The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen

Princess Juliet is the King' older sister-in-law. She was married to his brother something like three years ago.

They were finally going to have their first child when he died. The daughter, Aestas, is nine months old. She was born on that exact day, which saved the Crown Princess from being killed. She was in another room.

Since her husband was killed, she decreased her appearances in the social circles, mourning or simply waiting for people to forget about her existence.

The same can't be said about the Queen Dowager. She didn't stop her activities. The only sign of what happened is her mourning clothes.

At the main table, the only man is Ignis. At least, today.

The atmosphere is awkward. They haven't got used to their new King, have they?

All the heads are blonde, moreover. The only one different is Ignis, with his flame locks.

Oh, me too! I have black hair.

«Having a wife is a King's duty,» the Queen Dowager says. «But that doesn't mean you should neglect your other tasks.»

Ignis sighs and rolls his eyes. He reaches out to the bread and also leaves one next to my plate. He offers me butter and ham before observing the various pies on the table. I don't serve myself, for Ignis does place enough food on my plate.

I'm not sure if he'll be like this every time, or if he's doing this to make me relax and know we're on the same side.

I start eating, enjoying the pleasures of life as a Queen. Not yet Queen, but almost. I have to make sure the coronation passes without mistakes, and I'll be ruling next to Ignis.

The food is simply delicious. And there's so much! It's a pity most of it will be thrown away...

«I hope my sister-in-law will find the Palace comfortable,» Princess Gratia says.

She smiles at me, and I can't help but reciprocate. She's so nice, contrary to her mother. The woman didn't stop seizing me up.

«It must be tough for a half-commoner to get used to such a place, after all,» she adds.

Ah, scratch that about cute and kind. She's a devil in sheep's clothing. Her eyes even shine while talking, as if she just complimented me.

I guess I have to pay the price to be part of this family. They weren't kinder to Ignis, so this shouldn't surprise me.

«Gracy,» Ignis says, looking at her with a warning gaze. «Don't be rude.»

«Did I say something false, brother?»

I reach out to hold Ignis's hand, and I grin to make him realise I don't care about being called a commoner. My father is a Duke, but my mother has no noble title for the Kingdom.

Mages are usually proud of their names. They don't want titles even if they are offered one. Nobles with magic are not just very rare, but almost all were born with abilities without any ancestor having them.

Exceptions, to say it briefly. And, also, those tend to ally with the Church.

Being a commoner is all but an offence for me.

«Truth shouldn't be offensive, my dear,» I say. «And you already knew about my origins when you decided to marry me. Are you regretting it, perhaps?»

Ignis sighs, leaning back on the chair.

«Truth or not, there's a way to say things. Especially when talking with my wife. I can't allow anyone to disrespect you.»

«I'm sure the Princess didn't intend to do that!»

Listen at this, you spoiled little brat. This half-commoner is as polite as to defend you in front of a King.

«A child's words shouldn't be used as an example,» I add. «I'm thankful for her Highness's concern. It makes me feel welcome in the family.»

I didn't take etiquette lessons for nothing. I did learn a thing or two.

Also, it won't last forever. I won't need to act like a pushover when I have a crown on my head. It's just for now.

«You shouldn't be so kind,» he says.

«Shall I tyrannise people?» I wonder.

He scoffs, knowing I'm referring to his undeserved reputation. Shall I match him and make people fear me?

«If that is your wish, you can do it,» he comments, bringing my hand to his lips. «I will take care of anyone stopping you from that.»

Oh, this doesn't help his image, though. I wanted to make people realise he's not a tyrant!

Yet, it's a lost cause here. The royal family members have already decided. Their opinions won't improve no matter what happens.

I bow my head, pretending to feel shy. While doing so, I catch Juliet's gaze on me. She smiles politely, silently approving of my talking back.

Is she at odds with the Queen Dowager? In the end, she's mother-in-law to both of us. She must have been stern to her too.

Except that Ignis isn't her son, so she can stop butting in.

«How is the little Princess doing?» I inquire. Aestas is nine months old. She must be saying the first words or something like that.

«She's healthy and growing up fast,» Julia replies. «It makes me glad to have survived that terrible night.»

Then, she winces. She bows her head as if mentioning what happened is against some rule.

«I'm glad his Majesty spared both of us. My gratitude will last forever.»

Uh? Ignis wouldn't kill a child, no matter how threatening to his position it can be. He plays the part of the stern King, but he's a sweet and caring person.

Even if his family wasn't lovely with him, he won't take it out on an innocent being.

«Not a big feat,» Gratia says. «I am alive as well, and I don't feel like it's something so great. After all, more survived than those who died.»

Ah, kid, have some empathy. This woman lost her husband! Her daughter will grow up fatherless.

Fortunately, the Queen Dowager scolds her a little.

«Gracy, dear, stop being naughty. Ignatius is protecting us, so we do need to show him our appreciation.»

Gratia rolls her eyes and doesn't add anything else.

«It must be so difficult,» the Queen adds. Her forehead is crossed by two wrinkles. «Being a King after spending a whole life as a bastard.»

I clench my fist around the knife, biting my tongue until bleeding. Is this something she can say? For real?

«Husband, dear,» I reply. «I heard so many stories about your tyranny, but I can see no sign of it.»

«Veronica, you don't have to talk back,» he whispers. «Just bear it for today.»

«Everyone was expecting you to clean the whole place after taking charge,» I explain. «Yet your generosity lets so many people live.»

He covers his face with a hand, feigning a dejected sigh. Yet, from my seat, I can spot his amused grin.

«I would have got rid of everyone in your place,» I continue. «In the end, there will soon be so many Queens!»

The Queen dowager widens her eyes, surprised. The Princesses stare, shocked and confused.

«My husband is so merciful, isn't he?»

I sigh, looking at Ignis with a sweet smile.

«He doesn't even get mad when I forget my manners...»

At my words, he sits back regally and looks at me. Only at me.

I can't move my eyes from him, and we stare in silence for a second or two.

«What did you do wrong?» he inquires with the tone of a stern teacher.

«I forgot the etiquette. Your Majesty.»

I bite my lips, waiting for his reaction. He doesn't seem displeased, so I sigh inwardly. Good, I won't be scolded for calling him like this.

In the end, we're in public.

«My wife has the right to forget etiquette,» he says. «Or better said, she can get away with a lighter punishment.»

I bite my lips, but he doesn't specify what kind of punishment. He leaves it to the imagination. How wicked of him.

«Now, if you ate, we can go.»

I nod and get up. I curtsey to the Queen Dowager and greet the Princesses with a nod of my head. I follow Ignis a step and a half behind like the Marchioness instructed. Until coronation, I can walk by his side only when we're conversing.

«You were talking about a light punishment,» I say as soon as we're alone.

Ignis shows me his arm, and I take two steps and lock my hands around it. I lean my head on his shoulder and walk like this.

«You will see for yourself what it is,» he comments. «This evening, maybe. Most probably, tomorrow night.»

«Oh, I'll do my best to regret my mistakes,» I giggle.

«Not too much, though. It would be a pity if I had no more reasons to scold you.»

«My King doesn't need reasons,» I remind him.

«I will be busy today till late. Tomorrow too, most likely. But we can see each other tomorrow evening at the latest. Is it all right with you?»

«As my King desires.»

After all, my schedule is pretty clear in the evenings.