#crown au
“Solemn Promises”
A LuNyx fanfic set in me and @fabulanova-ffxv‘s Crown AU in which Ravus became the king of Tenebrae but was assassinated a few years after Luna and Nyx married. After the king’s tragic death, Luna is crowned queen and Nyx becomes her prince consort - making their lives a lot more complicated than what they had anticipated.
This is set before the other Crown AU fics, namely, “Lament”, “Liege” (written by @fabulanova-ffxv), "An Inbetween” and “Queen and Mother”. In short, Luna isn’t queen yet and Ravus is still alive.
You can search fanart of this AU on my main (@annaoi)
Special thanks to @fabulanova-ffxv for the awesome beta read!
Summary: Nyx must pay the price and Luna wishes it was her instead.
Word Count: 3,100+
Author’s notes: If you saw the fanart I made on this AU and wondered something about Nyx, this fic might answer it :).
Nyx sat down on the velvet couch trying to distract himself by figuring out if the man in the painting in front of him was a past king or just a prince or just a noble person of some sort. He considered asking the secretary but chose to refrain instead because she seemed immensely engrossed in typing a document onto her computer. He looked around, trying to spot another painting from a plethora of decorations in the spacious office. Nothing caught his attention though. Well, except for how grand this office was.
It was what he imagined the king’s office to be. But no, this was just the secretary’s. His Majesty’s workplace must be a lot more sophisticated. More kinglythan this, he assumed
“Care for a drink? Tea? Lemonade perhaps?” The secretary offered, making a split second glance at the former glaive before her fingers tapped a series of keys once more.
Nyx politely waved off. “Uh, no, thanks.”
She didn’t react to that.
Some of the staff were like this when he entered the hallways of the palace. Always a glance that was a second too long and then they avert their eyes as though they were truly ignoring his presence. But he could hear the occasional whispers and feel their eyes stare back again when the coast was clear.
Nyx had only been staying in Tenebrae for a few days and him just being here already sparked discussion. At least just within the palace population, since his stay was in one of the largest guest rooms as insisted by Luna and her brother. It all felt like Insomnia’s west end where the rich people lived, and that wasn’t due to the luxuries and the pristine furniture. It was the way people stared at him. They looked in disbelief that their revered monarch had allowed a person like him to take space in their turf. Having spent twelve years living the crown city of Lucis, the Galahdian had learned to treat the immigrant unwelcoming as trifling background noise. Seeing it here in the palace shouldn’t be a big deal, right?
Right.
The only differences were the palace, the country and its king. But still, it felt different being in here. The attention he received was magnified because, maybe, they saw him being close with their Princess Oracle.
Nyx didn’t mind it though. He was tired of hiding it as much as she was.
They had to keep it as a secret when he was still a glaive on active duty and she was betrothed to the Lucian prince. Her engagement to the Lucian king’s son was more of a political move than a choice and, as far as Nyx knew, the prince didn’t want to marry her either. Luna was free to love someone else. Someone of her choice. Eventually, the political engagement fell apart which it added more to their freedom to be together.
For two years they hid it. Two years of secret dates and rendezvous. Two years of protecting each other and making it a personal choice than just part of duty. Two years of growth from a love affair and into something deeper and unconditional.
After two years, he held her hands, got down on one knee and asked the most important question in his life.
Will you marry me?
Yes!
"Mr. Ulric, The king has arrived. I can take you to him now.”
Nyx turned, suddenly remembering why he was here.
“Please follow me,” the secretary said was about to leave her desk.
And Nyx stood up and did as she asked. He followed through the double mahogany door and into to corridor that only a privileged few had the permission to enter.
It was the first time Nyx had gone through this hall. He took notice of the change of paintings that neatly lined up on the white walls. They seemed more significant that the ones he had already observed in most parts of the palace. Portraits of queens and photographs of what he can only assume as the Tenebraean Council. Events and places that seemed more foreign to him. Images of people went through over the centuries. The walk was a gist of the country’s history.
The hall finally ended at an identical double door. The secretary knocked two times.
"Come in.” a voice muffled.
Nyx blew air before she turned the knobs.
The opened door revealed a large space with more gold and white in the walls, columns, and furniture. Red drapes with rich embroidery embellished the tall windows. A chandelier hung at the very center with its crystals dangling motionlessly and reflecting sunlight in delicate sparkles. A wall was covered by shelves of leather-bound books. A desk of gray wood with gold plated edges was situated at the far center. The chair of matching design was empty.
Ravus Nox Fleuret, the reigning king of Tenebrae, sat by a windowsill while he read from the open book on hand. He closed it as soon as Nyx’s arrived. The king stood with impeccable posture and spotted him with those piercing silvery irises. One would mistake it as coldness but the former glaive knew enough to know that Luna’s brother wasn’t without kindness. He wore gray slacks and a vest over the white, full sleeved, collared shirt - fresh from a public appearance.
“Your Majesty.” Nyx bowed his head.
“No need for courtesy, Nyx.” the king approached. Then he nodded to his secretary. “Thank you, Sofia.”
The secretary bowed and made a beeline to her exit, leaving them behind closed doors.
The visitor lifted his sights and jammed his hands into his pants pockets. “Sorry, a soldier’s habit, with you being king and all.”
Ravus gave a slight smirk. “I get too much formality and, as a matter of fact, I’m tired of it.”
Nyx made a quiet laugh. “I can only imagine.”
“Only Lunafreya dared to call me by my name in this palace.”
Nyx could see the mirth growing into the king’s face at the very mention of his sister. He knew the feeling. He, too, was an older brother.
Then, Ravus’ steel eyes returned. “I assume you are here about the Council’s ruling. About the engagement.”
Nyx nodded, feeling the gravity of this visit.
Them being subjected to law was the last thing on his mind when he asked Luna to be his wife. All he cared was that they would spend the rest of their lives together, create a family and just live a simple, happy, life. To both of them, they were just two people who loved each other. But to the Tenebraean court, she was their princess and he was an immigrant soldier from Lucis who went beyond the limits of his duty. To avoid the more controversy after the proposal, he resigned from the Kingsglaive and she had planned to abdicate as Tenebrae’s princess and Oracle.
However, there’s always a catch in these things: a person of royal birth wasn’t allowed to marry someone who isn’t Tenebraean, unless that person possesses a royal title. She may marry this foreigner of no titles only if she abdicates, but it will result in a lifetime of exile.
In other words, if Luna would relinquish her royalty and her titles, she would never see Tenebrae ever again. She wouldn’t be free to see Ravus and her friends. She would forever be barred to set foot into her homeland even if she begged. Even if she was once their beloved Oracle.
“Have you both come to decision?” his fiancee’s brother asked.
“Yes.” Nyx replied.
Ravus waited, crossing his arms as he leaned at the font of his desk.
“She plans to abdicate.”
Ravus seemed to start to react but he beat the king to it on his next set of words.
“But I’m saving her from all that trouble. I’m giving up my Galahdian citizenship and become a Tenebraean.”
The king wore the shock and hesitation. “Are you sure about this?”
The question sounded more measuring than of uncertainty. For days, Nyx himself was anxious while mulling over about this choice. He admitted it on a call to his mother who still lived in his childhood home in Galahd.
Are you sure that you love her this much?
Yes.
Then why are you fretting?
It’s just that… My heritage… Do you think it’s the right thing to do?
Nyx, being Galahdian isn’t determined by some official document or the tattoos and braids. It’s in the heart. Isn’t that why you shout that oath out loud as a glaive? For Hearth and Home?… So, I’ll ask you again… Do you love her this much?
The Galahdian knew what it was like to be away from home for a decade and more. If it was an exile, it would’ve shattered his soul. Being with Luna in her home, seeing her tearful when she embraced her brother, witnessing how she cherished telling stories of her childhood, it all made the choice crystal clear for him.
Nyx, a man must put his wife first before himself.
With determination in his heart, Nyx faced the king. “Yes. I’m sure.”
Ravus’ brows remained furrowed. “Lunafreya told me about how Galahdians put more value in their home and in their identity. I’m sure making a decision like this had shaken you…”
Then his eyes turn apologetic.
“… I did try my best to convince the Council to make an exception but, even when I wore the crown, my words held of little value to them. They care about laws than what the heart tells, unfortunately… I wish the circumstances were different. I never desired to have this burden on you.”
“I want to marry her the right way, Your Majesty. If this is the price, I’ll pay for it.” Nyx replied.
“What about your heritage?”
Nyx echoed his mother’s words. "A man must put his wife first before himself. Ravus stared in quiet, Nyx continued. “If I can’t do that now, might as well call it off.”
The king nodded in thought, bringing the smirk up again. “She loves you this much too. I can see that with how she is with you. She won’t hesitate to convince me to have a talk you out of it.” he crossed his arms again. “Hence, I find it odd that she’s not here rambling to me as we speak.
Nyx nodded, frowned a bit and shrugged. "She doesn’t know I’m here. If I told her, you already know what she’d do.”
Luna would argue and try to undo his decision. She would too take the sacrifice from him with stubbornness. It would be a longer discussion but either way, he would always make the same decision.
“So its either you or her.” Ravus mulled. “To be honest, I’d hate to have to exile my own sister.”
“Like I said, Your Majesty, I must put her first.”
The king put a hand on his shoulder. “Very well then.”
Then the monarch went behind his desk and pulled a drawer. From it, he revealed a small red box. He handed it to Nyx. The former glaive opened it and instantly saw a glimmering jewel with a hue resembling petals of syllablossoms. It rested on a rose gold ring that was embellished by smaller diamonds.
It was a ring fit for royalty but, at the same time, it seemed personal. A piece of jewelry more closely chosen by someone.
“It was my mother’s.” the king informed. “She gave it to me for a future wife.” He paused as if to reminisce a personal experience. “Since I am still in search, I think this is better suited for Lunafreya.”
The late queen mother’s ring rested heavily on Nyx’s palm. Luna would’ve wanted to wear it.
“I was surprised when she told me about the engagement. To tell you the truth, it concerned me deeply. However… I have witnessed her with you and now I’m glad it was you she chose to be with.” Ravus told him with sincerity.
Nyx nodded in deep gratitude. He closed the box and held it protectively and imagined her happiness when he would show it to her.
.
.
.
He was surrounded by men of elite stature. All of them, members of the Council, gazed at him with stern faces. King Ravus in full uniform held a ceremonial sword with his gloved hand.
Nyx spoke his words while he kneeled in front of him.
“I, Nyx Ulric, support the sovereignty of Tenebrae and entirely renounce all allegiance and fidelity to a foreign land, state or monarchy in which I have been a subject or citizen…”
He read through it with much thought and firmness and the utterance had felt familiar. He had made a number of verbal pledges. As a Galahdian warrior, as Kingsglaive, as a man who wished to be with his love. This was just another solemn promise, but it had cost so much.
When the man finished with his declaration, the king aptly placed the blade of the sword on top of his right shoulder and returned it to his side after the short while. Ravus ordered him to stand up. The oath taker obeyed.
“Nyx Ulric,” the king uttered for everyone to hear. “The seal is now in your hands.”
Nyx turned to a table next to him where a small blade had rested on top of it. He took it by the hand and paused.
It’s in the heart, he told himself
He reached for the first of his braids and sliced it off with the blade.
.
.
.
She couldn’t sit down as she waited in the comforts of her quarters. She paced along the carpet, not bothering looking at pictures and flowers on her desk to distract herself. She watched the window every so often, waiting for him to arrive with the reality of the news.
No matter how much she tried, no amount of wandering would ever keep her thoughts from what her fiance had done.
Luna had been too late. She only received the word regarding Nyx’s citizenship when he was already in the middle of his oath at the Council’s Court. She would have barged in and begged for his heritage if she could. She would put into case of his sacrifices, all of the burdens that he took upon for people and for her. At least, they would know how much this would cost him. But the Court is too far and, by the time she arrived, he would’ve been finished.
Ultimately, there was nothing she could do. This was his choice, another selfless act for the sake of love and life. And she wasn’t surprised because this was who Nyx was, and always will be.
So the princess of Tenebrae waited, going over the things she would say to him when he arrives. She mentally fumed towards her brother who had let this happen and, soon, she reminded herself that even a king couldn’t sway the courts on some occasions. The was also irk towards her fiance’s impulse. But, then again, he had only acted on logic.
If she made the sacrifice, she would lose Tenebrae, her home. If she did it instead, Galahd would remain within his reach. He could still visit his home freely even if he had given up his heritage - the freedom she envied. If only she was born a commoner. The law would have been powerless. She would’ve been free to keep her home while he would have the right to his identity.
She spotted a vehicle arriving at the palace gates. She knew it was him being escorted back. The princess rushed to out of her room and into the hallways. She went downstairs, seeing that the car had stopped at the front entrance. She saw him get out of his ride, her fiance, dressed in a formal suit.
Nyx sported a shorter cut and his braids were nowhere to be found.
The blonde ran to him, met him halfway and embraced him.
“You shouldn’t have done that!” she cried out to him. “I was alright giving up my home.”
She could feel him shake his head. “You’re not alright with it. You can’t fool me.”
He was right. Deciding to let her brother exile her would have left her broken. Still, she could heal. She could live in a new land, with new memories to create. He didn’t deserve to resort to giving up who he was.
Luna released herself from the embrace but her hands remained on him. She inspected his face and recognized that he hid something from the calmness. It was the same face he wore after those laborious battles he barely survived, as though this was another bout that had taken more from him than it should have.
Yet, the former Galahdian gifted her a smile, telling her that he will be alright as always.
The princess’ palm touched his cheek and eventually, her fingers reached the back of his neck where his braids had been. He looked away to hide what his ocean eyes had told. But she knew anyway. Not being able to feel the weaves and beads of his locks had placed a share of his loss in her heart. Those were the braids his mother had given him and taught him to do. The largest bead from the largest braid was his father’s. The metallic bead on the second braid was a gift from his sister. Cutting them off surely had a part of him die.
With soft eyes that searched of where she should soothe, she uttered to him “You can’t always make the sacrifices.”
His thumb brushed the arch of her cheek. “If I didn’t, then I would’ve lied about loving you.”
And out from his pocket, the fiance showed a small red box. He kneeled on one knee and gently lifted the lid.
The sight of him in this act was familiar, yet, it moved her. Especially that she recognized the content of the box. The blue of the syllablossons and the sparkling rose gold… She hadn’t expected to see it again.
“But… I already said ‘Yes’” she reminded.
His spontaneous proposal in the privacy of his small apartment back in Insomnia was perfect enough. She wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I know.” the man nodded. “But I couldn’t give you a ring and you only deserve more.” he paused as if it was the first time and then…
“Marry me, princess.”
She nodded with tears almost spilling over. “Yes. Of course!”
He stood and placed the ring onto her finger before sharing a kiss. They held each other as their lips moved, as though they spoke with every bit of their tender affection and selflessness. In the midst of the outpouring of love, she made an internal oath of her own.
To take away the burdens that pained him. To cherish the days with him. To protect his happiness.
To love him endlessly.
To love him, in a way that would bring back what the world had stolen from him.
Queen and Mother
A LuNyx fanfic set in me and @fabulanova-ffxv ‘s Crown AU in which Ravus became the king of Tenebrae but was assassinated a few years after Luna and Nyx married. After the king’s tragic death, Luna is crowned queen and Nyx becomes her prince consort - making their lives a lot more complicated than what they had anticipated.
Requested by @1piecegirl who wanted LuNyx with their kids moments in this AU.
Other Crown AU fics include the following when you search in this blog:
- “An Inbetween”
- “Lament”
- “Liege” (by @fabulanova-ffxv)
You can search for fanart of this AU on my main (@annaoi)
Summary: Luna faces the harsh reality of being the sovereign of Tenebrae while being the mother to her children.
Word Count ~1,700
Author’s Note: This took too long to finish because, while I was sick in the holidays, I went through 3 different plots before I finally was able to write this one. I intended to mix fluff with angst and I think I was able to do it. I hope you like it :)
From the window came a faint shriek of laughter, breaking Luna’s concentration for a second.
“Can you repeat that again, counselor?” she asked an old man with a white mustache as her hands linked on the table top. The blonde royal sat on the queen’s chair yet again as the sovereign who dealt with national matters in discussion. Five men of Tenebrae’s esteemed council, all of them wearing the seriousness of the situation on their faces, were seated as participators of this urgent meeting. The seasoned legislators formed a small semi-circle and faced her attentively. It was somewhat difficult to read them behind their stern guise.
She hoped they didn’t think of anything of that momentary lapse.
The old man, the one who had spoken before the distraction, brushed his mustache with his fingers before he began to repeat his words.
“As I have suggested, my Queen, the trade laws should be put in review if it meant to regain the ties with the Altissian government. And if we are to act upon the urgencies of the West Region’s export, we should have the whole council be included in this discussion”
The queen sighed placing the linked hands onto her lips, deep in thought with the facts laid out to her. She eyed the red classified stamp on the documents that had bulked on the desk. It meant more headaches and late night calls to ambassadors. More paperwork, travels and appearances to aid in the country’s political field. A mess of schedules and ruined sleep. The rougher side of royal duties.
Then, she heard the children counting from outside. Their father’s baritone voice joined, teaching them the order of numbers. Hide and seek must be a new favorite game of theirs.
Luna sighed harshly this time, to keep her mind from drifting. “We’ll have to schedule that for next week.”
“But Your Majesty,” objected another old man in an expensive suit, “the Western Region’s demands are of high priority. If we have it wait any longer Tenebrae’s major trades with Altissia will be put to a grave halt.”
Seeing the sound logic from his counter, Luna nodded to concede. “Very well then. Have the announcement for a meeting at the Oracle’s Hall at the most immediate opportune. I’ll have my secretary rearrange my schedule.”
The men bowed in unison. “As you wish, Your Majesty.” And they left in a quiet line.
Only when the last of them was gone did Luna let her shoulders slouch. She nursed her head bracing for the stress’ pain. More of the work was next on her plate. Papers to read and sign, more discussions with politicians, appearances for the public. Maybe the newspapers tomorrow would point out how her Majesty’s eye bags had doubled in size. To not waste any more time, she grabbed the first of the thick documents to read for the pending signature and stood up to stretch her legs. The first paragraph, unfortunately, was already draining to the sight that she automatically let her feet travel to the window and let herself be distracted for once.
She spotted the grassy grounds of the palace below, with trees creating shadowy spots under the late morning. Her children, the five year old boy and girl twins, ran in uneven circles. Her husband, their father, chased them with slowed steps to keep the illusion that they were getting away from him.
Celeste, the dark haired girl showed baby teeth as she skipped and ran with giggles. Alexis, the blond boy, was also in a fit of laughter but already giving up and facing their father’s grasp. Nyx, with his grin so wide and child-like, picked the boy up with one arm and carried him into the air as he proceeded to chase his daughter in play.
“The boogeyman got me! Run, Lest! Run” Alexis warned in glee as he hugged his father’s neck.
“Noooo not the boogeyman!” Celeste screamed in between the laughs.
Their father was able to capture his daughter with the other hand but his foot slipped into the grass. He segued the fall into a slide, twisting his body so he’d land on his back and the kids he carried would never touch the ground. The twins cheered and grabbed on as they safely fell into the grass. The children and their father laughed so hard that their joyous voices echoed clearly.
Luna’s heart melted on the contagious laughter and uttered her own behind the glass window. This was her family in a perfect picture, bringing the old days back somehow. She itched to go downstairs, join them in the grass and give them her tickles and kisses. Just like the times before she was made queen, when her royal status as a princess was in dormancy and she lived the blissful commoner life. But today, it was a doing she must put on hold as the bulk of work buried the family pictures that decorated her desk.
As he rested on the grass on his back, Nyx’s eyes spotted her from afar and smiled. He nudged the two children who lied down on the grass with him and pointed. They waved at her. In their tiny five-year-old voices, they called. “Hey Moooooom!”
She released a palm from the document she carried and waved back with a brighter smile. She half expected for them to shout at her to and urge her to come down with them but it seemed they spotted the work she held. They knew she couldn’t join them and the thought of that made the somberness more pronounced in her soul.
Next, Nyx blew her a kiss. The children copied the act in their own way. She smiled and let herself do the same for her family, kissing the palm and planting it on their image on the glass. She lingered her palm on the window, as though to hold her love, pride, and joy.
Then, she withdrew and turned to her nagging duties. Work would have her occupied for more time than she had hoped. Yet she still hoped that maybe she would finally join in the laughter later.
.
.
.
She was too late again.
Luna leaned on the door frame and watched them breathe. The twins on separate beds slumbered peacefully with the dimmed lighting of the lamp. As she gently snored, Celeste held a cardboard version of her father’s kukri. No doubt, Nyx had told his battle stories again for bedtime. In the same state, Alexis hugged a Malboro stuffed toy like a security blanket. Clearly, her son still hadn’t surrendered it for a replacement despite it having patches and unmatching stitches from repairs. Their eyes fluttered every now and then, indicating that they spent this hour in dreams.
As any mother would, the queen prayed in her mind that they were good dreams.
A pair of arms she recognized and welcomed gently wrapped her middle from behind. She felt his chin rest on her shoulder. She leaned to the side of his face and her fingers rubbed his calloused knuckles.
“How was work?” Nyx whispered.
“Same old.” she said simply, avoiding a complaint on the stress while still watching their children. “I thought you were asleep.”
“I was but you arriving back woke me up.”
Luna smiled for a bit. “I’m sorry.”
She can feel him shake his head. “Nah, I miss you anyway.” Then, he placed his lips on her cheek, making her feel the warmth all over. His much-needed embrace eased her mind’s gloom as always.
“How were they today?” she asked him.
“Lest had fun times with nannies. They told me she put a lizard into their lunch.”
Luna laughed softly and felt him smile.
“Before you ask,” he continued, “I already gave her a talk about it.
Hard-headed and having more of her father’s genes, the little princess’ antics quickly gained attention throughout the palace. It was Lest being Lest.
“Lexi is on his third book.” her husband said next. “He’s into reading about animals and told me he wanted to come back to the zoo sometime.”
The little prince, undoubtedly, was the well-behaved of the two. Shy and curious at the same time, he took after his mother’s bookworm hobby early on. Luna suddenly remembered the times when he was a toddler and he sat on her lap while she played the piano.
“I hope we can all go back.” the queen muttered. She meant the zoo but it might’ve sounded to have a different context. Maybe it was.
Nyx was silent, clearly sharing her quest to quench the nostalgia. She felt him bury his face into her hair and rubbed her belly with his thumb. It reminded her of the times when her babies were still growing inside of her womb. She enjoyed her husband’s protectiveness while she whispered her hopes and dreams for them. The mother told her unborn twins that she looked forward to seeing them grow.
The more she wore the crown, the more she felt robbed of the time with them. She had come to fear that, before her eyes would witness her children progressing lives, they have already grown up to venture off without her. How ironic that the most powerful woman in Tenebrae couldn’t even arrive in time to say her goodnight while they were still awake. It was always at the dead of night could she watch them and talk to them as they were deaf to her words and blind to her presence.
As the night continued into its stillness, Luna walked towards Celeste’s bedside and sat on its empty space. The mother gingerly set the cardboard kukri aside from the little’s girl’s hold, brushed her bangs and kissed her forehead. Afterwards, she moved on to Alexis who mirrored his sister’s serene face. She brushed away the blond curls and kissed his forehead as well. She looked at Nyx and sighed. His own fatigued eyes shared her somber gaze but eventually told of love and hope.
“There’s always tomorrow.” he said.
He offered his hand so they could go to bed finally. She took it and walked with him to leave their dreaming children be.
Tomorrow, she said to herself, tomorrow should be different.
This is the first fic that I have written for me and @annaoi ‘s Crown AU! This AU is our BABY and I’m so excited and happy to finally be able to share my part in it as this has been sitting in my files for way too long and just waiting to be posted. This fic is before the events of Ann’s draw
Thanks to @loveiscosmicsin so suggesting that I post this short fic as the prologue to this AU
More Crown AU fics written by Ann on her writing blog (@luna-ulric)
SHIP: Luna/ Nyx
WORD COUNT: 794
AU:Crown AUThe footing of the prince consort was heavy–with each movement a struggle to not drag with the weighted ceremonial robes and cloaks trailing behind him. Piercing eyes watched from behind, each glance of noble ill judgement as he made his ascent up the steps to the throne to play his part in this sacred coronation.
Nyx eyes cast upwards to the woman before him. She was dressed in a white gown laced with embroidery of brilliance and gold exquisites. Her shoulders were cloaked by a cape of feathers–dipped in the blue of royal flowers. But the crown of crystal and silver was the most precious of all jewels. An irreplaceable heirloom it was, said to be blessed by the gods alike to the land it resided in. And now it sat, nestled on the head of Tenebrae’s new sovereign with its delicate chains of silver framing her face. Heavy was the weight of the crown, yet she wore it with dignity and grace much like her ancestors who reigned before her.
There she was; the Queen of Tenebrae, the embodiment of all holy, his wife.
And he who shall kneel before her; a mere subject, slave to duty of more importance than a promised loving husband.
He took off his coronet of crystal and placed it in the hands of the altar boy before lowering his knee to meet the marble floor in a kneel of eternal devotion. It was a gesture which had become second nature to him throughout his time as a glaive to the king of Lucis. However, his knee was not bent to the kingdom he once served, more so to the crown of a kingdom that his beloved one called her home.
He fixed his gaze at Lunafreya, hoping to see a glimpse of the woman he called his wife. However, with the Oracle’s Trident in hand, she sat upon the throne, back straight and the stare of her blue eyes unwavering—cold and unfamiliar. Nyx found his gaze wavering, unable to keep his sights on the eyes of a stranger.
Exhaling a low breath, his lips parted, mouth drying for the piece he was going to say.
“I, Nyx, consort of Tenebrae, who kneel before thee, do become thy vassal of life and duty and eternal worship…”
Oaths of loyalty weren’t foreign to the lips of a soldier. But for a homage of such unnatural, a bitter taste was beginning to fester on his tongue–even if he did rehearse them for days, hours and minutes before the coronation.
“Faith and truth I bear unto thee…to live and die against sinner and foe of holy mother and land…To the blessed stars who bear witness to I who offer my pledge, I beseech mercy and guidance…”
And with remaining breath, he uttered his remaining prayer of worship.
“This is my solemn vow…”
Nyx felt winded as he spoke those last words. His voice was robbed to a mere whisper—soft and weak like a choking plea. The vile taste continued lingering, sitting like poison even after he spoke the speech of reverence. But his words were not intended to be spoken as a husband to his wife, but as a liegeman of life and limb to the crown of a nation which robbed him of his own.
The glaive who once promised for Hearth and Home was dead, sacrificed and left to decay in worthless honour. This was a life for a life—as it has always been.
The prince consort, glanced up at Lunafreya once more, holding what he beheld for one last hope of seeing his wife in those distant eyes. Alas, much like the man he once was, the woman he had loved so dearly was lost in that abyss of her darkened gaze. Lunafreya peered at him with a look of absolute sovereignty—a face stripped of warmth and endearment. Nyx didn’t see his wife or the mother of his children at that moment. But the embodiment of the living goddess of all Tenebrae’s worship as she was born and raised to be.
Divine she was, and out of reach.
This was real, and there was no returning back to the simpler of life that they once both dreamed.
Hopelessness filled his burdened heart as he rose from his knee to a stand. With a gentle hand, he reached and caressed the crystal of her crown. Yet with whatever remained in his shattering soul, he leaned down to press a kiss upon the softness of her cheek, before leading his footing backwards from the steps to bow his head to his queen once more.
Small and quick was the kiss, but to the prince consort, this was enough for his final plea.
Please remember…I am still your husband…
Uneasy Lies The Head That Wears A Crown [LuNyx]
So this has been sitting in my files unfinished and collecting cyber dust for almost 6 months lmao. But I somehow managed to get my butt to finally finish it.
This is a fic set in me and @annaoi‘s Crown AU.
Other Crown AU Fics: (*written by @annaoi on her writing blog @luna-ulric)
- Solemn Promises*
- An Inbetween*
- Lament*
- Queen and Mother*
- Liege
…
She watched as it was being taken out its leather case from where it sat nestled in a bed of blue velvet, seeing it sparkle against the sunlight as gloved hands handed the jewel over for her to hold in her own. Surprisingly light was its weight in her palms, yet there was still an undeniable heaviness to it. Lifting it up carefully, she then placed the royal heirloom on her head, unaware that at the same time she was also holding her breath. When she glanced up at her reflection in the mirror, an unexpected sense of almost unease overcame her being from the very first glimpse. The decorated jewels and the band of precious metal glistened ever so delicately on her head, with the chains of dainty crystals hanging across to frame her face. With the coronation robes that were also cloaked over her form, she was now wearing the whole ceremonial ensemble. Lunafreya walked towards the mirror to take a closer look, carefully minding her steps as if she were balancing the crown on her head. If she had to say, she was a little taken back from seeing herself.
It was a sight she never dared to imagine would ever be possible.
