The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

Ignis has bought a horse with the hairpin I smuggled from the capital. He also gave me a few coppers to buy trousers. I can't ride in this skirt, after all.

I've already worn them under the dress, so I don't need to worry about exposing everything while riding away in the wind.

Also, we bought food, water, and other necessities that come in handy during a journey.

«Do you know how to ride?» Ignis inquires while saddling the horse. He's so quick at doing it.

Oh, he is a knight. But still, his demeanour makes one think he's grown up with a golden spoon in his mouth. It somehow surprises me that he saddles his own horse.

But yet, it's not like there's no reason to. Even if he's a knight now, he must have been a soldier first. And then, maybe a squire. He wasn't born with his destiny signed.

«His majesty sent the assassins,» I point out. «He knows where we are.»

This is what I wanted to talk about yesterday. Yet, I was distracted. First by my own fury, and later by Ignis's body too close to mine.

«We used the hairpin to buy the horse. They will track us down through that.»

«You will be safe at your father's residence,» Ignis points out. «He already expects such a scenario. We just need to survive a few days more. Travelling alone will give us better chances than having a whole delegation.»

«Won't we wait for Aida and Tobin?»

«We will.»

«What's that about the delegation, then?»

He winces, surprised.

«A delegation is slightly bigger, Veronica.»

«Oh, right.» I sigh. He's used to different situations than me.

He lived in the capital, after all. There, you need more riches to be wealthy. And more people to be considered crowded.

«Travelling completely alone is too dangerous as well,» he explains. «We'll wait for the others in the next city.»

I nod while preparing to get on the horse.

Ignis walks behind me, and he lifts me by the hips. His hands are firm and unmoving while he makes me sit on the saddle.

I sigh and move one leg, throwing it on the other side. I better travel comfortably, even if it's not very lady-like.

It's less feminine to fall somewhere on the road and roll for metres. And possibly breaking a bone.

Broken bones are a big no-no for ladies. That's why I wasn't allowed to climb on trees and had to send one of my brothers to pick fruits for me. Even when Ignis visited, I had to ask him to get the ball when it got stuck while playing.

«Let's go,» he says, and he starts trotting. I follow him, keeping the exact same pace.

It's so much faster on a horse than on foot. I'm glad we found one good enough for a beginner like me.

I trained in horse riding for a few years only, but the trainer was quite strict. He wouldn't praise me for anything in the world.

My fighting trainers were way more friendly. Even though they didn't allow me to slack off either.

«Where did you learn to ride?» Ignis asks, slowing down to let the horses proceed at par.

We lower the pace and let the horses proceed at a walk so we can talk without the risk of biting our tongue.

«I had an instructor.»

«It must have been a great teacher.»

«Not really. But I did learn a bit, eventually.»

«A bit?»

I shrug.

«Yes. I couldn't master all the proper techniques a lady needs to know. For example, I don't know how to ride sidesaddle.»

«You need a specific saddle for that kind of ride. It was designed to help equilibrium. You can't ride sidesaddle on a regular saddle.»

«Oh, I know,» I sigh. «But still, I find it easier like this.»

«It's all right. The other one has some use only during the parades.»

«That's why I never learned,» I say with a shrug. «I won't need to go on parade.»

Ignis opens his mouth to say something, but then he changes his mind and closes it back without adding a word.

It's as if I was missing something obvious. Yet, I can't pinpoint what it is.

We spent the rest of the day on a horse, and we chatted along the way. We get to know each other better, and that's what makes all the efforts bearable.

When we finally reach the city of the rendezvous, it's already evening.

«We'll eat in the room,» Ignis says to the innkeeper.

I stay in silence by his side, taking a step towards him subconsciously when I feel other people staring at us.

However, this is nothing compared to the assassins. It's just a glare or two, nothing that hurts me physically.

«Veronica, come here,» Ignis says, noticing my uneasiness. He grabs my hand, and I instantly feel better.

A few of the gazes move away the exact moment our hands join. Those that stay don't bother me that much anymore.

«Is there something you would like to eat?» he inquires.

«It's the same,» I murmur. «As long as there is enough for both.»

I don't want everyone to think I'm a spoiled brat. Not in a situation like this. It's enough that I'm slowing down Ignis with my clumsiness.

«We'd prefer some meat,» my husband says, talking with the keeper. «Preferably, real meat,» he adds. He leaves a few silvers on the counter, and we turn towards the stairs.

Our room is on the first floor. Apparently, the better one.

«If you need anything, just tell me.»

«All right,» I say. «I'm not a child, though. I know how to take care of myself.»

«But still, it's my duty to provide for you. Isn't it?»

«Not really,» I point out. «You promised to fulfil husbandly duties, but it isn't all that clear what those are.»

«Do you want to know?» Ignis chuckles, taking a step towards me. «If you're curious, I can explain it to you in the smallest detail...»

«We're still in the hallway,» I point out before he can raise his hands and grab me.

«You're right.. Better inside the room.»