Noctis stood straight, much like Lunafreya did in front of him.
He was on the side of Luci's royal councilors and she in Niflheim's delegates.
His body was tensed, much like hers he noticed.
The air that escaped his nostril was cold against his skin, much like hers he thought would be.
His eyes were on hers, even though hers were focused on the King and emperor as they prepared to sign the peace treaty.
He felt eyes on him and turned his eyes towards Lunafreya's right, beside two other Niflheim delegates he saw the same man dressed in those bizarre dark clothing. The same amused and condescending smirk in place as his honey color irises focused on the prince.
Once more, a cold chill ran down his spine and he turned away from the man, he took solace on the image of Luna before him…he cared not for how far away she seemed and how her coldness burned him.
He took her appearance, matured after twelve long years, and the fact that she was there. And he grasped onto that fact like a lifeline, because the tenseness on the signing room were high.
He followed his…wife's gaze and looked towards where both rulers signed the necessary papers for the peace. Both under the heavy surveillance of cameras from reporters that had paid a fortune to be right there on the room a few feet away with two Kingsglaive and two Niflheim elite troops to guard the politicians in the room.
All to get the scoop of the century.
The dark room grew heavier in pressure as both the King and Emperor sign the papers with skillful hands, the afternoon sun behind them glistened the black marble floor.
Noctis sighed and rolled his stiff neck, nearly letting out a satisfy grunt on the silent room.
He missed Prompto, Ignis and Gladio, they had been apart since almost four ago. He noticed that he wanted nothing more than to bask in their silly banter and presence, just to escape the suffocating pressure that had built up on his shoulders.
Ever since he stepped out that altar, he felt as if thousands upon thousands of needles had embedded themselves on his back. The expectant stares of everyone on the Chapel of Etro, of everyone from around the world suddenly felt very real and very uncomfortable. He felt insecure, nervous, and completely out of his league.
The pressure of Gladiolus words about him humiliating his kingdom smacked him on his face again when he nearly tripped under the constant stares of everyone around.
It hadn't helped that Lunafreya didn't as so much as show any comfort or understanding or any of the things she did when they talked with each other through their letters. She remained silent through the drive towards the citadel, always calm and serene.
She walked beside him like dutiful wife, but her stance completely betrayed that notion. He noticed when they had entered the very room they were in, that she had taken charge and made sure to keep him in check and where to go with but a simple look from those blue eyes of hers.
Damn, it was incredibly difficult to even look at her straight in the eye without feeling small and to obey her silent commands, not even when his father looked at him with his kingly eyes did it made him feel like that. The gaze of the Oracle truly was something beyond words.
"And so peace has been finally reach, King Regis." The words of the emperor, Iedolas, had been said with an underlying tone of arrogance. The King of Lucis looked towards the emperor with an unreadable expression.
"Indeed, it has, Emperor Iedolas." The answer from Regis was short and dry, it revealed nothing. The old tyrant smirked at the words and looked at the cameras. The Lucis councilors and the Niflheim representatives clapped, the silent room bustled with the sound of false enthusiasm and practiced movement.
Noctis nearly followed in their actions, but stopped. Lunafreya's hands remained clasped in front of her, tensed and clenched, eyes focused on the smirking emperor. The prince preferred to imitate her, her actions seem far more genuine and he preferred them far above the ones of the other men.
And also, maybe, because even though everything that had happened on the wedding day, he felt more comfortable to fall back in following in her lead, just like all those years ago, after they met.
The action on the room stop when Iedolas raised a hand and smiled at the newlyweds.
"Ah, the union of two warring nation, a union that was once though as impossible stands before me. Is truly awe-inspiring, is it not?" The emperor asked the King, the corners of the old man's eyes on the King.
"I would say it is, all that's left is for our two nation is to understand the laws agreed upon and follow them in order preserve the peace." The King stressed out the sentence, eyes focused on the emperor. The white cloth old man waved him and looked down on the newlyweds.
"I believe that a few things can be added into this treaty." Regis eyes widened at the words Iedolas uttered. He stepped towards the older man in outraged, everyone in the room tensed in anticipation.
"What?! Are you already breaking the treaty itself? Are you so arrogant to believe you can do as you please?!"
"Arrogant?" The emperor seemed to take offence at the words and let his eyes wonder off Noctis and Luna. "I can assure you that I have nothing to be arrogant about. Arrogance is for fools who lack in power. Fools like you are proving yourself to be."
"…" The King swallowed his angered fuel words and just stared at the emperor, who smiled and looked down on the King.
"I believe that what we can add to this treaty that we, Niflheim, had so graciously given you in a show of peace and mercy." Iedolas let his words sink in and simmered, his gaze sorely focused on the King. Then he tore his eyes from the King and focused on the cameras beyond where the newlyweds and the others were. "We can add a new clause to it, a new mission that will make this union grow and bond even more through our growing trust."
"Mission?" Noctis question had escaped his lips before even he noticed, his voice rough from disuse since the wedding. Everyone's attention was on him instantly and the prince nearly shifted uncomfortably under everyone's eyes. Iedolas nodded at him.
"Indeed, prince Noctis, a mission for you and the princess of Tenebrae."
"…!"
"…!"
"…!"
"…!"
Everyone on the side of Lucis looked shock, but made no other movement. Noctis looked more confuse, he stared at the smirking emperor, shifted his gaze towards his frustrated father and finally towards his wife.
As ever she held herself in a serene manner. She was not surprise by the words of the tyrant, but she showed suspicion and displeasure at the old man. The emperor returned the look with a condescending one.
Regis had just about enough of the emperor of Niflheim's words.
"What is the meaning of this Iedolas? What are you playing at?"
"I play at nothing, but the benefit of this union between us." Iedola responded easily, his eyes returned to the King. "You see, now that our nations shall know peace…I believe it is time show this new worldwide peace, towards something beyond us."
"You...wait…" Regis trailed off as a look of clarity crossed his eyes and then utter shock and horror.
"Yes, the Oracle and the Crown Prince shall go forth and awake the sleeping gods!" Iedolas proclaimed towards the camera and smirked in satisfaction.
"What?!" Regis bellowed out in outrage. He looked at his son sharply in fear and sadness, realization had grasped him and resentment settled in. He then looked back at the emperor.
Noctis felt his heart clenched at the look his father gave him.
"Indeed." The emperor nodded and relaxed his posture.
"Why would you want such thing? Do you even understand what it means to awaken the Six?" Regis asked, his posture tense.
"Ho? I would've thought that you would take this opportunity to let the prince gather the power of the gods? And have the young prince wield their power against Niflheim?"
"Do not presume that I would break such treaty so easily, Emperor Iedolas. I am a King who has sworn this allegiance for the betterment of my people." Regis stated and gave the man a pointed look. "I am just curious to know what your interest in the gods are…to awaken them, is a dangerous thing to do. I am just having the best interest of this union in mind."
"Quite true, King Regis, the gods are dangerous beings. One cannot simply mingle with and expect no consequence's. But I must say, it fills my heart with joy to know that you are taking this union with such seriousness. Your people and mine as well must be feeling proud that such tempting thoughts have not seduced you." Iedolas taunted, a smirk in place in satisfaction on the show of his superiority.
"…" Regis only answered with a glare. The emperor aged eyes shone with delight.
"Or maybe you are afraid that my action…will bring back something that had been broken recently?" Iedolas questioned with an innocent look. Regis looked at the old man in confusion, then his eyes widen in realization and paled at the words.
"How do you…?"
"Do not underestimate Niflheim King of Lucis, you may have access to your magic and Crystal…" Iedolas said the last bit with a tinge of longing. "But we in Niflheim hold resources and knowledge far beyond what you could ever hope to have. For we are the future of a better world…and unlike you, we do not delude ourselves with the likes of fortune tellers or prophecies!"
"…" Regis glared at the man, though, the bead of seat that rolled down his forehead was only visible to the emperor, much to the tyrant's growing delight.
The prince and princess looked at the scene before them in silence, though the prince was tense and confused. He dared look at his wife and saw her close her eyes tightly at the words of the emperor.
Noctis confusion and frustration only grew more at the events that unfolded.
"Seeing as there won't be any further incidents between us, then let us proceed, shall we?" The question was not meant to be answer, Iedolas turned and looked at the newlyweds. "The two of you shall go forth at the crack of dawn tomorrow and awakened the gods. You must overcome the trials of the Archean, the Fulgurian and the Hydraen. Preparations have already been made with the local religious cultist for this event."
"Why do you want that?" Noctis questioned, his mouth once again ran out of his control. Unlike last time, no one looked down on him, to focused on the plans the emperor had just revealed.
Iedolas smiled, Noctis decided that he really would never enjoy that smile.
"I want you and your wife, to bring them here of course." Iedolas tapped the table where the signing had taken place moments ago and looked down at it. "Right here into your 'crown city'…where I and my people shall wait for both your return with the gods and we shall show them at our success in the unification of the world without their presence nor blessing, of course."
"…"
"…"
"…"
Everyone was silent at proclamation, Regis recovered from his shock at the words and looked at the man with a frustrated and resigned look.
"You truly intend to stay here? Doing as you please?"
"Why shouldn't I? Are we not allies, King Regis? Have our nations not joined together both in law and in matrimony?" Iedolas gestured towards Noctis and Lunafreya. "And it will serve to motivate to your son into fulfill in this very important mission, after all, I shall have my military force come here to celebrate. Every and each ship shall stand side by side the force of Lucis, to await the prince and princess return."
"Is that threat?" Regis asked, his face set into a stony expression. Iedolas chuckled at the question.
"No, of course not. Think of it as an…incentive for the accomplishment of the first ever united effort between the Empire of Niflheim and of the people of Lucis."
"…" Silence was the answer the emperor had received. The smile the old man gave showed that it was exactly what he wanted. He turned towards the camera and smiled.
"Then the peace treaty has come to a close. Let us celebrate this event in earnest!"
A heavy and nauseating pressure had embedded itself into Noctis.
He watched as the emperor openly mocked his father with a smirk.
How Lunafreya looked serenely resigned at the events.
The tenseness and frustration from some of the councilors.
And the clear jeers and mockery in the eyes of the Niflheim delegates.
Noctis would've never thought that things would've ended like this, in fact, he hadn't even thought that something like this would've happened. He didn't know if it was a bad thing…or just an even worse thing.
Because there wasn't anything good about the current situation.
He just hoped things wouldn't worsen, at least for the sake of his fatigued and frustrated father sake.
He felt the opened stare of someone at him. He turned and saw the same bizarre man with the exact same smirk on his face. The man's honey color eyes bore into the prince's blue one with great amusement.
Noctis at that moment understood, that whatever hoped he had were denied under those honeyed color eyes.
.
.
.
.
The sun was setting behind the tall building of Insomnia.
The top of the hotel rooftop bustled with music, dancing, drinks and fireworks to celebrate the peace treaty and the wedding. People of high-class from all over the world drank and went in to try and talk to the newly-weds, all of them dressed to impress and to leave an impression on the young married couple's mind.
The princess of Tenebrae received all of them, her voice calm and controlled. She greeted them with such courtesy that it left them quiet, basked in her presence. But before they even had the opportunity to speak, she moved on to the next person and left many people disgruntled or disappointed because their hesitation caused them to lose their chance with the married couple.
Noctis himself just kept close to his wife, his third drink in hand and grateful that Lunafreya could wart off any annoying noble or rich person with an agenda with casual and practiced ease.
The prince took a sip of his drink and already he felt himself grimaced, regret over the third cup of the expensive drink nestled within him. Even though these drinks didn't have much alcohol in them, such was the way royalty prevented any guest or royalty themselves from making a fool of themselves, he already felt a little bit tipsy.
He wasn't like his Shield, Gladio. The big guy could drink multiple bottles of alcohol and still walk straight.
He turned to look back at his wife and suddenly felt cold. She wasn't beside him, she was a few paces up front and with many people that had gathered around her to bask in her presence.
He sighed and tried to make way towards her, but quickly noticed when hungry eyes settled on him from the crowd around his wife. They all looked ready to pounced on him for his presence and attention.
Noctis gulped, unlike his newly-appointed wife, he didn't have the experience in how to handle crowds. He had only one solution for his problem and that was to turn away from it and run, it would be so much easier.
Maybe if he was lucky he would find Gladio and Ignis, since he was aware that those two were around the hotel. Prompto was highly unlikely to be here on the party, maybe down on the bar as he tried to woo some girl. Though he could hope that the blonde was up in the roof, he could use some of the man's energetic personality right about now.
So, he turned and was met with a pair of familiar honeyed color eyes.
The young prince's hopes were dashed away at the sight of the smiling man.
"Why hello there? Your charming wife is right over there." The man pointed behind the stilled Noctis, his finger far too close of the prince's face for his comfort. The man retracted his finger back and his smiled grew. "Or…are you looking for something else, Noctis?"
"…none of your business." Noctis said, stepped around the man, and tried to get away from him. Unfortunately, the darkly bizarre cloth man walked beside him. He could feel condescending smirk even without looking when they made it to the rooftop's balcony and away from the crowd.
"Ah, ah." The man put his hand in front of Noctis's face and shook is finger in a scolding manner, the smile on his face playful. The dark prince wasn't feeling playful at all.
"What?" The prince asked in annoyance, the cup he had held was abandoned on the balcony's ledge.
"You say that it is none of my business. But Noctis, you couldn't be more wrong with your choice of words."
"And how's that?"
"Hmm, well Noctis, you wouldn't have married dear Lady Lunafreya if it wasn't for me. Meaning that all of this…" The man gestured towards the party and wife, his smirk grew in size at the shock look of the prince. "Is indeed my business."
"Wait…if you planned this…then your…!" Noctis connected the dots quickly and glared at the bizarre looking man with an incredulous look. The prince could not help but feel embarrass for not figuring it out sooner.
"Oh, my feelings are quite hurt, Noctis." The man said with sullen look, though the expression shifted quickly into a smirk and he bowed in an exaggerated manner. He looked up at the prince with amusement. "But nonetheless allow me to introduce myself to his highness and husband of the princess of Tenebrae, I am Ardyn Izunia, Chancellor of Niflheim! But for you, I will let you call me Ardyn."
Noctis looked down at the man, Ardyn, right himself up with his smirk still in place.
"…"
"Ah, I can see you are very surprise by this. Ho, how very embarrassing! The Crown Prince of Lucis, not being attentive to the world of politics that surround him. Shame on you." The words were mocking and the glint of condensation in Ardyn's eyes made Noctis grimaced, embarrassment filled the dark prince. Noctis let out a breath and turned away.
"I don't need to hear some creepy old guy start making fun of me, so bye, and enjoy the party." Noctis said and walked away.
"Oh, how hurtful, such insulting and strong words being said to me…that wasn't the Noct I know." It ticked Noctis off how those words drawled and dripped with mockery from Ardyn's tongue. But what made it worse was the fact that the man had said the nickname that only his friends used on him.
"Don't use that name?"
"Oh, don't like me calling you Noct?" The smirk only grew in size at the annoyed look on the prince.
"Yeah, you and I sure as hell aren't friends, so don't go off calling other people names." Noctis answered roughly, his body half turned and with his eyes narrowed.
"Oh, maybe I was wrong about you not paying much attention to politics…you have the hypocrisy down to the fine detail!" Ardyn called out in amusement. Noctis's eyes widened, he realized his mistake and blushed in embarrassment.
"Tch…!"
"Heh, maybe not that experience in the world of politics, but the potential exist…" Ardyn let his eyes wonder towards the uncomfortable and annoyed prince. The glare from those blue eyes could stab daggers at the chancellor.
"Shut up, stop talking as if you know me already…!" Noctis frustration babbled out, teeth bare, his eyes focused on the man's smirk turned into a devilish grin.
"Oh, but I do know you Noct. So many juicy details, so many fine secrets and hidden turmoil's…they were quite the joy to read."
Noctis felt his heart stop.
Everything blacked out and the noise around him was drowned out. His balanced felt off and he nearly toppled forward, though the firm hand that grasped him by the shoulder kept him in place. The young man's vision returned back to him and he looked at Ardyn, who stared at him with a look of faux concern.
Noctis ripped himself of the man, he nearly fell down, and looked at the chancellor with a devastated look.
"W-What did you—!" Noctis stammered as he uncontrollably pulled back, to shock and floored to be near the smiling man.
"Oh, do be careful Noct. You wouldn't want to trip and hurt yourself on your wedding day, now would you?"
"Answer me damn it! What the hell do—?!" Noctis howled out, but was silence when a rough finger was place on his lips, courtesy of Ardyn. The dark prince recoiled back in disgust.
"Shh, shh! Now, now, wouldn't want to cause a scene now, would we?" Ardyn asked and looked back at the guest. Some of the people turned to look at them and noticed the distraught look in the prince, Ardyn waved them off. Some look on in curiousness, while others shrugged and went back to the party.
"S-Shut up!" Noctis snarled, his eyes narrowed. "What the hell do you mean by that? What the hell?!"
"Hm? By what?" Ardyn asked innocently, his smile ever present.
"By…by…!" The words 'his and Luna's book' refused to come out, a desperate plead that whatever words the chancellor had uttered were nothing but mere coincidences.
Ardyn's mocking eyes dashed those hopes away from him again.
"By that, you mean the little book that you and your dear wife kept sending back and forth with your oh so lovely words?"
"…how…?" Noctis questioned came out quiet and small, shock and embarrassment pummeled him down. The knowledge that something so treasure to him, had been defiled so easily by the person before him made the prince's heart clench and his ears to burn.
Ardyn smiled and looked up at the darken night sky.
"How do you think Lady Lunafreya's poor pup, Umbra, hadn't been shot in sight after being seen leaving the young princess room, carrying a small book. You truly think that Niflheim would let something like that escape their notice? Who knew what could have been written there, and for how long such…brazen letters had been written there."
"…" Noctis looked down, his embarrassment at the privacy he had with Luna to be broken and at the fact that he had never thought of that possibility…it was infuriating.
"Why so surprise, highness? You thought that everything would go like a fairy tale story?" Ardyn mocked, he rolled his eyes and gestured grandly. "Oh, two star crossed lovers set apart by both distance and time keep a small and treasure book to talk with each other. The two talk and talk, letting their relationship blossom and flourish…"
"…" Noctis didn't respond, his hands shook in pure fury. His nails pierced through the flesh in hands. It stung, but it kept the prince focus and prevented him from just shutting down completely.
The events of the day had proven themselves to be too much.
"The young prince babbled on and on about his own life…always so brave to say whatever he thinks or feels on those pieces of paper and pouring himself towards dear Lady Lunafreya. And just like a good Oracle, she read your words and comforted you…" Ardyn looked down at the anger that roused up from the young prince. "I bet you enjoyed that, oh, I would bet everything that you did. Everything. Yes, just like the rest of those people in there and all around who went to see her. Always so taken by her kindness and understanding…that, well, you just cannot see the true her."
Noctis deflated quickly at the words, confusion and doubt nestled inside of him.
"What…?"
"Oh, what indeed? So eager to write all about your problems…"
"Shut up…" The prince regretted his question and just wanted for the man to shut up, he made to get out of the balcony. But Ardyn stepped in his way.
"…so, happy to received 'Luna's' comforting replies…" Ardyn continued, eyes focused on the enrage prince. "So self-absorb and immature, that you completely ignored her needs. Her desperate cry from her caged and solitary room."
"…?!" Noctis looked at the man once more in confusion and with apprehension clear on his eyes.
"Want to know a little secret?" The man asked and leaned in forward, the prince leaned back with his teeth bare at the sudden action. The chancellor smiled ferociously. "It's a very simple secret, something that I know for I am a dear friend of Lady Lunafreya…and of course something two other know as well, one because he is related by blood and suffers the same fate…and the other because she herself does nothing and simply watches."
"…w-what?" Noctis hated himself right now. He hated how the man had even referred himself as friend to Luna in such a mocking way. And he hated how the chancellor had reduced him into this barely controlled mess.
He usually tried to keep himself in check, to keep his emotions from flying everywhere. He played it cool and aloof when talking with people, and abrasive and cocky when faced with opposition.
But the chancellor just ripped his defenses with ease and stabbed him repeatedly where it hurt most.
Though, what he hated the most, was the possibility that the man spoke the truth. What did he not know about Luna? What did he ignore when he received that precious little book? He was always attentive, he was always careful to read and reread the message and make sure to send a proper reply.
What did he miss?!
…they were quite the joy to read.
The mocking words of the chancellor beat him over the head at the piece of information he had tried to desperately ignore.
Since when had the man before him been aware of the book? What had he done after he discovered it?
Was everything Luna wrote…all lies?
Doubt and denial gnawed away his mind at the mere thought.
It was too much, it was just too much for him to handle.
Noctis failed to realize how erratic his breathing had become.
It was the hot breath of the cause of his current problems beside his right ear, that snapped him from breaking down. The dark prince turned his eyes towards the man and saw the corner of his mouth curled up into a satisfy grin.
"Poor Lunafreya never had any freedom at all."
The dark hair young man's breath hitched up and his vision became unfocused.
…poor Lady Lunafreya never had any freedom at all…
What was that supposed to mean?
…poor Lady Lunafreya never had any freedom at all…
What did it mean?
…poor Lady Lunafreya never had any freedom at all…
No, Noctis had enough. He needed to get out of his wedding suit. It was too tight, it felt as if it was suffocating him, it felt as if it was about to eat him away and leave nothing but a mess that would definitely embarrass his father.
He needed to get away.
He needed to run.
He needed—!
"Don't be such a selfish twat, Noct. Putting your own feelings and desires first is exactly what lead to you completely ignoring your wife's plight…maybe it's time for you to face her and deal with these problems, like a real man…and not like a child behind a flimsy paper."
The prince would never understand how that man did it…he wouldn't understand and frankly, he felt that not knowing was better. The chancellor was terrifying by how easy he could manipulate him. Their first time meeting face to face and with just a few words, the older man had him feeling depressed, angry, in despair and then right back into a furious determination.
It was terrifying…
And it just pissed him off by how the man could do that and get away with it.
Noctis looked up, still shocked. His body shook, all the previous emotions ran high and out of his control. His gaze was met with the chancellors back.
Ardyn turned towards him and smiled, amusement and mocking encouragement clear on his eyes.
"Now, now, be firm and be brave…otherwise you would run away from your problems, like you usually do, hmm?"
With those words the man walked away, his intentions accomplished and satisfy by the state he left the prince.
Noctis, just glared at the man's back.
He hated the man.
If he before had no one he actually hated, then that man was definitely at the reigning top.
He hated his voice.
He hated how he looked.
He hated that the man knew of things he should not know.
And most definitely…
He hated how that bastard was right…
He needed to talk with Luna, if it was true that Luna had been all alone…that even though she had spoken with him for the past twelve years and saw that he paid no heed to her problems…
He needed to fix things.
He was her husband now…and she was his wife, even if it was all through political play.
Even if it was just all the machinations of that magenta haired bastard…
He looked at Luna at the distant and at how she moved through the crowed, she turned towards him.
She looked confuse as to why he would be in the balcony and utterly tired from handling everyone by herself. Her eyes travelled towards the chancellor who sauntered away.
She winced at the man and looked back at her husband with defensive stony blue eyes.
Noctis decided at that very moment that he really needed to make things right by her.
Not for himself…but for her.
At least that's what he told himself.
.
.
.
.
It had taken a couple of more hours, but the celebration for the peace treaty and wedding had come to an end.
Lunafreya Nox Caelum and Noctis Caelum Lucis had both retreated towards their room inside the very hotel where the party had been hosted. The entire top floor belonged to them and was the one that had the best rooms and furniture all around Insomnia, excluding the citadel of course.
Though, Noctis highly doubted he or Luna would use the entire floor. While beautiful and looking like the kind of place someone would go to just to brag, it didn't fit with him. And he assumed with Luna as well.
Though, not like they would find the chance to enjoy it…they had to leave and wake the gods up in the behest of a tyrant.
Still the two had arrived towards their large room and both looked at the large window wall that let them see the city. Their gaze was focused on the bright and active city of Insomnia. Noctis turned away from the view of the city's buildings and looked at his wife.
She looked tired, her incredibly well done hair looked a little damp and out of place. Her makeup had mostly gone away with all the back and forward of the day.
And still she looked radiant as ever.
It may have had to do with the fact that her cold expression had been replaced with a softer one, her exhausting made it hard for her to conceal whatever her feelings at the current moments were. He noticed her tenseness, her doubt, her unease, her frustration…the distanced she presented for him.
Never in his life would've Noctis ever felt something like this for a second time. With his father, it was bad enough, but to have it with Luna? With the same girl who had somehow managed to make a smile form up his face all those twelve years ago?
It frustrating and depressing.
It was hard to believe that through a little book he felt close to her, close enough that he had thought he had felt her comfort around when he needed it and for her his happiness at her every reply.
Were he to reach for her right now…? Would he get to her like he had always thought he could?
Would she reciprocate like she always did with those words of hers that always brought warmth to him, even in the darkest and coldest of the lonely nights?
…poor Lady Lunafreya never had any freedom at all…
The words of the chancellor hammered his head so roughly, that it almost made him recoiled in shock and fright. His breath hitched and his mind went into focus at the task he needed to accomplish.
He needed, no, he had to talk with her.
No treasure book were the two exchange letters.
No black furred pup that would always and excitedly crossed that long bridge between the two.
No distance that separated them from any lies or secrets they may hold against each other.
Then why was it so hard? Why did her name refused to come out of his throat? He looked at the side of her face, her blue eyes focus on the city of Insomnia. Away from him.
And he didn't mind that…if it meant that she would not look at him with those cold and indifferent eyes of hers…
…poor Lady Lunafreya never had any freedom at all…
But he couldn't let that pass. Even if he were to be looked by her like that…he needed to know.
After twelve years of speaking with each other…no matter what the chancellor had said about the book, he refused to believe everything was all a lie, so…
Wasn't that his right, to know the truth?
"Luna." Her name flew out of his mouth with a casual ease that it surprised even him. His blue eyes stared expectantly at the side of her face, he waited for her to focus on him.
She turned her face and met his gaze. Unlike before, the strength in their gaze had shifted.
Now his eyes were strong and determine, while hers were tired and begged for some rest.
"What is it, Noctis?" Those were her first words directed at him personally. Not the monotone and almost mechanical words she had spoken at the wedding or the one she had use to ward off anyone as they tried to consumed the two with their questions.
No, those words had emotion, even if it was tiredness, there was also hesitation from whatever talk may occurred between the two.
And that terrified Noctis.
"I…what's wrong Luna?" And still he brave forward, if he stepped back now, he may never have another opportunity.
"I'm tired Noctis, today's events have been exhausting." Luna replied in clipped tone, her eyes focused on his. The coldness and indifferent look from her eyes weren't present. There was nothing in her gaze, except for the clear fatigue of the day.
And yet, the husband noticed something in those, a shine of expectation. It was small, but it was present.
Noctis held onto that small shine like a radiant shine.
"That isn't what I meant Luna."
"Then what is it that you meant, Noctis?" Luna asked, she turned away from him and walked for the large desk to the far-side of the bed. She illuminated it when she turned the lamp on.
"What I mean…I…" Hesitation took over him, fear that he may overstepped his boundaries blanketed him over.
"Noctis, what is it?" Luna's cool replied filled his ears. Her tone and words made him feel worse, he really shouldn't…
…poor Lady Lunafreya never had any freedom at all…
But the cruel words of the chancellor fueled him with determination.
"What I mean is everything is okay, Luna?" Noctis dared ask, but found that his mouth refused to stopped the words that escaped him in fear of hesitation again chocking them back. "Today, in our wedding, you acted so cold and distant. I mean I get that you probably didn't want to get married, because I didn't like being force into this thing either…"
"…" Luna looked at him silently and Noctis noticed her cool gaze on him. He took a step back and looked down when he noticed how his last sentenced sounded.
"I mean…I don't…I never minded getting marry to you Luna. If I was going to get married to someone…who better than you…right?" Luna's feature softened a little at the words, the dark prince's honesty and shyness had melted her defense's a little. He took that as an opportunity.
"It's just…I was so excited to see you again…and then I see you acting so distant. Aah, it just hurt…because that's not the you I know, Luna."
There, he had finally said it. He had managed to get it off his chest. Something that he realized at that moment had simmered and writhed deep in him for the last three years and it had reached to its culmination on this day.
At that moment, he felt the weight of the world lift of his chest and he felt relieve that had spoken. His fist clenched tightly felt cold against the moisture of the sweat that had poured out from his nervousness.
He would even dare say that he was happy. Memories from twelve years ago, the young him in a wheelchair and the young Luna in front of him with a smile as she offered the book to keep in touch with her.
The very same book that would let them talk with each other.
"Noctis…you really don't know me."
The words had been delivered flatly, a tinge of sadness in her voice as she stared back at him with tired eyes.
Noctis hadn't even noticed when stumbled back and had tripped, his back hit the wall of sturdy glass behind him. His breath had been knocked from his chest and his eyes stared at Luna's…at Lunafreya's with raw hurt at the words.
Suddenly, everything that the chancellor had said to him crashed into him all at once.
…You thought that everything would go like a fairy tale story?...
No…
…Oh, two star crossed lovers set apart by both distance and time keep a small and treasure book to talk with each other…
No…no…
…So many juicy details, so many fine secrets and hidden turmoil's…
…no…no…
…they were quite the joy to read…
…no…no…no…no
…Putting your own feelings and desires first is exactly what lead to you completely ignoring your wife's plight…
…no…no…no…no…no…no…no…no…No!
…poor Lady Lunafreya never had any freedom at all…
No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! NO!
The touch of a soft palm on his left cheek made him flinch and look down at the hand. He followed the hand to the arm in a dazed manner until he saw the blonde woman's blue eyes.
His breath hitched at the look…for it was the look he had longed to see from her.
Soft and concerned blue eyes met his distraught and hurt ones.
Luna…Lunafreya sighed at the look and shook her head. Her other hand went for his other cheek, grasped it softly and forced his head to look straight at hers. His hands gabbed hers and held firmly, as if she were to let go then whatever image he had made of his wife would shattered completely.
"I am sorry Noctis, it wasn't my intention to hurt you." She apologized softly, her eyes trained on the emotional blue ones of her husband.
"Sure as hell doesn't feel like it…" Noctis words came out rough and strained, unsure of what to do or say and embarrass over his apparent assumptions and behavior.
Luna…Lunafreya sighed once more and her soft eyes gained a strong edge to them.
Noctis flinched at the strength in his wife's gaze.
"Again, my apologies for my hurtful words. I…I have been going through some very challenging week…" Lunafreya apologize with that measure and solemn voice of hers. Though, the hint of a lied when she said 'week' was something the husband caught on.
She pulled away from him as she stood up. Noctis arms fell limply when she stepped away from him.
"Gah…I…yeah, I guess I can see that…" Noctis stammered, his face flush from embarrassment, he looked away. "I just…it just feels like your…your taking it out on me or something…like if I did something…"
Lunafreya sighed once more and walked toward the bed, she sat there and looked at him. Her eyes had lost their edge to them and instead gave her husband a strange look, one he couldn't place his finger as to what. But what lurked in those eyes of hers was something like akin to pity.
And Noctis found himself internally seething at that.
"Do not presume that it is something against you Noctis…not personally at the very least." Lunafreya amended and looked off to the side as well, but returned her gaze quickly back to her husband. "I am grateful that the man I married was you, since I know you were raised by King Regis to be a good man. And I am grateful to see you once more, after all this years…but at the same time…"
"You didn't want to get marry." Noctis finished for her and looked down, a sigh escaped him and looked up, he was surprise when he saw her shake her head.
"No, it isn't a matter of whether I wanted or didn't want to get marry. This union between us is but a duty that I had to fulfill…much like you."
Somehow those words cut even deeper than before, because again, the word 'duty' showed itself again and puncture itself into him. Never before had a word somehow managed to make him feel so much emotion against it except whenever Lunafreya either spoke or wrote about it. It was quite the accomplishment.
"It's always about duty, huh…"
"Everything is about our duty, Noctis." Lunafreya reaffirmed strongly and gave him a hard look. "Duty and how we accomplished them is what defines. My duties as the princess of Tenebrae dictate that I must secure the peace of my people, lest what happened twelve years ago repeat once more."
"…" Her words made him flinched, memories of the attack filtered into his head and he looked off to the side with a pain expression. Lunafreya continued with her onslaught.
"And my duties as Oracle does not allow for me to let the suffering of the people on this world to continue onward. So, if an opportunity to give the people peace was presented to me, then I would take it wholeheartedly. For that is my duty. Duty is what defined me Noctis, my mother thought me this and life after her death reinforced this very concept into my very being." She stated with a firm voice and determine eyes as she looked down at her shocked husband. Her eyes then gain that looked off pity and sadness. "But this is just something you wouldn't understand…nor would you understand me."
"Huh…? What do you mean…?" Noctis asked, eyes full confusion and irritation as the chancellor's words rang in his skull.
…Putting your own feelings and desires first is exactly what lead to you completely ignoring your wife's plight…
"You have live a life full of so many privileges Noctis…" Lunafreya said, her firm tone still in place. "You have lived where you have a parent that cares for you…a life free of duty…and a peaceful life, away from the iron grip of a tyrant and…"
"Luna…"
"…a-and away from the humiliating jeers of a monster…"
Noctis recoiled against the glass wall he had been leaning against. Her firm and strong voice had broken and she looked frustrated that such thing had happened.
It was disheartening to see her break like that. Even if the weakness she had shown was small, it was still there.
And…
…poor Lady Lunafreya never had any freedom at all…
Because the chancellor's words sounded more and more like a reality instead of just the mocking words of a man from an enemy land like he had deluded himself into believing.
It made his heart clench painfully.
Lunafreya sighed and shook her head at the distraught look from her husband once more.
"I will go and bath myself, you should too. We have a very long day tomorrow and some rest will do you good." Lunafreya said, she stood up and walked towards the bathroom.
"Just like that…" The words left his mouth without any control from him. He had lost that earlier on the day. Right now, all he had left was the frustration to fueled him on. He knew once that frustration left him, he would just shut down.
"What?" Lunafreya asked, her voice strained with some emotion. Her tone made it clear that she had expected the reaction, but that she really didn't want to continue with this argument.
Noctis could guessed that she too was at her breaking point, much like he was. He still didn't understand Lunafreya's plight and even though he knew that the correct course of action should've been to let things go…his frustration and anger just left him wanting to lash out.
"Just like that…you'll go with whatever the emperor will say…just like that…?" He asked and looked at her with barely contained emotion. His wife looked back at him and gave him a pitying look.
"You are still young…yet not mature and not understanding how this world of ours works. Maybe this journey of ours will make you grow…to make you strong enough to protect yourself for the things that lurked out of your own comfort zone…" Lunafreya said with a sad smile. "But for your question, yes, I will go with whatever Emperor Iedolas says…both because it is my duty and…because you do not know how it feels to fear and to be humiliated by the whims of a tyrant."
Noctis grew silent at her words and looked as she walked away with wide eyes.
…You thought that everything would go like a fairy tale story?...
He missed when she came out of the shower looking refresh and straighter.
…Oh, two star crossed lovers set apart by both distance and time keep a small and treasure book to talk with each other…
He missed when she told him to go and shower himself.
…So many juicy details, so many fine secrets and hidden turmoil's…
He missed when she told him to snap out his shock and to rest as she sat on the bed.
…they were quite the joy to read…
He missed when she gave up on him and turned away from him.
…Putting your own feelings and desires first is exactly what lead to you completely ignoring your wife's plight…
He missed her frustrated and grief stricken glare as she could not take another look at his behavior and at how she curled herself into the bedcovers. She left him there in the same position as she herself tried to find some solace underneath the covers.
…poor Lady Lunafreya never had any freedom at all…
He missed when she had fallen into the oblivion of sleep and away from all her troubles and griefs.
.
.
.
.
Noctis blinked through the darkness and looked toward the bed where he saw his wife sleep, her body was tense and uncomfortable.
He schooled his features and kept it in tight grip, afraid that he would let go and just collapse.
He stood up absentmindedly and walked away.
He looked around the room, he saw the time was only two hours after midnight.
He knew that it wouldn't be too late to find them.
He just hoped with everything he had, that they were where he thought they would be.
He made it out of the beautiful room and marched in a mechanical manner towards the elevator. He punched the lobby room button and leaned against the elevator wall.
He got off, and made his way towards the bar of the hotel. He ignored everyone that looked at him and marched forward without care.
He made it to his destination and let his eyes scanned the area.
And he found them, his wretched heart suddenly felt warm.
He walked forward, towards the three suited men he knew could help him forget.
Prompto was the first to noticed him, the blonde perked up, drink in hand and gave him a wolfish grin.
"Heyaz! If it ain't the man of the hour Noct! Way to early budd—!" The blonde cut himself off when he noticed the prince's smile wavered, the blond quickly made it towards his friend and looked at him in concerned.
"Noct?" Ignis asked, the brunet turned around in concerned, his own simple dink laid forgotten. The man walked towards him and touched his shoulder, the prince gabbed it tightly.
"Noct, what the hell is wrong? Don't tell me your wife wasn't satisfy with you?" Gladiolus joked, but his face was set into a worried frown as he took a swig of his drink and stood up. The man's confusion and worry prevented him from telling his prince to straightened up as the crowed look at them.
Gladiolus walked around the group and used his massive body to give them some privacy.
"Guys…" Noctis started and looked down, his feature still cool and collected, even though his voice made it clear to his friends how he felt. "…can we just…can we just go somewhere? Somewhere that isn't here, please?"
Prompto, Gladiolus and Ignis looked at each other in wonder over what could've happened. The blond reacted first and slapped the prince's shoulder.
"Yeah bud, the arcade is still open! Let's play some Justice Monsters!" Prompto said with a weak smile and looked at his friend in concerned.
"Yes, the arcade is open twenty-four seven. But we first must get you a change of clothing, we do not want any negative attention on you today." Ignis stated, he looked at the bearded man with pointed look.
"Yeah, but we won't be staying there all night or anything Noct. We got some big things to do tomorrow." Gladiolus said as he crossed his arms and looked down on his friend.
"We?" Noctis asked in surprise, Prompto nodded cheerfully.
"Yep, his Majesty contacted Iggy and told him that he, big guy and me will be going with you on this thing!"
"Indeed, but let us worried about that later. If you would please follow me." Ignis said as he motioned for everyone in their small group to follow him.
Prompto slapped his shoulder and nodded. Gladio looked at him in confusion, shook his head and pushed him towards Ignis.
Noctis complained at the rough treatment silently, but…
But maybe Luna…Lunafreya was right…he was indeed privilege, because he had friends like those three in his life.
Author's Note
Hello readers, I gotta say, I'm surprise I managed to get this chapter off so quickly! Though considering I split this chapter into two, I guess it made it easier to get it out faster. But I think this is to our benefit, heh?
Anyway, this chapter was rather heavy on the angst. First time writing it and I have to say that I did a good job at it. Though your thoughts on this will be appreciated, since I really want to know how I did!
Next chapter will be less torturing poor Noctis and more onto adventures. We'll get to see the boys in their element and how Luna acts around the chocobros. Should be fun!
Onto answering some reviews.
KingPlotBunny: Well stay tune and find out, also thanks for stopping by!
Kibetha: Whoa, I really appreciate this! I hope you'll keep on reading and enjoy the rest of the story!
hallowedelegy: Yeah, it's always fun to read some angst when the fluff comes after. Hmm, nice theory. Though I'll give you this, Ardyn sure has been to no good in the past years before this story.
tiffany aka basketcase: Haha, yeah, I tried to make the prologue feel incredibly rush and leave the reader wondering what was happening. But I'm glad that I managed to convey that feeling with Noctis! Means I did a good job!
guest: Thank you!
Anyway, this is where I leave. Thank you for reading, please review and let me know what you think.
Until next time!