Chapter Text
It had been only a few days since Noctis left Insomnia and only a few days since it had been announced that Insomnia would be forfeiting all outside Lucian territories to Nifleheim under the peace treaty. Of course, the response was anything but positive. Especially from the Kingsglaive, seeing how almost all of them hailed from outside the Wall. Under the technical terms of the treaty, Noctis and Luna were to marry in Insomnia under the empire’s watch. But King Regis knew better than that and decided to send Noctis to Altissia. He also sent a young Glaive to Tenebrae to find Luna and take her to Noctis in Altissia. However, his plan did not succeed.
“Are you sure you saw the princess?” asked King Regis to one of his men, sitting in this throne.
“Yes, she was seen with the last contingent,” said the man.
Astra, at her father’s side, worried at the new set of problems they faced. “Then, the young Glaive…”
“We can only assume the worst,” said King Regis. “Inform Captain Drautos to bring Princess Lunafreya here.”
The man ran out of the throne room in a hurry, leaving only Astra and King Regis. She stood in front of him with arms crossed, “If she’s here, things get complicated.”
“I am aware.”
“I can have men escort her out within the hour. Of course, we can expect everything else to fall apart much faster than we had earlier planned.”
“Doing that would risk revealing Noctis’ position.”
Small white sparks flew out of Astra’s curled fist which faintly glowed. She remained silent, clearly upset. King Regis held her hand and the glow disappeared. He had more reason to worry, but instead, he smiled at her. “It’s in moments like these that I remember your tantrums when as a child,” said King Regis.
“I’m not a child anymore, Father,” said Astra, holding his hand.
“And you would always only ever call me ‘Father’ when you were upset. Usually with yourself.” King Regis kissed her hand and looked up at her. “You are right. You’re no longer a child. You are the Lucian Princess Astra Lucis Caelum, head of the Crownsguard and liberator of Glaives. You are my firstborn and protector of the Chosen One. But to me, you will always be my daughter.”
After minutes of pacing and idle conversation, a voice called out from behind the throne room doors, “Her Highness, Princess Lunafreya of Tenebrae.”
King Regis and Astra turned to the throne room’s doors as a tall young woman dressed in an extravagant white dress. She had her blonde hair tied up in a neat ponytail, and her bangs were pushed away from her face, allowing her blue eyes to act as an accessory to her person. She smiled tenderly at the two royals, “It has been a long time, Your Majesty.”
King Regis smiled, “Yes. Far too long.”
Luna moved up the first flight of stairs and stood at the platform. Astra didn't notice it at first but a familiar man in a Glaive's uniform stood behind Luna at the bottom of the stairs. Before she looked at him, he was already staring
"Prince Noctis isn't here, is he?" Asked Luna.
"No, my dear. He isn't," answered King Regus.
Luna looked at Astra, "You've grown into a beautiful woman, Astra. Even in Tenebrae, tales of your accomplishments and heroics can be heard."
"I can say the same for you," said Astra. "Word of the Oracle and her miraculous work is popular even here in Insomnia. Nonetheless, it seems the rumors failed to mention your beauty."
The girls laughed as they did many years ago. "I see you still remain as charismatic as you were back then," said Luna. For a moment, the girls felt as though they were back in Tenebrae, sharing secrets and giggles behind their parents' back. But, there was no way neither of them hadn't changed. Maybe others had that privilege but not them.
"I am too old to fight this war. I have no choice but to accept the empire's proposal," said King Regis. "Even then, I had hoped to hold the wedding elsewhere. Somewhere safe."
"We can ready an escort to take you to him. You needn't worry about what you leave behind," said Astra. "We'll take care of it."
But, Luna shook her head, "Wherever I go, the empire will follow. And Noctis will never be safe." It was just as King Regis had told Astra; Luna also recognized the dangers her presence held when next to Noctis. Both Astra and King Regis silently agreed with her. Luna stood valiantly, looking up at Astra and King Regis. "It is my duty to protect the prince and see his destiny fulfilled. The last 12 years have not changed that.
"And what of your destiny?" Asked King Regis.
"My duty is my destiny, Your Majesty. No matter what may come to pass."
The private reunion couldn’t last long. In a way, they had stolen Princess Lunafreya away for a moment, and she had to be returned before the empire came themselves. Outside the throne room, Astra found the familiar Glaive. “You’re looking worse for wear,” she said, walking up to him.
“I could say the same for you, Your Highness,” said the man.
His name was Nyx Ulric, a Kingsglaive, working under Captain Drautos. Due to politics, Astra was stationed with his platoon when she spent some time in the frontlines, and that is where they first met, officially. At the frontlines, they would take turns pulling each other out of danger and saving each other’s lives. She still owed him one, a favor Nyx never cashed in because he thought it’d be nice to have a princess owing him something.
“I take it you don’t agree with the treaty,” said Astra.
“You do?”
“I’m afraid I’m not allowed that luxury. Truth be told, we were never going to win this war.” Astra and Nyx walked together down the hallway. “We were just pushing off the inevitable.”
Nyx remained silent. His homeland was outside the walls, Galahd. He, along with most of the Glaives, were refugees, searching for asylum inside the Wall. This haven was only given to them in return for service as the king’s men.
“You’re leaving, aren’t you?” asked Astra.
“I leave after the signing. And don’t try to convince me not to—”
“Nyx, you know I wouldn’t. If I were you, I’d be packing my bags too,” admitted Astra. “But…”
“This is your home and your responsibility.”
Astra nodded, “You know me so well.” Astra had always heard about the camaraderie soldiers shared. In a way, she had always envied the soldiers who seemed so connected with their peers, but after realizing what was the cost of that connection after discovering it herself firsthand, she scoffed at her previous naivety. Nyx continuously stared at Astra, more than usual, considering he was a typically up-front guy. “Spit it out,” she said.
“What was all that back in the throne room? About destiny and duty,” said Nyx.
Without missing a beat, Astra shrugged. “You know us royals. We like using big words for everyday things, including our royal fates.”
“You know, Astra . You still do that thing with your head whenever you lie or do something mischievous. The tilt,” said Nyx. “But, I’ll let it pass since I know you have a lot on your plate.”
“Thanks,” said Astra forcefully. “And it’s ‘Your Highness,’ by the way.”
“Yeah, sure. Anyways, was that guard duty your idea?” Nyx was always good at changing a conversation even if the other party was aware. Even Astra, a master at conversation, had trouble handling the likes of Nyx. But, at this moment, she was thankful for him and his kind demeanor.
“Oh, that?” Astra couldn’t help but laugh, imagining Nyx standing alone at the gate, bored out of his mind. “Yeah, that was me. Drautos asked me for some help punishing a rebellious Glaive. I didn’t need a name to know who it was. The whole thing had Nyx Ulric written all over it.”
“Ha-ha,” Nyx sounded out. “I knew Drautos wouldn’t have picked something like that. That had your name all over it.”
The two conversed normally as if they had all the time in the world. They caught up like old friends who didn’t have to care about pretense. As usual, she complained about the court and politics, and he complained about training and Drautos. It was a small moment of happiness for them both. One that wouldn’t last. “I take it that it was a sweet reunion?” asked Drautos, appearing out of another interceding hallway.
The two immediately tensed up. To Nyx, he was his superior and thus demanded a form of respect. To Astra, he was her father’s trusted official, but she always felt an odd chill whenever he was around. Either way, the two knew that it wasn’t “proper” to speak so casually to each other. Not in the Citadel. Well, not at all. “It was refreshing to see her,” said Astra. Drautos’ attention remained on Nyx, and Astra received the memo. “It was nice catching up, but I’m afraid I must take my leave.”
Astra left the two as she continued her path. She heard their distant conversation die out as she left the main building. Outside the Citadel, a car was waiting for her to take her to her next appointment. The Glaive driving her opened the car door and offered his hand to help her, but at touching her, he was surprised. “Your hand is very cold, Your Highness.”
“Is it?” asked Astra, now sitting inside the car. She rubbed her hands and noticed that they weren’t only almost freezing cold but also numb. Ignis came to mind. She searched her pockets, took out a small bottle, and poured out two pills. She took a drink from the always-stocked water bottles from the car and forced down the pills. The pain she felt as the pills scratched her throat stirred away whatever sleep she could have gotten on the short ride to her next appointment. She tried closing her eyes and will it back into her, but it didn’t work. All she could think was that she had a party to plan.