Chapter Text
"Where are they now?" Regis asks tightly, trying not to tap his foot impatiently as he looks over the conference hall from the second floor balcony of the great mezzanine. The party is proceeding well, people are dancing - but he knows, the word has already gone around, pictures have been taken, and more than a few reporters had spotted Rex Lucerna with a strange man. It will be in the papers by tomorrow.
"Still in the lounge area, Sire," Cor answers through the phone, tiredly. "And no, I still can't hear what they're discussing." Nor does he want to know, judging by his tone of voice.
Regis draws a slow breath and tries to calm down - as though there's calm to be had with a monster of apocalyptic proportions in their midst. He had told Clarus to let Rex handle it himself, and yet, now that the situation has arisen, and in this kind of setting…
"Keep me posted," Regis says. "I want to know the moment they move."
"Of course, sire, you'll be first to know," Cor says.
Regis hangs up and fights with the urge to go down and see the lounge area himself, just in case. He also struggles with the urge to check up on his younger son - but Noctis has by now reached the Citadel and is in the care of his minders with young Ignis and Gladiolus, he's fine. And yet…
"So, letting Lucerna handle it is not sitting so well with you, after all," Clarus says wryly, casting him a sideways look.
"Not helping, old friend," Regis says and with some effort puts his phone away. "I trust Rex, with all our lives - I do not trust Ardyn's intentions with Rex… or Rex's judgement when it comes to Ardyn."
"Sire, you realise that sounds rather like you don't trust Lucerna, after all," Clarus says. "Why not let the Crownsguard evict Ardyn, from the property and from the city, if you so choose it? Going by your behaviour, there's certainly cause."
"Cause, yes. Ability…" Regis sighs and shakes his head. "I fear that would cost us, dearly. Letting Rex handle it is the safest option, for all of us. He will deal with Ardyn without collateral damage, I hope. Should we try to force the issue, that will change."
Clarus presses his lips together, unhappy, and then says, "He's just one man," rather pointedly.
"A very special man, unfortunately," Regis says, and were this not the absolute worst place to bring Clarus' alarm to the highest level, he might have told him what man, exactly, Ardyn was. But knowing would bring Clarus even higher alert, and that would be reflected upon the Crownsguard, and that would, undoubtedly, backfire on all of them.
With effort - and what feels very nearly physical pain - Regis makes himself relax. "I'm - unnecessarily concerned, I fear, because it's Rex, and his position is still vulnerable," he says. "I'm sure it's fine."
Going by Clarus' expression, he is sure of no such thing. "Very well, Sire," he answers wryly and then looks back. "Lady Tempero."
"Lord Amicitia, Your Majesty," Fulmena greets him. "I have just received enquiries - from five different people, four of them reporters - about Lord Lucerna's significant other," she says primly, brows arched. "One I was never informed of. A male significant other, at that."
Oh no, Regis thinks - even as he remembers the sight of his elder son in the arms of their ancient enemy, laughing like he so rarely does, so completely at ease there. Their hands, desperately entwined, as though terrified of being separated. They really looked like two lovers, afraid of censure and reprimand.
Regis rather hates how he could see something of himself and Aulea in that. Theirs hadn't exactly been an approved relationship either, and when he'd introduced her to his father… he might've very well clutched onto her hand much the same way Noctis had held onto Ardyn, as though drawing strength from that very connection.
His elder son had assured him nothing had happened. He'd told Regis it wasn't like that. Regis doesn't think his son is a liar - but he also isn't sure his son can see the way Ardyn looked at him, how he leaned towards him.
Fingers itching for a blade, Regis breathes slow and calm. "What are you saying?"
"That the romantic rendezvous they had on the balcony would most likely make the front pages," Fulmena comments wryly. "I managed to talk them down from it, on the account of the charity event itself, but we shall see. Who is this man and why did he set the Crownsguard on full alert?"
Stars, Regis has no idea how to answer that. Either way it looks bad, and who knows how things will develop from here. If he's lucky, Ardyn will be gone by the morning, and he can go back to trying to ignore his elder son's bad decisions - but somehow, he doubts it. No one breaks into the most defended city on Eos for one night's stay. And if Ardyn is staying for long…
"What would be the best case scenario?" Regis asks, already exhausted and weary of the matter. "What would be the smoothest way to handle this?"
"A settled long term relationship that was never published for privacy reasons would eventually reduce the interest the press have on the matter of Lord Lucerna. Private joke shared between friends might also do," Fulmena answers promptly, and Regis feels as though he's taking spiritual damage from every word. "Though I'm afraid either way the interest would be fervent at the start. But I suspect there's more going on, going by the increased security."
Sighing, Regis moves away from the mezzanine balcony. "I need a drink," he says - and Glacio has one in his hand within twenty seconds. "Thank you," Regis says, and drinks, tasting not one lick of it.
"Where is Lord Lucerna, anyway?" Fulmena asks sharply. "I tried to find him, to help him contain the situation, but he's vanished."
"He's in a private meeting with the man," Clarus says, flat.
Fulmena all but radiates the sense of unimpressed incredulity. "Indeed?" she says. "At least I hope they're not in view of cameras?"
"Private lounge, no cameras or microphones," Regis says and lowers the glass with a small cough. "Cor is watching over the situation - they're not to be harassed," he adds firmly.
"Of course," Fulmena agrees, lifting her chin. "But what shall I tell the press about him, when they ask? Because, Sire, if they don't get answers, they will start asking questions publicly. And speculation will only fuel the interest, as you well know. If we want to have any control over this thing, it needs to be asserted now - and preferably with as mundane answers as possible."
Maybe he should've thrown a glaive at Ardyn on the balcony, after all. Maybe the fallout wouldn't have been so bad.
No, that doesn't bear thinking, especially when he can no longer be sure which side of that fight his elder son might end up taking. If there's any chance that forcing Noctis to make that decision might end up with him choosing against his family, then… then Regis would not make him choose.
"His name is Ardyn," Regis says finally, through gritted teeth. "And he and Rex go back a long way."
He just wishes it wasn't the Adagium on the other end of that choice.
As Regis goes back to mingling and rubbing elbows and trying to entice people into donating, he too has to deal with the fallout. The word has spread, Rex Lucerna was seen dancing with a strange man and then he disappeared with him! What a scandal!
"I don't suppose Your Majesty can comment on this handsome stranger seen with Lord Lucerna?" one reporter, who'd all but elbowed his way into the circle of discussion about the state of medical supply lines, asks, shoving a microphone at him.
"I'm afraid I can't," Regis says with his most amiable smile - and then doesn't engage further, dragging the discussion back to trucks and how inconvenient it is that Lucis has no functional rail lines, until the overeager reporter gets antsy and starts eyeing his watch.
Of course, it's not just reporters asking - and even those who aren't asking out loud are clearly interested. In one smooth stroke, Rex Lucerna went from curiosity to scandal - and potential disgrace, which is that much more juicy. Though no one quite says it to his face, the potential of a homosexual member in the Lucis Caelum family is… it's beyond the pale, for many of the older generations.
"Of course, the duty of any respectable son of a good family is to produce more sons for said family," says one elder lady, who even to Regis' ear sounds rather out of touch with the times. "This kind of disgrace - why, if it was in my family…!"
"So, which one of the charities are you looking to support, my lady?" Regis asks rather forcefully, and she jumps in actual alarm, sputtering apologies.
Most, thankfully, aren't so bold as to question him to his face and with insinuations about the blood connection between Lord Lucerna and the Line of Lucis - though it's very much an open secret and all but publicly accepted fact, it's not one open to discussion. The Crown has not published any statement of Lord Lucerna's connection to the Royal family, and therefore no connection exists - and therefore, people don't ask.
But they do talk about it, and all too often near enough for him to pick up.
"… did you recognize him, is he anyone we know? I couldn't place him at all…"
"I don't see why or how Lord Lucerna would have an established lover from Insomnia. He's barely been here a month. It's someone from the outside - and going by that suit, a plebeian, at that…"
Regis moves on quickly, all but throwing himself into a discussion about the organisation of Doctors Beyond Walls and how they might utilise the funds they'd be getting from this event. It manages to distract him for perhaps two minutes, and then…
"… they say he's not on the guest list and no one knows who he is. Do you think he broke into the event somehow?"
"Or maybe Lucerna slipped him in. Could be his plus-one, who just arrived a little late…"
Well, that's a little better, and hopefully Fulmena has already something in the works that would sway the discussion that way. Regis relaxes a little, and asks about the state of transportation outside Insomnia, how the organisation is getting around - Noctis has rather put the matter into his mind lately. And then.
"… quite handsome, don't you think? I mean, that jawline. Mh!"
"Oh, you saw him! What did he look like? What did they do? Oh, tell me everything."
"I just saw them walking past us, it wasn't for long - but he's tall, redheaded and kind of… rough, you know, but in a good way."
"Ooh, Lord Lucerna, you dog…"
Regis laments that as King he can no longer throw himself off a balcony to escape these events.
And then, finally, Cor calls him, and Regis withdraws from the circle of charity representatives to answer.
"Heads up, Sire - they're out and headed to the conference hall," Cor says with a heavy sigh. "Apparently Ardyn wants to dance some more."
Regis closes his eyes and braces himself. "And how does it look?"
"Lucerna looks like he has a headache but he's managing it, and Ardyn is enjoying himself, though he always looks like that," Cor answers "I don't think they did anything but talk - but they also put away a bottle of red wine between them, so there's that. 25% proof. Just so you know."
Regis would rather like to do the same, with a bottle of brandy. "Thank you - can you open up a space?" Meaning, can he clear the area by the elevators for a private meeting.
"Will do, Sire - they're headed for the elevator now, Dustin and Monica are with them. Do you want me to black out the cameras as well?"
"Thank you," Regis says and hangs up and with an apologetic nod detaches himself from the circle of representatives entirely, writing a message as he goes to Fulmena. "They're in an elevator, on the way to the conference hall. I'm going to intercept - meet me there."
With Clarus at his side and trepidation in his heart, Regis heads down the hall and towards the corridor with the elevators.
Regis admits to himself, he should've come up with a better strategy for Ardyn the very moment he observed Noctis' apparent disquiet at the thought of Ardyn as enemy. Cor's report and Noctis' awkward answer to it had left him in disarray, and something of a denial had taken over. He'd managed to assure himself that it was handled, that he'd made his point and that Noctis would be sensible about it. Was there such a thing as being sensible in face of the Accursed - and how much of a difference would that even make?
It's not as though Noctis can fight Ardyn here, in the middle of Caelum Via, any more than Regis can, not without putting hundreds of people in danger. He would need to compromise as well - only Noctis has to do it up close and personal, because Ardyn is locked in on him, for whatever reason. What Noctis is doing - humouring the man, keeping him at ease, keeping his attention on himself - is perhaps the safest way to go about it.
Regis knows that - but that doesn't make any happier about what it looks like, and what it means.
"What we need is a single, simple narrative," Fulmena says firmly. "How long they have known each other, what is the nature of the relationship and whether it is enduring. Barring that, a suitable excuse to dismiss any allegations."
"Allegations," Regis sighs. "For a dance on the balcony, there are allegations," Which is, perhaps, somewhat hypocritical of him to say for all the doubts and suspicions that very dance had put into his mind, but still. Every now and then it strikes him, how absurd it is.
Fulmena gives him an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Sire, it's unavoidable here, and you know why," she says and then gives him a once over, taking in his expression. "If I may ask - what is His Majesty's opinion, should Lord Lucerna's liaison prove enduring and romantic in nature? What is your stance towards it?"
Regis is of the opinion that he should lock Rex up in a tower like a few of the older and rougher Kings of Lucis had done with their daughters. No, that's ridiculous. "Should it prove that Rex's leanings are to that direction, I will not censure him for it," Regis sighs. "Rex is free to pursue whoever he wishes, of course - but I do have some reservations about this particular man, however."
"That much is obvious," Clarus mutters beside him.
Fulmena agrees with a quiet hum. "I imagine that makes supporting it difficult."
Regis draws a breath. "I am as of yet… undecided. But I would rather not make that public. Should it come to it, my public stance is one of quiet support."
"Understood, Sire," Fulmena says, and they all look towards the elevators as one of them finishes its ascent to the conference hall floor.
Noctis and Ardyn file out of the elevator together, not quite hand in hand anymore, thank the Gods - but close. Monica Elshett and Dustin Ackers are two steps behind them, shadowing them with amusement and serious watchfulness respectively - but that's hardly enough to set Regis' mind at ease.
Noctis is smiling at Ardyn again, a wry sort of smile he can't seem to suppress, as though the Accursed just told a terrible joke that he can't help but find funny. "… and you're willing to let yourself be taught?" Regis' elder son says, amused.
"By you, my dear? But of course," Ardyn says in a tone that's in part mocking and in part sensual. "I would not trust anyone else with such a delicate task - and I already know you to be quite the dance partner."
"Well, it'll definitely be a sight, what with you being a damn giant," Noctis snorts and then looks ahead - and instantly loses his smile.
Ardyn follows his gaze with a sardonic tilt of his head and smiles like the blade of a knife, small and sharp. "Oh dear," the Accursed murmurs. "I do believe it's an intervention."
"Shush," Noctis says to him - and his hand twitches, as though he wants to grab a hold of Ardyn, just in case. To stop him from acting or to protect him from Regis, it's impossible to say - it might all be one and the same. Squeezing his hand into a fist, Noctis bows his head. "Your Majesty - councillors. Is there something we can do for you?"
"A word with you, Rex," Regis says through the thundering of his heart and the crackling of the Crystal's power in his ear, too close for comfort. His magic is already reaching for a weapon.
That puts Ardyn on edge and his eyes sharpen, his posture shifts into a sort of scornful slough. Noctis' reaction is more to that than Regis' words - he puts a hand on Ardyn's arm, light and undoubtedly soothing. His eyes stay on Regis, however, and he answers promptly, "Of course, Your Majesty. Here?"
Regis glances at Clarus and Fulmena - who nod their heads. Cor has the hallway secured, then. "This will only take a moment," Regis says and motions Noctis to approach him.
The moment of hesitation is brief but marked, before Noctis squeezes Ardyn's wrist and then releases it. The Accursed watches him go with a tilted head and simmering eyes before meeting Regis' gaze - and whatever warmth the man possesses all evaporates. But, with folded arms and cold smile, Ardyn stays back and waits, flanked now by Noctis' Crownsguard assistants - who make an effort to distract him.
"So, you dance a lot, Ardyn?" Monica asks.
"Not as much as I like to - but I expect that's about to change," Accursed answers, like it's a threat.
Regis turns his attention to Noctis, whose bearded face is set and eyes are wary, but who otherwise seems only slightly ill at ease. His clothes are straight and his hair is still mostly swept back smoothly - he doesn't look dishevelled or particularly disturbed, thank the Six.
"What is it?" Noctis asks, bracing himself with a slightly lifted chin.
Regis rather misses the time, not too long ago, when things like this were but a distant concern to be worried about maybe ten years down the line. "The media are asking questions and we must give them reasonable answers before they move onto public conjecture instead," Regis says with a sigh. "I don't want to do this, but I must - what is this, Rex?"
Noctis goes red about the ears and looks down. "I," he starts and then clams shut, looking down with some embarrassment - and suddenly, Regis really doesn't want to know.
There's a moment of intensely awkward silence, which is made so much worse by Ardyn's eyes on them, and the smile growing on his face. The Accursed can clearly hear them.
Fulmena, bless her, takes the reins. "Right now this kind of publicity is awkward, Lord Lucerna - it takes attention away from projects we need it on," she says simply. "We only need to know three things, so that we can move forward with a clear narrative and unified front and then you can return to enjoying your evening."
"Right, of course," Noctis says, somewhat painfully. "What do you need to know?"
"What is the nature of the relationship here?"
Noctis glances at Regis rather pleadingly, then back at Ardyn, whose smile is wide and greatly amused now, and then Noctis offers, "It's… complicated?" rather feebly.
"Not good enough," Fulmena says, unimpressed. "Clear narrative, Lord Lucerna."
"Um. Can - can I - ?" Noctis motions towards Ardyn. "I need to talk with him. Ah, please?"
Regis runs a hand over his face. Noctis wants to confer with the Accursed on the nature of their relationship. Why and how did it come to this? "Go ahead," he says, weary.
"Before you do, you might want to know the other questions, so you may discuss them as well," Fulmena says firmly. "They are, how long have you known each other, and is he staying here with you - in Insomnia, that is. Because if he is going to become a permanent fixture in your public life, we don't want to state otherwise."
Oh, Gods, Regis hadn't even considered that it might be a possibility - that Ardyn might just not leave after this disaster is over.
Clearly Noctis hadn't either - his eyes widen a little and he goes from red to pale. "Right, those are… good questions. Excuse me, Councillors, Your Majesty - I'll be right back," he says and then turns and heads back to Ardyn, who welcomes him with a full-toothed grin and mirth dancing in his eyes. And then Regis is subjected to the sight of Noctis taking Ardyn's hand and pulling him aside, to whisper with him.
Ardyn, the Accursed, the Adagium, the one whom King Mors had spent fortune in money and lives to try and recapture, and whose escape from Angelgard could very well be credited as the reason why they ultimately lost the Great War. Two thousand years of terrible history and all of Lucis Caelum's worst sins, and on top of it the Plague that has ravaged Eos for eons as well… all condensed in singular form. Man who could very well bring utter and total destruction to their family and their kingdom…
Who is, undeniably, infatuated with Regis' time-travelling son.
It's probably a good thing this corridor has no windows - because Regis would rather like to throw himself out of one. Or perhaps Ardyn. And Noctis too, for good measure.
"I need a drink after this," he sighs.
"No more drinks - you've already exceeded your quota for the night," Clarus says promptly. "Or so Glacio said."
Regis grunts in irritation - and then has to remind himself that this corridor is also a terrible place to fight, when across from it Ardyn strokes a single finger appreciatively down Noctis' cheekbone and his son stares up at the man like he's a terrific revelation.
"Screw Glacio's drink quotas," Regis mutters. "I will have a drink after this."
It only gets worse when Noctis turns back to them - with Ardyn in tow - and the most unified front is the one they present. Regis knows all hope here is lost when Noctis gives him an awkward, apologetic look and says, "Uh, so, I don't know how to say this…"
"We are courting," Ardyn says it for him, all but announcing it, smug and proud and everything that makes Regis want to put him to a sword. "It is quite new for us, but we're very excited."
Noctis closes his eyes, brief and pained and then looks at Regis. "I'm sorry, I -"
"Don't, please don't try to justify yourself," Regis begs, closing his eyes. "I do not want to know."
Ardyn chuckles darkly and Noctis sighs, and luckily for them all, Fulmena is immune to all forms of mortification. "Very well - that will make the media strategy more difficult, but nevertheless, congratulations," she says. "Now, what is your name, sir?"
"Ardyn Izunia," the Accursed answers, all but purring. Regis can hear him bow. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Madam - and you, my good sir, and of course Your Majesty…"
Regis opens his eyes, and it's all he can do not to glare at the man.
Fulmena doesn't even blink. "You as well - Fulmena Tempero, I am in charge of the Citadel's Public Relations Department, and thus I will be in charge of how this story shall be published as well, with any luck," she answers briskly. "Now, how long have you two known each other?"
"It's… been a while," Noctis says uneasily.
"Oh, we go way back," Ardyn agrees, so clearly enjoying himself it's making Regis a little sick to his stomach. "It must've been, what, ten years since dear Rex first met me? Or was it twelve?"
"… Something like that, yeah," Noctis agrees, his tone going more wry now - clearly in acknowledgement of a private joke. "Hard to say, it's been some time."
Regis gets a sudden sinking feeling.
"And the relationship as it is now, it's new?" Fulmena asks, making notes on her phone. "Do you mind me asking how it came about? I won't include it in any statements if I can help it, but it would be useful to know for later."
Ardyn smiles. "I heard Rex' name on the news, and after so long a time finally had a way to find him again. I simply had to reconnect. The rest, we hope, will be history."
"Very good, I wish you the best of luck," Fulmena says. "And will you be staying in Insomnia? As I understand, you're not a native."
Ardyn chuckles at that, sardonic. "That's up for debate. I suppose we'll see. I'll be staying - for now," he says, directing the gaze at Noctis and his words like knives at Regis, "as Rex' guest. If it pleases His Majesty."
It really does not. "Not in the Citadel, you're not," Regis says firmly, unable to help himself.
Ardyn's smile grows wider for a split of a second, and he then affects offence. Before he can say anything, though, Noctis elbows him sharply. "Of course not, Your Majesty," Regis' older son says quickly. "We'll find other accommodations for the time being. A hotel, perhaps?"
That's almost as bad - maybe even worse, actually. Regis wants to argue that Ardyn should just stay away and Noctis should stay home - but he's already pushing the limits of credibility when it comes to a King's concern for a half brother here. As it is, Ardyn without Noctis' supervision, set loose upon the Crown City, isn't exactly a thrilling concept either.
There is no winning in this battle, it seems - he can only choose the way he loses. Either way, there will be a fallout.
"Thank you, gentlemen," Fulmena says, putting her phone away. "I think that's enough to start with. Lord Lucerna, I hope I don't need to tell you to mind what you say to the press."
"We'll take care," Noctis promises, looking at Regis. "I really do apologise - I didn't mean to cause a scene."
Going by Ardyn's face, he definitely did mean to cause a scene.
Regis has no answer for his son, no word of reassurance, but thankfully Fulmena does. "Well, if nothing else, it should put paid to certain more concerning rumours that have been circling," she says before turning to Regis. "Your Majesty, do you have other issues to address?"
So many, none of which Regis can or will voice here. He tries to keep in mind what Noctis has told him of Ardyn, of their history, of the faintest possibility of turning the man to their side and how much it would help Noctis' goals… but it's hard. All he can see is his son being lured away by the enemy, and there's nothing he can do about it, only hope to limit the collateral damage and pray he doesn't lose more than they might gain in the process.
There's almost shy hesitation on Noctis' face as he waits for Regis' judgement, and Regis reminds himself he can't risk Noctis choosing against his family. "Thank you, Rex," Regis says, as calmly as he ever may. "For humouring us. I know it can't be pleasant. But these are the burdens that come with rulership, I'm afraid."
"I understand," Noctis says, relaxing a little. "Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty."
Regis nods at that, looks at ever-smiling Ardyn, hates him for the crack he's chiselled into the foundations of Regis' relationship with his own son, and then looks away. "I will see you at midnight - for the fireworks."
"Of course, Your Majesty."
Walking away from Noctis and Ardyn is even harder this time, but limping and aching at the loss of something unnameable and infinitely precious, Regis somehow manages it.
Most of the rest of the night passes in something of a blur for Regis, as he has his drink and two more in quick succession and then remembers why Glacio has him on a drink limit in the first place. Somewhere between the last two drinks, the world starts to sway around him and the conversations begin to blur, and Clarus and Glacio no doubt have to work double time, keeping him upright and respectable.
On the dance floor, Ardyn takes Noctis' hand and his lead, and Regis' eldest son appears to teach the Accursed the proper steps of waltz. They look horrible together. They look good together. Regis isn't even sure anymore.
Ardyn makes his weary son laugh so often. Regis has never heard elder Noctis laugh so - not even when he's doing his level best to wind his younger self to frustrated rage. Noctis' joy is a brief and stolen thing, from what Regis has seen - he smiles and he acts amiable and he does what he can to appear personable, but he's so weary. The weight of the world never eases up on his shoulders, and even now Regis can sense it - that Darkness looming ahead in his son's future. As if around Noctis, the future is still happening somehow, the world is forever trapped on the brink of an end, and there isn't a moment Noctis can forget that. He's always, always mourning.
Except for when Ardyn makes him laugh - and suddenly that weight seems to ease, just a little, as though it was some dreadful cloak Ardyn can tease his fingers under and lift for him.
Regis keeps an eye on them, even while exchanging words with the gala guests, mostly distracted platitudes Glacio quietly whispers in his ear, to keep up the appearance of sobriety. Thankfully, both his old chamberlain and Clarus are wise to Regis' mood, and they've begun to steer people away from him. He doesn't know what they say, but he's grateful.
They dance well together, Noctis and Ardyn. The height difference is marked, as is the difference in polish - though Noctis here can no longer look like a Prince he truly is or the King he should've been, he still looks very fine, whereas Ardyn… doesn't. The Adagium's suit is obviously a cheaper make, and it's garish in its unusual colour, and he's barely been groomed for the event. And he's wearing boots more fit for hiking in Niflheim countryside than taking turns on a dance floor. But somehow, it seems almost fitting.
Noctis dances with no one else again that night - and by the third dance with Ardyn, they move together perfectly. Rarely, if ever, does Ardyn look away from Noctis. He keeps kissing Noctis' hand - the one that felt the brunt of the Ring of Lucii.
Regis nurses his last glass for the night - one full of water at Glacio's hard-eyed insistence - and knows with a drunk's certainty that Noctis has told Ardyn about the future. The Accursed knows what Regis has kept secret from his Council, from his Retinue - from even his oldest friends.
Then the clock strikes fifteen minutes to midnight, and the event organiser takes the podium for a final speech and announcement for the donations the organisations represented in the Augur Gala had received. Regis can't make out a word, but he knows the rough shape of it. The Crown had made a hefty donation, and without fail some wealthy businessman or noble would surpass it to gain a place on the front page tomorrow as the highest donor of the evening. The announcer possibly even explains what kinds of causes the donations would go to.
And then the Gala guests are urged to head to the balconies and up to the rooftop recreation area - for the viewing of the fireworks that would start shortly.
Regis rises, mostly under his own power, and sees from the corner of his eye how Ardyn guides Noctis with a hand on his lower back. Noctis is limping slightly, and the Accursed looks almost sympathetic. Regis watches, and lets Clarus and Glacio lead him towards the elevators.
He read about the things done to the Adagium over years - the solutions that had been tried by various generations of the Kings of Lucis. There'd been many who'd attempted to find a more permanent solution to the family problem. They'd tried to bleed him out, hang him, burn him, draw and quarter him, poison him, freeze him… dozens and dozens of failed executions had been attempted, in pursuit of sweeping the dirt under the rug. None of them had worked. The monster survived them all - and all his would be executioners, too.
Now Regis watches Ardyn's eyes flash with irritation as someone bumps into him by accident, and Noctis quells his temper with a hand on his shoulder. Together they head up the stairs with the majority of the gala quests, Ardyn's hand still resting on Noctis' back.
Does it make Regis a bad father, to wish it didn't put his son at ease? Does it make him a terrible father, that he hadn't been able to make Noctis relax, all these weeks in the past? Where had he failed, that Noctis would find some measure of comfort in the Accursed, of all people?
Regis thought Noctis was making himself home in the past, that he was growing comfortable. Had he somehow misunderstood his son, all this time? Is it too late to fix this, can it even be fixed? Can he recover his relationship with his son or is it already unrecoverably broken? And what of his younger son, slumbering away in the Citadel - it can't be too late for him too… can it?
"Sire," Glacio says, soft and urgent, and Regis lets himself be ushered into the elevator.
The rooftop area is covered with people, enjoying their last glasses of sparkling wine and last moments of discussion. Regis can't see Noctis and Ardyn at first, not until Clarus points them out to him, by the very edge of the crowd, by the railing circling the rooftop. They're still being shadowed by Monica and Dustin, but for once Regis doesn't even wonder how necessary they are. Obviously Ardyn already got what he wanted from this dratted night.
Regis' attention is drawn away by the preparation of the fireworks as the orchestra begins to play a rendition of Somnus - and finally, the fireworks themselves begin. They crown the night and signal its end, filling the sky with light. They draw all eyes to the sky, the guests - and people all across Insomnia - exclaiming in their admiration and bursting into applause. The display is beautiful, as always - the biggest flashes are in hues of purple that make the whole city seem to glow. But Regis can barely appreciate them.
Gods, he wishes Aulea was still here.
She would know what to do.