The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

As expected, Antonio and Marius had their backup plan all along.

They sent Lucia to the front line to try peacefully solving things. Since she failed, they'll step in as soon as they see us.

Fortunately, not in front of many witnesses.

Lying to the King is one thing. It can also be sugar-coated and interpreted as an illusion instead of a straight-out lie.

But stopping the King in his walk while wearing armour is a whole nother matter. If Ignis were to do things the official way, this would be considered a rebellion!

Marius was set on staying behind: why is he wearing armour as well?

«What are you two doing?» I ask in a feeble, anxious voice.

I step towards them, reaching both of them and positioning myself in between. When I turn, I meet Ignis's curious gaze.

He's not afraid of these two, even if they're acting aggressively. Why would he be? They can't hurt him.

However, the whole process should have attracted his attention.

He told me I don't have the mindset of a Queen yet, but he's no different. I, for once, can understand what's going on in his mind.

He doesn't deem it relevant for two brats to show respect. It's funnier than outraging. But he's the King!

If we weren't alone, the other aristocrats would have asked for punishment in his stead. And he'd be seen as weak if this was overlooked.

I am not a Queen yet, just his consort. However, it's my duty to help him reign, but nothing I do can endanger my family.

My first and foremost role in this life is being a person Mages can turn to if they need. Then, I am a Bursio: my father's daughter.

Only third, I can consider myself as Ignis's wife and Alba's future Queen.

Protecting my family comes before teaching Ignis about the ways of a King.

I grasp Antonio's ear. I do the same with Marius. Then, I pull down until they bow their heads to resist the pressure.

«You brats, kneel in front of your King!» I order.

«What?» Marius inquires in between his whines. «You're on his side, now?»

«I said, kneel! Greet him and then say you're honoured to meet him!»

Ignis hides a chuckle and looks to the side, while Lucia seems to realise something as well.

«You two are impolite,» she agrees. «How could you not greet the King when you're meeting him?»

Even if it's not the first time they are meeting, they haven't talked with Ignis alone yet. They should greet him before anything else.

«Now!» I whisper, tugging their ears a little more.

«We greet your Majesty!» they exclaim at the same time.

«And?» I add.

«We're... we're honoured to meet you, your Majesty,» Marius says.

Antonio is too prideful to say it, but one brother should be enough, right?

I also bow my head lightly and release the brats.

«I'm sorry for this incident, your Majesty. You might think we Bursio aren't taught basic manners from this alone,» I say.

«It's funny, actually,» Ignis comments. «I thought I would need to fight.»

«As loyal subjects of your Majesty, we would never attack you. Am I right?»

Marius nods, but Antonio isn't as convinced yet.

«I have a little time before departing,» Ignis says. «Show me what you got.»

Instead of trying the same tactic as with Lucia, Ignis seems to have no intention of befriending my brothers. He barely glances at Marius, but his eyes are firm while talking to Antonio.

He realised that this isn't something that should be happening? Now of all times?

He didn't react before, so I was starting to hope we would be safe for a few minutes more.

«You'll ruin the furniture...» I stutter, looking for a chance to delay the confrontation and drag Antonio in the cellar to lock him up.

«In this empty hallway?» Ignis replies.

He smiles, of a terrible smile. He's trying to reassure me. While working towards my family's ruin.

«We can go out in the garden. I'm sure it'll be fun!»

Antonio nods, sighing in annoyance. He, annoyed? He should run as far as his legs let him!

«Sure,» he murmurs, showing the shortest path to the garden.

I should look for a way to stop this massacre. But since I can't, I just follow them outside.

I'm not even sure who I'm rooting for. I know Antonio doesn't stand a chance. At the same time, I can't wish for Ignis to get hurt.

First of all, because it would bring problems for everyone.

As I stand there, all my diplomatic talent disappeared into thin air, I realise I am powerless. I need to learn how to stop people from suicidal intentions if I wish to have a family for long.

«Don't worry,» Lucia says while holding my hand. «It will be all right. He won't hurt him.»

Whom she's referring to, I have no clue.

Ignis and Antonio stand one in front of the other. While our King is relaxed and without any weapon nor armour, Antonio is fully clothed and raising his heavy sword. He needs two hands to wield it.

I sigh, noticing how Ignis doesn't move a step until Antonio is too close. He then steps to the right, Antonio's left, and hits the helm with his open hand.

The sound is like that of a broken bell, but it seems to wake my brother up.

«You're too slow,» Ignis explains. «Isn't it early to use a two-hand sword? You should grow some more muscles. And become faster. Even with the armour, you can't be this slow if you want to improve your skills... It took me a while to understand this: strength is overrated.»

He takes a few steps around Antonio and pats on his shoulder.

«If you can't evade or parry, there's no point in being strong like a bull. Also, this sword looks heavy. It makes it more difficult to use. You need more experience... And, also, someone whom to learn from. It's not just about the technique. You need to learn by fighting.»

«I fight every day with my teachers,» Antonio points out.

«Teachers have some use until you start automating your motions. After that, the only teacher is life, young lad. You can join a tournament when you come to the capital to visit your sister. You might as well find a lot of amazing warriors to spar with.»

«Can you?»

«I, myself, am a warrior. I've learnt it the hard way, but you don't need to follow my path. For a start, you can just fight against knights stronger than you are.»

I observe the two talking about the sword, amazed. Ignis is winning over the most stubborn of my siblings.

Now, I am worried about the most cunning one. Marius is suspiciously silent next to me.

«A penny for your thoughts,» I murmur.

He moves his hand, waiting for his coin.

«I don't have money on me, Marius. I'll pay you later,» I sigh.

«No money, no thoughts.»

Lucia throws a silver coin in Marius's direction, and the latter sniggers before hiding it in his pocket.

«I was considering that you like him too much,» Marius says. «And not just you. Lucia is rather calm, and Antonio is talking with him as if we weren't set on killing him a few minutes ago.»

«Killing?»

«It would not have happened, but Antonio was certain about his feelings.»

«Oh, you two will kill me one day.» And I mean, literally. «You can't act like this. Especially in front of the King. He's not a playmate of yours whom you can say anything and get into a fight with. There are consequences. You will be adults soon, both of you. You should learn how to act.»

«I didn't have anything against the King until I saw how easily he crushed our plans. Not only that he's still unharmed. He has two friends in this residence. Oh, three if we count you, sister.»

«You are not?»

«No, I'm neutral,» he exclaims, raising his chin and pointing his nose to the sky. «It's not as easy to convince me of all people.»

«Aren't you upset that he tricked me into marriage?»

«I am, but I can't really blame him from my position. You are hiding your identity too, aren't you? You two are more similar than it meets the eye. Maybe, this is the right path for you, sister. Maybe it's what you're supposed to do for everyone's benefit.»

«Still, I am married to a tyrant.»

«He won't hurt you, right? And he can't because you have powerful backing and your own capabilities. I'm sad that you'll leave us. Yet, at the same time, I feel like it's the only thing you can do.»

«Are you serious?» I murmur while rubbing his head. His black hair is scattered around, and a hidden smile makes its appearance on his lips. He won't ever admit that he likes being treated like a child.

«No, I am not serious,» he says. «I just don't want to have a King as an enemy.. I am the smart one in the family.»