The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

Since Ignis is on my side, I don't care so much about this brat talking rudely, accusing me, or even treating me like I'm invisible. Flavius isn't strong enough to hurt me, most likely, even if he's the second most powerful Mage I've ever met. Second only to my mother.

«Why do you keep him locked?» I ask Ignis. «It's not like he can't escape, most likely. Even a thousand doors wouldn't be enough.»

Flavius is a mind reader. He can interact with people's minds and bodies, but he can't force doors. I'm trying to find out how much Ignis knows about his magic.

«The doors are to keep the annoying people outside. I'm delivered my meals through the window, and a maid comes once a week to clean. It's an awesome life if you ask me,» Flavius replies in Ignis's stead.

«It's all for a show,» my husband says.

«So, we could come here without causing such a ruckus and opening the main doors?»

«Yes, we could walk in through the window.»

Just as expected, Flavius can leave whenever he wants.

«He was involved in the coup, so I had to think about a way to make him serve a sentence. Killing and betrayal, especially if the victim is the King, can't be pardoned.»

I see Flavius rolling his eyes.

«He's so young,» I point out.

That's the most concerning part. How could a child serve a King? And why did he get involved in the coup? By chance? Because of revenge or to get free?

«I'm just the right age!» he complains. «I'm an experienced warrior and can go on a mission again...»

Mission?

«What mission?» I wonder. «Kids your age should stay at home and study.»

«Kids? I'm a few years younger than you. And I don't need to study more. This is enough. I know what I need to finish anything the crown needs. I'm ready to go back to work.»

This is taking longer than I thought. It's so easy to get distracted with Flavius.

«Wait, can you stop blabbering about everything and explain the situation?» I wonder. «I came here to talk about the coup. And here we are, discussing future missions. What in the world is going on?»

«Flavius is Alba's secret weapon,» Ignis says.

«Weapon? A child? Moreover, a Mage? What does the Church have to say about it?»

«They don't say anything, but they disapprove. That's why my father kept some distance from them. It's most likely the only good thing he did in a lot of time.»

«Oh, yes. The only one. So, Alba actually does employ Mages in secret... I thought you wouldn't meddle in the matter, but... Well, I'm surprised.»

«Flavius was found as a child and brought to the Palace. The late King decided to use him for his purposes because his powers are incredible... At least for a human.»

«For a Mage, too,» I say. «He's powerful, indeed.»

And if I say it like this, it means a lot.

«He served the King for almost ten years until the coup. As for what happened then... I'll let him tell you.»

«Why should I?» Flavius murmurs. «I'm not in the mood for story-telling.»

«Then we can leave,» Ignis points out.

«Ah,» he groans. «You prefer this woman over me! So many times, at that!»

«Flavius, you're being difficult right now.»

«But... We used to get along,» the brat murmurs, bowing his head so that the black curly locks cover his eyes.

He's just a teen, after all, and he's forced to live far from everyone.

«Would you like to tell me a little of your story, Flavius?» I ask. «I'd like to know more about you as well. And about my husband... How was he when he was younger?»

At these words, the brat seems to reach a decision. He looks at me for a minute, silent and thinking hard. Then, he starts talking.

«Just like he's now, more or less. Ignatius doesn't get old. It's surprising, isn't it?»

Oh, well, let's wait until he turns thirty or forty before judging.

«He would listen to me when I was younger, and he promised I wouldn't be forced to solve his bidding after the coronation. I don't mind, though. I'm still waiting for some bidding to do.»

«What do you mean by bidding, exactly?» I inquire.

«Interrogations, research... I often need to find people for the King. I mean, needed. Or, like, convincing them to cooperate.»

His lively eyes turn cold as he speaks, two black walls without emotion. Even his voice isn't jovial anymore. Remembering about it makes him resemble a human weapon. Poor thing... How old was he when it started, five? He might not even know how to act differently now.

«And you would do it for the current King as well? Are you sure it's your free will and not, let's say, a habit?»

«I would help Ignatius. Why not? He helped me, and he even stopped those wanting to kill me because of reasons.»

«Reasons?»

«No one could organise a coup without me noticing, you woman. I was the King's protector... I was expected to tell him when something was happening, and that's why he didn't expect it.»

«Because you kept silent.»

«Well, those people knew about me. They paid attention not to leave traces and not think about it in my presence. I found out because the plan had been accelerated. The original coup was planned for the month after when it happened. But, for some reason, it was anticipated.»

«I see... And, what about the people.»

«I've already told them the whole list. Ignatius knows. He got rid of them, and he put me here until the waters calm down. He said I'll be able to come out once the conditions allow it.»

«All right, that's good,» I say. «But, the coup... Were they going to kill the King and Crown Prince? Was that the original goal?»

«Actually, they were targeting Ignatius too. I told the General about it, and he was saved in time. Not that they would have succeeded, right? Ignatius is stronger than that.»

«You're right!»

«But then, when the King activated the plan to bring the Crown Prince to safety, I stopped them.»

Oh.

«Indirectly, I killed the Crown Prince.»

«Why?»

«Because Ignatius would make a better King.»

«Like that, you became an accomplice, though. Are you regretting it?»

«No.»

I can't be sure this brat isn't dangerous. Especially because his motives and actions seem to be pretty intense. At least, he seems loyal to Ignis. But what if this loyalty gets to an extreme so much that it endangers people around Ignis?

«And do you think I am dangerous for him?»

«I don't know. But it's late now. You're carrying his son... Dangerous or not, I can't kill you anymore.»

Oh, good. I'm not potentially a threat to him.

«If I was out of here, I would have stopped him. But I couldn't,» he continues.

«Why not?»

«Because I promised. I said I wouldn't get out of here without permission, and I'll keep my word.»

«One day, Mages will be just like any other citizen. You will be free to walk the roads of the Capital and be yourself. You won't need to hide,» I tell him.

«Uh,» he scoffs, crossing his arms. «As if I would want that. Also, do you really think I fear walking in the city? As soon as Ignatius gives me permission, I will show you how fun walking in the city can be!»

«All right,» I chuckle. «I'm looking forward to it.»

«You better keep your word, woman. You will follow me so that you don't think I'm lying.»

I just nod, hiding a smirk.

Still, it's a little concerning... the way he speaks. Why should Ignis give him permission to walk in the city? Isn't it enough if he's freed from this odd prison?

«Flavius has been raised as a slave,» Ignis explains. «He thinks about himself as a weapon of the Royal Family. That's why he follows what I say... I don't know how to teach him freedom. He doesn't seem to understand.»

«Oh,» I realise. «That's it. Well, his judgement hasn't been clouded, Ignis. And, as far as I can witness, he's choosing to listen to you.»

«But it's because he was never taught the other option.»

«Choosing to listen is freedom,» I point out. «And Flavius is right about one thing. We'll work harder to make sure he understands the rest as well.»

My husband nods, returning his eyes to the boy. So, there's been this hidden treasure in the heart of the Palace. A Mage loyal to the Crown, willing to do my King's bidding. And yet, all my King can worry about is how to teach him to disobey.

That's why Ignis is special. No matter his position, he's always the same.

«What is he right about?» he murmurs.

«You're a better King,» I point out.

Somehow, I can finally see a point of contact. Flavius nods, fierce and convinced.

I'm not the only one in this place to realise my husband's qualities. Finally!