The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

The official delegation from the capital arrives the next morning. If we were a little later, we would have met them on the way.

They must have departed immediately after stopping the coup. It's the only way they could be here this early.

I'm requested, by mother, to be present and greet them when they cross the gate. Even if I'm going to be a Queen soon, I can't disobey mother's orders. She's still my mother.

And, also, the Queen of Mages. But that one is just a symbolic title full of duties and responsibilities but no real power.

Being Duchess Bursio is far more influential.

I get up early, fresh and happy. The maids wait for me to ring the bell before barging in, and they start cleaning my back and applying some moisturiser cream on my face, preparing my skin for the makeup. Since we have guests, I need to be presentable, lest the King believes I'm a savage and unkempt girl.

Oh, not that I care about what he thinks. But the maids have been instructed by mother. It's better not to challenge her influence over the mansion.

When the maids are done with the light makeup, of the sort that it's barely noticeable but makes me look way happier than I actually feel, I start dressing.

I usually put on underwear by myself. I like very comfortable underclothes, including silk or cotton chemises and woollen, long socks during winter.

Once the inner layers are done, the maids help me wear the gown. Today, I'll choose a green one. Somehow, I'm always in the mood for green clothes these last few days.

The neck and torso of the dress are decorated with embroidery, representing flowers of different kinds. The back also has tree leaves and grass to rest the eye from the cheery front.

The skirt is loose and simple, in contrast with the upper part. Since it's summer, I have no sleeves. It saves us time since I don't need to wait for the maids to attach them. And it's very much comfortable.

Aida combs my hair after assisting me in choosing a tiara for the day. She entwines the locks from the front on it so that my eyes stay free.

Finally, I wear the hooded mantle over the dress. I don't like using veils because they're always in the way, but I guess there will be occasions where I won't be able to roam around with a free head.

I pick a couple of rings and another bracelet to accompany the one Ignis gifted me. My lips are painted in ruby red, maybe to contrast with the green dress.

The tiredness of the journey has disappeared after a night full of sweet dreams, so my eyes shine with their usual energy.

«I go,» I say while collecting the gowns and heading downstairs.

I meet Ignis in front of the entrance. His eyes are tired, circled by dark shadows. His hair is messy. But not like when I play with it, by the way.

It's not a cute type of messy.

«Have you slept?» I inquire, feeling a little... just a little, guilty.

Might it be my fault? Is this what happens to a man that is left hanging?

«I have,» he sighs. «But not well.»

«Did you have nightmares?» I continue, intrigued by his desperation. I would feel sorry if I wasn't the cause. Most likely.

Oh, but it might be something else. I guess, Kings have stressful lives.

«I promised I would be absent for a month only,» Ignis starts, evading my eyes when I focus too much. «But you can stay here a little longer. There will be teachers who will help you adapt to your new role, and they will follow wherever you want to leave for these two or three months. I will send you a letter when the date for the coronation is decided. Also, there are two maids from the castle. I'd prefer it if you got acquainted with them during these months. You can send them back if you don't like them; I'll find other candidates.»

«You said I can bring my people.»

«Yes, of course, you can. But remember that too many will send messages to our opponents. It doesn't mean you need to follow my directions. Just consider all the aspects before deciding. You must befriend your personal maids, for they'll be your first support in the capital. They will be closer to you than I.»

«I will keep my maids in my home; the Palace maids can go back. I will befriend them when I come to Mavale.»

«If that's what you desire, I will send new orders.»

«I wonder how my routine will be,» I murmur. «Having tea in the morning with chatty noblewomen, eating lunch with my ladies in waiting, having tea again. Then, during the night, pleasing the King. And again, repetitive and boring... How long do you think I can survive?»

I caress my cheek with my left palm, expressing worry my light tone can't convey. He'll get angry now. There's no way a man stays silent after such a provocation!

«You don't need to please me,» he sighs. «And, for sure, not every night.»

«Not every night?»

I realise too late that my frown is transparent, and I adjust my lips in a relieved smile. Too late because a pair of emerald eyes have already caught my expression. I'm disappointed, aren't I?

Oh, if only I didn't know what I was missing... And now, I would make a fool of myself if I said something to tease Ignis.

«If my wife wishes for it, I could ignore the custom and visit you more often,» he says, in fact. «I wouldn't risk making you suffer because of an old use.»

«Ignis,» I spit between my gritted teeth.

«Yes, my dear?»

«How can you talk like this to a lady? Have you no manners?»

«Forgive me, my Queen. I've forgotten about it because of the distress I was in these last few days.»

He's so smooth when catching my hand and bringing it to his lips. He even bows slightly. A perfect gentleman, one would say.

«It won't happen again, do not worry,» he adds.

«I wasn't worried!» I exclaim, more to say something than for real need. I shouldn't lower my guard around him.. He's dangerous.