It's been 4 days since Noctis had that discussion with her father and still no word. Resting her head on her crossed arms, Noctis takes a slow breath and continues to look out at the night sky from the balcony. Luna hasn't send back the notebook yet, so there's no way of reaching her. What I'm gonna do? What does Luna think of all this?

Buzz, Buzz.

The buzzer of the call box could be heard all the way to the balcony. Strange, if it were Iggy, she would have just walked in since she has a key. Walking over to the buzzer on the wall, she presses the button to answer. "Yes?"

"Good evening miss, Mr. Argentum is here to see you." The doorman answered. "Thanks, you can send him up." she replied, then let go of the button. I guess Prompto has heard by now. A few minutes later there's a knock at the door. Walking over to open it. "Hey! What up man?" Prompto greeted with a smile.

"Hey."

"So, I heard the news, are they really going to end the war?" Prompto asks with curiosity and disbelief. They make their way to the living room. "Yeah apparently with the peace treaty the war will end but at the cost of the territories outside the Wall." Noct sits herself down on the couch and pick a controller from the coffee table, turning on the console and tv alike. Prompto sits down on the floor, leaning back against the couch. He picked the other controller and they start playing whatever game was in the game console.

"Yeah it's all over the news and people can't stop talking about it."

"I see and what do they say?"

"Well, most of the citizens are happy there will be peace but some aren't seeing it that way." Prompto says a little reluctantly, he didn't want Noct to feel bad about what was going on in the streets. But he knew he couldn't lie to her, since she'll find out eventually about all the protests throughout the city.

Noctis' fingers stop moving across the controller, letting her character get hit. "It's cause of the terms, isn't it?" She asks out loud, not sure if she was asking Prompto or herself.

"Yeah, I believe so. A lot of refugees live in the east district and there's been protests around the city. And with the terms…they can't go home for good now." Prompto said with sympathy, since he could relate to them on some level but chose not to mention it to her.

"I figured as much."

Of course, not everyone would be happy with just the thought of peace alone. Some of the people had homes outside the Wall. Most of the Glaives are not from Insomnia but from the outside.

"Well is there anything else that could be done?" Prompto asked, but he knew that there probably wasn't much they could do.

"I don't think there is. These are Neflhiem terms and they don't exactly back out of things very easily." Which is why we've been in this mess for years.

"I see… are there any other… terms to the treaty?" Prompto asked nervously. He wasn't sure if he should bring it up but the best way to confirm the rumor was to ask she directly.

"Um…no. Why?" Noctis raised a brow.

Prompto looked away quickly and started playing with his wristbands. Something he does whenever he's nervous without realizing he does it every time.

"Well, there's a… rumor going around that… as part of the treaty…you're to marry the former prince of Tenebrae."

Noctis dropped her controller the moment he finished his sentence. The last part echoed in her head. "Damn it." she signed under her breath. Word is already spreading.

"But—But it's just a rumor. A really weird rumor, but-

"No Prompto, it's more than that. Neflhiem does want me married to Ravus." And here I was hoping to forget about it for a while.

Stun into silence, it took Prompto a few seconds to register her words and finally react. "WHAAA?!" Surprise was written all over his face. From his wide eyes and dropped jaw.

There it is.

"Wha? So—Then? What?! But! Holy Golden Chocobos!" Prompto jumped up and started pacing back and forth across the living space. With Noctis just watching him as he did. "So you're engaged now?!"

"WHAT?! No! We haven't officially accepted the term. And it would be a marriage of convince, a symbol— wait? How do they know about this? I thought it was still under wraps. If people are already talking about it then….it's official then? Am I able to get out of this?

Prompto stop pacing when Noct went silent and started staring into space, with a look of inner turmoil on her face. Worried, he slowly walked over to her and sat down on the other end of the couch. He looked down at the floor just as she was, stunned from the reality of their situation.

"So…What about Luna?" He asked in a quiet voice. He knew she was thinking of her.

"I…I don't know…"

They sat in silence for two whole minutes. Noctis felt so lost and scared, she almost forgot where she was and who she was with.

"Wow, it's one thing if it's some Lucian nobleman or a lieutenant of the empire but… her own brother?" Prompto wasn't really trying to make a joke however he couldn't help but think fate had a sick sense of humor.

"Yeah.." Pretty ironic if you ask me. I knew this day was coming. Being the heir to the throne would encompass me to get married to insure the royal line but I didn't think this soon. And even if I did have more time, what good would it do? We would still be in the situation we're in now. Not able to see her.

"But you said they haven't agreed to it, right? So maybe there's still a chance you don't have to go through with it." Prompto tried to sound hopeful. He didn't want his best friend to feel anymore gloomy about the situation.

"Maybe, but that still don't change much does it?" Picking up her feet from the floor and bring her knees up so she could rest her chin there. Having a need to do so as if that would bring her some form of comfort.

"Well, maybe you two can still—

"No. We can't… Cause at the end of the day, I'm still the future queen of Lucis and she's the Oracle… We both have a duty to our bloodlines."

"….Yeah,… I guess you're right, sorry bubby." Prompto felt a little silly, as if anything he said could change anything.

"What do you have to be sorry for, you didn't write the rules."

"Yeah but still, it's your lives."

Noctis looked over at Prompto, feeling a smile go up on one side of her face. It was times like these that she was appreciative of Prompto's friendship. He was the only one who could put royal duty aside and just talk to her as a person. Even if she never says it out loud.

"Thanks buddy, I really needed this."

"Any time."

…

The following morning was sunny and warm, as expected of mid-may. The city streets were lively with commuters and images of the latest news coverage on every screen, on the side of buildings to window displaces to phones.

Walking along the sidewalk on his way to his post, Nyx watches the people fixated on the news screens. All having different expressions and reacts as the trail of the Niflheim envoys made their way into the city. As he continued on, he heard the sound of a car honking right behind him, coming up right beside him on the street. Rolling down the passenger window of the sleekly black sports car, Nyx sees it was Drautos driving.

"Get in"

What did I do now?

"Reporting to my post now though sir."

"New orders, come on you got a princess to pick up."

Uhh, okay? Did not see that coming.

Having no reason to protest, Nyx opened the passenger door and got into the car. A little skeptical on the sudden change of orders but it sounded more interesting than being on gate duty. Once settled inside, Drautos wasted no time in hitting the gas, speeding down the highway.

"Nice ride sir." I can see your love of speeding.

"Nah, it belongs to the princess. Using it on escort duty."

Wow, the girl's got good taste.

"The king is planning on taking her out of the city."

"Doesn't she have a wedding to plan, sir?" Guess the bride isn't so happy about the groom.

"Cut the sir crap."

Okay.

"King is planning on rejecting the marriage clause as part of the treaty. But as a precaution Princess Noctis is to be taken far from Insomnia and meet with the Oracle on foreign soil."

The Oracle? Isn't that the former princess of Tenebrae, the princes' sister? Well this got more interesting. But why? The Oracle is a global religious figure and the princess is the heir to a foreign throne, what do they have in common?

"What's she doing here then?" Not a very good plan if both are here. Nyx thought as he looked out the window of the speeding car.

"Complicating things, we sent Crowe to find her and escort her out of Tenebrae and then have the princess meet up with her."

A bit surprised, Nyx turn his head back to his captain, now having his full attention.

"I'm still trying to figure out what went wrong."

So that was Crowe's mission to Tenebrae? That's a big trip. For her to get across the country to the coast then go across the waters to Tenebrae or even just the Niflheim peninsula would take her days maybe even weeks.

Before Nyx could ask more, they were slowed down by a crowd of protestors flooding the streets. Crownsguard troopers were already at the scene, backing people off the roads. Their angry words were hard to ignore.

"So, I know what you think about this war but what do you think about this peace? You happy giving up your home?"

Sign, not this again..

"It's the king's decision. I owe him for taking me in. I was lucky… there are people in Galahd who weren't… And they need me." Nyx could almost see the people he lost that day but didn't allow himself to think about it. There's still people there that he could help now.

"So you're going back? What good will you be without the king's magic?" Drautos asked, sounding as if that was one of the stupidest plan his ever heard.

Nyx fell silent, he wasn't liking how the captain wasn't taking him seriously. If there's peace, then there's no need for him to stay. Beside it's his home and he can't let Libertus on his own. And wasn't he more than just the king's magic?

"Yeah, always wanting to save somebody. I get it. Believe me, but it doesn't win wars." Drautos trying to be the voice of reason.

Nyx rolled his eyes, at the comment. Everyone always taking it as a hero complex or something. He usually let people think what they want and just rolled with the punishes. But lately, it was starting to get under his skin. "It's not just wanting, it's not just me." Why is it so hard to understand? Libertus is the one you need to worry about. He'll go back if things get worse."

"The worst is yet to come." Drautos said under his breath. Nyx was not completely aware of the whole meaning of his words yet.

…

"Do you have any idea who you're stopping? Open this gate now, and maybe you'll have a job tomorrow."

Sign, of course he's making a scene. Lunafreya sign under her breath. She sat in the backseat patiently waiting for her escort to finish his unnecessary tangent.

"King's orders." The taller and more threatening looking crownsguard said in a solid voice.

The escort stepped back a little, obviously a bit afraid of the guard. "Are you sure you want to risk a diplomatic issue now, of all times?"

The guard just rolled his eyes, not taking anything the escort was saying seriously.

"I am the personal escort of Lady Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, Princess of the former Tenebrae and-

"And Eos' beloved Oracle." Suddenly Drautos appeared, cutting off the escort mid-sentence. "Welcome to sovereign jurisdiction, Ambassador. We'll take care of things from here."

Luna looked out the window curious on the sudden turn of events.

"Forgive me, Captain Drautos. I had no idea that you—

"See her highness to the castle." Drautos address Nyx as he interrupted the Ambassador once again. Nyx nodded and walked to the car, where the Oracle was sited. He walked over to the driver's sit, opening the door. "Excuse me. Thank you." He said to the driver as he got out of the car.

Luna watched in amusement as the Ambassador protested Drautos orders. He seemed like a fish out of water. "Your Highness" The guard who appeared to be what was called a glaive she believed, addressed her. She nodded in acknowledgement, and he then settled into the driver seat turning on the car. Maybe today won't as bad as I thought. She thought to herself. After days of people ordering her around, it was nice to have peace and quiet for a change even if it was just for a moment.

Once at the citadel and after a roll of security, Luna was standing right in front of the doors to the throne room where King Regis was waiting for her. "Her Royal Highness, Princess Lunafreya of Tenebrae." Her title was then announced. The doors opened, letting her step forward. As she stepped in, she could see the king across the room, standing beside the throne. "It has been a long time, Your Majesty." Luna couldn't help a smile as she said those words. She was truly happy to see him. Something she never thought she would be able to do again after all these years.

"Yes, far too long." King Regis also shared the same sentiment, he had missed her just as much. Regis seated himself on the throne as Luna made her way up the marble steps. Standing in front of him, he could see how much she has grown and was no longer that brave girl she was but a fully-grown woman. He was glad to see that both girls grown up wonderfully even if they didn't grow up together as he had hoped.

Luna was happy to see Regis but all she wanted to do was find Noctis. "Princess Noctis is still here, isn't she?" She asked. She knew for her beloved friends' safety she should not be here. But seeing as her plan of escape failed, Noctis won't have gotten word on where to go.

"Yes, my dear. I'm afraid so."

Luna and Regis sign in disappointment. As much as they wanted to protect her themselves, they knew she was in more danger here in the city with the empire afoot.

"I am too old to fight this war. I have no choice but to receive the empire and accept their treaty."

Luna averted her eyes, not wanting Regis to see her pain or her anger. They have pushed them into a corner. Now unable to do thing but follow along with the empire's plans.

"Even so… I had hope to revoke the marriage agreement and have you two taken somewhere safe. I sent one of my Glaives to see you there, and send Noctis after, but-

Luna's sad eyes and the slow shake of her head was enough for Regis to understand that their plan had fallen apart.

However, Regis didn't want to lose hope. "It is not too late. I can ready an escort. Please go to my daughter." Regis pleaded. He wanted them safe, away from here. and maybe together they can stand a chance.

Luna took a breath, readying her words and setting aside her feelings for she knew what she was about to say would pain her. "No."

Regis was a bit taken back, not expecting her reply.

"Wherever I go, the empire will follow. It would only place the princess in greater danger. It is my duty to protect her and see her destiny fulfilled." These 12 years have not changed that." Luna said with no doubt in her mind, she will put her duty to Noctis above all else, even her own heart.

Regis could see there was no fear or doubt in her mind. She really was the faithful oracle she has been knew for. And that's what scared him the most.

"And what of your destiny?"

"My duty is my destiny, Your Majesty. I'm prepared to accept whatever may came to pass."

Regis could not help but feel sorrow at her words. She knew full well what the Astrals have plans for her and Noctis, but there were still dark secrets even she did not know and could not know. He wanted to tell her the full truth, maybe then she will step off this path that will lead them to misery. But seeing her face, seeing the determination in her eyes, that's has kept her going all these years. How could he take that away from her?

Don't…

The time has not come…

It will only lead them down that hellish path as you have seen…

A dark voice sounded in Regis' head, he was not surprised by its presence, something he has learned to live with the past 15 years.

…

"Of all the days to be late!" Ignis said in an obvious annoyed tone.

"I already said I was sorry." Noctis apologized for the million time as she tried to keep up with her lady-in-waiting. They were rushing down the empty halls, with only a guard or two at the end of each hall.

"Oh no, not this time! I told you I needed you up early. Not staying up til dawn, making us two hours late." Iggy tried to say calmly but with her angry speed walking it was not working so well.

So I stayed up late, big deal… Plus I had another one of those weird dreams that felt very important. But I can't remember it. Oh yeah right as if she'll believe that.

"Okay, we missed the welcoming but you still have to meet with envoys in the throne room with the king. And there still the eve of the signing party in a few days-

Suddenly Ignis' phone started ringing, interrupting her. Thank the gods.

"Hello?...Yes we have…Yes… Right now?... alright… will do….Thank you." Ignis then hanged up her phone and started scrolling through it.

Well that was quick.

"Well you're lucky this time. Something has change and my uncle needs me. Now Noctis please stay put until I get you. Please can you do that?" Ignis slowed down to a stop and looked at her mistress dead in the eye.

"Yeah, okay I'll stay put. I'll just hang around in the garden or something." She tells her, happy that time was on her side for once.

"Alright, I'll come get you when it is time- oh and please don't take a nap it's only noon and we can't have guest finding the royal princess asleep on a bench somewhere." Ignis said with worry. she knew full well her highness would actually do so if given the chance.

"Fine." Noctis sign, letting her win this round, since she could see how stressed this whole ordeal was making her.

"Thank you, I'll be back." Ignis then turned around and continue down the hall, she was gone in seconds.

Well no reason to stay here.

Taking a breath of relief, Noctis turned the opposite direction of Ignis, going into another hall heading for the royal garden. I might as well relax before meeting some Niflehim diplomats and pretend I care about what they have to say.

Turning the corner and continuing into the next hall. The archways on the left brought in sunlight into the dark hallway. Through the archways was a large green house, that housed hundreds of plants and flowers from all over Eos. The place lush with green and colors that one couldn't help but have a sense of calmness. Walking over, the sound of her footsteps become quieter as they step off the polished marble floors on to the stone flooring in the garden. It's still pretty as always'. I haven't gone in here in a while. Ever since I moved out of the citadel, I haven't had a reason to come in here. She sees a garden table near the fountain but notices it's right at the entrance where anyone walking by will see her and decides against it. I'll just hide in the back on the bench behind the large plum tree, pass the rose bushes. No one will find me there. Continuing, she slows down for she could have sworn she heard light footsteps. She stops mid step and tries to hear for where it is coming from. Turning around, she sees no one behind her. It was becoming clear that it was coming from within the garden. Turning forward, she now recognizes the sound as heeled steps. Are the maids watering the plants now? Don't we have automatic sprinklers for that? But to her surprise an unexpected figure appears.

Walking down the stone path, slowly passing the fountain was not a maid but someone Noctis had hoped but never thought she'll see again.

…Luna?" She asked in a small voice, frozen in place as if the slightest movement would make her disappear.

Luna turns her head towards the source of her name and like Noctis, her light blue eyes widen a little, in surprise.

"Noctis?" Her reply was barely a whisper.

Even though they haven't seen each other in 12 years, Noctis still recognize her shade of platinum blond hair. It was beautifully braided and pined up. Her dress was very fitting and elegant, giving her a regal look. Luna had matured into the woman she always knew she would become.

"Is it really you?" Luna's eyes lighting up. She'll recognize those deep blue eyes hided behind long bangs anywhere.

"Yeah, it's me." Noct couldn't believe what she was seeing.

Luna then quickly walks over to her and just as she is closing in, she opens her arms. Noctis automatically does the same, embracing her.

"I've dreamt of this moment, but never thought it would come." Luna confesses behind Noctis, arms wrapped around her shoulders.

" Me too." Noct was so overwhelm that she couldn't tell if she was on the verge of laughter or tears.

"How are you here?" barely able to choke out. Her eyes were glossing over from tears she was holding back.

Luna slowly backs away to face her childhood friend, but she kept her hands on her shoulders, still not ready to let go. Her eyes also glossing over from held emotions. "Neflhiem brought me here along with the envoys…and my brother." She averted her eyes at the mention of Ravus. She dropped her arms back to her sides and takes a step back, the hard truth coming back, shattering her moment of peaceful bliss. That's right... you're my brother's bride to be. no matter how much I hate it or pains me I have to act supportive until I figure out the empires play at these terms. Even if I can't be with you, I have to save you. Luna continues to look down at her feet, trying to keep it together. The reality of their situation rushing back.

"Ravus... He's here?" a wave of dread washes over the royal as Luna nods her head.

Of course, he's here. What makes me think they would only bring her and not him. He's supposed to be marrying me.

Luna doesn't reply, she continues to look down at her feet, not able to look Noctis in the eye at the moment for fear of losing her demeanor.

"Luna?"

"I'm so sorry Noctis, I couldn't reason with my brother…And even if I had, this still goes beyond him and no matter what there's nothing I can do to stop it." She apologies as if this was all her fault.

Noctis hated how hard she was being the herself, she always pushed herself too hard and that always made her nervous. Not having it, her body without warning moved without telling the rest of her, hugged her tightly.

"Don't, it's not your fault. Luna, I would never pin this on you. And I don't care about that stuff right now. We're together again that's all that matters." Noctis blurred out, just letting words spill out without a second thought, a very rare site. But at that moment she didn't care, Luna was here. She was actually here. All those years apart and here she was right in front of her.

Luna was very still under Noctis' embrace for it had caught her off guard. But after hearing her kind words, she slowly returned her embrace, holding on tight as a means of insuring it wasn't a dream and that she wouldn't disappear.

"Thank you, I missed you so much as well." Please divine six, let me have this moment at least.

Noctis didn't want the moment to end either, if time could stop she would be forever grateful but fate had other plans. Down the hall, Ignis was calling for her Highness. "Uh, Ignis has the worst timing." Noct said under her breath. Luna couldn't help but giggle.

"They're calling for you, you should be going." She says as she pulls away from their moment.

"Your Highness! Where are you? We need to be go—oh Lady Lunafreya, I did not see you there. My apologies, I did not mean to—

"It's alright, I shouldn't be keeping her Highness from her royal duties." Luna said politely to the tall lady-in-waiting, recognizing her from the photos Noctis has send her over the years in their shared notebook.

No Luna please do, anything from my boring duties.

"Oh no, it's not that Lady—

"Lady Lunafreya? I am to escort you back to your quarters." A guard who appeared to be a envoy of the empire suddenly appeared. "Your Highness." He bow head, directed towards Noctis.

"I must go." Luna did not want part ways yet but she knew they wouldn't let her completely out of their sights. And Noctis was still an active royal and had her own set of duties.

"But—

"It's alright, Noctis. I'll be fine. You go on, you can't keep your king waiting." Luna smiled, reassuring her beloved friend.

Noctis wanted to protest but she knew she was right, plus Iggy was standing right next to her so she couldn't get away now. She took one step closer to Luna, whispering,

"I'll come find you later, I promise."

Luna couldn't help a smile, she loved the idea but a part of her doubted that even the royal princess of Lucis could get pass the empire's security, but she nodded anyways, hoping she could either way. She then left with her escort. She took one last glance before disappearing into the hall, wondering when she'll see her again.

"Your Highness, we must get going now."

"Right.." Noctis followed Ignis without another word, still processing what has happened. Of course, she then remembered her unintended bold words and actions. Oh Gods I actually said that! She felt so embarrassed and lame, her face glowed bright red and was having trouble hiding it from Ignis' sharp eye.