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Chapter 23: Staying Behind

"Hey it's the Marshal," Prompto was always the first to point out the obvious. Normally you'd stifle a giggle at the precious blonde. Whereas after locking eyes with Cor and seeing his eyes soften with worry flashing across them, you knew things were finally going to unravel.

"Good job in collecting the mythril," Cor was always one for strictly business, "I take it you're now ready for what awaits you?" Though his question was to the guys, his eyes remained on you.

"Yes. Everything seems to be in order," Ignis reported.

Cor nodded in confirmation tearing his eyes away from you and looking at Noctis now. You saw Noctis had a stern look on his face like he was trying to figure something out. Please don't tell me he's trying to read between the lines just from the Immortal's gaze? You were really worried Noctis would get an idea of your plans from here on out.

Your mind was scattered as Cor spoke, finally tuning in again when he apologized to Noctis in not being able to be there for his father. Noctis assured him that he is aware now that nothing could have prevented his Father's death. As Cid explained, Regis knew he had been given a bad hand. However, he fought with vigor in order to protect his son and for the future of his kingdom.

You caught eyes with Noctis, your shared kisses still lingering in your mind and causing you to blush and divert your attention back to Cor. You both hadn't spoken since the morning. You were too embarrassed and ashamed for indulging yourself in him. He is engaged damn it! Why did you have to make this harder on yourself by giving in?! A part of you felt like there was still plenty of his love for Luna than he let on. Yet the searing kiss he initiated, followed by the several more that followed made your body burn with desire. A loud screech could be heard from outside making everyone turn around towards the dock. A large Griffin appeared from out of nowhere, glowing a bright white light before transforming into a male you recognized only too well. Before any of the others could utter a word, the male engulfed you in his arms and sighed in relief.

"Thank the Six..." You waited until his breathing slowed down to normal, figuring he was flying at full speed.

"A wyvern would have been a lot faster than a Griffin, Fior," You sighed, patting his chest to loosen his embrace.

"You know I hate those things Hime-chan," Fior scoffed, pretending to be upset at your comment, "Wow... Matias was right,"

"Right about what?" You didn't like where this was going.

"My beloved Hime-chan has got herself a man," You wanted to wipe the teasing grin right off Fior's face.

"As much as I am glad to see you too Fior. What are you doing here?" You asked, changing the topic. You heard Prompto and Iris chuckling, and was not keen on the ever mischievous Fior joining their little club.

"He is here at my request," Cor answered, causing you and everyone else to look at him.

"Pardon?" You asked confusedly.

"You won't be going to Altissia just yet," Cor informed.

"Huh? What? Why?" Prompto was more bewildered than you. You locked eyes with Cor, the foreboding feeling there was many to be said before you proceeded.

"(Your Name)-hime has a lot she needs to be aware of should she decide to continue alongside you," Cor replied, "It'd be best she join her family for a couple of days,"

"Very well," You replied straight afterward, the protests of the guys falling on deaf ears. However, Noctis' voice would always ring clearer than anyone's.

"Why?" He asked sternly, sounding a little hurt.

"Like you have your own Royal duties, (Your Name)-hime has her own to fulfill for the good of her people," Cor replied simply, "She'll be in good hands if she remains with Fior,"