Ignis passed around a few cars on his way to the highway exit he has only taken a small handful of times. He has never left Insomnia and has had no reason to leave the city gates. The only reason he had taken this exit before was to bring Noct to the river by the gates bridge to fish. He was almost as nervous then as he is now. Having the Prince so close to the city walls and him potentially being in danger was enough to completely shoot Ignis' nerves. He knew now that having a princess who didn't want to be in the city right on the city limits was dangerous too. He only hoped she didn't try anything stupid and his plan worked.

Her sobs only seemed to begin to settle as they approached the large bridge in front of them. Her breathing was still uneven and hurried, but she didn't seem beside herself in grief the way she had been most of the trip. They had only been in the car about twenty minutes but it felt far longer. Ignis' phone continued to vibrate in his pocket but he chose to ignore it until they reached his destination. He told her that no one would know they left or where they went but that was obviously not the truth. He knew well enough that there were cameras on every corner of the Citadel. Someone would have watched him take her from her room and into his car. It's how Gladio knew the two of them were up to something. He only hoped they didn't have anyone waiting for them when they reached the river.

Before the car officially made it to the bridge leading out of the city, Ignis took a right turn down a dirt path that could barely be called a road. Y/N's head whipped over to look at him, completely confused. She watched them drive a little ways before finally speaking her mind.

"What the fuck are you doing?" she screeched.

Ignis stopped the car and cut the engine. They were still close to the road, but far enough off of it to seem isolated. There was no traffic here. They were far enough out of the city to not hear the bustling noises or to even see any other people. The official gates into the city were at the other end of the bridge. It was too far to make out anyone, but something seemed to be blocking the road ahead. He assumed it was put there to stop them from leaving. Did they honestly think he thought they could just drive out of the city no problem? And did Y/N think that was the case as well? He suddenly started to feel sick that she wasn't going to be happy with not actually leaving. He never promised her a full escape. He was sure to specifically say the city limits. He wondered if her frantic mind had registered all of his words to her in her room.

"I told you I would take you to the city limits. Any further and we would reach Insomnia's gates. I wanted to bring you someplace quiet. Away from the Citadel and everyone there. This is-"

"NO! I want to leave! Keep going!" she yelled, interrupting him.

"You know as well as I do that we can't do that. You only just signed a document stating such-"

"I don't care! Let them shoot me dead leaving the gates. I DON'T CARE!"

"Please, Y/N! Don't say that. I know you are upset-"

"YOU KNOW NOTHING!" Y/N screamed, before opening her door and exiting the car.

Ignis quickly got out with her, praying to the Astrals she didn't do anything stupid. This plan was executed on a whim. There was no real plan here. He hoped it wasn't a bad decision. He always thought everything through with back up plans and careful research and deep thinking. Never before has he just blurted ideas as they came to his mind. A few times he and Noctis got caught running around outside the Citadel when he was young, and he rashly took the blame. But that was nothing close to the caliber of his current situation.

Y/N had ran a little ways from the car and was at the river bank. He knew if she dove in, he would have to follow her to bring her back. And there was no promising that the guards at the gate with careful eyes on them wouldn't snipe them both assuming the two of them to be escaping together.

"Y/N, I am sorry I cannot take you any further. I just wanted to do all I could to help you and unfortunately this is the best I can do right now. If you wa-"

"Go away! Just…just go away…" Y/N sounded defeated. She dropped to the ground near the water and started once again crying.

Ignis wasn't sure what to do. He knew not to push her but wanted so badly to run over and embrace her. To let her know she was still admired and her presence here was a light to him. Her unfortunate darkest moment was one of his best. He would always take care of her and provide everything she needed. His phone vibrating again interrupted his thoughts. He pulled the phone from his pocket and saw Gladio attempting to call him again. He glanced back at Y/N. She didn't seem like she was going to take off. Hearing a car pulling up to where they turned off the road made him realize how dire it was he answer his friend.

"Please excuse me, Y/N. I must take this call." Y/N didn't even show signs of hearing him. Ignis turned and walked back towards his car, keeping his eye on the glaives that were exiting the car parked at the entrance to the path they were currently on. "Yes, Gladio?"

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?" his friend yelled through the receiver. "I know you are love dunk right now, but tell me you aren't about to do something really stupid. Do you have any idea the chaos you have caused here? Cor is about to blow a damn gasket! There are orders to bring the two of you in! Tell me you aren't as stupid as everyone thinks you are right now!..." Gladio sounded about as nervous as he had felt on the drive over here.

"Assure Cor we are not leaving! We pulled over before the gate bridge," Ignis assured his friend.

"Yeah, we see that. There are eyes on you from all angles, Ig! You guys won't…you can't…." Gladio wasn't sure how to tell his friend if he went any further, there was no promising he would keep his life. "Don't. Leave." he growled out the last two words.

"We aren't going to. I'm making sure she doesn't either. Please, tell Cor and Drautos to have their men stand down. I don't want to scare her off."

Ignis couldn't see, but Gladio held up a hand to Cor who had his glare directed right at him. No one had been able to get ahold of Ignis this whole time and all assumed he was going AWOL. Gladio mouthed "It's okay" to Cor and watched his superior's shoulders ease a bit. No one ever expected Ignis to do something like this and almost weren't sure how to handle the situation. Noctis had been begging everyone to back off his friend and not to hurt him even if they did catch up to them. Regis was trying to keep calm, although he was sweating along with the rest of the room. Clarus was puzzled by his King's calmness but was just as worked up as Cor. There were screens all over the security room they were in, all zeroed in on the advisor and the princess.

"Talk to me, Iggy. I need to know what's going on," Gladio told his friend. All eyes in the room were on him right now, silently waiting to hear the situation.

Ignis took an unsteady breathe. Everything was starting to hit him now that they were out of the car and in the silence outside the city. The adrenaline rush he felt getting her out of the Citadel was hitting him now and the consequences of his actions were weighing heavily on him. The glaives no longer had their weapons drawn but were still standing outside the car watching him as he faced them.

"She was beside herself when I found her. She was so upset she was sick in the hall. I pursued her all the way to her room where she slammed the door in my face. Her wails of anguish were cutting me to my core, Gladio. I had to do something. When she mentioned ending her life, I had to be quick. I told her I would take her to the city limits. Away from the Citadel, away from the noise and chaos of the city. She needed someplace calm to calm her mind and heart. I took her to my car with no intentions of ever reaching the gates. I was only going to bring her to the river where we are now. Please. I should have informed everyone of my plan but I was too busy worrying about her health."

Ignis heard Gladio speaking to someone else in the room he was in, but couldn't make out what was being said. A moment later, the glaives got back in their car and drove back out onto the road. They didn't completely leave, however. He watched them pull off on the side of the road a little ways down. Still keeping an eye on them from afar, he figured.

"I'm so mad at you!" Gladio informed his friend.

"I know Gladio…" Ignis quietly responded. Gladio was no doubt losing his mind at the thought of his closest friend pulling a stunt like he had. There would be nothing Gladio could do if the King had ordered him be taken out for kidnapping or accessory to escape.

"Don't be gone long. I've got them off your back a bit but they aren't gonna wait around all day and night."

"I appreciate it, thank you. We won't be gone all day."

"Quit being stupid, Ig. You've changed since she got in the picture, and I'm not liking it!"

"I haven't changed, Gladio. I'll text you when we head back."

Ignis ended the call with his friend. He wasn't sure what he had meant by "you've changed". He was quite certain he was still exactly the same. His friends probably weren't used to him showing interest in a girl or thinking about someone other than them. His daily routine and attention to them hadn't changed at all the past week she had been there.

Ignis pocketed his phone and headed back towards Y/N. He hadn't been keeping an eye on her and hoped she was still where he left her. He found her with her shoes off and feet in the water and her cries much quieter and more to herself. He carefully made his way to her side, still keeping a small amount of distance so she didn't feel crowded. He sat down beside her on the ground, choosing to keep his shoes on and his feet out of the water.

"I'm sorry I can't do more for you," he quietly told her. When she didn't respond, he decided to continue. "I know…I know you are hurting. And I'm very sorry that is the case. While I can't know exactly how you feel, I can imagine it's not easy leaving your home and family behind. But I want you to know, even if it seems like everyone here is against you and everyone has turned their back on you…I never will. You can always confide in me if you need someone."

"My own mother and country turned their back on me…how can I believe you?" she asked in disbelief.

"Because I will prove it to you every chance I get," Ignis responded softly.

Y/N glanced over at Ignis a moment, not sure how to take his affection and support. She rolled her eyes and looked away, not wanting to believe him. If she couldn't trust her own mother, how could she trust a stranger?

Ignis tried not to take offense to her actions. He knew it would take some time. She was cut deeply today and hurting the worst she has through this whole ordeal. He couldn't read into her every word and action. They were said and done out of pain.

"You don't even know me," she informed him.

"I want to…"

"Why? Look, I don't know how the hell you got roped into this bullshit but you don't have to pretend, okay? They can't just force two people to be together and expect us to be soulmates. You don't have to put on a show for me."

"It's not a show."

"There is no way you could have known enough about me to actually like me. I don't even know when the last picture of me was printed-"

"You're sweet sixteen birthday," Ignis interrupted. Y/N just stared at him wondering how he knew that. "I'm not going to lie. I wasn't familiar with you before all of this was proposed to me. I accepted the proposal before-"

"Accepted?" Y/N asked, tilting her head confused.

"Yes. You were offered as a gift to me. I was given the option to accept or decline. Had I declined, another member of the court would have been offered your hand. I accepted without knowing who you were. I felt I had a duty to my king. But…as I looked you up and tried to find all I could about you, I found myself intrigued and fascinated and…smitten. You were lovely in the picture I found of you, and you are even more beautiful today in person."

"How many other people turned me down before you accepted?" she asked quietly, looking out over the water. She wanted to know just how many other people didn't like her before one took a blind chance on her.

"No one. I was the first to be asked. There were only a small handful of people qualified. I can't deny I almost felt a sense of jealousy at thinking of someone else taking you if I turned you down."

Y/N wasn't sure what to think. She was pissed she was just this bride thrown around for people to take or throw away. They didn't pick the perfect man with her in mind…they just grabbed a handful of "qualified" people and started down the list. A small part of her was also flattered the first guy she was offered to wanted her to himself. Without even knowing her, and still wanted her. But then again, what person wouldn't want to marry a princess without any work? Just sign a paper and ship her on over.

Y/N's eyes were once again filling with tears. She couldn't help but keep feeling used and betrayed over and over. The feeling never seemed to go away. She also kept playing those horrid words by Regis over and over again in her mind. She was truly a slave to this nation. A pawn. How could everything change so suddenly in her life?

Ignis was glancing over at her, a look of anguish on his own face. He wasn't sure if he should reach out to her or not. To either take her in his arms or even just rub a hand on her back.

"I want to be alone," she cried out.

Well, that answered his question before he had a chance to do anything. He was at least a bit grateful he hadn't leaned in only for her to lash at him. He hoped his words helped her a bit. He knew it wouldn't make her suddenly fall for him and put everything behind her. But hopefully it steered her dark thoughts in a more positive direction.

"Of course. I'll be in the car." Ignis stood up and walked back to his car.

He wasn't offended at all. He brought her here to be alone, and that is what she wished for right now. He took out his phone to look back through the messages and missed calls he had received on his drive over here. Most everything seemed to have been answered with his call to Gladio earlier. He felt terrible for worrying everyone. He knew they would be upset with him and curious, but he wasn't quite thinking of the mass hysteria that seemed to have been created by his actions. He was sure to be in trouble when he returned. He only hoped they wouldn't punish Y/N. None of this was her idea. She was barely coherent when she agreed to it and came along with him.

Rather than have an uncomfortable and scolding conversation with one of his friends, he chose to instead go through his emails for the day. He didn't spend much time in his office this morning. He spent a little more time at home getting ready than usual, knowing it was a big day for Y/N. He knew the signing wouldn't take long and expected to be back in his office after lunch. He wasn't sure when he would get back now. He would let Y/N have all the time she needed. If nightfall hit, he would make a call to Gladio or Cor and fill them in on the situation.

He got a bit distracted thinking about her again. Maybe it would be best if she had someone to talk to other than him, as much as it pained him to say. Someone outside of the situation without an opinion to matter. A therapist. Possibly even a psychiatrist if it was bad enough. Hearing her talk of ending her life cut him deeply. Teenagers threw the phrase around often, as if not existing anymore was some joke you could take back. But her anguished cries spoke a deeper truth to her words than he cared for. She needed someone to help her through this. That Bernard fellow she brought along seemed rather useless. Her mother hadn't contacted Regis as of yet to check on her and Y/N didn't seem fond of her. He would have to ask her about their relationship sometime in the future. Even if she had a friend to speak to, they would probably feed into her hate and pain and agree that her life was over. She needed someone to help convince her of all the beauty she was about to encounter here. Regis had mentioned that was partially his job, but he felt right now his presence was more detested than wanted. It could hurt things worse if he stepped in now trying to tell her about all the good Lucis held.

He would make note to speak to some people tomorrow and figure out if intervention would be best. They should also make other important appointments, such as a health check up with the royal doctor. A prenuptial appointment with the royal lawyers. A few things had been laid out in the contract today concerning their marriage, but more needed officially hashed out. He then began wondering if she had done any sort of wedding planning. He imagined not, given her opinion on the matter. He should ask her. Last minute wedding plans were nothing short of chaotic, and they were on such a time crunch already. Luna seemed to be a bit ahead of the game. She already had her dress picked out and brought with her. It was actually picked up in Altissia when they stopped to retrieve Y/N on the way to Lucis. She surely wouldn't want Ignis to accompany her to pick out a dress. He wondered how friendly she and Luna were and if maybe the two of them could go together.

Ignis continued to switch between making lists of important tasks and things that needed completed, including a wedding list of all the things they needed to think and talk about like flowers, colors, etc, and reading and answering emails on his phone. He was startled out of his work when the phone in his hand started ringing. He was expecting Gladio to call him wanting updates at some point. Cor was calling him directly, instead.

"Yes sir…" Ignis answered.

"It's getting dark. I need a status update," the gruff voice demanded.

Ignis looked around. He hadn't even noticed how late it had become. He was so sucked into everything he was doing on his phone that his surroundings didn't even register to him. In a sudden ping of panic, he sat up straighter and looked around for Y/N, hoping she hadn't run off while he was distracted. He never even thought to keep a careful eye on her. He knew she was aware of the dire consequences if she chose to escape, but was more concerned about her hurting herself. He sagged back down in the seat in relief to see her still sitting in the same spot he left her.

"She's still sitting to herself on the bank. I left her alone as she requested but have kept an eye on her," he lied. "I can go see how she is doing and let you know."

"Bring her back. My men have other jobs they need to concern themselves with. She can sit alone with her thoughts in her room. You have fifteen minutes to convince her to return to the car or my men will bring her back in theirs. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," Ignis answered before the line cut dead. He was a bit upset at Cor's lack of empathy, but knew they really needed to head back. He assured them they wouldn't be out here all night.

He slowly exited the car and made his way over to where Y/N was sitting. He wasn't even sure if she had moved since he left her alone. Quietly, he cleared his throat and attempted to get her attention.

"Y/N?" he gently said. She turned her head slightly in his direction, but didn't bring her eyes to look at him. "I've received a call from the Citadel. They are requesting we return."

"Requesting or demanding?" she asked.

"It seems you know military way of thinking too well," Ignis responded lightly, smiling even though she couldn't see it. "If you come with me now, they won't send anyone to retrieve us. I think you know what I mean by that."

Ignis hoped she wasn't as upset as earlier and wouldn't tell them off and to shoot her dead instead. He really hoped she cooperated with him and none of this stress he caused would get any worse than it already was.

"So you promise to help me and bring me to a place of solitude, only to threaten me with force to return…I see. Fine. Whatever," she spat as she stood and made her way to the car, still not looking at him.

Ignis sighed and gave her a minute before turning and making his own way to the car. A part of him regretting what he did; bringing her out here. Another part still stood by his decision. She was still angry, probably always would be to a certain extent, but she was much more calm. She wasn't frantic and losing control. No, he would do this all again for her. He knew it.

They made their way back to the Citadel in silence. The car pulled over on the side of the road was now behind them, following them back and making sure they kept true to their word to return. There was so much Ignis wanted to say to her, but he feared making things worse. She was walking on a very thin tightrope right now and anything could rock her right off. As they pulled up to the Citadel gates and he showed his ID to the guard, things felt a bit more tense.

"Ok Mr. Sciencia, pull up to the front staircase. Do not return to the parking deck, understood?" the guard instructed him. He knew the strict orders were to keep a steady eye on them.

"Of course. Thank you," he replied, taking his ID back and pocketing it.

As he pulled around he noticed a small group of people waiting at the top of them. Cor, Gladio, and Drautos were there, as was Clarus. The King must be retired to his quarters, as well as Noctis. A small group of what looked like Glaives also stood by them. And that butler fellow that followed Y/N around. Before he unlocked the door for them to get out, he decided to speak up.

"Y/N…I want to say something before departing." Y/N looked over at him but didn't say anything. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you more today. And I'm sorry all that transpired today affected you so terribly. I meant what I said though. And I do wish to get to know you more. There is also much we need to discuss about the upcoming month. I would very much like to have lunch with you tomorrow, if you would like. Not here, of course. I should wish to take you out for lunch someplace nice. We could maybe even find an Altissian restaurant or some other type of food you enjoy."

"Are they even going to let me leave after today?" she asked, skeptically.

"I should hope so. If anyone here is in trouble, it's most likely me. I'll speak with them and let you know, if you wish."

"Fine," Y/N answered, not sure of what else to say. She was getting a bit curious about the city and tired of ordering food to her room. It was starting to feel more like a jail cell the longer she was in it.

"Might I have your number to do so?" he hesitantly asked.

Y/N glanced over at him puzzled for a minute, then realized while she had his number, she had never given him hers. She looked out the window and saw the men getting restless. Cor had taken a few steps down toward them as a warning.

"I'll text it to you later. I think we should get out now. They seem mad."

Ignis glanced up at the small crowd and agreed with her. He knew it gave her a chance to back out of meeting with him if she never text him, but he could always send word by telegraph to her room if he had to.

The two of them exited the car and made their way up the stairs. Bernard stepped down to meet her halfway, concerned for her safety.

"Princess! Are you alright? I've been worried sick!" Bernard exclaimed.

Ignis couldn't help the small snort of air that escaped his nose. He wasn't too worried if he didn't get ahold of Ignis or chase after her himself.

"Am I free to escort her to her room? I think she needs a good night's rest after today's events," her servant asked of the men in charge standing there. Clarus was the one to answer him.

"Of course. Please sleep well, Princess Y/N," Clarus nodded at the two of them as they walked past. As Ignis was about to go with them, Clarus stopped him in his tracks. "Sciencia! It would be wise of you not to follow them," he glared, before turning and heading back into the Citadel.

"My office, now!" Cor ground out.

Ignis nodded his head and entered the large building. Gladio gave him a look of sympathy, knowing he was about to get completely chewed out. Everyone else seemed to dissipate back to wherever it was they needed to be. Drautos originally wanted to come along too, but Cor assured him he had it handled and would make him answer for the dispatch of the captain's men as well as the Crownsguard.

As soon as they entered Cor's office and shut the door, Cor made his way behind his desk and stood with his arms crossed.

"I'm sorry sir for-"

"What made you think that leaving the Citadel without word, with a distraught Princess from another nation, on a fast track to the city gates was a good idea? You had my men, Drautos' men, and the shields all preoccupied with your whereabouts and trying to figure out what the hell it was you were doing. You refused phone calls and messages, you gave no warning of your departure, and you were gone for hours. I want an explanation, NOW!"

"Again, I apologize, sir. I made a rash and quick decision with little thought. My only concern was her wellbeing. She was terribly upset after the contract signing, as you saw. I felt as her future significant other, I should try and help her. She was physically ill and panicking. When she threatened to end her life, I made the decision to bring her away from everything causing her distress. I thought getting away from the unfamiliar and deafening city would be good for her. I never had any intention of leaving the city, nor did I even think it to be a possibility. I knew the guards would not let us through if we even tried. I assured Gladio I would be back as I left. I'm sorry I didn't say more or answer any incoming calls. I don't often like to use my phone while driving. When we arrived, I was explaining to her where we were exactly and why. She was in a state of hysteria when we left. Gladio called me before I had a chance to call him."

Cor watched him with an unchanging glare the whole time he spoke.

"She wished to end her life? Do you feel extra security and possible hospitalization is needed? These are not matters to blow off. Her suicide could cause irreparable damage to our reputation and standing in the world."

"No. I think she was merely speaking out of pain and speaking rashly. I took it serious at the moment, however, and that is was caused our departure. After she settled down and had time to think, and speaking with her a bit, I still feel she was merely lashing out. I do, however, think it best if maybe she was given someone professional to discuss her strong feelings with to prevent future outbursts."

"Hm," Cor grunted in response. He seemed to be thinking over the rest of what Ignis had mentioned. "You do realize that at any point up to her marriage, and even after, if you are deemed unfit to properly be with her or the King questions your own motives and loyalties, her hand can be withdrawn from you. If the King no longer approves of your joining, she will be given to someone else. You still have a duty to this kingdom over your spouse. You understand this, correct?"

"Of course!" Ignis replied quickly.

"Gladio seems worried your thoughts are a bit skewed lately."

"I can assure you that is not the case. He mentioned something similar to me, but I think he is just used to seeing me so engrossed in the Prince's life it's foreign to see me making decisions about my own. I promise my loyalties and dedication remain constant and to the King and Prince. That will never falter."

"It better not. The consequences aren't small for such transgressions. Your stunt today calls for house arrest on her part and further punishment on yours."

"Please don't do that to her," Ignis pleaded. "I feel it would only make things worse. She already feels like a prisoner here. I was hoping to take her out tomorrow for lunch in the city. Seeing her emotions improve after being out of these walls today, I think it would only further help her to get out again. Only this time within the city to show her a bit of it with hopes she grows to see it's not so bad."

"You want to avoid punishment so you can go on a date?" Cor asked, arching an eyebrow.

"I know it sounds that trivial, but it truly is not. Sure, it also helps me to get to know her better. But, it honestly is to help her. I have a list of things we need to go over for the upcoming wedding and her future here in Lucis. I have put it off thus far, trying to give her space to adjust but I feel that has only made things worse. Regis asked me to wean her into this world, and I hope to make true on my word starting tomorrow. Today was an error on my part, but after assessing the situation I see my errors. I ask for a pass this once. This is all so new to me and I apologize it is taking me a handful of blunders to get it right."

Cor almost wanted to chuckle at Ignis. Women were a puzzle he never cared to solve. He knew what involving yourself with them could do. It also made men soft and make poor judgments and decisions. He's watched Regis, Clarus, and Cid all do it. And word was Weskham was currently doing the same. The poor young man in front of him was so clueless. To never even show interest in a girl and then suddenly be responsible for one and marry her as well had to be hellish whiplash. Cor knew Ignis was smart. He was one of the most dedicated and least selfish people he knew. This was merely a flub, but he needed to let him know flubs couldn't happen in their line of work.

"I will let this one slide. Take it as your first and final warning. I know people are taught to always hold their spouses in high regard and put them above all…but in your profession, she can never come first. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir!" Ignis responded. It pained a small part of him to accept and agree, but he always knew that would be his life.

"Dismissed. Don't make me call you in here again."

"Thank you, sir!" Ignis bowed and walked out of the office, heading back to his car parked out front. He knew he got off really easily. Cor wasn't one to be soft with people. He didn't let anything slide. He just had to be more careful and less rash in the future.

As he was making his way down the steps, his phone went off. He assumed it would be Gladio asking how everything went with Cor and to call him, but was surprised to see it was from a number he didn't recognize. The number didn't even look to be from this region. He opened the message and smiled to himself.

863-95-9762: It's Y/N. Here's my number. See you tomorrow?

Ignis was glad she messaged him as she said she would. Hopefully this was a step forward for them. He was really glad he was able to get her out of her punishment now.

Ignis: I look forward to it!

A/N:

I can honestly say I picture Cor standing there all big and bad and super pissed cause he's stressed about today's events, but trying so hard not to laugh at poor Ignis having no idea what to do with a distraught girl to the point he had half the army after him hahaha

Next chapter, our princess finally gets to go out into the city, but if you know me as an author you know it won't be a day in paradise. But at least the hatred toward Ignis is at like 90% right now and not a full 100% lol She's just so damn stubborn. I can't wait till you guys get to the chapters she really lashes out. You'll enjoy them more than you expect! *wink wink*

Thanks again for all the amazing support and love and comments. You guys have really fueled me so much creatively the past few weeks, I've hit such a high in my writing all across the board with all my writing projects. Thank you!