Stars in the Night Sky [NOCTIS X READER]

CHAPTER 12 - THE PRICE OF THE COVENANT

The tension in the room was thick.

You stood somewhat behind Noctis as he stood at his full height in front of Camelia's smart mahogany desk. He was  negotiating not only Lunafreya's release (to either you or the Empire) but also the terms of the rite of Leviathan and their plan to ensure the citizenry would not come to harm. Camelia kept throwing curveball after curveball at Noctis, but he held his own, keeping his chin up and voice calm. He looked - felt - downright powerful. A stature befitting that of a Lucian king.

"Though circumstances are different, both the king and the Oracle are finally in Altissia," Camelia was saying.

"You said that you have Luna in your care," Noctis replied, clearly bouncing words around in his head. "Doesn't that pose a risk to your nation?"

"Is the king concerned for our relations with the Empire?" Camelia asked, eyebrow arching up her forehead, but it was no secret that she was impressed. "But it's true. The Oracle is a risk - one that we are prepared to shed with. Whether we do so depends on you."

"About that," Noctis gave you a side glance - finally you were getting to the subject as to why you were this close at all, and not pacing around by the door with the others. "Luna asked her to meet with her here in Altissia."

Camelia's eyes darted to you. "Did she now?"

You nodded, careful to keep your expression as impassive as possible. Glaive training was still coming in handy. "Yes, ma'am."

"And why, may I ask?"

You glanced at Noctis, who inclined with his head, clearly giving you the floor to speak. You shifted your weight more squarely between you and straightened your shoulders. "I'm a member of the Lucian Kingsglaive. We fought in the war to protect the kingdom from the Empire. After defending her on our way out of the Crown City on the day of the signing ceremony, Lady Lunafreya asked me to meet with her here. She never elaborated why."

Camelia hummed in thought. "I see. Well, a quick check will verify whether or not you're lying," she said, nodding to one of the guards standing dutifully by the door. He saluted and left the room, shutting the door with a quiet click behind him.

As his footsteps faded down the corridor outside, Camelia returned her attention to Noctis and kept grilling him for answers about what happened with Titan and Lunafreya's plans with Leviathan. Noctis kept his cool the whole time, giving her the truth and agreeing to do whatever it took to keep the Altissian populace safe from the wrath of not only the Tidemother, but the Empire as well.

"Alright," Noctis acquiesced, giving into the terms. "I'll do as you ask. We'll help evacuate the citizenry."

"I'm pleased to hear it," Camelia rose from her desk - despite being such a tiny woman, she truly radiated a force all her own. "As long as the people's safety is assured, I have no qualms with your rite. And that is not all," Camelia turned to face Noctis, reaching out to put her palm down on her desk, tapping her finger rhythmically against the wood. "Once the rite has begun, I will not be accountable for what follows. You are on your own."

Noctis deliberated on that information for a moment. You couldn't help but watch him, wondering how he was taking it. It was no secret that you all were more than capable of fending off the Empire yourselves, but it would have been nice if Camelia extended a helping hand militaristically. Especially if Ardyn ended up showing his face again.

"Not a problem," Noctis said at last. "We know how to take care of ourselves."

"Thank you," Camelia nodded, eyes darting to the door as the same guard from earlier came back in. "I'm sorry we can't do more, but as I'm sure you're aware, few armies can stand up to the might of the Imperial fleet." The guard rounded the desk to speak to Camelia, lowering himself down to murmur in her ear. She hummed in interest, eyes darting to you and then back to the guard. "I see," she said at last. "It appears Lady Lunafreya can indeed corroborate your story."