The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

When I wake up, I'm not alone in bed.

Of course, I wasn't even when I fell asleep. But I wasn't expecting Ignis to stay next to me the whole time. How could he stay still without moving?

We're in the same position as this morning: hugging each other, slightly desperate for contact.

I've rested so well, and now I feel guilty for Ignis. He's spent hours looking at the ceiling, not moving a finger not to disturb me.

I sigh, and his green eyes move on me.

«You can rest now,» I say. «I'll stay awake for you.»

«I'm not that tired,» he says.

«We don't know when the next break will be. You better sleep now. A few hours won't mean much, after all. Our friends will wait for us, right?»

«The deal is three days,» Ignis says. «If after three days we're not there, then they'll continue the journey without us.»

«It's enough time to go there, come on. Just sleep.»

He turns to the side and tightens his clench, blocking me in his arms. I can't get out now.

His nose sinks in my bosom, and his hair tickles my chin.

«There are so many things we can do instead of sleeping,» he says against my chest. His breath tickles me, but I ignore it for the sake of the conversation.

«We can do both,» I point out. «Now, you sleep, and later we do things.»

And it's not like we really have so many commitments. The only one is to find a second horse for me.

«But you might change your idea!»

«About what?»

«About doing things.»

«Ah?»

Ah! Now I get what he wanted to say.

«It's not that urgent, Ignis. Just be rational and take care of your own health. I don't want an exhausted husband.»

«You don't want him?»

«No. I want one that knows when it's time to take a break. I won't run away from you.»

«How can I believe you when you say that?»

«Why wouldn't you?» I chuckle.

«Because you already ran away from a wedding.»

«I ran away before the engagement was finalised. And, also, we are already married. I can't escape anymore.»

«You make it sound as if I was forcing you.»

«You're not. Oh, what is it that you want to obtain?»

He lifts his chin and looks at me from below. By instinct, I caress his hair and smile.

«I don't know myself what I want. As long as you're with me, I guess anything is fine.»

«That's so sweet from your side.»

«Am I sweet?»

«Yes, you are.»

And he always looks for confirmation. Am I giving the wrong signals, perhaps?

«I find you very sweet,» I say out loud. Let's clear this up. Ignis will sleep better if he has one less worry.

«Do you?»

«Yes, I do. I also find you handsome and lovable. You're like my ideal husband. I always dreamt of someone that would help me as you do.»

Without getting in my way, preferably. But I can't say this, or he'd misunderstand. I will tell him about my role as Princess of Mages.

If he wants to stay with me, he should know what he's getting himself into.

But first, we should be safe. When the waters calm down, I'll reveal everything to Ignis. It's the right thing to do.

«I... I also find you sweet,» he says, hiding his face again. «And you're so soft that it makes me want to touch you all the time!»

Ah? I was being serious, for once. And here I thought we could have a heartfelt conversation. But I guess men don't know how to give compliments.

Is he trying to get out of the embarrassment by changing the topic?

«And I love the way you carry on with your decisions no matter how difficult it will be. You're so independent that it scares me. But I'm so happy when you stop your rush to look at me, to notice I exist.»

Uh? What is this, now? Why is my heart beating so fast that my ears can't hear anything else?

«I'm happy to be your husband, Veronica. Even if it's only because you need it.»

I bend down towards him, and I leave a light peck on his lips.

«Me too,» I say. «I'm happy that you're my husband.»

«Veronica!» he whispers while letting go of my waist. He rolls over me and leans on his knees, not to trouble me with his weight.

His lips find mine, and we passionately kiss.

Since I can't move anymore, I just close my eyes and accept whatever his plans are. Last time I followed my own instinct instead of letting Ignis keep the lead.

This time, I won't mess around!

I clench my fists to stop my hands from reaching him, and I reply to the kiss. Our tongues dance, oddly in synchrony after so little exercise.

We didn't kiss for that long till now, but I feel like I'm improving. Will Ignis be happy about this?

Our bodies heat up in a moment, just like yesterday. Our hands start exploring each other, touching places not as appropriate. But not completely private either.

While I get to his chest once again, Ignis's fingers press on my back and move up and down, caressing every part with the same attention.

Neither of us tries anything more than this, for we're in a hurry to leave. It's just a good-morning kiss. Not one as wild as those given at night.

It's more comforting than exciting as we express our feelings through our bodies, reminding each other that we'll be together even when tomorrow's sun is up.. There's no need to rush into exploration.