Don't tell me what to do, I'm not Noctis. [He tried so hard to make that sound like a joke, but it only came out in the same insistent but not yet frantic tone.]

I'm telling you, I'm not worth that. I've long since had and lost my chance, and I would sooner wish to be alone again than cause pain for the only friends I've had in two thousand years.

[Ardyn leaned his forehead lightly against the adviser's, words unsteady and trailing off.]

Why can none of you just...let me accept that fate for myself...?