[ That was the moment he'd been looking for with literally any of the people he'd dated. His body knew Noctis' like no other. He'd never had such a visceral reaction to another human being before, never felt himself want someone so much that it was sometimes nearly a physical ache when he was close but untouchable. In all of the people he saw, nothing had ever felt like this. All that control, spun up and tightly held unspools in an instant when he's around Noctis.

They'll have to have a talk in private, not over breakfast. He could set something up on both of their schedules, once this divorce has passed. It wouldn't be wise to get into something when he's so soon back. Already, the rumor mill will be going wild with the fact that he's returned and the queen's asked for a divorce from her husband. The man her husband was already rumored to have been sleeping with. What a nightmare. ]

She and I wanted what the other could provide to them. I wanted her help provide companionship, a purpose. She did.

[ He doesn't mention what she needed, watching Noctis carefully, painfully honest. ]

There's only ever been you. The only difference is that these years made it easier to compartmentalize.