Cordia (Final Fantasy XV fanfiction)

Chapter VI

"Good morning, your highness."

The sharp grate of the curtains seemed to rouse the sleeping prince. There was a small groan as he rolled up, as there was every morning, and he rubbed at his eyes as he returned to the waking world.

"Breakfast is served," Cordia called to him, and he looked up, blinking away his stupor as she approached. She set a tray down on his knee and took a few steps back, clasping her hands behind her back. "You'll be having lunch with his majesty and Lady Lunafreya this afternoon, and the festivities begin this evening. The royal Christmas greetings will be filmed this morning after breakfast, and I've already picked out a suit for you."

Noctis eyed her up and down. "Are you feeling alright, Cordia?"

She didn't look at him, nor did she answer.

"Cordia? Answer me."

"I'm feeling quite well, your highness. I trust your health is well?"

He blinked a few times, before signing as he rubbed at his eyes. "If you're acting stubborn because of what I said yesterday, then please stop. It's weird."

She didn't respond. When he pulled his hands away from his eyes, he saw her staring alertly at the far wall, hands clasped at her skirts with her back straight.

"Cordia, please." he sighed, "This isn't like you at all."

Again, he got no response.

"You'd usually argue at this point."

Still, nothing.

"I don't like this." he muttered to himself, "If you're scared I'm going to make you face repercussions for calling me an asshole yesterday, I'm not going to. You're right."

It was eerily silent from her end.

"Cordia, please, what are you doing?" Noctis shifted slightly so he'd at least be in her peripheral vision. "Explain yourself."

"You asked me to behave." she said simply, and the sound of her voice heaved a small sigh of relief from him. "You told me servants don't talk back, don't argue back, and don't speak to their superiors in any form of rude tone. So, I'm acting like I should."

"I..." he scratched the back of his head. "I was angry, Cordia, I didn't really mean for you to-"

"I think it's best for both of us if I try and be more professional." she cut in. "My pathetic attitude isn't helping either of us."

Well, at least she interrupted him. That was more like her.

"Cordia, I'll ask you nicely and calmly," he began, "Please stop this."

"As I said, your highness, it's best for us both."

His gaze followed the sudden shake in her shoulders, and found the source at her hands. She was clasping them together so hard they were turning white.

She jumped, almost, when his hands caught hold of hers. Her concentrated calmness shattered as she looked down at him and watched him pry her hands apart, but gently.

"Please," he met her eyes once again, and gave her hands a gentle squeeze. "I know we argued yesterday, but that hasn't ever affected you so much before. Please, Cordia, I don't like what you're doing."

He was taken a little aback when she tugged her hands out of his grip and took a few steps back. "I've already told you, your highness," she mumbled, "It's better for both of us if I remain professional."

"No, it's certainly better for me if you act normal." Noctis retaliated. "This isn't normal, Cordia. What's gotten into you?"

"Your highness-"