A Man Of No Consequence (Ardyn x Reader)

In The Lap Of The Gods, Revisited

After Lestallum, the nocturnal streets of Altissia are refreshingly peaceful and orderly. In any other place, you would stand out, in your glossy dress and the long, costly feeling black coat, balancing on the wet cobblestones with your little heels. Yet in the ministerial district with it's fancy shops and cafes, you blend in completely with the sophisticated looking crowd.

Breathing in the fresh night air, you shelter yourself from the rain under the massive coat, looking around for somewhere to stop and gather your thoughts. Passing a display window showcasing Lady Lunafreya's planned wedding dress, you frown as you try to come up with a way to reach the Tenebraean Oracle.

A square at the end of the promenade has tables laid out under a pavilion, hosting a small cafe. You duck out of the rain, taking off your coat and giving it a little shake to dry it. Noticing you're being watched, you lift your gaze to see a young blonde man stuffing a cookie in his mouth and gawking at you. I know I look nice, but have some manners...

Taking another look at the table he's sitting at, you clock who's keeping him company. The prince. You freeze, debating wether or not you should introduce yourself, understanding he must be here to meet up with Lady Lunafreya.

"May we help you with something?" A polite voice asks from the table.

Realizing you've been staring, you snap out of your bubble, turning to the man with glasses, who posed the question.

"Uh... yes..." you smile.

The prince is looking at you with a curious expression, the big tattooed man next to him doesn't seem that interested.

"Oh?" the man responds, slightly surprised. "Well, in that case, what is the matter at hand?"

"I, I'm..." Get it together. This could be your only chance.You rub your brow, trying to focus.

"It's prince Noctis, isn't it?" you continue, worrying you're being a bit too forward. "I'm... I was part of the Kingsglaive."

"Cool," the blonde one drops his cookie-holding hand from his mouth.

"You were?" The prince is immediately interested.

"Yes..."

"Did you know my father?"

"No," you shake your head, "I didn't have the chance to advance in the service. But I knew several good men and women in the Glaive. It's a real shame what has happened to our kingdom." Our... you can almost hear Ardyn's mocking voice in your ear. Not yours.

"Please," the speckled man gets up, pulling a chair from a table nearby. "Take a seat."

You thank him and sit down with the others.

"How did you manage to get out of the city and all the way here?" the prince asks.

"Well," you start, considering your words carefully, "I had some help along the way. In fact, I'm here in the hopes of seeing the Oracle. It's a matter of importance, I desperately need to meet her."

"That makes two of us," the prince replies solemnly, sipping his drink.

"Your highness has not been able to see her?"

"No," he shakes his head. You feel disappointed. All your efforts seem to lead to dead ends.

"But we will!" the blonde interjects enthusiastically.

"Indeed, that is the plan," the polite man agrees.

"Why don't you offer the lady a drink?" the tattooed man nudges the prince with his elbow.