning away from her father and hiding her ear piece.

"Lady Lunafreya's not with the Niflheim contingent."

Her heart stopped and her face paled. Fear and panic flashed through her at the thought of Luna in danger. This. This is what she couldn't remember. What Alice's memories failed to capture. She cursed.

"Can you locate her?"

"Already on it. The hair pin had a tracking device. Pelna's got a location. There's a Niflheim fleet armed 20 miles to the south. Just outside Insomnia's walls."

"Ready the Glaives." Stella ordered.

"Stella?" Regis's voice called out to her.

"Nyx just reported in to me. There's a Niflheim fleet outside the city walls." She reported grimly, her hands clenched in tight fists. "They have Luna."

Regis's expression turned incensed and Clarus cursed. "Damn them!"

"Permission to deploy the Glaives, father?"

"Granted." Regis ordered, then turned to Clarus to give other orders.

Stella turned back to her phone. "You heard him. Deploy immediately. It'll take you a few hours to even get there."

"Understood."

"Nyx."

"Yeah?"

"Protect her, please. She's important to our future."

"… Got it, your highness."

Stella ended the call just in time to hear the tail end of her father's orders.

" – into custody."

"Detain him? That would go beyond a new declaration of war." Clarus protested.

"We are still at war, Clarus." Stella interrupted. "This just proves Niflheim had no intentions to sign the treaty."

Clarus grimaced and Regis turned back to Stella. "It might be best to evacuate the citizens discretely now."

Stella nodded, already pulling out her phone. "On it."

"Those gathered at the entrances of the Citadel will be in most danger." Clarus noted with a sigh, knowing trying to change their minds would not be worth the breath. Not that he wanted to, really.

"I have hunters hidden in the crowd, they'll be ready to evacuate them to the nearest tunnel entrance." Stella reported dutifully, then turned back her attention to her phone. "Cor, I need everyone to move to the tunnels immediately. Start with those on the outskirts and make your way to those surrounding the Citadel. Be quick but discreet. Try not to cause panic, please."

"Roger that."

Hanging up, she turned to Clarus and her father. She paused at the proud look on their faces and blinked at them. Regis shook his head at her with a proud smile gracing his mouth.

"Make your calls, daughter. Ensure our people are safe."

Hesitating, she nodded. She then looked sternly at her father. "Don't try to exclude me from the signing, dad. I will be there."

"I wouldn't dare." He teased good naturedly, despite the situation.

With a parting smile, Stella turned back to her phone already marching out of the throne room, intent on catching the Glaives before they left.

It had begun.

Stella had another thing she needed to do, though. She ran through the Citadel, dodging and ignoring those in her path as she barked orders into her phone at the Crownsguard and Hunters. Her mind racing through all possible scenarios she could think of and coming up with impromptu contingency plans and relaying them. She could only hope it would be enough to save her people.

She cheated and opened a window that was not in view of the public. Throwing a summoned dagger towards where she saw was the Kingsglaive's HQ building, she warped there. Rolling on the floor, she stood and immediately ran towards where the Glaives were preparing.

Stella threw the door open just as they finished their chant.

"Princess? What are you doing here?" Nyx questioned as the rest of the Glaives looked at her in confusion.

Stella pursed her lips. "You will be engaging the enemy in less than two hours. I will tell you all the information I've gathered on the possible traps Niflheim has likely to prepare. I will not have you go in blindly and risk none of you coming home."

She paused, taking in each and every face in the room, even Luche. These were her comrades, her friends. The people she trained and mourned with over the years of war since their foundation. She had made a promise to herself the day Galahd burned and the first refugees entered Insomnia.

"The war continues, even after this night. If I am able to promise you anything, I promise you this." She said determinedly. "I promise you that all you have fought for has not been for naught. I promise you that Niflheim will not survive past this year. I promise that I will return to you your homes. At the cost of my life, I will not rest until Lucis is free of Niflheim's rule. No matter what happens tonight I will continue to fight. For you, my dearest friends and for Lucis."

Solemnly, the Kingsglaive stared at their princess whom had fought by their side and aided them as much as she could. From the early years of training with her and their new powers to the times the information she provided that led to lesser deaths and more survivors. Stella had always been there to greet them and make them feel at home in Insomnia, despite all the jeers and sneers that were directed at them for not being native Insomnians. Stella made them feel welcomed, like they had belonged in Insomnia since they were born.

Princess Stella was the reason Insomnia was their home now.

"I only ask of one thing from you all." Stella paused, taking a deep breath and pushing back her tears. "Come home."

"We will not fail you, your highness." Tredd Furia announced, his fist over his heart as he bowed. Almost as one, the Kingsglaive repeated their comrade and Stella let a tear fall down her cheeks before hastily brushing it away. "We will rescue Lady Lunafreya, defeat the fleet and come home to you."

Some of them may be traitors, but she didn't care. All she wanted was for them to be safe. She smiled at them, wishing goodbye to peaceful days.

"Good luck and come home, my friends."

Again, if you have any requests for Stella or even scenarios you'd like her in, please do drop it in a review or PM! Thank you for reading!

Preview:

"I told you I would challenge fate, dad." Stella gave and summoned all her weapons, letting it circle around her much like Noctis's future armiger. "This is me spitting in its face."