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Veni Vidi Vici	By : Saber007 Category: Final Fantasy Games > Final Fantasy XV Views: 1503 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy XV, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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"What is going on?" Imperatrix looked past Lunafreya and at their escort speaking with the Lucia guard. "Why have they stopped us?"
"I don't know, Princess." The driver answered, anxiously monitoring the guards blocking their path.
She huffed and prepared to step out the car.
"Wait, Imperatrix." Lunafreya said, gesturing to the arrival of two men dressed in different military uniforms.
One of the uniforms the princess recognized as the apparel of the Kingsglaive and judging how the glaive deferred to the other male, the auburn-haired man must have been the superior.
The glaive approached the driver's side and asked their driver to leave, taking the newly opened seat.
"Your highness." Greeted their new driver to Lunafreya.
He recoiled in surprise after catching Imperatrix's reflection in the mirror.
"What do you think you are doing, sir?" She questioned with the intensity of a coeurl.
This had to be why the emperor insisted on her shadowing the oracle.
The man struggled to form a sentence in the wake of the imperial princess outside of battle gear.
State affairs were the few occasions where Imperatrix was allowed to dress as a woman.
The princess dressed beautifully in a lilac shear gown encrusted with rubies cascading from the neck to the flared-out hem. Detached sleeves in the same style covered her calloused hands and faded scars. Imperatrix's hair wasn't long enough for anything more intricate than a bun with a silver headpiece imitating a diadem resting on her head.
The car sped off as the man turned around without answering Imperatrix. The princess clicked the button for her seatbelt. Lunafreya's hand stopped her from attacking the intruder.
"Would you mind telling us where we are going?" The patience in which Lunafreya spoke was either a testament to her sense of tranquility, or she hoped for something like this to occur.
Could that angelic face actually hide a cunning mind?
"The king has requested an audience, Your Highness." The man replied.
"King Regis could not make this request through the proper channels?" Imperatrix mentioned suspiciously.
"His Majesty was concerned the request would be denied."
"So he resorts to kidnapping?"
The man bristled, whipping around in his seat to glare heatedly at her.
"Kidnapping implies that you're being held against your will. You're free to jump out, Princess Imperatrix." He hissed out her title, none of the respect given to Lunafreya was provided for her.
"I was ordered to stay with Lady Lunafreya. I will not disobey my sovereign, nor will I give you the satisfaction of seeing me jump out of a car." She ground her teeth.
Constantly being disrespected on foreign ground due to her lineage was increasingly onerous. Everyday she had to fight against damned prejudice!
People hated the empire for invading their homeland. People hated the empire for restructuring their economy. People hated the empire for providing military support. People hated the princess on principle.
Yes, the empire's expansion caused harm, but in the long run it helped every country in its territory reach an acceptable level of educational and commercial value. Unlike the kingdom of Lucis, Niflheim's territories did not stagnate while the capital thrived.
Nearly all the territories of the empire were modernized and flourishing.
"Glad we've established I'm not kidnapping you." The man rolled his eyes.
Lunafreya diffused the tension with a simple question. "May we know your name?"
"Nyx Ulric."
The name rung a bell for the princess.
He was the glaive heralded as a "hero" by the Lucians and his name came up multiple times in battle reports.
She couldn't take him on without her magitek weaponry. Her bare hands wouldn't work against the king's magic. Her outfit would also impede movement.
Nyx stopped the car and helped Lunafreya out. Imperatrix didn't wait to see if she'd be afforded the same courtesy.
"Follow me, ladies." He aimed the next part specifically at the imperial princess. "Don't try anything, there are guards posted everywhere."
"I am well versed on how to behave among royalty." She lifted her dress and ascended the stairs of the palace.
All the way to the throne room snarls and muttered insults greeted Imperatrix, but she took it all in stride, never returning the antagonism for it would confirm their ill beliefs of her.
Lunafreya watched this with a conflicted heart.
She understood the people's actions, but also knew the princess was not evil as they believed. The oracle sighed and hoped Imperatrix would not take these insult to her father.
Peace was right on the horizon.
"I don't have to repeat my warning, do I?" Nyx lifted his eyebrow accusingly to the princess.
Only a door separated two enemies that had been feuding for centuries.
She sighed. "I will mind my manners, I assure you."
Compliance would expedite the process and Imperatrix was ready to vacate the area. The Lucian's negativity was so vast she could choke on it.
The three were announced first and then permitted entrance to the throne room.
Nyx took position by the door while the girls entered further to the raised steps, standing before the king and his shield. Regis seemed to only have eyes for Lunafreya and Imperatrix went largely unnoticed.
The king looked so very old to the princess.
All the pictures she'd viewed of Regis Lucis Caelum detailed a refined adult with midnight hair, sparkling green eyes, tall stature, and a glow about him.
This weary, limping, relic was not the person from their reports. The sight of such a worn-down king still in the prime of his reign, saddened Imperatrix.
Her father was twenty years older than Regis and he appeared far more youthful and able, not requiring a cane or knee-brace to walk.
The crystal's legendary power came at a heavy cost. Why ever did the emperor covet such a double-edged sword?
"Princess Imperatrix, I have not laid eyes on you since you were a child. I might've mistaken you for Valeria." The king spoke with warmth.
The mention of her mother stung. Imperatrix had to inhale deeply to avoid choking on her words.
It had been years, but time didn't heal all wounds.
"I am afraid I do not recall our meeting, Your Majesty." Remembering her manners, the princess gave a shallow curtsey.
"Rise, child." Regis commanded and sat upon his throne.
She obeyed and the king elaborated on the past encounter.
"We weren't introduced I'm afraid. Your mother was giving a speech and I watched you from the crowd." He turned to his shield. "She clung to Valeria's skirt the entire time, didn't she, Clarus?"
He chuckled. "Nearly made her mother trip too."
Faintly, Imperatrix's cheeks colored. Of course the king would bring up something mortifying.
It seemed the older adults became the more they enjoyed humiliating the young.
As if it wasn't embarrassing enough to have her father bring up childhood memories, now she had the enemy king doing it as well!
"Forgive me, but I won't be able to present Noctis to you as custom dictates. He is engaged with other matters." Regis informed them with regret.
Lunafreya's deflated countenance tugged at his heart.
"That is unfortunate. I am sure the bride was eager to speak with her intended before the wedding." The princess accepted as was required.
It would be impertinent for her to inquire further, though she burned to know why the prince was not present for all the trouble the king went through with this urgent audience.
"Speaking of the wedding, there are some words of wisdom I would share with my future daughter-in-law. Would you mind waiting outside, Princess Imperatrix?"
Unable to defy an order of a king, the princess respectfully bowed her head and stepped down from the dais.
He had received her as expected of her rank, she could make no demands or behave in a manner that slighted King Regis.
Imperatrix would not give the Lucians cause to rally against her father's treaty.
Nyx opened the door for her and she spared him a polite nod in exit. The princess claimed a seat in the outside chamber, withdrawing her phone from the thigh holster to draft a message to her father.
An explanation would be needed for their delay.
Minutes after she sent the message he responded. Her father wasn't fazed by Regis's underhanded tactic and reiterated his desire for her to watch Lunafreya.
More guards walked by and muttered about the princess. She put away her phone before they could accuse of her of some crazy plot.
"One more day and I can return home." Imperatrix mumbled to herself, praying to The Six to get her through this treaty signing.
XV
"A most grand reception, King Regis!" Iedolas waved for his guards to linger with only his daughter continuing after him. "You honor all of Niflheim."
"The honor is ours, Emperor Iedolas. You have ventured far and grace us with your presence." He responded cordially once the royals were before him.
Fireworks went off in the background, illuminating the two monarchs and leaving Imperatrix in a state of awe.
Other courtiers pretended to converse, but were observing the exchange. The emperor preened as usual under attention while the king was indifferent to the stares.
This level of magnetism that the two rulers radiated was what the princess strived for.
"It was the least I could do." Iedolas took Imperatrix's hand and presented her to Regis, smiling at the man's slight head tilt to his daughter's curtsy. "You have met my heir, yes?"
"She has grown into a fine princess." Regis lightened his tone when speaking of her.
The emperor puffed up at the compliment, thumb tracing pleased circles on the princess's hand. "And what of your boy? Will you introduce us?"
"Noctis is too busy with wedding preparations to make an appearance."
Why was the king still refusing to present his son?
Even though her father had been disappointed that his first-born was not a son, after she grew older the emperor never missed an opportunity to show off his heir. Bragging became a known factor of his as Imperatrix embraced her duties as crown princess.
By eleven years old, the princess had been involved in politics and by fourteen she'd been thrust into war. From nobles to peasants, the people knew of her and adored the ever-involved princess.
The peace treaty was momentous for his country. How could the crown prince not attend?
"Tomorrow will be a historic day for both our nations." Iedolas dropped his daughter's hand to circle the balcony, admiring the city below. "Insomnia is truly a marvel. My own city pales in comparison!"
Imperatrix discretely huffed.
Their home had no equal.
"The princess disagrees with you." Amusement replaced the king's apprehensiveness in his tone.
"Forgive me, but one's home shall always outshine any other place. Your city is exquisite, but Gralea is magnificent." She asserted without contrition. Her stomach floundered at the flicker of immense satisfaction she caught in the emperor's gaze.
Iedolas affectionately stroked her cheek with the back of his knuckles once near. "I pray we are able to take away much from this visit."
There was hidden meaning somewhere in that statement, but Imperatrix didn't have long to ponder on it as her father dismissed her to enjoy the party while the rulers continued conversing.
The princess wandered the terrace, looking for either of the Fleuret siblings.
Ravus had been in a snit after finding out about Regis's impromptu audience. If he chose to attend the party, then he was likely to cause a scene with either his sister or the king.
"Princess, would you honor me with a dance?" Ardyn magically appeared in her path, palm outstretched and smiling deviously.
"I must find Lady Lunafreya." Imperatrix declined, citing her mission as the basis of her refusal and stepping past him.
"But I know where she is."
Imperatrix returned back to Ardyn's side, already knowing where this was going. "And you will only tell me if I dance with you?"
"Even better, I'll take you to her." His smile broadened when she wordlessly gave him her hand.
The chancellor led her to the dance floor where other couples were engaged in a slow waltz. Ardyn seamlessly spun her into his chest and began their dance.
If his hand dared stray from her back, Imperatrix would break the limb.
"May I say how stunning you look? Were we in the capital your father would spend the evening literally shooting down suitors." Ardyn hummed appreciatively.
"I would return the compliment if you had dressed differently." She contributed aloofly, fighting off a blush from the intensity of his gaze.
His attire for the evening was the usual flamboyant uniform, with the exception of the long feather guard on his arm that was tickling her back with every sway.
As the chancellor, Ardyn was given a substantial salary, acquiring formal robes was well within his means. Appearing as he did was plain lazy and disrespectful, but that was the red-head's way with most official matters.
"But I'm the chancellor, I'm not meant to stand out. Not like you anyway." Ardyn whined, rankled by Imperatrix's unimpressed glower.
"But you are allowed to carry a weapon on you?" She countered.
The hilt of a blade had jabbed her stomach when he pulled her up from the dip.
"Don't be jealous." He drummed his fingers on her back. "There are plenty of guards here to protect you."
"I am a soldier, I would rather protect myself."
Forcing her out the hotel this morning without a concealable weapon was unwise.
Withholding her sword Imperatrix could understand, but refusing her at least a knife was unsettling. She would have disobeyed the stipulation for attending the party if it hadn't come directly from her father.
What if the glaive had been a kidnapper? She wouldn't have come out of that encounter unscathed.
"Well you're a princess for today which means no maiming anyone." Ardyn tutted. "You and Ravus are such bloodthirsty hounds!"
"I am not bloodthirsty and I have only maimed people trying to kill me."
"People try to kill you on a daily basis then."
"Such is the burden of royal blood."
Assassinations were a common issue among nobles and royalty.
"Indeed it is." A dark look crossed Ardyn's face. The song ended and his face returned to a state of airy impishness. "Can I tempt you for another dance, Princess?"
"I think not." Imperatrix removed herself from his hold before he could twirl her into the next song. "The agreement was for one dance."
"Very well, my dear." Ardyn snatched up her hand and placed a courteous kiss upon it. "As promised, I shall lead you to Lady Lunafreya."
The chancellor looped her arm through his and led the way. Imperatrix caught sight of her father watching them from the upper floor.
He looked disturbed about something and his lips moved in a wordless message. She couldn't read lips well and would have to see him later about his troubles.
"I last saw her here, Imperatrix." Ardyn held open a balcony door.
She stepped out and saw no one, only the bright moon and glittering city. "Are you sure she was out here?"
After receiving no answer, the princess turned around. Her guide had vanished into thin air.
"Ardyn?" Imperatrix called again, thinking this was another one of his jokes.
She searched along the balcony for the red-head. There was no way he could vanish without uttering a sound.
"Lunafreya?!" The princess exclaimed after encountering the girl laid out on the ground.
An immediate flash of Ravus's distraught face entered Imperatrix's mind. He would tear down the whole city if anything happened to his sister and the princess wouldn't blame him for the reaction.
"She's merely unconscious."
Imperatrix took a protective stance in front of Lunafreya. Her eyes darted around to locate the speaker.
"It is I, Your Highness." A heavily-armored figure stepped into sight from behind a column.
"General Glauca." She relaxed. "Did you see who attacked Lady Lunafreya?"
"I did." His distorted voice and imposing figure frightened most, but the princess was used to it.
At the behest of her father the general had trained her. His conditioning had been beyond grueling, leaving a young Imperatrix covered from head to toe in bruises, but it had made her strong and for that Glauca had earned her respect and gratitude.
"Good. They will be severely punished for harming her."
"Why care? There is no love lost between you two." He crossed his arms and tilted his head down, a stance Imperatrix knew meant he desired an explanation. He tested her like this whenever she made a foolish mistake in training. "This is a matter for her advisors."
"I care because she is under the protection of the empire!" Imperatrix hissed, affronted by his callous opinion of her. To be accused of cruelty by strangers didn't bother her, but to be confronted with it by a comrade was hurtful."No matter the ills between us, I will safeguard her as I would any citizen of Niflheim. That is my sworn duty as crown princess!"
A deep rumbled resonated from Glauca.
Imperatrix cursed the mystery surrounding the general. Without a face to see and technology scrambling his voice, the princess couldn't determine if the laughter was mocking or intrigued. He wasn't shaking his head or stomping his foot so his reaction couldn't be negative.
She truly desired to unveil Glauca's mystery.
Was he even male? Assumption led to that given the aggressive mannerisms and speech patterns of the general.
Imperatrix believed Glauca would reveal himself to her at some point, but his armor stayed on. Her father might be the only person cognizant of the general's identity.
"Your devotion is exemplary. Niflheim would know no better empress than you, Imperatrix Tellus Aldercapt." Glauca unfolded his arms and slackened his posture.
"Thank you, General. You seldom speak so kindly. " Imperatrix kneeled next to Lunafreya, slipping her hands underneath the oracle to pick her up.
A nod or a bark for her to continue were the nicest forms of encouragement she received from the general. A man as harsh as him practiced a rigorous version of "tough love".
A thought occurred to the princess.
If General Glauca was present for the assailant's attack then why didn't he capture them?
"It almost disheartens me to do this." He said somberly.
Imperatrix wasn't quick enough to avoid the powerful strike to her head. Black spots took over her vision and she fell on top of Lunafreya.
"G-Glauca, why?" The princess struggled to stay conscious.
"For the empire."
His foot coming towards her was the last thing Imperatrix saw.
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Veni Vidi Vici