Six

"'Happy New Year, Miss Demose.'" I read to myself then set the note down, opening the box and smiling at the dress that laid inside, a gift from the king.

Nyx's POV

I sighed as I sipped my champagne, but I noticed all the Glaives were in this area as the rest of the city's elite avoided us like the plague.

"You think she'll show?" Pelna asked, but I shook my head as I lowered my glass.

"She seems pretty freaked that the king wants her here, especially after what happened with Drautos-"

"She saved this city! She deserves to be here more than anyone else!" Libertus said and I went to talk, but stared as the elevator doors opened and Sorrentina came out. She wore a soft looking baby blue dress with jewels on it, though it hugged her from the waist up and accentuated her cleavage by giving her slightly more than normal. The rest of it flowed freely down her waist and legs, but as she walked, I noticed silver heels on her feet. She had on soft blue, silver, and white eyeshadow, her lips were painted a soft pink, and her hair was curled slightly and flowing freely like normal.

"Nyx?" I heard, but Crowe turned and saw what I did. Also with the jewels adorning her dress, I noticed some that fell over her shoulders and brushed the very tops of her arms, but I saw that her freckles were showing and knew she hadn't bothered to try and cover them.

"Go talk to her." I looked at Crowe then she smirked.

"Nyx, no one gives just anyone a pair of ancient royal weapons as thanks for getting their ex arrested. Go, now, before Ravus Nox Fluret goes over to her with his perfect hair that pisses me off." I laughed then Libs took my drink and I went to Sorren, who visibly sagged as she saw me.

"Sor-"

"Milady." She looked to Ravus as he bowed his head, but I clenched my fists as I tried not to punch his stupid face in.

"I'm sorry, I don't know you and I don't care to. If you'd excuse me, I'd like to be with those that I do know." She dismissed then grabbed my hand, making me smile as he glared. I turned then she held my arm, hugging me tightly as we went towards the others at a slow pace.

"You look beautiful." I whispered and she looked at me then smiled.

"Not too bad yourself, Nyx." She said, but I had to laugh. I was wearing a borrowed black tux that had a friggin' bowtie I just wanted to rip off.

"Hold on." I looked at Sorren then she turned me and grabbed the bow, pulling it off and stuffing it into my pocket. I watched as she unbuttoned the first two buttons on my shirt then she smoothed out the fabric, smiling softly.

"That's better." I laughed then we got to Crowe, Libertus, Pelna, and Luche, who were eyeing us.

"Damn, Sorrentina!" Crowe laughed as she stood in a plain red dress, her hair in it's messy style like always.

"Thank you. My grandmother insisted if I was coming here, I'd best look my best." She said and I had to silently thank Grandma Demose.

Sorren's POV

"Well, she did a damn good job." Libertus said and I smiled.

"Sorrentina, this is Pelna and Luche, two Kingsglaives also from Galahd." Nyx said then I smiled at the other two.

"Excuse me." I turned then saw some older woman in a black dress, but she was eyeing the Kingsglaives.

"Why don't you come over here with us, not these... soldiers?" She said, but I smirked.

"Well, I quite like being with those from my own country. See, you believe me to be an Insomnian born woman because I look like you, but I am actually from Galahd. I was born there, brought here as an infant by my mother and grandmother who wished to leave behind my cheating bastard of a father, and I grew up with you idiots who seem to hate the ones that do the dirty work for you." I said and her eyes went wide.

"Miss Demose!" I looked at Prince Noctis as he rushed in with his Crownsguard and partner then I smiled.

"Prince Noctis, a pleasure." I said then glared at the woman and she squawked, turning and running to her little boy toy.

"Damn, girl." Gladiolus said, but I smirked.

"What? I find it's best not to hide who you are." I said then Pelna laughed.

"And yet you wear a floor length dress-"

"It's a gift from the king." I said and he smirked.

"And it was my mother's." I looked at the prince then saw a sad look in his eyes.

"Prince-"

"Don't, I told him to find a use for it. Seems he did." He said then smiled.

"I'll admit, you really do look good in antique stuff." He said then I grinned.

"Flirting are we, Prince?" I asked, but his partner smirked.

"Nah, he's got me!" I laughed then nodded.

"And I'm not in the market for a new partner just yet, sorry." I said then noticed Crowe look at Nyx with worry, but as I looked at him, he was giving me a smile.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" We looked at the giant tank where the king was then I looked back at Nyx as the king began his speech about a good year and whatnot. Nyx looked upset, I could see it in his eyes, but he was forcing a smile and kept glancing at me. Did I hurt him?

~*-*~

"Let me drive you home." Nyx said, but I shook my head.

"Sorry, Mr. Ulric. You wanna know where I live, let me give you-"

"I'm not taking that bed from your shop, Sorren. It's too much-"

"And yet you constantly complain that your current bed hurts your back." I said and his friends snorted as he eyed me.

"Alright, you got me, but I won't-"

"Then have a nice night, Mr. Ulric." I said and turned to go, but stopped for a second. I looked back at him then smiled.

"About what I said to the prince earlier, about my relationships. I'd be willing to be with someone if they were worth it, and I can only think of one person who is." I said then noticed his eyes go wide as I turned and went to the nearest cab waiting for a fare.