The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

Since the moment I've started to suspect Juliet, my way of considering her has changed. Now, I can't meet her.

On one hand, I might be right. On the other hand, I would feel guilty.

However, I can't just sip tea with her and converse as nothing happened. Judging from the way I act with Adelphium, I am no good at hiding my true thoughts. I can't allow her to suspect, because either she hides every proof or she feels in danger without a reason.

«Oh, can't the world be made of fairies and only transparent people...» I complain to myself.

I'm in my room, reading correspondence and sorting the invites for... well, for things. I'm suggested not to accept many and always to point out that I won't attend if my state doesn't allow me. I'm busy growing the heir to the throne, so no one will complain if I change my mind and stay in my lodgings even after saying I would go.

Apparently, pregnant women are weak and have mood swings. Too bad I'm not feeling anything. Not even morning sickness!

This child is as nice as to let me continue with my everyday life. I hope the next one is just like this.

«Aida, we need to investigate,» I say out loud while drinking tea with a peach aroma. Oh, the scent is simply so sweet. I'm drinking it without any sugar or honey, and the snacks on the table are both sweet and salty. It's a little disturbing how I can eat one, then the other, and then back to the first, but it's enough if my tongue doesn't protest.

I'd just like to eat greaves, though. Can I ask for a greaves bun?

I lick my lips, looking for the most similar salty food. Nothing! Not even bacon!

Since my wish can't be fulfilled without waiting for minutes, I move my eyes to the sweet half and choose a pastry with blueberries on top.

In fifteen minutes, even if they bring me what I ask, I won't want to eat it anymore.

How difficult. I'm becoming spoiled by being served like this!

Aida observes how I choose the food, and I can feel her magic checking my health.

«Investigate, your Highness?» she inquires.

«I have to clear this suspicion before turning crazy. I need to trust Princess Juliet. Or to know for certain that she's lying! I can't continue like this...»

«Yes, your Highness.»

«Have you ever sensed danger coming from her?»

«Danger? No, I haven't. But she does get stressed during a normal conversation. And, sometimes, she lies. I just assumed it was how the Royals act, though. Don't Princes and Princesses lie all the time?»

«I don't know. I'm quite honest.»

«Your Highness is an exception in many aspects.»

«Do you think I can interrogate her without raising suspicions?» I murmur, collecting some honey in a spoon and pouring it over the dry cheese on the left.

Mhm... Delicious! I'm a genius! This combination is simply wonderful. I can also try marmalade, and with different kinds of cheese...

«Your Highness needs to be very careful. Asking anything out of the ordinary would raise suspicions.»

«I see... Then, I'll have to ask the usual. Thank goodness I have my secret weapon. You, Aida. You can tell me when she lies, and I can collect a little information for the moment. I'd be relieved to know she doesn't lie about simple things. It would mean I wasn't in danger next to her till now.»

«The Queen Dowager was quite honest for a Royal.»

«Was she? Well, I guess I've misunderstood her before. She is a stern woman, and a bitch when it regards Ignis, but she didn't try to kill him nor me.»

«That is true. She does believe in her words and wouldn't send a killer no matter what. It doesn't mean, though, that she wouldn't use... lawful methods? A Queen is a difficult opponent, your Highness.»

«I am also Queen,» I point out. «Shall I learn something from her?»

«Learning is never a bad practice. As long as you know when to use it and when not to.»

«I haven't ever felt anything odd next to Juliet. Still, I can't push these thoughts out of my mind. Also, I'm still missing something about her motives... She can't take my place even if she wanted to. Why get rid of me?»

«She can't be Queen,» Aida confirms. «She has been married before.»

«But... What would she earn from my death? Just a place with no Queen and no heir for a while, but she can't count on it for too long. Ignis would take another wife, eventually.»

What is it that she's after?

If I were in her place, right now... Oh, my primal concern would be my daughter. It's what solidified her position in the Royal Family, as well as a reason to live. Oh, but I would most likely move to a countryside manor.

I wouldn't risk my life and sanity by living in the Palace. One can build their social circle far from the capital and, maybe, come back when the child is of age for a debut.

The risks here aren't worth anything she gets back, especially because she doesn't have much power out from her circle of friends.

I can invite her over. She will come.

Still, I'd feel better to meet her in the garden, like, by chance. Making her come here for an interrogation feels a little evil.

Either way, I need to walk. I'm becoming round because of all this food.

«From now on, you will follow me wherever I go,» I instruct Aida. «I need your help with the conversations I'm going to have. I want to find out who lies and how often.»

While saying this, I place some soft cheese on the bread, and I roast both from upwards. The cheese melts while the bread is toasted. Oh, this is another great idea! Cheese is really so good!

Aida observes without intervening, but she lifts her eyebrows when the melting cheese stretches. I've taken a good bite, but it's still connected to my mouth. Oh, goodness. If it wasn't a little embarrassing, it would be fun.

But I like the taste. And the consistency... Hmm... I might add some fresh rosemary next time. Or olives... Would olives be better?

Why not both?

«Your Majesty, there is a message from the King's office,» Bea says after curtseying in front of me. I nod at her, still focused on eating the melting cheese. It's easier now that it's turning cold, though.

Bea doesn't even react to the spectacle. And she doesn't inquire about how this is possible. The Queen, eating something hot out of the oven, is no surprise to her. I also haven't heard about any weird gossip.

Not just me: Aida, Ignis and his informants... No one heard rumours about weird things happening around me.

It means the maids are trustworthy. At least those who see me in many odd circumstances. I'm very careful not to act like this in front of my ladies in waiting or the other maids, but both Aida and I trust Bea enough.

It's not the same with Lola, but not because she could be suspicious. Just because she has a chatty nature. I know already she spends her time telling the maids from other parts of the Palace how awesome I am. It's better if she's unaware of my nature. Both for me and for her own safety.

«It must be the list,» I say, opening the envelope. Oh, it's true.

«Do you know the names from this list?» I ask Bea. «I mean, if you see them, can you recognise them?»

«Yes, your Majesty, I can.»

«Good. You will follow me together with Aida. You two will help me a little.»

She nods, her eyes scanning the list with suspicion.

«Yes,» I chuckle. «It's the list of the late Crown Prince's mistresses. But I'm not considering them for my own husband. I'd ask them about something else bugging my head.»

«They are not trustworthy, your Majesty. All these ladies did spend a night or two with his late Highness, but all they were aiming at was having a relationship with a future King. In fact, some of those have already approached your Majesty.»

«Oh, they want my own husband now,» I realise.

How shameless can they be? Also, isn't it a problem for them to sleep with the brother of their lover?

Isn't it a little off? How can they even think about it?

Even knowing they're aiming at Ignis, my primal reaction is feeling awkward, maybe even disgusted, because of the blood relationship between the two brothers.

Oh, but maybe it's just me. And we're talking about something already out of normal decency. Being a mistress isn't like being a wife. Blood relationships aren't that relevant, are they?

Moreover, I know nothing about Ignis's brother. I haven't heard any rumours, maybe as a way to protect his image after death.

«It's time to have a chat with a bunch of ladies,» I say, folding the message and placing it in my pouch.