OP here- i rlly wish i could edit my posts lol but im thinking joe feels entitled to change nicky back not because he feels super bad (at least until he learns itll become permanent in a few days) but he wants to prevent war between his country and nickys. Maybe the bond is fragile (symbolism for joe and nickys own bond) and joe comes into himself as a young prince looking to become king. Id say theyre young 20s in this au