The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

«You should talk with him, Veronica. He did hide his title from you, but you did the same. We can't be as hypocritical as to hate someone because he hides something,» mother explains.

«It's different,» I point out.

I hide my role because it would cost me my life. Ignis did the same but only to trick me and reach his goal.

It's not the same.

«Yet, now, you did find out about him. He doesn't know about you yet. Does it sound like a fair relationship?»

Mother is so set at defending him!

«Am I your real daughter, mother?» I whine. «I thought you would comfort me, but I am being attacked without any mercy.»

«Oh, dear,» she sighs.

She observes my pout with a grin, and then she gets up.

«Talk with him and reach an agreement,» she orders. «It's not as bleak as you think, right now. Your husband isn't as cruel as you've heard. I'm sure there's an explanation for everything... And, remember: he's fighting to keep his head attached to the body. King Aurelius is not as powerful as he needs to show.»

«After getting rid of his family, it's only fair that he needs to fight to stay alive,» I point out.

Mother sighs again, and she leaves the room without looking back.

Left alone, I walk in the garden. I throw a few spells around, making the wind swing the grass and the flowers warm up under the moon.

Will I be able to act this freely in the Palace? Oh, I should be careful even now that our house is full of guards.

I wait some time before returning inside. Enough for father to make himself clear. When I estimate the most relevant part of what needs to be said is over, I knock on the door and peek inside.

Ignis and father are sitting in front of each other, next to the window. Father is smoking a cigar while Ignis just sips his liquor from time to time.

They both are relaxed, meaning the hard part is long since over. I can risk disturbing them now.

My brothers were also chased away long ago, given there aren't traces of them. Nor a single clue of the trouble they usually bring along.

Since father is sitting on the armchair, I have no choice but to position myself on the sofa next to Ignis. At least, I don't need to look at him like this.

«This is your copy,» Ignis says, giving me a thin piece of paper. I unfold it and recognise the marriage certificate.

I sigh, realising he purposely took it with him.

Ignatius Nerva. That is his name. The G is as weird as in his letters.

He wouldn't have been able to send me letters if I'd seen this before.

«Is your name Ignatius or Aurelius?» I murmur.

Because, if he signed with a name that is not official...

«My given name is Ignatius.»

Oh, never mind.

«Kings are given an official name,» he continues. «And mine was Aurelius. It was decided by the High Priest the day of the coronation. I suspect it's the same name they would have given to my brother, for they want to remind us about how close the State and the Church should be.»

«You're Aurelius the Third, right?»

«Yes.» He nods.

«After the King that signed the treaty about the Church's rights and privileges.»

«There have been talks about a renewal of that treaty. With slightly different clauses, though.»

«You do realise it's tough like this already. With more privileges, the Church won't stop at nothing but hunt down every single mage who doesn't pledge to them.»

«I do realise. That's why I need your help.»

It's my turn to nod.

«Don't you think it's unfair for mages to need to hide?» he continues.

«Even if you're King, you should pay attention to your words,» father reminds him. «The political and economical power of the Church is too vast to express free opinions. It can't be helped.»

«Not in a short period,» I point out.

«I'd prefer if my daughter was safe. Some battles require too many sacrifices to be won. Is it worth it?»

«Yes, father. If it brings peace and prosperity, it's worth risking my life and name to help my people. I will transform this place! I will make Alba a country where humans and mages live one next to the other. Free of prejudices and fear.»

«You are so young, daughter. At your age, everyone believes in their ideals... But it's difficult to stay on the right path. Please, be careful and think deeply before starting your journey. You likely won't be able to stop midway.»

«Thank you for worrying, father.»

Ignis clears his throat, reminding us he's here.

«I wouldn't let anything happen to you, in any case,» he says.

«That's natural,» father rebukes, his voice chilly like ice. «What husband would allow anyone to hurt his wife?»

Oh, well, this is how my father lives. He protects my mother from everything. His guards keep her safe, and her reputation and name stay far from any danger here in Narith.

«Protecting one's family should be the first and foremost duty. Even a country can't compare.»

All right, this is a little extreme. It's a fact that a King doesn't have the luxury to love his family. The law comes first, and the country's needs shall be fulfilled before the royal family's.

A King and his wife, as well as the children, are just vessels and a symbol for the Kingdom's politics.

«I know, Duke,» Ignis replies, in fact.

Oh, two irrational men agreeing on this. They would have gotten along really well if not for this situation. Father did like Ignis back then.

«I'd like to talk with you,» I say to Ignis. «Before returning to the capital if possible.»

«Sure,» he says with a nod. «We can talk whenever you want.. I'll stay for a couple of days, but then I'll have to depart.»