Hearth and Home | Nyx Ulric | FFXV

Chapter 11

Several hours have passed since Noctis departed on his journey to Altissia to marry his childhood friend and love, Lunafreya Nox Fleuret. Aeliana wanted so much to be excited for her little brother. He was finally going to see the person that he was meant to be with. The person that he was meant to be happy with. However, she still couldn't shake off the feeling that something bad was going to happen that could destroy her family and her home. Why can't things just be easy?

Aelia sat further back in the deep elongated bathtub as she allowed the warmth of the clear water ripple against the softness of her skin. She closed her eyes and let out a deep breath, sinking further into the steam. She was trying her best to clear her mind. It's been years since she has taken a long bath like this. She slowly opened her eyes and dazed towards the flickering tealight candles surrounding the white porcelain bathtub. Aelia thought that this would help calm herself down and relax, even if it was just a temporary solution. However, even with the scent of citrus and lavender emitting from the soy wax of the tealight candles filling the room, this temporary solution only lasted for a short while. She continued to contemplate.Thoughts of betrayal and a darkened future clouded her mind whenever she was awake, while nightmares filled her subconscious whenever she would allow herself to drift off and fall asleep.

I just want to be happy. Why does it seem like every good thing that happens to this family has to come with a sacrifice?

The sound of a bead of vibration coming from the nearby countertop snapped her back to reality. Aelia wiped her hands on the gray, soft hand towel hanging over the tub. She then reached over to the counter to retrieve her cell phone. She gently pressed the power button, turning on the display. A smile immediately crept on her lips as soon as she saw the text notification "Hero <3 sent you a message" displayed on her lock screen. Nyx.

The sheepish princess unlocked her phone as butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She felt like a teenage girl, wondering what her schoolgirl crush sent her at 6:24 in the evening. She tapped the text message icon on her display and opened Hero <3's text bubble.

"Hey princess :)"

Aelia rolled her eyes. THAT'S IT? Her smile remained on her lips as she started typing.

"Sir Ulric, how are you?" Lame. You're being lame, Aelia. The butterflies returned as she instantly saw a thought bubble with three animated dots inside. Another text message from Hero <3 popped up soon after.

"Good. Having dinner with Lib and Crowe. Thinking of you." The warmth of the bath seemed to feel even hotter. Aelia blushed.

"It's rude to be on your phone with company..." Aelia thought for a second and shook her head. DELETE. She began typing again. "I miss you."

Another thought bubble instantly displayed, followed by another text.

"I miss you too. Let's meet tomorrow. Our place?"

Aelia grinned. "Can't wait :)"

A brief moment passed by before another thought bubble displayed in their chat.

"Me neither. Let's meet tonight."

Aelia's heart skipped a beat. She always admired his straight-forward attitude. After taking a second to allow her heartbeat to settle back to normal, she began typing a response. Two can play. "Sounds good. Our place. 7:30?"

"Perfect."

Aeliana grinned as her cheeks remained amber. She looked up at the flickering candles, trying to regain her composure. She felt another vibration from her phone as she glanced back down toward her device. She clicked it on.