The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

Ignis's friend is called Tobin. He doesn't talk much.

When Ignis left me out here to wait with Tobin, I tried to start a conversation. Yet, it seems we don't have many topics in common.

«So, you know Ignis very well,» I say in a last attempt to get a whole sentence out of this man.

«Yes, my Lady.»

«How did you meet?»

Tobin looks around, observing the surroundings in search of inspiration. His expression is confusing, though. He might be looking for potential threats, maybe?

Ah, it's a professional deformation. Or he's taking Ignis's words too earnestly. The latter said to protect me, but it wasn't a serious order.

Oh, whatever.

«In the Palace,» Tobin says, then.

Ah? Ah, yes, I asked him about meeting Ignis.

«You were training to become a knight as well?»

«Yes, my Lady.»

«And what about Ignis? Is he good with the sword?»

«Indeed.»

It's starting to feel like an interrogation rather than a pleasant talk. Also, Ignis is taking so much time. What in the world is he doing?

«Do you think we should go check what's happening?» I ask.

My tone is urgent and nervous. It should move this person's cold heart at least a bit.

«No, we shouldn't,» Tobin replies.

It's the last time Ignis leaves me waiting for him, damn it. He just has to go in and look for father. This is the tavern where he said he would wait for me.

It's simple: walking in, looking for father and finally heading back home. Has he forgotten Duke Bursio's face?

Oh, most probably, it's the other way around. But Ignis is so recognisable, isn't he?

«Your father is not here,» I hear after a long, long wait made of silence and a bad mood. Ignis is back, finally.

«What do you mean?»

«He had some urgent business in Narith and departed two days ago. He left a maid of yours, though.»

«Two days?» I murmur. «We were so close to meeting each other!»

«We'll catch up with him. But first, let's retire for the night.»

«The maid?»

«Her name is Aida. I've been told she's your personal maid. Isn't that true?»

«Yes, that is correct. Where is she?»

Ignis guides me inside the inn, and Tobin finally leaves our back and sits at a table to drink some beer.

«I've paid for the room. I hope you don't mind if it's just one. I prefer not to attract attention, so I didn't ask for separate beds...»

«All right,» I say. I won't complain about it. After all, it's Ignis. He won't hurt me.

«If it troubles you, I'll sleep on the floor.»

I guess they don't clean floors in an inn. Also, as uncomfortable as it can be, a mattress is better than a wooden floor.

However, I'll think about it and decide later whether to let Ignis use part of the bed. It mainly depends on how large it is.

«It's almost dawn,» I say. «Yet the inn is so crowded.»

«It's normal for this kind of place.»

«I feel safer if you're nearby,» I sigh. «Where is Aida?»

«I'll call for her in the morning; she's sleeping. Now, lie down and sleep a few hours. We'll depart soon.»

Then, he seems to realise that his words and actions sound suspicious.

«Is there anything you need a maid for? I will call for her now if that's the case.»

«Nothing much. I won't change clothes for the night since we're staying for a short time.»

«Are you hungry?»

«Not really.»

«Then, rest. I will come back in a few minutes, but you shouldn't open the door to anyone.»

«Ignis,» I call him. «Are you hiding something from me?»

«Hiding?» he giggles, nervous. «Why do you think so?»

«You're weird.»

«I'm sorry for making you worry. There's nothing you should concern yourself about. I'll find a way to get anything you desire, all right? Just tell me what you need.»

«This sounds even more suspicious, you know? Are you going to sell me as a slave or kill me for a bounty?»

Ignis sighs. He's less tense now, but his expression is still unreadable. What is going on in his head?

«I will protect you, Veronica. Whatever it takes. You are my wife now, right? It's my duty.»

«It was a bit unordinary for a marriage. You don't need to feel pressured by it.»

I don't know Ignis's parents' title. Yet, I'm a Bursio. It's not an easy feat to be our peers. Yet, I don't care about it.

The Dukedom will go to my brother. I will inherit my mother's title one day.

As Queen of Mages, I'll protect all people that know how to use magic, regardless of their nationality or name.

Things like titles won't make a difference to me. I have been brought up to think from this perspective. That's why I didn't consider how Ignis would feel being married to someone that has higher social standing than him.

I haven't considered the matter. Especially because I know we're going our separate ways soon. I won't force Ignis to stay with me forever.

Still, we are a married couple. I have promised and signed that I would fulfil the duties of a wife.

If Ignis took our promise seriously, I should do the same. At least to give back what I've received so far.

If it wasn't for him, I would be trapped in the Palace with a crown on my head and the terror of being discovered doing magic.

Or worse, with so much fear that I wouldn't use magic at all.

I don't know which of the two is a worse scenario.

«Now, sleep,» Ignis repeats.

«And you?»

«I can stay two days without sleeping; it's not a big deal.»

«Is it your training as a knight that made you so resistant?»

«Ah, not that... Rather, I suffer from insomnia sometimes. When I don't feel safe, I can't sleep well.»

Feeling safe?

«Then, I'll do my best to make you feel safe!» I exclaim.

The only reaction to my words is his red ears. Yet, I'm happy to have noticed this little thing. It makes me think I will understand him better with time.

I lie on the bed and cover my legs with the blanket. As expected, the mattress is uncomfortable.

I'm so tired that I fall asleep regardless of comfort.

It's too soon when a hand shakes my shoulder to wake me up. It's time to go, already.

«I'm sorry to hurry you up, Veronica. We need to move, though. The farther from the capital, the better,» Ignis whispers.

I open my eyes and stare at him while returning to the real world. His face is the same as yesterday. Not even a wrinkle makes me think he didn't rest. Is he invincible, for goodness's sake?

«I will help my Lady from now on,» a female voice says. «Please, mister, leave the room.»

Oh, Aida!