The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen
I am woken up early. The curtains in the room are opened, and the maids start moving things to disturb my sleep.
When I open my eyes, I find Bea standing in front of me with a bowl of water in her hands. Cold water, because I need to look perfect.
I wash my face and get up.
The nightgown is taken off even faster than when I'm with Ignis, and I wear the inner layers of the dress for today.
I sit at the dressing table and observe how they comb and fix my hair, tying it up on my head in an intricate style. A few gems on the hairpins reflect the light.
My nails are painted in a light lily colour, and my lips reddened a little. No more makeup than this because it's forbidden inside a Temple. The Church has added rules over rules, making it even more complicated.
Can't use purple colour. No showing shoulders or ankles... Men have to leave the swords outside... So many things, all to show they have control over kings and subjects.
Since I can't wear purple, the colour of power, I've been adorned with lily and pink details. The gown I'll be wearing has lily flowers, the symbol of the monarchy, all embroidered on the corset. The skirt is of the most exquisite silk, red and golden.
The mantle is decorated with white fur. Just a little because it's so hot. Yet, it's another symbol, so I have to bear with it.
Before wearing the mantle, the maids arrange precious stones on the gown and on me. I wear a necklace, earrings, bracelets and a few rings.
It's a special day: I can't go there unadorned.
I have to be so pretty that no one will have any thought about looking for another Queen.
«The veil will be unstable, my lady,» Bea says. «Please, beware of sudden movements and call for me if you feel it falling.»
«All right,» I say.
They will use hairpins because my head can't be occupied by a tiara today. There will be a crown there soon.
We spend the whole morning getting ready, and we manage to finish ahead of time.
«We are done, my lady. We have half an hour before leaving the room.»
«All right. Let me rest,» I sigh. «You can all leave the room.»
I spend the time alone, doing some breathing exercises to calm my nerves. I can't eat anything because my stomach is closed.
With some luck, I'll be able to eat at the banquet.
The gown is very heavy, so I move the least I can, not to sweat more.
At least, the furred mantle is still on the support and not my shoulders. I hope to survive the coronation without heat strokes.
The skirt is so heavy, with a long train. I'll have two girls carry it for me during my walk on the aisle of the Temple.
The servant door is opened, and I sigh. Is it already time?
Instead of the flow of maids from before, a single person walks in. She reaches the mantle and pours something on it. The white fur is stained in red, and a metallic smell hits my nose.
Is it blood? Why?
The young maid turns away and runs as if I would have got up to follow her. Rather, I'm concerned about the fur now.
I can't appear with a stained mantle. I can't go without either.
It's a matter of symbols and good omens. A stained mantle certainly isn't one.
The bowl I used to wash my face is still here, so I use the water to clean the fur.
The blood was splattered a few seconds ago, so the stain isn't deep. It takes me a minute to clean the mantle. I don't even need to get up from here, using magic with more care than usual. Fur is easily damaged.
Once done, I return the bloody water to the bowl. And now? Shall I leave it there? Not that a maid will dare to question why the bowl is filled with blood.
Rather than wasting more time with such a stupid concern, I shall find out who sent that little maid to ruin my clothes.
This room is accessible by the servants of the King's Palace. The Queen's chambers won't be. Only the maids serving me and the King will be able to cross my door without an invite, and not even all of them will be free to roam around.
The purpose of the whole thing was to either embarrass me in public or make me late. Both the cases would be seen as signs of bad luck.
I sigh while Bea walks in.
«I have something to ask you,» I say. «Get rid of the water and the rest.»
She nods, seeing the red liquid but not asking anything.
«Someone tried to disrupt the coronation by staining my clothes,» I say. «It didn't work.»
As she walks out, Aida walks in.
«Why was there blood?» she inquires, crossing her arms. She analyses me with her firm eyes and gentle powers. «You are all right.»
«I guess it was the blood of a pig or a goat. Do not fret yet. A maid came in and stained the mantle.»
«And you cleaned it,» she sighed. «What did the maid say?»
«She can't ask me anything. What maid would dare to inquire?»
«Your Highness, she might suspect...»
«Even more suspicious events will happen around me in the future. Bea better get used to it from now on.»
A chatty maid from my family residence might let a word out. One trained in the Palace won't unless there's a reason to. I just have to leave no reasons for Bea to betray me.
«Can I make her feel more relaxed about it?» Aida murmurs, but I shake my head.
«You won't be able to help me every time. It's better if the maids accept that I am weird and odd things happen around me. I can't hide forever. We're talking about years and years. Not a few days or weeks.»
«You're right, your Highness. Yet, it might be too soon to get exposed.»
«I won't be exposed just yet!»
She sighs again and lets the argument drop. The maids walk in, so we can't continue talking about a secret to hold at any cost.
The fur lands on my shoulders, a little cold because of the washing from earlier.
Aida will investigate while I am busy, and we can talk about it later. It might be the case to warn Ignis, but I don't want him to worry about something this stupid.
On the other hand, I highly doubt that whoever sent that maid will stop with this. They will have other plans in store. I better find a way out of it without magic next time.
«My Lady, so pretty,» one maid comments, checking one of the stones that were going to fall down. It's now nestled in the fabric and safer.
«His Majesty, King Aurelius,» a servant exclaims, standing next to the door.
I didn't even notice this male servant. Oh, I'm fully clothed, so there is no issue. But I was too lost in my thoughts to see.
«Are you ready?» Ignis inquires. He observes my clothes, jewels and hair. His lips curl up, and his eyes shine content.
I'm good enough for his taste. The thought makes me smile as well.
I don't care if the rest of the people won't agree. Only one matters, after all.
«I will accompany you for the whole time,» Ignis says. «You won't be alone.»
«Awesome,» I comment. «It's a nice opportunity to see my husband.»
He chuckles, a little awkward. He knows I haven't forgiven him yet. He needs to work hard if he wants to lie and pass unscathed.
He offers his hand, and I lean mine over his. Just as I was instructed by the Marchioness.
We walk through the hallways together and reach the King's carriage.
«Am I allowed on it?» I inquire, failing at hiding my wily grin.
«You are, my dear. The King is with you, after all.»
«I'm relieved I don't have to go on foot. The dress is rather heavy; I would fall unconscious midway to the Temple.»
Ignis blinks, confused about how not using his carriage means going on foot. The Palace has plenty of carriages.
I know that very well, by the way.
«I'm so glad you're here with me!» I continue. «If I fall unconscious, you will make me relive with a kiss! Won't you?»
«Of course I will,» he chuckles, turning his hand upwards when no one is looking.
Our fingers entwine, and we both get lost in each other's eyes.
«But people don't kiss each other in such situations,» he adds. «And the technique requires no lips on lips unless you're drowning.»
I purse my lips in a pout, disappointed.. I better stay awake, then.
Chapter 103: Royal Symbols
When I open my eyes, I find Bea standing in front of me with a bowl of water in her hands. Cold water, because I need to look perfect.
I wash my face and get up.
The nightgown is taken off even faster than when I'm with Ignis, and I wear the inner layers of the dress for today.
I sit at the dressing table and observe how they comb and fix my hair, tying it up on my head in an intricate style. A few gems on the hairpins reflect the light.
My nails are painted in a light lily colour, and my lips reddened a little. No more makeup than this because it's forbidden inside a Temple. The Church has added rules over rules, making it even more complicated.
Can't use purple colour. No showing shoulders or ankles... Men have to leave the swords outside... So many things, all to show they have control over kings and subjects.
Since I can't wear purple, the colour of power, I've been adorned with lily and pink details. The gown I'll be wearing has lily flowers, the symbol of the monarchy, all embroidered on the corset. The skirt is of the most exquisite silk, red and golden.
The mantle is decorated with white fur. Just a little because it's so hot. Yet, it's another symbol, so I have to bear with it.
Before wearing the mantle, the maids arrange precious stones on the gown and on me. I wear a necklace, earrings, bracelets and a few rings.
It's a special day: I can't go there unadorned.
I have to be so pretty that no one will have any thought about looking for another Queen.
«The veil will be unstable, my lady,» Bea says. «Please, beware of sudden movements and call for me if you feel it falling.»
«All right,» I say.
They will use hairpins because my head can't be occupied by a tiara today. There will be a crown there soon.
We spend the whole morning getting ready, and we manage to finish ahead of time.
«We are done, my lady. We have half an hour before leaving the room.»
«All right. Let me rest,» I sigh. «You can all leave the room.»
I spend the time alone, doing some breathing exercises to calm my nerves. I can't eat anything because my stomach is closed.
With some luck, I'll be able to eat at the banquet.
At least, the furred mantle is still on the support and not my shoulders. I hope to survive the coronation without heat strokes.
The skirt is so heavy, with a long train. I'll have two girls carry it for me during my walk on the aisle of the Temple.
The servant door is opened, and I sigh. Is it already time?
Instead of the flow of maids from before, a single person walks in. She reaches the mantle and pours something on it. The white fur is stained in red, and a metallic smell hits my nose.
Is it blood? Why?
The young maid turns away and runs as if I would have got up to follow her. Rather, I'm concerned about the fur now.
I can't appear with a stained mantle. I can't go without either.
It's a matter of symbols and good omens. A stained mantle certainly isn't one.
The bowl I used to wash my face is still here, so I use the water to clean the fur.
The blood was splattered a few seconds ago, so the stain isn't deep. It takes me a minute to clean the mantle. I don't even need to get up from here, using magic with more care than usual. Fur is easily damaged.
Once done, I return the bloody water to the bowl. And now? Shall I leave it there? Not that a maid will dare to question why the bowl is filled with blood.
Rather than wasting more time with such a stupid concern, I shall find out who sent that little maid to ruin my clothes.
This room is accessible by the servants of the King's Palace. The Queen's chambers won't be. Only the maids serving me and the King will be able to cross my door without an invite, and not even all of them will be free to roam around.
The purpose of the whole thing was to either embarrass me in public or make me late. Both the cases would be seen as signs of bad luck.
I sigh while Bea walks in.
«I have something to ask you,» I say. «Get rid of the water and the rest.»
She nods, seeing the red liquid but not asking anything.
«Someone tried to disrupt the coronation by staining my clothes,» I say. «It didn't work.»
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She nods again and takes the bowl out.«Why was there blood?» she inquires, crossing her arms. She analyses me with her firm eyes and gentle powers. «You are all right.»
«I guess it was the blood of a pig or a goat. Do not fret yet. A maid came in and stained the mantle.»
«And you cleaned it,» she sighed. «What did the maid say?»
«She can't ask me anything. What maid would dare to inquire?»
«Your Highness, she might suspect...»
«Even more suspicious events will happen around me in the future. Bea better get used to it from now on.»
A chatty maid from my family residence might let a word out. One trained in the Palace won't unless there's a reason to. I just have to leave no reasons for Bea to betray me.
«Can I make her feel more relaxed about it?» Aida murmurs, but I shake my head.
«You won't be able to help me every time. It's better if the maids accept that I am weird and odd things happen around me. I can't hide forever. We're talking about years and years. Not a few days or weeks.»
«You're right, your Highness. Yet, it might be too soon to get exposed.»
«I won't be exposed just yet!»
She sighs again and lets the argument drop. The maids walk in, so we can't continue talking about a secret to hold at any cost.
The fur lands on my shoulders, a little cold because of the washing from earlier.
Aida will investigate while I am busy, and we can talk about it later. It might be the case to warn Ignis, but I don't want him to worry about something this stupid.
On the other hand, I highly doubt that whoever sent that maid will stop with this. They will have other plans in store. I better find a way out of it without magic next time.
«My Lady, so pretty,» one maid comments, checking one of the stones that were going to fall down. It's now nestled in the fabric and safer.
«His Majesty, King Aurelius,» a servant exclaims, standing next to the door.
I didn't even notice this male servant. Oh, I'm fully clothed, so there is no issue. But I was too lost in my thoughts to see.
«Are you ready?» Ignis inquires. He observes my clothes, jewels and hair. His lips curl up, and his eyes shine content.
I don't care if the rest of the people won't agree. Only one matters, after all.
«I will accompany you for the whole time,» Ignis says. «You won't be alone.»
«Awesome,» I comment. «It's a nice opportunity to see my husband.»
He chuckles, a little awkward. He knows I haven't forgiven him yet. He needs to work hard if he wants to lie and pass unscathed.
He offers his hand, and I lean mine over his. Just as I was instructed by the Marchioness.
We walk through the hallways together and reach the King's carriage.
«Am I allowed on it?» I inquire, failing at hiding my wily grin.
«You are, my dear. The King is with you, after all.»
«I'm relieved I don't have to go on foot. The dress is rather heavy; I would fall unconscious midway to the Temple.»
Ignis blinks, confused about how not using his carriage means going on foot. The Palace has plenty of carriages.
I know that very well, by the way.
«I'm so glad you're here with me!» I continue. «If I fall unconscious, you will make me relive with a kiss! Won't you?»
«Of course I will,» he chuckles, turning his hand upwards when no one is looking.
Our fingers entwine, and we both get lost in each other's eyes.
«But people don't kiss each other in such situations,» he adds. «And the technique requires no lips on lips unless you're drowning.»
I purse my lips in a pout, disappointed.. I better stay awake, then.
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