The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

The pain in my lower belly isn't as intense. It's just a burning sensation right now. Not a pleasant burning, though.

«You're hurt,» Ignis whispers, getting up in search of water. «I will call a doctor.»

«No doctor!» I stop him, but I don't get up from bed. I don't want to splatter blood on the floor. «It will be better soon. I've almost stopped bleeding, don't worry.»

«How can I not worry? I hurt you! This wasn't supposed to happen.»

«How do you know it's not supposed to happen? Girls bleed after sex: it's normal!»

«It's not, Veronica. Last time you were fine! I thought you would bleed back then, but you didn't. Isn't it proof enough that you shouldn't feel pain while making love?»

«Oh, you...» I sigh. «Maybe, it happened later because of the odd situations we were in?»

«It doesn't make sense.»

«Blood is a signal that I've become a woman,» I say.

«No. It's a sign that I hurt you.»

«You didn't hurt me,» I point out. «You didn't do anything much.»

It was my fault. I should have moved slowly.

I didn't think love could hurt me, by the way. I was convinced all was good as long as we both wanted it.

Ignis comes back with a wet towel, and he cleans my thighs. His hands are so gentle and careful, his expression sad as if he really hurt me. But I was the one moving, so he shouldn't blame himself.

«I'm so sorry, Veronica,» he says, not even looking me in the eyes.

«Sorry about what, exactly?»

«I didn't notice anything... And, also, I don't want something like this to be your memory of me for the months to come.»

«My brain isn't as small as to contain a single memory,» I point out. What is going on with my husband? Oh, was he hurt as well?

«Ignis...» I call him while moving on the clean side of the bed.

The bleeding has finally stopped, but the burning is still there. The water helped a little bit to feel fresh, fortunately.

Oh, now that I think about it... What will I do with the blood on the sheets? This can't be left here! If the servants see it, they will warn my parents. It would be just too embarrassing.

I have to hide it.

I get up and wear my nightgown, starting to collect the stained sheet. Oh, damn it, it's even on the lower one...

At least, the mattress hasn't absorbed much. I just wipe it away with a wet towel, and the stain disappears. In the dark... I can't be sure it won't be visible at the light of the day.

«What are you doing?» Ignis inquires.

I'm trying to hide the proof, what else could I be doing?

«Let's turn the mattress!» I exclaim.

I roll the sheets and toss them in a corner. The pillows end on the floor too, and I lift the corner of the mattress and stare at Ignis. He wore his clothes back as well, so I don't need to blush while asking him, with my eyes, for help.

«Why?» he stutters.

«So that the stain is hidden.»

«You plan on hiding it like this?» he chuckles. He walks to me, still unwilling to help but at least closer to the problem.

«If it is still visible, no one will notice until they turn the mattress again. It won't happen soon, so there's no way they can connect it to us.»

«Are you that set on hiding it?» he says. «We are married, after all.»

I let the mattress go. I sigh, watching my fingers while searching for words to explain.

«It would be too embarrassing, Ignis. I came here looking for you... I'd prefer it if it wasn't a known fact. Not because I'm ashamed of you or anything. It's just... Aren't you even shy about my parents thinking about what you did to me in this room?»

Oh-ho, I've turned the question around like an experienced negotiator. It really is a talent, after all. I shall make use of it in the future as well, especially since it works on Ignis so well.

«If you're all right with it, let's leave it like this! But since they won't find me here, they might wonder who made a mess like this,» I add.

I cross my arms and wait a few seconds before delivering the last hit.

«They will be curious about which maiden's innocence you took while sleeping in your wife's family residence.»

As if taking the fatal blow, I can see him surrender. His shoulders bend a degree or two, his lips curl down. His expression doesn't change much, but I can tell he's coming to terms with the fact that he'll do what I want.

I love this part of him. Oh, but I love so many parts of him... Is it a result of our passionate session? Or is it the usual effect he has on me? I guess only staying apart for some time will help me clear my thoughts and understand my feelings.

His eyes are dim, for the little light in the room doesn't let me see the colour like usual. His expression makes me want to pamper him, but I'm hiding evidence here... Unluckily, there's no time.

«We won't be hiding it in the Palace,» he points out.

«I know, but this is different.»

«Everyone will know when we're together, do you realise it?»

«I do, Ignis. I am not stupid... It's fine if people know. I realise a King has duties towards the country, including providing a successor and a couple of spares. But this is my parents' house, and things are already complicated.»

He nods, maybe understanding. Maybe, pretending to understand.

«Let's do it,» he concedes, helping me with the mattress. Since he's strong enough to turn it alone, I take a step back and check there aren't breakable things in the surroundings. We don't want to ruin all this secret operation by letting something fall on the floor and alert everyone about our adventures....