The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

After the meeting, Ignis has some time for me. I can finally tell him what I found out and, with some luck, to hear whether my ideas make sense.

«I was thinking about something... We have suspected the Queen Dowager since the start, but we've ignored other people in the Royal Family. I mean, I can tell who would be the first to have an advantage if Gratia was sent away, even though it would be for a short time. But then again, if I don't live long enough, the advantage would be restored.»

«Tell me, Veronica.»

«Just one thing first. Don't be mad at me, all right? I'm just telling you a possibility that came to mind. It's not my intention to suspect or move against anyone! It's just... We should consider all the options before throwing away those we discover to be unfounded.»

«Just tell me, Ronnie. I can't get angry with you.»

«I realised that we've never ever suspected Juliet.»

«Juliet? She's a widow and lost her position during the coup. I mean, she's too focused on saving her life to have time for plots. And, also, she has her daughter to think about.»

«That's precisely why I'm considering this option. Because of Aestas. Who would take Gratia's place if she was sent away? Who is the second in line to become Crown Princess?»

«It's right that Aestas is the only other person with a claim on the throne, but she's just a baby.»

«She would need a regent,» I add. «But that's not what we should focus on, right now, because I don't think she just wants Aestas on the throne. Not immediately. Since the culprits are trying to kill me and send Gratia away, at the same time, we can assume they're aiming at the Queen's place or the Crown Princess's. Either of the two, depending on which part of the plan works faster.»

«But what would it change without you? I would still be the King.»

«A King without a wife nor heirs,» I point out.

«So what?»

«You can marry someone else, and that someone might be suspiciously convenient for them.»

«Juliet has been married already. She can't become Queen even by marrying me,» he points out. «Not to mention that it wouldn't be possible because she was my brother's wife.»

I know, but... Marriage isn't everything, in life. Moreover, there already is an occurrence of a bastard Prince becoming King, with Ignis. I wouldn't be surprised if they would take the chance to choose another King like that... but one they like.

Oh, this is too much! I shouldn't suspect Juliet just because, once, her fingers grazed Ignis's sleeve by mistake. I didn't think much about it then, and I started worrying only after all the ladies at the party gave me prompts to ponder about.

Am I so gullible?

And, is Juliet so good at hiding her true nature? She looks so kind and innocent, elegant like just any Princess and worried about survival only.

«I don't even know why I'm suspecting her all of a sudden,» I say. «I like Aestas: she's so cute. And the Princess is kind and helped me during the first days here. I must be wrong.»

There's something else that's triggering my curiosity. I've ignored part of what the ladies said during the morning, but I can't pinpoint what it is.

«Oh, goodness. I'm losing my mind after only a month here,» I murmur. «Sorry for inconveniencing you.»

«No, Veronica. You can suspect everyone. It's your safety we're talking about... I can investigate Juliet and see whether there's something relevant that would make us suspect.»

«Without giving her notice. I wouldn't like it if she hears that I'm suspecting because, for real, I don't have any reason to.»

«No one will know,» he comforts me. «It will be just another secret only you and I share.»

«Thank you. Also, if you don't find anything, let's just forget. All right?»

«Deal. But now... I'd like to hear more about your suspicions. How did you come to this conclusion? Why all of a sudden?»

«Are you sure you want to know?» I chuckle. «It's not because I'm smart, unfortunately.» Oh, it's the contrary!

«Yes, my dear. It might be of help with the investigations.»

«I just heard things during one of my open days. This morning, I held a tea party, and the ladies started gossiping after they were done trying to convince me to find you a mistress.»

«I shall make a public announcement about that. It's getting on my nerves, now.»

«About what?» I wonder. We agreed to keep it secret!

Oh, maybe he's talking about the gossip. He wants the ladies to stop talking behind Juliet's back.

«I will make an announcement so that they stop coming after you,» he says. «I'll tell everyone I'm not accepting mistresses.»

«They can try during the next pregnancies.»

«I'll just repeat the same announcement, Veronica. How dare they inconvenience you during such a delicate period?»

«All right... But aren't you displeased that I'm susceptible to gossip? I ran to you soon after hearing a new piece of news. I guess I'm a tattler, after all.»

«Is that what you're worried about? By the way, any kind of information can be valuable. Even gossip, except that we need to confirm it before having any use.»

Yes. Information. I'd like to be able to help.

«I wanted to build my information network in Mavale, but it's not possible,» I say. «I would have found a way to communicate with some of my people, but there almost aren't any in the capital.»

«No Mages?» he whispers, coming closer. «Are you sure? Oh, well, I guess the Church has too much power. I wouldn't live here if I had powers, either.»

«I'd like to help you more, but, like this, I'm powerless. I shall start building a new net with other techniques.»

«I can lend you my networks,» he chuckles, winking.

«You have one?»

«More than one. The most useful, till now, turned out to be the one I built while in the army. They also helped a lot to solidify my power. The first two weeks were hellishly unstable.»

«You're so full of resources!» I comment, aiming at his chest with my hand. «Don't make me fall in love so often, Ignis.»

«Don't worry about a thing. Just tell me what you need, and I'll find your information.»

«Oh, that's not fun.»

I want to do my own bidding, for goodness. Being wed to a King has its perks, but I can't just accept to be spoiled like this. There will come a day when my own capabilities and power will help him.

To be ready, when that day comes, I need to start building my influence now. Little by little, but it's never early.

«Just... Can I have a list of names?»

«What names?» Ignis says.

«I'd like to know who your brother's mistresses were.»

«Why?»

«Curiosity. I've heard he wasn't a saint, so I'd like to have a chat with them. I won't make it look suspicious, I promise!»

«Most likely, you already know some of them. They are noble ladies from the court, most often.»

«I'm sure someone kept track of the Crown Prince's flings, just like with the King's mistresses. I'd like to know who they are and how often they slept with your brother.»

«You're growing an odd fetish, Veronica. I don't like it. Just so you know, I won't let you push it through if you want to invite another person in my bed!»

«All right,» I agree. What does it have to do with his bed? «Tell someone to deliver the list in great secret, and I'll be as silent as possible about it. I won't attract attention, and I'll just confirm my suspicions or forget the matter forever.»

«If that is what you wish for, I'll arrange for it.»

Good.

I don't have a network yet. I won't have one for years.

Still, I know very well that power depends on the people who will follow me. It's not related to money or titles as much as to loyalty.

I might not have many of them in my entourage, but I can always make use of most of what's at my disposal.

First of all, I have my uncle and Marius in the Government. I also have maids and ladies in waiting willing to do easy bidding for me.

Lastly, I have the most powerful of them all: Aida. She can help me with what I'm going to do because she can see things invisible to others.

«I will find out something very soon,» I say. «Be it to confirm there's a reason to worry or be it that I was wrong all along.»

«Don't hurry and keep yourself safe. If I hear you put yourself in danger, I will imprison you,» he replies.

«Oh, now, I'm scared...»

«There's a clause somewhere in the Palace protocol regarding the Royal Family. If the Queen is with child, the King can take strict decisions to make sure she's safe.»

«Will you imprison me in your or my room?»

«Neither.»

«Oh,» I sigh. «Then I will behave. It would be worth it only if you were strict somewhere close to a comfortable bed.»

«Ronnie...» he warns me.

«It would be fun to show you what it means to be strict,» I point out. «So, please, just try it.»

I place my head on his chest and sigh in relief when his arms surround me.

I love this delicate part of him.