The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

My first mission undercover is a failure. I have to find a way to avoid forcing Ignis to do anything without losing the little trust I gained from Adelphium.

However, I can't insist without raising suspicions. For now, I'll act like a shy, obedient lady and run to my husband. Maybe tonight we can find a solution together.

As soon as I step back into the ballroom, I can feel several pairs of eyes on me. It's the first time I attend a formal event, so it's not very surprising that everyone is curious about me.

«Your Majesty,» Melissa says, appearing next to me. «Would you like something to drink?»

She offers me a glass of wine, probably already tried by someone.

This event has lasted enough, hasn't it? Is it acceptable if I retire now?

It would be a little too extreme, given that I wasn't anywhere to be seen. I feel a little like the main attraction even if I'm not asked to do anything.

«Has the chat with the High Priest been interesting, your Majesty?» Juliet inquires.

Oh, I didn't hear her approach.

«Quite much.»

«It's good to see that at least part of the Royal Family is close to the Church,» she sighs.

«Just part?»

«It's not very common to see one of us talking with one of them. I was worried the relationship would be even worse than before, but we're lucky to have someone wise like your Majesty as Queen.»

«I won't do anything the King doesn't approve of,» I point out. «If things get to the point where talking with the High Priest will have a meaning, I might stop doing it at all. However, I hope such a day doesn't come. I'd prefer peace and prosperity.»

«Would you like me to introduce some of the ladies in high society? It would be better if your Majesty had someone to talk with during this kind of event, won't it?»

«Oh, sure...»

As long as they don't prevent me from carrying on my missions.

«I don't think you've been introduced to the man approaching us right now.»

«Yeah?» I sigh.

But I do find him familiar. The last time I saw him, though, he had a guard uniform. Ignis said he would introduce me to the second witness of our secret marriage, yet we haven't found the time yet.

«May I introduce to you the Count of Verta, Samuel Grif?»

He glances at Juliet before bowing down.

«Your Majesty, it's a pleasure to finally have a word with you.»

He rises, a timid smile on his face. As the witness of my marriage, this person should be close to Ignis and me. Yet, I'm here discovering new people as I go.

«Our first encounter was too brief to know each other, Count Grif,» I comment. «But I'm glad to finally have a chance to exchange a couple of words.»

Juliet observes our exchange with wide eyes, surprised by my words.

«You two know each other?»

«We met just once,» I say. «I wanted to have a chat with Count Grif for long, but I didn't know how to contact him.»

Nor his name or title. All I saw was his face, not even the signature.

«You're my husband's friend,» I say, offering my hand for a greeting. «As such, you are also my friend.»

Even though he helped with the swindle of this innocent girl, who cares about it anymore?

He bows down, leaning his forehead on the back of my hand. He's educated enough to know not to kiss it.

«Such words flatter me, your Majesty. Being considered the King and the Queen's friend is a great honour.»

I'm glad there's someone Ignis can trust, just like Tobin or the Chancellor. He is surrounded by his people even here, and he's stronger when he's not alone.

I once thought to check out every single one of his people, but I've given up after realising I can't find out in a few minutes what he hasn't done in years of life. Ignis was a bastard Prince before. He had no real hope to get the throne nor any power. His old-time friends had no reason to stick with him out of a thirst for power.

«I need to thank you for helping the King during the first period,» I say. «I'm sure your support meant a lot to him.»

Juliet listens to the exchange in silence, following our discourse with a lot of interest for someone out of the political scene. She might be faking it, though. Princesses surely know how to look interested even when they don't give a damn.

«I hoped to be a little help,» she says when we're silent, «but it seems like I didn't bring any news.»

«Oh, you did,» I reply. «I couldn't meet the Count before, so it's been a nice favour from your side. Thank you, Princess.»

She smiles, all happy. It is so sudden that I wonder if it's natural, once again. Oh, today I'm doubting everyone.

Thankfully, I can stop worrying when my husband finally is done with his socialising and stands by my side.

«My Queen, are you having fun?» he inquires, ignoring the others until I nod. Only then, Ignis shifts his attention to them and nods to his friend and the Princess.

«It's getting late,» I sigh. I promised to take care of my health, so I can't stay too long. Ignis won't let me go ever if I overexert my body.

Not that he's planning to do anything to it. He hasn't touched me in a long, long time. Since we found out we're pregnant, we have at most kissed.

«You should retire and sleep early. You have upheld your duties for tonight.»

«Not all of them,» I whisper to him, locking arms and grinning when our eyes meet. Then, I let go and walk away after waving at the Count.

The Princess follows, together with my entourage. Melissa and Dorotea are tired, it's obvious, but they don't complain. They've talked with other ladies and even danced a couple of songs, always paying attention to being nearby when I might have needed them. They socialised way more than me, and they're now smiling at the group of friends they made. Oh, rather than friends, they're acquaintances.

«Are you leaving as well?» Ignis asks Juliet. «Isn't it early?»

«I'm quite tired, your Majesty.»

«I see... Well, they will continue till morning. There's no chance we can stay here that long. Am I wrong, perhaps?»

«Of course not, your Majesty is always right.»

«Not always,» Ignis chuckles. «When I argue with my wife, I'm most often wrong.»

Juliet chuckles as well, even though hers is an awkward laugh. I can understand her. Sometimes, our King does say awkward things.

«Let's go, my dear,» I murmur, pulling his sleeve. «I'm so tired I can't stand anymore.»

It's better to free her from our affectionate behaviour. She'll thank me for this.

«Oh, sure,» he says, less willing to stay after hearing my issues.

As soon as we cross the corner, Ignis lifts me in his arms.

«A tired wife can't walk,» he says.

At first, I complain. I try pushing him away, but his muscles are too much for me. After the second attempt, I give up and lean on him to feel said muscles under tension. Oh, this is the best. Can I touch him openly?

Better not, for the guards are following. And the maids, and my ladies in waiting. We're not alone, yet this moron is carrying me like a kid.

«You can go, Melissa, Dorotea. It's quite late, so don't feel bad about retiring in your lodging. Or you can go back to the party, decide for yourself.»

«Oh, I don't suggest the party,» Ignis comments, turning to look at them. «It gets messy once I am out. You should just retire for the night.»

«Messy?» I murmur, chuckling lightly at the way the two girls winced when Ignis talked with them without warning.

«People lose their inhibitions without someone guarding them.»

«Oh, I see... Are there already drunk people?»

«More than you can count.»

«Then it's better if you girls go to sleep,» I agree. «There will be other events like this one.»

«Oh, plenty.»

We reach our part of the hallway, and the sisters curtsey before running towards their room. The maids still follow because they need to help me get rid of the dress.

The door of my room is opened, and I turn my attention back to Ignis. His bed is huger.

«My room?» I hum.

«Yes, my dear. Tonight, we'll use yours.»

«Do you find the bed comfortable?»

«Might be,» he sighs.

As we walk in, the two guards inside get up and exit without a word.

«Guards while I was away?»

«Yes,» Ignis explains. «I've stationed permanent guards for your area of the Palace. There's always someone around, in case our enemies want to trample with your things while you're away.»

Oh, but we will be alone during the night.... Won't we?