Chapter Text
In hindsight not waiting until his agents were in place had been a bad idea. Sure the attack on Insomnia had been a rousing success, they had taken the Lucis crystal and claimed it as their own, and brought most of the country to it’s knees in a single sweep. It had been a very good day as far as Idola was concerned, a great victory for Niflheim.
At least it had been at first, but as the hours turned to days, the days to weeks, where he once looked at the crystal with feelings of pride and thoughts of opportunity, now he gazed upon it with contempt. Contempt and frustration for the piece of peacefully glowing rock that now rested within the lower parts of the castle. His scientists conducted studies on it each day with minimal success.
“I want to see the latest reports.” He told his head scientist, a young man with black hair and piercing green eyes.
“Yes my lord.” The man said. He was Idola’s best man for the job, a youth not afraid to try things his seniors were hesitant to do. He brought Idola a clipboard that contained many pages of readings and charts. “This is the latest reports as of two days ago. As you can see the crystal has been releasing a steady stream of energy over the last week. It remains mostly consistent, but you’ll see occasional drops in power. I suspect that these are-”
“- the prince drawing magic from it.” Idola finished. He did not really need to know that, it was as obvious as night and day.
“Yes my lord.”
“And you have not been able to figure out how he can harness the crystals power.”
“No my lord.” The scientist said. Not what Idola wanted to hear and he shoved the clipboard of notes into the researchers chest.
“Keep working, update me on any breakthroughs. We need to find a way to control this damn rock.” Idola told him. The scientist nodded but did not speak up at first seeming to hesitate as though he wanted to say something but was afraid if he did he would end up on the execution list. “What?” The king asked his annoyance clear.
“Permission to speak freely sir?”
“...Granted.” Idola grumbled. He hated giving the okay for someone to speak freely, but so far the man had proven himself to be an asset so he would make an exception. The scientist cleared his throat.
“I don’t think we’re going to make any more progress than we already have. Without Lucis’ scientists or notes from their research we’re doing decades of study from the beginning.”
“We have old research from when our crystal was still alive-”
“Yes, but my lord,” The scientists interrupted and looked away at his king’s glare. He was already in trouble but he was going to try very hard to ignore that fact until he finished what he had to say. “Each crystal operates differently. We’ve looked at the old materials and comparing Lucis’ crystal to Niflheim’s is like comparing a garula to a great haize. They’re completely incompatible with each other. We need Lucis’ research if we want even the slightest hope of using the crystal within the next year.”
Idola said nothing. Most of the people who researched Lucis’ crystal were killed in the initial attack and the citadel was bombed to pieces. However that could not have been the only location where they kept research materials. The palace had to have had some information. “I’ll have my men forward anything they can find.”
“Thank you my lord.” The scientist said, “Uh, while I have your attention may I also suggest one thing. I know your goal was for our soldiers to kill the prince on sight - understandable we don’t want an heir to the enemy throne alive - but I think we might have a use for him. As an alternative to figuring out how the crystal operates.”
Idola noticed the scientists demeanor had changed from nervous to calm. He flipped through some paperwork and showed him his notes. Idola looked them over and smiled. He liked what he saw.
If Noctis had not already known that Accordo - and pretty much every country besides Lucis - conducted it’s court business in the morning, he’d be convinced that the Altissian circle was requesting a seven in the morning meeting just to spite him. Mornings were difficult for him, granted waking up in general was difficult for him, but mornings were the worst. Especially if it meant being up at six for a meeting at seven. At least Solheim had the decency to wait until nine, Tenebrae was even better about waiting until ten, but seven? Whoever thought that was a great idea should be locked up for the rest of their lives. Not even the stuffy suit he was required to wear compared to the madness of a seven in the morning meeting. At least the suit was black.
Fortunately for him, he was only required to stand before Accordo’s representatives as a figurehead. A sign that the Caelum family line was still alive, and that in turn the royal family of Lucis still had some power. Ignis had agreed to do most of the talking when he had to, but until then his main priority was making sure Noctis did not fall asleep while standing. The prince had woken up looking pretty awful from a night of bad dreams, and the dark circles under his eyes would have been more prominent if they weren't covered up that morning. They needed to make sure the prince looked alive, even if he was just meant to stand in presence, presentation meant a lot in Accordo.
At the current moment the one that had the floor was Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, a member of Tenebrae’s political circle, an ambassador in international affairs, and Noctis’ fiancé. Usually romance and politics did not intertwine, but as Noctis looked up at the court of twenty his eyes fell on one particular individual and he had a feeling that today discussions would be a little more complicated.
Luna had already made her request known the moment she had found refuge in Accordo’s capital city. So with everyone present the meeting began with a reminder. “I understand you wish for us to aid you in invading Niflheim correct?” One of them spoke, an older man. Thankfully not the individual Noctis was looking at.
“Correct.” Luna said as she stood at the podium. “Our goal is to retrieve the Lucis crystal and return it to the crown city.”
“Understandable. The question is, why should we aid you and the crown prince in this mission? What makes you believe that it is more beneficial for us to offer our assistance to you and Lucis’ prince than to turn around and pledge our allegiance to Niflheim?”
That statement said so many things that Noctis did not want to think about. Neither did Ignis or Luna. If the blonde woman was bothered by what Accordo was implying she did her best to hide her concerns.
“Lucis has provided our countries with many resources and assisted with conflicts over the years. Niflheim in contrast has made many threats against my country and yours. Before this conflict went from a cold war to open warfare I had been in many territorial disputes with Lord Idola, most of which ended in threats of violence.” Luna started, “Likewise I recall that Niflheim has made many threats to Accordo as well including attempts to control the Leviathan.”
“You are correct. About forty years ago we did have a brief skirmish with Niflheim because of attempts to control Leviathan. They said that Archaean’s did not belong to any nation and while that is true Leviathan guards our city willingly and we like to keep ourselves friendly with it.” The man said, “In fact if I recall our last king contacted Lucis to aid us in calming the beast after the incident.”
“Yes. This incident led to the signing of the arch-peace treaty. To prevent astral relics from being used in open conflict, including the Archaeans.”
“You know your history quite well Ms. Fleuret.”
“Thank you my lord.” Luna said a grin on her face. Noctis kept his head low so that no one would see him smiling. Except Ignis who shot him a look of disapproval. “The mentioning the arch-peace treaty brings me to another point that I wished to bring up and that is Niflheim’s habit of denying and violating signed treatings.”
“Ah, invading the crown city during the signing ceremony.”
“Yes, the invasion is a direct violation of the rules of engagement.” Luna told them. “The conditions of the signing were planned weeks in advance and Idola was well aware of what attacking during the ceremony meant. I’m hesitant to think that even if you were to turn your back on us and aid Niflheim they may turn against you. Lucis by comparison makes an effort to keep its allies.”
“Yes but Lucis has requested modification to treaties many times. For their favor might I add.” The man said. “For instance Lucis has continually requested changes regarding resource distribution-”
“-However it has never denied Altissia any promised resources. Neither has it denied Tenebrae any promised resources, which may I remind you, we receive fewer of.”
“Yes, but Tenebrae also has higher favor within the Lucis kingdom.” Another man spoke and Noctis mentally cursed their luck. It was man he hoped would keep his mouth shut. “After all I’m sure there’s a reason why Lucis and Tenebrae chose to keep your research into the Lucis crystal to yourselves.”
“Accordo was invited to take part in the research. You refused.” Luna said, “Solheim never had a crystal so they have no reason to participate. I’m sure I do not need to explain why the offer to take part was never extended to Niflheim.”
“That does not change the fact that Lucis has shown Tenebrae favor. Especially with the choice to annul a key long term contract. Which I believe you called for, correct highness?”
Luna said nothing, but looked to Noctis who was having trouble hiding the scowl on his face. She looked back to the men and women before her. “I’m not sure how this is-”
“Ms. Fleuret, I am addressing the prince of Lucis.” The man said a grin on his face. Noctis looked at him then Ignis not sure if or how he should respond. It looked like Ignis himself was taken a little off guard by the sudden mention of this old contract. He pushed his glasses up a little and looked at the prince.
“Stay calm, and try and bring the court back to Luna’s points. He has little pull bringing this up.” Ignis told him. Noctis nodded and stepped up. Luna looked at him a little nervous before stepping away from the podium so he could take her place. They both knew that this was a pointless argument but since it was brought up it needed to be addressed.
His people were dying and one of these officials was stalling by bringing up an old marriage contract. Arguing this was a waste of time.
“Prince Caelum.”
“Sir.” Noctis said hiding his frustration under a mask of politeness that was barely staying in place.
“I trust your stay in Accordo has been enjoyable?”
“It is. Altissia is as beautiful as I remember it.”
“I’m glad to hear. It’s been years since you stepped through the capital’s gates. You’ve barely left your country since your accident.”
“Well some things are hard to forget.” Noctis said. He hoped he did not sound too sarcastic, but if he did his tone was not acknowledged. Instead they got to the point.
“Prince Noctis Lucis Caelum, you remember that seven years ago a contract was signed between your father and Duke Warren. It was an agreement for an arranged marriage between you and now Duchess Candace Warren when you two were of age. Am I correct?”
“You are correct.” Noctis said choosing his words carefully. Altissia took politeness very seriously.
“And you requested that contract annulled five months ago.”
“I did. It was a mutual agreement between myself and Duchess Candace to end the arrangement. Neither of us agreed with the politics surrounding-”
“And yet not even a few months later you announced your engagement to Lunafreya Nox Fleuret of Tenebrae. The week of the signing ceremony if I remember. Is this correct?”
Noctis frowned. Technically that was true, but it was only announced because someone leaked it to the media. An ambitious photographer who happened to see them walking around the city and happened to notice a specific ring resting on Luna’s fingers and that they were a were allegedly standing a little closer to each other than normal - how they thought that he had no idea. “My relationship with Luna...with Ms. Fleuret is not politically motivated, if that’s what you're implying.” He said.
“It isn’t you say.”
“Yes, and while we’re on the subject,” Noctis began and he could already imagine Ignis was shaking his head as the prince’s patience started to thin, “what does my personal life have to do with this discussion? Because I believe we’re supposed to be discussing getting my country's crystal back from Niflheim.”
“Prince Caelum, this marriage had several political ramifications for both Accordo and Lucis, many of which would have been beneficial to both parties and you chose to toss that aside on a whim. Regardless of your motivations the implications that you would choose to marry a Tenebrae Aristocrat over Duchess Candace-”
“My people are dying!” Noctis shouted, his voice echoing through the chambers. “Each day that Niflheim occupies my country my citizens are dying, and you’re more interested in discussing a political marriage that fell through?”
“Highness…” Ignis warned him and Luna cringed as the entire discussion was beginning to fall apart. Noctis wasn’t done.
“What if it was your people? If it was your people would you be sitting around twiddling your thumbs like you are now? Or would you be trying to do everything you could to protect them, to make sure that they weren't in the hands of a madman?”
“Accordo is not the one with an active crystal Noctis-”
“And if Idola keeps his hands on my crystal he’ll use it to lay Altissia to waste! He destroyed Insomnia in minutes with just bombs, imagine what he’d do to Altissia, no all of Accordo, if he managed to unlock the power of the Lucis crystal. But no I’m sorry, the important thing isn’t that your people might be in danger, that Idola could kill every person in this city, and reduce it to dust, it’s a fucking marriage contract that has absolutely nothing to do with this war!”
“Highness!”
“That’s quite enough Prince Caelum.”
The discussions became muted and while Luna was given the opportunity to speak a little more they broke for the day shortly afterward. The three were excused and stood outside in the hallways near Altissia’s palace courtyard. Noctis’ scowl had not left his face since he blew up in the court’s faces. Luna was pacing, drumming her fingers, Ignis had a frown on his face as he played with the rim of his glasses.
“Well, that could have gone better.” Ignis said. Noctis was silent. “I’ll admit highness, I’m sure some will be moved by your concern for your people but an attitude and vocabulary like that won’t get you far politically.”
“I’m sorry….” Noctis said. His voice was a little hoarse from yelling and he sounded exhausted. He kept his eyes on the pond in the courtyard, which was sorely lacking in frogs, as he heard Luna’s footsteps stop. It was a peaceful cool morning, the lights of the dead were almost invisible in it.
“Highness,” Ignis said his voice a little calmer. “I understand this is a little overwhelming. We haven’t had a chance to breath since we got here but-”
“Ignis I can see them!” Noctis said looking at his advisor and Luna. “Every night, every day. Etro’s gate is brighter than ever; their screams are in my dreams! And Accordo wants to waste time talking about an arranged marriage from when I was fifteen?” He turned directly to Luna looking into her blue eyes. “You can see it too, can’t you?”
“Y-yes. You know I can.” Luna said trying to keep herself calm, trying to keep Noctis calm. Noctis had no reply and looked away from them. He ran a hand through his hair, partly relieved by the reminder that seeing those lights dancing around his head was not a sign he was going crazy. He felt like he was, his nightmares were getting worse, and he felt more tired than he had in a long time. Luna moved closer standing next to him and put a gentle hand on his arm. “Everything is going to be alright.”
“Doesn’t feel like it right now.” Noctis said his tone bitter and the blonde girl winced a little before squeezing his arm a little tighter. Noctis looked at her hand then away his face partly obscured by his hair. “I screwed up didn’t I.” Neither of them answered until Ignis decided to do so after carefully considering his words.
“I think regardless of today, there’s no denying Accordo is stalling, otherwise they would not have brought this up.” Ignis said. “Perhaps we should consider finding our allies elsewhere.”
“I’ve been thinking the same thing.” Luna said, “I already got back in contact with a few friends in Tenebrae, they’re going to try and pull some strings and see if I can meet with the Queen. The Queen was always pleased with the results of our research project and always had good things to say about Lord Regis. I think she’ll be willing to listen to us.”
“You’ve planned ahead.” Ignis observed a frown on his face as the blonde nodded.
“I have twenty hours to work with a day. Might as well put them to use.” She said. “I’m also trying to get into contact with Solheim. Tenebrae has never had a good relationship with them, but I thought it would be worth a try.”
“Solheim and Lucis have been longtime friends, it helps that crystals were never part of the equation. They’ll grant you an audience if they know I’m alive and well.” Noctis said. His hand moved from the pillar it had been resting on to Luna’s shoulder, lightly caressing the fabric of her white dress. “Just don’t overwork yourself okay.”
“I make no such promises.” Luna said a cheeky grin on her face that made Noctis sigh a little. She was trying to lighten the mood but it was not really working for him. So he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her into a hug. He did not feel very steady and holding her close helped. Feeling her against him and holding her helped him remember that was was happening was really happening. That he was not dreaming and would not be waking up in a tent in the Duscae region. He sighed and it was the tired sounding sigh of someone with too much weight on their shoulders.
“Perhaps it would be wise for all of us to take the morning off.” Ignis said getting their attention and having noticed Noctis worn down demeanor. “Highness, you should get some rest, you look exhausted and ready to collapse.”
Noctis nodded. He was very certain that part of his mood was because he was so tired. A nap sounded like a good idea, except he was pretty sure that he promised the others that he would hang out with them after the meeting. Prompto wanted to go out into the city and buy some new clothes. His old attire was starting to look pretty shabby from being on the road. Noctis had agreed to go with him, but now he didn’t have the energy to want to try. Prompto would be disappointed, he hated disappointing his friend. However he also knew if he passed out on the street or in a store that his friend would feel awful about dragging him out.
Noctis could make up for missing the outing. “We’ll meet for lunch around one?” He asked. If there was one thing Prompto liked more than clothes shopping and playing video games, it was food.
“Of course.” Ignis said a smile on his face. “I’ll make sure we find a place to your liking. Shall we return to our room?”
It taking a moment for him to realize that Ignis expected him to follow him back to their sleeping quarters. Noctis looked at the floor and Ignis was not sure why until he noticed a slight blush on Noctis face. “...my things are in Luna’s room. I had them moved there last night.” He said. Ignis said nothing at first before moving his hand a little to push his glasses up and partially cover his face.
“Of course. Then we’ll meet in the palace lobby later.” Ignis said. His tone sounded odd and Noctis was not sure what to make of it as Ignis excused himself and left their company. He felt strange seeing Ignis just up and leave like that, and he was not sure whether he should be upset by it or not. He shook his head, struggling to keep his eyes open. He desperately needed to lie down.
“Come on let’s go.” He said looking to Luna.
“You sure you’re going to make it?” Luna asked. “Weather’s great, you could lie down right on the grass. You always liked sleeping in the sun.”
Despite his exhaustion he found himself smiling a little. “Tempting, but this is my only suit and I can’t risk getting grass stains in it.” He said still holding her close. “And it’s too hot. Summer heat sucks.”
“Want it to suck less? Wear less black.” Luna suggested and Noctis chuckled.
“Now you’re asking for to much.” He said, he had a grin on his face and gave her a quick kiss on her forehead. “Let’s go.”
The two started down the hall but did not get very far when they bumped into another person.
“Oh excuse me!” She said moving a few steps back. Noctis looked her over. He had seen this person in passing a few times, she was a young woman that was his height with short black hair and piercing green eyes, dressed in a light purple shirt with black pants. She was very pretty, he would not deny that, and had a strong presence about her.
Being around her made him uneasy. Though friendly there was a coldness to her voice and a fire in her eyes that told him to be careful when around her. Sometimes when she looked at him he wondered if he should sleep with a knife under his pillow. Even as she bowed in apology there was something off about her gesture that was off. Like she was unused to it the gesture. “I’m so sorry my lady. My lord.” She said acknowledging him.
“It’s okay.” Luna said. “Aurora was it? I’ve seen you around a lot the past few days. Busy?”
“You remember me my lady. I’m honored.” Aurora said straightening. Noctis said nothing but noted she sounded sarcastic. “But yes I’ve been very busy. I’m doing daily rounds around the castle. The usual security checks, nothing new, but we’re on heightened alert now that his highness is present.”
Noctis had noticed that security seemed unusually high in the castle. He had not thought about it until now, probably because he was used to seeing extra security in general during formal events, but now he found himself suddenly aware of how many guards he past just five minutes ago, and how many of them were carrying firearms. The rifles made him very uneasy. They made them all uneasy, even Prompto who liked guns. He pulled on Luna’s arm a little getting her attention.
“Oh right.” Luna said having been torn from her brief conversation. “We need to get going. It was good seeing you again Aurora.”
“Likewise my lady.” Aurora said then gave one last look to Noctis. A cold look in her eyes was hidden behind her friendly smile. “Highness.”
Noctis found his voice get stuck in his throat so he simply nodded to her and she walked around them. He sighed and when she was out of sight looked to Luna. “She’s scary.” He said.
“Yeah, a little bit.” Luna said. “She’s nice, but something about her makes me nervous. I can’t quite put my finger on it.”
“What’s her story?” Noctis asked. Luna shrugged.
“I don’t know the details but her official records say she served in the outskirts of Accordo spying on Niflheim camps.” Luna said. “A tough job I bet. Spies kind of creep me out. You never know what they’re thinking. What do you think?”
“I don’t trust them. It’s hard to trust someone that keeps a lot of secrets.”
“You really think so?”
“I don’t know. I just don’t feel comfortable around her.” Noctis said and Luna gave a small nod more to herself than to him. They finally reached Luna’s room, a large room, not quite as big as the four person suite he had been staying in with the guys when he first got here, but still pretty big. His things were still in a corner, Noctis had little interest in unpacking anything, he kept having this feeling that they would be up and leaving soon and he did not want to get to comfortable. Instead he took off his suit jacket, lay it on the chair near Luna’s desk, kicked off his shoes, and flopped onto the bed. He let out a sigh as he looked up at the ceiling. The light was on giving the room a calm golden color to it.
“What are you thinking about?” Luna asked taking a seat next to him.
“I don’t know. I guess...I still feel like I’m dreaming.” Noctis said. “It’s still hard to believe that what’s happening right now is real.”
“Well I can assure you it’s very real.” Luna said resting her hand on his leg. “You aren’t dreaming, you aren’t going to wake up in a tent in the Duscae Region or in a Lestallum hotel. You’re safe here, in Altissia, with your friends and with me.”
“Still feels so hard to believe...” He said his voice barely audible as he closed his eyes only to frown when he felt someone poking his cheek. He groaned and rolled onto his side only to feel a hand on his shoulder shake him.
“Hey, you’re not going to sleep in your suit are you?” Luna was talking to him. He looked at her and blinked a few times making sure he was not imagining anything. She was no longer in her fancy white dress but a long white shirt with blue leggings. He frowned, confused by the change in attire before it occurred to him that he probably did fall asleep for a little while. “You’re going to get this thing all wrinkled you know.”
Noctis smiled knowing he should change but did not want to. Wrinkles were easier to get out of suits than grass stains. “Don’t care…nap time...” He muttered closing his eyes again and letting himself fall into a deep sleep. Luna shook her head before taking a spare thin blanket from the mostly empty closet and covering him with it. She moved her hand to his head and brushed her fingers through his hair.
He looked peaceful for now and that made her smile and hope his sleep would not be ruined by more nightmares.
“He probably just overslept again. I mean, it’s Noct.” Prompto said.
“Probably overslept? He definitely overslept. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s still sleeping.” Gladiolus said, a knowing grin on his face as Ignis frowned and checked the time again. It was almost two o’clock. They were supposed to have left for the restaurant Prompto suggested an hour ago. They were still waiting at the doors that lead out of the palace for the prince in question to show up. “You think he forgot we were going out?”
“He’s with Luna. He always forgets stuff when he’s with Luna.” Prompto said a knowing grin on his face.
“Indeed. Perhaps we should fetch him from her.” Ignis said. He was frowning and his tone bitter. Which only made Gladiolus chuckle and Prompto’s grin became wider.
“Easy there Iggy, no need to get all jealous.” The blonde said and Ignis stared at him like a deer looking at a pair of headlights.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me. Jealous.”
“I am not jealous.”
“You are so jealous.” Prompto said. Ignis glared at him which only made the blonde laughed. “See? You have that look.”
“What look?”
“That same look you always have on your face when someone you don’t like has Noct all to themselves. You used to give me that look and now you're using that look with her. You’re jealous and it’s adorable.”
“He’s got a point Iggy. You do look pretty jealous.” Gladiolus said still grinning. Ignis sighed; he had been over this with them before. Just because he was not fond of Luna did not mean he was jealous of her. Sure, he did not like how she monopolized a lot of Noctis’ time, or how Noctis’ priorities seemed to go completely out the window whenever she was in town, but he was not jealous. He expected Noctis to put his significant other on a slightly higher pedestal than himself, especially when that significant other lived on the other side of the world and was only in town a few weeks in the year.
So, no, he was not jealous and had no reason to be. Not at all.
Not that saying that would stop Prompto from making fun of him. The blonde boy was already preparing another round of teasing when someone caught his eye.
“Hey! Look who's here!” He said and rushed over as Noctis walked into the hallway, dressed in his usual attire, hair in desperate need of being combed. He stopped as Prompto wrapped him into a hug. “There you are! About time. Ignis was starting to think you’d been kidnapped.”
“No, just having a little trouble getting up.” Noctis said as Prompto let go and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
“I noticed. I mean did you look in a mirror before you left?” Prompto asked noting his friends hair. “You're hopeless when you don’t have me as your alarm clock.”
Noctis found himself laughing a little as Prompto half dragged him over to the rest of his friends.
“Well look who's up.” Gladiolus said.
“Did you sleep well highness?” Ignis asked noting that Noctis eyes looked a little brighter and his skin had a healthier color to it.
“Yeah. I did.” Noctis said. He did not have any nightmares, if he had he would remember them, and he felt pretty well rested. He felt more awake than he had in a few days, which he wanted to enjoy while he could. “So, where are we going?”
“I found this really nice place by the water.” Prompto said, “They got a pretty good selection, and you can see the frozen surface of the lake if we get an outdoor table.”
“It’s quite the sight highness, I thought you’d enjoy the view.” Ignis said. He remembered Noctis had been staring out at the partly frozen lake as they crossed the long bridge into the capital city. He just could not remember if it had been in wonder of the unusual sight or if it was because Noctis was sensing the Archaean Leviathan. The dark haired prince thought about it for a second and shrugged.
“Sounds good. Let’s go.”
“Finally!” Prompto shouted in excitement as he lead the way out of castle. Noctis followed behind them, taking in the detailed garden and watching workers and soldiers walk past them. He looked up at the castle walls to see more guards stationed at key points armed and ready for anything. It was almost as if Accordo was preparing for an impending invasion, but as they jumped into the car and began down the road to the place in question, Noctis noticed a lack of any kind of security on the streets. A few police here and there but nothing out of the ordinary.
Maybe he was just a little paranoid and the morning meeting was still aggravating him. Maybe the extra security at the castle was just cause him and Luna were inside it and neither were really expected to leave the palace for an afternoon outing like he was doing now. However even as he thought that and let his head rest nonchalant against the Regalia’s door, he could not help but feel that something was not right. He wasn’t sure what it was, but something about the environment was not sitting well with him.
“Oh hey Noct, you think after lunch we can go shopping?” Prompto asked turning around in his seat. “I still want to get some clothes.”
“I thought you already did.”
“He did, but he wants to take you out to look around since you missed the fun this morning.” Ignis said, “I would say no if I were you, we’re low on funds.”
“I didn’t spend that much Iggy.”
“You went through eighty percent of our budget in two hours.”
“You said seventy this morning!”
“Did I? I miscalculated.” Ignis said a smirk on his face which made Prompto grumble a little and the blonde cross his arms.
“You two could always go window shopping.” Gladiolus said. “I mean you know what they say, ‘looking is free’.”
“Yeah but looking isn’t the same as buying, right Noct?” Prompto asked and the crown prince considered his friends words and Ignis money concerns before shrugging.
“I’m okay with just looking.” Noctis finally said. “A nice walk around town sounds pretty good.” Prompto did not look or sound disappointed, just excited.
“Alright it’s decided then. I’m taking Noct out on the town after lunch. Jealous Iggy?”
Had Iggy not been driving, Noctis was sure his advisor would have tried to hit Prompto over the head. And in fact once they got to the restaurant and parked the regalia Ignis did give Prompto a light hit over the head. The four friends entered the restaurant and were sat down by the water at Ignis’ request. Noctis stared out at it, deep in thought.
Altissia was built in the middle of a lake that for some reason seemed to be perpetually half frozen. No one knew the cause but it was believed it was because of Leviathan. The beastly Archaean made the lake it’s home and guarded the capital city out of good faith. In turn it’s people worshipped it like a god. It was a monstrous yet intelligent creature with a lot of power behind it. At least that’s what he remembered, he could only recall seeing it once.
“What do you think Noct?” Prompto asked. Noctis said nothing as he continued to look at the water until Prompto took a bread roll and tossed it at the prince’s head. That got his attention and he winced at the sudden pressure of something hitting his head and glared at his blonde friend.
“Hey!”
“Hey yourself. I asked you something.” Prompto said and sighed when he saw the blank look on Noctis face. His friend had not been paying attention. “You think the ice is thick enough to go skating on? Or do you think I’d sink like a rock?”
Noctis thought for a second then looked back out at the water. “Think you’d sink. The ice looks pretty thin. Not sure how it stays that way.”
“Yeah it’s a bit crazy.” Gladiolus said, “Then again not everything in the world makes sense.”
“Would be nice to understand the unknown wouldn’t it.” Ignis said, “Perhaps someday we'll know what magic causes this effect on the lake.”
“Yeah and then maybe we’ll figure out how to keep Noct awake past ten.” Prompto said a smirk on his face. Noctis opened his mouth to object but his friend interrupted him. “Without spending half the evening asleep in a broom closet.”
With that any retort the prince had fell flat and he glared at his friends as he saw Gladiolus and Ignis try and hide their smirks and laughter. “Stop it.” He said though his command was painfully weak. “It’s not funny.”
“It’s pretty funny Noct. Mostly because it’s true.” Gladiolus said.
“It only happened once.”
“Five times in the last year.”
“Shut up…” Noctis muttered. It wasn’t his fault that his father’s parties sometimes lasted until one in the morning and he needed a nap to even hope to keep up with them. He looked away back at the water his face hot with embarrassment. To his relief the moment their lunch arrived the topic changed and Prompto and Gladiolus began talking about other things, apparently swimming was on there minds thanks to the lake. Noctis listened in content silence, sometimes chuckling as Prompto said something amusing and glancing back at the water below.
The sight was beautiful, he was willing to admit that. It made him feel at peace. Outside the palace he felt more calm and relaxed, almost like a weight of stress had been pulled off his shoulders. Only now he felt a tightness in his chest that he could not quite pinpoint. A dull achiness that formed as his mind wandered back to Lucis.
He was homesick. The realization hit him hard now that he actually had a little time to sit and get his thoughts together. He wanted this war to be over with as soon as possible. To bring the crystal back to his people, and begin cleaning up Insomnia and any other cities that fell to Niflheim’s attacks. He wanted the chance to bury his father, even though by the time he got back it would be next to impossible to recover his body. He hoped a tombstone in the courtyard, next to his mother’s resting place, would be enough.
He frowned as he continued to stare at the lake, his thoughts swirling in his head to the point of incoherence, but the one that kept coming back to him was Leviathan. Archaean’s were intelligent creatures, dangerous if challenged, capable of a degree of independent thought, but because of his connection to the crystal, Noctis could influence them. If his control over Titan meant anything than surely he could also gain control over Leviathan.
If he could control Leviathan. If he could use it for force Accordo’s hand…
“Highness.” Ignis voice broke his thoughts and he looked at his advisor. “Is something wrong? You haven’t touched your lunch.”
“If he’s not hungry I’ll take it!” Prompto said.
“Uh uh, it’s mine.” Gladiolus said, but he was only half joking as he looked at the young prince. “You okay Noct? You look a bit upset.”
Did he? Of course he did, his face was practically an open book. “It’s nothing.” Noctis said. “Just thinking, that’s all.”
“You want to talk? You know if you have something on your mind you can talk to us.”
Noctis nodded. He appreciated Gladiolus telling him that. He already knew it, but being reminded now and again that his friends would listen to him was nice. However right now he did not want to talk about what he was on his mind, not until his thoughts were more together. He took a bite of his food hoping that actually eating his lunch would make them feel better and slowly the three returned to their discussion. Noctis nodded and sometimes smiled, but he was only half listening. His head was buzzing with ideas. Ideas he did not want his friends to hear. Not yet at least.