The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

The investigations don't bring up anything useful, and the guards confirm that the orphanage has nothing to do with it without ruining Ignis's image.

Luckily, my dear husband is a fast learner. If he was as harsh as usual, people would have talked about his cruelty this time as well.

However, gossip sure is weird. The Marchioness was right about it being a weapon like many others.

Since the moment Ignis appeared in Mavale to fetch me from my charity mission, people in the slums have started talking about the legendary love between the King and the Queen. They say I've changed his heart, curing him of the curse and rotten morals of before. After kidnapping me, he fell in love and became a good person.

It's a pity all of them will never know that Ignis has always been a good person, but it's better than the other option.

Regarding me, I've spent the last week doing my job as a Queen, which turns out pretty boring. I'm not allowed to get out of the Palace anymore until the situation is cleared, so my charity work and my secret research for mages are delayed. I have to socialise once a week, but luckily people don't run here just because.

Also, tonight there will be a ball. I'm excited because it will be the first ball I attend here in the Palace. But I'm also annoyed because I won't be able to enjoy it. I can't eat and drink unless the food has been thoroughly checked, but I'll be allowed a few bites from specific plates.

At least, I'll spend some time with Ignis, even though we won't be alone.

Since the attack, he's been busier. Yet, he sneaks into my bed every night after I've fallen asleep. I found out because I woke up during one of those nights.

He hugs me and sleeps with me, sometimes snoring lightly. It's comforting to have him by my side.

The child in my belly, according to Aida, is growing well. It's still a difficult pregnancy, but somehow I don't feel the risk. Something in my heart is telling me it will be all right. This child is not as weak as everyone thinks.

«Do I need to stay there for the whole evening?» I inquire.

Today I have done nothing, but I'm tired. I'd like to rest early and read a book instead of watching other people dance. The music will be loud, there will be a lot of wine, and Ignis will be distracted by the rest of his subjects.

But then again, it will be my first ball as Queen!

I'm conflicted.

«It's not mandatory, your Majesty, but it's better to stay next to his Majesty, the King.»

«I see.» I will look at him as a fool for the whole time and heal my eyes from the absence of his handsomeness. I could feel him during the night, but it was too dark to look. So, I had to settle for touching.

«You're gorgeous, your Majesty,» Lola points out, clapping her hands all happy.

Bea glares at her for the friendly manners, but it's too fun to observe their exchanges to explain how I do not mind.

Melissa and Dorotea are also getting ready in one of the other rooms, assisted by other maids. They're excited, as well, because this will be their debut in the capital.

The Marchioness might make her appearance tonight, and I will meet other familiar faces among the nobles. My uncle will be nearby, so it shouldn't be too difficult for me.

When Ignis is busy, Marius will accompany me, so I won't be required to deal with other people.

«Sir Tobin will follow you if you desire to take a stroll in the garden,» Bea reminds me. «And someone will help your Majesty with a warmer mantle.»

My gown is richly decorated with golden details.

When I say golden, I don't mean just the colour. They're made of massive gold, sometimes embellished with precious stones. The cloak is simple and purple; my hair hidden under the hat.

I have no crown today, but there's no need for it. It's a ball, after all.

Ignis will wear matching clothes, dark underneath and purple on the outside. We will look stunning together.

«Where is the ring?» I murmur.

I've commissioned a jeweller from the city to make a few. My favourite is too heavy to wear during the day, especially when I need to write, but it's perfect for special occasions.

It's made of rare white gold, and the front has a black lily made of black stones. Some of them reflect the light, shining. Others absorb it all. It's magnetic to look at.

To complement the black stones, I choose a colourful necklace. It's also heavy, but who cares. I'll bear with it for a few hours. Intricate patterns of different stones are nestled into silver and gold.

«His Majesty will come here,» Bea continues. She's doing half of the work of my secretary. «Then, your Majesty will reach the ballroom at his Majesty's arm. The party will begin after the Royal Family greets your Majesties. The first song is the official anthem, and then the guests will dance. They are supposed to approach your Majesties in small groups.»

«So, it'll last forever,» I realise. «Shall I stand, or may I sit?»

«The protocol is vague. There will be a chair available at all times for your Majesty. A maid will stand no more than five steps away.»

That said, we get ready. Melissa and Dorotea walk behind me, in between Ignis's aides. The maids stand around, close enough to run in help but not too much to be noticed.

«Hello,» Ignis says, offering his hand. «Shall we go?»

I accept his arm and smile without noticing my face's movements. It's so easy to relax with him by my side, even when we're strolling towards a hall filled with evil people.

The doors open in front of us, and we march in without looking at anyone. Just like the day of the coronation, we don't need to see the other.

As I walk in, I start noticing something very, very odd.

A few days ago, the gardens were filled with brown heads. All the ladies had first stopped blonding their locks. Today, I can see some of them dying their hair dark brown or black.

How odd, and it's surprisingly pleasant. Someone is copying me; to be more similar to my image... Even though, knowing it's all to catch Ignis's attention... Shall I make it clear that he's mine?

Not that he will look at any of them, but it's annoying to have all the ladies run after him. Isn't it time for them to find their own happiness?

«Your Majesty,» Juliet says while curtseying.

Oh, I haven't seen her in a while.

«Please, rise, Princess,» I say, offering my hand and letting Ignis talk with a group of men.

It's a short conversation because we need to listen to the anthem before the ball starts.

«Please, stand here,» Juliet murmurs, guiding me to the spot next to the King's. «It'll last a few minutes at most.»

I nod, smiling at her. She's so ready to help me; I like having someone in the family on my side.

«Then, we can talk,» I say.

«Of course, your Majesty. I haven't inquired about your health yet.»

«I'm fine. And you?»

«Oh, I haven't been attacked,» she points out.

«You meant that,» I realise. «I almost forgot about it after my husband saved me.»

He didn't save me personally, but the rumours say he fought barehanded to protect his wife.

«I see,» she chuckles, a little embarrassed. Of course, what an idiot I am! I should be more proper when talking with her.

«You two seem to get along,» comments the Dowager Queen.

«Mother,» I murmur while grinning at her. She came just in time to say her mean sentence.

«Who could think that snakes can chat like friends,» she adds. «You two are made for each other, after all.»

I understand she doesn't like me, but why is she so mean to Juliet? She's the mother to her granddaughter, after all.

«Princess Gratia, you're beautiful today,» I say before the conversation goes astray. The girl is two steps behind her mother, oddly silent but still glaring.

As if I've done something to her.

«Is it too much to ask, or can I have a meeting with the Queen one of these days?» the Queen Dowager says.

«Of course, Mother! How could you not? My lodgings are always open for you!» I reply.

My smile is fake and shining, but she doesn't seem to mind.

«Is that so? I was sent back many times during the last few days. I had to wait for this ball to have a word. Is my status as low as to need an appointment?»

What is she talking about?

«I'm sure there's some misunderstanding. Who can send the King's mother away?»

She scoffs, rolling her eyes. Somehow, she doesn't seem like the type to make up an excuse like this. If she told me, then it must be true.

«Someone sent you away?» I murmur.

Who was it? For what reason?

Oh, most likely, it has something to do with my overprotective husband. He must think the Queen Dowager is the one behind the attacks, but, even if she was, she would never risk doing any harm with her own hands.

«I'm sorry for whatever happened. I will find out and solve it. As for you, you can always visit my lodgings,» I say.

I'm here to reinforce the Royal Family's rules, not overturn them all.