The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

I've been resting for days, yet I am tired.

I couldn't get out of bed except for very brief walks around the bed, and I couldn't be alone with my son at all.

Not that it matters: everyone saw the barrier when he came to light. Now it's not even a novelty when he sends jolts to the people close to us while he's eating. When there is no skin contact between the two of us, though, he's not able to channel any magic. How could he, by the way? This little thing barely knows how to cry!

All he does is eat and sleep.

Since I can't wait for days before giving him a name, I've found one good enough.

I was considering Procius and Antipho at first, but my maids would shake their heads with too much conviction... I also like the name Ugo, but it's too short for a Prince. Augustinus, a longer version, reminds me of the Church.

«Sergius?»

«What does your Majesty think about Julianus?» Bea intrudes. Oddly enough, it's not Lola who says her mind, lately. She's been silent and continues to be.

«Or maybe Tiberius, Lucius or even Livius...» she continues.

«I like Livius,» I say, and I can hear the sighs of relief around me. «But I don't know how to make it shorter. Liv?»

The tension in the room returns, and we think so hard for a long while. Even Julianus is hard to shorten... What would it be? Jule? Jul?

It's Aida who comes up with the best idea. Even though I can't shorten that name, I like it.

«Lars?» she says.

«Laurentius!» I spit out. Good, wonderful!

My baby will have a good first... ehm, fifth or sixth name. And, also, a pet name for me.

«Hello, Lars,» I say while walking to the cradle. «Do you like your name?»

Hearing my voice, the little thing opens his eyes and stares in silence. I need to reach out to his hand, which he readily grabs with his tiny finger, and our energies mix together. He's feeling just all right, now, isn't he?

«Lars,» I repeat, and it sounds so melodious to my ears. «I can't wait to tell your father,» I chuckle. «I'm sure he'll like the name as well.»

If only he came here more often... I haven't seen Ignis at all since the day Lars was born.

He's been busy containing the gossip and working on every detail about the announcements. He also asked the High Priest whether to keep the incident private, as in hinting him to keep his mouth shut, but that man just replied the Kingdom deserves to know about this new blessing.

As such, Ignis became even busier with controlling the flow of information out of the Palace. However, I believe he could spare some time in the evening to come and wish us goodnight. Or he could sleep in my bed sometimes. I would have sensed him if he did.

As for Lars... That poor thing needs a father! Ignis and I haven't been married long enough to expect him to feel too tired of being a father and looking at his new son!

At least, this situation makes me rest a little more. All I do is, sometimes and for a short hour every day, read and reply to correspondence. Many have written to congratulate us on the Crown Prince, and some have started asking about names. Right now, my son has one name, and it will be enough if Ignis doesn't hurry up a bit.

What else does he need to decide a few names? He doesn't even need to choose one like I did because he can choose more than one. If he likes two in the same way, he can just pick up both.

«The King is taking so long,» I murmur, pursing my lips.

«His Majesty has been very busy lately,» Bea comforts me, bringing me a cup of hot tea. They stopped with the useless poison countermeasures, luckily. Now they don't pretend not to know about Aida either, even if they can't be sure. Maybe they're just assuming I am the one using magic not to die.

«As busy as not to find any time during the whole day to visit his wife or child? I don't believe it. He's a few steps away, all in all.»

«I've heard that his Majesty came to see his Highness, the Prince. He entered his Highness's room and observed him sleeping for a few minutes... A couple of times, but I believe it happens every day or almost.»

«Oh, so I am the only one he's avoiding!»

«I don't think so, your Majesty. Whatever it is, it will pass!»

Am I feeling well enough to walk around? I do, but how much of it is because of Aida? She healed me a little, and I can take strolls now. I don't do it just not to raise suspicions. And because I could be seen: if I can walk around like a deer, then I can't use any excuse to avoid parties.

Reaching the King's office is out of the question for a similar reason, so I have to wait for the night and sneak into his room. That's the only option!

The door hasn't ever been locked, so I can come and go as I please. But I'm a little concerned about Ignis. What if he actually doesn't want to see me again?

Could it be because of what happened during Lars's birth? In the end, another man saw under my gown, even though I doubt it was a nice sight. It is a little embarrassing even for me: I don't know how I'm going to look Adelphium in the eye after this. Yet, at that moment, it was a matter of my baby's life or death. Back then, I didn't care about my chastity and honour.

Also, there was so much blood and other fluids... I don't think Adelphium could feel anything close to shyness either. We were both under shock and acting by instinct to save a life.

«Does he ever play with Lars? I'm sure he did witness him awake at least once! It's impossible that the child was sleeping every single time he visited.»

«That... There was a time when his Highness woke up. But his Majesty just stepped aside and let us calm the baby.»

I don't sleep in the same room as Lars. He has all his necessities in the best of my sitting rooms, and my maids are always around to keep him safe and protected.

They come to me when it's time for a meal, which happens quite often. Yet, Lars doesn't need to eat every time he wakes up, does he? For that reason, to allow better rest, they placed him there. That's also how I couldn't witness Ignis.

«He just stepped aside,» I sigh. «Does he dislike our son?»

«I don't know, your Majesty. It surely isn't like that! I think his Majesty only doesn't know how to act with a baby.»

I need to talk with him. But how can I meet him?

«Place Lars's bed here. He will sleep in my same room tonight!»

«But, your Majesty... His Highness wakes up often during the night. It will disturb your rest.»

«So be it. It's my son; he has every right to disturb my sleep during the night.»

Ignis will go visit Lars, and he won't find him. He will inquire where the baby is, and he will come to me. Finally.

Or he won't, it depends. But if he doesn't come here, then he really hates our son for some reason. Because a parent wouldn't care about any argument when a child is involved, right?

He won't avoid Lars just because, for some reason, he's angry with me. That shouldn't happen.

«I'm afraid,» I confess to Aida. «What if Ignis doesn't want my son and me anymore?»

«It would be his loss, your Highness.»

But I want my baby to have the best family possible. I don't even care if Ignis decides he doesn't love me anymore. I'll survive that. But Lars needs him, and I believe it's the same for Ignis. How can he resist the urge to touch this little wrinkled thing?

I have to admit that Lars has gotten prettier in the last two days. I'm sure his daddy will fall in love when he sees him tonight. He will want to carry him a little, maybe even talk with him.

I hope he's not disappointed because our son isn't yet as cute as babies usually are but the maids assured me it's normal and expected.

If this is the reason why Ignis doesn't like Lars, then it will get better! Also, what does he call our child? I've needed days to find a name. He's taking even more than that!

«Prepare some sweet tea and a few snacks for this evening,» I say. «And you can leave me alone when the King comes in. I need to talk with him alone.»

When he comes.... If he comes.