The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

«The King didn't send you away to save your life. The Queen Dowager did. I believe she's the one convincing the King to keep you far. She didn't want to witness your death, even if she hates you.»

I have no real proof about the things I claim, but I believe it's how things went. I haven't heard anyone, not a single person, praising the late King. He was cruel and selfish. He was the cursed one.

«You might have his genes, Ignis, but you're not like him.»

«The reason why I told you this story is not to comfort you, Veronica. I wanted to explain why you can trust me. I won't betray you for nothing in the world because I felt on my own skill what follows when those kinds of things happen. And you don't need to select mistresses, for goodness's sake.»

«All right, then. I won't select any.»

If he insists so much on being loyal to me, how can I refuse?

My hand has been on his chest for a while now, but I haven't moved it anywhere to avoid being caught. Ignis has lowered his guard and hasn't yet noticed how much I'm set on finally having him do lewd things.

«But if you ever have one thought about trying another woman, come to me. I'll make sure to erase that thought from your mind, my King.»

I peck his cheek, following the changes in his expression. He doesn't jump up, all ready to assure me he won't take another woman. He's as smart as to stay silent.

When the jacket slips down from his shoulder, totally by chance!, I can move my lips lower and press them on his neck.

«Will you warn me in advance if that happens?» I whisper.

«It won't happen, Veronica.»

«That's good. But temptation is for human beings. Just be honest with me, and I'll see how to free you from evil thoughts...»

He gulps, and his Adam's apple trembles right in front of my eyes.

«I think we should go back. I mean, I have to go back... You can stay here and rest,» he says.

«No way.»

Now that he's under me, he won't get free so soon...

«Our child is growing,» he says. For the first time, his hands slip down on my back and reach my belly. He presses an open palm, curious and anxious. As if just touching my stomach would endanger the baby.

«Not here,» I say, pushing his hand a little lower. «It's here. Somewhere. Aida showed me.»

«And how does Aida know?»

«She knows a lot about the human body. Including how to heal one. She's a healer. I haven't told you before because it slipped out of my mind. The principal reason why I don't fear poison is that she can sense if there is some in the plate; directly. There's no need for people to try my dishes and drink from my glass.»

Ah, we won't do anything today. Ignis is now fully focused on feeling my stomach. He's touching around, trying to discern the differences.

«I can tell the difference,» he chuckled, happy.

«Are you saying I gained weight? Is that why you don't look at me with the same intentions anymore? Because I'm becoming fat?»

«I can barely tell the difference,» he repeats. He pecks my forehead and hugs me delicately before touching my stomach again.

A light smile on his face accompanies every one of his gestures. It's as if, now that he dared to touch me, he discovered a new level of intimacy.

He held back for long, keeping his hands far from my belly. Now, though, he's like a kid who couldn't eat marmalade for long and opened a jar after months. He can't stop anymore.

«And what else does Aida say about our child?» he asks.

«Nothing much. She will be more specific in a month or so. She said our child's heart will start beating.»

«I'm so happy. I don't even care we're living in danger and in between hidden enemies. It's so nice, even just the thought of building a family together.»

«I also can't wait, Ignis.»

«We have to get rid of the attackers as soon as possible. Before the child is born, preferably.»

«I agree. That's why we need to move on with our plans. Has the Church contacted you after the announcement?»

«I received a message of congratulations from the High Priest early this morning. I guess he sent it before going to the celebration. By now, the rituals must have finished.»

«We succeeded,» I chuckle. «We didn't attend, and we didn't cause a diplomatic incident. What a nice day! We should celebrate in private...»

Before I can move my lips on him or kiss him with passion, he hugs me tightly and hides his face against my neck. Like this, the most I can do is to caress him. I can't move my head enough to kiss anywhere.

«Tonight, I will bring you a mountain of the best pastries,» he says. «Directly from my personal kitchen. There's no need to have someone try them before, you agree?»

«Oh, nice,» I chuckle.

«And we can listen to some music while resting a little.»

«Music? How?» With magic?

«Do not worry about a thing, Ronnie.»

«All right. How can I worry if you think about everything?»

«Also, I think it's time to proceed with Gratia's engagement as well. I've received an interesting offer. Do you remember Samuel Grif? He has a younger brother two years older than Gratia. He also will agree to break the engagement when things settle.»

«How so?»

«His brother won't have any title. He's the third son, after all. He has no name to himself and no influence to keep an engagement. Moreover, what we sign will be just a promise of engagement with a payoff in case either of the parties withdraws.»

«A payoff?»

«A title and some money. Nothing much.»

«Oh, you're just doing a favour to your friend,» I realise. «You're giving a name to his brother!»

«Yes, that will be it.»

«Oh, so Samuel Grif has two younger brothers? You said the boy is a third son.»

«Samuel has an older sister and a younger brother. His older brother, the one who originally should have become Count, died a few months ago during the purge. He was among those plotting the coup.»

«Ah,» I moan, surprised. «I didn't know that.»

«I don't like introducing people by reminding the faults of the members of their family. I wouldn't make a good impression if people did that for me as well, right?»

«Right, but... It's something politically relevant.»

«Since the old Count Grif was involved with the coup, we can break the engagement with ease if it comes to that. Or keep it, if it's better.»

«I see... You're a hundred per cent sure your friend isn't trying to take advantage of the matter?»

«He is, but he won't trick me, Veronica. He'll either receive money or a Princess in the family. It's a win-win. We can also start spreading the news so that our allies don't take the unofficial messages anymore. Whatever that mysterious person is trying to do, they won't succeed.»

«If you trust him, I will too.»

«He was a second son, just like me... Well, not exactly like me. We got to know each other when I was no one. When I was someone with more trouble than perspectives.»

«Did you fight in the war together?»

«No, but we had a lot of fun while growing up. He's one of my few friends.»

«I see... Then, we'll proceed with the plan. I think we should warn the Queen Dowager. Just in case she thinks of stopping us. She should know it's planned.»

«Will she collaborate?»

«She will,» I say. «As long as she keeps her child nearby, the only part of her family alive and close, she won't complain too much.»

«So, things will proceed how we want them.»

«But not everything is going as planned,» I pout. «Why am I not getting your attention?»

«You are, my dear.»

«Not enough!»

«I told you: tonight, I will be yours completely.»

«Will we make love?»

«No, but we can cuddle.»

«I don't need cuddling,» I complain. «I need love!»

«Oh, you... You're pregnant and at risk. I can't allow anything to happen to you.»

«I understand your worries, but I also tell you: I am all right. A few daring caresses won't endanger the child.»

«No, Veronica. I can't.»

I sigh. So, he can't.

«It's not that you don't want to, right? It's not that I'm not appealing anymore or something like that...»

«No, it's not. Be patient for a little longer, my love.»

He's making it sound as if I was the one insisting.

«I take your word for it, though. Cuddling.»

«You won't regret it, I promise.»

«Mhm...»

«Cuddles can be daring as well if one knows how to do it,» he whispers to my ear.

A light shiver crosses my back, and I abandon myself against him. Tonight.

I can wait a little longer, then.