The Lucky Ones

By Warangel88

Pairings: Stella/Noctis

Warnings/Spoilers: Slightly AU

Author Notes: After seeing the cut scene for Stella/Noctis meeting I started to love this pairing even more. Thanks Ellie for betaing

Disclaimer: I don't own FFvXiii

She studied the engagement ring on her left ring finger.

It was silver with a sapphire and diamond, an elegant ring but at the same time it looked antique. It looked like it had been passed down through his family for several generations, probably on his mother's side, she silently concluded in her mind.

She had never really questioned the origins of the ring when Noctis presented her with it in a small, silver, elegant box; shortly after they found out they were to be married.

A peace treaty had been set up, mostly by the council of both their kingdoms. Their kingdoms were tired of war, not to mention if their two heirs combined their efforts the surely could find the crystal to protect both of their kingdoms as well as protect the crystal.

She didn't necessary mind the arrangement that the council requested of her. She would do anything to protect her people, even if it meant that her marriage to the prince was more of a business arrangement than anything else.

There were worse people to get married to than Noctis Lucis Caelum. He was actually a kind-hearted person, a bit shy, but other than that would do anything to protect his kingdom.

It didn't take long for them to become friends in the short time they had known each other, which was a lot better than hating each other's guts.

Of course, it probably helped that they had met at an art gallery party and formed a friendship before they found out they were supposed to be enemies.

"Stella," he uttered warmly as she glanced at her fiancé behind her, wearing his 'street' clothes more or less; she knew that he rarely dressed up in fancy suits unless he was forced to go to meetings or royal events.

"Noct," she said softly, her pink, glossed lips curling into a soft smile as she stared at her fiancé.

"Something on your mind, Stella?" he questioned, concern etched in his voice which caused her smile to be even brighter.

"Just thinking about our engagement," she answered truthfully, the bright smile never leaving her face, "And how lucky we are."

"Lucky?" he questioned softly, taking her left hand into his and intertwining their fingers. She nodded, staring at their joined fingers.

"Well, we care about each other a lot, despite the fact that this is an arranged marriage," she replied softly, never taking her eyes off their joined fingers before almost shyly continuing, "So I guess there is a possibility of us growing to love each other."

"Hmm, I guess we are lucky," he agreed staring at the engagement ring on her finger, a symbol of their engagement. Perhaps, he mused, this arranged marriage would turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

-owari.

Please review.