The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

«Aren't you going to annul the marriage at the first chance?» Ignis asks, pulling me closer to him by the hand.

«No, I won't. We'll talk about it before deciding. We both need to agree.»

He leans his forehead on mine, smiling like a victorious general.

His mood has changed so much in a matter of seconds. However, I'm glad he's happy.

«I will convince you not to throw me away!»

«Oh, Ignis, don't talk like that! It's not about throwing away anyone.»

Is he doing it on purpose, for goodness?

«Also, let's take a single room for us,» I add. It's time that Ignis has some good sleep. His brain isn't working as it should.

«All right!» he exclaims. «I didn't think you would be so proactive, though. I'll show you what you gain if you're married to me.»

«Ah?»

Oh.

«Wait... What I mean is that you should sleep. If you're alone, you won't be able to rest enough. I will keep watch for you.»

«Ah, is that the matter?» he murmurs, now displeased. He's disappointed by this turn of events, but he needs to understand me.

We just got married, isn't it rushed to share the bed right away?

Also, what if he changes his mind later? Once consummated, a marriage can't be annulled.

It's better to think about it twice before doing something that can't be undone.

However, Ignis doesn't just accept my words and surrender to fate.

«Does that mean you won't let me hug you while sleeping?»

«I risk falling asleep on my own in that situation,» I point out.

«Then can I kiss you before sleep?»

«Sure.» Only after accepting, I realise he doesn't mean a simple goodnight kiss.

Not like in the past when I would leave a light peck on his cheek before retiring for the night.

The kiss he's talking about has more in common with the one we exchanged after the wedding registration. Oh, well, the burning on my face and the tingling on my lips will help me stay awake.

We walk back, looking for the inn. Aida and Tobin have already taken care of the luggage, so we can just look for the room where we'll be.

«I will sleep in the bed next to yours, my Lady,» Aida says when she sees us return. «The knights have their own single bedrooms. The Duke left me enough money to allow us a comfortable journey.»

«Good,» I say. «Three rooms are perfect, but you will sleep in a single bedroom. I will share mine with Ignis.»

«My Lady,» Aida starts, but she meets Ignis's expression.

Instead of making her give up, his determination scares her even more. She inhales, ready to reply.

Oh, do I have to convince her I'll be all right? Doesn't she know it's not easy to hurt me?

And I will be the one awake among us two. If someone has a reason to be worried, it's Ignis.

«There is a bath ready, my Lady. Should I help you?» Aida tries.

«All right,» I accept.

She follows me inside, and she helps me wash. She lied about the bath. It's just a basin with hot water and some towels. Yet, I feel refreshed when I wear a clean chemise, and Aida combs my hair for sleep.

She helps me wear the clothes I brought with me, and she carries the rest with her to wash. I have only two outfits, so we'll have to wash them every time I change until we find a place where to buy another set.

I don't plan on sleeping, so I don't feel too uncomfortable. Also, these are the lightest gowns in the wardrobe. They were designed to be worn at home and not in the open. However, difficult situations require extreme remedies.

«I will come if you call me,» Aida says before disappearing. It's her last attempt at making me realise how dangerous this situation is.

Yet, it's Ignis. What is she afraid of?

Also, we're already married. No one will have anything to say about sleeping in the same room if gossip is heard.

«Won't you fall asleep now that you're clean and relaxed?» he asks while coming in.

He glances at Aida's back, and I seem to see a shiver.

Is he the one worried now? Ah, these people will turn me crazy.

«I slept enough. Now it's your turn.»

He already got rid of the outer layers of his clothes. He leaves the sword next to the bed, on the right side.

«If you feel sleepy, just wake me up,» he says. «But don't let me sleep unguarded. I will know if it happens, and I won't trust you again.»

His tone is so solemn that I nod by reflex.

I wasn't planning on tricking him, by the way.

«You can trust me,» I say. «I won't fall asleep!»

«No, you won't,» he sighs. «But I don't like the fact that you're sacrificing your own sleep for me.»

«I'm doing it for me too,» I point out. «Think about it. If you're too tired to protect me, I risk getting hurt.»

«That's right.» He nods, and no other complaint comes from his mouth.

He washes his face and shaves while I observe how the white shirt fails at hiding his muscles. His broad shoulders and powerful back are so clear through the thin clothes.

I stare, shameless, until he's done.

Then, he lies on the bed without moving the covers. He pats next to him and waits for me to realise.

«What?» I murmur.

His face is so smug that he must be planning something.

«You promised me, right? Now come here.»

«What?» I repeat while the realisation strikes me. My face turns red inch by inch, but I get up to reach him. After all, I did say the words.

«You said you would let me kiss you,» he repeats.

Oh, he could just wait for me to realise on my own. I was on the way already. There was no need to make things so much clear.

«Am I right?» he insists.

«Yes..» I nod while my lips start burning once again.