The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

«Ventis has finally assembled an army,» the Minister of Defence says. «Our border with Borea is also unstable, and it's possible they will take the chance to invade and claim part of our territories. They've been eyeing it for a long time.»

«What about the numbers?» Ignis asks, scratching his chin while observing the map. He's focused on his job, considering all the options and thinking of a strategy. I'd stare at him the whole time, but it's better to pretend to understand the map.

«They're still under control. We can deal with both armies, but we'll have to be quick and smart. We don't have time to waste.»

«I need to stay in the capital until the naming ceremony. But after that, I will reach the border.»

«Your Majesty can stay in the Palace,» the Minister points out, surprised. «I mean... it's dangerous, and the King is... Uhm, too relevant to let him close to the battleground.»

«How can I win a war if I don't fight?»

«We all respect your Majesty's experience in battles, but this is a war. Moreover, Alba would suffer if anything happened to your Majesty.»

«This is the only way I know of,» Ighis replies. «I need to see the enemy understand how they fight. And our soldiers need their leader with them. It's important for motivation.»

«Your Majesty is right,» the Minister sighs, bowing his head. «I'm just worried.»

«I'll survive it. Just like I did in the past.»

«What about Borea?» I inquire. «Did we know they would attack?»

«We received some reports, but we didn't believe it until it happened. There seems to be an alliance between Ventis and Borea. They will split the territories once the war is over.»

«I see... It's difficult.»

«With his Majesty at the border, your Majesty will take charge in the Palace. It's better to know.»

I nod, trying to make a sense of the figures. They're not just there to signal the armies but also have further meanings. I guess about the type or size of the army sections.

«After the naming ceremony, Alba will officially have a Crown Prince. And the Queen will be able to act as the regent while his Majesty is away. It's better to wait until next week before leaving for the front, your Majesties...»

«We agree on that,» Ignis says. «What else do we know about Ventis? Other alliances?»

«No one accepted. In fact, no one has enough reasons to attack and risk enmities in the international circle. It's easier to wait for the war to be over and collect the spoils at the last moment.»

«Oh, good. We just need to make sure there's no chance to collect spoils.»

«Winning is easier said than done,» I point out. «Not that I'm doubting you, my King. But don't be overconfident until the very end.»

«I am not, my Queen. I'm just stating the truth: we have no choice but to win if we want to exist as a country next year.»

«Oh, right, then... We have to win.»

After the Council, I return to my room to feed Lars while Marius follows. Father has also attended, and he's still inside to talk with the Ministers.

«Are you worried?» my brother asks.

«How can I not be? But we don't have a choice, we can only fight.»

«Your husband is a good commander. He will survive this and win the war.»

«I know, but... We were just starting to live peacefully. Why do things have to be this difficult every time they start being right?»

«It's the life of a Queen. Things are never easy. Also, mother has never had it easy. She would face emergencies every now and then, don't you remember, sister?»

«I do, but I am not her. Where is mother, by the way?»

«She's in your chambers, spending time with Lars and Flavius.»

«Oh, while she's here, I have something to ask you to do. Where is Antonio, by the way?»

«He's training with the Royal Guards»

«I should have figured it out. And Lucia?»

«With mother. She's not allowed to roam around free; she's still too young.»

«I'll go back now, Lars is going to cry soon. It's time for his meal...»

«You're doing a good job, sister. Both as a Queen and as a mother.»

«Am I, now?»

«I wouldn't have thought you had it in you, but look at what you've accomplished. Even the King's image has improved since when you appeared. You are a capable ruler, don't forget it.»

«Oh, you little flatterer... What is it that you want?» I ask him, crossing my arms.

«I want you to continue like this, nothing more.»

«Well, will you do me a favour then?»

«Yes, of course.»

«You can bring Antonio if you want.»

«He's not going to abandon the training, sister. Not now that he's surrounded by capable warriors.»

«I see... See you later.»

I instruct Marius and walk back to my lodgings. I find, just as promised, my mother and sister playing with my son.

Mother is holding the baby in her arms, smiling sweetly. Lucia talks to him, and Lars replies with giggles and shouts.

Flavius is sitting on an armchair and sulking because he's not the one playing with Lars. But he can wait. My family will go back home while he'll stay. He can play with Lars for years after this.

«Veronica, your son is naughty,» mother comments.

Flavius's face becomes red at those words, and he opens his mouth to defend Lars's reputation.

«He is,» I agree.

«He's so insistent! He's trying to use my magic, and he doesn't give up when I don't let him.»

«Lars does the same with me,» I say. «If I get distracted, he fries the person closest to me.» Which happens to be Ignis, lately. But my husband isn't as sad about it as before.

He's kind of accepting it, now.

«I hope his Majesty, the King, returns safely from the battlefield. And that he returns fast. It would be bad if his son didn't recognise him as a father anymore. He'll try keeping everyone away from you, Veronica. Look at this!»

She chuckles, letting some of Lars's magic flow through her. Her hair rises in the air, just like with Flavius.

«That doesn't happen to me,» I say. I have no effects on my body when Lars plays with me.

«It's because he's playing with me. But, with you, he's protective. How sweet, he doesn't want anyone to be close to his mother!»

Mother chuckles, pinching Lars's feet.

«Not very sweet,» I say. «I need to get dressed in the morning. Sometimes, the King might be close to me. It's not sweet at all!»

«Oh, but this little boy doesn't know anything about dresses and Kings yet. He'll learn as he grows up. For now, let's hope he'll recognise his father sooner or later.»

«Is that the matter?»

Could it be? Then, Ignis would be right about Lars not loving him. Not yet!

I can't let my son hurt my husband anymore! I'll teach him to love Ignis and respect him. But... Mother is right. Ignis needs to hurry up and return from the front.

Meanwhile, I'll make sure he holds Lars and plays with him as often as possible.

«His control over my magic is exquisite. As he becomes stronger, he might be able to do things we wouldn't imagine possible. Also, thunder is a difficult element to manage but the little Prince does it as a baby. I can't wait to see what he'll do when he becomes more conscious of himself,» mother adds. «He'll shock the world in more than one way.»

«I just want him to be happy. There's no need to shock the world. He's the Crown Prince, and one day he'll be King.»

«That is so fortunate, isn't it? A single person with two crowns.»

«It doesn't mean the King of Alba will be king of both humans and Mages,» I say. «Lars's successors might be two.»

«That's right but, by then, their connection will have been established. The leader of Mages will be part of the Royal Family, at first. Then, with time, it will become part of the court. Alba will accept Mages, and we'll be part of society just like anybody else. We'll be an asset rather than a danger humans need to be defended from.»

«Do you think it will work out?»

«It depends on us, daughter. Fate gave us all the weapons to fight. Now it's our turn to sweat our way through.»

Flavius follows the conversation and nods, agreeing with us. I'm not even sure how much he knows by now, but he's not concerned. Meaning, he knows enough to understand what will happen in the future. And he's here to defend Lars.

Maybe, with even more loyalty than with Ignis.

«It's getting late,» mother says. «And this little boy will be hungry in a few minutes.»

«Oh, no!» I stop her. I can't make her leave now! «Sit a few minutes more, mother. I'll feed Lars in the meantime, but you should stay here.»

«Is something going to happen?»

«I don't know. But I'm waiting for someone. I'm sure you'll be happy to meet them.»

«Someone?»

«Yes, mother. They will be here in a moment. I figured you might go home earlier because of the war, so I sent Marius to fetch them.»

«All right. I will wait.»

I hope she won't feel disappointed, though. I've done my best but couldn't achieve more than this.

«It's part of the mission you assigned me, your Majesty,» I say, returning her formal greeting.