The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

I can't live while hiding. It's impossible to keep my powers under control every second of the day. If the High Priest notices that they change according to his proximity, I won't be able to pretend not to know anything.

Then, I realise. He's close enough to feel it already. It's late to hide now.

I can just pretend I have no clue about my powers and pretend to be finding out now. Whatever happens, later will be taken care of.

I might even pretend to have the aura but not any powers. People like this do exist, just like some mages don't have any aura.

As the High Priest walks in, I can feel his aura so close. My powers can't be hidden all of a sudden. If I can sense him, he can do the same.

I sigh and get comfortable in my seat. I better play the best show of my life.

«If you feel something is up, pretend to be confused,» I instruct Marius. «Never give away that you can understand anything related to magic. And be surprised if some claims are made.»

«I am no child, sister,» he sighs. «If I can't be of help to you, at least I can avoid being on your way.»

I smile, and the High Priest finds us in this brotherly conversation.

I turn to greet him, getting up from the chair to curtsey. I hate doing this, but it's necessary.

My movements are stiff as I raise my head to finally take a look.

The man in front of me is... not as I've imagined him. Not even the purple clothes.

He's wearing normal clothes: a shirt, trousers, a mantle with golden details. His eyes are blue like the ocean, and his golden hair reflects the sun. His face is maybe the most beautiful I've ever seen.

He's tall and fit, even if I can't imagine what kind of physical activity a churchman can do. He's not as strong as Ignis, though. I can tell from here.

When he smiles, a dimple forms on his left cheek.

«Greetings, my Lady,» he says, bowing his head. «My name is Adelphium Sabinus. I am the High Priest residing in Mavale.»

Adelphium. Am I allowed to shorten his name? It feels so long.

Oh, what am I thinking about? I won't even be calling him by name.

«It's a pleasure to meet your Eminence.»

«Please, don't be this courteous. I am just a mortal human, after all.»

Yes. A mortal human with powers. Why wasn't I notified? No one thought about telling me?

Oh, maybe it's because no one actually knows?

Also, he doesn't seem to have noticed my powers. Maybe he doesn't know how to sense it?

«Bring a cup for his Eminence,» I order the maids, returning my focus to the table.

Now that the High Priest is with us, Marius and I can't talk freely.

I turn in the direction where Tobin usually stands, and I find him there. On guard.

At a first glance, he looks relaxed. Yet, somehow, I can say he's keeping watch more attentively.

Is he protecting me from the priest or the other way around?

«It's such an honour to receive a visit the day before the coronation,» I say.

«I figured you would be nervous. I came here to talk with you, my Lady.»

«About the protocol?» I inquire.

I've heard it well enough till now.

«Oh, no. That is not my role,» the Priest laughs. «I came here to prepare your spirit.»

He reaches out for a pastry and cuts it in half before biting one of the pieces. I can see, from this close, that his lips are thick.

His voice is melodious and so calming. I stop worrying about every single word while I'm with him.

«Are you afraid, my Lady?»

«I am not afraid,» I reply by instinct. I realise I talked out loud only later. It was so natural to tell my mind to this person.

Expecting a fat, old man lowered my defences. I'm glad Ignis is so handsome, or I would have fallen in temptation.

«Tomorrow, you will receive the sacred mission to guide Alba,» the Priest continues. «Before bestowing such a difficult task, I came here to check if you're ready to accept it.»

«Am I ready?»

«You know the answer, my Lady. Being the Queen of Alba means sacrificing one's life for the country. And helping the King take decisions. Even when they're difficult...»

He smiles at Marius, but my brother is too focused on the food to participate in the conversation. In the end, it's just the High Priest and me.

And everyone else listening to every sigh.

«Veronica, right?» he says before sipping some tea.

«Correct.»

«What a pretty name.»

Said by a pretty person, it's such a compliment.

«It will sound good during the coronation. I was afraid to find someone trembling with anxiety. I'm happy to see you're all right, lady Veronica. Even though I was a little disappointed.»

«Because I won't need your help to boost my spirit?»

«Yes, you caught me,» he chuckles. «I was expecting someone at least nervous. But you're calmer than I am. I envy you for this.»

«Isn't it a little early to start fretting?» I wonder. I wouldn't have done anything if I started worrying so soon.

«The coronation is tomorrow.»

«I am well aware of that. Oh, maybe, it's because of the circumstances of my wedding. After such an adventure, it's difficult to make me anxious.»

After all, Ignis told me he wanted to stay married. I have no worries in the world now.

He also said he would meet me and then didn't. He did lie about that. But I'll see with him when I can get my hands on him. He'll need to do more than just kissing to earn my forgiveness.

I'm not angry because he was busy. It's the whole waiting that turned into nothing. The disappointment of realising he wouldn't come. It was kind of painful...

«Oh, I see,» the Priest says. «So, you are a little worried.»

If only I was thinking about the coronation. Better not reveal my real thoughts right now. In the end, it's a priest we're in front of. He doesn't know much about love and married life.

«Lady Veronica, let me tell you about the day I became High Priest.»

«Oh, sure. I'm ready to listen, your Eminence.»

«I was afraid I would make some mistake.»

«I also am,» I notice. Not regarding the coronation, but what comes after. I'm afraid I won't be a good Queen. That I'll ruin Alba.

That I won't be able to help the mages. That my mother will dethrone me because I'm useless... This kind of worry.

I really have no time to think about what could happen if I messed up with the protocol.

«It was destiny,» the High Priest says, ruining the flow of my thoughts. «If his Majesty decided that you and only you are to be Queen... If he married you during a coup and decided to leave for better security... All of this can't be by chance, right? You have a mission, Veronica.»

«I know,» I sigh. Still, I lower my eyes, trying to look younger and more innocent.

Even if the person in front of me is handsome and charming, he's still from the Church. Oh, he's their boss.

He's among those pressing to burn mages at the stake.

I shall remember from now on. Being young and beautiful doesn't mean one is also a good person.

«I will accompany you in your mission, my Lady. You are not alone.»

I look at him, feigning surprise. Not feigning; I really am a little surprised. But still, I overdose it on my expression.

«You can ask to talk with me every time your soul stands in front of a difficult challenge. I will do my best to help you.»

«Thank you for your offer, your Eminence.»

«I'm glad to see our future Queen is so young and beautiful. I'm looking forward to all the good things you will do.»

«I also can't wait to be of help. I've studied hard and prepared myself for this moment. I will help my husband to make Alba a better place. For everyone.»

Everyone: humans and mages.

«Tomorrow,» he continues. «We'll show the people how the Church and the Royal Family are close. There have been some issues lately. Small things, but it created the impression that there are diversions between the monarchy and the religion. I'd like to solve these misunderstandings and to show that we're as united as we could be.»

I nod, waiting for his real aim.

«I will need someone that can talk to the King to do so.»

Oh, so this is it. He needs a spy. Interesting.

«Only the Queen has such a power: to talk directly to the King's heart. His Majesty has a dark reputation, but his heart can still be saved. Will you help me, lady Veronica?»

«As a Queen, it will be my duty.. For Alba and the people.»