5 years later

Valerie watched as the Council members left the throne room. She then stepped inside, seeing Regis alone on his throne. "Your Majesty, your lunch has been prepared," she said with a bow.

"Thank you, Valerie," he replied, rubbing his temple as he stood.

Valerie could tell he seemed more stressed than usual. "Anything bothering you, Your Majesty?"

"Aside from all the losses in our war against Niflheim," he replied, walking down the steps, "now Noctis has been insisting on wanting to attend school. Seems he's tired of being tutored." He sighed. "He became so withdrawn after the incident last year."

"You mean when he was injured and you took him to Tenebrae?" He nodded, walking alongside her. "If only I had been there, I would've slaughtered those Niffs." She quickly changed the subject. "Please don't fret, Your Majesty. I'm sure the young prince is simply going through a faze. Angelica's the same way. Actually, speaking of Angelica..."

"Something the matter with her?"

"She's a wonderful girl," Valerie explained. "She's excelling in her schoolwork and in her training, but she's still unable to make any friends. Ever since that time she broke a child's arm, I've seen something... different in her. When she's angry or upset, the look in her eyes is more than unsettling."

Regis paused and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I trust in you and your ability to raise her into a fine young lady. In fact, I don't believe I've ever met Angelica. Why don't you bring her here this evening? She can meet my son as well."

Valerie smiled and they continued walking. "Sounds wonderful, Your Majesty! And here's an idea - why don't you allow the prince to go to her school? That way they'd both always have a friend."

"Hmm, perhaps that's not such a bad idea."

~~~~~

"Here we are, Angel."

Angelica followed behind her mother into the throne room of the Citadel. She looked all around, scanning the enormous room. Her eyes then landed on the king standing at his throne with a child at his side. Valerie brought her daughter forward until they stood before the throne. Regis descended the steps, approaching the girl while his son followed closely behind him.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Angelica."

"A pleasure, Your Majesty," she swiftly replied with a bow.

Regis stared down at her for several moments, as if studying her. He then smiled. "You look so much like your mother. I'd like you to meet my son, Prince Noctis."

He placed a hand on his son's back and nudged him forward. "Hi," the young boy greeted.

"Hello, Your Highness," Angelica responded with another quick bow, keeping a calm, neutral expression. "I'm Angelica."

The boy smiled. "Nice to meet you, Angec- Angl-"

Hearing him stumble on her name, she quickly interrupted, "You can call me Angel for short."

"Nice to meet you, Angel." Noctis said. "I remember meeting your mom before. Miss Val works in the kitchen, so does that mean you'll be working here too?"

"At some point, yes. I'm certain I'll be serving you when I'm older."

After a brief pause, Noctis remembered the exciting news. "So, have you heard? I'm gonna go to the same school as you. I hope we can be friends and help each other out with our homework."

Angelica was caught off guard by how friendly and accepting he was. She stared at him for a moment before finally smiling lightly. "Sounds good, Your Highness."

And so, on Noctis's first day of school, Angelica stuck by his side. She showed him around and caught him up on everything. Being a year older, she was a grade above him. But they still had a few classes together. And while the prince was gawked at, no one dared approach him due to his status and the fact that Angelica was following him around. Upon entering their classroom, everyone paused what they were doing and stared at the two, their eyes wide.

"I guess people around here recognize me," the raven-haired boy quietly said.

Angelica was used to the silent stares she got, easily recognizing the fear in their eyes. "It's not you," she softly said, nervously rubbing her arm. "It's me they're looking at."

Noctis turned his gaze to her, confused. "Why?"

She glanced at the boy before turning her head away. "I don't wanna talk about it."

They both took a couple of seats for class, sitting side by side. Once the school day was over, the two stood outside together, waiting for their rides. A black car soon pulled up. The front passenger door opened and out stepped a taller boy with dirty blond hair and glasses. Angelica followed Noctis to the car. She couldn't help but blush lightly upon seeing the tall boy. Wow, he's kinda cute.

"This is my ride," Noctis told her, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Pardon me," the bespectacled boy said with an accented voice, looking over the redhead. "Are you a friend of His Highness?"

"Um, yeah," she replied. "My name's Angelica."

"Angel's mom is Miss Val, the nice cook that sometimes sneaks me cookies," Noctis explained.

"Ah, I see." He smiled. "I'm Ignis, advisor to Prince Noctis. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"I'll see you tomorrow, Angel," Noctis said, climbing into the back seat of the car.

Ignis closed the prince's door and got back into the front passenger seat. Angelica waved to Noctis as the car drove away. Her slight smile faded away. I wonder if he'd still be my friend if he knew the truth. Mom's right, no one can ever know. I'm sure Noctis would be afraid of me too if he found out. Maybe getting attached to people is something I shouldn't do. I don't want to scare or hurt anyone. Her negative thoughts were overwhelming her mind.

When her mother picked her up, she noticed the sour mood her daughter was in. "Angel, you alright? How'd your day with the prince go?"

"Great," she answered simply.

Valerie frowned. "It doesn't sound great."

"It was fine, Mom, really."

Valerie sighed. "If you say so." She paused. "Meet any cute boys?"

"Moooom!" the girl whined, embarrassed by the subject.

Valerie only laughed. "Kidding!"

Angelica rolled her eyes and laughed. Her depressing mood had been lifted. She eventually gazed out the window, smiling slightly. At least the company of Noctis at school was better than being all alone. And who knows, maybe she'll end up befriending others with his help.