A Man Of No Consequence (Ardyn x Reader)

Into the Dark

"They must've really been desperate for new glaives," you chuckle, "because I was the least capable of everyone there, and by some miracle they picked me."

Robert approaches you apologetically, stopping in front of Ardyn.

"Sir, if there is nothing else, we will take our leave now as it's getting rather late. The bedroom is ready and there's some food in the refrigerator."

"Very well," he responds, "Thank you Robert. See you tomorrow at supper."

The way he talks to his staff is so polite, so normal it's almost uncanny; as if he was not a monster, as if he was but a mortal man.

Robert and his wife make their way out quietly, yet as the heavy door shuts with a dull thud, you're suddenly very aware that you're completely alone, in the middle of nowhere, with a man who you still can't figure out.

Your eyes meet and linger on each other, with a myriad of emotions fluttering in your chest, a thousand questions crashing through your mind.

"Ask me," he utters in a low voice.

"I don't know where to begin," you confess.

"Then why not at the beginning?" he suggests.

At the beginning?

You've been longing for this moment, hoping you would get a chance to demand all the answers, an opportunity to sort through all the confusion, to finally piece together the full story. And now, with him so earnestly offering you any answer you desire, you're worried, afraid, because in the back of your mind, you already know.

"Where were you? All those years..." you finally let out.

"Aha," he raises his hand. "For a long time, I was imprisoned. Locked away, my thoughts my only company. A man can tolerate many ills, but himself."

His expression turns sorrowful, his gaze avoiding yours. The warm glare of the fireplace makes his unruly hair appear vividly crimson, perhaps reflecting the hue of his inner turmoil.

"For many years after, I hid away in the shadows. For many years, I walked amongst the people. For many years more, I lived like a king. Anything you could dream of in your lifetime, I've lived it all, a thousand times over. All the while, waiting..." he leans forward, looking at you with a stern expression.

"Time has stood still, for centuries. When you only exist for the time a chosen soul will come forward, every life lost meanwhile; every friend expired, every lover perished becomes but dust in the palm of your hand."

Your heart aches with every word, knowing he has had no choice. No escape, no relief.

"My darling," he shakes his head, "Don't you dare shed those tears for me."

Realizing the tears rolling down your cheek, you quickly wipe your eyes with your hand.

"Now is not the time for that kind of emotion. The tide has already turned, the Prince on his way to becoming the King, and you my dear, on your way to claim your place amongst the gods."

You push your palm against your chest, as if to check your heart is still beating.

"How do I do that?"

"But my darling, you already know. By helping the Prince forge the final covenant. When the time is right, you shall commune with the Infernian."

"How will I do that? And when?"

"Not for some time," he grins, "But you've had quite a lot of practice..."

His devious smirk sends shivers down your spine.