Thirteen days, that?s how long it took the press to try and shatter the newly engaged bliss of the future Queen of Lucis. They had returned to the city a few days after the Trinity Ball amid chatter of wedding dates and details and negotiations in scheduling with her mother and tutoring team. At nineteen surely it was assumed that she could have done as she pleased but the course set out for her upon agreeing to her education at the mere age of five dictated that Averia still had nearly two years left of formal education. Beyond that would be at her discretion and direction.

Still, getting engaged had an upside and that upside was more time with Nick without the watchful eye of parental figures or security alike. There had been begging and pleading and negotiating but finally it was agreed upon that so long as Averia maintained a strict training and tutoring regimen during the week, her weekends in Rhydin could be spent as she pleased. Often it meant stealing away to the apartment over the blacksmith shop in the marketplace and that was exactly where she intended to go as her lessons wrapped for the day. Nick had said he would meet her at the house and walk with her there and no sooner was her textbook closed before she hoisted a stuffed backpack onto her shoulders and hustled downstairs.

Averia had never been the suspicious sort and the number thirteen had been something of a good luck charm in her family so Friday the Thirteenth should have been like any other day. It was. At first. And then the post arrived for the second time. The first time the mail came was typically local deliveries while the second came interdimensionally or in the case of the New Haven Caelum Compound, from Lucis. Mostly it was handed off to her mother or her mother?s assistant to take care of any official business but Averia couldn?t help but stare at the cover of the weekly issue of Lucis Today. Nick?s smiling face dominated the cover, ablaze with vibrant font asking the question Who is Nick Allen?. Lucis had been set aflutter over the New Year?s proposal and many wished to sate their curiosity so it came as no surprise that every periodical and tabloid was trying to do just that. What she didn?t expect was the article title and subsequent byline.

?From Pauper to Prince,? she read aloud. ?Insider tells all, solves the mystery of the future King. Ugh? you?re kidding me?? It took her little time to read the lengthy article the first time and even the second but each subsequent readthrough seemed to take a little longer, her blood boiling and her brain refusing to process the information laid out in front of her. Averia wanted to cry, to scream, to yell at whoever had scribbled these lies and half-truths under the guise of journalism. But she did none of those things. Instead she stood dumbfounded in the entryway, the magazine grasped in both hands so hard they were shaking.

Nick?s mind was full of figures, he?d been marrying up items from the shop with inventory lists before crating them up to go to auction. It was strange to see the place so empty, the whole of it fitting into a few wooden boxes. Large ones sure but they were neatly positioned along a single wall. He hadn?t quite figured out what to do about the shop itself. It was best suited for the work that had been going on since before Nick?s parents had ever gotten together. That or maybe he just couldn?t see it being anything but a forge. He?d been the last one to do any work there, that work sat wrapped around his fiance?s finger. Two weeks and he still couldn?t quite believe it had happened.

Tonight would help to set it into his brain again. Averia was going to be there with him, something that was certainly different enough to stand out as significant. Andrea had been a huge help over the last couple of weeks, lining up the right auction house and just generally being there with him when the time came to assess the value of things. Her expertise was as needed as her moral support as Nick emptied the place out. Perhaps that was the solution, rather than trying to run something new out of the place. He was still thinking about it as he walked up the drive and checked in with the gate guard.

The house was a bundle of activity, that wasn?t really unusual especially since the engagement. It was true that things needed to be set, but there would be plenty of time. He wasn?t going to pull Avy from her studies, or jump into something when he had no clear path before him. Sometimes it felt like everyone expected them to run away and come back already hitched. Nick didn?t knock, or ring a bell, he slipped in behind a departing maid. He thought she was a maid at least. Averia wasn?t hard to find, though she didn?t seem to notice his approach. He knew part of that was the gem he possessed. She seemed to be overly involved in reading something though, and didn?t notice him. ?Whatcha reading, beautiful?? He spoke the words before touching her. Startling Avy could have detrimental consequences. Once he?d given her warning, his arms went around her from behind as he tried to get a look at whatever was holding her interest.

Averia didn?t notice him until it was too late. His words made her jump, her hold releasing on the magazine at the same time. It landed on the floor with a slap of glossy paper again imported tile, wholly ruining his attempt at reading it over her shoulder. She was stiff in his grasp, trembling with rage as she tugged away from him. One step carried her over the fallen magazine and a second turned her around. Stooping to scoop it up, she took hold of it once more and thrust it out toward him, pushing it against his chest for him to take as if she were desperate to be rid of it. As soon as she was free of the damned thing she took a step back from him, her arms wrapping around herself as if doing so would soothe her enough to make her stop shaking. ?That.?

Nick skimmed the pages, parts of it made him want to laugh. Then he read a little further and his eyes went wide. ?What exactly are they suggesting here?? He didn?t show her the part in question, instead repeating it. ?The bond between them goes back further than?? He could deal with being seen as not good enough, and even that they hadn?t gotten his name right. The further he read the more his mood seemed to reflect Averia?s.

?Coercion? How the hell would I do that? And how dare they suggest that maybe there?s something more nefarious going on with you?? Nick read further and crumpled the magazine in his hands. ?I?d happily show him exactly what happens when I?m unpredictable.? He looked at Avy, standing with arms crossed. ?Where did you get this?? It didn?t seem like something she would pick up on her own. Did they even have any of this publication in a place it could be purchased within Rhy?Din? Maybe the Teas and Tomes, that place seemed to have everything.

Stepping forward to close the space between them, Nick reached out for her. ?Does anyone believe this bullshit journalism? It?ll be okay. You know that don?t you??

?It came in the mail.? She answered sullenly, her arms still wrapped tightly around her slim torso. Her fingertips pressed hard at her ribs as if she could physically hold herself together when all she wanted to do was fall apart. He stepped toward her and she took a step back, maintaining the space between them. There was too much in the article to write off, it was impossible to brush it off as nothing. Was this the life she had chosen not only for herself but for him as well?

?It?s a legitimate publication with over three hundred thousand subscribers across Eos.? Averia whispered, her voice low just to keep it from shaking. It served a second purpose, to keep any attention away from the growing bundle of tension stirring in the entryway. The rest of the mail had been set aside and all that remained was the crumpled magazine, the glossy cover crinkled until Nick?s youthful face on the front was wrinkled and distorted. The picture had been taken at the Trinity Ball, likely shortly after she had accepted his proposal. The only way Averia knew was by the almost imperceptible smudge of red lipstain she had left at the edge of his mouth when he had kissed her. Nick, her Nikolai, splashed across the page for thousands to fawn over and to dissect at their will. The thought alone made her sick. She glanced to the side, gauging how far she was from the stairs and if she could slip away from him before he could stop her.

Nick had seen the Avy bolt signs before. He?d actually caused quite a few of them, so when he saw that look on her face he put his arms around her, the magazine dropped from his hand to hit the floor once more. ?Hey, you don?t have to face things by yourself anymore. What do you say we drop your stuff off at the apartment, then go someplace to spar a bit? Later we can figure out what to do. There?s a ton of space downstairs now.? There wasn?t any mats or padding, but they could be careful right?

?Just don?t run away, Avy, unless it?s with me.? That was not meant to be a suggestion of eloping no matter how much it might have sounded like one. Nikolai was fairly certain that it would be the shortest marriage in history if that happened. Averia would wear white one day and black the next because someone would kill Nick. ?I just stocked the fridge, so that?s kind of like a contract or something. You have to come help me eat it.? He gave her a smile that he didn?t really feel, it would return with an uplift in Avy?s mood.

?I don?t know?? She said hesitantly. He managed to get his arms around her which is more than most could have said in similar instances and it was a true testament to just why she had that ring around her left ring finger with all of the promises to match such a piece of jewelry. Her muscles were still tight, primed for fight or flight. As if Nick understood just the thing, he offered her one instead of the other even if it was her usual. Averia looked past him toward the gilded archway that led to where her mother?s office was likely full of sympathetic faces should they see the article crumpled on the floor. It would be better to get away before any of them read it. Her hands clenched as she reached for her backpack, seeking to tug it upright on her shoulders.

?I?m not hungry.? But she at least seemed willing to accept half of his offer to leave with him. Subdued, cold almost, she pulled away from him and turned for the front door. It was chilly outside but she was sure once she got moving that the boiling blood in her veins would do more than enough to keep her warm. He said she couldn?t run away unless it was with him, so as she opened the door and stepped out, she turned one last look back to him.

?Try to keep up.? With that, she took off.

Nick was right behind her, throwing the door closed in his haste to keep up. A run would probably help a little, and so long as Avy didn?t start porting ahead he?d likely have no difficulty keeping up with her. Of course he also hoped that security didn?t think something was happening, what with him chasing after a running princess. If that article had been seen, that might be exactly what they thought. He put on a burst of speed, it?d be better to be seen running with her than after her. ?We going to take the wall? It?ll be faster, and there won?t be anyone to bother us.? Not that he minded taking any route or encountering anyone on the way. It was more a suggestion for her current mood.

Even with the altered route, there were plenty of obstacles to be overcome between the manor and the wall and again between the wall and Nick?s place. Breathless, and sweating he unlocked the door and opened it for her. He followed her through, replacing the locks and looking around the place like it was an alien landscape. ?See, plenty of space down here for doing whatever.? He grabbed hold of her pack, reaching to slide the straps from her shoulders and relieve her of the burden.

?So, fight now or later?? He slipped past her, heading for the stairs so he could lay down her pack and rummage through his father?s old gear. He?d tried to get rid of it, until he opened it and discovered that his father kept everything. There were padded gloves among the gear that Nick had worn when he was much smaller that just might fit the incensed Averia.

http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/vHWRbx8e616WnFyi2gUjnQ/cid/215877936/id/IlVx40Xn5hGKnO9ttfvecw/size/c600x740.jpg

Royal Baby Bomb!!
Scandal Rocks Lucian First Family
By Celine Cormack, Staff Writer.
28 January ME 775

Her Royal Highness, Averia Caelum, Princess and heir apparent of Lucis.

For years she?s been the doll of the nation, adored by all for her beauty and poise, a nation that didn?t know her darker side. The entire world was shocked when she accepted an unexpected marriage proposal from Nikolai Allen, the commoner with the uncommon looks. Is there more to the story than this? The princess wore an epic smile that night, one that in retrospect, was completely out of character for the normally reserved royal. Was it the product of much rehearsal or was there another reason behind the dazzle?

The princess and her fiance had only been officially involved romantically for just two months when the proposal came. Though it became known that Mr. Allen had known the family for many years, the couple had never shown interest in one another publicly. It may be true that love is blind but the people are not. Mr. Allen?s courtship of Princess Averia came after a return from an undisclosed destination after a period of several months. His departure in early August was on the very evening of his father?s death, a death that no one believes was accidental. What is the importance, you ask?

Just days after the night in question and without reason Lucis? pride, Princess Averia broke off a nearly two year relationship with Prince Marcus Tiberius d?Altissia, the second in line for the throne of Altissia. Is there a correlation between these events? What would prompt Averia to so easily dismiss the extremely eligible Marcus? Why would it have anything to do with the death of one man and the disappearance of another? Perhaps the reason goes back a little further, to latter weeks of July. It was then that Princess Caelum was seen in the company of Julius Trajan d'Altissia. If this name seems familiar, it?s because he?s the heir to the throne of Altissia and older brother to Prince Marcus.

These events may seem coincidental, but perhaps they are much more. For years the best designers have dressed the royal family for the Trinity ball, and this year was no different. The dress that Princess Averia wore was a bold crimson, heavily structured gown. The layering of the sweetheart neck lined bodice was intentionally criss crossed in a way that would create the illusion of a sleek silhouette with a flattering slimming effect. It bared her shoulders to the point of distraction. Perhaps that was the point all along. In an unenhanced photo, it appears all that structure may have been meant to hide a secret that had nothing to do with Victoria?s. One insider speculated that the Princess may not only be pregnant, but that she looked as though she could be as many as six months along.

While such speculation is unconfirmed, it lends credence to the rumors of her physical assault on Prince Marcus. Could that have been hormonally motivated? That would seem to indicate that the rumors which surfaced on the heels of the very public blow of a similar encounter between the soon to be Prince Consort of Lucis and Prince Marcus of Altissia had much deeper meaning. Could Marcus have discovered the sordid affair between his brother and Princess Averia? Did the volatile Nikolai see an end to the benefits offered to him and take measures to ensure that would not happen? That would depend upon what those benefits entailed and how desperately Mr. Allen needs them.

Since his successful father is no longer producing his realm revered crafts, that obviously means that Nick's funds are going to dry up so he needs the royal family more than ever. Is it that simple, or does he require something even more motivating? It?s been reported that the Queen Consort, and the father of Nikolai, one Aristotle Kruger Allen, have been intertwined since before the children were born. The possibility that she went to her long time friend asking for his aid is not without merit. This is where things become far more murky, but owing to what we know about the younger Allen, it?s entirely possible that he lashed out against his father?s insistence that he serve the role the Queen needed. That in his anger he overpowered the aging Allen and accidentally contributed to the man?s death. Our investigation into the matter showed that no charges have been leveled at Nikolai, however we know that the realm of Rhy?Din is nearly lawless. That where laws exist, with the right influence the offenders often take no penalty. We also discovered that Nikolai reappeared within the Caelum Compound in New Haven mere months after the brutal death of his father. He spent weeks there before being allowed to set foot beyond the protective walls of the Royal Family, begging the question of whether the queen made her own deals with him? Wouldn?t the loss of that kind of protection be a greater motivator than mere wealth?

There is no arguing that Queen Claire is an outstanding strategist. She would want this to be convincing to the populace. What better way to convince all than a romantically whirlwind courting and impassioned marriage proposal in the most public way possible? Such machinations are not beyond her ability, and it certainly drew attention away from whatever happened between Prince Julius and Princess Averia. Did he succumb to the ample charms of the young princess, or was she doing her best to force him away from the only person whose reputation remains unblemished in this sordid and complex affair, the Princess of Solheim, and Julius fiance?, Aikaterine Makarios?

Nick and Alex may have been stuck inside the Citadel, self imposed as it was, but that didn?t stop them from practicing. Stairwells were a great example of how the pair of them could turn everyday obstacles into something more. Despite his new status, Nick was still housed separately from Avy, although the distance between them was much closer than it had been. He?d just left Alex, they?d spent most of the morning together while Avy was forced to stick to her strict schedule. Nick?s ascension to Avy?s level was swift and unconventional. Why hit every step, or any of them for that matter when you could use wall and railing to go up much faster all in the name of practice? He found himself quickly standing outside her door, knocking for the sake of courtesy even if he wanted to burst through the door and remove any pout from her lips with his own.

?Avy, you in there?? It was possible that she wasn?t, it wouldn?t be the first time. He?d send a text if there were no response to his knock or call.

?No.? She called sullenly. Her hands slid beneath the cover of the book she had been working through and flipped it shut as she got to her feet. Her phone, no longer lit up from her call with Julius, sat face down on the table. As an after effect of her earlier calisthenics, she still wore spandex leggings and a form fitting dry-fit shirt but her feet were bare as she padded over to the door. Some part of her knew she had stayed in it if only to prove to herself that she didn?t look fat enough to pass for pregnant. For all of her devastation, she was still a teenaged girl with a fragile self-image, the reassurance was needed. The door wasn?t locked but she still took her time like it may have been. At last she pulled it open, leaning a hip into the door?s edge to peer out at Nick. ?Hi.?

Nick was suddenly at a loss for words. He hadn?t expected her to be dressed quite that way. Not that the mini skirts were less revealing, he?d actually come to see that they showed much more. There was just something about seeing her in something that fit skin tight that had him checking to make sure the rise in his temperature wasn?t because she?d made him forget to keep his ability in check. ?I? You? we.? Eloquent as always, his eyes took her in and there was a grin on his face of appreciation. Sure his thumb was pointed over his shoulder. In his head he?d said much more than three words. I?m glad you?re here. You look amazing. We just finished and I was hoping to spend the rest of the day with you. Obvious, right? What ended up happening was more or less what he?d wanted to do instead of knock. Nick stepped forward, lifted her up and kissed her. That this was a demonstration of exactly why Aunt Claire and Avy?s cadre of teachers adamantly refused to let Nick linger during Avy?s yoga or martial practices wasn?t lost on him.

?Sorry, I can?t seem to help myself sometimes.? He said the words right into her face, since it was at his level now. ?Alex and I are finished. You feel like doing something?? His mouth twitched a little wider at the open ended question. It hadn?t been intentional, but now it was out there.

The door was left to swing open when he scooped her up, her bare feet left to dangle as he hauled her up to eye level. The crush of his mouth to hers was a soothing balm for her ire and it took everything she had to not melt right there in his grasp. There were no prying eyes up here, no one to reprimand her for such a display of affection and so she threw herself into it with gusto, kissing him until she couldn?t breathe. Hello indeed.

?Something? something like?? She asked, her head tilting to one side, an innocently owlish cant that said if he wanted something that he was going to have to go for it because she wasn?t going to hand it over easily. ?Though I wouldn?t mind getting out of here for a bit? I?ve been locked up so long even Jules called to see if I was okay.?

?Getting out of here was kind of what I had in mind, so long as you were up for it. What were you thinking?? Nick used his foot to close the door, unwilling to be parted from her in the moment. ?Not that seeing you doesn?t make me think staying in is a bad idea.? Loosening his hold on her slightly he let her slide to the floor against him, watching her descend. ?Jules? Oh, right from? Altissia.? He?d nearly referenced the latest article, but that was definitely a mood killing subject.

?It?s good that he reached out, what did he say that made you decide to get out?? Nick wouldn?t complain, the Citadel was nice, and immense, but it still was inside even if some of the rooms could fool you with their large windows and cathedral ceilings.

?Just some fresh air.? She shrugged, reluctantly drawing away from him so that she could get her shoes and a jacket. Insomnia in January could be bitter and a hood would do her well if she managed to get Nick out of the Citadel. The courtyard just didn?t quite cut it in the way that the streets of the Crown City could. As she tugged her zipper up to her chest, she stretched her arms out in the sleeves and moved for the door once more.

?It wasn?t anything he said. Not really, at least.? It was mostly the truth. The rest of it had to do with going stir crazy knowing that the world knew she was holed up, hiding from the lies that they scrawled about her so recklessly in the tabloids. ?I just thought it would be good for both of us to get out for a little bit. Maybe grab a bite to eat or something, you know?? She offered him her hand to lead the way through the labyrinth that was the Citadel.

Food would be good, sometimes Nick felt like he?d never get enough to eat. That was likely attributed to how active he stayed. He took a lean against the wall while she went to get ready. ?Whatever the reason, I am glad. Cabin fever is still possible even in a place this size.? He knew Avy pretty well, and while the choice of outfit wasn?t generally her style, she?d been fairly upset over the rumors about her being pregnant. A girl ought to be allowed to do things to raise her self esteem level, and Nick was more than happy to be seen with Averia this way. He was more inclined towards the eat your hearts out mentality knowing she was with him.

He took her hand, his thumb tracing along the band on her finger. It would take him a lifetime to get used to that, maybe he wouldn?t even then. The place was still a maze of corridors, and if Avy had wanted to she could easily get him lost in them. He was learning though, the most common routes to get places like the main entry hall. He?d have been surprised if she went there, figuring she?d prefer an anonymous departure and blending into the city itself. ?How bout something simple like pizza??

Her hand was tight in his, tense in a way that was different than usual. The onslaught of negative press had been more than enough to stress her already uptight self, leaving her a bundle of nerves even at the best of times. The route she led him down wasn?t likely familiar, instead taking him through lesser used corridors, knowing the more direct ways would find them turned away at the direction of a Council still trying to do damage control.

?It?s kind of like a prison sometimes.? She quietly confided in him, turning left, left, right, straight, and left again before reaching the side access door that was typically only used by the kitchen staff. It unlatched with a scan of her palm on the reader beside the door and she popped it open for them to make their escape. The side alleyway was narrow but well lit and she kept her head down to avoid the surveillance cameras that monitored the passage. With an agreement of pizza, she turned them out of the alleyway and into the din of the city. What she hadn?t expected was the sudden call from behind them.

?It?s her!?


?Is it??

?It has to be! Your Highness? Your Highness! Can we get a few words from you and your new fiance??

The shouting had her stopping in her tracks, nearly tripping over her feet as she turned to face the throng of reporters that had camped out in front of the Citadel just waiting for such an opportunity. She found herself squinting into a plethora of flashing lights, one hand brought up to shield her eyes.

?What? No. Just leave us be, please. Should you wish a comment, please contact the press secretary as you?ve already been told to do.? She tried not to let her voice waver but it was so loud in her head and even louder in her ears. The barrage of thoughts and words had her hands tightening on Nick?s as she took a few steps back from the crowd of paparazzi, tugging him back with her. They could have run, as unbecoming as it would have been, but surely they would have been followed. Avy glanced back to the service alley, tempted to return the way they had come from before one comment brought her focus back.

?Tell us the truth, Your Highness! What really happened between you and the Altissian Princes?? A smarmy looking man in the front asked, a pencil thin microphone thrust out toward her. Instantly she felt her blood boil. The first step toward the man was subconscious but the second and third were wholly intentional. He may have towered over her as so many did but she affected an air of righteous fury that even had him vaguely concerned. Still all eyes were upon them as she backhanded the microphone out of her face and stuck a finger out to point square at the man?s chest.

?Absolutely nothing and you can quote me on that.? There was a subtle danger in her words, both threat and promise wrapped into one but before the man could offer a retort, a voice rang out from the front steps of the Citadel.

?Enough.? All eyes turned, Averia?s included, to find the King of Lucis halfway down the grand staircase that led to the Citadel?s entrance. He wore the black and gold of the Crown and Council both and exuded a situational control that neither Averia nor Alexander had yet mastered themselves. The questions went silent and the crowd parted to allow his passing when he reached the bottom of the stairs. Noct?s path took him straight to Avy and Nick where he looped an arm around the former and vaguely gestured for the latter to come as well. ?That is enough from you all. My children shouldn?t be prisoners in their own home because you vultures wish to harass them should they try to leave. You?ve thirty seconds to disperse or I?ll have you locked up. Come now, Averia.?

Few were stupid enough to argue with the King himself and many of the reporters were gone before he even had a chance to finish. Those that weren?t were well on their way by the time Noct turned his daughter toward the Citadel?s steps, aiming to guide her inside where he could speak to the young couple without prying eyes, ears, or cameras.

The last time Nick had been faced with this many people had been with Addie. They?d run then, he was willing to do that now. Avy had only to move to make that happen, and he?d have been beside her. He was pretty certain that this group would be easily lost. It wasn?t quite the same, they weren?t facing a crowd of people bent on capturing her and killing him. Had that been the case, Nick had little doubt that he?d have been able to burn a path through the confined alleyway. The thought made him wonder if perhaps they were right about him, or all Rhy?Dinians for that matter. Then again, had this happened there he was just as certain the reporters would have used a lot more caution. It was at least true that you never knew what someone was capable of there. Here and now it was a flurry of flashing lights and a chorus of discordant voices all vying for Avy?s attention.

Nick?s grip on Averia?s hand tightened. At the very least, he wouldn?t allow himself to be separated from her by the throng of paparazzi. The last question to be heard had him wondering what the little spitfire he knew Averia to be would do. Short and mean, the words weren?t an idle observation even if it had become something of an inside joke for them. Just as she stepped forward and he was certain that the man was going to find out what it meant to get the princess riled, she managed to dial it back down. He might envy that about her, for him that was rarely possible where it concerned her. He was about to push his way through them, and likely confirm every word written about him when the voice of Noctis rang through the air.

It may have been a better way than he?d decided on, okay it was better in the present, though certainly less satisfying than blazing a path through them would have been. It was better in the future as well, at least if he planned to be a part of Avy?s future. Nick followed the king, though it began as a backpedaling while he watched the reporters exit the alley, and go their separate ways. There was a light tug on his arm as father and daughter got further away from him than he?d originally planned. He spun mid stride and double stepped to catch up to them.

Once they made it inside, her father waved off a contingent of advisors and guards so that the trio could escape to the quiet confines of a first floor library. It didn?t quite compare to the larger private libraries deeper in the Citadel but it was mostly private and once they were sure it was empty, Noct shut the door behind them and sighed.

?Hopefully the two of you are all right,? he began. Averia?s brows lifted but he continued and they fell soon after. ?Hopefully you?ve also figured out just why we?ve tried to keep you three close. Those fiends will do anything for a story, even if it means goading a child on the street.?

?Da, I?m not a child.? Averia protested. Noctis lifted a hand, silencing her with a mere motion.

?You are my child, Averia, no matter how old you are. And all that I want for you is to be happy and safe.? He sighed once more and folded his arms over his chest. ?I think it may be time for you two to take some time away from the city.?

?But Nick?s got a--?

?Competition, I know. I don?t mean for you to go far but I think some breathing room may benefit you. I?ve arranged for a driver this afternoon to take you to Duscae, just for a few days until this? freerunning thing.? He waved a hand idly. It wasn?t a concept he fully understood but his son enjoyed it and it sort of kept him out of trouble, so why fight it. ?The country house is yours until then, okay??

It seemed a little like role reversal to Nick after they?d secured the library. Normally he did all the talking where their parents were concerned. Of course it might matter that they?d done nothing wrong this time, beyond trying to spend a little time out of the confines of the Citadel. Nick wasn?t so certain that it could be called sneaking out since both of them were above the age of eighteen. He might even had argued if the subject had come up. It didn?t, though the interim did bring up the one place where he seemed to be on the exact same page as the king. Averia happy and safe was his priority as well, even if he?d have made a huge mess out of this.

His heart fell a little, thinking that Noctis was going to send him back to Rhy?Din. It was his city, his country for that matter which meant that Nick had very little say in the matter. He was looking at his shoes when the older man suggested, (or was it more of a command?), they go to Duscae and practically alone. His chin came up at the words, and it was impossible to contain all of his excitement. He managed to restrain the grin to something more appropriate. That likely had to do with his not wishing to offend Avy?s father. Had it been someone with hair a decidedly pinker shade containment would have been futile.

?Time away from the stress would be perfect? sir.? Titles still confused him where Averia?s father was concerned. ?Won?t Alex be needing some time too? Just to decompress mentally, I mean.? There was a lot of things that could get in the way of a good run, thoughts about recent events was certainly one of those. Alex was his best friend, he wanted him at his best for the competition. Not that he didn?t also want the time alone with Averia too. It was a strange sort of balance between the three of them. When they were all together, and really that hadn?t been the case since Addie?d gone missing, it was like the entire world was right.

?If Averia?s in agreement, I think it?s the perfect place to be.? He had enjoyed the Yule at the country manor. Had even wanted to get out more, though time and weather had been a factor. He looked from Noctis to Averia to see how she felt.

Already Averia knew there would be no arguing with her father and truthfully, she didn?t want to. Alex hadn?t been the subject of the cruel and vicious articles so Avy couldn?t help but quirk an odd look at Nikolai, wondering if he didn?t quite understand the sort of time they could have together and perhaps if that was why he was bringing up her brother. She couldn?t outright step on his foot to get him to shut up so she wore a small smile until he finally quieted and ducked in to give her father a hug.

?Thanks, Da. You?re right, I need to get away from this for a bit.? Avy squeezed the King and then let him go, rocking back on her heels to trade a look between the two men.

?I?m under the impression that Alexander will be staying here in the meantime. He?ll be fine.? Which, to Averia meant that their father likely planned on trying to talk to her brother without anyone who might distract from such a conversation. She almost felt bad for him but the prospect of leaving the city was too good to pass up.

?We?ll pack and be ready shortly.? Her hand sought Nick?s to pull him toward the library doors before her father could add any caveats that might ruin anything. ?Thank you, Da. I love you!?

Noct sighed. ?I love you too, Averia.?