Here Comes A Lullaby *Private*

[Leafwing12]

He watched him. “It’s alright Prompto. You can come with.” He said

[dannychan]

he nodded and moved to get on his shoes.

[Leafwing12]

Noctis watched him before looking away. He then started moving off towards the citedal where Regis asked him to meet

[dannychan]

he stuck close, humming.

[Leafwing12]

After a while, they soon arrived there. Gladio was already on guard. When he spotted Noct, he gave a faint nod before looking ahead. Noctis blinekd, moving into the throne room. Noctis moved over, standing next to his father. He gave a slight bow. “You wanted to see me, your majesty?” Noctis asked.

“Yes. There’s a meeting about to start shortly. And I feel like it may contain matters you need to be present to hear about.” Regis said. Noctis straightened up a bit.

“A meeting? With who?” Noctis asked, seeming a bit worried. Regis sighed.

“Someone from the empire. They’ve come to discuss terms which may bring an end to this war.” Regis said. Noctis blinked. He was about to say something before the throne doors opened. He turned to face the man walking in.

“Hello your majesty! And to you as well Prince Noctis!” The man said, taking off his hat and bowing. Noctis looked him over. He had an unsettling feeling in his stomach. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ardyn Izunia. The chancellor of Nephlheim!” Ardyn said, looking them over.

Noctis blinked, taking a side glance. Noctis seemed to relax a bit when he noticed Ignis standing in the corner of the room. Regis eyed Ardyn.

“Welcome to Insomnia. I hope you fared well in your travels.” Regis siad. Ardyn smiked.

“Oh do not worry about me, your highness. There are more important things to discuss.” Ardyn said, taking a few steps closer.

[dannychan]

prompto hesitated and moved to gladio.

[Leafwing12]

Gladio glanced down at Prompto. He then looked up at Ardyn. Ardyn smiked and looked them over. “You’ll Be happy to know that our king is willing to accept your surrender.” Ardyn said.

“Surrender?” Noctis asked, looking Ardyn over. Regis raised a hand and Noctis fell silent. Regis then looked at Ardyn.

“And what are the terms of this surrender?” He askes. Ardyn bkinked.

“Very simple. You can keep Insomnia. With a city as grand as this, it would be a shame to let it go to waste.” He said. He smiked. “However, all territory you own outside of this city, it is to belong to the empire.” Ardyn said. Everyone in the room stayed silent, aside from a few shocked gasps from the other people. Noctis frowned.

“But those are people’s homes out there! The kingsglaive, most of them are immigrants. Their homes lay out there in the lands outside of Insomnia.” Noctis said.

“Then you’ll be happy to know, Prince Noctis, that we will take care of their homes. They are free to come and go as they please. There are just some regulations which will have to be followed.” Ardyn said, smirking. He then looked Noctis over. “Oh, and one more thing. You and Lady Lunafreya are to be wed.” Ardyn said.

“What?” Noctis asked. He took a step back. Marriage? Sure...Lunafreya was nice. But he couldn’t marry her! He hadn’t even seen her in the past twelve years! Regis frownwd.

“Come now, your highness. This is something you should be very proud of! Besides, it’s just a marriage. Surely that small sacrifice is worth the price of your people’s lives. Or does his majesty not care for the people of Insomnia anymore?” Ardyn asksd.

“I..” Noctis trailed off and looked down.

“That’s enough Ardyn.” Regis asksd, looking him over. “Noctis knows his responsibilities. He will be wed to Lunafreya.” Regis said. Ardyn smiked.

“Good. Then I’ll be on my way to deliver the good news.” He said. He then turned and left the room. Noctis kept his gaze down, suddenly looking really uneasy.

[dannychan]

prompto's eyes widened. "gladio, they can't force noct to do that!" he whispered, holding onto his arm.

[Leafwing12]

Gladio frowned. “...That’s nkt a call I can make, Prompto.” He whisoered. Noctis glanced at his friends before looking at his father.

“...I really have to marry Lunafreya?” Noctis asksd. The king nodded.

“As King and prince, it’s iur duty to make sacrifices. We may not want to do them. But should it better the lives of our people, we need to do them. A king pushes onwards, accepting the consequence and never looking back.” He ssid.

Noctis glanced down. “...Right.” He whisoered. He then bowed and turned, leaving the room. Gladio frowned, looking at Prompto and Iggy.

“Go after him, you two. I’ll catch up later.” Gladio said

[dannychan]

he scowled. "the king is a shitty person." he snapped, loud enough for the king to actually hear before running off after noct. Ignis didn't scold him, just looked at regis with a dull expression and walked off.