[It would be foolish to expect Noctis to be happy to see him, of course. He knows quite plainly of the loss that he's inflicted upon the boy, all of it purposefully done. This should be enough to give rise to his sadism, to smile in twisted earnest, knowing that he's stirring the proverbial pot of Noctis' emotions. The same way his become fervent and poisonous within him, upon hearing the other's words.
But no such thing happens. The grin is sharp yet hollow, bitter and cold. He'll gladly tower over him, and if the Chosen King was going to stand planted to the ground, like a tree rooted against the storm, Ardyn would move forward, his stride languid, casual, but his gaze cutting.]
And why would I do something like that?
[There's irony in that question, Noctis. Ardyn wonders just how much he realizes it. He's close now, having stepped forward a few paces more, enough to really get a good look at the young man, staring at him so defiantly. If anyone believed either or these two to simply walk away, they would be highly disappointed right about now.]
You're the one who was supposed to be taking a very long, extended nap, you know.
[He refers to the Crystal, of course. He refers to the way that Noct is not how he remembers him, all fire and no dignity. No bearing of a true king, not in Ardyn's eyes.]
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But no such thing happens. The grin is sharp yet hollow, bitter and cold. He'll gladly tower over him, and if the Chosen King was going to stand planted to the ground, like a tree rooted against the storm, Ardyn would move forward, his stride languid, casual, but his gaze cutting.]
And why would I do something like that?
[There's irony in that question, Noctis. Ardyn wonders just how much he realizes it. He's close now, having stepped forward a few paces more, enough to really get a good look at the young man, staring at him so defiantly. If anyone believed either or these two to simply walk away, they would be highly disappointed right about now.]
You're the one who was supposed to be taking a very long, extended nap, you know.
[He refers to the Crystal, of course. He refers to the way that Noct is not how he remembers him, all fire and no dignity. No bearing of a true king, not in Ardyn's eyes.]