A Man Of No Consequence (Ardyn x Reader)

Into the lion's mouth

The fireworks have started. You clutch your camera, as you feel a wave of butterflies fly up your stomach, hearing the first whistles rambunctiously shooting up into the sky, followed by a loud rattling; a sudden reminder that you're here for a reason beyond just taking photographs. The smell of sulfur quickly follows.

God, those things are dangerously near, you realize. Not unlike the man wearing the long coat and a fedora, leaning on the balcony with his back turned to you, only a few meters away.

Unwittingly, you pause to study him. Ardyn Izunia, the Niflheim Chancellor. A man who seems to be commanding much of the Empire's political movement, yet all together a man of mystery. He's taller than you imagined from the pictures, a vain looking man who is particular about his appearance. His eyes are fixed in the direction of the King and the Emperor, who seem engaged in conversation.

Who knows, maybe this peace treaty will really work out for the best...

He raises his glass at someone, taking a slow sip. You look across the balcony at Nyx and Lady Lunafreya. Suddenly you feel really small. You grab a flute of champagne from a passing waiter, and down it all in one go.

Even though you've never been one to be shy, you're not used to being around royalty. Being one of the lower ranking Kingsglaives, you've never even seen the King this close. The only reason Nyx managed to sneak you in was your skills with the camera. Posing as the royal photographer, you've been taking meaningless snaps of the guests through the early evening, having people pose and raise their glasses at you.

Everything around you looks and feels expensive, from the champagne you just necked down, to the huge aquarium in the middle of the balcony that houses every type of carp known to man. Even the dress you borrowed feels way too fancy on your skin. These people are used to luxury; caviar and gold. You desperately need to seem more natural, or it could all go terribly wrong. You feel the champagne flush through your body and warm your cheeks. Quick glance at Nyx, who's got his eyes on you. Silently, you open your mouth to mime at him;

How do I look?

He smiles and gives you a quick nod.

That's good enough.

You turn towards Ardyn Izunia, who's still got his back turned to you. One deep breath.

Come on, you can do this. Here we go then, into the lion's mouth.

Wearing your most innocent smile, you approach the Chancellor.

"Pardon me, sir?"

He turns around slowly, laying his eyes on you. He looks surprised.

"Would you mind if I take a picture?" He seems amused.

"By all means my dear. What is it for?"

"It's only for the royal collection. Might see it in the paper if it turns out good," you try your best to be bubbly and charming.

"But of course. How do you want it? Shall I just stand here?"

"That's absolutely fine, be natural," you smile.

Aiming the camera you focus on him, snapping a few shots. He looks straight the camera, and right through the lens, at you, as he leans on the banister with a smirk. "Nearly done." A few more snaps. You stop.

"Was that alright?"

"Wonderful!" you remark lowering the camera. "Would you like to see?"

"Why not."

You approach the Chancellor and stand right next to him, taking your time browsing through a few photos.

"Very handsome," you say with a cheeky smile. You mean it. The camera seems to be fond of him, like it or not. He's got a strange charisma, a peculiar mix of macho and a total dandy. He's got a taste for frills and flair, seems very grandiose in his manners, yet there's something understated and rough about him.