The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

I sit on the other bed and observe the wall on the opposite side of the room. I stay like this for the rest of the night.

The turmoil in my chest doesn't let me relax, so I manage to keep watch while Ignis rests.

For someone suffering from insomnia, he's very calm when he sleeps. I barely hear his breathing, and he doesn't turn even once.

He must be very tired. It's my fault for dragging him in this mess.

But he was the one coming up with a solution. I shouldn't feel this guilty for it.

Also, if Ignis likes me enough to kiss, then he might want to stay married later...

Oh, what am I thinking about? I should focus on what's in front of me. Only after safely arriving home and making sure the King knows I'm married, only then I'll think about what to do about Ignis.

Married... Oh, my! It's the first time I ever hear about married couples' kisses. I know what is supposed to happen in bed, more or less. But I thought kisses were just the same as everyone else's.

It turns out that I haven't been taught the whole truth.

Also, not one of the lessons mentioned the turmoil in my belly and heart. The lower part of my torso is burning as if a billion ants were crawling on it.

It's as if my body realised what could have happened, and it decided to wake up and accept it with such ease.

Ignis turns in the bed, and his breathing stops being relaxed. It's early, yet I don't feel like sleeping.

Even if I wanted to, I don't think I could rest.

«Good morning,» I say when I meet a pair of green gems. I try smiling the least awkwardly my face allows, and I receive a grin in return.

«Good morning, wife,» he replies.

Oh, how can a single word make me quiver?

«You look tired,» he comments. «It's your turn to sleep.»

«I can sleep later in the carriage.»

«I don't want you to trouble yourself. Your health is important,» he replies.

I sigh, wondering if it's all a trap. Somehow, it sounds like one.

But... Why am I distrusting Ignis? It's the first time it happened. Not that I feel in danger, by the way.

It's just that, until now, I never thought he could have a motive or hidden agenda for his actions.

But from yesterday, I am starting to grow my own hidden motives. Why shouldn't Ignis have his?

«It's almost dawn. Rest some more before we resume the journey,» I say. «You won't be able to sleep soon.»

«Who knows?» he chuckles.

It might all be a lie. Or an overstatement.

He slept so well till now that I can't imagine him suffering from insomnia. He even snored a bit during the first couple of hours.

He either was as tired as to fall unconscious when touching the pillow, or our goodnight kiss was relaxing enough.

Oddly, it relaxed him while it excited me so much that my heart couldn't stop racing.

Ignis gets up and stretches his arms and back.

He slipped towards the side where he left the sword, and he walked next to it as if it wasn't there.

Yet, I can tell he's very conscious of his surroundings.

While he starts getting dressed, I move my eyes away not to make him feel awkward. I'm ready to go since I haven't worn nightclothes. I knew I wouldn't have slept.

«Thank you for keeping watch,» Ignis says, approaching me. He bends over the bed to reach me, and I stay still. I'm expecting another wild kiss, but his lips land on my forehead.

It's not hot and alluring like yesterday. Rather, it's warm and comforting.

«I really mean it.»

«We can do this again,» I say. «I can keep watch and sleep during the day.»

«Not too often, though. I won't need to sleep soon, so you can relax.»

«Are you even human?» I chuckle.

He's already planning to stay awake for a couple of days, maybe more. Oh, how can he be so irresponsible and deaf to the needs of his body?

«Sleeping made me a new man. And your kiss helped me have sweet dreams.»

Sweet dreams? What did he dream about?

Better not to ask.

«Will you take care of me in the future as well?» he asks, insisting on a point I want to skip. «A single kiss of yours is more effective than any medicine I have had in my whole life...»

Oh, if that's the case, I might accept. If he really can't sleep without it, I will allow him a kiss. After all, it's not such a sacrifice.

«If you're ready, we can go,» he exclaims, all happy.

«Aida and Sir Tobin are sleeping,» I point out.

«We'll wake them up. We should get moving. Also, do you mind if we make a stop on the way?»

«What stop?»

«I want you to meet some people. If you want, of course.»

«All right.» I shrug. Who does he want me to meet?

«It will make our journey longer by two days, but I promise it will be worth it. It's somewhere near the middle from Mavale to Narith. We can rest, have a good meal, and sleep. Then, we'll resume our flee and get out of the King's clutches.»

«Regarding the King,» I start. «Have you heard anything? Was he angry to find out I ran away? Is he chasing after us?»

«I haven't heard anything, but that doesn't mean we should lower our guard.»

«No, of course not.»

Still, I'm worried. Why hasn't that tyrant already issued an order to catch us? Didn't he even divulge the news?

I would have gotten so mad if I were in his place. This silence doesn't sound like the noise of someone coping in secrecy.

What if it's all a trap, and he's waiting for us somewhere on the way?

Oh, changing the route is a good idea.