zer0pm:

Imagine travelling with Ardyn in the past, standing by him when everyone turned against him.

Ardyn: “It’s not too late to turn back. The people… Somnus will still accept you.”

You: “I’ve never cared about what others thought, let alone your brother.”

Ardyn: “He is your king now.”

You: “No, my king is right here. In front of me.”

Ardyn: “……”

You: “You coming along?”

Ardyn: “So stubborn.”

You: “It’s part of my charm.”

Ardyn: “Ha. Indeed.”

Catching you by surprise, he hugs you. You can smell his sweet and spicy musk that only ever belongs to him fill your senses as he holds you tightly.

Ardyn: “You really won’t leave me, will you? Not when safety awaits on the other side?”

You: “Even if we’re surrounded by a thousand daemons, I will only feel safest with you.”

Ardyn: “How sentimental.”

You: “Tis’ only true.”

Ardyn: “Hm…”

He lets go of you only for a brief moment in which you take as your cue to gather your things to move onward. When you weren’t looking…

Ardyn catches you before you hit the ground. As he is kneeling, holding you tenderly in his arms, his eyes hold deep sadness that is only betrayed by a small smile.

Ardyn: “Forgive me… for I cannot stand the thought of seeing you die for me. As the Astrals said, I am not worthy. Not of them… Not of you…”

He lifts you off the ground and moves to carry you to safety, where he knows you will not be able to follow him.

Ardyn: “Know that whatever happens, I will always remember you as the last good thing in my life.”

‘Til this day, it still holds true…

Ravus: “You’re awfully quiet today, chancellor.”

He chuckles before turning away from the high commander.

Ardyn: “Just remembering the days of my youth.”

Ravus: “Is it important?”

Ardyn: “More than you could ever know.”