I got two words for this chapter, which I would name as the chapter name if I could: FUCKING FLUFF!

Lucis's Reborn

Chapter 4: Could it be love?

The betrothed couple had finished eating their lunch. They both ordered the chef's special which was roasted sirloin beef, roasted potatoes, glazed carrots, and Yorkshire Pudding with some white wine. The Prince and Princess were both enjoying their dessert, Apple Tarte Tatin with crème fraiche and a pot of lavender tea. They had been catching up with each other for the past hour, and she felt so comfortable with him. They conversed as friends, as people, not as royalty. Ravus noticed Renae enjoying her dessert from the expression on her face and her delightful sighs. He couldn't help but smile at this, placing his dessert plate in front of her. The young woman looked up at him, swallowing the food in her mouth with some crème fraiche on her cheek. The Prince snorted quietly at this, picking up a napkin, wiping her mouth, which made her fluster.

"You really love your desserts, don't you?"

"Oh Ravus, I really can't. It's yours." She stated but he shook his head.

"No, please just take it. Besides." He looked around the leaned closer towards her. "I don't like fruits." He whispered loudly. She couldn't contain herself from hearing his secret and started laughing. He sighed dreamily; her laugh sounded so harmonious to his ears. The young Princess started eating her betrothed's dessert wholeheartedly.

"Ravus, what 28-year-old man hates fruits?"

"This 28-year-old man." He replied and she shook her head.

"And here I thought Noct was ridiculous for hating vegetables." She sighed and sipped from her teacup. "Well, it seems like I'll have to hide fruits in your desserts." The man's brow rose from this comment.

"You're, going to make me dessert?" Ravus asked curiously. The girl looked up at him, seeing his innocent expression and she couldn't help but sigh sweetly as she smiled at him.

"Of course, what's your favourite dessert?"

"Tiramisu, but the ladyfingers have to be dipped in ebony gold coffee." She nodded at this.

"I'll remember that. It'll be the first dessert I'll make for you as…" She averted her gaze to the table as her cheeks turned pink. It took the Prince a moment to realise why she fell quiet, and he sighed at this. The man placed his hand on hers, holding it gently.

"Renae, be honest with me, are you comfortable with us getting married?" Ravus asked, his voice sounded so soft. Her shoulders stiffed up as she gulped the lump in her throat. He noticed this small reaction and placed his other hand under hers, holding it up. "Don't be afraid, please tell me the truth."

"My studies…" She mumbled quietly, accidentally speaking her thoughts.

"If you wish, we can delay the wedding until after you graduate." She lifted her head up, looking at him with surprise filled in her eyes. It made her feel stupid for worrying that she wouldn't be able to complete her degree if she married him.

"I, I want to see the whole of Lucis and Altissia."

"My future Queen deserves to see the world." When he said Queen, her heart skipped a beat. "Renae, if there's anything you'd want I'll make it happen. I will never restrict you as my wife and Queen. You'll be free to do what you please, to travel wherever your heart leads you, as long as I am at your side."

Renae smiled at this, a tear slowly trickling down her face. The silver haired man placed his hand on her face, wiping her cheek. "Thank you."

"Now tell me, what do you want to see first?"

"It may sound ridiculous."

"Nothing sounds ridiculous."

"The Rock of Ravatogh."

"Your birthplace?" Ravus asked and the dark-haired woman nodded. "I've heard a lot about it."

"I don't know why but since I was a little girl I've been drawn to it. There is something there that is calling to me." She stared at the candle the fire flickering. The Prince noticed this and looked up at her.

"Are you sure it is not connected to the Infernian?" He asked. "According to legend his body lies deep within the volcano. Could it be that you must seek for his blessing?" She shook her head.

"It's not him." The Princess replied. "A woman's voice calls out to me from the Rock of Ravatogh in my dreams. There's…something else which is even stranger. I'm fireproof."

"What do you mean?" Ravus asked confused.

"Look," The young woman placed her hand above a candle and when she lowered her hand into the flame, he couldn't believe his eyes when he saw her hold the flame in her hand without being affected by it. "Fire doesn't burn me." She pulled her hand away from the fire and rested it on her lap. He watched with wonder but couldn't help but think about his mother being burned alive when sacrificing herself for him.

"If I could, I would have saved her…" He heard his friend's woeful voice and looked up at her. "If I ran back and jumped in front of her, I would have."

"It's not your fault." He mumbled.

"My father should have saved you both…" Renae replied. "I'm sorry."

"I'm just glad that I won't lose another loved one to fire." Her heart fluttered from that comment, and she sighed dreamily.

It was at that moment she realised that marrying Ravus wouldn't be a bad idea. She had worried for so long, over nothing. He proved to her today, that he was a kind and loving soul, with not even an ounce of revenge or hatred towards her or her family. She knew that it wouldn't take long for her to fall in love with him if they married. Hell, she'd probably fall in love with him before the wedding. He was a respectable handsome man, who was honest, kind and caring and there was nothing more she could ask for. But then she thought about her brother and gulped. Would he be okay, if she asked him if the engagement could be broken between Noct and Princess Luna?

"There's something" They both spoke in perfect unison. "No, you go" They both laughed at this and sighed. "I need to ask"

"You go first Renae."

"Please don't be offended." She frowned.

"I won't I promise. To be honest what I wanted to say might make you angry."

"I won't, don't worry." She reassured him. "Noctis…he really cared for the Princess. He respects her as a friend and as an Oracle, but he's not in love with her romantically." Ravus's eyebrows rose at this and leaned back on his chair.

"I, was about to tell you the same thing about Luna." She gasped at this. "I wanted to ask if it were alright if she could break the engagement. I told her she could, that as long as you and I marry, the peace treaty should still be valid. Not like that's the main reason as to why I want us to marry but," She smiled at this with teary eyes, they were both thinking and acting in the same manner, for the love of their siblings.

"It's okay Ravus." She stated. "I think she should announce it publicly, would you be able to speak to the Emperor?" He nodded with a reassuring smile.

"There…there's something else."

The blue-eyed man stood up, straightening out his suit and he walked towards her. Ravus Nox Fleuret got on one knee, taking out a purple velvet ring box from his blazer chest inner pocket. She smiled like an idiot, internal screaming and crying with joy. This wasn't a normal proposal, since they were both arranged, and it wasn't a surprise. But she didn't expect him to be so formal. Still, her heart melted from him getting on one knee; she didn't expect him to do something so romantic. He opened the ring box to reveal a beautiful 14ct white gold halo ring, with a 1ct blue diamond in the middle and 0.3ct white diamonds around the blue stone and the band.

"Ravus…it's so beautiful." Renae mumbled.

"It belonged to my mother." She gasped at this whilst shaking her head.

"I can't accept this; it holds too much sentimental value to you. I don't mind a simple or cheaper ring"

"You are worthy to have this ring. My mother would have wanted me to propose with it. Wearing this ring is a way of honouring her memory. So please…" His eyes twinkled with what seemed like tears and she felt her heart drop.

All her life, she had been so used to having decisions pushed upon her, she barely had much freedom growing up, her lady in waiting made sure of it. But today, she was given a choice to decline the proposal to Ravus and lead her own life. To break free from chains and spread her wings and fly was something she so desperately wished for. Today was her chance to finally break free and live her life the way she wanted. But her heart, her heart wanted to be with him. When she closed her eyes and opened her heart, there was no one but Ravus. She didn't know why, but it's just how she felt. Renae just nodded, accepting the ring.

The 28-year-old man took her hand, inserting the ring onto her ring finger with the warmest, most gentle smile. He took her hand in his and kissed the back of her hand softly. His lips were soft and warm…it felt nice. She couldn't help but think about what his lips felt like on her cheeks, her forehead, her neck…her lips. The tips of her ears turned red at the thoughts and instantly tried her best to make them disappear, that wasn't what she should be thinking about right now!

She couldn't resist, seeing his beautiful face so close to her. The Princess mustered all the courage in her heart and decided to act, instead of letting it stay in her heart, so that she couldn't think about what could have happened later on. Renae, placed her hands on the sides of his face, pulling him closer to her in a gentle manner. Ravus closed his eyes, her hands were so small, soft, and warm on his cold face and he savoured her touch. She pressed her lips on his forehead in a gentle kiss. Her betrothed leaned closer towards her as she kissed him, resting his head on her chest. This moment, felt like pure bliss. It had been so long since he felt at peace, 12 years to be exact. He felt like he could be vulnerable with her, and she would never take advantage of it. If she could keep her arms around him and they stayed like this forever, it would be pure bliss.

"Ravus." She whispered and he looked up at her. She smiled at him, rubbing her thumbs against his cheekbone, admiring his angelic features. "I'll protect you, I won't let you die, no matter what. I'll keep you safe."

He knew she was thinking about the incident in Tenebrae a decade ago. Although she smiled at him, he could see the sorrow in her eyes. Watching her getting burned alive and stabbed, must have traumatised her that day, because she was so young. When those words escaped her lips, he felt his heart swell and tears suddenly fell down his cheeks. He couldn't control his happiness, as he easily controlled his emotions with others. He was always the one who wanted to protect his loved ones. In the past, his mother and now, Lunafreya. But this small woman, with a bright warm smile, a gentle gaze and a beautiful heart wanted to protect him, to keep him safe, that she wouldn't let him die.

"If I do that for you, will you take care of me?" He placed his hand on her cheek, cupping her face and she leaned against his touch.

"Even if you can't protect me, I will take care of you." The sides of his lips perked up into a small smile. "As much as I'd want to spend the rest of the day with you, I have to get back to check up on Luna." She nodded with understanding.

"I'll message Cor to get the car ready."

"I'll drop you off at the Citadel." The young woman shook her head.

"He's waiting in the car outside."

"Well, the least I can do is walk you to your car."

The young man held out his hand for her and the Princess blushed. She took his hand, grabbing the bouquet and followed him to the elevator. They both thanked Mr Angelus for the food and the amicable hospitality and entered the elevator. As they waited for the elevator to reach the ground floor, Ravus noticed a strand of hair fall in her face and pulled it behind her ear.

He didn't realise how small she was until they stood next to each other. He wasn't put off by her height if anything he find it adorable. It did mean he'd have to lean down whenever he wanted to kiss her. Maybe if he wrapped his arms around her and held her up. Or if he dipped her back…His eyes suddenly widened when he realised what he was thinking about. The young man turned his head away shamefully as his whole face turned red feeling so embarrassed. He shouldn't be thinking about that!

When the doors of the elevator opened, they noticed the curtains were covering the windows and doors. The brunette receptionist rushed to the couple and bowed.

"The paparazzi just arrived. I've asked the valet to move your car to the back entrance, Prince Ravus. Sir Leonis is waiting at the back too, Your Highness. If you could both follow me."

They followed the young woman, who escorted them to the back entrance. They both thanked the woman, with Renae handing her a Sylleblossom from her bouquet as well as hefty tip for her excellent service from both of them, which definitely made her day. The receptionist ran back inside, leaving the royal couple alone.

Ravus and Renae walked towards her car and turned to each other. She smiled at him, her dimples appearing once more and her gaze was so gentle and sweet, enough to make him melt on the spot. There was a silence which grew between them, not an awkward one, just silence because they didn't want to say goodbye to each other.

"I…don't want to go." She mumbled shyly whilst looking down. The Prince placed his hand on her face, lifting her head up to look at him as he peered into her green eyes; it felt like he was staring into her soul.

"I don't want you to go either…" He murmured and the young woman rested her forehead on his.

This was the closest they were to each other; so close that they could hear each other's racing heartbeats and feel their warm breathing. They both close their eyes, inching closer to the point where their noses were touches. They both didn't think before edging closer to one another, they just…both acted with their hearts instead of their brains, something which was so rare.

Renae wondered if this feeling she felt for Ravus was actually love. How was it possible? They just met each other after 12 years of being apart and have stayed in contact via letters. Today should have been a normal day where they reunited. But why did she feel this deep yet strong feeling for him? She was so afraid about marrying him before, without any reason to be. Yet today, in just an hour, she her mind felt like a mess from being this close to him. When he smiled, she felt her heart explode with happiness and wanted to keep him smiling forever. When he touched her, she felt like she wanted to bask in his embrace, and when he'd let go of her hand, she had lost something important. Renae thought about taking things slow with Ravus before meeting him, but here she was so close to one another, milliseconds from kissing. Yet she couldn't stop herself or pull herself away, not because he wouldn't let her, but because she didn't want to. She wanted to be wrapped in his embrace, his soft pink lips on her own, kissing her with passion. The Princess wanted to know what it would feel like to kiss the Prince of Tenebrae.

"Is it okay…if I…?" He caught his breath and she nodded eagerly.

"Excuse me," They heard a low gruff voice and instantly pulled away from each other. Cor was leaning against the car, with the passenger door open for the Princess. His arms were crossed together as he glared daggers at the Prince of Tenebrae. "We should get you home, Princess."

"Yes, yes sir!" She exclaimed whilst nodding. Renae turned to her Prince and smiled at him. "Today has been amazing, thank you." The young man bowed down and she curtseyed.

"I will see you tomorrow, Princess Renae." He took her hand and placed a small kiss on it.

"Until tomorrow." The young woman squeaked as she stared at him. She was frozen from his gentle enchanting gaze as she just continued smiling at him and he held onto her hand, not wanting to let go.

Cor cleared his throat she jumped from this. The Princess ran to her car with the Marshall's eyes following her then he glanced at Ravus whilst huffing and shaking his head. The dark haired 45-year-old closed the door, walked around the car, and got in. Renae pressed down on a button which made the window open, and she raised her hand at her betrothed, waving at him with the biggest smile on her face as the car drove away.

The Prince of Tenebrae stood there, placing his hand on his chest. He never expected that today would go so…amazingly. He was usually stoic in public, only showing his true emotions with his sister. But Renae, she had this warm and comforting presence about her which reminded him of his childhood in Tenebrae when things were peaceful. When he laid his eyes on her, he felt like he had descended into the heavens. When she spoke and laughed, it was as if it was music to his ears. When she smiled, the sun beamed bright, and he basked within its grace and warmth. When he touched him with her small warm hands, he wanted to melt and be one with her. This feeling he felt with her, could it be love?