More than a Myth

Humans...

Lightning stared at Stella as she said those words. So, she faked the polite princess act and was actually less respectable. "Excuse me?"
"Don't play dumb, you bitch! You're the reason my Noctis is so upset. If you weren't in the picture he wouldn't be so torn apart."
That stung. She glared. "And you're not what everyone thinks you are."
She giggled evilly. "I have two ways to get what I want; I can act all innocent and sweet, or..." She took a few steps closer. "I can show a little force."
"It would be awful for you if the public would see how you really are."
Stella laughed. "After spending years building up this reputation of mine, no one would believe you, now would they?" Her expression became stern. "I suggest you listen up. In my position, I could have you jailed, or even killed, with a snap of my fingers. Better yet, no one would question my reasoning."
"I believe you. You pass off for the typical snake in the grass. Or, in this case, a skank in the grass."
Her eyes narrowed. "How dare you speak to me in such a manner!" She crossed her arms. "I'm getting tired of this. Just do everyone a favor and stay away from my Noctis."
She referred to him as her property. Lightning felt a scream building up in her. A scream that would shut the princess up. Noctis had his own feelings. She was not one to decide what he did and didn't do. If she believed otherwise, Lightning would have to fix that. If Noctis had to be stuck with her, not that Lightning wanted him to be, Stella would treat him with respect.
Lightning's fists were clenched. "You son of a—"
"Oh no," Stella said, putting on an innocent face and tone. "Don't get too angry. Don't you know what everyone would think if your hurt Tenebrae's beloved princess?" She went back to her smug look. "Face it; you can't touch me. You can't hurt me, you can't even talk back to me without receiving punishment from my servants."
Lightning wanted so badly to shoot her face off with her saber. "Why are you acting like this? Is this exactly like you planned?"

"Because I did plan it all."
Lightning furrowed her brow. "What do you mean?"
Stella paced as she explained, her heels clicking against the stone floors. "It's simple, really. I wanted Noctis." Again with the calling him her property. "I took advantage of Cladis's invasion to get him. Our kingdoms never had any distrust between each other. We have been allies for years. That is, until I started having rumors spread about the kingdoms invading each other. Our soldiers don't want to work together after hearing that." She stopped pacing, her shoes clicking loudly one last time. She grinned, "The kings wouldn't want any fights breaking out, so they were desperate enough to accept my idea about our merger. So I get Noctis and power over another kingdom."
Lightning grew angrier as she spoke.

"You...you can't do that!"
"Watch me."

Lightning had to stop her. She was being unfair to Noctis. If she acted this way towards him, his life would be a living hell. She couldn't let him go through that. "And if I tell Noctis, your plan is ruined."
Stella's grin widened. "Again, with my reputation, he wouldn't believe you. And... I could just as easily make up a story to make you seem like the bad guy."
"Oh yeah? Like what?"
"Like... how about you're a spy who only got close to him to find out more about the crystal."
He had seen where she was from. There was no way she could be a spy. Because of her origin, Stella probably couldn't make up any story about her. "He knows I don't have any interest in the crystal."
"Or you wanted his money."
"I work for my own money. I don't need his."
"How about...That girl...what was her name?...Serah, wasn't it?"
Lightning flinched. If she laid a hand on her she would be digging her own grave.
"She is your sister, correct? It would be awful if I decided to have her taken away to prison, or worse..."
"Don't you touch her!"
The princess turned to leave. "Then keep your nose out of things." The princess's heels could be heard as she walked down the corridor.

That...That viper! She set up everything to benefit her without any concern for Noctis! She couldn't just let her lover marry this witch. He had to know the truth.
Noctis sat on his throne. The dark room secluded him in darkness. Only a little moonlight illuminated the room. His elbow was propped up on the arm of the chair. His head rested on his knuckles. Ignis entered, holding a clipboard. "It's time you start getting ready."
Noctis grumbled, "I don't want to go to the stupid banquet."
"It's a party for your wedding. You have to go."
Noctis stood silently. Ignis sensed his discomfort. "The others are coming."
"Who?"
"Fang, Vanille, Snow... But none of them are dressing up. They'll be there for a little bit before going home.
Noctis didn't want them to go. Them leaving meant she would leave. And Noctis couldn't watch her go. Not now, not ever. He sighed. "Fine."