The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

«We're under attack,» Ignis says.

I can't tell what exactly makes him think someone is attacking us. Or will attack.

Outside, everything is calm.

Until the first clashes of swords over swords are heard.

He was right, damn it! We really are under attack.

Ignis reaches down to catch his sword. He always keeps it nearby, even when he's sleeping. He leans my feet down carefully before preparing to get out.

«No matter what happens, don't get out of the carriage,» he says, preparing to step on the battlefield.

I observe him with wide eyes.

What does it mean no matter what happens? I can help, for goodness...

«These are not simple bandits, Veronica. Please, just stay here and wait for me.»

He pecks my forehead and disappears behind the door, leaving me no time to reply.

Not simple bandits? Are these the people sent by the King to find us? In that case, if I stay inside, they won't be able to tell whether I'm really here. I guess Ignis is easy to recognise. But, until they see me, they can't be sure...

Oh, but Ignis is in danger. They won't have any mercy towards him.

He was their comrade until he betrayed his King, so they have even more reasons to hurt him.

I clench my fists and ponder my choices. If I go out, Ignis will be furious with me. He will yell and scold me until my ears bleed, and he'll ask me why I don't trust him enough.

But if I stay here and he gets hurt, it will be even worse. I know that my capabilities aren't enough to deal with a Royal Guard. The fighting training I went through was superficial and lasted a couple of years at best.

But, with my powers, I still am not easy to deal with. I just need to figure out a way to pass unnoticed by Tobin and the other guards.

As I waste time weighing my choices, the sounds of the battle reach me. It's so noisy outside. There are several attackers, for sure more than the guards protecting us.

I have no sword, though. How can I get one? Last time I was lucky to find one directly on the field, but now... These people are professionals. Fighting is what they do as a job.

I don't think I have any chance to help without magic. And if I use it, I'll be discovered. I'm not sure if I can do it without making anyone notice.

As I consider, ponder, think... all while torturing my fingers, the carriage door is slammed open. Behind it, Ignis stretches his arm to me. He's riding a brown horse, keeping it barely under control because of the sounds nearby.

I stare at him for a moment before stepping out and raising my arms. It's my body that takes the decision, for I still am unable to think.

He catches my wrist and pulls me up, making me sit in front of him. His arm surrounds my waist as he drags me closer, and I grab his shirt out of reflex.

«Why are we fleeing?» I ask when we start galloping away. «Why are we abandoning the others?»

«Talk later,» Ignis says as he focuses on riding.

I'm sitting with both legs on the same side, in the same pose some princesses use. Yet, it's so difficult to stay on like this.

The horse's back trembles as it runs faster, and I have no choice but to grab Ignis. At the same time, I can't just hug him tightly, for he's directing the horse.

It wouldn't be good if we slipped down.

When we're far enough from the battle, Ignis slows down. He helps me get down, and we proceed on foot.

«We just abandoned our friends!» I exclaim. What in the world? We could have helped them escape, at least. Instead of using them as bait.

«Your handmaid will be fine, Veronica. As for the rest, they're guards. This is nothing for them.»

«How many bandits were there?»

«I counted twenty. And they were assassins.»

«Oh, gosh,» I scoff. «That man sent them after us, didn't he? They're from the capital!»

«They are from the capital, indeed.»

«That maniac wants me dead now that I escaped? Is he that kind of man: him or no one?»

It wouldn't hurt this much if we didn't abandon our fellows to escape. This is so selfish. And I'm worried sick about Aida. She can defend herself perfectly, but she might be discovered doing magic.

She's the most discreet mage ever born, so it's such a tiny chance. Yet, I can't help but think about it.

«I promise you, Veronica. It will be over soon, and they will be fine. In the case something like this happens, the deal is to disperse and meet at the second closest city.»

«Not the first? So that the assassins don't follow you there, I guess...»

«Correct.»

«By the way, by disperse, you mean...»

«I mean: the guards will protect Aida and find a way to run from the assassins. I promise you, we haven't abandoned them.»

«But that's what happened,» I point out.

«You should learn to treasure your life more, Veronica. You're Duke Bursio's precious daughter. How can I face your father if a scratch appears on you?»

«You make him sound more caring than he actually is.»

«I'm not making anything up,» he sighs. «I don't want to risk your father's fury.»

«I don't like to think like this.»

«You better get used to it.»

He stretches his arm out, and I hold his hand while we walk in the woods.

«If we could leave fewer traces...» Ignis murmurs. «We could slow down a bit if only our footprints weren't this visible.»

Indeed, my low heels do leave deep prints. Ignis's boots are smarter from this point of view: the weight is equally spread, and the footprints are not as deep and can be concealed. But mine?

«Oh, wait, I know what to do!» I exclaim, finally finding a solution. «For us all: you, me, and the horse!»