"Walk tall, my son," Regis said, giving the prince an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

Noctis only nodded before turning his attention to Angelica, who stood quietly by the king's side. "Angel, are you sure you don't wanna tag along?"

She smiled lightly. "You and His Majesty keep asking, but my answer remains the same. My place is here, Prince Noctis, awaiting your return."

"Alright, then," Noctis said. "Take care of things while I'm gone."

The girl bowed respectfully. "I will. Have a safe trip..." Her eyes glanced over each of the boys. "All of you."

With that, the four young men got into the Regalia and left the Citadel behind. Regis looked over at the girl. "Angelica, are you absolutely certain you do not wish to join them? I could have one of my Glaives drive you if you'd like to catch up to them."

"I'm certain, Your Majesty. They'll be back soon enough after the wedding. My assistance wouldn't be necessary on a trip like that."

The king had a grim expression as he answered, "Very well."

Angelica was left standing there, watching the king go back inside where Drautos waited for him. She had noticed the look on his face and it gave her a very uneasy feeling. Though truthfully, a small journey with her friends would've been a nice change, but there was simply too much that needed to be done before the upcoming peace signing. It would be a very hectic time, for sure.

Angelica was eager for it to be over and for her friends' return. One thing she was excited about though was meeting Lady Lunafreya, Noctis's betrothed. She had only ever heard about the Oracle, but after the wedding, she was sure to return with the prince, giving Angelica the opportunity to meet her in person.

The remainder of the day was pretty normal, aside from all the preparations for the signing. Angelica ended up in the kitchen with her mother that evening. While all the cooks were getting things cleaned up for the night, Angelica stood silently in one spot. She leaned back against the wall with her arms crossed, her eyes focused on the floor as her thoughts wandered. Her mind was still on Regis's expression. He had looked so concerned by her answer.

"Angel, dear, what's on your mind?" Valerie suddenly asked, noticing her daughter's behavior. "You seem lost in thought."

Angelica sighed, meeting her mother's gaze. "It's just... Something just doesn't feel right about this whole peace signing. And for the past few days, King Regis has been asking me the same question about whether I wanna join the guys or not. He seemed more worried about it than Noct did."

Valerie hummed in thought. "That does strike me as odd, and as for the peace signing, you're not the only one feeling uneasy about it." She went over and placed her hands on the girl's shoulders. "Stay alert and be prepared. I have a hunch that things won't go as smoothly as planned."

After a couple of days, Angelica found herself sprinting down the halls and to the kitchen. She was very worried and confused by what she had seen. Now she was certain something wasn't right. She barged into the kitchen, startling everyone.

"Mom! I need to talk to you, now!"

Valerie stopped what she was doing and hurried over, pushing her daughter back outside of the kitchen so the other cooks wouldn't hear them. "What's wrong, Angel?"

In a hushed voice, Angelica replied, "Lady Lunafreya is here!"

"What?!" Valerie nearly shouted.

"I saw her here in the Citadel!" the girl quickly explained to her mother. "She was talking with the king! But it doesn't make sense, her wedding's supposed to be in Altissia. Why would she come here?"

Valerie was speechless, alarmed by the information and the conclusion she was coming to. The wedding wasn't happening, this much she was certain of. And if the wedding - a symbol of the treaty - wasn't happening, how would the official signing go? Valerie needed answers.

"Angel, I want you to go straight home and pack up some extra clothes and things."

Angelica was starting to really worry now. "What? Why?"

"I think... maybe you should've gone with your friends after all," she quietly said. "I'm going to find out what exactly His Majesty is planning. For now, do as I say."

Angelica only nodded, watching her mother rush past her. In her own mind, she was beginning to piece everything together. Something awful is going to happen, she concluded. Perhaps that whole time, the Niffs and King Regis were both plotting. Angelica was reluctant to go home. She already understood her mother's orders. She wants me to leave Insomnia if anything happens.

She would, of course, pack some necessities, as her mother requested, but she sure wasn't planning on leaving. She would stay there and protect her king. It was her duty and she would honor it. No matter what her mother or anyone else told her, she would stand and fight. She would kill any and all who opposed her king or her mother.

Valerie, on the other hand, was informed of Regis's plan. She was shocked. His plan was to fight, despite the inevitable loss they would sustain. Valerie understood his reasoning and swore to uphold her duty and fight by his side. But one thing still bothered her - Angelica. She knew how stubborn and independent her daughter was. Without a doubt in her mind, she knew Angelica would stay, despite everyone wanting her to flee while she could.

Angelica had driven straight home and begun packing a few things in a small backpack. She had just finished when her mother had returned. Valerie eyed the girl and the backpack that had been stuffed full.

"Happy, Mom?" Angelica questioned. "I packed. But it's not going to make a difference. Whatever happens, I want to stay and fight."

Valerie shook her head, a sad smile gracing her lips. "I know, and I can't stop you. Just... promise me one thing." Angelica nodded. "If anything should happen to the king and me, please promise me you'll get to safety."

Angelica's eyes widened slightly. "I... I can't do that." She refused to even accept the possibility. "Nothing is going to happen, I won't let it."

Angelica narrowed her eyes. Valerie was taken aback. She saw determination, but also something sinister in the girl's eyes. It was the familiar look that reminded her so much of her husband and her own past. It was a look she loathed to see, especially from her daughter. Valerie had a lot on her mind for the remainder of the night. Her insides were in turmoil. She didn't know exactly how things would play out, but she was terrified, not for herself, but for everyone else, especially Angelica. She feared for her daughter's safety, and for her sanity.