Hearth and Home | Nyx Ulric | FFXV

Chapter One

"Good morning, Father!" Aeliana leaned in and kissed King Regis lightly on the cheek before taking her place next to him at the dining table. "How are you?"

"As good as one can be. How are you, dear?" King Regis sat at the head of table as he usually did every morning, scanning a few Lucian documents in one hand and sipping a cup of coffee in the other.

"Catching my breath," Aelia smiled softly. However, her smile quickly faded when she noticed the vacant seat in front of her. "Noctis isn't joining us for breakfast again, I see?"

"No. Your brother is probably sleeping in again this morning since it was your turn in the training room."

Aelia nodded once. "Right."

"How's that going, by the way?"

"It's... going. I feel that in these past weeks, I am getting a little bit stronger. Nyx is a great teacher."

King Regis glanced over at his daughter's direction. "You've grown quite fond of him, haven't you?"

Aelia felt her cheeks slightly heat up. She took a long sip of her coffee and set the cup back down on the table, her eyes following the ripples in the dark liquid. "Of course. We've known each other since we were children, remember? I think of him as part of our family, especially now since I barely see my lazy little brother."

The King took a moment to study his daughter. He glanced back down at his reading material and nodded. "Yes, I remember. On another subject, I have a favor to ask of you."

Aeliana raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Oh?"

"We have some business outside Insomnia. I was hoping you could visit my old friend, Cid."

Aeliana tilted her to the side. "Is there a special reason? It's been awhile since..." You abandoned him. Cid Sophiar and her father had somewhat of a fallout long ago and Cid was not invited to her father's coronation. Aeliana has never met Cid, but she has heard of the tales her father has recounted of him. Tales of their pilgrimage to her father's place on the throne. After several years, Cid and King Regis reconciled and have been exchanging letters every so often.

"Let's keep the past at that. I need you to see Cid in my place. The Regalia needs serviced and he is a fine mechanic."

"That doesn't make sense," Aelia furrowed her eyebrows. "Why do you request that I travel with the Regalia all the way to the outerlands just to get your car serviced? We have plenty of mechanics here in Insomnia that would be more than willing."

"Business has been slow at the Hammerhead. I owe Cid a great deal. I trust him." King Regis took another sip of his coffee.

"Even so... it just seems..." Aelia sighed. "In any case, I highly doubt he expects me. I think he very much would like to see you."

"I understand that he does. Unfortunately, I have some business to attend to here. I would ask Noctis, but I think it would be really good for you to get out of the city and get some fresher air... under protection of course."

Aelia rolled her eyes. "Of course. Unfortunately, Nyx mentioned to me that Captain Drautos has him pretty much on Guard duty today for some reason. You know, I don't quite understand wh--"

Aelia stopped mid-sentence as the great doors of the dining hall opened to reveal Crowe Altius in full glaive uniform. Crowe leaned forward and gave a gentle bow. "You sent for me, your majesty?" Crowe asked, matter-of-factly. Aelia gave a perplexed look. "I apologize," Crowe started, noticing Aelia's puzzled stare. "... Did I come at a bad time?"