81May 9th, M.E. 756 – Throne Room, Citadel, Insomnia, Cavaugh, Kingdom of Lucis [Afternoon]
Today was the day.
Stella closed her deep green eyes and took a deep breath as she listened to Titus Drautos's report. Her hands clenched on the armrest of the chair she occupied, beside her father's advisors. Her stomach and heart clenched in anticipation. All those years of planning and preparing. This was it. The start of the end.
Or a new beginning.
She thought determinedly. She would try, oh would she try. To save her people, her father, her brother. For her home and her people, for her family. She will succeed.
"Your majesty, word from the west gate. A man claiming to be an envoy of the empire requests and audience."
He's here.
Stella schooled her features, showing nothing but apathy and wariness at the situation. Readying herself for the man behind everything. The man that might be the cause of her brother's sacrifice.
"Father." She called out, wanting to stand by her father for this. She knew the man would not do anything right now, but she worried anyway.
Regis glanced at her, seeing the caution in her eyes and rigidness of her form. He nodded in acquiesce to her unspoken request and Stella moved to stand beside him. As they waited for the 'envoy' to reach the throne room, she laid a hand on her father's shoulder. She could feel his confusion and wariness and squeezed in comfort. Regis raised his own hand, laying it over hers in a gesture for comfort before returning to its original position.
"The envoy from Niflheim awaits without, your majesty."
Ardyn Izunia's voice came through the closed doors and Stella wanted nothing more than to throw an over powered Firaga at it, in hopes it would burn the son of a bitch. Regis raised his hand, signalling to the guards to open the doors.
Stella observed as Ardyn approached the throne, extravagant in his dramatics and speech. She looked just as Alice had remembered him but Stella could see the wickedness in his eyes. Nothing but sick amusement was present in his eyes as he continued to speak superciliously at them.
"And it is much an honor to lay my eyes on the beautiful Princess Stella."
Stella met Ardyn's intrigued eyes with a concealed shudder of fear. For a split panicked second, she wondered if the former healer could sense that she was different. She forced the thought away. Whether or not Ardyn realized her uniqueness did not matter. She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes into a glare in response to his sudden address. The unholy glee of wickedness she saw caused her heart to beat faster in the fear of this powerful immortal. As strong as she has become, she knew she was no match for him.
"I come to you on this most auspicious of days to offer terms of peace." The chancellor continued after introducing himself.
"Peace?" She could hear her father's suspicion in his voice and she clenched her hands into fists.
Peace? More like an opportunity to stage an invasion.
Stella kept her thoughts to herself, blanking her face as Ardyn continued to talk about the terms. Her mind went through all her carefully laid plans. She needed to contact the hunters to be ready to save Crowe and once it was confirmed that her father would accept the treaty. She needed to make more calls to Outpost tipsters and companies to ready the shelters and contracted hunters. She also had to catch Cor as soon as it was confirmed that the Crownsguards would be posted in the city instead of the Citadel. She had to move quickly and discreetly, could only trust those she would give her life for. Her father, Cor, Crowe, Clarus, Nyx and Libertus. No other could know of her planning. It was too risky to involve the glaives no matter how much it pained her to think that her friends could betray her.
May 9th, M.E. 756 – Meeting Room, Citadel, Insomnia, Cavaugh, Kingdom of Lucis [Evening]
"You have been quiet, Stella." Regis called his daughter as the meeting room fell into an uneasy silence in their discussion of the treaty.
Stella looked up from where she was staring at the table. Her mind was still whirring with plans, and she was triple checking everything. She was worried if what she had prepared would be enough. She was not naïve enough to think that she could save everyone, but she wanted to save as many as she could. She could do nothing for the council and could only hope the extra preparation and her trust in the Kingsglaive would be enough to at least save a few of them. They may always have differing opinions but she didn't want the people who have helped her father die.
"Just thinking, father." She replied softly.
"Perhaps you would like to share your thoughts?" Her father coaxed.
Stella wondered if she should. Her father and his council knew of her more radical thought processes. She would always present a rather pessimistic side to their discussions, despite her ever optimistic view on most topics. But when it came to war, Clarus called her a pessimistic realist with too much heart for her people. She liked to think she saw clearly and logically but everyone had their own definitions of it.
"…I do not trust Niflheim to fulfil their end of the treaty… It is… too easy for them to pose this treaty as a way to infiltrate our home."
"Even if that was their purpose, their ships cannot get past the Wall…" One of the advisors chided.
Stella shook her head. "The Wall is not impenetrable. As much faith I have in my father, things that can go wrong will go wrong if we allow it." She glanced at her father worriedly.
"But this truce could end all the fighting." Another advisor asserted passionately. "If we could only compromise…"
"Compromise is unwise." Clarus Amicitia interrupted. "The Princess is correct; we cannot assume that Niflheim would honor the treaty… Or if they even had any intentions to sign it."
"Stella conveys a valid concern. Niflheim is nothing if not treacherous is their dealings." Regis spoke, commanding the attention of his council. "But if the chancellor spoke one truth, if only one. We are old, and the old wall…" Regis clasped a shaking hand in the other and Stella wanted nothing more than to reach out and engulf her father in a desperate embrace.
"I cannot command the old wall with a weakened hand, nor do I have the strength to muster an offensive to turn the tide on this war." He concluded, his voice weary and his eyes filled with anger and regret.
Stella closed her eyes as the meeting came to a close, praying to the Gods that her preparations were not for naught.
"Stella."
Her father's voice startled her. She noticed that the meeting room was empty save for Regis and Clarus. Stella turned her attention towards her father in question. He looked at her with soft eyes, looking so proud and loving and Stella had to scramble to grab ahold of her own emotions. She couldn't afford to break down in sobs at the thought of losing her father. Not right now, not when she had so much to do for her people.
"You have plans in place."
He said it as a statement, not a question. Stella bit her lip. Her father knew her too well. Even if she had never truly told him of her reincarnation, he could still read her inside and out. She never could keep much a secret from him. She nodded in confirmation.
"Over the past few years… I've had several tunnels leading out of Insomia towards Leide, Duscae and Cleigne as well as hidden shelters built by people I trust. I have plans for the citizen's evacuation but I will need the help of our most trusted Crownsguards for it."
"You predicted this outcome?" Clarus asked, his eyes blown wide with surprise.
Stella hesitated but nodded. "Aldercept wants the Crystal and the Ring of the Lucii… If he could not get through the Wall through force, then I suspected that he would chose to infiltrate and…" She paused and swallowed, still not willing to accept this possible outcome. "And steal the Crystal as well as kill dad and take the Ring."
"That's…" Clarus trailed off, looking pale and sick.
"An astute prediction." Regis agreed. "One that would have succeeded… considering my own waning strength and should General Glauca appear…"
At this, Regis slumped in his seat, Clarus cursed softly and Stella could feel her tears gather and looked down to hide them. She wanted to believe that she could save her father. She wanted to believe that there would be a chance to challenge his fate. She didn't want to believe that her father would die at the hands of a Niflheim general. She wanted to believe that she was strong enough to save him. She wanted to believe that all she had done would be worth something for her family.
She heard her father's chair scrape back and his footsteps approach her. She felt his hand on her shoulder and the other lighting cupping her chin and making her look up at him. Regis gave a soft smile as he leaned down to kiss his daughter's forehead.
"I am proud of you Stella. You would have made a wonderful Queen for Lucis. So kind, caring and protective of our people."
But what Queen would I be if I may not be able to save my own father, my brother?
Stella choked on a sob and made a desperate grab for Regis. The King wrapped his arms around his daughter, holding her close as she cried, mourning for the future. He knew he would not live past the treaty and despaired that he could not watch the peace his son would bring, the unity his daughter would create. But he was proud, so proud of his children. He could only pray and hope that the Gods would watch over their journeys.
May 9th, M.E. 756 – Golden Alley, Insomnia, Cavaugh, Kingdom of Lucis [Night]
Stella walked quickly through Golden Alley. She was heading towards the usual stall the Kingsglaive frequent on their time off. She needed to just hang out and chill with her closest friends. She didn't even want to think about the possible traitors. Oh, she knew she had to be careful with what she said with the Glaives, but she still didn't like the idea that some of them could turn traitor.
She had finished giving her plans to her father and Clarus and they had promised to ensure Cor knew to only give orders to those he could trust. She didn't really want to tell her father and Clarus about the possibility of traitors, but her father knew her best. She was only thankful that the past few skirmishes could be used to shed some suspicion on traitors. All she needed to do now was ensure the Hunters outside the Crown City were ready to roll out at the mention of the treaty and for the Kingsglaive to be ready for anything.
"–last legs. It's the perfect time to make demands!"
Stella stopped right as she was about to step into their view. She closed her eyes, hoping that even with Luche Lazarus's pessimistic views and general suspicions that he wasn't a traitor. She may not like him much, but she believed he only wanted to reclaim his home like the others in the glaive. Resolving herself, she stepped into view and drew Nyx and Luche's attentions, since they were the ones facing her.
"Princess!"
Twitching at Luche's surprised yell of her title, she tossed a glare his way as she tossed the hood off her head. It was troublesome to wear her cloak, but she didn't want anyone to interrupt on her free time with her friends.
"It's Stella out of the Citadel, Luche. You know that." She approached the restaurant owner to make her order. She was slightly disappointed he didn't have any behemoth meat available tonight but ordered a crustacean omelette. Turning back to the group with a disgruntled expression. "I better not hear gossip tomorrow about what I'm about to tell you. The announcement won't be made until next week. Keep it to yourselves, alright?"
A murmur of agreement and Stella nodded in acceptance, taking the seat next to Nyx. "How's the leg, Libertus?"
"It'll be healed up in a few weeks. Won't be able to guard you for your next social though." The Galadhian commented with a grin.
The princess huffed but turned her attention to Nyx's inquiring gaze. "The envoy was Niflheim's Chancellor, demanding we surrender Leide, Duscae and Cleigne to Niflheim in exchange for peace with Lucis."
Loud protests came from everyone and I slammed my hand on the table, silencing them. Luche looked smug and Nyx, Crowe, Libertus and Pelna Khara had indignant expressions. Abandoning all sense of decorum, Stella slumped against the table, hitting her forehead against it.
"Lucis will be accepting the treaty but neither me nor my father believe for minute Niflheim plans on going through with the ceremony." Stella grumbled, still not happy there wasn't any way out of denying Niflheim entry into Insomnia.
"But if you and the King don't believe it why accept?!" Libertus hissed, slamming his fist on the table and making the food jump.
"Because we were being beat back badly. It was either this or lose all the Kingsglaive to the war. My father is not strong enough anymore to create an attack to turn this tide and Noctis is not ready for the Ring." Stella lifted her head, looking at her friends with a defeated expression. "You could argue for us to mobilize the Crownsguard as well but behind the walls, there is no reason to. We can still accept those who do not wish to be under Niflheim rule and expand within Cavaugh to accommodate them."
"So all that fighting was for nothing?" Luche sneered and Stella snapped.
"Do not," Stella hissed, eyes flashing purple as she glared at Luche who flinched at the show of power. "Even think that all that we did, all that fell in the war was for nothing. This is just another step for peace. Not just for Lucis, but for Eos. There is a reason for everything that has happened, Luche. Do not demean the sacrifices of our fallen friends as nothing."
Silence fell, only the sound of cooking and the ambience of Golden Alley could be heard. Luche looked chastised and the others looked on solemnly. Stella wanted nothing more for the halcyon days of the past. When her friends did not yet know loss and pain of war. Taking a deep breath, she leaned back against her seat.
She had plans in place. She had been preparing for years. Stella would reclaim her friends' homes for them. Even if it was one of the last things she would do.
"This war is far from over." Stella affirmed. "I do not doubt that Niflheim is preparing for something. I don't believe in this farce of a treaty and I will not allow them to win this war. Perhaps this coming battle, they will win but my family will ensure Lucis wins this war. If there is anything I can promise you I promise you this."
She stared into each and everyone one of her friend's eyes. "I promise I will return your homes to you. I will return Lucis to its people. You will be going home."
Her friends stared at her, determination shining in their eyes. She smiled at them, proud to call these people her friends.
"Prepare yourselves for war, Glaives."
May 12th, M.E. 756 – East Gates, Insomnia, Cavaugh, Kingdom of Lucis [Afternoon]
Stella was racing through the city streets in her car without a guard, desperate to get to the East Gates. She needed to give Crowe the Safety Bit without other people seeing. She still couldn't trust the other Kingsglaives other than Nyx, Crowe and Libertus about her plans. She had been caught up in a meeting with Cor about stationing his most trusted around the areas where the escape tunnels were located. Trusted Tipsters and Hunters within the Crown City were to be informed of the evacuation plans as a 'Worst-Case-Scenario'. Family servants were packing the essentials for those who were not battle capable and cars were being readied for long trips outside Cavaugh.
She had only just finished her obligations and raced through the Citadel and hopping into her personal car, ditching her guards in the process. She was probably going to get an earful from Cor later on, but she needed to get to Crowe fast. Breaking several road laws and swerving through the tightest corners and shortcuts, she could barely see the yellow van that would send Crowe to the abandoned, destroyed outpost right outside the East Gate.
Slamming on the accelerator, she did the most complicated drift she had ever done in a car and stepped right in front of the trio. Her friends stared at her in equal amounts of shock and awe. Stella got out of the car with a beam on her face.
"I'm glad I managed to catch you before you left!" Stella exclaimed, walking forwards as quickly as she could in the ridiculous heels she had to wear today.
"Where the hell did the princess learn to drift?" Libertus muttered under his breath, still astonished.
"Princess, where are your guards?" Nyx asked, more amused than anything.
"They were slow and I was afraid I wouldn't get here in time." Stella sniffed and turned back to Crowe.
Taking out the Safety Bits she had, she gave them to all of them. "These are called Safety Bits. They contain a potion that will be injected when your heart rate goes into a state where your life is in danger. The potion will keep you on the brink of death for a limited time. But hopefully enough time for someone to give you a Hi-Potion or Elixir."
"What? Stella–" Crowe spluttered.
"I have a bad feeling Crowe. Do not trust anyone outside these walls even if they are familiar faces. Not unless they know my code." The princess warned.
"Your code?" Libertus scrunched his eyebrows in confusion.
"Only a very select few know it. Listen well and don't spread it. It will be useless once this treaty is over because I'm changing it but for now." Stella dropped her voice to a low whisper and gestured for the three to lean in. "To become the dew that quenches the land, to spare the sands, the seas, the skies, I offer thee this silent sacrifice."
The three absorbed my words and with a firm nod in acknowledgement, I moved to hug Crowe and whispered in her ear. "Be safe, be wary. And remember, trust no one. Not even if they are within the Kingsglaive or the Crownsguard. Unless they know my code, run."
"Princess…?" Crowe was worried, her friend and princess had never been this paranoid as to give her something that would keep her at the brink of death. Stella stepped away, her face grim. Nyx and Libertus watched the Lucian princess worriedly as well.
"I'm not sure, Crowe… But I'm worried and paranoid. My loved ones are all in danger and I will only be in a position to save a few personally if things go to hell in a gift basket." Stella said, her face pinched in frustration.
The van honked and Stella had a niggling bad feeling about the driver. She shook her head, thinking her paranoia was finally getting to her. Giving one last hug to Crowe, she stepped back. "If things go downhill, head to Hammerhead Outpost and tell Cindy the code. She'll keep you hidden until it's safer."
Crowe watched Stella, taking in the bags under her eyes that she expertly hid with make-up. The slight tired slump in her shoulders even as she held her posture perfectly. Stella had been working over time since the arrival of Niflheim's chancellor, she knew. Turning to Nyx and Libertus, Crowe looked at them sternly.
"You two better stick to Stella during this fiasco. If it goes to hell I expect you two to be right beside her. And make sure she gets some rest. She probably looks like an Imp behind all that make up."
"Hey!"
"Always," Nyx grinned as he threw an arm over Stella's shoulders. She scowled at the added weight but did nothing to remove it.
"I can't really help much." Libertus grimaced as he gestured towards his leg. "But I'll do what I can."
"See you later." Crowe bid and entered the van, closing the doors with a confident smile at them.
Stella, Nyx and Libertus watched as the yellow van left the gates. Stella clasped her hands in a prayer as she watched it disappear into the wastelands.
Please, let her make it.
May 12th, M.E. 756 – Royal Quarters, Insomnia, Cavaugh, Kingdom of Lucis [Night]
A day full of meetings.
After sending Crowe off and getting a brief lecture about bringing guards around even in the city from Cor, Stella was whisked away by one of her father's advisors to oversee the preparation for the treaty. Ensuring the best suite in Caelum Viva Hotel was prepared for their guests, food, drinks, itinerary. What table to use for the signing? To use the modern pen or old fashioned fountain pens? What color shall the decorations be, were the banners for the event printed?
On and on it went, and the preparations weren't even nearly done. There was still four more days until the treaty signing but the first of the Niflheim contingent was to arrive tomorrow. She really didn't want to be the one to receive Aldercept or Ardyn and hoped her father's council will have mercy and send Cor or Clarus instead.
Sighing in exhaustion, she hoped that Crowe was alright. She still had not received any word from Dave, the Hunter she had asked to help Crowe and hoped it was not because they were hurt or worse… dead.
Stella stopped in her tracks, taking a deep breath in an effort to keep her tears at bay. She shouldn't be so pessimistic but she couldn't help it. She didn't know if her efforts would be enough to save Crowe. She didn't know if it would be enough to save her people, her father. Until Crowe was safe, she only had hope that her work would have some chance of succeeding.
Shaking her head, she continued walking towards Regis's quarters. Both of them had been stuck in meetings, too busy to make time to see Noctis before they saw him off tomorrow. She felt horrible for not being able to spend time with her little brother before his journey. If she managed to survive the treaty signing, she knew she would have a chance to meet him again and perhaps join him for his journey to Altissia. She wanted to save Luna if she could, so she could spare Noctis the grief of losing her.
Even if she didn't know how to save Noctis just yet, she would find a way. For him and Luna to have the life they should, married and happy. Maybe get a few nieces or nephews out of it.
Smiling slightly at the thought, she noticed she had arrived at her father's door. Nodding to the guards posted outside the door, she lifted a hand to knock.
"Who is it?" Regis's voice came through the door.
"It's me, dad."
I heard whispers and the door opened to Clarus.
"Good evening, Stella."
Stella saw the tired slump in Clarus's normally rigid stance and smiled in sympathy. "Evening, Clarus. Rough day?"
"I didn't know meetings could be so taxing." He joked and opened the door wider, stepping out. "I'll leave you two alone to talk."
Stella bid him good night and close the door, turning towards her father who had turned to stare at the full moon from his chair. Coming closer, she noticed the tray of tea on the side table and decided perhaps a late night cuppa would do good for the both of them. Pouring out two cups of the steaming tea, she took both and placed one on the small table beside her father and sitting down on the chair next to it. She remembered sitting in her mother's lap in this very chair, listening intently as Queen Aulea regaled tales of past kings to her.
"You've grown to be just as beautiful as your mother, my daughter."
Stella smiled at Regis, her eyes glazed as she remembered her mother's acceptance of her reincarnation. She had been five years old and had only received full memories of her life as Alice a few months prior to Noctis's birth. She had broken down, unable to take in that she would lose her family in a little under two decades. She would forever be grateful and love Aulea who had been the only person to know of her reincarnation and had looked past it. To her mother, it did not matter that she had lived a life before her current one, she was still her little star, the light of her sky and her most precious daughter. Aulea kept telling her that. It had been the some of the last words she had said to Stella before her death.
"Mom was a beauty far beyond even human standards. Both in and out." Stella quipped, her smile turning bittersweet.
"And yet you have gone far and beyond any other Lucian royal." Regis asserted. "You care deeply for our people, both in and out the walls. I know you have been sneaking out, Stella." He paused to smile at her sheepish expression. "Your heart is full of love not only for your family and close friends, but all those that live on Lucian land. You were the first to sneak into the refugee camp when Galahd was attacked and you were the first to accept the Kingsglaive when they were formed. You were never afraid to show that you care and love your people, that you would be willing to put your life down for them.
"You argued with my council for better conditions for those who have lost their homes to Niflheim and now, you have ensured our people will have homes outside of the city. You have become the heart of our Kingdom, Stella. Not just to Insomnians, but to all those who dwell in Lucis." Regis gave a proud grin. "Cid told me of your adventures when you manage to sneak out. Creating more Havens for people to use in the lengthening nights. Bribing Niflheim citizens under disguises for their research into daemons so you may share that knowledge with the Hunters and the Glaives. Smuggling out Crown City technology to give to Cindy so that other Lucians may benefit from it. You have gained the respect and loyalty of many outside our walls. Be proud of that."
Stella was overwhelmed. She didn't expect her father to know all of what she had done in her years since she had resolved to challenge their fates. She had thought she had kept a pretty tight lid on her activities, going as far as to leave one of her most trusted maids, Sarah to pretend to be sick for her or take her place in certain events. They had looked similar enough that would fool most, but she knew it would not fool her close friends and family.
"I-I didn't do it for respect. Or loyalty." She stammered.
"Ah, but it is because you did not do it for respect or loyalty that you have gained them genuinely." Regis extolled. "You are truly more than I could have ever expected from my daughter. It makes me proud to be your father."
Stella could only look down, her face flushed red from Regis's compliments. Her father had praised her before, but not so extensively as he had done just now. She knew her father loved her dearly, but she supposed his busy schedule did have an effect on her, even if she didn't notice it or if she understood it.
A pang of pain squeezed her heart when with a jolt, she remembered that her father had not survived the invasion in that movie. Her grip on her tea cup tightened and she hastily put in down, fearing that she might either break it or throw it in frustration.
"Stella."
"I don't want to lose you, dad." Stella choked out, her tears gathering once again in her eyes. She would be crying a lot more in the future, she knew. She was only grateful she had over twenty years of happy memories with her family and friends.
Regis's green eyes softened as he took in the disheartened expression on his daughter's face. She knew. He knew she did. After all, she had only started her planning after Noctis had been declared the Chosen King by the Crystal. He knew she was challenging the prophecy. She wanted to save him, to save Noctis. Stella may wear her heart on her sleeve, she may love a lot of people unconditionally, but the love she holds for others will never match the love she holds for family.
Regis left his chair to stand in front of his daughter, bringing her shaking form into a tight embrace. One that he remembered resembled the one he gave her when her mother passed. With Stella's arms wrapped around his torso and gripping at the back of his jacket, his own arms wrapped around her shoulder and stroking her hair as she cried almost hysterically into his shoulder. Only before, the arms of a six-year-old Stella could barely reach his back and Regis's form had engulfed hers.
Stella cried, praying in her heart for the Six Gods to have mercy, to please not let fate run its course and to save her father. She may have been over forty mentally, but she could not bear to lose him. Even if she knew it might come, she didn't want to lose her dad. Not her father who had given her such love and care unlike the one in her life as Alice. She had not even told him of her reincarnation. It may not matter now but she had never kept such a huge secret from her father for so long. Regis knew her too well. He knew what she had been doing; what she had been preparing for years. The only secret she had left was her reincarnation and she…
She didn't want to keep it a secret anymore. Not when he could die in just a few days.
"I… I have something to tell you." Stella mumbled.
Regis pulled away, looking curious as to what Stella wanted to say. Her eyes were puffy with tear tracks running down her cheeks, though her make up remained impeccable. She looked up at him nervously, not knowing how she should start. Smiling softly, Regis wiped away the stray tears.
"The beginning is always a good place to start, Stella." Regis gave, a hand running through his daughter's hair soothingly.
Stella took a deep breath, preparing herself for her story. This time, she wouldn't be babbling away, not making any sense to anyone except her mother. She had a clear mind to think on her words and chose them carefully.
"Before I was Stella… My name was Alice Hawthrone…"
Okay so, I figured with such a wonderful response, you guys deserve it. Next chapter will be out Friday so here's a peak:
She stepped out of the elevator just as her brother did. Beaming at him, she rushed to hug him.
"Noct! I'm so sorry I couldn't see you yesterday. It was a little too hectic, even for me."
"It's okay. I understand." Her little brother replied, returning her hug tightly.
Stella stepped back, her hands on his shoulders as she took him in. He had grown to be taller than her by an inch but she could still see the stubborn lingering baby fat from his childhood. She took him in, knowing it would be the last time she would see him so carefree. Stella wanted nothing more than for her brother to live past his duty and be happy with Lunafreya. She may not have hit on a way for it yet but she would. There has to be some way to help her brother.
"So you're getting hitched even earlier than me." Stella teased lightly, trying to get her mind off of the future. There would be a time for that later. "Are you ready for married life? I would like some nieces or nephews to spoil soon."
Noctis flushed at the jab and glared playfully at her. "We have time. You sure you don't want to get married first? You're almost too old to have kids you know."