The Rise and Fall of Insomnia

Chapter 7: A Treaty Gone Awry

At the Eve of the signing ceremony, fireworks could be seen far and wide all over Insomnia's sky. An array of colors adorning the dark night sky as far as the eye could see. Various voices could be heard around the King as a celebration party took place on the rooftop of the Citadel. An enormous decorative aquarium at the highest level of the rooftop is where Nyx is posted on guard duty. His gaze flickering around once in a while but otherwise, remaining a statue. Taking pride in his job as he remained on guard.

Estella, standing next to her father by the stairs leading to the rooftop, sees Emperor Aldercapt approaching them. Stepping up the stairs with ease despite his age. 

"A most grand reception, King Regis. You honor all of Niflhiem." 

Emperor Aldercapt says. His eyes sparring a quick glance to the Lucian princess before they returned to King Regis' face. 

"Oh, the honor is ours, Emperor Aldercapt. You ventured far to grace us with your presence." 

Despite remaining vigilant, it was clear that Regis looked exhausted. His posture, though remained tall, his expression remained as neutral as it could. Years of turmoil and trials the male faced, beginning to finally take its hold on the male after so many years. The grey hair of both his beard and the hair on top of his head only amplified that, although he was younger than others present tonight, his body reflected his wisdom. Wise beyond his years and that maturity had grasped him at such a young age. Only fifty yet, appeared older than he actually was. Weary from what these years of war have done to him and his loved ones. The burdens of a king catching up to him faster than he could move. But his tone when he spoke to the Imperial ruler, he seemed a tad irate with the male. Reasonable, no doubt. 

"It was the very least I could do. Tomorrow will be an historic day for both of our nations. Lucis and Niflhiem untied after so many years of loss and pain. And your Insomnia's truly a marvel. My own cities pale in comparison. Your daughter, however, must be the brain and beauty behind such a marvelous city I'm sure. I pray we are able to take away much...from this visit." 

A small bow of his head directed at Regis' eldest. The female unsure of how to respond, forced herself to offer a quaint, urged smile and a bow of her head in return. Far less noticeable to others unless one was looking at her. Signaling that she received his praise he sent her way. Even if it was only to save face in the grace of the royal family members. Albeit she didn't want to with the likes of him. There was no telling what tomorrow would hold, let alone have in store for them. Just how much were they truly signing away with this treaty they were willing to sign? More forced than willing but what choices did they have left for their people? 

Green feminine eyes casted to the side. Landing on Niflhiem's Chancellor, Ardyn Izunia, standing off to the side. Raising his glass of champagne towards them as if it was to make a toast to them. Thankfully, he hadn't much to Estella's surprise and relief. His voice wasn't necessarily bother her, it was more of the lingering condescending tone when he spoke to others. Demeaning and belittling to her, at least. 

Choosing, most likely for her own sanity, to tune out the conversation that her father and the Emperor were having, her eyes landed on both Nyx and Lunafreya conversing.

Where Nyx stood, he took note of the figure approaching from the corner of his eye. Not expecting Lady Lunafreya to be the one to approach him, if anyone were to approach him, at all tonight. 

"Hello. I'm afraid we were never properly introduced yesterday." 

Lunafreya referred to him suddenly appearing yesterday to guide her safely to the Citadel. Hijacking the vehicle and driving her, more so given his orders. But still, a brief interaction before bringing her to the King and Princes yesterday. Her attempt at a conversation with him didn't go unnoticed, but unfortunately for the Tenebraen Princess, his job didn't allow him to have such pleasant distractions. Even a conversation would be enough for him to miss something if he was bad at his job. Luckily, he wasn't. Hero being his given title within the Kingsglaive.