“Testing, testing… is this fine, Nathaniel?” A loud voice in his ear asks, interrupting his thoughts.

“Uh… a little loud but it works fine,” he replies, adjusting the volume of his earpiece.

“You sound… distressed. Are you alright?” the voice asks. It takes a few moments for Nathan to finally recognize it as Domani’s.

“I’m a little nervous, Your Highness... but I’m sure you understand that,” he answers, looking out of his private train car as it races towards the palace.

“Indeed I do, putting on those glasses might alleviate some of that tension.”

“Oh! Right…” Nathan says, pulling the pair of sleek glasses out of its case. Carefully putting it on for the first time, he notices how comfortably it fits… almost like it was made for him.

“Judging by the lack of ruffling, I believe that you’ve successfully put them on your face. I need you to place one of your fingers on its frame to activate it.”

“Alright, hold on…” Brushing his fingers across the right side of its frame, the glasses seem to hum softly as they initialize.

“Good morning, Your Excellency. It is the second of June, 765. The weather is a cool-”

“Gah!” Nathan shouts, almost flinging the glasses off his face.

“Ah yes, probably should have informed you that it does have a guidance system that’s connected directly to our earpieces. My apologies.”

“Right… what else can it do? I really don't want to look stupid in front of the royal court.” Nathan says, examining them closely.

“I assure you that I have turned off the rest of its features for the time being. Be aware that they will automatically turn back on should it lose connection to my laptop.”

“That’s reassuring…”

----------------------------

In what only seems like a couple more seconds, Nathan arrives at the palace’s underwater train station.

It’s already bustling with activity: various dignitaries being interviewed by the press, security personnel scanning every move and Accordoan representatives discussing matters with their foreign counterparts.

“Uh… Nathan, shall we get off?” someone asks, disturbing his survey of the surroundings.

He turns towards the sound to identify its owner. “Jordan! Uh… yeah, shall we go um… together?”

“Whatever you want, Your Excellency,” Jordan responds, a smirk forming on his face. He attempts to bow but accidentally hits an attendant, “Sorry!”

The attendant turns towards them and cracks a smile, “The new Governor General's already taken? I can’t say I’m surprised though… Sorry for intruding!” She leaves their car with a kind smile on her face.

“With everyone thinking we’re a couple, why don’t we make it official already?” Jordan jokes, clearly enjoying his ability to make Nathan blush so easily.

“I- I can’t believe you right now! Stop teasing me, you know you’d never be able to be with me anyway!” he rushes out the train’s doors, leaving Jordan behind.

Jordan sighs before following Nathan out the doors, “Such a drama queen…”

----------------------------

“Live from Pallazo Altemeria, I’m Rosetta Caruso with ABN. Today marks the coronation of Her Royal Highness Caelia the Third, an event the people of Accordo thought would not take place so early in Her Majesty's reign. Queen Camelia’s shocking abdication came quite abruptly a few days ago, with riots having taken place around the country. Princess Caelia is expected to attend the treaty amendment conference in a few days, here in Altissia.”

The entrance hall is a grandiose room, adorned with traditional symbols of swords and winged figures, primary motifs of Altissian architecture. Nathan’s breath is taken away as he observes the hall for the first time.

“First time, huh?” a person asks. Quickly turning around, Nathan spots a blonde-haired man, wearing a familiar uniform.

“That’s a Kingsglaive uniform, isn’t it? I’ve never met a real glaive before… what are you guys doing here?” Nathan asks. He receives a stern rebuke in his earpiece, "I don't think it's wise to ask such questions, Nathaniel."

“I mean- sorry! I didn’t mean to ask you that… just… carry on…” Nathan begins to walk away but stops in his tracks when he hears the man laughing.

“Hey, wait up! It’s totally fine, I know you’re new to this. Name’s Prompto Argentum,” he holds out his hand — Nathan awkwardly shakes it — “Noct- I mean, Prince Noctis said that he wants me to take you to him, away from those nice people over there,” he looks towards members of the press who are crowding around what Nathan assumes to be a duke and duchess.

“Do as he says, I’ve run a background check on him and everything checks out,” Domani informs through his earpiece.

“Alright then… let’s go,” Nathan answers, turning back towards Prompto.

“Follow me!” He takes Nathan through a stairwell up to the highest level of the palace where a lone door stands in their way.

“Compose yourself, Nathaniel. His Majesty could also be on the other side. Best of luck.” Nathan hears his earpiece suddenly cut out but before he can do anything, Prompto knocks on the ornate, white door.

The door opens slowly, a heavily-built man stands in the way, wearing a harsh expression. “Hmpfh, this the guy you were talking about?” the man asks, his gruff voice unnerving Nathan.

“I believe so, do let them in Gladio,” another man instructs, his unique accent cutting through the ambient sound downstairs.

The man identified as Gladio steps aside and opens the door wider, allowing Prompto to step inside, with Nathan following closely behind.

“Your Excellency, I apologize for our level of security and secrecy. My name is Ignis Scientia, I am the prince’s advisor and counselor. The gentleman at the door is Gladiolus Amicitia, the prince’s shield. And I’m sure you’ve already met Mister Argentum,” he introduces, bowing deeply.

“Uh… it’s a pleasure to meet you all,” Nathan replies, looking at each of them. He uses this opportunity to also scan what seems to be an opulent sitting room. Probably reserved for the most important guests, he reckons.

“He sure reminds me of someone hm… ten years ago,” Prompto remarks, looking towards Nathan.

“The way he carries himself does bring a close person to mind,” Ignis concurs, a hint of a smile forming on his lips.

An exaggerated cough suddenly interrupts their conversation, “As much as I love seeing you guys make fun of him, he is our guest.”

“Damn it! Just when I was going to say something…” Gladiolus jokes, smirking at the fine figure entering the room.

Words could not do justice to the person Nathan sees before his very eyes. He walks in while maintaining regal posture, yet his strides seem to show casualness. His deep blue eyes appear to have seen unfathomable things, yet he wears a calm expression as he scrutinizes Nathan from head to toe. His sophisticated attire only further accents his natural looks, yet they still emanate authority. Like father, like son.

“Noctis Lucis Caelum, a pleasure to meet you, Your Excellency,” he introduces, bowing slightly.

“Uh… um… a pleasure to meet you too, Your Royal Highness,” Nathan replies, getting used to his loss of connection to Domani’s expertise. He quickly adds a bow, something that Domani had (thankfully) taught beforehand.

“A satisfactory response,” Ignis notes, eyeing Nathan with slight content.

“My father shall arrive shortly, let’s sit while we wait,” Noctis suggests, visibly ignoring Ignis’ comment.

A knock on the door interrupts the serenity of the stately room. “Expecting someone?” Gladiolus asks, holding the door handle firmly.

“No, are you?” Noctis asks, facing Nathan.

“I… I don’t think so…” he replies, still trying to take in the very handsome prince sitting right across from him.

Gladiolus huffs as he cautiously opens the door revealing… “Jordan?”

“I found you! Oh thank the Astrals, I thought you disappeared!” Jordan exclaims, rushing into the room.

“And who’s this gentleman?” Ignis asks, clearly not amused by his sudden intrusion.

“He’s one of my… companions,” Nathan explains, trying to maintain his composure.

“Sorry for entering without permission, Your Highness,” Jordan apologizes, looking genuinely guilty before bowing towards him.

“It’s fine… although we do have private matters to discuss shortly. Is it alright if he remains outside the room, Mister Ashwolf?” Noctis asks, using a slightly commanding tone.

“Of course, Your Highness! I am sure Mister Martenis will be able to enjoy himself with the rest of the festivities,” Nathan reassures, looking towards Jordan with a pleading expression.

“Yes, of course… I’ll see myself out.” Nathan watches him walk to the door dejectedly, giving a suspicious glance between him and Noctis before leaving the room.

After Gladiolus closes the massive doors with minimal effort, Noctis clears his throat, “Are you sure he’s just your ‘companion’?”

“I… yes, Your Highness,” Nathan responds, looking rather flustered. He shifts his gaze to one of the room’s historical windows, built hundreds of years ago.

Ignis scoffs before walking towards Gladiolus. He motions for Gladio and Prompto to follow him outside, shutting the door on his way out.

“I don’t usually share this with anyone but… if you like him, you should tell him before it’s too late. I… I almost lost someone very close to me a few years ago. I actually sent him to you earlier…”

“Your Highness… are you talking about Mister Argentum?”

Noctis chuckles, smiling at Nathan, “About time you figured out. I’m engaged to Prompto, it took me years to finally tell my dad- er, the king-but he’s been really… accepting.”

“I’m happy to hear that...”

“It might seem like we got what we wanted but... not everyone is as accepting or understanding.”

Nathan nods, “I'm happy that you're bringing more awareness to it though. Uh... what I meant to say is congratulations, Your Royal Highness. I’m looking forward to watching the wedding on television.”

The prince chuckles, “Thank you, Mister Ashwolf. But you’ll definitely be there in person.”

“I- thank you, Your Highness.”

“It's just Noctis. Being the crown prince is already annoying enough without having to hear the titles.”

They share a laugh before a knock on the door interrupts them. The King and another figure walk into the room. Nathan and Noctis stand up and bow.

“Your Majesty, thank you for taking the time to meet me,” Nathan greets, bowing again.

“On the contrary, Mister Ashwolf! It is I who is happy to discuss your new position. Speaking about your new position… I’d like to introduce you to your First Secretary. I think you two are pretty well acquainted,” the king says, stepping aside to reveal a very familiar person.

“Charlie?!”

“Hey, big bro! It’s been a while,” his brother says casually, hugging Nathan.

“But- how- when?!”

“Oh, so I was accepted into the Royal Academy early by His Majesty here. Basically, I'm going to be a certified member of the Crownsguard along with the Lucian Foreign Service in a little over a year. I have the highest grades in my class but no big deal...” he shrugs, looking at his brother with a smug grin.

“I- I don’t even know anymore…”

The king laughs heartily before making his way to his son and wrapping him in a hug.

“Dad! I’m thirty this year and you’re still embarrassing myself in front of other people!”

Charlie snorts and before long, the entire room is full of laughter. After about a minute, the king takes a seat, clearly winded.

“Now that everyone is here, we can begin discussing matters. The Ashwolf brothers will officially be sworn-in in a few hours, before the coronation of course. Once the coronation and its after-parties are over, we will all meet in one of the palace’s meeting rooms where the first session of Galahd’s Executive Council will be called to order,” the king explains.

“Don’t forget to bring your ‘companions’ with you,” Noctis says, giving Nathan a stunning smile.

Nathan blushes but his brother’s confused expression quickly forces Nathan to compose himself.

“Yes, my son is right. Bring as many people as you know to the meeting as the Council needs as many members as it can get. The more the merrier, as they say!” the king continues, chuckling before coughing profusely.

“Dad! Are you okay?” Noctis asks, swiftly rushing to the king’s side.

King Regis chuckles again, “And you’re saying that I embarrass you? You’re making quite an embarrassment of yourself right now!”

Noctis’ face softens and Nathan notices a furtive sigh of relief.

“Well, I believe we’ve got everything taken care of, at least for now. Please meet us in the Government Estate in about two hours. Noctis and I need to attend to the press first. I look forward to seeing you both!” the king exclaims, standing up.

“Remember to bring your ‘companions’ to your swearing-in as well!” Noctis reminds, smiling again.

“Uh… yeah! Of course, Prince Noctis!”

The king and prince both leave the room together, engaged in conversation. Charlie lets out a deep breath once the doors close behind them.

“Phew, I’ve met him a few times but I still get nervous!”

“You’ve met him a few times?”

“Yeah, why?”

“That was my second time meeting him.”

“Damnnnnn, really? You were pretty good then!”

“Thanks, I guess.” Nathan walks over to a window before looking out towards the sky. He spots a few Niflheiman airships getting closer, their gleaming metal coats a stark contrast to the clear, blue sea below.

“Seems like the Niffs have arrived,” Charlie observes, joining his brother near the windowsill.

Nathan looks away, composing himself. “I’m… I’m going to go get some people to show up to our inauguration,” he says, making his way towards the exit.

“Boooringgggg!”