OP here, and I can't believe this got filled! Thank you so much!

Ardyn took a step forward and leaned closer to Noctis. He dropped his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Tell me, do you think she has been so loyal?"

I love this. Ardyn absolutely would needle him with this suggestion.

I love Noctis being unable to suppress a sob, too (sorry, Noctis), and the unsettling, dreamlike nature of his restraints.

Thank you again! I thought this prompt would never be filled after the third prompt post opened, so this was a delightful surprise!