A Man Of No Consequence (Ardyn x Reader)

Blind Spot

The night brings you little relief as you struggle to catch sleep. The bed is too hot, your ears are buzzing, and every time you seem to be drifting off, your mind won't let go and you wake up alarmed, clenching your fists, gasping for air. The dreams that come in between are dark and frightening. You find yourself in the middle of the cheering crowd again, running towards the parade, but when you look up, all you see is darkness. You fall into it, trying to swim for safety. A strange voice you don't recognise is whispering in your ear, mocking you. You won't make it. You're too weak. You're not the one.

A loud bang on the door pulls you out of your dream. It's morning, although you feel like you've barely had a glimpse of rest.

"Miss! Wakey wakey, miss!" the voice banging on the door calls.

You drag yourself out of bed, and look out of the peephole on the wooden frame.

"Who are you?" you ask through the door.

"It's Mr. Callux, miss, but you can call me Wedge! The Chancellor sent to let you know we're heading out in 'alf an hour. 'Please get ready, and wear some comfortable clothing' he says. Oh, and 'take your camera,' that's right. We're leaving 'soon as you're ready, miss."

"Heading out where?"

"He says to come down and talk to him first, miss. I'm just here to wake you."

"Thank you, Wedge. I'll get ready now."

The man behind the door leaves and you rest your head against the doorframe for a brief moment. Forcing yourself on autopilot, you go through the motions of the morning routine: wash your face, brush your teeth, get dressed and ready. Why can't he ever just tell me what he's up to?

Descending the stairs into the hotel lobby, you see Ardyn talking to a tall handsome looking woman, accompanied by a man who you recognise as Wedge, and another man in a Niflhiem uniform. Seeing you, the Chancellor drags his gaze up and down your body, nearly making you trip over on the last step of the stairs.

"Good morning, dear."

You haven't even had a chance to figure out what last night was about, and seeing his face makes you feel like a naughty school girl, being caught by a teacher, doing something bad. Last night, those lips were all over me. Last night, that tongue... You snap out of it.

"Good morning... everybody," you respond, giving a little nod to the woman standing next to Ardyn, wearing a strange looking leather uniform with metallic shoulder guards. Ardyn introduces you to the woman, who is supposed to escort you today on your "scouting mission." Aranea Highwind, Captain of the Niflheim Third Army Corps 86th Airborne Unit, you repeat in your mind as he says her name in the theatrical style he so enjoys.

"Nice to meet you, madam."

"Don't call me madam," she responds. "So, this little chick, eh? All right then, you better look sharp and better keep up."

"Where are we go--?" you start, only to be interrupted by Ardyn.

"And please do look after her. She is very special to me," he emphasises. They're talking about you as if you're not even there.

"Alright, leave it to me," she responds confidently, turning to you and smiling. "Come with me then, doll. This way." With that, she turns around and walks out into the plaza, faithfully followed by Wedge and the other man. You turn to Ardyn, your whole body asking a confused question.

"I shall see you tonight," he responds before you have a chance to put it into words. "Better hurry up now, good girl."

"Right..."