The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

When I open my eyes, the morning light comes in through the curtains of the carriage. Oh, finally. This endless night is over.

Then, I realise that I can't stretch my legs. There's a burden on my thighs.

I look down and find Ignis's green gems staring at me. Just like emeralds.

He's smiling.

«I didn't fall asleep,» I say out of the blue. «I was just resting my eyes.»

«Sure,» he chuckles. Yet, he shows no intention of getting up.

At least, he doesn't look betrayed. I did fall asleep on watch, but I didn't do it on purpose.

It might as well have been Aida's fault. She threw the spell close to me. I might have been affected as well.

Which reminds me... I have to keep my magic hidden for a while more, and it's getting unstable.

If I don't use it soon, it will be difficult to control. However, even small spells risk getting out of control. What a situation.

Ignis gets up when he senses my sighs.

«Good morning, wife,» he says.

He's still sitting close to me. He turns to Aida and tries a kind smile. It's a bit awkward, but the result isn't that bad. He's still handsome.

«Good morning, wife's nanny.»

«Morning,» Aida says, tightening her lips and glaring at us.

«Tobin must be exhausted. Also, we're almost there... I'll drive from here,» Ignis says while knocking on the door.

A few seconds later, the carriage stops.

I get off and follow Ignis in a short walk. He offers me his arm, and I cling to him while yawning like a bear.

Oh, I miss my dear bed. Even the one in the capital wasn't that bad, all in all.

«How are you feeling?» Ignis inquires, coming closer and observing my face.

«I'm fine. You're the one that slept in a carriage. You should be complaining about your backache or something.»

«But why? I slept so well!»

Oh, Aida's magic can do miracles, indeed.

«It's close,» he then adds in a low voice. He looks in the direction we'll depart soon, and he smiles.

«Where are we going, exactly? Is it a secret?»

«Oh? No, not at all. I wanted to introduce you to my family.»

«Your family?»

«Yes!» He nods. «They will surely be happy to meet you.»

«So, your family's fief is in this direction. Oh, it makes sense you were sent to Narith and not somewhere else. Even though it's far from the capital.»

«It was my mother's idea, actually. She said staying far from the nobles' society would do me good.»

«And?» I inquire without hiding my wily smile.

«I guess it helped,» he sighs. «I'm not sure, though.»

«You're not sure?»

«It brought me some trouble years later. I got married to someone troublesome.»

«Troublesome?»

«Yes,» he chuckles. «A stubborn, troublesome girl.»

«And why did you do that? You should have run away from her.»

«Oh, it would have been even worse in that case. It's better like this.»

«Even if I am troublesome?»

«Yes,» he confirms. He lands a peck on my forehead before returning to walk. «Especially because you're troublesome.»

«Ah?»

«It makes everything more interesting.»

«As if,» I sigh. «Let's go back. I'm now curious to see the place where you grew up.»

«It's nothing special. And I didn't spend much time there.»

Still, he's willing to visit that place and show it to me. It must mean something to him.

«My father and brother... Especially my brother, they might say or do something strange. You just ignore them; they'll eventually stop troubling you. Is that all right?»

I nod, even more confused. What kind of son would talk like that about a parent?

Also, why is he afraid of what they'll say to me? It's not like they'll have the chance, by the way. I won't be more than a couple of steps further than Ignis.

«I'll keep you company,» I exclaim. I jump on the front of the carriage and sit next to the driver's seat.

Ignis seems apparently annoyed. Yet, he's happy about it.

We can talk about anything like this, and the trip will be less tedious for both of us.

Tobin and Aida get on, and we finally return to move.

«Is there something I should know about your family?» I ask. It's more to start a conversation than for real curiosity.

Yet, it's better to know if there are taboos in Ignis's family. Oh, also, what is his surname?

«What is your family name, Ignis?» I ask.

He stares at me, raising an eyebrow and hiding a grin.

«You're asking me now?»

«I didn't have time before.»

«Oh, well... You weren't that curious, I guess.»

«Come on, won't you tell me?»

«I will. But I like your curious expression. I'd look at it for a few minutes more before answering. Or hours; it depends on how cute you make it look.»

«What?» I murmur. «Ignis! It's my surname too... You shouldn't be this mean.»

«It's Falco,» he declares.

«Ignatius Falco,» I try. Oh, it doesn't sound too good. Somehow, it takes a lot to make the whole name roll on my tongue.

I still prefer Ignis.

«You can continue calling me like that,» he says, all of a sudden.

Oh? I've talked out loud? Ah, this damn habit.

«So, my name is Veronica Falco, now?»

«No,» he says. «Your name is still Veronica Bursio. We haven't changed that yet.»

«Are you sure?»

I thought a marriage certificate was enough for me to change my surname. Oh, well, not that it matters.

«You're the daughter of a Duke. It's no surprise you want to keep your surname after getting married to a nobody like me.»

«Oh, Ignis, don't say things like that. I want to have your surname! I can't keep my maiden name even after getting married!»

«Is that so?»

«Yes, of course.»

«Well, then... We'll solve this when the whole matter is over. I'll give you my surname.»

«Good,» I say, smiling again.

I like him better when he's in a good mood. This version of Ignis is easier to deal with.

Not to mention, he's irresistible when he's pleased.. His expression is so relaxed as if he conquered the world.