The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

It's finally time to go back to the Palace.

It's been two whole months since Ignis left. Now, I will go back there. This time, by my free will.

Father has prepared two carriages for Marius and me, but we'll likely travel in one. Also, he will send our family's guards.

It seems he agreed about this with Ignis because none of the Royal Guards says anything.

«You won't be alone, and your uncle will come to the Palace soon after your coronation. He'll take the ministry and be your support there,» he explains. «Your brother will be your escort whenever you need to go somewhere. And your friends will also reach you soon.»

Dorotea and Melissa will be my ladies in waiting. They're sisters, daughters of a Count, noble enough to enter the Palace.

They accepted my proposal with excitement, for they never thought they would ever visit the capital, let alone work in the Palace for the Queen.

My other female friends visited a lot during these months, mainly to see whether there was some hope for them to go to the Palace. Also, they wanted to befriend the future Queen and have the right to talk about it in their social circles.

I haven't had much time for socialising, so I don't have many true friends.

Even Dorotea and Melissa are just acquaintances, but I know their father well because he works with my father. And they seem to have a lot in common with me regarding the social experiences.

I prefer ladies in waiting that won't easily make friends. They will have fewer chances to betray my secrets or be swayed away by the capital's charms.

They won't come with me but arrive after the coronation only. This way, they will be ladies in waiting of the Queen without a doubt. And, also, the Palace won't have the impression that I'm invading the royal chambers with my people.

I won't take any maids with me. I haven't linked with any in particular, so it's pointless to have them serve me there. Unless something unexpected happens and I feel safer without, I will accept the Palace maids.

Aida will follow me as always.

This time, I won't be a prisoner inside the carriage. Ignis made sure that the misunderstandings of the first time aren't repeated.

We have enough guards to discourage anyone from attacking.

He also wrote that he took care of most nobles organising the assassinations. He said I would be safe for the time being.

Of course, I can't believe him.

How can he be sure about that, ah? However, I am not afraid of danger. I'm more scared by the politics and socialising I'll be asked to manage.

«Father didn't send Antonio because he thought our brother would duel every two minutes to defend your honour,» Marius says after we've crossed the gate.

He waited so that I couldn't run back and drag Antonio here in his place. As if I would do that.

«Is that so? Oh, well, it means we'll have fun together,» I say.

Marius pretends to be unaffected by my words, but I can tell he's rather satisfied. He wanted to hear something like this, and he knew I would read through him and say I wanted him here with me.

«We can also make a few stops and explore the world,» I add.

He nods, agreeing. After all, rather than to protect me, he followed because he's curious.

«When we reach Mavale, you will be too busy with the coronation to pay any attention to me. I'll take the chance to look for secret passages.»

«Oh, please, don't be the cause of the next incident,» I sigh. «I already did enough damage.»

«What damage? We have a Queen in the family, and a minister, as well, even though uncle. Also, you won't be Queen for this year only, so I have time to grow up and seize power in the capital!»

«Seize what?»

«I want to work in the capital. We couldn't till now, but since the situation is like this...»

His smug expression isn't convincing. I could believe in his ambitions if only he showed any sign before today.

«So, after pointing out that Antonio would challenge people in my name, you said you wanted to have a career?» I chuckle. «You weren't such a manipulator before I left.»

«Oh, I had one less reason to be.»

«You don't trust Ignis yet, do you? Is that it?»

«Nah,» he mumbles. «As if I would follow you just because I'm worried.»

«You think Antonio would fail at protecting me. We both know he won't go around challenging people since the day my husband left. They are friends now, kind of...»

«You call him that...»

«Antonio?»

«Husband!»

Oh, that.

«If not husband, then Ignis,» he adds, pouting.

«You're right. I should stop with that. He's a King, after all.»

It would be bad if rumours were to spread and damage his reputation. He's the cruel tyrant that rules the capital in fear. I can't just call him Ignis and treat him like my friend. I ought to show respect, at least in public.

«I wonder if he'll feel the same,» I sigh.

«The same as you? That's not the case, Veronica. He's completely smitten.»

«No, I mean... Yes, but... Oh, two months passed. By the time we reach the capital, it will be two and a half. What if he changed his mind?»

Moreover, the Palace is full of pretty ladies. What if he fooled around while I was away?

He said he wouldn't. And he can't risk lying to me twice, right?

«I think that whatever you're worried about is stupid,» Marius says, observing the mountains on the horizon. «You can't know it until you reach Mavale and talk with that man. Until then, relax and enjoy this journey. Because we're going to have fun.»

«Our whereabouts will be reported to his Majesty,» I remind him.

Marius scoffs, turning his head away from me.

«No, please, resume calling him husband. This makes me remember how he swindled all three of you with his royal charms.»

«What royal charms? He swindled us because he's captivating as a person.»

«Even I would be charming with a Kingdom as dowry.»

«You will be charming when you grow up; you don't need to worry.»

«How can you know? Maybe I'll turn ugly after becoming an adult.»

«Father didn't turn ugly. And mother is even prettier than when she was younger. Why would you do that?»

«Ah, it's not easy to be beautiful, is it?»

He passes his hand through his hair, messing the tail and needing to tie it again. He usually ties his hair on the back, lately.

He started letting it grow a couple of years ago, and I'm not yet clear how he didn't get tired of it. I am a girl and would like to keep my hair short. If I was born male, I wouldn't let it grow for anything in the world.

It's a lot of trouble, more than needed.

«If you feel uncomfortable and want to go back, you have to tell me. All right?» I say, turning serious for a moment. «No one will judge you, Marius. The capital happens to be... difficult.»

«Why would I want to leave? You are not given such a choice. How could I be such a coward?»

«Oh, brother...» I sigh.

«I'm not being brave. It's just my duty.»

«You're too young to have duties.»

«What about you then? You're barely five years older. And that man is young as well.»

«Five years is a lot! I am an adult, and I will turn twenty-one soon.»

«You are not used to acting like an adult. How will you deal with the intrigues in the capital?»

«There won't be many intrigues by the time we arrive.»

«Don't be so optimistic.»

«All right,» I chuckle. «But I will find a way. It's not as easy to hurt me, is it?»

We continue our journey with the freedom of two young adults exploring the world for the first time without parents. Oh, for Marius, it's the case.

I did see a little with Ignis, but it was a different situation. We were both pretending to be someone else, even though for different reasons. Now, I don't have any reason to hide my identity.

I can let the Royal Guard organise everything and choose where to take a break and how long. What I shall do is buy souvenirs on the way and pack them in the carriages.

All in all, it's not that bad. We can rest when we're tired and eat when hungry. We're not followed by potential assassins, so we don't worry about delaying a day or being faster.

It's peaceful. Maybe the last peaceful days for a while.

Once in Mavale, I will be busy with the preparations, and Marius will have a lot of things to do as well.

Yet, I am looking forward to meeting Ignis again.. I need to find out if he feels the same about me.