#How dare you Ardyn | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

savage-rhi · 2 years ago

Text

Mending Shadows // Chapter 22

Summary:

Y/N was a simple Scavenger of Lucis, until meeting a deadly blow at the hands of an infected creature. At the crossroads of death, they are found by Niflheim’s cryptic Chancellor with his own agenda. Now bonded to Ardyn Izunia, and tossed into the world of Niflheim, Y/N struggles to cope with their new life as an Imperial Icon all the while battling their feelings toward their fate and that of Ardyn’s.

Click here to read on AO3

There was not a single word or sentence that could describe the full magnificence of Altissa, but if Y/N had to assign it something, it would be “heaven on Eos.” Surrounded by waterfalls, canals, and vast architecture that could make the most stoic of men stop in awe, the capitol of Accordo demonstrated a mighty grace that matched the sea god who allegedly slumbered nearby. Y/N recalled a time where friends mentioned traveling here, and how if they had the gil to return, they would’ve settled in Altissa. The thought nearly brought a tear to Y/N’s eye as they grinned in admiration.

Y/N was so enraptured by the scenery, they nearly missed Ardyn beckoning them to stay close at his side after docking. Upon standing at his right, Y/N couldn’t help but notice his entire demeanor changed in an instant. The mask he was wearing this time around, was one of arrogance; but with the softened blow of a smile that demonstrated fealty. Dare say even his scourge felt off as Y/N captured a brief photograph of Ardyn’s feelings through their bond.

Taking their eyes off of Ardyn, Y/N stared past the Imperial officials who went ahead of Ardyn, and met the fierce gaze of Accordo’s state leader: Madam Secretary Camelia Claustra. Her smile was both intimidating and full of warmth, contrasting with her experienced features. Her clothes, dull greys and blues further amplified her older grace. Y/N could tell she had been through much, but her poise and confidence hid whatever woes she had swimming under the surface.

Ardyn had a talked a great deal about Camelia. It was one thing to hear about her no-nonsense energy, but another to be meeting it head on. Y/N felt it best not to say hello, and merely observe unless directed otherwise. This wasn’t a woman who liked to play games, nor did Y/N get the impression she could be won over with small talk. This had Y/N wonder what sort of trifling antics Ardyn was going to pull off, and they couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. Y/N was no fool. Despite Ardyn holding a reserved warmth for them, they knew he didn’t show compassion to most. It was one of the few misgivings they harbored toward him.

“Chancellor Izunia, warmest of welcomes.” Camelia stated with pride, giving a bow with her head to which Ardyn returned in favor with a formal bend and a tip of his hat.

“The honor is mine, dear Madam Secretary.” Ardyn smirked as he returned to form. He held out his arms for emphasis. “Might I compliment your radiance? It’s unfortunately not something my eyes are used to back home among the council of men with one foot in the grave!”

“Spare me the pleasantry, Chancellor. There is much preparation to be had for the betrothal ceremony, and your fleet arrived two days late.”

“I assure you, the extra precaution on our end was worth the wait. The empire cannot afford to doddle when it comes to security. You know that better than most with the recent assassination attempt on your head! I do hope your psyche has been seen to after such a horrid experience!” Ardyn oozed with false affection. The glint in his eyes further lit up when he saw Camelia’s throat tense as she held back what was no doubt an onslaught of profanities that wanted to creep past her lips.

“I may not have fought on the field, Chancellor, but I’ve had my share of battles that come with the task of keeping the people of Accordo safe. I appreciate the concern nevertheless.”

“But of course!” Ardyn nodded, his cadence lathered with impish elegance. “I do hope my concerns didn’t drudge up ill feelings?”

“None at all.”

Y/N had a feeling if Camelia didn’t have an audience, she would’ve ripped Ardyn a new one for the not so subtle jab. Nevertheless, they were surprised at how she had no fear calling Ardyn out on his bluff right out the gate. He didn’t seem bothered by it, and in fact chuckled amusingly.

“Your ambition is inspiring to us all in the realm of politics,” Ardyn complimented. He let out a sigh, and gestured for some of the Imperial soldiers near to begin gathering belongings off the airship. Once settled, he followed Camelia’s lead and began to walk at her side then subtly gestured to Y/N to stand behind him out of protocol.

It was once the group were off the docks and walking on land, did Camelia speak up.

“I do hope the accommodations my men are providing will suffice, Chancellor.”

“I don’t see why not,” Ardyn smiled. “Each time myself or a member of council have visited your land, we’ve been greeted with nothing but the best!”

“Speaking of visiting,” Camelia began. “How is your Emperor fairing these days? It’s been almost five years now since he’s witnessed Altissa’s splendor.”

“Ah,” Ardyn furrowed his brows, feigning a frown. “The poor man could use such a tranquil place to rest. The war has been unforgiving as you can imagine, yet we prevail! Speaking of, we have much to discuss about Lucis and future plans that Accordo should be in alignment with. I trust you have carved out time for conversation?”

“Of course,” Camelia stated. “Keeping our alliance stable is our highest priority. This wedding I hope will quell tension among my citizens who have been critical of our partnership.”

Although she had much conviction in her voice, there was a sadness to Camelia’s features as she finished her sentence that Y/N honed in on. It seemed she was crushed at the fact rebellion wouldn’t bear fruit. Not when Niflheim was keen on keeping people compliant with their goals. Y/N had mixed feelings. Though they were acting as a poster child for the empire, they didn’t like how shackled they made folks like Madam Secretary feel.

Y/N realized they must’ve been staring for too long, for Camelia and the rest of the entourage stopped. They swallowed as Camelia eyed them with scrutiny, and gestured after giving a slight huff.

“A pardon Chancellor, but who is this young thing following your side like a hound to a trail?” The jest had the group of Imperial officials and Accordo envoy’s chuckle.

“Oh dear, I’ve forgotten my manners!” Ardyn exclaimed. He shot a quick glare at Camelia, noticing how she savored the look of surprise he held seconds ago. He cleared his throat, and ever the cordial gentleman, gestured to Y/N with high regard.

“Madam Secretary, may I have the privilege to introduce Y/N Y/L/N, a new Imperial Icon of Niflheim. They are my guest of honor, and have kindly volunteered to aid me with matters involving the betrothal ceremony.”

Y/N wasn’t sure how to address one such as Camelia formally. This was something that Ardyn neglected to go over with them. Feeling the scourge rise in their chest, Y/N went with their first instinct without thinking, and Ardyn held in his breath.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Y/N said with a smile, presenting their hand out to Camelia. The older woman seemed taken aback at first, but even with the gasps coming from the Imperials and Envoys, she reached out for Y/N’s palm and took it into her own, giving a strong shake.

“I don’t believe I’ve ever had an Imperial greet me in this fashion.” Camelia smirked with amusement. Her eyes lit up in a manner that hadn’t been seen in a while. “You don’t strike me as a typical sort.”

“Forgive me,” Y/N laughed nervously, all the while trying their hardest to avoid Ardyn’s gaze. “I’m still getting my bearings.”

“Y/N is a former Lucian,” Ardyn cleared his throat, redirecting the conversation so as to not have Y/N potentially drag themself into a pit. “They had suffered much under their own country, and Niflheim has taken them in with open arms.”

“Oh yes,” Camelia said. Her demeanor seemed to shift as she let go of Y/N’s hand and regarded Y/N in a manner that suggested she felt pity for them if anything. “I’ve heard a great deal about you through word of mouth, the Lucian who abandoned everything.”

“It was not an easy situation,” Y/N stated, trying to ground themself. “Niflheim, and Chancellor Izunia have been generous to me. I owe Chancellor Izunia a great deal, and I look forward to helping him ensure this wedding goes through without a hitch.”

“How noble of you.” Camelia murmured.

For Y/N, it was hard to tell if Camelia felt disdain toward them or further pity. Probably a mix of both. Y/N imagined Camelia probably thought they were out of their mind for throwing allegiance to the empire, based on what Ardyn told them in the past about her history with Niflheim.

“Chancellor,” Camelia spoke up.

“Madam Secretary?”

“I’ve enjoyed meeting your companion, alas we have matters of privacy to discuss in the House of the Courts. If there is anything you’d like to disclose to your ally before we proceed, I’d suggest doing so now.”

“Pardon me for a second!” Ardyn grinned. He motioned for Y/N to follow as he led them both away from the main group. He waited until the eyes and ears of the gang were off himself and Y/N before whispering.

“You alright?”

“Mostly,” Y/N murmured, wincing at themself. “I can’t believe I screwed up formality. A handshake? What the hell was I thinking?”

“On the contrary, I think you made a good first impression.” Ardyn mused. He gestured with his chin over to Camelia, motioning for Y/N to briefly look upon her. “Trust my word, Madam Secretary isn’t one to return a favor in kind if she doesn’t care for the company.”

“Can I count on your personal experience to vouch for that?” Y/N snorted, seeing the raised brow Ardyn gave before further explaining. “You both seem to have it out for each other.”

Ardyn snickered. “Hate and admiration go hand in hand in politics. We both enjoy reminding the other of that. Regardless, your little stumble didn’t damage either of our respective reputations. I wouldn’t fret.”

Y/N sighed in relief, turning their attention back to Ardyn in full. “So what happens now?”

“Well,” Ardyn paused as he looked around, then settled his eyes on Loqui and Tuti from afar. He watched them assist with unpacking belongings from the airship, and gestured toward them. “Lieutenant Tummelt and Tuti will escort you to our lodging. From there, you’ll meet up with Ms. D’Bhara and her fellow socialites for an afternoon tour of the capitol. They’re expecting you for a luncheon after you become acquainted with your place of stay.”

“And here I thought I was going to have to jump through hoops in order to meet her.” Y/N said in surprise.

“I may have pulled some strings to get the ball rolling. Alas, I’m counting on you to find out what you can about the tomb.”

“What if she doesn’t tell me anything?” Y/N furrowed their brows worriedly.

“Even if the pair of you don’t become bosom companions, I’m sure she’ll let something slip.” Ardyn shrugged. “You’ll come to find that the rich and powerful, regardless of alleigence to country, love nothing more than to yak. Take it from someone who plays the game himself.”

Y/N did a poor job suppressing a giggle at Ardyn’s last remark. They both smiled at each other fondly, only to be interrupted by a small and plump man who approached and cleared his throat rather loud.

“Yes?” Ardyn irritably sighed.

“A pardon sir,” The man chirped. “The group is wondering if you’re close to wrapping things up?”

“One moment,” Ardyn held up a finger for emphasis before he gestured at the man to give Y/N and he some space. Once that was sorted, did he give his attention to Y/N. “I more than likely won’t see you until tomorrow. In the meantime, stay near Tuti and Lieutenant Tummelt, and don’t go outside of the capitol unless instructed otherwise.”

“At the rate you’re going with precaution, you’d give a mother goose a run for its gil.”

As much as Ardyn enjoyed the quip, and the soft giggle Y/N made, he remained firm.

“I’m being serious. I want you to stay safe. Although Accordo is an ally of ours, we need to be careful.”

“The same thing applies to yourself. I know you seem to enjoy rattling Camelia’s cage, but don’t bite off more than you can chew.” Y/N urged.

“You’re afraid on my behalf? How quaint.”

“I’m being courteous!”

“Y/N, promise me…”

“Alright,” Y/N murmured, sensing he was in no mood for further jest. “I promise I won’t do anything stupid.”

Despite the reassurance, the look of disbelief Ardyn gave them had Y/N roll their eyes.

“I won’t do anything stupid within reason.”

“That’s the spirit.” Ardyn grinned. He took Y/N’s right hand into his own, and bowed his forehead to their knuckles out of respect. “I’ll call on you later.”

He let go and offered one final glance of acknowledgement before the mask went back on. The dare say compassionate Ardyn was replaced by the mischievous Chancellor once again. Y/N watched as this character came out in full swing while Ardyn graced his presence to the group, and then they were off.

Y/N didn’t take their eyes off of Ardyn, not until he and the rest of the officials became specks in the distance. They swallowed, and felt a pain of sadness grow in their chest. It bloomed like a syelleblossom losing it’s petals before it’s prime.

Gods be damned… Y/N shook their head. The scourge fed the sentiment further. Y/N decided to redirect their emotions by forcing their feet to move them toward Loqui and Tuti’s location.

An hour later, and Y/N found themself in the lodging Ardyn and they would be staying at. For what was supposed to be a hotel room, it was quite vast and built like a small one story house with two bedrooms, a half kitchen, and a full bathroom. Like the rest of Altissia that Y/N had come to see, it had some beautiful architecture and felt more like a vacation dwelling than a temporary rest point for visiting foreigners.

“Like what you see?” Loqui quipped, laughing when he saw Y/N snap out of their thoughts and shot him a brief glare.

“I’m trying to keep in mind not to break anything. It all screams don’t touch me, I’m expensive.” Y/N laughed.

“I wouldn’t worry!” Tuti chirped as she hurriedly and with excitement began to rummage through her suitcase and put away things.

Loqui crossed his arms, moving out of Tuti’s way as he watched on with amusement. He couldn’t believe someone of such a smaller stature could zip through so many places at once.

“It’s all covered by Madam Secretary. But should the Chancellor tick her off, it’s not like he can’t afford this himself.”

“How much does it even cost to stay in a place like this?” Y/N asked while they found themself admiring some various plants that were strategically placed near the walls, complimenting the Mediterranean color palette.

“Easily 15,000 gil a night.” Loqui scoffed.

“15,000?!” Y/N exclaimed.

“You heard right!” Loqui laughed. He let out a grunt when Tuti collided into his chest. After a series of apologies, not giving the man the chance to counter her, did she make her announcement.

“I’m going to tidy up the bedrooms and then Y/N, we should get ready to meet the men and women of The Serpent Society!”

Loqui frowned when Tuti once more zipped away before smiling at Y/N. “If you don’t mind, I think I’m going to take advantage of being your assigned guard and treat myself to samplings in the kitchen!”

“Pfft, like that’s all I’m good for…” Y/N jokingly muttered. They ignored Loqui’s faint quip from the distance, and felt drawn to sliding doors that led to the deck.

When Y/N stepped out, they could feel the warmth of the sun crackle their skin. The pain was brief, and subsided the further they ventured out. Having Ardyn’s immunity to the rays of the star was a blessing that Y/N realized they had taken for granted. Regular daemons would either burn to a crisp, or suffer burns the likes of which would only add to their horrific appearance.

Y/N recalled watching that happen weeks ago when a barrage of Flexitusks were reported along the outskirts of Gralea. Ardyn had decided to capture some of the creatures for Verstael’s research, and Y/N accompanied him. The entities were formidable as they were savage, even catching Ardyn off guard at times, but he came out unscathed. The experience was both eye opening, and one Y/N didn’t want to repeat.

Ardyn had taught Y/N about daemons and their weaknesses that early dawn, and how such weaknesses either applied or didn’t to the likes of them. Y/N had learned from Ardyn, that though the sun couldn’t penetrate their skin to where they’d die; if a concentrated light source or magic based weapon were to be used against them, it would be a death sentence. Not for he, not for Adagium, however.

Y/N swallowed when they recalled Ardyn sharing with them that Accordo had such a weapon on hand for daemons before they departed for Altissa. They made a fist, suddenly glimpsing the image of the three people they had slain long ago; imagining the light that left their eyes merging into a singular source. Swooping from the heavens to consume Y/N and the darkness that writhed under their flesh.

While the trauma of that ill fated night remained with them day by day, Y/N did what they could to keep it under lock and key. Ever since Ardyn and they shared a bleedthrough, and he had bore a taste of their suffering, Y/N didn’t want him to experience the night they had become a daemon. Not after what they had seen through his eyes when he lost Aera.

It dawned on Y/N how much they missed him already.

“You alive in there?”

Y/N fell out of their thoughts as Loqui walked over to their side. He smiled and handed a piece of an orange to Y/N. They popped it into their mouth and chewed.

“I’m just thinking.”

“About all the duties you have in Altissa?” Loqui inquired.

“More or less,” Y/N shrugged and smiled after swallowing the fruit. “I haven’t seen much of you these past two weeks.”

“Been busy chasing away Lucian spies from the coast with Commodore Aranea. It’s been quite riveting,” Loqui said sarcastically, and then smirked at Y/N. “Did you miss me that much?”

Y/N snorted. “Only your wits.”

“Owch!”

“You asked!”

“Point taken!” Loqui chuckled as did Y/N.

Loqui’s gaze of admiration made the tempo of Y/N’s pulse stutter. While it was endearing and Y/N had valued the friendship that had grown between themself and he, there was something about the way he stared that had Y/N nervous. Nervous enough to change the subject.

“What’s the status on your dad? I haven’t heard anything about him for a while.”

Loqui let out a content sigh, enjoying the cool breeze that picked up while he and Y/N admired the tropical scenery before them.

“Dad’s stationed in Galahd currently. That side of Lucis is in another stalemate battle wise, so while there’s no bloodshed, everyone’s on edge. Y’know, I’m surprised but grateful Chancellor Izunia approached me to be your guard on this trip. It’s gonna be nice having a distraction, not worrying about dad or whatever is going on over there. Although, I’d be lying if I didn’t feel left out. I feel like I should be fighting alongside him, but…I’m stuck at homebase.”

Y/N furrowed their brows, recalling previous conversations they had with Loqui about his military pursuits. Some men were born to be farmers and politicians. From birth, they felt a calling. It was no different than Loqui’s passion for battle; he was meant for it. Nevertheless, Y/N worried about him. It seemed as of late all he fixated on was either following his fathers footsteps, or being left behind in his shadow.

While Y/N hadn’t been brought up in that manner, they could relate to Loqui’s need of wanting to prove himself. Y/N reached a hand out to Loqui’s shoulder, and gave a small squeeze. They giggled as did he when their nails scratched at the shoulder padding of his uniform.

“Your dad is strong. I believe he’ll be alright, but I can understand why you’re scared. For what it’s worth, I think he’d be proud of the things you’ve been accomplishing for Niflheim.”

Loqui smiled sincerely once Y/N let him go. “You really think so?”

“Yeah! If I didn’t have faith in that, I wouldn’t have asked the Chancellor for you to be my guard in the first place.”

Loqui made a face, crossing his arms as he averted his eyes. He chuckled afterward.

“What?” Y/N asked flabbergasted, worried they might’ve hurt him in some way.

“I had an inkling Chancellor Izunia’s request wasn’t out of the good graces of his heart. I should’ve known better.” Loqui responded with bitter amusement. He made it clear however he held no ill will toward Y/N as he grinned. “How in the six did you convince him to hire me?”

“He knows pissing me off won’t get him anywhere, for starters.” Y/N snorted. “Also you and your dad are the only two I feel remotely comfortable around for a job like this. I’ve been an imperial citizen for a while, but I’m wary. I know there’s still a great number of people that don’t care for me. I told the Chancellor I didn’t want to put myself in a risky situation with people I’m not familiar with.”

Y/N couldn’t help but notice both the disdain and intrigue that Loqui wore on his face. It reminded Y/N of a child being told of something interesting, but it came with resentment.

“At this rate, you almost sound like a married couple!” Loqui scoffed in jest.

Y/N gasped, slugging his shoulder they had gently squeezed moments ago. “Bite your tongue!”

Loqui laughed hard, ignoring the pain. “No, but seriously, how have things been living with the guy?”

“What kind of a question is that?” Y/N balked.

“Why can’t you just answer it?” Loqui teased. He giggled at the roll of Y/N’s eyes.

“He’s better than roommates I’ve had in the past, I’ll give him that.” Y/N shrugged. “He’s been kind to me. Er, as kind as someone like him can be to another person I should say.”

“He hasn’t made you…uncomfortable, right?”

“Come again?”

“Forgive me for being forward. Has he physically imposed himself upon you in any fashion?”

Y/N’s brows furrowed at the emphasis of Loqui’s tone. It took them but a moment to realize what he was driving at. A part of Y/N felt honored that Loqui was checking to be sure the Chancellor wasn’t being predatory toward them, and yet Y/N also felt tempted to slap him across the face for insinuating something that despising about Ardyn.

Y/N’s memories traveled back to the Vixen, and the day Ardyn fed upon them. While he lost himself in the thrill of consumption and brought them to the edge of death, Y/N never felt he would take advantage of their vulnerability. While Ardyn had been creepy in the past, and at present too flirtatious for his own good, Y/N couldn’t see him going to the extent Loqui implicated.

“He’s never hurt me like that,” Y/N murmured firmly in Ardyn’s defense. “Where is this coming from?”

Loqui bit the inside of his cheek. “I’ve upset you, and I apologize. It’s just---”

“Just what?”

Loqui sighed. “The last several times you and I have had audience together, I’ve noticed him having no care toward your boundaries. That, and he leans a lot into you.”

“Leans?”

“Leans.”

Y/N raised their brows, making a face before they snorted. This was getting more baffling by the second. “Okay, time out, what do you mean by leans?”

“He was, well…leaning toward you!”

Y/N shook their head. “I’m not following, Loqui. Is this because I gave him a brief side hug after the imperial banquet?”

“No, no, you’re misinterpreting me. A side hug is way different than this...” His voice trailed off as he approached Y/N calmly, getting into their personal space. He consistently watched to be sure he wasn’t being aggressive while giving his demonstration. He offered a playful smile, all the while capturing Y/N’s eyes with his own.

Y/N swallowed as they felt their back press to one of the beams on the deck that was holding up another above them. They could feel Loqui's breath fan over their skin as he spoke.

“This is what the Chancellor was doing, leaning in to admire you. Does this answer your inquiry?”

The intimacy was thick, as was the deep blush that crept against Y/N’s cheeks. They nodded in reply, for no words could move past their lips.

“Ahem,” Tuti cleared her throat from the distance. She glanced between Loqui and Y/N, watching the former back off suddenly before making her pleasantries. “Y/N we should be getting ready. It’s important for you to be punctual while in Altissa.”

“I couldn’t agree more!” Y/N responded. They turned their attention to Loqui, giving a small bow with their head. “I’ll speak with you later?”

“Of course.” Loqui murmured, furrowing his brows as he returned the bow. He watched Y/N quickly retreat back into the residence. Not long after, he sighed and decided to leave the lodging so he could scout the area. The defeat in his eyes lingered as he watched Tuti and Y/N venture down the hall. Loqui contemplated what his next moves should be. The warnings from his father echoed through his mind as he left after shutting the door behind him.

As Tuti led Y/N to their bedroom, they let out a sigh of relief as did she.

“You okay?” Y/N asked.

“I should be asking you that.” Tuti smirked, although her eyes held concern. “I didn’t want to overstep, yet I couldn’t help but notice you looked uncomfortable. Did I ruin the moment?”

They shook their head in response to her question. Y/N had an epiphany as Tuti dragged them further into the dwelling to change.

Y/N liked Loqui, and even admired him a great deal. He had been nothing but chivalrous and like Tuti, a confidant that they felt safe navigating Niflheim with. By all accounts, it was a miracle to be in the good graces of someone with the prestige he had. However, Y/N was uncertain they could return what Loqui sought of them. Not when Ardyn’s smile once again invaded their thoughts, and their body shuddered.

“No, you didn’t.” Y/N murmured.

#mending shadows #ardyn izunia #ardyn lucis caelum #ffxv ardyn #ardyn x reader #canon x reader #ffxv fanfic #final fantasy xv #final fantasy xv fanfiction #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer #fanfic writing #fanfiction #fanfics #gender neutral reader

15 notes · View notes

seradyn · 2 years ago

Text

A Dream Come True (Chp. 11)

Finally, after 6 months

Chapter 11/35: A Daring Dance For Two

Date time with our daemon man. Get ready for long conversations and some backstory for our reader 😌

Extra long to make up for the back to back hiatuses >.<

Link to work Masterlist

Word Count: 11,052

TW: Childhood trauma

Tags: @savage-rhi @blossom-adventures @ticklemycucumber

Lmk if you’d like to be tagged in updates

———————————————————————

The library looked dark, decrepit when it was closed. There was no light coming from the overhead windows, no welcoming gust of warm air to greet you. Closing was one of your least favorite parts of the job, but it was a necessity. You tugged on the front door’s handles experimentally and, of course, the lock held without much effort. Satisfied, you dropped the keys into your bag, turning your back to the old, withered building.

You shivered into your coat, the kiss of winter’s breath turning the tip of your nose red. The temperature was only continuing to drop, much to your dismay. The frosty wind sunk deeply into your clothes, cutting through them like jelly. The pinpricks on your skin had you rushing to find warmth someplace else.

“Ah, there she is. And here I thought you’d keep me waiting.”

You paused, smiling at the teasing voice. You’d almost forgotten. Turning, you found the owner a short distance away.

Ardyn was leaning against one of the great pillars holding up the awning, head tilted down and arms crossed, one leg laced over the other. You could see he still wore that smug, sly expression, directed at the ground with lidded eyes, as if it had been bold enough to comment on the soles of his boots.

You shook your head at him. “I’m sorry,” you said, wondering how long he’d been standing there. “They don’t like to let me off easy.”

He looked up then, his calculating, omnipotent eyes drinking in your form. They, too, held that smirk just as well as his lips.

“I only jest,” he reassured. He pushed off from the pillar, beckoning you after him with a wave of his hand. “Come, my dear. I’ve parked just around the corner.”

You fell into step at his side, a brisk pace to keep up with his longer strides. You stole a breath of the sweet tinge of his cologne, a mix of vanilla and cinnamon. You wondered how much it cost; probably more than your biweekly paycheck.

“So, where are we going?” You asked, keeping up as he took a sharp left down the block, passing the startled faces of the sparse citizenry, who gave a wide berth in their chancellor’s wake.

“Ah, ah,” Ardyn tutted. “That would spoil the surprise.”

“Oh, a surprise?” You asked in wonder, smiling at the thought. You were already curious about what he had in store for you, but now you were even more so.

Ardyn returned your excitement with a grin of his own. “I think you’ll find it quite to your liking.”

“Is that so?” You said playfully, throwing him one of your own smirks.

“Consider it a guarantee,” he purred, grinning in a way that told you his confidence was not merely for show. He took the lead as you came up on a row of neatly parked cars at the end of the street.

You had to swallow a giggle when you saw which car he gravitated to, swinging open the passenger door for you. It certainly suited its owner, just as ardent as he was. A convertible colored dark maroon, much like Ardyn’s hair, with a white race stripe down the middle. A moogle pom pom had been stuck on the antenna, making the vehicle look almost comically whimsical. The top was down, revealing wine colored upholstery to match the paint job.

“Your chariot, my dear,” he hummed as you approached his car.

“Ever the gentleman,” you replied, settling into the red leather seat, the door slamming closed behind you. You paused, closing your eyes in a deep, silent sigh while his scent swallowed you whole, taking you captive with near overwhelming sweetness. Another wave of it washed over you as Ardyn took his place in the driver's seat, the engine humming to life not long after. Soon, you’d merged into traffic, and the library disappeared into the rear view mirror.

A comfortable silence filled the car, the wind whipping through your hair as you were enraptured by the sights that passed you by in a blur, one of restless crowds and neon signs. Each one an invitation, a trap laid simply, only willing to release those from their clutches whose purses had been emptied. You hadn’t the gil to entertain those desires, so you hadn’t seen much of Gralea’s famed nightlife, save for the trip you’d recently taken in its shadows. Even that had been different; most of it had died down by then. Now, you had a chance to experience it in its purest form, with someone who was undoubtedly versed in its culture. It almost felt like going to another country.

Meanwhile, Ardyn was humming away beside you, carefree as he drove you to his ‘surprise’. You smiled even wider when you recognized it as the song associated with the bright yellow birds you adored. You hadn’t taken Ardyn as a chocobo person, but the thought had you biting your tongue to stop yourself from giggling. This was the man you were afraid of not three days ago?

Perhaps there was hope for you yet.

Soon enough, it seemed Ardyn got bored of silence, and decided to fill it with his own voice instead.

“So, tell me,” He began, the words beckoning your attention away from the view. “How long have you been looking after Gralea’s biggest library?”

“Oh, only a few years,” you said, surprised by his interest. “Got recruited right out of college, and I’ve been there since. This’ll be my fourth year working there.”

“Truly? It seems I’ve been missing out, locked in my ivory tower. Tragic, really.”

You let out a nervous chuckle, looking back out the lowered window so he couldn’t see you blushing. “I’m sure I’m no better than the last one. Besides, we can’t change the past,” you said honestly. “There’s no use in worrying about it.”

“Indeed we can’t,” Ardyn said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “We are simply forced to live with the consequences.”

You looked back at him after hearing the last word, the creeping darkness that had seeped into it just below the surface. The corner of his mouth twitched, his smile becoming strained as his grip around the wheel tightened. Though it wasn’t long before he remembered to compose himself, those brief emotions tucked away, for now.

Even though he didn’t say it, you knew you’d struck some kind of nerve. A stab of guilt creeped into your heart; you hadn’t meant to upset him. Just as you opened your mouth to apologize, he interrupted you, smirking as the car slowed.

“Ah, here we are,” Ardyn murmured, pulling his car in front of a building that stretched far into the sky. Deciding to let the previous exchange go, you gazed up at it as the engine died, wondering how many floors there were. A million, you thought in hyperbole, unclasping your seatbelt as Ardyn departed from his vehicle. Before you could even reach for the handle, he was there, opening the door for you and holding out his hand to help you out.

“Thank you,” you said as you placed your hand in his, his fingers curling delicately around your own. He gracefully pulled you onto the sidewalk, looking down at you with fond, half lidded eyes, your door falling closed behind you with a thud.

“Of course, my dearest,” he cooed, releasing your hand and offering up his arm in its place. You looked between him and it for a moment, before you snickered at his gentlemanly nature. You wrapped your hands around his strong forearm, and he began to lead you towards the looming skyscraper.

Between you and said building, a sizable crowd was loitering, the atmosphere filled with an energetic buzz that was almost suffocating. The street was awash with their laughter and conversations, made more boisterous as some teased drunkenness, booze flowing freely from somewhere unseen.

Not your type of people, if you were being honest, but usually you weren’t one to let such things bother you.

Usually.

It was as you got closer you realized how much different you were to these people. Not just in mannerism; it was obvious in something as simple as your state of dress. You weren’t someone who was big on expensive designer products, but even you could name some of the brands their garments oozed. Not only that, but there seemed to be only two options among them when it came to outfits; freshly pressed suits, or flowing, iridescent gowns. There was no in between, not a hint of anything casual to be found.

And you’d just come from work. You were in street clothes.

Being led towards the gathering by the imperial chancellor no less.

Your arrival hasn’t gone unnoticed, either. It didn’t surprise you that the chancellor’s presence was one to turn heads, but that fact was slightly more mortifying when you were practically hanging off him. Your eyes flicked from face to face, watching the raised eyebrows, the bewildered stares when they saw Ardyn’s company, no doubt questioning his choice of companionship. You wondered how truely low their opinion was of you, when they didn’t even have to pause their conversations to pass silent judgment.

You huddled closer to Ardyn, trying to find some semblance of comfort in his presence, even while he seemed none the wiser to their scrutiny.

“Are you…sure this is okay?” You asked meekly, staring out at the high class gathering around you. You wondered if it would tarnish his reputation, being seen with someone so much lower than him, even if he didn’t believe that himself. Surely word would get out he’d been seen with someone like you.

Ardyn, whom you would’ve considered observant before, seemed completely oblivious to the weird looks the two of you were getting. He rather appeared quite jovial, smirking at nothing in particular, like he’d been welcomed with a standing ovation.

“Hmm?” He hummed happily, an eyebrow going up at your question. “Is there a problem, my dear?”

“N-no, it’s just - ” you looked at the ground in shame, fearing your woe sounded juvenile. Your social anxiety was bad enough with Ardyn alone, but in crowds, being the center of attention made you want to jump out of your own skin. You just hoped you weren’t embarrassing him. “I’m not exactly…well dressed for the occasion.”

Ardyn hummed again, looking out at the gathering as if just now noticing them. Something darkened his features, sinister and wicked, as he continued to smile while locking eyes with the boldest of the bunch. A silent challenge for them to dare question whose company he chose to share.

The nobles all quickly looked away, smart enough to fear the chancellor’s wrath.

“Should there be any…complaints,” his lips curled even higher, making him almost look malicious. “I shall deal with them personally.”

You had no idea what he meant by that, but you heard the seriousness in his voice. He wasn’t bluffing. Knowing he was willing to stand up for you, you eased out a tense breath, nodding in thanks.

The people standing close to the glass double doors scurried away as you reached the building, Ardyn opening them so you could both enter. Your muscles relaxed when you were finally out from under the noble’s unabashed prying eyes.

Which didn’t last long, unfortunately. The inside wasn’t much different from the outside. A dark restaurant laid out before you, undoubtedly where the outside patrons had gotten their drinks. Standing tables littered the room, there wasn’t a chair in sight. It reminded you of the cocktail parties you’d seen on TV.

You’d never actually been to one of those.

The bar was taking up the entirety of the left wall. Bottles of all different colors and shapes decorated it, the glass reflecting the orange glow of the dim ceiling lamps. They were completely swamped by the looks of it, there weren’t any open stools. To make it worse for the staff, the people in here matched the ones outside; dressed nicely, and making enough noise to drown out the decades-old music that was playing overhead. You watched the wait staff as they darted around skillfully, only stopping to place drinks or small plates of food down before whisking away to the next table.

You hoped they got good tips.

You figured this restaurant was the reason Ardyn brought you here, but he didn’t even flinch as he led you past it all, heading for an elevator in the very back you hadn’t seen before. Without a word, he pressed the ‘up’ button, grinning at the slight look of confusion on your face.

The elevator slid open with a cheerful ding, and Ardyn ushered you on. It was empty, much to your relief, meaning you wouldn’t be pressed up against him. He pushed a button for a high floor, something in the 60’s, ascending as soon as the door closed again.

Awkward silences were becoming a common thing between the two of you, and the slow, jazzy elevator music only made it worse. Your fingers instinctively flexed around Ardyn’s arm, your breathing sounded deafening in your ears as anxiety began to spin its web around your heart. You should’ve been excited, but what had transpired outside left a sour taste in your mouth, and you couldn’t help feeling you didn’t belong. You could only imagine the place Ardyn was taking you had the same kind of clientele, their judgeful eyes seeing you as an easy target. An entire meal feeling like an insect under a microscope sounded miserable.

Something brushed over the top of your knuckles, pulling you back to reality. Looking down, you watched as Ardyn rested his free hand atop your own, giving your fingers a light squeeze of reassurance.

“You needn’t be so nervous,” he said quietly. Soothingly. “You’ve nothing to prove to me.”

You were silent for a moment, the gentleness in his voice pulling your gaze upward. He was smiling at you. Softly, sweetly…like he cared.

“All I ask is that you be yourself.”

Heh. Yourself.

When was the last time you were yourself?

Not since you were little, you realized. And what a sad thought that was.

Did you even know who you really were anymore?

Not really. It had been beaten out of you long ago. Your parents used it as an excuse to abuse you, your friends an excuse to exclude you. You’d decided it was better to keep it under lock and key, keep it hidden and guarded. Even someone as close to you as Satus could only say he saw part of it. It’d been years, but those wounds were still red and swollen.

In its place, you became an expert at crafting masks. If one friend group wanted you to act one way, you could, and another for a different group. If your parents expected you to be their pauper princess, then you could be so, to an extent. If your best friend said something you didn’t agree with, you found it hard to voice a dispute.

The poisonous flower of rejection had festered for years, building a cage of weaving roots around what you might call yourself.

And some part of you didn’t think you were wholly undeserving of those lashes.

You blinked, the memories causing your eyes to go misty. You swallowed the lump in your throat, wondering how long you’d been struggling with Ardyn’s statement. He was still waiting. Patiently, his gentle smile never left his face as he waited for an answer. His tolerance was surprising.

Perhaps…Ardyn was different. Maybe his request didn’t come with concealed expectations.

That was enough to give you a sliver of hope.

“…Okay,” you said, meeting his eyes. “I’ll…try.”

Arden nodded approvingly, giving your hand another squeeze. “That’s all I can ask.”

The rest of the elevator ride was in silence, both of you watching the glowing red numbers above the door count up.

While you hoped you weren’t getting too ahead of yourself…

The elevator dinged again, announcing that you'd arrived, the numbers now reading 64. The doors slid open, Ardyn stepping out with you as soon as they finished.

It was much brighter up here, which you appreciated. Ornate chandeliers dangled from a high ceiling, reflecting off the marble tiles and glass windows. The center of the room had been cut away, allowing you to see down into the lower floors between bars of railing. As you got closer to the edge, you could make out people scurrying around like little worker bees.

Your destination appeared to be along the far wall though, if the long line of people was any indication. Indeed, Ardyn leisurely steered you in that direction, allowing you to take in your surroundings. It was another dimly lit restaurant by the looks of it, although you couldn’t see far inside through the crowd. You just hoped you’d have some illusion of privacy while you dined.

Ardyn breezed past the line, which surprised you at first, before you remembered exactly who you were with. No one would dare make the imperial chancellor wait in a line, of all things. Commoner as you were, it felt quite strange to you, wrong somehow, but you knew it wasn’t your place to say anything. Best to just follow in Ardyn’s lead.

At the threshold, you were finally able to spot a sign displaying the restaurant’s name. When you read it, a small gasp parted your lips.

La Compañera. One of the best, and most expensive restaurants in all of Gralea. Their reservation list was full months in advance, from what you’d heard, and their meals could cost you a week's worth of work. The kind of place everyone knew of, talked about, but few could say they’d ever been. You’d given up on going there yourself, not on a librarian’s salary at least.

This was where Ardyn meant to take you?

You looked up at him with wondrous eyes. He, on the other hand, looked more smug than you’d ever seen him, like the whole of Eos was his to command. He had every right to be, too. It was no wonder he was so confident you’d like his choice for the evening.

“You should learn not to doubt me, dearest,” he said, basking in your amazement. He was enjoying your reaction a great deal.

“I thought you could only get in with a reservation,” you breathed, looking around with astonishment. The place was positively buzzing, a chorus of forks hitting plates and too many conversations to count. As you neared the hostess stand, you could even see a part of the kitchen off to your left, and you were able to hear the sizzling of meat, of pasta turning in a frothy boil. Delicious smelling vapors wafting from its steel appliances, making your mouth water in anticipation.

“Indeed,” Ardyn said cheerfully. “Though you’ll find few are bold enough to enforce such rules in my presence.”

You hummed at that, not doubting it, but wondering how that was going to work out. The restaurant only had so many tables, and if they were all full, him being chancellor wouldn’t mean much.

Your questions were soon answered, as you both stood before the hostess. She was dressed in a suit; white button up with black khakis, hair tied back as she scribbled down the names of arriving parties. You both waited for a moment, you assumed for her to acknowledge you, but instead another woman stepped before you, wearing the same uniform.

“Chancellor Izunia!” She chirped, smiling brightly at him. “It is an honor to serve His Excellency, as always.” She bowed low and deep, hand held daintily over her heart.

“The honor is all mine, Charlette,” Ardyn preened. With a flourishing wave of his hand, he gave his own short bow, which you were quick to copy. Although not before you shot him a questioning look; he knew their names?

“I was hoping to make use of our little arrangement,” he went on, straightening. “I could think of no better place, especially since I am want to entertain a special guest.”

He smirked down at you out of the corner of his eye. You looked away, trying to hide the creeping crimson that invaded your features.

“Of course, Chancellor,” the woman - Charlette - said. Reaching around her coworker, she grabbed two menus from the stand before making her way back into the depths of the restaurant, expecting you to follow. She led you through a wide eating area, dotted with tables dressed in white linens, flickering candles set in the center of each one. The place was huge, and you lost count of how many twists and turns it took to finally reach your table. It wasn’t just any either, tucked into a secluded corner, the angle perfect to keep prying eyes out. The wall it was pushed up against was made entirely of glass, allowing a grand, near endless view of the sprawling metropolis below. Your breath caught in your throat, admiring the sea of speckled lights, like stars swimming in benevolent waters.

You weren’t given much time to admire it though, Ardyn slipping from your grasp to take his seat, forcing you to do the same. The seats were heavy - expensive, you corrected - the wood polished and dark as you settled into it. Your hostess turned waitress placed the menus in front of you, and with a quick flick of her wrist, the candles sprung to life with gentle orange flames. She tucked her lighter into a pocket as she set another small sheet of paper down, the drink menu, you assumed. With that, she was gone, disappearing into the throng of suited staff and pampered guests.

While you unfurled the neatly folded napkin and laid it across your lap, you eyed the silverware dubiously. It seemed each set came with two of each utensil, though a glance at Ardyn’s side of the table told you that was intentional. One bigger, and more square, the other dainty and curved. You may have pondered them longer, had your stomach not given a gentle roll, reminding you you hadn’t eaten dinner yet.

“If you’ll indulge me…” Ardyn said softly, beckoning your eyes upward. He sat with his chin resting on laced fingers, like he was making a decision of utmost importance. “It would be criminal to not let you sample some of their finest Cabernet Sauvignon. A rare find these days; the grapes are grown in Lucis.” Ardyn smirked, leaning back in his chair to lounge as if it were a throne.

You concealed your confusion as best you could. You had no idea what he just said, but he mentioned grapes, so you figured it was wine of some sort.

You’d hoped to avoid this, but you knew it was inevitable. Unfortunately, you’d never really come on to alcohol like most people. In fact, you hated the stuff, grimaced every time its foul taste met your lips. While your peers had been off making fake IDs and clubbing, you were sipping milk teas and reading books on the couch. Thinking back on it, it was really no wonder you weren’t invited to parties.

Of course, you couldn’t tell Ardyn that. It was silly, childish. You didn’t want to embarrass yourself by revealing you couldn’t handle your liquor. As much as it pained you to almost immediately break your promise to him, you couldn’t find the strength to be honest.

Instead, you smiled, meeting his honied eyes. “I’d be delighted,” you said sweetly.

Ardyn’s smirk grew at that. “Splendid. I’ll have them fetch us a bottle when they return.”

“Sounds good,” you said, eyeing the menu. Food seemed much more appealing at the moment. Your stomach gurgled its agreement.

The menu wasn’t big. That was a mark of its quality though, each dish more extravagant than the last. You only recognized a handful of them, but for those you did, you knew they were ones that required a careful hand, and hours of prep work. Things most people didn’t dare trying to make at home, lest they spend all day laboring over a ruined meal.

You’d been worried the place would be too high class to have anything you’d like, picky eater as you were, but it seemed you were in luck. One of their specials was something you’d had before, and it was one of your favorites. Your mother made it when your older sister got her doctorate. The dish had taken the entire day to prepare, but when you all sat down and took a bite, it was more than worth it. You hadn’t had it since then, and the thought of tasting it again brought a small smile to your face. The memory of its flavor ghosted across your tongue excitedly.

Having made your choice, and noticing Ardyn was still nose deep in one of the menus, you gazed out at the dining area, admiring the decor. The place was certainly designed with your scenario in mind, and you could see why. The place was dark, hushed, allowing a sense of seclusion for its diners. Candles and dim lights gave it a cozy feel, helped by the warmth of a fire crackling in a brick fireplace as its centerpiece. The restaurant’s popularity was clear; not a single table was left yearning for guests. Even the bar, which you’d passed on the way to your seat, had someone perched on each stool.

“Oh, I forgot to ask,” you said suddenly. “How did you manage to get this table? I know you’re the chancellor and all, but the place is always fully booked from what I’ve heard.”

Ardyn lowered his menu, meeting your eyes while chuckling lightly. “Oh, it is, though we have come to a certain agreement. I’ve prevailed upon our dear Emperor to accept his catering only from specific establishments. You’ll find not even the smallest of His Radiance’s galas are absent of such luxuries. In exchange, they’ve agreed to always save a table in my name, should I ever choose to stop by. A…mutually beneficial relationship.”

You paused to stare at him for a moment, his words digesting, before you couldn’t stop a light laugh from tickling up your throat. He was even cagier than you’d thought.

“Clever,” you complimented. It seemed he had the whole of Gralea wrapped around his fingers.

Ardyn positively beamed. “I have my moments.”

You both shared a laugh at that. Quite the understatement, you both knew.

As your snickers began to die down, your waitress returned, cradling a fancy, vase-like bottle filled with clear water, dropping it off as she asked for your orders. Ardyn got his special wine you couldn’t pronounce, along with one of the meals you didn’t recognize, and Charlette complimented his choice with a forced sweetness. It made you cringe a little, seeing her lick his boots as much as possible before she asked what you wanted. Such was one of the downsides of being with someone so high in Niflheim’s pecking order.

Once she was gone, you turned back to each other, Ardyn smiling brightly at your attention. It was so boyishly innocent, you couldn’t help returning it, even when you felt heat creeping up your neck. Oh, he was cute.

“I’d like to get to know you better, if you’ll humor me,” he said, leaning back in his seat, sinking into its cushions, his eyes partially lidded.

You nodded your approval; it was customary on first dates after all. You just hoped he’d give you a chance to do the same, though you had a feeling he probably couldn’t be as open as you’d like. Few could say they knew much about the chancellor, and you figured there was a reason for that. He’d be a tough nut to crack, but you had a deep desire to find out more about him.

Parallels between Real Ardyn and Dream Ardyn aside…

“You said you attended university before starting your career,” he began. “What did you study under their tutelage?”

“Public relations,” your answer was automatic. The question had been asked countless times while you were a student, after all. “I also minored in ancient Lucian, but I’m a little rusty these days.”

It was true, you’d once been semi-fluent. The language had caught your attention after you’d learned of your ancestry. While your blood was mostly a mix of Niff and Tenebraen, a drop of Lucian ran through your veins. Bred out through generations, your ancestors had once owned land there. When you’d found out, you liked the idea of connecting with that part of yourself, and, for once, your parents agreed. Dead language though it was, many books from those days lived on, allowing people to study it as they pleased. Your own skills had atrophied though, having no one else to speak with, and little time to practice on your own. Sadly, more of it slipped through your fingers each day, but you could still hold a basic conversation.

Ardyn’s eyes practically sparkled at that. “Ancient Lucian?” He said slowly, wonder lacing his tone. “Now that is something you don’t hear very often.”

“It’s a pretty language,” you said, smiling with pride at how impressed he seemed. “It’s so different from our modern tongue, I loved seeing how much we’ve changed.”

Ardyn nodded. “I must say, I’m surprised. Few have the patience to learn it.”

“Yeah, my classes were pretty small. And it doesn’t translate into the modern word very well. Plus all the symbols…”

“A challenge I’m sure you more than excelled at facing. You’ll have to demonstrate for me sometime,” Ardyn chortled. “I’ve yet to meet anyone able to master it.”

“‘Master’ is a strong word,” you chuckled. “I haven’t been able to practice much now that I've graduated, but I’d like to get better at it again.”

“Perhaps I can be of some assistance,” he smirked. “I have known it for many, many years.”

Your eyes widened, and you gaped at him, much to his amusement.

“You know Ancient Lucian?!” You said, astounded. How, why did he know ancient Lucian? You hadn’t met another person who knew it since you left school.

“Indeed I do,” Ardyn purred, pleased with the bewilderment that twisted your expression. “Our friends across the pond found the idea of communicating in a language we couldn’t understand quite grand, given the circumstances. Our intelligence agencies have become versed in the tongue to compensate, and I followed suit, so I may be kept abreast of their messages without the need for a translator.”

After hearing his explanation, you relaxed a little, glad there was an actual reason for it. Though, something still nagged at you from the back of your head. A strangeness you didn’t know how to name, something that felt…off. You decided to ignore it, all too happy to accept what he’d said.

Just a coincidence…The dreams may have been in the past, but it’s just a coincidence.

That’s what you kept telling yourself, at least.

“Makes sense,” you said with a nod. “Hard to spy on someone when you can’t understand them.”

“Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer,” Ardyn shrugged.

As he finished his sentence, fancy curved wine glasses were placed in front of you. Charlette smiled triumphantly as she brandished the dark green bottle, residue of a wax seal dripping down the neck, the cork already gone. She filled your glasses halfway, a forced smile on your lips as you watched it fizzle and foam slightly. She left the rest on Ardyn’s side, bidding you adieu with reassurances that your meals would be out shortly.

Ardyn picked up his glass by the stem, swirling the scarlet liquid under his nose. You took yours as well, thinking how it was like coffee: smelling much too sweet for what bitterness it contained. With an approving smile, Ardyn brought the wine to his lips, and you quickly followed suit. Some part of you hoped it wouldn’t be as bad as you were expecting.

You tried your best not to make a face. You really did. Despite your efforts, you could feel the faint contorting of your expression turning sour. The potent flavor of alcohol permeated your entire mouth in seconds, like someone had cracked open a battery over your tongue, letting the vitriolic acid burn into your taste buds. The PH so low it brought back memories of being violently sick over a toilet.

You gulped it down quickly, relishing in the whisper of sweetness that followed the disgusting liquid. At least with wine, there was a pleasant, fruity aftertaste.

When your eyes flicked up at your companion, you had a new reason to grimace. Ardyn was staring at you, a brow raised, with the slightest frown on his face.

“Something the matter, dear?” He asked, sounding genuinely concerned. “Is it not to your liking?”

Oh, bless his heart. He doesn’t realize it’s not this wine I have a problem with.

“Ah -” you hedged, placing your glass back on the table shamefully. You’d hoped you would be able to get through at least a few sips before you made your distaste known.

“I’m sorry,” you said, hating yourself for not being able to just suck it up. “I’m just…not really a fan of most alcoholic beverages. Pure acid…” you muttered the last bit under your breath.

A long pause followed, Ardyn staring at you. You acquainted yourself with the table cloth, fidgeting nervously under his gaze.

You looked up in shock as a hearty laugh filled your ears.

“Is that all, my dear?” Ardyn said between laughs. “Why, you almost had me worried! I was afraid you’d taken ill.”

You blinked owlishly, not expecting his reaction. You let out your own laugh, albeit a nervous one. “No no, I’m fine. Just can’t stomach the stuff. Especially champagne. Never been able to enjoy it.”

“Well, I’d hate to bring you such discomfort.” Ardyn continued to snicker while he spoke. “I’ll have the waiter fetch you something more suitable.”

“Oh that’s okay.” You waved your hand dismissively. You didn’t want to seem picky or ungrateful. “I’m fine with water, you don’t have to -”

But it was too late, Ardyn already waving over one of the attendants that passed by. A tall young man with hair cut down nearly to the roots, a thin mustache on his lip.

“Might you be so kind as to fetch my friend something more to her liking?” Ardyn was saying, the man leaning down to hear him. “Preferably something…virgin? I’m sure you can think of an agreeable substitute.”

The attendant glanced at you, his brown eyes analytic, calculating as he studied you. Just as quickly, an uttered “Of course, your Excellency,” left his mouth before he turned and disappeared into the restaurant.

You sighed at his retreating back, shaking your head. “You didn’t have to do that, it was fine, I promise.”

“Oh but it wasn’t,” he gave you a pointed look. “I’ll not have it be known I’m a bad host. Besides, we came here to enjoy ourselves, and it seems unfair to let me have all the fun.”

Well, you supposed you couldn’t argue with that. He had a point, after all. And hard as you tried to fight it, a little smile crept across your cheeks. It was…kind of sweet.

“Thank you,” you said to the table. The thoughtfulness made a fuzzy warmth settle in your chest.

Ardyn didn’t respond, though his expression softened. A slow nod was all that was needed to show he accepted your gratitude.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to return to our previous conversation,” he said gently, his fingers laced in his lap and elbows resting on the armrests of his chair.

Looking up, you nodded. “Right.”

“Tell me, do you have any family living in our lovely capital?”

Your smile faltered, fists clenching in your lap, bunching up the napkin. You hadn’t expected him to jump to that so soon. The fuzz in your chest burned like kindling, and you averted your gaze, hoping he couldn’t see the extent of the sourness that replaced your smile.

“They, uh….We’re not exactly on good terms.” You picked at a loose string on the tablecloth, unable to meet his eyes.

“My apologies. I did not mean to upset you.”

“No,” you said quickly, turning back to him. “No, it’s okay. It’s just…I…” You paused trying to think of how to phrase it.

“They always wanted me to be perfect,” you started, pushing down and burying the anger that tried to resurface with the memories. “I was never good enough for them, and they made sure I knew it. They always wished I’d been a son. And my older sister was never any help.”

You swallowed, the lump that’d formed in your throat making it harder to talk with each word. It’d taken years, and lots of therapy, to be able to talk about it at all. You still couldn’t without emotions that’d been left to fester in stained jars from clawing at your skin, threatening to spill. For what does a child crave more than the love of their mother and father?

They only ever saw you as their maid, though. You were cooking the family meals by the time you were ten, cleaning the house and doing the chores since seven. Your family was the proud owner of a successful orchard to the east of the capital, meaning their house was nothing to sneeze at. More of a mansion, but to you it was more of a prison, trapped with a father who shouted and a mother who demeaned. You were beaten into submission, burned and flayed and ripped until you were their perfect little princess, a trained monkey for all to gawk at.

You supposed all the love they had was used up on your sister, whom they spoiled to the point of being rotten. She loved how much they favored her over you. It was like a sport to her, to see how much trouble she could get you into. Any attempts to stand up to her were rewarded with a lock on your door, and a night without dinner. Some part of you did pity her though; she was but a pampered poodle after all. More of an object to your parents than a person, something to flaunt to their rich neighbors.

Schooling wasn’t something they were overly fond of you participating in, since your sister had already proven herself superior in that field. She won awards at science fairs while your grades were good, but not spectacular. A failing in their eyes. When eighteen rolled around, their boot was already firmly placed in your back, the door to their estate shutting with a thunderous crack behind you. They would suffer a runt no longer.

You tensed when something kicked you, snapping you out of your dark memories. Your brows furrowed, and you stared down at the table as if you might see through it. Then - there it was again. Something nudged your shin.

It was Ardyn. His smirk had been wiped clean off, and was replaced with a gentleness you hadn’t seen before. It…looked like sympathy.

“I know the feeling all too well,” he answered your unspoken question. “I never lived up to my family’s standards, so I became an outcast.” Something flicked across his face, and you blinked, recognizing it. It looked similar to what happened when he saw Jeremy; an untamable rage that was held by a leash ripe for snapping. Gone before you had a chance to really see it, buried as deep as it would go.

Well…family issues could certainly explain his bitterness.

You sensed his leg was still encroaching on your side of the table. Thankful that he snapped you out of your whirlpool of thoughts, you decided to return the favor. Sinking down into your seat a little, you reached out with your right foot, finding his boot easily. Delicately, you curled your ankle, giving his shin a comforting rub.

A soft smile returned to his face when he felt you. You gave him one of your own, feeling he deserved to be soothed too.

“So…we’re both a little broken,” you said, like you were sharing a secret. “Maybe we can help each other pick up the pieces, if you’re willing.”

He hummed in thought, letting his smile grow back into a smirk. Good - he was feeling better, then.

“I’d like that,” he said, twirling the stem of his wine glass in his fingers. “If you’re willing to put up with the ravings of an old man.”

You scoffed at him. “You’re not old!” You waved your hand at him in offense. “You look thirty!”

“Close,” he teased, sipping his drink. “I’m thirty-three.”

“See? That’s not old.”

He snickered at how adamant you were. You certainly had fire when you wanted to.

“I don’t suppose I’ll be winning this one.” He leaned back in his chair, defeated. “Ugh, where were you on the council when I needed you?”

“I don’t think I’ve got the patience for politics,” you giggled at the thought. “I’d speak out of line once and get thrown in jail.”

“Oh, you’d be surprised. Especially with the epidemic of incompetence spreading through the Emperor's cabinet as of late.”

“Giving you trouble, are they?” You said with a chuckle.

“All the time.”

You laughed whilst he shook his head, rubbing his temple in frustration. You supposed even the chancellor couldn’t escape the woes of annoying colleagues.

“Who’s the worst of the bunch?” You probed, not really expecting an answer.

“General Calligo Ulldor,” he said without hesitation, letting out an angry sigh. “He has an ego bigger than the imperial legions, and that is saying something.”

You hummed, taking a sip of water. You could feel its cold touch glide down your throat as you drank. You hadn’t noticed until then, but your mouth had gone quite dry over the course of the evening.

“Never heard of him,” you said, placing your glass back on the table. You weren’t big on politics, but you still knew some of the people on the imperial council. Aside from Ardyn, that is.

He grinned widely at your statement, a mischievousness darkening his eyes.

“I’ll be telling him that when next I see him. He’ll have an utter fit over it.”

You scoffed again. “I doubt he cares what some commoner thinks.”

“And you would be forgiven for that assumption, inaccurate as it may be. The man believes his name echoes from the coasts of Niflheim to the walls of Insomnia.”

“Damn…that is a big ego.”

You smiled as Ardyn laughed, one that was carefree and jovial. You liked that look on him. You decided you wanted to see him laugh like that more.

Right as he was settling down, your waitress returned, steaming plates balanced in one arm while she held a glass in the other. You’d completely forgotten about the drink Ardyn ordered for you, but its bright red color betrayed something sweet, and you were a sucker for sweet things. The warm plate she placed in front of you looked just as appetizing; you didn’t need to sink your fork into it to tell it was cooked to perfection, its savory aroma prompting an impatient growl from your belly.

You both thanked the waitress and she was off, leaving you alone to enjoy your meals. Ardyn encouraged you to tell him if it was all to your liking, and you nodded, though you doubted you would be disappointed. It all looked perfect.

Holding up his glass, Ardyn proposed a toast to your budding relationship. Taking your own, you adorned a goofy smile as your glasses tinked together, both of you taking swigs of your drinks. This one was infinitely better, a mix of ulwaat berries and the sharp taste of oranges. These were the kind of drinks you could suck down all day.

The food was the real highlight though, which was to be expected. As soon as the first forkfull hit your tongue, you melted into your seat, closing your eyes blissfully to bask in the heavenly flavor. It was even better than you could’ve imagined.

For those first few bites, neither of you insisted on conversation, too busy savoring your dishes. Glancing at Ardyn’s, you still weren’t entirely sure what it was, but it looked like some kind of fancy casserole; a layer of starchy substance concealed a treasure of meat and vegetables. You’d have to ask him what it was later.

After a few minutes, Ardyn resumed asking you questions in between bites. You were happy to oblige, the conversation flowing more freely. He started by asking about your hobbies, mercifully leaving the issue of your family aside. You told him about them in scant detail, curious what his own hobbies were, and asking him as much. He told you he fancied all different manners of wine, though that wasn’t much of a revelation, given his enthusiasm for the stuff. He also told you he was rather good at chess, which surprised you. You asked him to play you sometime, though he warned your odds of winning against him were slim, at best. You made him promise not to go easy on you.

By the time you two were done exchanging stories of how you fell into your passions, your plates were greasy and cold, your glasses empty and stained. Ardyn drank almost the entire bottle of wine on his own, yet he didn’t seem even the slightest bit tipsy. He must’ve had a high tolerance, since he seemed to drink it often, by the way he spoke about it.

As soon as you both were satisfied, Charlette appeared, gathering your dirtied plates and asking if you had interest in dessert. Ardyn looked to you wordlessly, leaving the decision in your hands. As much as you were tempted, you were full enough on dinner, and chose to decline. With that, she took the last of the wine, saying she would keep it for his next visit, and add the night's meal to his tab.

When she departed for the final time, Ardyn stood, strutting to your side so he could hold out his hand for you. You blushed a little as you placed your hand in his, letting him help you up. Somehow it felt more intimate then, the way he smiled at you with his trademark smirk and gave his arm for you to take. It felt less like it was just for show and more like he may actually have some interest in you.

As dizzying as the thought was.

But you weren’t going to let your doubts dampen your mood. A pleasant contentment had laid its roots in you, blooming into a smile that wouldn’t leave your face. The evening had gone better than you could’ve expected. Even though there was some initial nervousness, and the hiccup of your family affairs, your conversation had otherwise come naturally. Both of you teased each other, cracked jokes, made like a merry couple, all things considered. It made you feel good. It put a spring in your step as you were walked back to the elevator.

Ardyn, of course, insisted on taking you home. You agreed readily; the building was much too far from home to walk, which left you with few options. Not that you minded, you were feeling more confident in Ardyn’s presence after the night you shared.

The ride home was lethargic, your bodies busy processing what you’d put in them. Ardyn made his way to your apartment without issue, parking his car right next to the front doors. When you got out, so did he, asking if he could walk you to your room. You hesitated at first, but you allowed it. You didn’t want to leave his side just yet. Standing next to him was starting to feel warm. Comforting.

The elevator ride was a silent one, but this time the painful prick of awkwardness was noticeably absent. It let you off with a ding, and you led Ardyn down the row of cookie cutter doors to what you called home.

“This is me,” you said, gesturing to one close to the end. The only distinguishing feature a gold 1021 glued under the peephole.

“…Thank you,” you said, turning to where Ardyn stood behind you, watching you fish around in your purse for your keys. “For tonight, I mean. I had fun.”

Ardyn’s eyes softened. “As did I,” he said.

You stared at each other for a long moment, not saying anything, wondering how you should part from each other. You weren't sure if you should do something more. Should you say goodnight? Hug him? Kiss him? The possibilities swirled in your head, indecision pulling her boney fingers through your hair.

Though, as usual, Ardyn knew what to do. He stepped forward, the familiar feeling of his fingers under your chin welcome. Perhaps it was the lighting, but his amber eyes seemed to glow as he looked down at you.

“Might I be so bold…” he murmured, his half lidded irises blinking long and slow. “As to wish you a goodnight?”

He carded his thumb across your lower lip, a wake of tingling skin left after it. His gaze darted down to watch your mouth get pulled apart ever so slightly, before his eyes snapped back up.

He wanted to say goodnight… but not with words.

Your eyes widened. Did he…really want to…?

It was a little scary, when you realized what exactly he was asking of you. What if you weren’t good enough? Would you disappoint him? Hell, were you even ready for this?

You trembled with a full body shudder, the answer your soul gave shaking you to your core.

“Yes,” you breathed, letting your consent hang in the air as the tension between you two balanced on a knife's edge. Your tongue wet your lips as you allowed your eyes to fall and linger on his mouth, before being caught again by his saucers of honey.

Ardyn hummed in pleasure, holding your chin up for himself.

“Close your eyes…” he whispered.

You obeyed without hesitation, blood rushing in your ears as the anticipation made your muscles tighten.

The ghosting of his breath across your face preceded him. You curled your toes, waiting, and when the stubble of his beard scratched your skin, his lips finally meeting yours, time slowed to a stop.

His touch had always sparked heat deep beneath your skin, a crackling fire of emotions you didn’t dare name.

But this…this was a bonfire, one that struck like lightning down to your fingertips, a raging blaze that stole your breath away. His mouth was soft, decadent in the way it slowly massaged into yours, delectable in the way his beard contrasted his lips. You could sense the faint, sweet taste of the wine he’d had, making him all the more delicious.

It took you a moment to come down from your high, remembering to return his gentle caress. The care he took to familiarize himself with how you moved kept making you lightheaded. Even though he took the lead, he wasn’t demanding. Ardyn allowed you to get lost in the movement, your fingers curling as a need began to bloom in the bowels of your core.

He was addicting.

Whatever fleeting thoughts occupying your brain vanished, leaving behind only the need to join him in that dance. You sighed contentedly into him, melting into his form, your hands coming to rest on his chest. Ardyn made a pleased sound, his own hands dropping to hold your hips, keeping you flush against himself.

It was all at once long and indulgent and over far too soon. You parted from each other with a wet, satisfying pop, panting not from lack of breath, but from the magnitude of what you’d just done. You got kissed by the chancellor. And fuck, you’d liked it. You’d liked it a lot. Your eyes fluttered open, watching him, hoping he’d enjoyed that as much as you had.

Ardyn’s face shone with the gentlest blush, his eyes slightly wide and unblinking. He looked at you like you were a great mystery to him, something he lacked the tools to figure out. He was at a loss for words, his neck showing the faintest hints of perspiration.

But even while his face was contorted with confusion, he couldn’t hide the desire that burned deep within his eyes.

There was a long pause that followed, the two of you just staring at the other. The world seemed to hold its breath, waiting to see what you would do.

It did not have to wait long for an answer.

Something in Ardyn snapped. He suddenly lunged forward, sweeping you up and forcing a startled yelp from you, shoving you against your door. The sound was barely out of your throat when he claimed your lips again, holding your body delightfully hostage between himself and cheap wood.

At first, the kisses were light and airy. Perhaps even hesitant, both of you scared of what further indulgence would entail.

But soon, they were needy, desperate. You could sense it in the way he moved, how he clung to you like he feared the very thought of letting go. Like he’d wandered a barren desert all his life, only to now be blessed with the quenching mist of morning rain. You were his salvation, locked away and hidden by those who would wish him suffering.

And you were just as parched, just as depraved in your search for relief.

You could feel the door strain behind you, creaking while it struggled to hold as it pressed against your back, Ardyn humming a possessive growl into your skin.

You held on to his roaming forearms for stability, trying to remain grounded enough to return his sweet affections. The worries from the night, the week before melted away, massaged out of you by the passion, the hunger in his eyes.

So what if it all collapsed, really? Did it matter, when you breathed in Ardyn’s scent, his musk, as you moved to run your fingers through his hair, scraping your nails along his scalp. Oh, and the little whine of delight he made when you nipped his lower lip, his excitement brushing against your thigh.

So what if the world fell apart tomorrow, spoiled by fire and brimstone?

Would it matter, would you care?

No, you realized, humming into his mouth, cupping his stubbly cheek in one hand. His own traveled your sides, slowly dragged up and down, from where your bra could be felt through your shirt down to your hips. His nose pressed against yours, his bangs tickled your forehead.

You gasped when something slick traced your lower lip. You hadn’t expected him to be so bold. But you immediately let him in, unable to stop a slight moan as his tongue darted inside you. The remnants of his meal remained on the dexterous muscle, spreading the exotic spices across your taste buds as he explored your mouth. It intertwined with your own, bringing you together in a deep, primal way.

You could feel heat gathering below you, soiling your underwear. A pressure that built with every featherlight touch.

You felt slightly filthy for it. Normally, you weren’t really one to have sex on a first date.

But he felt so good. So right.

Your left hand untangled from his hair, groping blindly at the door holding you up, trying to fiddle with the handle.

“Do you…want to…come inside?” You asked between kisses, chasing his lips as he dove down to nibble the tender flesh of your neck. You groaned in appreciation, your fingers flying back into his hair.

When your words finally registered, Ardyn froze. You could’ve wailed when he leaned back slowly, meeting your eyes with a calculating expression.

You immediately felt guilt squeeze your chest. You’d overstepped.

“I don’t believe…” Ardyn said through heavy breaths. “…that would be appropriate of me, given how long we’ve known each other.”

Your face fell, as did your heart. The heat inside you fizzled, fading into embarrassment that made you want to sink into the ground.

He must surely think you a whore, now. Gods, you’d ruined it.

“Now, now,” he said gently, taking your crestfallen face into his palm. A sweet smile returned to his features as he rubbed fond circles into your cheek. “There’s no need to look so disappointed.” He leaned down sinfully close to your ear, his voice a siren’s song. “I am not opposed to having a bit of fun, once we come to know each other better.”

Your heart leapt at that. So there was still hope for you.

Ardyn chuckled when we leaned back, noticing how your face had brightened. You were just adorable.

“Speaking of which,” he began, letting his hands fall from you as he took a step back. Your body unconsciously swayed in his direction, missing the warmth of his caress. Oh, how he’d never get tired of watching you chase his touch. “I had plans to spend the afternoon at the imperial gardens at his Radiance’s humble abode. It would bring me unending delight if you were to join me.”

You stared at him with wide, excited eyes. “Is that allowed?” You asked. Not just anyone was permitted into the imperial palace, especially common folk. You’d only ever seen it in passing, from the outside.

Ardyn grinned mischievously. “With my blessing, you are allowed anywhere, my dearest. Sans perhaps, the Emperor’s private quarters. I don’t believe he would find it amusing if we visited him uninvited.”

You laughed quietly at the thought. Ardyn certainly had an interesting sense of humor.

Stepping up to him, you caught him in a tight embrace, burying your face in his chest, reminding yourself of when you’d done the same thing in a dream. His clothes were just as comforting and full of warmth as then too, and you delighted in the movement of his lungs, the beating of his heart. After a moment, he held you with just as much enthusiasm, one hand rhythmically combing through your hair while the other cupped the small of your back.

“I’ll see you again tomorrow?” You asked, looking up at him in question. He still had that soft adoring smile on his face, and you could’ve melted at seeing it displayed for you.

He brushed the back of his knuckles across your cheek, widening your pleased grin.

“I swear it on my honor as Chancellor,” he smirked, that whimsical mischief you were coming to know returning to his eyes.

You giggled at him, releasing his waist in favor of taking his hand from your face, pressing a delicate kiss on the back of his fingers. “A simple promise would do.”

“Then a promise you’ll have,” he said. “I’ll have an attendant ready for you by noon tomorrow. Make sure you’re ready a few minutes prior to his arrival, it would be a shame to make him wait.”

You gave a short nod. “I’ll be there.”

“Good.” You released his hand as he stepped backward, waving as he turned toward the elevator. “With that, I bid you farewell. Until tomorrow.”

You returned his wave smally, watching him go.

“Good night, Ardyn.”

He paused midstep, looking at you over his shoulder. He’d almost forgotten.

“Good night…花.” (hana)

Your eyes widened, a soft gasp falling from your lips as he smirked at you. He continued on down the corridor, as carefree as he was at the convenience store.

Like he hadn’t just called you his flower in ancient Lucian.

Your head spun with it, a flush washing down to your fingertips. It was so…intimate, in a different way. Like a promise, a trusted secret. You almost wanted to call after him, say something in return, but you couldn’t think of anything suitable. Plus, you didn’t want to overstep so soon after you’d already stumbled. He’d set a pace for the both of you in this. The least you could do was respect it.

So, with some reluctance, you focused on getting your door open. Still, you couldn’t wipe your stupid smile from your face. He called you flower, you thought giddily, the door clicking softly as the lock was undone. You closed it gently behind you, not wanting to wake your neighbors. Glancing at the digital clock on your stove, it was already well past ten. The fact had your body sagging. It’d been easy to ignore your tiredness before, but now that you were alone, it struck you with full force. It was past your bedtime.

Throwing your purse onto the coach carelessly, you got ready for bed. Your brain was filled with the memories of your night out, replaying the best parts as you showered and changed. You’d had more fun than you thought you would.

And you were going to see him again tomorrow!

You let out a happy sigh at the reminder, snuggling into bed. You were excited to see him.

So much so, it was almost enough to make you forget about your dreams. And the nagging sense of wrongness that was an incessant thorn in the back of your mind, as you drifted off to sleep.

“Sleep well…あなた.” (anata)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ardyn slammed his fist against the elevator wall, the metal groaning as it caved from the force. Another dent for the disgusting bucket that building called a lift.

“Gods damn it all,” he muttered, a fury that was all too familiar making him tremble with a need to release it.

The kiss had been a test. He wanted to know how much the gods had made you in Aera’s image, and your little date gave him the perfect opportunity to test not only your personality, but also your more…intimate mannerisms. A quick peck was all it was meant to be.

But it became so much more. When his lips touched yours, he got the same feeling he did when he kissed his beloved. How his heart felt like it was soaring, content and ignorant of the turmoil that shook the ground below. With her, he forgot his hurts as a healer who absorbed the scourge, and instead could simply exist. Pretend for a few moments he lived a peaceful life with his beloved, drowning in the happiness she wrought.

And it’d happened again. He felt it as soon as he kissed you. That happiness, the love he craved so deeply, even if he denied it. Your lips had moved with that same feeling of reverence, the same unconditional love he once felt from her. When you parted from each other, his soul screamed, for it was desperate to feel even an ounce of that again.

So, against his better judgment, he’d kissed you again. And again. And again. He let himself get lost in it, closing his eyes as he remembered her. He could picture it, stealing time away from his duties to waste it in the gardens together. Or stolen moments at the inn of the town he was curing, where they would relax for a short while before their callings beckoned them onward.

Until you spoke, that is, reminding him who it was he was actually kissing.

That had been a splash of cold water to his senses, and he knew he had to stop. He’d let it go on for far too long.

His fingers hesitantly traced his lips, which tingled with the memory of your touch. No, it hadn’t been the exact same as Aera, he realized. You were both gentle in your affections, certainly, but there was something else in yours. A fiery determination mixed with a hint of apprehension. You weren’t as sure of yourself as Aera was, but you had enough will to fight that part of yourself when you wanted to.

He let out an angry sigh as the doors slid open to the lobby. He’d have to do more tests to be certain.

The dinner had been fruitful at least. Even though he was a bit sad to see you still couldn’t be completely honest with him, he’d expected as much. Well, no matter. He’d just have to break down your walls, earn your trust. Something he could call himself an expert in.

Still, he’d gotten quite a bit out of you. He learned enough to tell that you were not a carbon copy of his Aera, which had him relieved. He’d been worried the gods would be too lazy to think of anything else, couldn’t imagine anyone besides her holding him in any positive regard. That they would copy and paste her personality, her wants, her passions onto another body, plastering another face over it.

They hadn’t, though, which surprised him. Aera had been a fan of architecture, something that you displayed no interest in. Reading was something you had in common, but he supposed he couldn’t really blame you for that one - you worked in a library after all. She also had no issues with her family, at least none that he could recall. No, you were your own person. The gods had given him a small mercy on that front.

Yet that mercy was a double edged sword. While he could confirm you were your own person, he could also confirm there was unmistakably something bigger at play here. It was no coincidence you made him feel the ways Aera did. And it was no coincidence you’d met now, so close to the cursed prophecy’s end.

A prophecy he was now certain had begun pulling at your strings.

Though for what purpose, he still couldn’t say.

He’d have time to figure it out though, under the guise of more ‘dates’.

Speaking of which…

Ardyn pulled out his phone, dialing a number as he slammed his car door shut. It rang once before it was answered.

“Yes, your Excellency?” The scratchy voice of one of his servants chirped.

Ardyn said your name, your full name, into the device. “I want you to find me the location of her immediate family. I’d like to pay them a visit…”

“At once, your Eminence.”

———————————————————————

Thank you everyone for the patience and support. It has really helped me get back into this, now that I have time.

I kept things like Reader's hobbies and what they were eating vague so you can put in whatever you like :). I personally imagined reader got some delicious beef wellington and Ardyn got a shepherd's pie. I head canon he likes commoner food, it's comforting for him.

Also, since some of you know I do have some childhood trauma, I just want to say the stuff I said about reader's family is completely fictional. My family is wonderful and I love them very much. We're going out for drinks later :) (yes the alcohol thing is real though so wish me luck lmao).

Also also I decided since I'm semi bilingual I wanted to add some Japanese into the story! Don't worry, I'll make sure to put translations in the text where it appears, that way you don't have to scroll/look anything up to understand it. This time is the exception because I wanted it to be a surprise. Japanese definitely exists inside FFXV already, I'm just tweaking it so it can be a sweet little thing between Ardyn and reader :) Hope you enjoy it!

Translations: 花 = flower あなた = dear (or a general term of endearment)

No, the dreams weren't in ancient Lucian, they were in English. Reader didn't even know they were in Lucis during them, and probably still has some doubt about the exact location.

Anyway, I've set a routine for myself to write a little bit everyday, which I hope I can adhere to. Please look forward to future chapters!

#ardyn #ardyn izunia #ardyn lucis caelum #ardyn x reader #ardyn izunia x reader #ardyn x you #ffxv fanfic #also on ao3

24 notes · View notes

ermora · 10 months ago

Text

Ardyn x Drunk Reader

Here I am again with another Ardyn x Reader post. Decided to go with a drunk reader on this one, Ardyn is still probably going to be OOC but hey, the Reader is drunk soooo, yeah. Please enjoy!

‐----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You downed another drink with ease as you spoke with your friends at the table you were sitting at for the Niflheim Christmas ball. You were invited to come here with a friend and you gladly accepted the invitation as you’d never been to a ball in the grand hall before and wanted to make a good impression on your friend as you’ve had your eyes on him for quite awhile. He wasn’t around right now though as he was called away to talk to Emperor Aldercapt about some important matters regarding the empire. You tried not to be disappointed by this as you had plenty of friends here already since they worked in the palace but it had been quite awhile since your friend left and you had now downed several drinks.

“Hey, y/n, you should slow down a bit as you’ve been drinking quite a bit ever since you got here” your one friend, Tanisha, stated, you gave her a polite smile.

“I’m fine, beshides, I’m enjoying myshelf” you slurred as you poured yourself another glass of wine.

“I don’t think the Chancellor will be happy if he comes back and sees you drunk though” your other friend, Zeliek, pointed out, you waved your hand dismissively at him.

“He’sh the one who left me here with you guysh while talking to the emperor sho he can blame himshelf if he gets back to the table” you countered with a hint of frustration in your tone.

“You can’t blame him either as he’s the Chancellor of Niflheim which makes him a very busy man” Tanisha shot back.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know he’sh a busy guy but he’sh the one who invited me” you mumbled.

“I didn’t quite catch that y/n” Zeliek noted, you went to repeat what you said but the Chancellor came up to the table and sat down beside you.

“My apologies for that y/n the emperor took up a fair bit more of my time than I would have liked” Ardyn apologized.

“It’sh okay, I’ve jusht been hanging out with my friendsh here” you slurred as you downed the glass of wine in your hand. Ardyn let out a sigh and as you reached for the bottle of wine to pour yourself another drink, Ardyn quickly snatched it and put it to where you couldn’t reach it.

“It seems like I took far too long as you’re drunk” Ardyn noted in an unamused tone.

“We did try to convince her to slow down Chancellor, but… she stubbornly refused to listen to us” Zeliek said, you shrugged.

“I alsho told you guysh that I wash just enjoying myshelf” you quickly put in, feeling a bit annoyed that this conversation was happening in front of you.

“This isn’t exactly the best way to enjoy yourself at a party like this though” Tanisha pointed out, you rolled your eyes. Does it really matter how you enjoy yourself?

“Allow me to handle this as it is my fault for being away a bit too long” Ardyn stated as he stood back up before you could say anything else.

“What do you mean by that Chancellor?” Zeliek asked, Ardyn said nothing as he held out his right hand to you, you stared at it and then looked at him.

“Come with me y/n” Ardyn said in a low tone of voice, you didn’t reach out and take his hand.

“I’m not going anywhere with you right now” you mumbled in a rather short tone, Ardyn sighed and lowered his hand.

“You’re leaving me no choice but to carry you out then” Ardyn noted, you snorted while Zeliek and Tanisha stared wide eyed.

“You wouldn’t dare it” you spat, Ardyn smirked.

“Oh, but I do dare it as your current state is from my lack of attentiveness towards you” Ardyn countered as he leaned down and picked you up bridal style from the chair you were in. You let out an undignified squeak as his strength was more than you expected as you weren’t exactly the lightest person here and your arms went around Ardyn’s neck as you felt like you were going to fall as the room spun a little bit.

“Thatsh not fair… put me down” you demanded in a low voice so as not to attract anymore attention than you have as the people at the tables around you, were looking over curiously to see what was going on.

“Only once we are away from here” Ardyn stated and then left the hall with you in his arms, you crossed yours arms and felt a bit conflicted. On one hand Ardyn just ruined your fun time drinking but on the other hand, his attention was now on you.

“You really are shomething elshe right now, you left me to drink and then jusht take me away from my friendsh” you finally slurred after a few moments of silence.

“My apologies y/n, it was truly not my intention to leave you for so long” Ardyn said, you took a deep breath.

“You already apologized, jusht… put me down” you noted, Ardyn shook his head.

“Absolutely not, you are in no condition to be walking, besides, carrying you gives me a reason to tell people you are unwell and I am taking you home” Ardyn stated, you felt stunned.

“Didn’t you want to shtay?” you asked, Ardyn chuckled.

“As much as I like the spotlight, I dislike parties like this where I am unable to enjoy myself because I need to work instead of spending time with the ones I invite” Ardyn replied, you thought about his words carefully. Ardyn is quite a bit different than you initially thought and it feels nice to know that he wasn’t exactly fond of parties like this.

“I shee” you mumbled, silence fell between you two again and soon, Ardyn had walked you into an office.

“This is my office, it should be quiet enough here for us to enjoy a few drinks together if you’d still like to drink a bit” Ardyn noted, breaking the silence as he put you onto a chair, went over to his desk and pulled out a bottle of wine and two glasses. You smiled at him, you never thought that Ardyn of all people would have alcohol in his office, let alone wine glasses.

“Ishn’t it a bad idea to keep alcohol in your office?” you asked.

“I don’t think it is, not when I need a drink before some meeting as they can be a bore fest, now would you like some more wine?” Ardyn asked.

“Yesh pleashe” you replied, Ardyn poured wine into the two glasses and handed you one, you took it and you clinked glasses together before downing your drinks. Ardyn refilled the glasses and the two of you began to chat about life, it wasn’t until the bottle of wine was finished and you felt truly ill that you wanted to do nothing more than sleep it all off.

“Are you alright y/n?” Ardyn asked as you struggled to even sit upright at this point.

“I-I think I should head out and get home sho that I can go to bed” you truthfully replied, Ardyn smiled as he stood up from the chair he was in and came over to you.

“Allow me to take you home then” Ardyn offered, you shook your head.

“You’ve been drinking too” you pointed out, Ardyn’s smile grew.

“Oh my dear sweet little bird, alcohol hardly phases someone like me” Ardyn shot back, you went to protest but Ardyn leaned down and silenced you and your thoughts with a brief kiss. Your mind reeled from this and you were certain that this wasn’t quite real, when Ardyn pulled away you felt a sense of longing.

“Ardyn.. I… you…” you mumbled, unable to form a proper sentence.

“Allow me to take you home now” Ardyn stated, you nodded your response and Ardyn picked you up bridal style once again and he carried you out of his office. As he carried you down the halls of the palace you rested your head against his chest and let your eyes close. Tonight was totally worth it and you’ll treasure it for the days to come.

#ardyn izunia #ardyn lucis caelum #ardyn x reader #ardyn x you #ffxv ardyn #final fantasy 15

3 notes · View notes

agonyauntardyn · 1 year ago

Text

Dear Ardyn,

I've recently become a huge fan of a particular TV show kids' TV show – it's got cute characters having fun adventures and it's just so chill & happy! However my mum keeps giving me a hard time about it and wants me to stop watching, saying it's too childish and 'not suitable for someone my age.' She suggests I should watch more mature content. I find this show relaxing and it's become my happy place. Is it really so wrong to enjoy something that's meant for children?

Sincerely,

Young at heart

Dear Young at Heart,

Ah, the perpetual struggle between the joys of youth and the dour expectations of adulthood – a tale as old as time, or at least as old as television. How dare you find solace in the innocent mirth of a children's show! Next, you'll be telling me you enjoy ice cream and laughter.

The absurdity of your mother's insistence is as clear as the crystal blue skies of Tenebrae. Watching a show designed for children? Preposterous! You might as well admit to enjoying the feel of soft grass underfoot or the sweet melody of birdsong at dawn. What will the neighbors think if they discover you've been indulging in such scandalously juvenile delights?

My dear, the only crime here is denying oneself the simple pleasures in life. You must immediately cease this reckless behavior and devote your time to more 'mature' pursuits, like watching paint dry or partaking in the riveting pastime of watching grass grow.

In seriousness, my dear, there is no harm in finding joy where you can, especially in something as harmless as a television show. Life is often a treacherous journey, and if a bit of escapism into a world of whimsy and wonder offers you respite, then embrace it with open arms. After all, who decided that growing older necessitates abandoning the things that bring us joy?

So, snuggle up with your favorite blanket, perhaps a cup of well brewed tea, and let the adventures of those charming characters wash over you. Your mother, bless her heart, will just have to understand that sometimes, the best way to be an adult is to remember the joys of being a child.

Your ever young Chancellor,

Ardyn Izunia

#agonyauntardyn #ardyn izunia #ardyn lucis caelum #ff15 ardyn #ffxv #ffxv ardyn #final fantasy xv #dear ardyn #ardynsadvice

4 notes · View notes

nyanykamito · 2 years ago

Text

@nemo-of-house-hamartia you did this and I thank you, please accept my offering 🙏🏽

I could see Luscinia kidnapping Ardyn's jacket and hat strutting around like a goddess, ardyn coming around the corner and she just keeps going.

I'm not sure how your working their dynamic but I feel like she brings laughter and warmth this poor smirky man needs. He's still him it's just from time to time he'll lower his guard to show he still is a man just a hurting one.

He's wanted to feel the warmth of another, to not be used and abused but to be loved if even for a moment. So seeing her in his things gives him an odd since of belonging which he hides with a smirk and a comment.

Ardyn: " You look very luxurious kitten but dare I say those items are better equipped to on me."

Luscinia: Didn't your parents tell you not to lie it looks better on me and if you want it back you'll have to take it.

Queue her running off trying to win this little game. Ardyn can't help but savor this moment before he bites his lip and goes after her. Now I'd like to believe he likes the thrill of the hunt so he's patient. She'll go somewhere and hide, he'll wait for her to lower her guard than nab her.

Ardyn: tsk tsk not so feral are we, in the face of danger you tuck into my humble embrace begging for mercy

Luscinia: really?

Ardyn: oh come on your not gonna play along dearest.

The two maybe get caught in playful banter but end on a soft note. I could see noctis demanding to have his sister back. Ardyn gives her up but moreso because she's too good to be true, to give into these feelings would be to hurt again. And he's not ready for that...

No matter how much he cherishes her company, tea and sweets, discreet shopping, maybe reading, playful banter and him just enjoying her warmth. The man's just afraid of loosing more..

If their relationship we're to be lean toward romantic playful

He definitely hasn't measured both of their hands side by side to see how tiny hers is to his. Or carefully intertwine their fingers or bring her fingers up to his lips to tease her nope nope never.

Shell hug him and he gently wraps his arms around her, afraid he'll shatter this moment. What if she's not real? What if he's finally lost it, hallucinating because he's so alone on the inside.

I could see him catching her napping in her coat and smiling at her, brushes his fingers along her cheek. Kneeling down to trace her lips with his finger before bringing that same finger to his lips. Of course he's gone before she awakens because he's not one to get caught.

Did I mention he loves to go shopping with her, being the gentleman he is he pays. Stole emperor's card

He loves seeing her all dressed up like the goddess she is, he wishes things we're different. Wishes he we're someone else so he could sweep her off her feet before running off with her like the tricker he is.

At night he curses the gods for what he's become but he also questions why they allowed their encounter. He questions if she's real or if he's truly dead one must be right. She's far to good for him he doesn't deserve happiness or love.. he's..cursed and the flight of this world. Right?

#Nyka drabbles #Ffxv OC #ardyn izunia #@nemo-of-house-hamartia #Okay it turned out longer than I thought it would oops #My hands wouldn't stop writing help

6 notes · View notes

somnus-lucis-caelum · 4 months ago

Text

Aerith might not have realized it there, but she was the spitting image of her mother. Not just in appearance, but in behaviour, too. In the way she gave advice. She was full of the same empathy. Only where the Queen held grace and eloquence in abundance… her daughter held mischief and teasing.

But Somnus found it quite easy to imagine Aerith one day carrying the crown the same way her mother did.

What she suggested to him was something he would have never dared to come up with. Fleeing his new home and betrothed for a whole season or more!

It made him scoff at her outright admitting to such. But in an amused way. She truly was no one who would have just sat by and folded her hands if she had been unhappy in an arranged marriage. That took bravery.

Though of course it all wasn’t that easy. Not at all.

Sighing, Somnus rubbed a hand over his face and through his hair.

“The Starscourge and Daemons… I hoped I could tell you about all that in a quiet and calm moment. Really explain it. But now… you saw it firsthand. It is harsh to deal with. And that also is the point of contempt between my brother and I. We have… very different ideas about how to handle this. It’s like I almost don’t recognize him anymore. He is a fool….”

There was no way he could travel from one infected to the next and heal all in time. In addition to something feeling… off about Ardyn the more he went away.

Blinking, Somnus remembered what he had heard back at the cave, though.

“You said something about it being like… Jenova’s curse? Something like this? Who is that?”

Aerith grinned across at him, a sharp and amused kind of expression. Somehow he completely altered her mood with his presence. She had been so heavy and listless, feeling like she couldn't do enough, couldn't help enough... and now there was light. And a feeling of lightness.

His impromptu visit had helped her immensely.

"Because it's my side, back off." she answered, not really answering him at all. Then she waved her hand in a gesture. "The entire place will be rearranged brick by brick if we must. You get your door and I get the superior side."

That sudden bout of modesty suited Somnus. Though it did give her enough pause to glance over to the door — no one was there, of course, which tickled a hum of acknowledgement from her. She found herself quite charmed by that grin of his, enough for her to want to chase it back.

But now was not the time.

She stood a little more alert when he spoke again. Then she visibly softened, empathetic, even giving a small shake of her head. "I'm glad to know I looked that way on the outside. On the inside I was terrified, which..." she gave a tip of her head. "Perhaps I wasn't my best self because of that, which I am sorry about."

Looking him over, she offered an encouraging little smile. "I know it isn't the same thing as living in the home you know and love, but I had already planned my seasons. No one would see me in Lucis for half the year if I could manage it. I would visit the farmlands during the coldest months and I wouldn't care where my husband ended up. I'm a touch dramatic." she admitted, her smile widening a little.

"My point is, I encourage you to do the same. Come and live in Lucis for a season, your favourite if you want. Your family would be gladdened to have you and you really need no other reason... however, there is more reason... your home kingdom would be without one of its finest warriors while it fights a silent war."

She hugged her own arms. Could feel a chill where there was none, the afternoon a warm and pleasant one. "I know that our kingdoms are coming together to face a war already, but I'm no longer blind to the one that's already here. I'm not going to turn my back on Lucis. Neither is my family. However we can help, we will."

#holyguardian #VERSE | Star Crossed

417 notes · View notes

lichtundschattens · 4 months ago

Text

‘ yang yang, genderfluid, he/they, 30 / 300 , high fae ’ ― cauldron save you. it seems ZHONGLI YAN has finally made it to the capital, the SCHOLAR/DRAGON RIDER from THE DUSK COURT is said to be CALCULATIVE and is said to describe themselves with PIERCING SILVER EYES REFLECTING THE GLOW OF THE MOON, AN UNYIELDING FLAME OF AMBITION THAT GROWS EVER STRONGER WITHIN THE DEPTHS OF YOUR SOUL, KNOWING YOU WERE BORN FOR GLORIOUS PURPOSE, AN UNQUENCHABLE THIRST FOR DOMINANCE and with all of this in mind their TREACHEROUS nature always seems to get them into trouble. may the mother hold them as they navigate this unthinkable time.

THE BASICS;

full name: zhongli yan

aliases: n/a

age: 30 / 300

occupation: scholar / dragon rider

alliances: dawn court

species: high fae

personality (+): tactful, calculative, observant

personality (-): manipulative, cunning, treacherous

inspirations: loki (marvel), ardyn (ffxv)

THE STORY SO FAR; tw: death

You are born to a family of healers, the proud lineage of the Liu name, known across the courts for their unwavering dedication to the art of mending flesh and spirit. From the moment you could hold a mortar and pestle, your parents guided your hands, teaching you the delicate balance of herbs, tinctures, and elixirs. You learned how to stitch wounds, how to soothe fevered brows, and how to whisper calming words into ears dulled by pain. “This is your duty,” they said. “To heal. To help those in need.”

But deep within, a quiet rebellion stirred. A voice, sharp and insistent, told you otherwise. Why should you serve a world that offered you no gain? Why mend what was destined to break again? This thought lingered, unspoken, like a shadow beneath your feet.

Your world shattered when you were young. Your parents fell to an illness no tonic could cure. Your older sister, desperate and skilled though she was, could not save them. Neither could you. Their deaths left an emptiness that gnawed at your heart, not for the loss alone, but for the bitter truth it revealed: healing was futile. If even the healers could not save themselves, then what was the point?

Without your parents, the world turned cold. The weight of expectation shifted to your shoulders, but you shrugged it off. Did you ever truly seek guidance, even as a child? No. You’ve always walked a path of your own making, even if it meant walking alone.

You knew you were different from your siblings. While they clung to tradition, bound to the role of the selfless healer, you saw the Liu name for what it was: a shackle. You were the black sheep, the misfit, the one who dared to question a legacy that offered no reward. Service to others? That was a path for those too blind to see their own potential.

Your destiny revealed itself the day Rhaast, the red dragon, chose you as his rider. His eyes, like molten rubies, burned with a fury that mirrored your own. This was not chance; this was the will of the Dark Mother herself, a divine proclamation that you were meant for more. You were not born to serve. You were born to command.

From that moment, your vision became clear. You would climb the ladder, shed the Liu name’s humble reputation, and carve a new legacy for yourself. One that demanded respect, reverence, and fear. You donned the mask of a modest scholar, a role you played with flawless precision. Respectful, humble, noble—the perfect facade. But behind it, your ambition burned like a forge.

They call you a Scholar, a healer reborn with purpose and wisdom. They speak of your nobility, your quiet grace. But they do not ask the cost of such perfection. They do not see the cunning behind your smile or the calculating gleam in your eye. Perhaps it’s better that way. Because while others bend to tradition, you are busy bending the world to your will.

TL;DR: delulu lil man who luckily gets chosen by a dragon and sees it as a message from the dark mother that he's meant for glorious things. very manipulative, only interacts with ppl if there's a gain for him.

#a: zhongli

1 note · View note

itsgeecheebitch · 2 years ago

Text

TITLE: Until Darkness Descends

FANDOM: Final Fantasy XV

RATING: Explicit

CHAPTER: 41/?

MAIN PAIR: Ardyn Izunia x Reader

SEC PAIR: Gladiolus Amicitia x Reader

Ardyn stormed down the halls of his airship. His footsteps ricocheted off the walls like the booming claps of thunder. They drummed in his ears, matching the clank of his heart in his throat. Today couldn't have gone more sour. It wasn't that you hadn't acted as he had predicted. You sought him out just as he had planned after his big reveal. But what he hadn't expected was the aftermath such an encounter would leave him with.

He sneered, grounding his molars till they ached at the root. It seemed the gods had tripled down on their efforts. Despite knowing it was coming, Ardyn wasn't prepared. He hadn't been prepared to hear you talk about his and her wedding. Nor was he ready to hear you mention the event that deprived him of his first unborn child.

Frustration lined his forehead. It was in moments like these where he longed for fleeting sweet relief at the bottom of a wine glass. He had found himself drinking more as of late. Usually his Cabernet would accompany his dinner or be a singular glass he would nurse from for the rest of the night. But in these last few weeks it had become a refuge of sorts. A gulp here to wash away the pains of yesterday. A gulp there to erode those pestering thoughts that refused to go away. The way he was feeling now, he knew he would be swimming in wine before the night was over.

A sigh slipped from his mouth. All of his efforts over the last few days had been poured into that meeting today. He left no detail to chance. Anything you could've asked, he had an answer for it, right down to that boat ticket he had forged. Everything had gone to plan, at least on paper. You had believed in his love confession and had accepted his kiss. Just as he had intended, you were filled with mind crippling guilt, so much so that you were mute when he dropped you and your friends off a few hours ago. Yes, that part of the plan had gone smoothly, now if he could just remove that sickly feeling knotting his gut he would truly be victorious.

Turning left, he reached his temporary quarters. Upon opening the door, he made a beeline for the bottle of Cabernet that sat waiting for him on his dresser. He poured a glass and inhaled it in one gulp. Pouring another, and another, and another, till his head swam with intoxication.

Usually three cups would be enough, but not tonight. He could still feel that anger thrumming under his skin. Lifting the bottle, he dumped the rest of its content onto his tongue, letting his taste buds tingle with the bitter wash of wine. Wiping his mouth, he looked into the mirror. But instead of seeing himself, he saw you. Your wide unwavering smile, your twinkling eyes filled with love, and your figure hidden underneath layers of scarlet robes. His entire body bristled with a barely contained rage.

How dare you suspect you were her? That you were ever her? That Ardyn would EVER believe that you were? No, you weren't her. You couldn't be. HE WOULDN'T ALLOW IT! Crunch! Ardyn looked down at his hand to find broken shards of glass in his grasp. Black beads of blood dripped from his grip, turning his skin ashen white with a web of ebony veins peeking through the translucent flesh.

Ardyn barely felt the pain with how numb the wine had made him. But he could still feel the rage, the unbridled anger that tore at his muscles and tendons. Underneath it all was a whisper he did not want to entertain. What if you were her? Ardyn hadn't allowed himself to consider it. It would be easier for him to do what he had to do if you weren't her. But the gods were never so merciful. It was something they would do. And why would they pass up the chance to torture Ardyn in the most effective way?

A piercing headache cleaved through his skull and he brought his good hand to his face. If you really were her, then….

He bit his bottom lip till a trickle of blood slid down his chin. An unrecognizable sound came from his mouth, one that made his entire body shake with a laugh he did not feel. He laughed louder. So loud that he didn't recognize when it had turned into a scream. His hand flew to his hair, tearing his auburn mane at the root.

He would have to kill you, his wife! Those bastards were going to force him to kill his wife! His possessions flew off his dresser when he swept his arm across it. A loud crash when he tore his mirror off the wall and smashed it on the ground. Drawers were ripped out of the dresser, his wine glasses went flying. Once the tile was covered in broken glass and pieces of chipped wood, silence settled over the room. But nothing as painfully hollow as the emptiness in his chest.

Crumpling to his knees, heedless to the shards piercing his skin, he cried for the first time in 1,500 years.

What was he going to do now?

The fire crackled behind you, casting long shadows onto the purple tent you were putting up. You and your friends were at a haven. After spending the last six days at the Chocobo ranch waiting for news on the regalia, Noctis was visited by a divine messenger, named Gentiana. The five of you set out to collect the three runestones of the god, Ramuh, in order to procure his blessing. With Altissa back in your sight, the boys had been busy making preparations for the trip.

Ignis procured goods from the grocery store, Noctis and Prompto stocked up on potions and weapons, and Gladiolus made calls to the group's allies. That left you alone most of the day, which was fine by you. With everything happening as of late you weren't too keen on keeping the boys' company.

Your lips tingled with the ghost of Ardyn's kiss. It haunted you since you left his ship. The words he said whispered in your ear. His confession still made your knees weak. And that kiss…it was all you could think about, all you could obsess about, and worry about. Your lungs caved in like an imploded train.

For the past week you had been keeping your distance from Gladiolus, fearing that he would see the guilt in your eyes and know that you betrayed him. In fact, you had been keeping your distance from everyone. You had been silent while they lamented over the regalia, silent during the trip to the three runestone sites, and you barely pitched in with the preparations for your next trip.

You just…couldn't do it. You couldn't go on acting like everything was okay, like you didn't just have your tongue down another man's throat. Your skin crawled and you felt like a dirty can on the side of the road. You knew your period of grace was almost at its end. While Gladiolus was in between tasks, you had caught him glancing at you, scrutinizing you, peeling away your cool exterior to see the truth underneath.

Eventually he would begin to ask questions. Gladiolus wasn't stupid, you were sure he noticed the space you had put between you, how few your kisses had become, how brief your touches were. It felt wrong to be intimate with him. He deserved your full heart and not one torn asunder by a third party. Since you couldn't give that to him, well…you just stayed away.

A zing raced up your spine at the sound of heavy footsteps approaching you from behind. Your breath stalled in your lungs. You thought you had more time. The footsteps stopped but you could feel him standing behind you, watching you, studying the stiffness in your back.

You closed your eyes, your heart in your throat, when he began to speak. "Babe, got a minute?"

Terror squeezed your stomach as you turned around. Despite not wanting to, you nodded your head and followed Gladiolus to the edge of the haven. The night air was heavy with the sound of roaring daemons in the distance, matching the sound of your own blood rushing through your ears.

He stood with his arms crossed over his chest. A mask of indifference on his face but you could feel his unspoken questions burn holes into your skin. You released a stuttering breath. You've allowed this to go on for too long, any longer and his concerns would grow into full blown suspicion. You couldn't let that happen. You needed to throw him off your trail long enough for you to figure out what to do.

"Mind telling me what's been going on with you lately? you've been acting strange since we got to the ranch." He said.

A cold sweat raced down the back of your neck. "Y-yeah- sorry. I've been having cramps lately so I haven't been feeling communicative, y'know?"

"No, I don't." He answered, his tone so flat and cold it sucked the heat from your arms. "You have one more chance to tell me the truth or else we're done."

Your stomach swirled. What were you going to do? You couldn't tell Gladiolus the truth. He would leave you and track down Ardyn to kill him. You mentally kicked yourself. You should've spent this week coming up with a proper excuse but instead you spent it wallowing in your own guilt. Anxiety twisted in your chest like an expanding blackhole, threatening to suck you in one piece at a time.

Lying wasn't the way to go, but neither was the truth, or maybe…not the whole truth. A light bulb turned on in your head and you suddenly knew what exactly to say. "I knew Ardyn before all of this."

"What?"

"I met him when I was very small.” You explained. “He told me he was a traveling magician, made me feel less homesick while I was on the road. When I got a little older and came to Insomnia that was the last time I heard from him. Until now, obviously." You shrugged, the tale flowing out of your mouth like water. It wasn't the whole truth, nor was it the truth he was truly after, but it was enough to satiate his concerns. At least you hoped.

He looked at you from underneath his long dark lashes. "Why didn't you tell me this before?"

You looked out at the dark desert wilderness, hoping he couldn't see your nerves bouncing under your skin. "It didn't seem important at first and it's not like I knew him that well, I thought he was a fucking magician. And ten years is enough time to not know a person anymore anyway. When Ardyn revealed who he really was, I didn't know what to feel at first. He was someone I considered a friend once, I wasn't sure how you guys would react to knowing about that."

"Babe, have some faith in us, in me. We wouldn't hold that kind of thing against you." He said. The distance closed between you and he wrapped his arm around your waist. Your muscles locked immediately and you had to work hard to relax. "And a few run-ins with a weirdo during your childhood doesn't mean anything, it doesn't define who you are. Next time don't keep this kind of thing to yourself. if it weighs heavily on you then let me shoulder that weight with you. I'll never think of you any differently."

Your heart broke in two. If only he knew. Gladiolus wouldn't be saying this if he knew the whole truth, if you hadn't omitted a few details and mixed in a couple of lies. You knew your day of reckoning was coming and no amount of half-truths would be able to redirect him from your betrayal. You just hoped that day wouldn't come any time soon. You gave him a weak smile and he placed a kiss on your forehead. You didn't deserve Gladiolus. He was too good for you. But if the gods found it favorable then you would spend the rest of your life making it up to him. No more lies, no more secrets, no more unfaithfulness. You wanted to become the girlfriend he deserved and that started with getting over Ardyn.

You managed to do it before and you would do it again, visions and a past life be damned. You may have possibly been Ardyn's wife in the past but in this life you chose Gladiolus. He was the man you wanted to be with and grow old with. No amount of resurfacing feelings would change that.

"Thank you." You said.

He gave you a charming half smile in response. "It's what boyfriends are for."

"By the way, could we keep this between us? I'm not sure how the others would react, especially Noct."

"I doubt they'd really care but if it's what you want then I'll respect that."

#fanfiction #fanfic #a03 fanfic #ardyn lucis caelum #ffxv ardyn #ardyn izunia #final fantasy xv #ardyn izunia x reader #ardyn x reader #final fantasy x reader #gladiolus amiticia #gladiolus x reader #gladiolus amicitia #ffxv gladiolus #ff15 ardyn

1 note · View note

thefangirltreehouse · 2 years ago

Text

spider-man two, thoughts (spoilers below).

this is literally just spit-balling

harry as venom isn't a plot i hate. the way insomniac likes to craft their stories primarily around the emotional baggage of established relationships that peter (and miles) has. fighting for and against your terminally ill best friend with pretty bleak execution results is far more interesting to me than fighting a character who's no more than a missable footnote in the original game. harry as venom isn't something i'm gunning for in the comics but it works for insomniac.

i'm so glad that insomniac really leaned into peter and mj's dynamic and it was nice to see her as more than just the doting girlfriend.

i mean, darin de paul is just a national treasure. in what world does the man that plays ardyn izunia play triple-j.

speaking of final fantasy xv, king regis you bitch! how dare you stab peter. i cannot believe we have two caelum's in one spider-man game.

i'm so happy they integrated hailey into the main supporting cast (also playable?!) but when did she find out about miles?

mj i get, but i feel peter moved on far too quickly from the fact he nearly killed his girlfriend. and on that note, literally just stands and watches the scream transformation. i know they're trying to keep it together considering peter's experience with the symbiote but like, i would've been pissed at harry.

rio and miles dancing at the gala was the most adorable thing. (especially as someone who grew up with a single-mum).

they literally don't explain how venom gets his name

"show them your manhood!" / "yes sir - wait, what?!"

young peter's look just confirms disney / marvel wanted the face change to represent the mcu because that is literally tom holland's face.

i actually didn't think yuri's performance could get any better, it did especially once peter has the symbiote off.

the music during the venom fight with peter at midtown is incredible.

i obviously knew he wasn't going to die but i legit cried when pete got stabbed.

i understand insomniac really want you to use the symbiote suit but peter's lower-level unlocked suits are low-key hot garbage. even as someone who doesn't mind the militarized, tech suits the choices were so mid. i didn't get the suit i really wanted until after i bet the story. i ended up using the raimi suit which i never used in the original game as i don't like that suit but it was the only normal looking suit that wasn't native to insomniac as i don't like their peter suits.

miles' were better but a lot of them seemed to blend together. his endgame suit is actually my favourite (but with the red, purple and blue ombre lining - which i'm annoyed i couldn't even use the swatch in the finale).

had quite a handful of restarts and crashes in 23hrs play-time.

kinda wish we could've seen young!mj with peter and harry.

miles telling harry that he doesn't care if he's peter's best friend, he's still going to kick his ass was great.

i feel like the plot beats for this game overall were kinda predictable in that kraven was the early game bad guy, pete gets the symbiote suit from harry, harry takes it back and becomes venom all with the end result of norman being pissed at spider-man(s) for harry's probably bad outcome. that said, i genuinely have no guesses for structure of the next one and i doubt they're going to make harry a 'villain' again.

i don't think they'll use carnage in dlc, especially when yuri said it might take "years" to track him down, but i also don't know if he'll be enough for the finale as it might - at least gameplay and conceptually - feel like a venom rehash.

this just me on a tangent so feel free to skip. based on what i said, as someone not super familiar with carnage outside of specific media, the problem i have with him in relation to venom is the same problem i have with 'the batman who laughs' it makes the former feel less threating in direct comparison (which will happen when you cut to carnage after immediately having venom as a main antagonist one game prior), especially when venom is brock rather than peter as the host, because there's internal conflict with peter (which can be argued with tbwl's to some extent). carnage, in basic terms is bat-shit venom with zero redeeming qualities and i worry that for a medium like this he will feel derivative. the joker and the venom shouldn't feel less dangerous, especially now that it feels like venom has taken on anti-hero and carnage has become what venom was. like what happened in cruella. disney tried to make cruella likable, so emma stone basically played 'disney: harley quinn' and emma thompson played cruella.

this is oddly specific but i feel laura bailey is like the only woman in gaming that goes for the scream. and i always watch these games (cyberpunk in particular) and i'm like "girl scream, let out that guttural scream because i know that's exactly what's i'd be doing in that situation because this shit is terrifying." the only other time i've properly seen it done was also by laura bailey when she played fetch.

i actually don't know if we'll get another in-between game because i feel like the "play as miles'" itch has been scratched. meaning there's no need to fill that void as until his spin-off we couldn't play as him, now we can.

but if we do, could potentially see a silk, miles team-up to take down carnage.

mj's stealth missions are terrifying. her section under the tunnel with peter should’ve been longer

gutted there's no ng+ yet.

my bisexual queen is thriving.

getting the spider-bots was really the only fun thing to collect.

we’ll probably see gwen in the next game.

the sheer amount of detail on felicia's face

i can’t not hear wally in any of jason spisak’s roles.

“i don’t know what it is, but i just love this spider-bot.” - peter (about the spider-girl spider-bot)

vulture, electro and shocker really didn’t need to be killed completely off-screen. but i feel like they might’ve lost their rating if they weren’t. it’s just a bit strange that nobody noticed, especially pete that multiple high-profile raft inmates went missing?

people are being weird as fuck about cindy and peter. the girl is clearly a minor.

i booted up the first game to replay it, yeah. i still don’t like peter’s new face.

felt like there was half an act missing. could’ve done with one more agent venom mission, perhaps they can’t save vulture or electro. kinda felt like they needed a ‘he really is taking them out one by one.’

could’ve done with venom’s arc being a little longer.

miles’ arc was incredible and i loved watching him team-up with mj.

the black suit with the blue and red highlights from the nineties cartoon?!

speaking of, mj’s outfit during the zoo mission is also a call back

reed richards is defo getting a cameo in the next game and maybe tony on a phone call. i’d also love a nudge-nudge side-quest for deadpool.

i know it’s an emotional scene but i spat out my drink when i saw they changed the pic of harry from the old game to his new design in peter’s garage.

“i think we should get them” the line delivery on that is immaculate, like thank you captain obvious.

i’ve had a bit to linger on this but, there’s a bit of a disconnect between harry wanting the suit and getting it back. i think there had to be just a bit more push with peter specifically. i get he’s a nice guy but we needed to see a bit more passive aggressive harry brewing in the desperation for the symbiote.

watching a playthrough i realised venom got his name from oscorp / dr. connors as there’s a container with the name “vnm” when peter turns connors human again.

i don't want a venom spin-off and it feels like the only people who do want it is to take venom for an hour's joy-ride (until the gimmick wears off) or eddie brock stans that feel jilted by insomniac. i'd much rather get straight to the finale because i don't want to have to buy a playstation six just because some randomers want an eddie simulator first.

chameleon is absolutely going to be dlc.

how did mj get her motorbike back from the tunnel?

predictions for the next game:

electro isn't dead, primarily due to the fact that max may have became pure energy to escape kraven.

cindy, miles and black cat team-up mission.

may is hinted at towards the end of the game.

madame webb is getting something.

if carnage is in the third game and not two's dlc, he'll be the opening act villain (pseudo-kraven).

they'll tease hobgoblin - harry or not. (i could genuinely see harry becoming hobgoblin to help take down otto and green goblin, if it's norman).

peter might die, but i doubt it.

if harry dies, it'll be half-way through the game. i will actually kill myself tho.

i low-key want spot to be in the game or dlc but i don't think they'll do that purely because of spider-verse but you can tell a lot of insomniac grew-up on the nineties show, so it might be a possibility. (most of my knowledge for spider lore exists in that show and the various film franchises because the only spider comics i own is one 'noir' trade and a handful of 'the superior foes of spider-man'.)

i mean, they also could have miles go after spot, which could be fun.

HOLY FUCK! WAIT! HARRY AS GREEN GOBLIN COULD BE AN HOMAGE ARC TO MARY JANE IN LIMBO BUT EVEN MORE ANGSTY CAUSE THAT SERUM IS DEFO GONNA MAKE HARRY PSYCHO - I ACTUALLY NEED TO SEE IT BECAUSE THAT EPISODE IS LITERALLY ONE OF MY CORE MEMORIES.

the delivery of “i think we should get him” is immaculate

someone mentioned this on tvtropes, but stark industries bankrolling f.e.a.s.t is not a bad idea.

fisk will probably be back in side mission capacity or dlc.

#Spider-Man 2 #marvel’s spider man #Spider-Man ps5 #peter parker #miles morales #mj watson #harry osborn

17 notes · View notes

savage-rhi · 2 years ago

Text

Mending Shadows // Chapter 19

Summary:

Click here to read on AO3

Ardyn wanted nothing more than to destroy the red sylleblossoms in one fell swoop.

He didn’t care if an Imperial Help was in the way. Nothing would get him to yield his incredible anger and grave sadness. Not when the corpse of his beloved tip toed in and out of the present. Not when her bloodied form taunted him like the flowers. Not when the image of Ifrit burning his eyes from the sockets of his skull played in tangent.

Ardyn put every fiber of his being into the hit. His pupils shrunk to the point where the color of his eyes were barely faint. The energy release drowned him in a euphoria. He had bested his opponent that made a beast out of him.

The moment of triumph was short lived when Ardyn winced, feeling his head suddenly splitting in two. His left hand covered the side his face, teeth gritting so tight against one another he hissed through the small gaps of his gums. He couldn’t hear anything else, but a scream. A scream that carried for eons.

Ardyn’s heart pounded thunderously in his chest while he ran. His breath was so thick, it was suffocating. He could hear several footsteps trailing behind him as a whirl of curses and yells were thrown his way. “What were you thinking coming to Galdin Quay like that!?” “You broke our trust!” Ardyn let out a yelp, tripping and falling forward. His face met the ground, teeth and tongue tasting the scratchy texture of sand. Disgust had to wait another time, for he quickly turned around and began crawling backwards in desperation; trying to get away from the several women and men who showed up with weapons at the ready. He never felt so awestruck and horrified in his life. “Guys, please,” Ardyn pleaded. He reached up a shaking hand, offering surrender. “I came here to say goodbye. I didn’t come here to harm you!” “If you had half a mind, you would’ve turned yourself in to the Glaive and written a letter! How dare you endanger not only us, but everyone at the Quay?! How could you be so selfish!?” “Selfish for wanting to see my friends in my final moments?!” “Friends?! Friends!?” One of the women exclaimed, her cheeks so inflamed with blood she looked like she’d pop. “Friends don’t bring the godforsaken scourge to their doorstep! This thing has killed many, and you’d risk our lives to suffer like you!?” “I can’t infect you!” Ardyn yelled, trying to overpower the raised voices. “If I could, I wouldn’t be here! I promise! Please, just let me say something! I can’t die without telling you all that--” “Run, Y/N.” “What?” “Get out of here. Leave Galdin Quay, turn yourself in to the nearest guard, and don’t come back.” “But--” “We’ve made our peace!” The woman yelled. “You should make yours while you have time! Go now, before we make the call for you!” The heartache was so strong, that Ardyn could feel it in his throat. Fear pulled him to his feet, and out of desperation he ran. He ran for so long, and so far, that his knees burned and his bones felt weak. All the while, he was crying so hard that his nose was clogged, and breathing became a chore. The coast of Galdin Quay shifted into a cold facility. Sand was replaced with vinyl flooring. Walls began to slowly grow into an endless maze of metallic silver and red. Ardyn could hear the violent whistles of an alarm going off. Gunfire was in the distance, and he bounded for the left corner, trying to avoid meeting the end by a bullet or gods knew what else was lurking about. A stoic voice boomed over several intercoms, somehow surpassing the loud noise coming from the alarm system. Generator shutting down. Please standby. Generator shutting down. Please standby. The lights began to flicker on and off, until there was nothing but darkness, save for the red light near the end of the hall that continued to be a beacon of hope in Ardyn’s peripheral. He was so close to the exit. So close to escaping this hell, until a tall figure silhouetted in shadow suddenly appeared several feet ahead. Every time the red light blinked, the being got closer and closer. Suddenly, Ardyn felt a strong hand wrap around his neck, hoisting him halfway into the air. He struggled to breathe, legs kicking out in a vain attempt to escape. Through gags and cries, he forced himself to gaze down at his attacker, only to be met with a pair of black and yellow eyes that glimmered in the void. “Where do you think you’re going, my dear?” The rich voice taunted with a dark chuckle. Ardyn felt the scourge in his body lurch forward, and he let out a hoarse scream. It felt as if his very organs were trying to explode out of his body, if only to escape the thousand and one bites from an unforeseen attacker. “The fun is just beginning!” The voice hissed with a violent euphoria. “No!”

Ardyn gasped loudly, returning to the present. His ears rung, and the tempo of his pulse was explosive. Seconds felt like hours as he slowly reintegrated back into his own body and mind. Confusion danced across his hardened expression, feeling like a newborn babe who had finally seen the light, and taken his first breath. This world was unknown to him, yet all too familiar.

“Oh no…” He murmured to himself, remembering all too well what this experience was. A bleedthrough.

As he glanced around the kitchen--finally hearing the sound of his own breath--did he hear Tuti yelling and saw her cradling the body of another. In disbelief, Ardyn shuddered when he witnessed Y/N clasping onto the left side of their face, screaming at the top of their lungs as if they had been stabbed a million times over.

Ardyn winced from the intrusive sound, unsure of what to make of the spectacle, until he remembered. He remembered what he had done. His guard, fears and confusion as to what happened moments ago in his head were pushed aside. He quickly knelt by Y/N, and attempted to grab them, wanting to assess the damages he caused. He knew he screwed up.

An onslaught of slaps prevented Ardyn from continuing further as he fell backward, glaring at Tuti who was hovering over Y/N like a guard dog. The fury in her eyes was annoying, much like her voice.

“What do you think you’re--!”

“You stand back!” Tuti said with all the might her voice could give. As Ardyn tried yet again to intervene, Tuti used her feet to kick at him. “You’ve done enough! Don’t come any closer, I mean it!”

“I beseech you to let me see Y/N! I can--”

“Do not think for one minute I will allow such a thing to pass! Not after what you’ve done! Don’t you hear them screaming!?”

“You are treading in dangerous waters, my dear. If you know what’s best for your very life, you’ll step aside and--!”

“You can be the damned Emperor himself and I’d still tell you the same thing! Get out! Out, out, out!” Tuti violently pointed toward the kitchen exit, yelling at the top of her lungs until her squeaky voice sounded malevolent like a storm.

Ardyn was beside himself. The temper in Tuti’s voice had him both dumbstruck and in awe, not expecting that sort of rage to fester out of an Imperial Help. In shock, he glanced between Y/N and Tuti. His eyes lingering on the former. A quiet sadness began to grow behind Ardyn’s amber eyes while he watched them writhe, and he could feel the sting of his own hit upon his very cheek.

Glaring at Tuti, he growled under his breath and rose to his feet, storming out of the kitchen and slamming the doors behind him.

---

“Chancellor?”

Ardyn blinked while he scanned over the meeting memo.

“Chancellor?”

“Hmm?” Ardyn forced himself to peer up, meeting the eyes of a few councilmen who were awaiting further instruction. He found it difficult to concentrate, especially with a burdened mind.

“Can we count on your signatures by the end of the week?”

“But of course!” Ardyn smiled, trying to save face. “Consider the task complete!”

“Thank you, sir!”

He honestly had no idea what the proposed scripture was, nor did he care what it entailed. All he could think about was the experiences Y/N had unintentionally plagued him with. Especially the one regarding himself, and what happened at MedZin. His fingers grasped at the paper, bracing himself.

Am I truly that frightening…?

“Chancellor,”

Ardyn blinked a few times, and he met Aldercapt’s tired yet spirited gaze. It seemed that last nights festivities gave the old cat back one of his nine lives. The thought humored Ardyn if only for a moment.

“Excellency?”

“You seem to be elsewhere.” Aldercapt commented with a smile, like one a grandparent would give to their naive grandchild. “I take you indulged the drink quite often last night?”

There were some chuckles here and there. Everyone was more or less guilty of coming into work with a hangover, or feeling like they had gorged on enough food to make their stomachs distend. Ardyn played into it, beaming with pride as he let out a tired breath.

“Alas, you’ve caught me red handed!” He slyly confessed, feigning guilt. “I do apologize to the council for my inebriation. I swear on the six I am heeding the wills of the empire!”

“I do understand you must be exhausted,” Aldercapt cleared his throat. “However, I would like to kindly ensure that we are on the same page regarding our affairs in Accordo?”

“Yes,” Ardyn muttered with a nod. He stood up from his chair among the meeting table with the other advisers. He was so fixated on his misery and his duties, that he hadn’t noticed the concerned look of suspicion that was on Verstael’s face from afar.

“After speaking at length with the envoys from Accordo, they’ve come to an agreement. To ensure our alliance remains strong, they’ve purposed a marriage treaty. One between their finest citizen and that of ours. I've taken the liberty to draft the official proposition.”

“What perfect timing!” One of the councilmen interrupted, earning a raised brow and confusion from Ardyn. “Last night, the Lucian made their debut as an Imperial Icon. They would be a great choice for the union!”

“I’m afraid the seed of such an idea won’t come to bear fruit.” Ardyn cleared his throat. “A mate has already been chosen, and the betrothal customs are underway.”

“Excellent work, Chancellor.” Aldercapt complimented. “Who is the lucky citizen of this honor?”

“A charming young woman who is a Lead of Office of military branch 5A. She is of good breeding familial wise. Her lineage has been dedicated to the empire since it’s founding roots.” Ardyn stated proudly.

“While this is good news it’s also unfortunate,” The councilmen frowned. “A bargain like this with the Lucian could’ve been prosperous. It would give Niflheim ties to both Accordo and Lucis in this manner.”

Ardyn imagined the councilmen’s head exploding off his very shoulders. It took him every ounce of restraint to not make it a reality.

“While I do admire your tenacity,” Ardyn began. “Y/N has just become an Imperial Icon. As of their debut, they have formally renounced their Lucian roots and would be considered an Imperial by law. That by itself would null the connections you were hoping to make with Accordo. An Imperial Icon is not an appealing match versus someone who is in military or subsequent branches. If anything, betrothing Y/N would guarantee we’d lose power. I’d argue that doesn’t make Niflheim look strong while we are in the midst of a war.”

Lastly, they are not yours to trade…Ardyn thought bitterly to himself. He was finding it hard to keep a straight face.

“The Chancellor is right,” Verstael croaked, earning the eyes of most. “We would hold much more power through a military citizen than we would a socialite. We can further use the betrothal of this Lead of Office as a means to keep tabs on Accordo’s policies. In betrothal contracts between the empire and a foreign country, a military citizen being married off is still duty bound should Niflheim call for aid.”

While the councilmen made their remarks and agreements, Ardyn studied Verstael carefully. The old man was quite collected yet his fierce eyes gave away that he was troubled. With how pissed Verstael had gotten before the Gala, Ardyn didn’t expect him to have his back. It was almost out of character for the likes of Verstael, and Ardyn braced himself in mind to metaphorically pay up later.

“I believe we should move onto matters concerning the scourge epidemic,” Aldercapt cleared his throat, commanding the attention of the room. “Let us begin with finding out how our enemy is handling the plague.”

Several hours passed, and by the time the meeting was adjourned, everyone made a beeline to the door. Subtleties be damned especially with the majority of the council feeling the after effects of last night. Ardyn and Verstael were of no exception to the rule. Both men sighed in relief with groans when all was said and done as they ventured down one of the corridors.

“The last of the meeting was abysmal, wouldn’t you say? It could’ve been solved via a letter chain rather than a formal sit-down. Aldercapt is losing his grace.” Verstael sighed bitterly, turning his head to Ardyn while they both walked down the main hall of the palace.

“The man loves to hear himself talk.” Ardyn quipped with a snort. “I’m afraid not even the best of us can subdue him.”

“You seemed rather subdued yourself back there.”

“Hm?” Ardyn did a double take.

“I am referring to your general demeanor at the meeting,” Verstael furrowed his brows while his eyes studied Ardyn carefully. “I’ve never seen you look so glum when you’re putting on a show for the ensemble.”

“Oh, I hardly noticed.” Ardyn sarcastically stated while he made a face and shrugged. “You need not concern yourself on my behalf. I’m fairing just fine on my lonesome.”

“Elusive as ever,” Verstael huffed with a smirk. He couldn’t help but roll his eyes at Ardyn when he noticed the mischievous smile that formed on his associate’s mouth. They both rounded the corner.

“How is your Lucian doing on their meds?”

“They need a refill on their prescription as soon as possible.” Ardyn stated.

Verstael hummed in agreement. “Consider it done. I’m heading to the labs to check on the status of our projects. I assume you will be joining me?”

“No,” Ardyn shook his head.

“No?” Verstael raised a brow. He came to a halt, watching Ardyn follow suit. The dispassionate tone of Ardyn’s voice had Verstael taken back. “Don’t tell me you’ve grown bored of the fruits of our labor. You're usually eager to get your hands dirty!”

“I simply have another arrangement today,” Ardyn sighed. He hummed as if he couldn’t be bothered with Verstael’s outburst. His gaze traveled away from Verstael, now focusing on a large window leading to Gralea itself. “With your brilliance at the helm, I doubt my being there would do much to further progress.”

Verstael felt a twinge of worry take root as he begrudgingly sighed. “Pray tell what you'll be occupied with this afternoon?”

“I’m going fishing.”

“Fishing?”

“Yes, fishing.” Ardyn smiled.

“You never fish…”

Ardyn couldn’t help but snort hearing how flabbergasted Verstael was. He cleared his throat, trying to stifle a laugh.

“I’d gladly like to inform you, that I do have hobbies outside of being Chancellor and your personal help for conquest. Besides, after the Gala, I need a good break from being social. I assure you dear friend that me enjoying a simple pleasure won’t deter what’s already been laid forth.”

“I’ll be…” Verstael was still having a hard time processing that Ardyn partook in such things. Then again, Verstael never bothered to ask Ardyn if he did much outside of politics and experimentation. The hobby didn’t seem out of the realm, a bit old school for Verstael’s taste but he wasn’t the 2,000 year old in the room.

“Well, before I let you meander, I want to give you an update regarding your blood samples I took long ago.”

“Oh?”

Verstael nodded. “This morning the last of the tests were performed. Do you want the good or the bad first?”

“Never one to rip the Band-Aid off in a swift motion, eh?” Ardyn made a face, crossing his arms while he sighed in defeat. “Give me whatever tickles your fancy.”

Vertsael huffed, and then reached into his left pocket, drawing out his personal cell. A few clicks to the device, and a small hologram with various data points rose up from the screen; giving both he and Ardyn a visual of the end results.

“I’ve found evidence that the serum MedZin injected you with, suppressed a high count of your white blood cells, and other immunity receptors responsible for your advanced regeneration abilities. Your baseline still exceeds that of a common man, but if you were to be wounded, I hypothesize healing will no longer be instantaneous. Maybe it would take two or more days. Your scourge to blood ratio is slightly out of equilibrium as well. The base genome I found in the serum belonged to something viral related. There’s trace evidence that MedZin may have retro engineered this thing from the scourge itself or a similar viral entity. I wouldn’t be surprised if they are trying the fire v. fire method to battle the scourge; where a virus is pitted against another virus in the hopes that they will cancel each other out.”

It didn’t matter how many years had passed, nor how many research projects Ardyn participated in, Verstael unloaded so much jargon that it hurt his brain.

“Could you perhaps give this to me in layman’s terms?”

“In layman’s terms,” Verstael mockingly teased. “You’re more or less…sick, or as sick as an entity such as yourself can become. If you stay the course, I foresee this being similar to catching a cold for the likes of you; albeit a long one. However, given your unique circumstances outside of this particular situation, I do have some recommendations.”

“Pray tell what?” Ardyn smirked.

Verstael sighed. “You’re not going to be appeased.”

“Oh come now!” Ardyn gestured with his arms out as he laughed. “This is your opportunity to strike me down for giving you slim pickings of the surplus! Surely you can’t be getting cold feet?”

Verstael scoffed. “Now who said I wasn’t still going to do that? Since you are feeling bold, I’ll give it to you straight: you should sever your bond with the Lucian.”

“For what reason?”

“Several,” Verstael forwardly stated. He put his phone back into his pocket and crossed his arms, letting out a sigh. "If you sever your connection, your body could put more resources into restoring itself to full power versus keeping someone alive. If a bleedthrough or some other anomaly were to pass, I theorize it would make your condition worse; maybe even strip you down to being near mortal again given the energy expenditure that comes from your end at the cost of bonding with another daemonic entity. You are essentially the life source after all. Either way you look at it, you’re taking a huge risk carrying a dead weight at the end of your chain. Besides, they’d have a good run for a while before dying. You sure as the six hells wouldn’t have to tend to this elaborate Imperial Icon facade any longer.”

“That cannot happen.” Ardyn stiffly commented.

“And why is that?” Verstael raised a brow before he gazed over Ardyn, as if trying to find a slip behind his mask.

Ardyn rolled his eyes and gesticulated. “I’ve ran some experiments myself. When I am within close proximity to Y/N, my scourge is invigorated. I am assuming this is due to the hive mind at work; subconsciously and telepathically working with pieces of itself to repair extensions of itself. While I may not be able to feed off Y/N any longer, there’s still value in them being near to ensure I don’t falter to my feet like a mortal. And sad to say, even if I were to sever them off, that would undo much of what has already been laid out to get the wider audience of Eos to side with the empire. Knowing Aldercapt, as much as he loathes the Lucian, he knows their value is priceless at this time given the strife we’ve been dealing with from all fronts. If push comes to shove, I’ll happily end it but alas these bloodied hands of mine are tied.”

It took Verstael much effort to not roll his eyes at Ardyn’s grand explanation. “Would you be able to procure official testament to such experiments on your end?”

“Absolutely!” Ardyn grinned. “I’ve been compiling notes as we speak! Why, accusing me of not being scientific is out of the question! Considering it was I who helped you discover the magic bullet for daemonic application in the first place!”

“No need to get theatrical old friend,” Verstael had an inkling that Ardyn was speaking rubbish, but he also had no reason to doubt his honesty here. After all, he was the one living with the sickness at the end of the day and knew his body better than anyone else. “Remember, if it gets worse, you must cut them off.”

“But of course!” Ardyn gave a slight bow with his head out of respect. “With that said, I must be off for my much needed break. I’ll best be seeing you come end week.”

Ardyn lightly tipped his hat toward his colleague and ventured off. His chest began to thrum hard, and he felt a dull aching pain sway against his spine. Ardyn’s brows knitted. He could feel that Y/N was in the midst of a scourge flare, a nasty one if he might add.

A wave of guilt began to sink into Ardyn’s stomach. He once more recalled the morning. The outburst he had toward the sylleblossoms weighed heavily on his mind just as it did all throughout the meeting. He couldn’t let it go. His brain analyzed the memory so many times that it drove him mad. Ardyn let out a deep breath, closing his eyes as he came to the end of the hall. His heart skipped a beat, knowing he wouldn’t rest until he did something about it.

“Izunia!” Verstael hollered.

Ardyn pivoted, turning his body around, and raised a brow at Verstael.

“Yes?”

“Do give your little Lucian my kindest regards,” Verstael smirked as he raised his voice. “I’m sure your time with them will be far more pleasurable than being trapped in a cold room with yours truly. After all, you must have big plans for their debut as Niflheim’s propaganda piece in Accordo.”

Ardyn made a fist all the while keeping his calm composure. If he didn't know any better, Verstael almost sounded jealous. He smiled big, as if he couldn’t be bothered with the suggestiveness of Verstael’s words, and let out a laugh.

“I’ll be sure to tell them you won’t be snatching them away into the night like the other Lucians who dared to cross your path!”

“Farewell, my friend!” Verstaek laughed as he made a right, heading for another room of the palace.

As soon as Verstael was out of sight, Ardyn allowed some of his anger to pass through. He carried a glare that could cut through thick glass. He didn’t like this. That Verstael was beginning to see through him when it came to Y/N, even if his tone and statements were in jest. Gods forbid he ever find out a bleedthrough had already happened. He'd be further pissed at Ardyn's elaborate lie regarding proximity. If Y/N were to be seen as a threat to the plans Verstael and he had for Niflheim, Ardyn knew the potential consequences would be dire.

What exactly am I afraid of…? Ardyn furrowed his brows as he pondered. There was nothing to hide from Verstael, yet there was everything to keep from him. The same could be said for Aldercapt, and even the whole damn empire when Ardyn thought on it hard enough. His vexation was further ignited when he reminded himself of his little display in the council chambers. How resentful he felt at hearing Y/N potentially being traded away. The thought alone made Ardyn uneasy as he growled under his breath, shaking his head at himself. He muttered bitterly as he stormed off.

“The hell have I gotten myself into?”

#mending shadows #ardyn izunia #ardyn lucis caelum #ardyn x reader #ff15 fanfic #fanfiction #ao3 fanfic #final fantasy xv #ffxv #ffxv ardyn #gender neutral reader #canon x reader #ffxv fanfiction #final fantasy xv fanfic #fanfic writer #ao3 writer

13 notes · View notes