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That gentle knock at the door is none other than the King of Lucis himself. It's been well over twenty-four hours since Regis has last checked on his ethereal guest. While the manner of Ardyn's appearance within the crystal chamber caused quite a conundrum, all has been quiet within the Citadel since. He has made it a point to keep the bureaucrats at bay as Ardyn recovered in solitude, only allowing a handful of the most trusted physicians to see him. While all seems to be well, Regis knows he cannot stall the High Council for long. The Council is very curious about Ardyn, too eager to lob questions at him in hopes of unearthing Lucis's fate. While he shares their sentiments, Regis isn't here to interrogate Ardyn.

"Greetings," Regis says with a faint smile once the surprise ebbs away. He didn't expect his guest to be awake so soon. "It seems that your feeling better." He states before gently suggesting that they talk inside.

There are a few guards stationed nearby, all Kingsglaives judging from their iconic black uniforms. While there are quite protective of their king, Regis has ordered them to allow him a private audience with Ardyn. Therefore, they'll remain outside for the time being. As for Regis, he has forsaken his royal raiments for a handsome black suit decorated with slim silver pinstripes. Regis looks like a man in mourning wearing so much black but this is common for the royal family. The only hint of color on him is the dull gray of his tie and the hints of silver from his horn-like circlet. He looks nothing like the kings of yore but Regis still carries himself regally as a king should.

"Pray, forgive me if this seems forward but I would like it would...converse privately." He all but whispers in hopes that Ardyn will be more willing to talk now.

He is quick to step back out of the way and open the door wider when he sees that the king himself has come to visit. However he might feel, he will show a king, and his generous host, due respect.

Well, he probably could have done better regarding respect. Ardyn is caught off guard by the king's outfit, so unlike what he wore the other day. He still has a very regal, handsome appearance, even if the clothing looks like nothing he's ever seen before.

"I... will try, Your Highness," he says after rudely staring for a few moments too long. Ardyn's voice is soft from disuse, though the water is helping him feel more alert in general. Odd, though, how he doesn't feel any need to eat or drink. He should be ravenous, and yet his stomach is completely settled.

"Please, come in." Next, he notices the lack of guards following their liege. Interesting. He wonders if Regis might know how to fight on his own, just like Ardyn and Somnus know.

"Forgive me for arriving so unannounced," Regis couldn't help but notice that stare. "I just returned from a press conference a moment ago and thought to visit you." While he owed Ardyn no explanation, he decided to give one anyway.

The last thing he wants is for his guest to realize he's being monitored to a certain degree. While he vowed not to let the physician poke and prod, he certainly did have them keep an eye on him during the conference. Not because he thought Ardyn would try to escape but because he feared the man could die. While Ardyn looks hale and whole now, he certainly didn't look that way for the last several hours.

"I trust your accommodations are to your liking then?" The king questions once he notices the half-empty pitcher upon the table. "I would be remiss to offend the man who proclaims to be of my bloodline." Yes, Regis didn't forget that part. How could he? Those fateful words started a myriad of rumors here within the Citadel. Rumors that Regis thought to pay very little credence to them until he decided to the number of kings throughout the ages. That's when those baffling words suddenly began to ring true.

"Let us speak plainly," Regis all but whispers as he paces towards the windows. "Who are you?"

Edited 2021-10-07 03:25 am (UTC)