The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

«If I told my father about you, he would have realised what was happening, and we wouldn't be here,» I point out. «You were so lucky I forgot to.»

«Yes, I know. I thought of it as a clue from fate. It was a sign to continue like this until being discovered.»

That's pretty messed up.

«Father, you weren't in the inn where Aida was waiting for us. Were you requested home for some important business?»

«No, daughter. I realised what had happened too late. I had a second audience with the King, supposedly after you two signed the certificate. I was ordered to come home and never interact with you.»

His black expression is a little scary. He's so infuriated and, in part, guilty, but it's not his fault.

I reach out to father's hand and squeeze his fingers.

«It's not your fault, father! I was the one being distracted and failing at recognising the plot. I was stupid!»

«You're not at fault either,» he sighs.

«Fate has weird ways to make things happen,» mother comments. «It's not anyone's fault.»

«So, now that we're married, I must become Queen...» I murmur, beaten.

It was the only thing I wanted to avoid. I didn't care about marrying a cruel man as much as I worried about the position that puts me in.

Too many eyes in my direction.

«I am here to discuss how to proceed,» Ignis continues. «It will soon be seven months since my father's death. The coronation will be held later so that we can have a celebration. The period of grievance is already over, but it's better to let a few more weeks pass.»

Ah, yes, the coronation...

«Since Veronica is my wife and will soon be officially Queen, Duke Bursio is expected to be part of the Council of Ministers.»

Ah?

«What?» I murmur.

«The Queen's father or a close relative, when part of Alba's nobility, is expected to take the role of Prime Minister. Unfortunately, that place is already taken. However, the positions of Minister of Justice or Minister of Finance are still vacant. I need someone reliable in those seats.»

Father won't leave Narith. He hates travelling to the capital, and he won't leave mother alone. At the same time, mother needs to stay here and continue with her duties as Queen of Mages.

«If not Duke Bursio, someone loyal to your family.»

Oh, this already sounds better.

«It's not a decision we can make at this moment,» father says. «We need a few days to think about it.»

«Sure,» Ignis replies, nodding. «I will return to the capital in a few days, but Veronica might stay longer. She's safer here than in that place, for the time being. Just send your man when she travels back. Write a recommendation, and I'll place him in the seat you deem more useful to your family.»

«Aren't you afraid I'll run away if you leave me alone?» I ask, confused.

I'll be here for weeks at least. No matter how many guards he leaves, there will be many chances to escape during such a long period.

«You are not my prisoner, Veronica. As for that matter, I am afraid you'll run away. But what can I do if not to convince you to stay?»

«You're a tyrant,» I point out. «Just imprison me and get it over with your wicked games.»

He winces, surprised. His eyes move on me for a moment before fleeing. I've just offended him.

It's not the first time I call him a tyrant. Just that, till now, I didn't do it so directly. I always talked about an unknown King that kills on a whim and chooses brides at random.

Now, I have two crimes on my list. The first is slapping the King. Second, calling him a tyrant.

The guards at the table don't seem to mind, though. They must be well-trained if they didn't even react.

I was expecting them to get up and arrest me on the spot.

No one said anything. Not even my mother scolded my manners.

It's as if I was allowed to say things that would cost other people's heads.

«I am not the right person to be Queen,» I say with a sigh. «I'm not educated enough. I know nothing, not a single thing, about politics. Nor do I know the names and titles of the people in the capital. I'd cause more accidents than proper.»

«It doesn't matter. No one will resent the Queen for forgetting a name or two.»

«It's not just a name or two,» I point out.

«I am a tyrant,» Ignis says with the same tone I used a minute ago. «It's no surprise my wife is a little spoiled and doesn't sweat to remember people.»

No one will be surprised. But I don't want to spend the rest of my life alone in a foreign place.

«You can bring the handmaids with you,» he continues as if reading my thoughts. «You can also choose one or two of your friends as ladies in waiting. They don't need to be nobles of high rank: daughters of barons will be enough. Part of the government will be in your family's control. You won't be in a difficult position, Veronica. On the contrary.»

He can say it with so much ease. Yet, he lied before. How am I supposed to trust his word alone?

«I'd like to talk with you later,» I say. «Possibly alone.»

«Yes, sure!»

His voice is content, his eyes hoping.

As if my words mean I'm giving him a chance to redeem himself.

But I just wanted to talk. To ask him about the rest, from before the journey to the escape.

I still have so many questions, even if some were answered.

«What about the people witnessing our marriage?» I remember.

One of the witnesses was Tobin. The other?

«It was officiated by the current Prime Minister. He's the one helping me the most. That is why I can't fire him right now.»

His father's minister is helping Ignis?