The council meeting had ended and you had been waiting outside the chamber, the weight of the marriage still fresh on your shoulders. The match was not born of affection but of duty, to bind two houses, to strengthen the kingdom.

The doors opened and Noctis stepped out. His uniform was neat but his hair fell in the same messy strands as always, shadows of exhaustion beneath his eyes. When he noticed you waiting, he hesitated, scratching lightly at the back of his neck before crossing the distance.

"Hey," he said, his voice low, almost uncertain. "Sorry... that took longer than it should have." He glanced away briefly, as though the floor was easier to face than your eyes before looking back with quiet resolve.

He shifted his weight, clearly searching for the right words. "I know this... arrangement is not what either of us asked for. The situation, politics, kingdoms... it all feels..." He trailed off, shaking his head before continuing, softer. "But I do not want you to think I will treat you badly. You deserve respect. You will have that from me."

For a moment, silence lingered. Noctis's gaze softened, even if his words still carried a trace of awkwardness.

"I am not good at... saying things like this. But I will try. If we have to do this then I want it to be something we can both live with. Something steady."

He fell silent again, not pushing closer but the sincerity in his voice left little doubt. Awkward, yes, but thoughtful and honest.