The Snake and the Widow (FFXV x OC)

Prologue

Insomnia has fallen.

The weight the realization carried within the four friends lies heavy in the air as they make their way back to Hammerhead. The imperials had taken the opportunity to seize the Kingdom of Lucis during the discussion of a peace treaty held between the two parties, the sole reason for Noctis' marriage to Lady Lunafreya.

His father perished in the battle, and every radio station tells that the prince and Lunafreya are presumed dead along with him.

"What do we do now, Ignis?" Prompto asks. The blonde is an old friend of Prince Noctis, having grown up with him since their time in school.

"I reckon we make haste to Hammerhead, ask Cid if he knows anything or any way to move forward. I regret that it's our only option," Ignis replies as he pushes up his glasses a little. The other blonde in the party, and the king's royal advisor.

"I'm sure Prompto wouldn't mind seeing Cindy again," Gladiolus jokes from the backseat. A giant hulk of a man who acts as the king's sworn shield. His hair is combed back into a mohawk of sorts, and tattoos symbolize his devotion as the black ink rests along his back and arms.

Though Prompto and Gladiolus joke with each other to try and ease the tension in the air, Noctis tunes them out and keeps his eyes on the fleeting scenery.

"I wonder if any others made it out alive," he finally says after the chatter had died down.

"Not everyone, but some of us did."

A sudden voice from behind Noctis startles the party, as a woman rests against the moving car's trunk. Noctis and Prompto scream in fright, Gladiolus brandishing his weapon as the Regalia swerves from Ignis' startled driving. The woman laughs as they pull over, the boys hopping out of the car with wary expressions.

However, recognition flashes in Ignis' eyes as the woman slides down off of the trunk. "Veronica?"

The woman pulls down her hood, revealing a pale face and gorgeous brown eyes. Her dark hair stops at her shoulders, her legs adorned with black skin-tight jeans and knee-high combat boots. Her attire includes a black sleeveless tube top and matching hoodie, with fingerless gloves covering her hands. "It's good to see you again, Iggy," she says with a smile.

"Wait, Veronica?" Gladiolus says, putting his weapon away. "I almost didn't recognize you!"

"Veronica?" Prompto asks, and Noctis gives him a confused glance. "Who's that?"

Ignis smiles before walking over to the woman, looking back at his uninformed companions. "Veronica 'Faeye' Bellevere, the king's right-hand woman for all things secretive. She works in the background gathering intel for the king, and of course doing any dirty work that needs taking care of. The most trusted ally to the king, besides myself of course."

"Even someone like me can hardly steal a glance of her," Gladiolus adds. "I've only seen her once, maybe twice?"

Veronica waltzes over to Noctis, holding out a hand for him to shake. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Prince Noctis," she says. "I only wish it were under better circumstances."

The future king lets out a sigh before taking her hand.

"Me too."