The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

While discussing the situation with a teenager, I remember that Aria is almost the same age as Marius. She's not as much of a kid as I think. And she survived alone for a long time.

Two months without any help, taking care of other children.

«So, the others... Talk about them. Just tell me something about their powers.»

«We are six girls and two boys. I am the elder, then there is Lucio, twelve. The others are all between six and seven. No one knows exactly how old they are because there are no records nor people to ask.»

«Orphans.»

«Yes, your Majesty. They never met their parents, and all they have is what we use to survive every day. They are too young for work. Lucio and I find odd jobs to survive from time to time. Most often, we search for food on our own. He knows how to catch fish, and the kids collect fruits from the trees or the fields around the city. As for me... I can sew and make small objects to sell. I used to clean in ladies' houses but stopped after Master died.»

«How did he die?»

«Of old age and sickness. Master was very old, and people wouldn't believe he was my uncle but my grandfather.»

«How are the others' powers? Are they as powerful as you?»

«Not really, your Majesty. Master said once I would never meet someone like me.»

«He was wrong.»

«Oh, your Majesty is ten times more powerful!»

«That's true as well.»

«The others can perform small spells and move one element. Even my father, who had wind magic, couldn't do things with the precision I do. He wouldn't have been discovered in that case.»

«And your mother?»

«She had fire magic, but she could barely light the wood in the chimney. As for me, I can light fires, change the intensity, and turn it down if I want to.»

«Turn off fires? Not just useful, that's also quite rare.»

Extinguishing and creating fire is very difficult. Manipulating energy is way easier than creating or destroying it. One needs to have enough control to switch something else into the event they want to happen.

For example, if we want to light a fire, we need to collect energy from the surroundings. We need a lot, condensed, for a single spark. Manipulation is easier because, at least, the energy is already there.

Turning off seems easier, but it's not that much of a game. Most Mages would reduce the fire and extinguish it by hand.

Aria would be a valuable help in many situations, including battles or emergencies. With her single element, she's an asset. Can people even imagine what a stronger Mage could do?

«I was planning to use the Mages' net of Mages for our purposes, but it seems there's no network,» I say out loud. Aida and Aria nod, while Marius sighs helplessly. He was visibly hoping to collaborate more often with Aria.

Still, she's too young to be of real help. It doesn't mean she's useless, though.

«For now, keep yourself and your family safe. I will find a way to contact you again, and Marius will come to listen to your concerns from time to time. One day, I will need Mages on my side. Will you be one of them, Aria?»

«I will, your Majesty. I will do what I can to help!»

«You still don't know how precious you are.»

She blushes, bowing her head and waiting for more orders. Still, I don't have anything to tell her. I was expecting someone older and with more influence. I was also expecting more Mages in Mavale, but that's understandable.

«Keep your eyes open in the meantime. If you find other Mages, report to me... Well, to Marius. You don't need to approach them just yet, but let me know if you notice someone new. I expect some to attempt visiting the capital during the next few years, especially if we move forward with our plans. You will be the first they find among us two. And remember to keep yourself safe. From here, now, I can do nothing to help if you're discovered. I'm alive because I'm keeping myself hidden.»

«I see. I will be careful, your Majesty.»

She leaves, followed by Marius. My brother will most likely show her the way and make sure she arrives safely. He likes wandering the city, either way. I can't stop him just because I can't get out and have fun.

«So, we met the head of Mages,» I sigh when Aida and I are alone. My disappointed tone can't be misinterpreted, and she just pats my shoulder.

«It's just a minor thing, your Highness.»

«It's not very minor, but I can find a way around it. I'm more concerned about the people wanting me dead because I married Ignis than those who might be against me if they notice my powers.»

«Do you need my help, by any chance?»

«It would be nice,» I murmur. But Aida won't leave my side just yet.

«I can investigate while you're guarded. If there are two trusted guards, I can leave.»

«I see. One is Tobin. He's trusted. Who else would you consider trusted enough?»

«Fernard Falco, your brother, and the King.»

«You trust Ignis?»

«He's good at fighting, and he wouldn't let anyone hurt you.»

«My brother isn't that good, though.»

«Fighting is not all, your Highness. And Fernard Falco is loyal to the King. I don't like the others, but he's one who won't betray him.»

«I see... Not even Count Grif? He witnessed to my marriage,» I chuckle. «Or the Chancellor. Father trusts him, doesn't he?»

«Correct, but I wouldn't leave you alone. The Chancellor or your uncle wouldn't cause you harm, but they can't protect you.»

«All right. Then, what would you investigate about, exactly? Where does the poison come from? Who's moving in the dark to organise attempts on my life every time I lower my guard?»

«I would talk with the servants. Nobles are good at lying, but the maids can't control their bodies enough to fool me. And no one will find it odd that the Queen's handmaid asks questions to the servants. If the questions aren't suspicious, of course.»

«I have my suspicions, Aida. But there must be a reason if the Royal Guards can't find any proof, right? Either that person is so good at hiding because of previous experience, or she's not the real culprit.»

«The Queen Dowager?»

«I've already made a mistake with her, though. I thought she was the one killing Ignis's mother and sending him away, but it's wrong. It was the late King. As for now... She does hate Ignis, but she never did anything too openly to challenge him.»

«Still, her behaviour doesn't give much hope. She's impolite, as far as I've heard,» Aida points out.

«Yeah, but that's a common occurrence. The Queen Grandmother, on the other hand...»

«Should I inquire about her?»

«It would be a good idea, for a start. Asking about the Queen Dowager would only attract attention, while it can't be surprising if you inquire about the Grandmother. After all, she never shows at court if not when necessary. And she says something bad every time. She's suspicious in my eyes.»

«But for what reason...»

«I don't know. Maybe, she just hates bastards. Knowing the reputation of the previous Kings, I can't say I don't understand. Ignis's grandfather was known for his many mistresses and bastard children, so much that Ignis's father was careful not to have as many. He had only one, in fact.»

«And that one became King.»

«Maybe the Queen Grandmother wants someone with pure blood on the throne. Someone like Gratia, for example.»

But that doesn't make sense. Why send Gratia away if she wanted her on the throne? About this, though, I can't reason alone.

I am in no way involved with that matter, and all I can do is trust that Ignis will stop the plan before it becomes a diplomatic incident. It's rather clear what they want to do: send Gratia away and allow someone else to take her place.

The Royal family is so large, though. There are many possible culprits. Once Gratia is sent away and Ignis, for any reason, can't keep his position, there will be a war for the throne. No one has enough power to sit there without struggles, and all the male relatives of the late King are good for nothing.

Moreover, if I die suddenly, many ladies in the Palace will immediately run to console the King. Who would stand a real chance, though? Who?

«I don't know of any Lady who could be in my place,» I point out. «Is there anyone, anyone at all, who could marry him in my place?»

«I haven't heard, your Highness. You should ask your husband about it.»

«He told me there isn't, but he's a little biased.»

«Biased?»

«I don't think my husband would tell me if there's a lady he's fascinated with,» I point out. «Or if there's someone who tried to seduce him, even if she failed.»

Aida blinks, confused.

«What about past fiancees? Talks of marriage between the families?»

«None.»

«You have checked,» she sighs.

Of course. I wanted to know where I stand. I've interrogated Marchioness Crasso thoroughly about Ignis's past flames.

«A bastard Prince doesn't have many suitors,» I sigh. They don't know what they're missing, by the way. If they could see Ignis for what he is and not for the names people gave him, they would have been as happy as I am.

Luckily, not everyone has a good eye as I do.