-3 days before wedding: Insomnia, Lucis-
"As we can see now, the convoys from Tenebrae has just arrived and will directly head to Citadel where His Highness Prince Noctis has been waiting." The news reporter made live news report behind the people who were waving the flags, welcomed Princess of Tenebrae Lunafreya. "After 10 years passed, finally the wedding?" The news highlight on newspapers which were sold on the street.
Luna waved back at the crowded who were cheering for her. "Open the gates, the Princess has arrived.." Glaudio talked to his microphone which was attached to his shirt. "Yes Sir.." Luna stopped waving since the car was going to pass the guard gates before finally stopped. The guards who were waiting on the stairs immediately opened the car's door for Luna "Welcome to the Citadel, Your Highness.." . Luna got out from the car, as she could see The Citadel was being decorated for the wedding. Her wedding. The guards were in line standing at each side of the stairs, bowing for her.
"Luna…" the voice she really knew could be heard from the upstairs. "Noctis…" Luna whispered as she looked up at the upstairs. In his royal outfit, Noctis immediately went down and let her be in his embrace.
"I miss you…" Noctis whispered.
"Me too…" She replied as she stared at him.
Noctis smiled widely at her as he held her hand "Welcome home Princess Lunafreya…" Along with Noctis, there was Umbra which had been waiting to be caressed by Luna. Its tail waved happily as Luna patted its head "Umbra, have you been being a good boy in here?" Then Noctis led her through the upstairs and entered the Citadel. "How was the trip?" Noctis asked as they walked. "Hmm..I really enjoyed it.." Luna answered. Since it was almost lunch time they headed to the dining room along with Ignis, Gladio, and Prompto. According to the schedule after the lunch time, Noctis and Luna were scheduled to make official opening of a new hospital in Insomnia, King Regis & Queen Sylva Hospital. Noctis himself chose that name to commemorate the latest King from Lucis and Queen from Tenebrae.
Soon after they finished their lunches, they headed to the cars which had been waiting for them. Ignis, Gladio and Prompto took the first black car.
"Ladies first.." Noctis smiled at Luna as he let her entered the car first.
"Thank you…" Luna smiled back at him then sat on the right side of passenger seats. As soon Noctis entered the car, the cars slowly moved in a line followed by the royal guards who used two black SUV cars behind them. "You can take a nap if you're tired Luna...we still have 20 minutes for that…" Noctis said before he made a small yawn. Luna chuckled at him "It seems it's you who need it Noctis…" Noctis made a small laugh before he changed his position so he could be face to face with her.
"I don't want to waste this precious time by taking nap..". Luna smiled as she touched his cheek "I thought I had got used with your beard..too bad you shaved it..."
"I had to do it so you won't call me bearded uncle anymore.." Noctis grinned at her. As their cars entered the highway, they could see some buildings were being built or renovated.
"You've worked hard Noctis…" Luna said.
"You too Luna.." Noctis put around his left arm around her stomach and let his chin rested on her left shoulder then enjoy the scenery together.
As the time flew, the cars left the highway and entered the main street. The pedestrians around the hospital had been filled by the people who wanted see or welcome the royal couple. The reporters already gathered and took the pictures with their cameras as soon the cars stopped in front of the hospital. Some of people called Noctis and Luna when they got out from the car and waved around. King Regis & Queen Sylva Hospital was the largest hospital in Lucis. It provided 1.255 beds for the patients. It was built by connecting and renovating the buildings which were in the same complex and had been operating since 1 month ago The physicians and nurses who were standing on the stairs greeted them, Luna and Noctis shook their hands one by one before finally doing ribbon cutting ceremony together then entered the main hall of the hospital where the pictures of King Regis and Queen Sylva were hung side by side on its wall. They visited the wards one by one and greeted the patients. Sometimes Luna hugged the children patients to give supports for them. Prompto who was tagged along with them kept taking pictures of the moments.
-The Citadel, Insomnia-
Before the sun set in the west, the royal couple had returned to the Citadel and had dinner together. But unfortunately, Noctis needed to make a visit outside the capital and maybe wouldn't come back till tomorrow evening. "My friends will accompany you during the visit…" Noctis was standing beside his car, looking at Luna who was standing in front of him. Luna nodded and made a little a him "Don't worry about me, please take care…" Noctis could see that Luna worried about him "I will..I'm leaving now..see you soon.." He hugged her before kissing her forehead. "Hmm..see you soon.." Luna closed her eyes as her forehead got kissed. Noctis then entered the car and left Luna with the guards.
After sending Noctis away, Luna returned to her bedroom in Citadel. Her eyes eyed at her wedding dressed which was put at the middle of the room. It was the same wedding dress which was designated for her wedding 10 years ago. She stood in front of it then touched it "I want to stand by his side throughout anything.."
Morning had come, this time only Prompto who accompanied Luna during breakfast since Ignis and Gladio had to do their duties first meanwhile Noctis hadn't come home. "Thank you for accompanying me, Prompto..."Luna said as they went downstairs headed to the car.
"It's a big honour for me to accompany you, Your Highness…" Prompto smiled widely as he opened the car door for Luna.
Today's schedule was started with visiting the orphanage in Insomnia after that Luna had free time especially since tomorrow was a big day, she could use it to check the wedding preparation. But Prompto told her to not worry about the wedding preparation since Ignis and Noctis had worked for it. Talking about Noctis, he hadn't replied the text she sent to him. "Is he okay?" She glanced at her phone screen several times. Prompto who sat on the driver's side could see her through rear view mirror.
"Don't worry Your Highness, Prince Noctis is doing fine...the place where he is now has low signal so it isn't easy to contact him through phone."
"Ah really? Thank you for telling me.." She sighed relieved then enjoying the scenery which she could see through the car window.
"Now I understand why she asked me to befriend with Noctis...she really cares about him…" thought Prompto as he smiled widely.
The orphanage visiting went smoothly. The kids really loved the Princess of Tenebrae. The reporters who made report from the scene praised her for being kind and sincere towards the kids. Ignis and Gladio joined them not long before they finished the visiting. "Sorry for being late…" Ignis said to Prompto. Gladio joined them after answering the call "His Majesty is going home soon, I guess he can join us for dinner.."
Ignis fixed his glasses "Well before he arrives, we have to finish the tasks that he gave to us…"
Since Gladio and Ignis joined, the seating formation changed. Ignis took the driver seat, Gladio sat beside him while Prompto asked permission to sit by Luna's side which Luna happily approved. "Is there any favorite food do you want to eat Lady Lunafreya?" Ignis asked while driving. "Not really, I'll follow whatever you want to eat.." Luna answered.
"Hey how about going to the new restaurant at fifth avenue? I heard they serves the food in unique way, we can make some good photos.." Prompto grabbed Ignis' seat from behind.
"Oi..we're looking for foods not photos for lunch and we're having special guest now…" Gladio scolded Ignis. Luna who looked at them only could giggle. She could imagine how Noctis' journey 10 years ago was now. "Talking about food, may I ask you something Ignis?" Luna asked.
"Yes please, Your Highness.."
"Beside vegetables is there anything that Prince Noctis doesn't like? Or does he have any favorite food?" Luna continued. Ignis stepped on the brake since the traffic light was red.
"Hmm beside vegetables, he doesn't really like sweet things though Memory Cake is his favorite..grease monkey's schnitzel sandwich, grilled wild barramundi,mother and child rice bowl are his favorites too.. "
"Ah I see, I'll look for those then…" Luna immediately typed those names in her phone. "I'll send you the copy of the recipes if you want, Your Highness.." Ignis turned his head at her before looking forward then focus on driving again.
The car entered the crowded street which were surrounded by stores and flooded by people. "Well I guess we need to take a walk…" Ignis did his best to park the car in the empty narrow space before the others got out from the car. People were so busy walking and making transaction so they didn't notice special guests' presences. "So Prompto where's the restaurant that you recommend for us last night?" Gladio gave a slight bump on Prompto's arm using his fist.
Prompto scratched his cheek "Hmm..though it serves delicious food, it isn't a fancy restaurant..I wonder if it's really okay to bring the Princess to that place.."
"It's okay Prompto, I'll be fine…" Luna's smile assured Prompto.
Prompto found his confidence back and led them immediately "Okay….the restaurant is near here.." They kept walking till arrived in front of two stories brick building which looked like just had renovation.
"7th Heaven…"Ignis read the sign. "Come on…" Prompto waved his hand before opening the door for Luna. It had passed the lunch break so it was quite empty. Prompto chose the table in the deep corner which was near the window so Luna could see the scenery outside. "Thank you…" Luna said to Ignis for pulling the chair for her. As she took her seat, she looked around and found some photos were hung on the walls "Are those children from…." She murmured.
"Hey Prompto, you come here again…" The sound of woman could be heard came closer to them.
"Just like I've promised to you I'll visit this restaurant often and today I bring my friends and special guests…"
Tifa who was holding the paper and pen looked at the people who were sitting around Prompto "E..eh..are they Lord Gladio and Lord Ignis…?" Her voice couldn't get out from her throat after seeing the woman who was sitting beside Ignis. '
Y-Your Highness.." She immediately bowed after seeing The Princess of Tenebrae was there.
"Ah it's okay you don't have to so formal like that…" Luna tried to break this awkward moment. "You should tell me if you want to bring special guests, I could prepare better table first…" Tifa kicked Prompto's ankle. Prompto couldn't help but just raised both of his hands.
"Tifa, is that the picture of children who live in 6th Avenue Orphanage isn't it?" Luna asked.
"A-ah..yes it is Your Highness before living at the orphanage, they used to live in here but since this building needed big renovation, it can't be helped that they have to move to the orphanage…" Tifa looked at the picture with longing eyes.
"Every weekend Tifa and her friend Cloud will visit and deliver the food to the orphanage.." Prompto added.
"Cloud..Do you mean Cloud Strife?" Gladio asked. "Yes his name is Cloud Strife Sir…" Tifa answered. "Ah so he runs the restaurant...to be honest I'm trying to recruit him because he showed good skills in fighting monster, Prince Noctis saw it too…" Gladio said in serious tone. "Ah about that, I'm not sure if Cloud will say yes, but I'll deliver your words Sir…" Tifa looked at empty paper on her hand "Oh my I almost forget to ask the order…"
After ordering some foods, they only need short time to wait till the foods were delivered to their table. "I hope Your Highness can enjoy the meal.." Tifa bowed with the tray being hold by both of her hands after delivering the foods.
"Wait a moment..." Prompto took out his camera then made a pose "Tifa you're in too.." "Eh..eh.." Tifa looked confused but finally join the photo session too.
After taking several shots, finally they could enjoy their lunches and Tifa could go back to her work. "Hmm..I like her risotto…" Ignis gave comment after trying his meal first "The rib steak is good too.." Gladio joined.
"I like the baked rice, thank you for recommending this restaurant Prompto.." Luna gave two thumbs up at him.
"I'm really glad to hear it…" Prompto grinned. In short time they finished their lunches then wave goodbye to Tifa. Luna only followed Noctis' friends without asking, she only made her stop after suddenly being handed a pamphlet. "Altissia Moogle Chocobo Carnival…" She read the title.
"Ah it has been a long time since the last carnival…they will conduct it next month" Gladio joined her. Ignis sighed "I believe "he" will make a demand to go there too, especially since we have plan to visit Altissia.." He gave pressure when saying "He". Hearing it, Luna couldn't help and just smiled as she kept that pamphlet.
After making a turn at the third alley, they stopped in front of a building. "Salon?" Luna asked at the guys who accompanied her.
"Y-yes My Lady…" Prompto answered before hitting Ignis' chest with his elbow. "Since tomorrow is Your Highness' wedding day, Prince Noctis thought Your Highness will need 'Me Time' especially since Your Highness just arrived from a long trip." Ignis said.
He remembered when suddenly Noctis asked in serious tone, what a woman usually does before her wedding day. That question's answer couldn't be found in books, only could be found by asking around the maids,nurses, and female staffs. Chuckle was Luna's first reaction "so that's why all of you are here..then you should join me too..." "Eh?" those three men got surprised.
"What are you doing, Ignis?" Gladio asked while he got his hair being cut. "Making sure the groom soon-to-be won't get fatigued or sick because of overwork…" Ignis put his phone back behind his shirt's pocket. "Hmm what should I do with the bang?" Prompto stood so close to the mirror. "Don't forget you should leave early with Gladio for wedding preparation Prompto.." Ignis warned him. "I know..I know.." Prompto took his seat "Well I guess I'll leave it to stylist's recommendation then.."
After spending 2 hours in salon, finally Luna could walk free from changing room and go downstairs where Noctis' best friends were supposed to wait for her. But when she arrived, only Ignis who was waiting for her "Where're Prompto and Gladio?"
Ignis bowed "They needed to perform their duties as Kingsglaive this evening but before leaving they said thank you for Your Highness' kind act..." Ignis led Luna walked out from the salon to the car which had been parked by him beside the salon building. "drrt..drrt.." Luna could feel her phone vibrated then took it to open the message which just arrived.
"I'll be home soon, can't wait to see you.." Luna read the message which was sent from Noctis. "ignis can we go to somewhere first?" Luna asked. "sure, where should we go?" Ignis replied.
After 2 hours long trip from outer area of Insomnia, finally Noctis came home. "Her Highness is in her chamber, getting ready for the dinner." The maid answered Noctis' question. "Oh okay, thanks.." Noctis said before heading back to his chamber.
"Hm, what is it?" Noctis found a leather covered book on his table. that book looked similar with the book that he kept. "Is it Luna's..?"
He opened the first page of that book and found the picture of children from the orphanage together with Luna. "They wished you always be healthy, Prince Noctis." there was a small note beside that picture. Noctis couldn't hold his smile and he turned the page then saw another picture. This time the picture of his friends along with Luna and another woman which was marked as Tifa. "Prompto chose good restaurant, you should try it" the note said. "Yeah I will go there with you.." Noctis murmured. Then he opened the next page and found a pamphlet was attached. "Since you love Chocobo so much (maybe you love it more than you love me ^^) so I wonder if we can go to this carnival together?" That was the last note. Noctis chuckled at it.
"Sure we will go there together.."
He brought that book then walked to the table beside his bed. He opened its drawer and saw the notebook on the top. The first notebook that Luna and him shared. He smiled at it before putting the book side by side with the old one. "Okay I can't make Luna wait for longer.." He immediately unbutton his shirt before heading to the bathroom. In the other room, Luna was giving final touch in her appearance by putting her hair pin. Wearing evening white gown, she walked to the door where the maid had been waiting for her. "Prince Noctis is heading to the dining room, Your Highness" Luna nodded then followed by the maid she walked to dining room.
According Lucii's tradition, it's normal for the bride and groom having bachelor and bachelorette party. But Noctis prefered to enjoy his last night as free single man with his soon wife to be. Compared with previous dinner that they had, this dinner was more peaceful since there were only Luna and Him.
"I've read the book…" Noctis said before put the small slice of steak into his mouth "My answer is we will go to those places together..and other great places too.." Luna smiled then nodded at him "Hmm.." After finishing their meals and having chit chat about their day activities. Noctis stared at Luna with smile on his face while she was telling him about children in orphanage who wanted to meet him. "What is it Noctis? Did my story make you bored?" Luna caught his eyes as she ended her story. Noctis immediately shook his head "O-of course not…your stories even better than mine" He stood up then walked to her side "I just wondered if you want to have a walk with me?" He lent his right palm for Luna.
"Sure…" She smiled as she reached his hand then held it as they walked together side by side.