The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

The delegation finally arrives just when Ignis and I are done bickering.

They get off the carriages and run in front of the house. Somehow, they don't need re-arranging. When they stop, they're already in the correct order.

Either they train, or their instincts evolved to suit the Palace.

«We greet your Majesty, the King, and the Lady, his wife,» the officer in the front says. He bows down for a split second and straightens up before everyone else.

I should call him Prime Minister from now on. Or Chancellor.

«Welcome to Narith,» I say. Even if Ignis is the highest charge, this is my home. «And welcome to the Bursio's residence. I hope you travelled easily.»

I'm not sure of my position. Does a daughter of a Duke have to curtsey to high officers? Does a not-yet crowned Queen need to?

I'm in this virtual position without any rule explained anywhere. No one knows what I am, for goodness.

«It never happened before that a King had a wife that wasn't crowned. Forgive me if I can't call you Queen yet,» the officer... The Prime Minister says. «It's a new situation for everyone.»

«Usually, the coronation and the marriage happen the same day,» Ignis explains. «But I couldn't wait.»

I roll my eyes, scoffing.

«What if the King was married as a Prince?» I inquire. Those situations happen all the time. Some places have very old Kings that don't like the thought of dying very much.

«Then, the King and Queen are crowned together.»

«Oh, it makes sense... But now, you... ehm... your Majesty messed up everything. How can we survive these coming months? Will I even have a name to use?»

I tap under my eyes, erasing an imaginary tear.

«Your name doesn't change,» Ignis says. «And no one is allowed to use it outside of your family.»

«Which is... the royal family? Not even my mother, now?»

«Oh, I meant your blood family. It's a matter of affection and respect. Other than your closest, no one can show the discourtesy of calling a member of the royal family by name.»

«Do your friends majesty you?»

Ignis sighs, looking at his feet.

«Not all of them,» he reveals. «But it's different for you.»

«How so?»

«You are easy to trick. Better avoid being too close to other people, Veronica.»

I smirk, wondering if he's covering up a slight trace of jealousy. How cute.

«Easy to trick,» I repeat, word after word.

Ignis realises that he's digging his own pit, and he winces by my side. His face loses colour while looking for a way to make eye contact and ask for forgiveness without talking or grabbing my hand all of a sudden.

I ignore him, trying to focus on the problems in front of me.

Are these people dependable? How much is the Chancellor loyal to Ignis? He was in charge during the late King's rule as well. How could he change sides this easily?

Even in the case he helped Ignis to get rid of the previous King, he can't be trusted. Someone betraying once can betray as many times as he deems fit.

His round, thick glasses are the same as I remember. It's odd how I noticed such a detail, imprinting it in my mind.

I didn't know he was important back then. I wasn't even taking the whole marriage seriously.

But now, with two high charges in the Palace as witnesses and none other than the Chancellor officiating, I can't even think about annulling the marriage.

It's not just an alliance to be broken. It's not even a means to conceive children. It's the law.

«I guess you're tired,» I say out loud. «You should get in and rest. Lunch will be ready soon; for the moment, we prepared some light snacks for you.»

I move to the side, willingly stepping next to Ignis. I show the delegation the way to get in, and I observe the King in silence.

I don't need to show anyone exactly how much we're getting along. I wouldn't get any point from that. It's better to keep appearances up in public and solve our conflicts when we're alone. It reduces the risk of diplomatic incidents, and it makes my life easier.

I don't need to be targeted as a weak point.

«You should also rest,» I say to him.

Weak point or not, I can't look at him in this state. There's some kind of hidden satisfaction inside my heart at the thought of being the cause of his distress, but it's not that loud.

Mainly because I have no proof about being the real cause of the royal preoccupations.

«Shall I accompany you?» I inquire.

Ignis widens his eyes, almost scared. I can't help but scoff.

It was a mistake, after all. Will he look at me in fear from the rest of our days? I didn't think he would really submit. I was expecting a bit of a fight.

Not that I mind it, though. It's surprisingly pleasant when Ignis doesn't fight with me. It makes me feel powerful, even if just for a moment. Am I a power-hungry woman?

Oh, that would be so simple and so easy to solve. I married a King: I should be happy now. Yet, that part of me isn't concerned about the title one bit. I truly don't care.

I'm just angry I was tricked.

I guess it was fun, though. Roaming around like a poor, eloping couple... We won't be able to do that again. Were the last two weeks the little freedom Ignis allowed himself before becoming King in any possible way?

Maybe I will come to understand him better with time.

For now, I can't help but be angry. Not as much as to run away and never turn back. Enough to take a little revenge from time to time, just enough to tease Ignis when he lets me have my way.

However, not now. I first need to figure out how trustworthy the Chancellor is.. And a whole lot of capital folks as well.