The Rise and Fall of Insomnia

Chapter 4: Life Without Friendship Is Like The Sky Without The Sun

It never occurred to the Princess how many days had gone by since her birthday. It truly felt like a lifetime ago. When in reality it had only been a good months and a few weeks since then. Just barely being thirty, she felt like nothing had even remotely changed whatsoever. 

The hallways were all the same. 

Her life hadn't even changed. At least not in day-to-day life. But the regular council meetings had been the only different. Noctis was normally exempt from them but she had nothing better to do with her days other than train and wander around aimlessly. 

With nothing to do today, she was left to wander. Her brother being busy with some of his royal studies that she had done a lifetime ago. Gladio with Prompto training in the sparring arena with the brunette giving the blonde some pointers during their friendly battle. 

She could have just stayed in her room to read one of her hundreds of books or even use her art skills to keep herself busy but something in her gut just told her to go to the Crownsguard's Headquarters. And so she did just that.

Walking through the obnoxiously long and wide hallways of the Citadel, she finally came to the Headquarters. Although, she stopped herself as she reached the door. Hearing voices in the Captain of the Crownsguard's office, aka Cor's office, she could only knit her eyebrows in confusion. 

'I don't recognize those voices...' 

She thought to herself. Unable to linger around and wait, she raised her fist to the door; easily using her knuckles to announce her presence. 

"Come in." 

Cor's firm voice reached through the door as she then twisted the doorknob and entered. Easily seeing an older gentleman; red haired and almost, if not, just as tall as Cor. Two young adults standing a bit away from the older male she did not recognize. Both she could only assume to be his children since the bared similar physical aspects. Mainly the red hair that appeared to be the exact same shade of red as the older male standing a bit away from Cor. Spotting her father and Clarus also within the room. 

"I didn't realize we had company today. I can come back another time if this is urgent?" 

Estella's voice came out apologetically as before she could get a response from Cor or even her own father, the younger male - almost as tall as Ignis - approached her. A flirtatious smile on his lips as he stood in front of her. 

"Hello. My name is Killian. I must say you're rather-" 

The young adult began until a smack was delivered onto the back of his head by the smaller female. Unable to hide her amused expression, Estella could only playfully crossed her arms in front of her chest as she watched the man wince in pain from the impact and rub the back of his head. 

"Womanizer?" 

She couldn't help but jokingly ask as the female seemed to sigh in disappointment. 

"Just an idiot who flirts without another thought. Please ignore him at your leisure." 

She said bluntly as Estella turned her head to look at her father, Cor and Clarus. Pointing her thumb at the younger female. 

"Can I keep her? She's feisty." 

She joked before she turned her attention to both of the younger adults and the older male. The chuckle coming from Cor had her smile in amusement. 

"Of course you would..."

The Marshal muttered under his breath before he cleared his throat and motioned to the Princess.