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“I see the reports of your death have been premature,” Camelia said as Lunafreya Nox Fleuret entered her office alone and without fanfare.
“Indeed, they have,” Lunafreya replied as she bowed her head graciously. “I am greatly sorry for any trouble my appearance may bring to you, but I’m afraid I have come here in hopes of gaining sanctuary.”
After the reports of the fall of Insomnia, and the Oracle’s supposed death in the conflict, Camelia figured it stood to reason Niflheim would have a vested interest in keeping whatever knowledge Lunafreya might have which conflicted with their official reports of what transpired in the invasion away from the public. And in the highly unlikely event it was Lucis from which she sought refuge, it stood to reason it would not be to Camelia who the Oracle would have petitioned for assistance. Never-the-less, she asked to clarify, “Sanctuary from the Empire, I presume?”
Lunafreya nodded, “I’m afraid so.”
“It would be a tall order, considering our Imperial ties, but not impossible,” Camelia mused aloud. She was inclined to offer aid to the Oracle if she could. “Were you seen by anyone other than my staff when you arrived? If you were not followed, perhaps we can host you in secret.”
Lunafreya shook her head. “While I was not followed, I’m afraid it's not quite as simple as that. The days grow ever shorter. In accordance with my calling, I travel ahead of Noctis, the True King of the Prophecy, to awaken the Astrals so that he might receive their power.”
“You mean to summon, Leviathan?”
“I do.” Lunafreya answered seriously.
Camelia pursed her lips in thought. “I see. That does indeed change things. We will need time to prepare for the rite, and I will keep your presence here quiet for as long as I can. Once the Lucian King arrives in our fair city, I shall reach out to him to negotiate favorable terms before allowing the ceremony to take place.”
“Thank you,” Lunafreya said with another bow.
“Don’t thank me yet,” Camelia cautioned. “Once the Empire becomes aware of your presence here, I will be forced to negotiate with both sides before I can allow you to perform the rite. It is fairly certain that not all of those terms will be favorable.”
Lunafreya swayed slightly on her feet as she spoke. “I understand, and appreciate your help.”
Camelia frowned, as she noticed the slight wavering, “You must be exhausted from traveling such a long way. I shall have my staff direct you to a guest suite. Please take the time to rest and recover before your King arrives.”
“Thank you.” Lunafreya replied with genuine relief and sincerity. “I appreciate your gracious hospitality.”
As Lunafreya took her leave, Camelia stood and walked over to glance out her window. If Regis’ son was on his way, she was certain Weskham would soon be paid a visit. She would need to get eyes on Maagho so she could be prepared to greet her royal guest when the time came. While politically perilous, if she played her cards right, Accordo’s fortunes might benefit from both Lucian and Imperial support. But first, she would judge for herself if Noctis Lucis Caelum was up to the task. The future of their entire world might very well depend on it.