The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

After ruining my chat with Marius, Adelphium leaves. He walks away without looking back, bringing his powerful aura with him.

«That was scary,» Marius sighs.

«He didn't notice anything,» I point out. «He doesn't know how to sense magic. No one taught him.»

«That's ridiculous. A mage like that, not feeling anything?»

«Those associated with the Church were often repressed as children. They would learn to use their powers late, and also only for the Church's benefits.»

«He's the High Priest.»

«I don't know, Marius. He doesn't seem evil to me.»

«To me, neither. But his appearance shouldn't fool you.»

«Am I one to be fooled by someone's appearance?»

Marius blinks, looking at me with the patience of a sage.

He waits for me to realise my own words and repent of my flaws.

I was fooled by Ignis: that's right.

«It doesn't happen as often,» I say. «It was only once.»

And it was with my dear husband. It's normal that I'm not rational when it comes to him. It's not my fault if I like his face, his body... Uhm, his sweet way of caring for me.

However, I couldn't sense any malicious intent from the priest. It's not because of his ocean blue eyes. It's because he really thinks he's doing something good. He's sincere, even though he's most likely wrong.

«Don't overthink about it. I'll find out his intentions sooner or later,» I sigh. After all, he wants to use me as a link to King Aurelius.

If only he knew that the one being head over heels among us two is me... I can't convince Ignis to do anything because his emeralds are enough to make me change ideas about my own thoughts.

Moreover, my infatuation didn't decrease during our time apart. I still am a lost cause. Can a maiden's love really be this powerful?

Even though I still know how to get mad, I'm certain I'll forget about it when I see Ignis again. About that... It's really been a long three days.

It's even worse than in Narith because here I know he's nearby.

«We're not over with uninvited guests,» Marius comments.

I wake up from my daze and turn to him.

«Who now?»

Could it be Ignis?

Who else can walk in here just like that?

«Princess Juliet is here to greet you,» Bea says.

«Oh, sure,» I sigh. «Let her Highness pass.»

My words are useless because she's already in the garden. Wasn't this supposed to be the Queen's garden?

Ah, whatever. I'm not the Queen either.

«Greetings, lady Veronica,» she says.

«Your highness,» I murmur, getting up.

Marius does the same, and he bows forward to greet the lady. He's behaving, surprisingly. I'm so proud of my little brother! He's grown up and now knows how to act in high society... And I'm not alone when he's nearby.

If Antonio was the one accompanying me, he would be nervous all the time. Marius is more swift, and he knows when to tease and when to stay silent.

«The tea must be cold,» the Princess comments.

She turns to the maids and orders some hot water. Her white fingers wrap around the armrests as she returns her eyes to me.

She's the perfect image of a princess. Blonde, beautiful, and elegant.

Shall I try acting as she does? There's some charm in how she behaves as if everything is owed to her. That's how Princesses do, here in Mavale.

«How are you feeling, lady Veronica?» she asks, smiling at me. Her assuring expression works better than the one of the priest. «I was so nervous when I got married. It was the first public celebration I attended, and I was expected to follow so many rules! In the end, I messed up a little something. Yet, no one said anything. Not even her Majesty, the Queen Dowager.»

«She didn't?» I murmur.

«No, she just let it slide. Even if she's difficult to deal with, she won't ruin an official moment. It's a coronation we're talking about! People need to see unity in the Royal Family.»

«This makes me feel a little better,» I sigh. «I was worried that a single mistake would ruin my whole life.»

«It's not the case! Moreover, his Majesty will help you. He'll be next to you for the whole time.»

«That's right.»

Marius relaxes in his seat, forgetting our girlish chatting. He focuses on eating.

«You've been married in the Royal Family for three years; is that right, your Highness?» I ask.

I know it already: I was taught. Yet, I have to start talking about something.

«Yes, it's correct. I've been the late Crown Prince's wife for three years. My daughter was born that terrible night...»

She sighs, remembering her struggles.

«It's over now,» I say. I reach out to squeeze her hand. «You and your daughter will be safe from now on.»

«I know.» She nods. «His Majesty promised he would protect us. I'm so grateful he didn't get rid of us.»

She wipes a tear, and I wonder how much did Ignis work on his image if even his sister-in-law thinks he could kill her for whatever reasons.

«I'm not saying his Majesty would do it!» she exclaims, realising what she was saying. «I know very well his Majesty's soul. He won't kill a child because of power. I'm more concerned about those counselling and working for him. Not everyone is to be trusted, lady Veronica.»

«I know that already,» I comment.

«Sorry... I shouldn't talk about this. I apologise. My mouth sometimes loses it.»

«You don't need to apologise, your Highness.»

«Please, forget what I said. I have a daughter; I should mind my mouth.»

«Not with me,» I chuckle. «I'm not petty as a person. And I would never do anything to a child either. Also, we're in the same family now. You can trust me.»

«Thank you, my lady. I'm so relieved you became his Majesty's wife. The other ladies in the capital wouldn't have been clement with me.»

«Other ladies?» I murmur, pretending to be just curious and not concerned.

«Yes, there are plenty aiming at the position of Queen.»

«Is that so?»

«Yes, of course. His Majesty is not just powerful. He's also handsome. Who can blame them?»

«Indeed.» He is so handsome, but there are other handsome men for their eyes. «Please, tell me more...»

I lean my cheek on a hand and observe her red face. Is she blushing?

«Is there some gossip running about these ladies?»

«Oh, you shouldn't believe gossip, lady Veronica! His Majesty was faithful during these months. You shouldn't doubt him!»

«I am not, in fact.»

She widens her eyes in surprise and bites her upper lip. It's a single moment, but she loses her princessly image. Without any decrease in her appeal. How can the world be so unfair? She's pretty even when she's confused.

«His Majesty is so competent,» she comments.

Ah, I didn't want to hear Ignis's good qualities. I can find those little by little. I wanted to hear gossip. And his dark side!

I'm so curious to find out how come everyone thinks he's a tyrant. He didn't do anything against the law. He didn't kill people randomly.

Why does everyone fear him?

«I'm not that interested in his Majesty's competence,» I point out.

«And then, what would you like to know?» His voice startles me.

Oh, damn... Embarrassing.

Ignis is standing behind me. I don't need to turn because I can feel him. He's behind my seat.

Juliet raises her eyes and becomes all red. She bows her head in shame as if she was the one saying weird things.

Oh, dear. Now I feel guilty for involving her in my investigations.

But first, I need to soothe a certain King waiting for a reply.

Thankfully, Marius wakes up and stands up.

He bows down, greeting Ignis.

«Hello, brother-in-law,» Ignis replies. «Nice to see you!»

Marius doesn't reply with a smile. Ignis's grin is so friendly, but unfortunately, he didn't have time to conquer this one sibling of mine.

The Princess also gets up to curtsey. She sits down again, and Marius waits for a sign from Ignis before doing so.

Oh, well. I don't need to reply to a question Ignis forgets. I just have to make it slip out of his mind.

I also get up and turn. I meet Ignis's eyes for a second before curtseying. I bow my head and fold my knees in deep reverence.

«Your Majesty, what a surprise to see you here! I'm honoured to be able to see my own husband after three days.»

He snorts. I can picture him rolling his eyes.

«Get up, Veronica.»

«As my King wishes.»

I'm such an obedient subject that he'll forget that I just tried extorting juicy gossip about him.

«I have some free time now, but I guess I came at the wrong moment.»

«Oh, no!»

I catch his arm before he can leave, and I pull him towards me.

«Stay!»

All right.. This is not how one should talk to a King.