“Oh, utterly terrified,” came the retort, barely holding back a laugh of incredulity. The very thought that Prompto could provide even the smallest sliver of a threat to Ardyn was borderline hilarious. Unarmed, weakened, at his total mercy; he would be lucky if he could even manage to stand without crumpling to his knees, if Ardyn were so kind to release him.

The thought nestled in the back of his mind, an image that the sadistic edges of him would be quite pleased to relish in. But patience, in all things.

“If you’re wondering what use you have to me, I had rather thought that you’d provide motivation enough to bring your dear friends here. A swift and valiant rescue attempt, diving headlong into danger.”

But he gave something akin to a shrug, seeming unconcerned.

“But it’s been so long. Maybe they’ve forgotten about you. Or they’ve learned not to care.”