The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

After dinner, mother brings me with her to have tea, leaving the men alone to discuss.

I am a little worried about Antonio and Marius causing an incident. And father's face isn't comforting either.

But mother insists, so I leave them alone and follow her.

«How are you feeling?» she inquires as soon as we're out of the dining room.

The servants have already brought cigarettes and liqueurs for the gentleman, and they'll relax next to the window while playing cards or chess.

Mother and I will just talk and decide what to do next. No relaxing for us. Oh, sometimes I wish I was born a man.

«It could be worse,» I sigh. «All things considered, I don't feel bad. A bit disappointed, though.»

«All of your plans to get away from the capital failed. It's understandable.»

I nod.

She knows me well, after all. Even if not as perfectly as Aida, she can tell what worries me more and what makes me only complain without any real purpose.

«Also, I don't like being lied to, mother. I believed in Ignis, yet he used my trust to trick me.»

«I knew you wouldn't come back the moment you left. I don't know what happened and why, but this can be a chance if you take it. Don't see everything bleak, Veronica.»

«A chance?»

«Mages hide in the shadows, running away from the light of fame. No one of us has enough power to change the situation and live in the open. Not yet, at least.»

«What makes you think that will change? I'm just...»

«You're my Crown Princess, Veronica. You're ready for this.»

«But, mother... What if I'm discovered? What if the whole family gets in trouble?»

«It won't happen. You're not a Duke's daughter anymore... You're going to be the Queen of Alba. Your position will protect us, Veronica. Can you imagine how much hope it will bring, your new position?»

I bite my lips, pondering. Indeed, Mages never had someone this high in human society. I'm sure mother and father fell in love with each other and that she didn't have any second goal to get married to him. Yet, she's the Queen of Mages with the highest position in human society.

Some other mages did have a lower title through history, but they were as weak as to pass unnoticed by humans.

We royals are different. Especially when we are born powerful. It's difficult to control our energy twenty-four hours a day.

«If you are powerful, you can do something no one in history has done. You can legalise magic. And, even if you fail, you will be able to protect our people. Imagine how many parentless children can be saved by a Queen? No one will ever inquire about why you're investing in them, for Queens are supposed to do charity. You can form your own network of informants and use it to prevent disasters and witch hunts.»

«I am not that confident, mother.»

«You should first give yourself some time to adapt. But you're young. Chances will come. For now, the most you can do for our people is to survive. As long as you live, they will see hope in you. They will get courage.»

«I will do my best, mother. But... How should I act?»

«For the moment being, don't be discovered. It's fine if your maids or guards suspect; they won't make such a fuss about it. Since the King protects you, they won't dare to tell you off. Keep using your powers for small things to keep your energy stable, and say you're lucky when someone notices details out of place. I want you to learn how to be a Queen for humans. And then, you'll be able to fulfil your role for mages as well. It's not by chance that you were chosen, child. This is an opportunity, not a challenge.»

«Yes, mother. I will do my best.»

«But that doesn't mean you need to make things easy for that lad.»

«What lad?»

«Your husband. He tricked you into marrying him. I wasn't expecting so much courage... Ah, he could just talk with you, and he would have found a way to persuade you... I'm sure he has a couple of tricks to woo a girl!»

My cheeks turn red, and my face burns under my mother's attentive gaze. She's so quick at understanding me this evening.

«I was rather clear about escaping when we first met,» I explain. «I might have offended the King as well.»

I'm not defending him. I'm just stating facts. He never did say he wasn't a tyrant. He didn't even say he was a guard.

Just that he went to war, which might still be the truth.

Then, when things got out of control, it became difficult to tell me the truth. I hate it because I was so honest with him.

And I told him so many times I didn't mind his title. Even though I was talking from the high place of a Duke's daughter, thinking he was a nobody.

Oh, how hilarious. Ignis must have worked hard on not laughing at my face.

On the other hand, every time I said that... his expression became so sweet. Even if I meant something else, he heard that I only wanted him.

I've repeated myself over and over, so he should have come clean sooner. But, seeing my reaction, I can understand why he didn't.

«It's not easy to deal with me,» I sigh.

«It's what Aida has always said,» mother chuckles.

«Regarding Aida. She will follow me in the capital, right?»

«She's the perfect person to assist you, Veronica. And she knows how to deal with noblemen.»

«I'm relieved,» I whine. «I won't be completely alone.»

«Alone? I don't think you'll be alone very often. Regardless, feel free to find friends, Veronica. Even if they have sterner rules, people in the capital are still people. You will find a girl or two you'll feel good talking with.»

«Am I allowed to do that?»

«Oh, sure! No one wants you to be left to yourself!»