Ignis walked out to take his place beside his friends Gladio, Noctis, and the King. The King's shield was there as well, naturally. Crowe, a female Kingsglaive, and Monica, a female Crownsguard, were standing quite a few feet behind everyone. They figured the two females would make the arriving women feel more comfortable. Prompto wished he could be there to see his friends' new women arriving, however, he wasn't a royal member and wasn't able to be there. He was attempting to join the Crownsguard, though. He hated that he couldn't be by Noct's side as often as he wanted to be. He was often excluded from a lot of events simply because of his social status. Simply being the best friend of the prince didn't get him as far as he would have liked. According to Cor, he was doing very well and on his way to quickly earning his Crownsguard attire.
Ignis stopped to stand beside Gladio. His friend looked down at him and chuckled in the back of his throat. He was so glad his nervousness was amusing to his friends. He couldn't be too hard on him, however. Gladio did come pick him up and assure him everything would be fine.
This was it. This would be the moment he finally met her. He wished he had at least spoken to her on the phone or even text or emailed her before now. He knew he wouldn't be as nervous if he had. He wasn't sure why he didn't think of doing that until now. He hoped she wouldn't be offended that he hadn't.
Noct glanced over at his friend and his shoulders suddenly slumped.
"Damnit, Specs! You got flowers? I didn't think to get Luna anything!"
Regis and Clarus both started laughing. They knew the young boy would be clueless about girls. Maybe they should have given him a crash course on women and dating before this day came.
"No flowers? No chocolates? No nothing? What will the future Queen of Lucis think, Noct?" Regis joked with his son.
"Shut up dad! I'm no good at this crap," Noct whined.
"Clearly," Clarus snickered.
Ignis glanced at the bouquet of flowers in his hand and at the approaching car he knew was the Regalia. Without much thought, he held out the flowers toward Noctis. His friend looked at them and then him with a look of surprise on his face before quickly taking them.
"Thanks Specs! I owe you!" Noct sighed in relief. Regis and Clarus just shook their heads. And so did Gladio.
"Shouldn't have done that," his bigger friend mumbled.
Ignis straightened his suit jacket and took another deep breathe. He only hoped he himself would be good enough for her at this point. Maybe he should have split the bouquet instead. Too late now. He couldn't ask Noct for half of it back. The elaborate black car stopped momentarily at the gate before pulling in front of the large staircase leading to the Citadel front doors. Everyone seemed to straighten a bit, knowing who was in the car. As Drautos got out of the driver's seat and was making his way to the passenger side, Ignis couldn't help but bring his focus back to the road beyond the gate. Why was there only one car?
Luna exited the car and immediately looked up at Noct. Her face beamed and her sweet smile made everyone's lips upturn slightly…except for Ignis. He was too busy staring at the road. He glanced at her a moment, but didn't look up at her again until she reached the top of the stairs. She seemed to look the same since the last time he saw her. Still a beautiful and kind human being radiating light.
"Luna! How nice to see you again! Welcome to Lucis! We hope you will enjoy your new home and life with Noctis." Regis greeted her.
"Thank you, your Majesty," Luna bowed her head down a moment.
Ignis brought his focus away from her again and back to the scenery before him. Where was Y/N? She did come, right? They were supposed to arrive together, he thought. He distinctly remembered hearing that Drautos took the Regalia to retrieve Luna and Cor took Noct's car to get Y/N. So where was Cor? He knew to bring her to the Citadel, right? Surely he wouldn't bring her to the apartment. Maybe she backed out and never showed up. Maybe she missed the boat. Maybe Cor just drove the car right back to the underground parking garage since she wasn't with him. Ignis shifted his feet a bit and caught Gladio's attention.
"She was supposed to come too…right?" his friend whispered to him.
"Yes, Gladio," he whispered back.
"So where is she?"
"I don't know!" Ignis whispered back a bit harshly.
The mild commotion caught the other's attention for a moment. It seemed to suddenly dawn on them that they were missing someone. They seemed to be so caught up in seeing each other once again, they didn't immediately take notice.
"Um…" Noct mumbled awkwardly.
"Luna…" Regis began. "Did Y/N accompany you on your trip?"
"Oh, yes. They were right behind us. Well, last I paid attention, anyways. Which was when we left Hammerhead gas station."
Heavens, that was miles back! What if something happened? What if they wrecked or had car trouble? Cor would surely call. They would have been informed, he imagined.
"Monica," Regis commanded sternly. She nodded her head and brought out her phone, intending to call Cor. Few words were exchanged before she pocketed her phone.
"They got held up at the city entrance gates, Your Majesty. Her passenger required extra questioning. They should be here momentarily," Monica relayed.
Ignis could feel his heart rate settling down at the news. She was here. She didn't back out. She really came. For a moment he wondered who her extra passenger was, but his heart rate started speeding back up when he saw the smaller black sports car pulling up to the Citadel gates. As the car pulled around, he noticed someone sitting in the front passenger seat. The tinted windows made it hard to make out if the figure was even female or male. When the car stopped, everyone straightened back up again. Cor exited the car, as well as the other person in the front seat. It was a dapper looking older man. Was that her father? Surely he wouldn't have traveled with her, did he? That would make this all the more nerve wracking if that were the case. He was actually pretty glad he didn't have to go through the process of appeasing her father and enduring his scrutiny during an awkward family dinner.
As the back door opened, his heart rate stopped altogether. A woman with long curly red hair stepped out of the car with the help of Cor's hand. Her dress, or gown he should say, was elaborate and one of the most beautiful pieces of clothing he ever saw on a girl. When his eyes locked onto her face, they never left. She was gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. He wasn't sure he even remembered how to breathe. She seemed to stand in place, not moving, for a few moments. Her eyes raking each individual before finding Ignis. When she locked eyes with him, she immediately looked away. He watched her visibly take a breath before ascending the large staircase. Was she as nervous as he? Her large, lace skirt in hand, she seemed to glide up the stairs.
The closer she got, the more beautiful she seemed to become to Ignis. This was it. This was her. She was here…and she was his! How did he get so lucky? How had he appeased the Astrals so much for them to bless him with this gift? When she finally reached the top where everyone was standing, she stopped and just stood there a moment. No one seemed to say anything. It was slightly awkward. Everyone already knew Luna. She was like a daughter to King Regis. This was someone none of them had ever even spoken to before. The Accordo nation kept to themselves, mostly. They didn't involve themselves in national affairs often and closed themselves off. No one was even very familiar with Altissian customs.
"Your Majesty," she curtsied, bowing her head. Her voice was soft and light, almost mumbled. She felt odd bowing to another King. She didn't bow to her father and didn't meet with other royal rulers. When ambassadors and council members traveled the kingdom, a simple head nod was all she was required to give them. People bowed to her, usually. Here…now…things would be different for her. She didn't want to risk offending him right off the rip.
Ignis' breath caught in his throat at the spoken words. Even her voice was angelic. It was only two spoken words; not even spoken really, more whispered. But it was enough to convince him she could sing in a choir in the heavens.
"Welcome to Lucis, Princess Y/N," Regis greeted her. "We are honored to have you and hope you grow to love our kingdom as much as your own." A moment passed before he lightly cleared his throat and side glanced at his son. He really needed to up the etiquette classes for Noct.
"Oh, um…welcome to Lucis!" Noct stammered out. "I'm Prince Noctis. Things are pretty chill around here so, you'll probably like it," he shrugged. Clarus and Regis simply closed their eyes and quietly sighed.
Y/N just stared at him a moment, not sure how to take that particular greeting. She didn't have a stick up her ass or anything, she was a young adult herself and didn't always engage in formal speaking…but she would never say something like "this place is pretty chill" to another royal. Especially in front of the King. She had yet to really look much at Ignis. She was almost purposely doing so. First on her agenda was greeting the King and Prince.
Ignis wondered if he was this awed by her simply because it was the first time he let himself spend so long admiring a woman, or if she truly was as great as his mind was telling him. The longer he stood looking at her, he knew it was the latter. A slight nudge to his shoulder by Gladio snapped him out of his reverie and made him aware of the ever growing awkward silence that was his turn to fill.
"Welcome to Lucis, Princess Y/N," he bowed slightly. She finally turned to him and the eye contact almost made him stutter. "I am Ignis Sciencia."
He held his hand out to take hers. She raised her hand gently, assuming he would grab her fingers and slightly raise it; a more proper hand greeting for women, especially of Royalty if they allowed you to take their hands. Ignis however full on shook her hand like he was making a business transaction. Her eyes widened and her mouth opened slightly in shock. She drew her hand back to her chest when he released it, not sure how to react. She doesn't recall a person ever actually shaking her hand. Everyone's eyes widened at the gesture, including Ignis'.
She wasn't sure where to look so she glanced at the large, colorful bouquet in Luna's hands and back to Ignis. He could clearly read the disappointment in her eyes at thinking Noct went above and beyond for his bride while she simply received a handshake. Ignis wanted to throw up. He definitely regretted giving Noctis his flowers now.
"You must be Bernard Fournier," Regis said, looking at her guest. "We welcome you as well, for however long it is you choose to stay." Regis was aware of who Bernard was and agreed to his accompanying Y/N. He knew it would possibly make her more at ease if she had someone familiar with her. It would also make the Altissian Queen more at ease that her daughter was being treated fairly and Lucis was a kingdom to be trusted.
"Thank you, your majesty," he bowed lightly. It wasn't as foreign to him to bow to other royal figures, but it still felt wrong not bowing to his own Queen. "I am only here to protect the Princess. Please feel free to ignore my presence."
"Nonsense," Regis replied. "We are glad to have you with us. Well, shall we enter the eating hall?" Regis asked, turning to everyone. "We figured with the long day's journey, a social gala would be exhausting on the both of you. However, we assume you must be famished and in need of a proper meal and have prepared a lovely dinner together," Regis smiled.
"It sounds lovely, Regis!" Luna beamed.
"If you don't mind I need to freshen up a bit," Y/N firmly stated. "Is there a restroom I can visit quickly?" She seemed to be looking anywhere except at any particular person.
"Of course! Crowe! Monica!" Regis called the two women over. "Please escort Princess Y/N to the restroom nearest the dining hall. Then kindly escort her to us for dinner."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" they both bowed their heads before turning to Y/N and smiling. Y/N quickly stepped around Ignis and made her way to the doors. It was only proper that the King first enter, but she wanted nothing more than to escape the moment. Screw etiquette at this point. Everyone else seemed to be doing the same! Bernard followed the women, not willing to so quickly trust his Princess in the hands of another.
Everyone stood watching her almost stomp into the building. The sudden shift in her emotions jarred them all a moment.
"Give her time, my boy," Regis assured Ignis as he watched her walk off. Ignis was picking his fingers and they all knew her light snub affected him. He remembered the king telling him about the drastic changes her life would be taking and how hard on her it was going to be. He had to remember not to take offense to her emotions.
"She's a bit upset," Luna added softly. "I talked with her on the boat and she feels betrayed and angry. I'm sure it will pass in time," she smiled.
As the men and Luna made their way inside the Citadel for dinner, Gladio looked down at his friend.
"A hand shake?" he quietly asked.
"I have no idea what cursed me to do such a thing!" Ignis exclaimed, clearly frustrated with himself. He had thought over and over the last couple days of how he would greet her. And a firm business handshake was NOT what he pictured. Gladio just snickered, shaking his head.
"Lighten up, buddy! Not like she can dump you!" he joked.
Ignis did not appreciate the humor right now and glared up at his friend. No, she couldn't dump him. But he much preferred she actually liked him as opposed to living a life of misery with his spouse.
Ignis took his seat at the table. Regis was at the head of the table, naturally. Clarus was at his right. The shield always sat to the right if invited to the dinner table. Otherwise he would be standing behind him. Regis wanted them all dining together tonight. Slightly less formal. To his left was Ignis. Noct headed the other end of the table, with Gladio at his right and Luna at his left. Bernard would be between Clarus and Luna. It was an odd change for Ignis. He always sat to Noct's left. Now Luna had that honor. Though, Ignis was now at the King's left. What was truly a higher honor paled to being next to his best friend. He didn't let that minor detail occupy his mind long, however. He had someone else occupying it.
Everyone sat, waiting on Y/N's return. The serving staff knew to wait until the table was fully sat before entering the dining hall. Each corner of the room was occupied as well. Cor and Drautos took the two corners of the room on the same side of the wall as the double doors leading into it. On the opposite corners, Monica and Crowe would stand when they returned.
The silence didn't last long. Luna filled it catching up with Noctis and Regis. Even Gladio and Ignis chimed in every once in a while. They were both familiar with Noct's childhood friend, as well as Clarus. It was nice to see her again. Her femininity added a sort of charm to the table the men weren't used to having around. The kingdom of Lucis was a very masculine nation fueled on alpha male testosterone. And even though Luna would be soon adorning the dark Lucian colors, her white wardrobe seemed a bright light among them.
Clarus kept glancing back to the door, both out of habit and wondering where their other two guests were. He didn't distrust them outright, but couldn't help but naturally be leery of two strangers wondering the Citadel with only two female guards with them. They were two of the best female guards, but he was still a bit on edge regardless.
"Relax Clarus," he heard his king instruct him quietly. "Her anger is not with our kingdom. If anything it is more so with her own for handing her over. She seems highly incapable of doing anything we can't handle."
"And her guest?" Clarus challenged.
"Hardly a body guard. More a babysitter, if anything. Cor looked into him pretty extensively. He has combat training for emergencies, but nothing on par with our own. You know Altissia. They hate fighting."
Ignis heard the exchanging of words next to him. He directed his attention to Noct's end of the table, pretending to be involved in their conversation. He couldn't help but listen in to the King and his shield speaking. So this Bernard fellow wasn't the bodyguard he assumed. He would need to keep that in mind. Her safety was important to him and he wasn't about to trust her alone simply in the hands of a "babysitter" as the king had put it. It still worried him to hear of her being so angry. It made him nervous to possibly worsen her anger. Angry people were a delicate thing to handle.
Finally the double doors creaked open, revealing the four people everyone had been waiting on. Y/N entered the room but stopped a moment looking at the two open seats.
"Ah! We are glad to see you again! Please, have a seat and our salads will be right out!" Regis greeted her as Monica and Crowe took their places in the corners of the room.
Ignis stood and pulled out the chair beside him, hoping she would take it as a sign to sit by him. It only seemed the right place for her to sit, but maybe she wasn't comfortable being so near him yet. He truly had no idea how to approach this. He wanted to let her know he was available to her and would be beside her whenever she wished it. But he also didn't want to seem some creep she hardly knew always right next to her.
As she approached the table to sit down, Clarus and Gladio stood respectfully until she was seated. She tucked her dress and went to sit as Ignis pushed her chair in. Everyone else sat as well and Ignis smiled lightly as he looked over at her. His smiled faltered a moment when he noticed her reddened eyes. She had been crying. He couldn't help the light stab in his chest wondering if he had a part in her sadness. It wasn't in his nature to just brush something off, so simply assuming she missed her home wasn't easy for him. He couldn't help but worry he wasn't enough for her. That she saw him and regretted coming. He kept trying to remind himself it was simply their first meeting and he had time to convince her that he was worthy of her hand.
His worry lessened a bit as his mind melted to the sweet scent radiating off of her. She smelled of coconuts and sea salt. Coming from a city on the sea, it only made sense. The scent was alluring and such a stark contrast to the harsh scents of the city he lived in. He could also make out more of her features sitting so close to her. Her green eyes were a deep emerald, almost olive colored. Light freckles dusted her cheeks and nose. She tucked her hair behind her ear and he noticed a diamond stud adorning her ear lobe.
The action opened up her peripheral vision and she noticed his staring and turned to look at him with her brows furrowed. Ignis quickly cleared his throat and turned back to his plate as his salad was placed in front of him.
Gladio wasn't sure which was more entertaining; Noctis making a fool of himself in front of Luna being completely clueless how to act in front of a girl, or Ignis looking like a love sick puppy being completely clueless hot to act in front of a girl. He shared a smirk with his father every so often. Normally he would be giving Noct a load of shit, teasing him to the ends of Eos for how he was acting, but was instructed by his father to keep his mouth shut. He could tell it was just as hard for his father to do, though. Both men had similar senses of humor and often teased their friends. Gladio even wanted to pick on Ignis a bit but knew it would mortify his friend. Ignis could ignore a lot of shit talking and take it with a grain of salt usually, but had been very sensitive when it came to the topic of Y/N. Gladio teased him every so often and joked with him the last couple weeks about her and every time Ignis would get very defensive. Gladio just kept shoveling food in his mouth to keep it occupied.
As their salad plates were cleared and a soup was brought out next, Ignis couldn't help but notice she simply moved the lettuce around with her fork. Her plate seemed to still be as full as when it was placed in front of her. Maybe she was like Noct and hated vegetables. He heard Noct's protests the moment the salad had been placed in front of him and had rolled his eyes at his ghastly behavior. He was about to whine all over again when his squash soup was set down in front of him. Ignis glanced over at Y/N after a few moments and noticed her simply stirring her spoon around the bowl. He felt the need to say something to her. Conversation thus far was dominantly between Regis, Noctis, and Luna. Gladio was unusually quiet, as was Clarus. He noticed the looks the father and son shared every so often and wondered what they were silently communicating.
"Are there any sort of Altissian delicacies you favor?" Ignis asked, looking over at Y/N. it seemed to take her a minute to realize he was speaking to her. The whole table seemed to be looking at her now. Ignis almost regretted asking the question and putting the spotlight on her. She seemed a deer caught in headlights.
"Well, we eat a lot of pastas in Altissia. One would think a lot of fish dishes are popular, but not as much as you think. What fish we do eat is hard to find elsewhere I've heard. It can only be caught in our waters. Fine Caviar Canape is probably my favorite. Or Lasagna," she quietly answered.
It was Bernard's turn to feel the need to chuckle and tease the girl he knew so well. He was used to Y/N being very loud and outspoken. Sure, she knew how to rein it in and show proper manners when needed. But the majority of the time she was in a heated discussion with her mother or fighting with her brother. She was quite known as the castle brat. Bernard knew her well enough to know a lot of it was stress and anxiety and unhealthy coping mechanisms. She wasn't a bad kid. But it was still so odd to see her so quiet.
"I regret to inform you we aren't having pasta tonight," Regis commented. "But those dishes sound delicious. I recall having Altissia's lasagna many years ago."
"I shall have to look up their recipes and attempt them some day," Ignis smiled at her.
Y/N furrowed her brows a bit confused. She knew he was technically staff but…was he cooking staff? Was she honestly marrying the Citadel Chef?
"Specs is a great cook!" Noctis informed her.
"Specs?" she questioned quietly.
"It's the nickname Noct gave Iggy," Gladio told her.
She still seemed a bit confused.
"These are all nicknames these boys have given the man to your right," Clarus cleared up for her.
It suddenly seemed to dawn on her why each nickname made sense. She was still confused about him cooking, however.
"So…you cook here?" she asked carefully.
"Not so much here in the Citadel, no. I used to borrow the kitchen once in a while when Noct was craving something. I cooked mainly for Noct at his apartment." Ignis informed her.
"Ignis is not a hired Chef," Regis felt the need to chime in when he saw the look of horror on Y/N's face. "He simply took up cooking as a way to pamper and spoil my son when he refused to eat what was served to him. And then later when he moved out to make sure he ate more than pizza and take out."
"Hey!" Noct argued.
"So, you don't live here?" Y/N asked the prince.
"I do now. I lived at my own apartment the last year or so, though."
"You moved out…on your own accord?" The tone of Y/N's voice made everyone aware of how bizarre she was finding this information.
"Practically begged me to move out," Regis answered for him.
"I didn't beg!"
"Okay then, whined!" Regis joked. "I wanted my son to live as normal of a life as he could. I know what being raised in a royal castle is like. He wanted to blend in, not stick out. So I reluctantly let him."
"I see…" Y/N quietly responded. She almost couldn't imagine living on her own somewhere like a regular teenager.
The servers came back through taking their soup bowls. Y/N's was still full. Ignis was really hoping it was just because the food was new to her or she was tired from traveling. His mind was also racing to her response to Noct living outside of the Citadel walls. She seemed almost appalled. Did that mean she would be equally appalled to finding out that very apartment was soon to be her home?
A decadent dish of roasted chicken, asparagus, and rosemary potatoes was placed in front of them. Ignis seemed to perk up a bit when he noticed her picking up her knife and fork to cut into her chicken. She must have simply not been a soup or salad person.
"Finally! Something I can eat!" Noct declared from the end of the table.
"A grown adult still incapable of eating vegetables," Regis commented.
"Being an adult doesn't mean I have to suddenly eat crap!" Noctis responded to his father.
There was silence for a few moments as everyone seemed to dig into their plates. Y/N was still slowly cutting her meal into small pieces. Maybe she was OCD or something and needed everything cut first or to be bite sized. Ignis was trying not to think too hard on it.
"So Bernard," Regis began. "Tell us a bit about yourself."
"Not much of interest, I'm afraid," he began. "I was born and raised in Altissia. My family worked in the castle for generations. It only felt natural to do the same. I've known Y/N since she was born and have been by her side for years."
"Anything beyond your work? Hobbies? Interests?" Regis pushed for a bit more. He was simply trying to make conversation and get to know the man. Regis wasn't naturally formal and wanted him to be comfortable while he was here.
"I like watching movies. Preferably action thrillers and horror films. I also put together and paint model train cars in my spare time."
"Very interesting! Clarus here simply knits!" Regis joked with a straight face.
"Working on knitting you muzzle as we speak," Clarus responded taking a bite of his chicken and glaring at his friend.
Cor could be heard in the corner coughing into his hand and turning his head down a moment to school his face.
"Any particular hobby that interests you, Y/N" Regis asked.
Ignis turned to her, his full attention focused. He wished so badly to know this answer. To know what she liked to do. What made her excited about life.
"I like movies, I suppose," she replied, shrugging her shoulders.
When she didn't seem to elaborate any further, Bernard spoke up on her behalf.
"You are an amazing artist," the man across from her said.
"Really?" Regis asked, looking pleasantly surprised.
"No!" she exclaimed, turning a light shade of pink in embarrassment. "I….draw every so often. That's all. Hardly call myself an artist."
"These people would argue that if they saw your drawings like I have."
"Please, Bernie! They are just pencil doodles. Nothing special."
"They are special if you enjoy making them," Ignis commented.
Y/N simply looked at him, a bit surprised at his comment. Ignis was happy to find out something new about her. He wanted nothing more than to see some of her sketches. What did she draw, he wondered? People? Animals? Nature? He wanted to ask her further but she seemed opposed to discussing the topic. Maybe some time in private she would open up more to him about it.
The table filled with conversation as Ignis found himself daydreaming about Y/N sketching. Framing her beautiful artwork to hang on their walls. Maybe hanging something in the large library at the Citadel, even.
When plates were cleared and dessert came, Ignis glanced at Y/N's plate to notice she once again spent all her time cutting everything and pushing it around. This had to be more than her not liking the food. Sure she mentioned fish and pasta earlier, but surely she wouldn't have spent the time cutting it if she had no intention of eating it. Dessert was a decadent chocolate cake. This she flat out refused, claiming she was too full for dessert. That, Ignis knew, was not the truth.
When dessert was officially over and all plates and glasses were cleared, Regis stood from the table.
"Well, everyone, I assume our company wishes to retire to their rooms for the remainder of the evening. The day's travels have worn you out, I am sure. Ladies, you both have personal rooms here at the Citadel until your wedding days. Luna, Crowe will kindly escort you to your room, along with Noctis," he said, eyeing his son as a way of telling him to properly walk his lady to her door. "Y/N, Monica and Ignis will both escort you to your room. It was very nice meeting you! I do hope you have a good night's rest." With that, Clarus rose from his seat and followed his King out of the doors into the hall.
"Well, I'd love to stay and chat more with you boys. It's been too long. But as the King mentioned, I'm pretty tired. It was good to see you Ignis! We should catch up more sometime!" she beamed at him.
"Of course!" Ignis replied. "That would be lovely."
Y/N couldn't help the sneer that went across her face. Luna should be focused on Noctis, not Ignis. Y/N already felt so out of place and underwhelming next to Luna. Everyone's attention seemed to just flock to her. The entire meal felt like it revolved around her and how good she looked and how great it was to see her and how she had been. Y/N couldn't help the jealousy. Who's idea was it to put two brides to be together to plan their weddings a month apart? That was clearly asking for trouble.
Luna rose from the table with Noctis and Gladio at her side. Crowe lead the way out of the room, leaving Ignis, Y/N, and Bernard. As Y/N rose from her seat, with the help of Ignis, something dawned on her.
"Um…Monica was it?" she asked the dark haired woman standing near her.
"Yes, ma'am," she said, bowing slightly.
"Am I to assume Bernard is sharing my room or…."
"Oh! No, ma'am! He is in the room right next to yours so he is nearby."
"Oh, okay thank you," she sighed in relief.
Ignis seemed unsure of what to do with his hands. Y/N didn't want to give him the chance to offer his arm or something to her. She wasn't there yet. It was awkward enough sitting beside him all through dinner. She quickly started towards the doors, and Monica took the lead. Ignis caught up beside her and Bernard followed.
Ignis seemed to keep his hands linked behind his back as they walked through the vast halls of the Citadel. Thankfully, it wasn't too far from the dining hall. It only made sense to have rooms nearby. When they finally reached a dark wooden door with a red number 13 on it, Monica turned to her.
"This is your room, miss. Bernard, your room is number fourteen. Here are your room keys. Do you need anything before I depart?"
"Um, there is a bathroom in the room, correct?" Y/N asked.
"Yes, of course. You don't have to use the public restroom. You have a private bathroom with a toilet, shower stall, and garden tub. There is no kitchenette, however, but the kitchen staff is on hand to serve you whenever you wish."
"Thank you, Monica," Y/N told her.
Monica bowed slightly and walked off down the hall. Bernard decided he would take his leave as well and walked to his door with a quickly muttered "goodnight". That left Y/N alone with Ignis in the hallway. Not the ideal situation in her mind. She had no idea what this man would do. Would he be a creep and try and kiss her or something? Would he want to come in? Would they have that awkward goodnight like teenagers do on first dates? To avoid any of that, Y/N decided to enter her room as quickly as possible.
"It was nice meeting you, Ignis. Have a great night," she quickly said as she opened her door and stepped inside.
When she entered, she locked the door and turned on the light. Her luggage was sitting just inside the room, along with her many boxes. She forgot all about needing to unpack. How much did she unpack though? She would be moving out of this room in just a few short weeks. That wasn't a thought that occupied her mind for long though. She walked over to the large red and black bed. It had four beautifully crafted wooden posts. She practically flung herself onto the bed and started weeping into her arms. Everything was suddenly hitting her. This was it. She wouldn't be going back home. Her old life was officially gone. Everything about this place was so different from where she came from. She wished she was able to at least taste dinner, but she feared throwing up. Her stomach was in tight knots bringing bile to the back of her throat all through dinner. She barely paid attention to conversation. Her mind was swirling a mile a minute. She felt dizzy and disoriented all evening. She hated herself and her stupid life! She hated this stupid ass city. She hated the people here. She hated her fiancé…
Well…that was possibly a lie. Ignis was…different. He at least had manners, unlike Noctis. That boy was a straight slob and an animal. Her mother was right. She didn't want to marry Prince Noctis. Ignis didn't get her flowers though. It made her feel like he didn't even think about her arrival. He didn't care to give her a gift welcoming her to the new and different land.
He did smell wonderful though. Whatever cologne he used was expensive and woody and fit him very well. He seemed sophisticated and smart. She only hoped he didn't have a damn stick up his ass, though. She caught him staring at her a lot through dinner. She almost snapped at him to take a picture a few times, but held back.
It didn't help she was also seated right next to Gladio. He was as handsome in person as he was in pictures. Ignis wasn't ugly. But her heart didn't stop when she saw him. He at least dressed well for her. Noctis was wearing what looked like a t-shirt and jeans. She felt so incredibly overdressed. Everyone here seemed to be dressed so casually. Ignis didn't even seem to fit in with them. That's how she knew he probably dressed up for dinner. At least he put some kind of thought into it.
Y/N continued to just lay in bed. She should have probably gotten a bath or at least a shower to wash the day's sweat off. She had been traveling all day and needed to freshen up. All her excuses of "freshening up" today had been excuses to escape for a moment. She continued to lay in bed crying. Every so often, a particular thought would cause her to cry harder. Her throat was getting raw and her make-up was smeared down her cheeks. She didn't care right now. She didn't even properly crawl into bed.
Eventually all her crying wore her out, on top of almost zero sleep last night, and she fell asleep in her dress on top of the bed covers. Her first night here and she already cried herself to sleep. This was bound to be a common occurrence. She only hoped something would save her from her fate. She wasn't sure she would ever find a way to be happy here.