Eyes of the Beholder [Noctis Lucis Caelum Short Story]

Chapter II

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
because that is the doorway to her heart
the place where love resides

Noctis turned around when he felt a tap on his shoulder. "Ignis." he greeted. Although, it wasn't exactly who he was looking for, he was happy to see his bespectacled friend. "How's it going?"

"I think I should be the one asking you that." Ignis retorted, pushing his glasses back up to the bridge of his nose. "I saw the way you avoided talking to people Noct"

"I do talk to people." Noctis rebutted. As much as he disliked it. He knew it was his duty to 'connect with his people.' 

"Prompto and Gladiolus don't count."  

Noctis huffed. "I wasn't talking about them." 

A chuckle came from Ignis. "What were you three on about anyway?" He questioned. "You guys made quite a scene." 

"Hmm, I'm surprised you didn't join in on the fun." 

"Well someone's gonna have to do the talking if you're not going to do your job." Ignis replied coolly.

"Maybe you should play Prince, Ignis. I think the role will suit you quite well." Noctis joked. As much as he made fun about it, deep inside he truly did want to drop his status of royalty. No more responsibilities, no more being an heir to the throne. For once, Noctis wanted to be normal. However he was far from it. Noctis' powers was what made him stand out from everyone else. Having the power to control the kingdoms crystal, and having the ability to foresee a person's death was definitely out of the ordinary. 

Ignis gave a snort like laugh. "Easier said then done Your Highness." he said. "Anyway, the King's looking for you." 

Noctis arched a brow. "The king? Why?" 

Ignis responded with a shrug of his shoulders. "He didn't say. He just told me to tell you." 

"The only time he ever needs me is when he wants to discuss methods on how to rule a kingdom." Noctis muttered under his breath.

Ignis smiled and placed a hand on Noctis' shoulder. "Maybe he just wants to spend some family time with his son." 

 It had been a while since Noctis had actually spent time with his own father. As he grew older, the responsibility of  Prince dawned on him. Noctis was no longer the young boy he once was. Being a member of royalty meant that there was  no such thing as free time. And even if Noctis did have spare time on his hands he would be spending it with his friends. Either way King Regis would be busy fulfilling his duties as king. They were more like work partners rather than family. Therefore, having quality time as just father and son was a rare occasion. 

Noctis let out a sigh. "Where can I find him?" 

Ignis pointed towards the far end of the ballroom. Noctis thanked his friend and walked towards the pointed direction. Another sigh escaped the Prince's lips. Looks like finding the girl would have to wait. 

 Noctis began to make his way towards the end of the room where could hear deep male voices growing louder. After weaving through a couple more people, he finally reached his destination. There stood the King chatting with a couple of guests. Noctis quietly approached the King, being careful to not disturb their conversation. 

 It didn't take long for King Regis to notice Noctis' presence. "Ah, Prince Noctis! I was just talking about you." he said.

Noctis couldn't help but scoff to himself. What is there to talk about? Everyone knows everything about you. Being a Prince is practically the equivalent to being a celebrity. There are no such things as secrets. 

"It's a great honor for us to be granted the opportunity to attend your celebration, your highness." The two guests bowed. 

 Noctis so desperately wanted to roll his eyes, but he forced a smile in response instead. "I'm glad you could make it." He said as politely as he could. 

"It was nice chatting with you two. But I would like some time with Noctis" Regis said. 

 The guests bowed. "As you wish, your majesty." and walked off. 

Regis then turned to face Noctis. Without a word, he then led Noctis to the bar that had been set up. He ordered two glasses of red wine and handed one over to his son. 

Noctis was quite confused by what was happening, so he decided to start the conversation. "Is there anything wrong your majesty?" he asked. "I heard from Ignis that you needed to talk about something." 

Suddenly, laughter could be heard from Regis, catching the Prince by shock and surprise. Never before had Noctis seen his own father laugh. He was always such a serious man, sometimes Noctis would question if he ever even knew how to smile. But to see him laugh, that was quite a shock. Judging from the slight rosy red tint on his cheeks, Noctis assumed that the King already had a little bit too drink and it was probably the alcohol talking. 

"Oh Noctis my son." He draped an arm over his son's shoulder which was something he rarely did. "I may be the King of Lucis. But to you," he paused and looked at Noctis straight in the eyes. "I am your father." He then raised his glass with a bright smile on his face. "To Prince Noctis. May you always be blessed and live all the days of your life." And then titled it towards Noctis, "Happy Birthday."

Noctis raised his glass and lightly tapped it against Regis' creating a light clink. "I'm surprised you remember my birthday." he commented. 

Regis chuckled. "What kind of father do you think I am to forget my own son's birthday." 

Noctis couldn't help but laugh along. He felt a rush of nostalgia at the moment they were sharing. It made him feel at ease that his father didn't forget about him after all. 

"So Noctis." Regis said, taking a sip from his glass. "Has anyone caught your eye. There are a few beautiful ladies at this party." 

Instantly, the girl whom the Prince saw earlier came into mind. Noctis felt his cheeks warm up. "I don't know what you're talking about." He said, attempting to avoid the question. 

Regis cackled. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about Noctis. It's perfectly normal to fancy the ladies." 

"I think you've had too much to drink father." 

"Nonsense!" Regis bellowed. "You can never have too much!" 

But Noctis could tell that the King was on the edge of getting intoxicated. His words were starting to slur as they tumbled messily out of his mouth. It was quite a sight. Noctis gave a sigh and shook his head. His father was never the strong drinker. 

"Whose the lucky lady?" Regis continued to tease his son. 

The temperature of Noctis' cheeks rose. "There's no lucky lady." He mumbled, turning away to hide his blush. He was starting to wonder if Regis was secretly hanging out with Prompto behind his back.

A yawn escaped from Noctis' as he eyed the guests with very little interest whilst ignoring his father's aimless rambling. All that was going through his mind was that girl. It was more then just her beauty that intrigued him, he felt a certain connection when he locked eyes her. He wasn't sure what that connection meant, but whatever it was it was strong. Who is she? Where does she come from? Is she even real? So many questions were running through Noctis' head, it was like he was going to overflow. As he continued to stare into the crowd, a sudden sight instantly grabbed his attention. His eyes widened at what he saw. 

Noctis' heart raced. His breath hitched. There was no mistake. There she was, standing on the other side of the room. The mask she was wearing may be effective to hide her face, but her in-concealable beauty made her stand out from the rest of the crowd. Suddenly she looked up and their eyes locked once more. This time a smile played across her red painted lips. Her lips parted, mouthing silents words. Due to the wide distance between them, the Prince was unable to interpret what she was saying. Without warning, she suddenly turned her back and scurried through the crowd.  Immediately, Noctis made his move to go after her. "I'm going to go get some fresh air." He quickly notified Regis before he was further questioned.