The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

There's still the chance the King will persecute me out of spite and without the law. In that case, I'll just hide.

«Have you heard about the news from the capital?» Fernard asked.

News?

«What kind of news?» I inquire.

It shouldn't be related to us, but better know it regardless.

«The King disappeared.»

Oh, is it related to the coup? I hope the traitors failed. Alba already is unstable after one bloody change in power. With two, it would be dangerous to have diplomatic relations or sign treaties...

«People say he's after his bride,» Fernard adds.

Oh, is that so?

I still think it's more probable the King was hurt and prefers his people not to know, so he's recovering in secret.

However, gossip can become troublesome.

«The voices about the King are never a hundred per cent correct,» Ignis comments. «He's not chasing after us, definitely.»

«Yeah, definitely...» Fernard giggles.

The Count nods in agreement, but it's more a reflex. He hasn't talked much the whole time. And now, he's even sweating.

Is he afraid of punishment? Oh, how extreme.

«Has the King sent any message to you?» I inquire

«What kind of message?» Fernard asks relaxedly. His father bites his lips so strongly that they become white.

Yet, he shakes his head.

«No message arrived, my Lady,» he says.

«His majesty already knows about our marriage.» Ignis's name is written on the certifications. There's no way he didn't connect it with the Falco family.

«Don't worry, sister. We're not afraid about what the King will do. We will protect you from him if it comes to that! Just remember, look for me if you get... ehm... annoyed?»

The sound of a kick, given just when Fernard has finished talking, resounds under the table.

I turn to Ignis, curious about why he is making his brother stop talking. He's being considerate.

Also, why would I look for Fernard when I have Ignis protecting me? Oh, is this the reason?

Is Ignis worried I'd prefer his brother over him? There's no way. First of all, because we're married. As long as I have a husband, I won't ask for help from other men.

If our marriage is annulled, the Falco family won't have anything to do with me. Even in that case, asking Fernard for help isn't an option.

It's just a polite offer, for goodness's sake. Ignis doesn't need to be this bothered.

«Thank you, brother, but I have my husband protecting me.»

Ignis relaxes, leaning back on the chair and smiling to himself. He's so self-satisfied now.

Should I try hitting my siblings under the table and see whether it really feels that good?

«It's not easy to reject the King,» he tries again. «Are you sure Ignatius stands a chance against him?»

«Oh, he already won once,» I point out.

«Well, sure,» Fernard sighs.

Then, he stops harassing my husband. He just eats his meal, lost in thought.

«Youngsters these days,» escapes from the Count's mouth.

He shakes his head, from time to time, but he doesn't start any conversation with us.

I think that Ignis's problems with his family, when he was a child, are all due to miscommunication.

He really gets along great with his brother. His father is a bit silent but not overbearing and stern as I've imagined him.

I was expecting a lot worse!

It's a pity they ruined such a great and loving family with the talks of a curse when Ignis was little.

«By the way, Ignis...» Fernard says when the maids bring dessert.

«Don't call me like that.»

«Oh, sorry, sorry... Ignatius.»

Oh? Ignis doesn't like it? Am I rubbing on a wound or being annoying when I say it, though?

«You don't like your pet name?» I inquire. «I won't call you Ignis if you don't like...»

My husband takes my hand again, and he kisses the top of it.

«You can continue calling me Ignis,» he murmurs.

Oh, well. I guess it's not the name itself. Maybe it's the person using it?

«You have to tell me if you don't like it, all right?»

«Sure. But I doubt anything you say would be annoying enough, Veronica.»

I move my eyes down to hide the blushing.

The Count sighs while Fernard snickers in silence.

«Youngsters,» the Count repeats. He's talking to himself, so no one does ask for clarifications or details.

It's a bit funny, truth to be told.

«You can call him husband,» Fernard points out. «That is something he won't mind, I'm sure of it!»

I wait for Ignis to rebuke, but he stays silent.

Hmm? Is this really something he would like?

Oh, well, Fernard likes to joke and make people feel in difficulty. It's better not to follow his suggestions without thorough thought.

«As your brother-in-law, it's my duty to help you adapt to the family. If you want to know anything about Ignatius, you just need to ask me.»

Him and not his father? How old is he if he can remember?

Oh, he's going to tell me embellished stories.

«Can I see a portrait of Ignis as a child? You must have one, right?» I inquire.

It would be wonderful if they painted him before I met him. I bet he was cute.

The room is suddenly filled with silence again.

For a change, Ignis is the only one untouched this time as well.

«We don't have that,» the Count says. «I'm sorry, my Lady. I can't provide you with a portrait of him as a child.»

Ah, is that so? So they really were on bad terms.

«And as a teenager?»

I'm interested in finding out when exactly they stopped hating him.

«I don't have that either,» the Count sighs. «I can only show you a portrait as a grown man, but that is not as interesting.»

«That's right,» I reply. «It's not as interesting.»

I already know how he was at twelve years old. I'm sure as a child he was ten times cuter.

It's such a pity that no one thought of imprinting his cuteness. It's a loss for the whole world!