The Cursed Tyrant and His Reluctant Queen
After talking with Malia Quarto, I have gained a single piece of valuable information. As much as I could witness, she was convinced about her words.
Aida also confirmed my hunch, and we walked away without any idea about how to approach Marchioness Verres. I can't come up with a way to talk to two of the Crown Prince's mistresses without raising suspicions. And, after hearing what Malia had to say, I don't want to alarm anyone.
«Life is unpredictable,» Aida points out. «Even if she was telling the truth, it might be all a coincidence.»
She wasn't too close to us to hear, but she could follow Malia's body signals and energies. I've summed up the information and reported to Aida what is most relevant. She will continue helping me going forward, especially with the Marchioness. I have to meet her sooner than later, and she might know something more about it.
I couldn't ask Malia about contraceptive methods the Prince might have used. She didn't seem very knowledgeable about that. She might have missed something; after all, she's young.
I wonder if Ignis has something in common with his brother, though. Regarding the record of fifteen minutes, well... In the beginning, the interactions between Ignis and me did last short, but it was mostly because of me. I would never complain as Malia did.
I didn't even know that bed activities were supposed to last longer. How can someone bear with the pleasure for too long?
Oh, but it's always half an hour, or even a whole hour if we count the time spent on the first part. I'm sure Ignis would gladly make it last even longer if not for me. I let loose too soon, apparently.
I have to work on it before losing my appeal with my husband. I want him to be happy about my performance.
Regarding the rest of Malia's talk, I don't find many similarities. I haven't tested out everything, but I'm sure Ignis would never enjoy spanking me. He doesn't want to hurt me one bit, and he likes it more when I order him around than the contrary.
I will try it, though. I'm curious to see his reaction to some of the situations Malia complained about. Oh, I'm looking forward to it!
«You're in a good mood, your Highness,» Aida murmurs.
«Yes,» I sigh. «I've just understood how different my husband is from the rest of his family. It's something that makes me rest assured.»
«If your Highness is happy, so will I be,» she says.
«I don't need an excuse to talk with the Marchioness, do I?»
«Of course not.»
«Tobin, can you arrange for someone to deliver a message to her? Someone trusted who won't change my words. Also, I'd like to have another guard other than you. I need two. Is it possible?»
Tobin isn't the only one guarding me, by the way. There are many hidden guards I haven't seen yet. Still, they're always monitoring my surroundings.
«It will be done, your Majesty.»
«Someone not yet related to me,» I say. «So that it isn't too obvious to the court.»
«I can bring the Marchioness without anyone noticing,» Tobin offers.
Bring her? As in, against her will or without her knowledge?
«There is no need. Just send someone to tell her that I want to talk. That's all. If she's smart, she will figure out the reason alone.»
My guard nods, disappearing from sight only once we've reached my quarters.
«Room or garden?»
«It's going to rain, your Highness,» Aida says. «My scars are itching.»
Her scars itching is the most hilarious excuse I've heard yet. However, it's how we need to live for the moment. Lying to blend in is necessary.
«After this, I will rest for the day,» I say. My brain is starting to hurt.
The Marchioness is forty-something, but she's beautiful even at her age. Her eyes are circled by tiny wrinkles, but it somehow doesn't ruin her face at all.
Why do husbands let go of such beauties here in Alba? Are they all blind? First, the Princess, and then the Marchioness. They both don't share much with their husbands.
Why get married if they don't want to stay together?
«Your Majesty,» she says, bending her knees in the perfect curtsey. Her back stays straight and her chin high, but she lowers her eyes in a sign of respect.
«I'm honoured to meet you. Even more, since we seem to be alone.»
She collected her hair in a strict bun on her head and covered it with a veil. Not too tight and running down behind her back like that of a bride. Her nails are red like blood, and her eyes have a thin layer of makeup embellishing her already mesmerising light green irises.
I can understand why two generations were charmed by her.
«Do you know what I'm here to talk about?» I ask her.
«I can try guessing, your Majesty.»
«What an honour. Queens tend to be so polite when asking for favours...»
«Hmm?»
«Her Majesty, the Queen Dowager, also offered me tea while she explained what exactly she expected of me.»
«Did you have such a chat with Princess Juliet as well?»
«No, I haven't,» she replies with a polite smile.
«I'm not here to ask you for help... Not in the same way. I just need a couple of answers. Are you willing to talk about your relationship with the late King and Crown Prince?»
«If it helps you Majesty, I will reply to any questions I know the answers to.»
«Let's start from the beginning. I'm particularly curious about the methods to avoid pregnancies.»
Like this, she will assume I'm collecting information to use later. I won't be someone investigating attempted murder but just a worried wife.
«What kind of methods, your Majesty?»
«Any method. I'll listen to all you can tell me. How did the Queen Dowager make sure the King didn't have children out of wedlock?»
«There are several ways. The Queen would make the King's women drink herbal decoctions after the nights they spent with him. One can also use some kind of physical barrier. The best is made of goat bowel.»
«Bowel?» Did the ladies eat that? Or the King?
Oh, she said physical barrier.
«Yes, your Majesty. It can be worn by the man soon before the act. It also keeps the skin separated. In case your Majesty didn't like the thought of touching where other women touched.»
«Please, spare me the images,» I say. «I'd hear the methods only, without any reference to my own situation.»
«The Queen Dowager used various methods, depending on the situation.»
«Her methods haven't worked very well since our King was born,» I point out. «I'd like to hear about the Princess's methods.»
«The Princess had no saying into it.»
«The Prince's, then. He didn't have any bastard child.»
«No, that's true. However, if there's something he did not think about, it was avoiding pregnancies... I would say he didn't care at all.»
«No methods, then.»
«Exactly. And I can vouch that every single lady he bedded worked hard on their health before meeting him. They would have killed for the chance to have a child with him. Even though it might have been dangerous like anything else challenging the wife's position.»
She must be talking about the dead mistress. I don't need to hear it for a second time.
«No method to protect the ladies from pregnancies. No thought about it. Yet, there is not a single child? Not even a hint or suspicion of it?»
«No, your Majesty. The only one bearing a child was the Princess.»
«And how do you think such a situation is possible?»
«Of course, it's magic. Princess Juliet uses dark magic for her purposes,» she says. However, her tone is sarcastic. She's playing with me, and I'm pretending to be innocent and trusty.
I can't scoff now, or my facade will disappear. I need to keep my expression neutral and slightly surprised.
«Do you think it would be the same with my husband?» I ask her. «Am I worrying too much?»
«No, your Majesty. Your concerns are correct and relevant. It's good you're considering the matter, and I believe you should be careful. Especially in your state. A second prince challenging your baby's standing wouldn't be good. Especially if your child is a girl.»
No, it will be a boy.
However, I need to finish this secret interrogation before returning to my day job.
«And... How did the Queen choose the ladies?» I inquire. If I want her to believe my acting, I need to be convincing. Which means asking questions I would rather forget.
«Mostly, she chose ladies the King liked. They had an understanding, and she tried following his tastes while keeping the power at court balanced. And she made sure it always was a noble lady. She didn't always succeed, by the way.»
«I'm understanding a little better, Marchioness. Thank you for your help, sincerely!»
Chapter 149: Prevention Methods (1)
Aida also confirmed my hunch, and we walked away without any idea about how to approach Marchioness Verres. I can't come up with a way to talk to two of the Crown Prince's mistresses without raising suspicions. And, after hearing what Malia had to say, I don't want to alarm anyone.
«Life is unpredictable,» Aida points out. «Even if she was telling the truth, it might be all a coincidence.»
She wasn't too close to us to hear, but she could follow Malia's body signals and energies. I've summed up the information and reported to Aida what is most relevant. She will continue helping me going forward, especially with the Marchioness. I have to meet her sooner than later, and she might know something more about it.
I couldn't ask Malia about contraceptive methods the Prince might have used. She didn't seem very knowledgeable about that. She might have missed something; after all, she's young.
I wonder if Ignis has something in common with his brother, though. Regarding the record of fifteen minutes, well... In the beginning, the interactions between Ignis and me did last short, but it was mostly because of me. I would never complain as Malia did.
I didn't even know that bed activities were supposed to last longer. How can someone bear with the pleasure for too long?
Oh, but it's always half an hour, or even a whole hour if we count the time spent on the first part. I'm sure Ignis would gladly make it last even longer if not for me. I let loose too soon, apparently.
I have to work on it before losing my appeal with my husband. I want him to be happy about my performance.
Regarding the rest of Malia's talk, I don't find many similarities. I haven't tested out everything, but I'm sure Ignis would never enjoy spanking me. He doesn't want to hurt me one bit, and he likes it more when I order him around than the contrary.
I will try it, though. I'm curious to see his reaction to some of the situations Malia complained about. Oh, I'm looking forward to it!
«You're in a good mood, your Highness,» Aida murmurs.
«Yes,» I sigh. «I've just understood how different my husband is from the rest of his family. It's something that makes me rest assured.»
«If your Highness is happy, so will I be,» she says.
«I don't need an excuse to talk with the Marchioness, do I?»
«Of course not.»
«Tobin, can you arrange for someone to deliver a message to her? Someone trusted who won't change my words. Also, I'd like to have another guard other than you. I need two. Is it possible?»
Tobin isn't the only one guarding me, by the way. There are many hidden guards I haven't seen yet. Still, they're always monitoring my surroundings.
«It will be done, your Majesty.»
«Someone not yet related to me,» I say. «So that it isn't too obvious to the court.»
Bring her? As in, against her will or without her knowledge?
«There is no need. Just send someone to tell her that I want to talk. That's all. If she's smart, she will figure out the reason alone.»
My guard nods, disappearing from sight only once we've reached my quarters.
«Room or garden?»
«It's going to rain, your Highness,» Aida says. «My scars are itching.»
Her scars itching is the most hilarious excuse I've heard yet. However, it's how we need to live for the moment. Lying to blend in is necessary.
«After this, I will rest for the day,» I say. My brain is starting to hurt.
The Marchioness is forty-something, but she's beautiful even at her age. Her eyes are circled by tiny wrinkles, but it somehow doesn't ruin her face at all.
Why do husbands let go of such beauties here in Alba? Are they all blind? First, the Princess, and then the Marchioness. They both don't share much with their husbands.
Why get married if they don't want to stay together?
«Your Majesty,» she says, bending her knees in the perfect curtsey. Her back stays straight and her chin high, but she lowers her eyes in a sign of respect.
«I'm honoured to meet you. Even more, since we seem to be alone.»
She collected her hair in a strict bun on her head and covered it with a veil. Not too tight and running down behind her back like that of a bride. Her nails are red like blood, and her eyes have a thin layer of makeup embellishing her already mesmerising light green irises.
I can understand why two generations were charmed by her.
«Do you know what I'm here to talk about?» I ask her.
«I can try guessing, your Majesty.»
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«Please, sit down. The maids will bring us tea soon.»«What an honour. Queens tend to be so polite when asking for favours...»
«Hmm?»
«Did you have such a chat with Princess Juliet as well?»
«No, I haven't,» she replies with a polite smile.
«I'm not here to ask you for help... Not in the same way. I just need a couple of answers. Are you willing to talk about your relationship with the late King and Crown Prince?»
«If it helps you Majesty, I will reply to any questions I know the answers to.»
«Let's start from the beginning. I'm particularly curious about the methods to avoid pregnancies.»
Like this, she will assume I'm collecting information to use later. I won't be someone investigating attempted murder but just a worried wife.
«What kind of methods, your Majesty?»
«Any method. I'll listen to all you can tell me. How did the Queen Dowager make sure the King didn't have children out of wedlock?»
«There are several ways. The Queen would make the King's women drink herbal decoctions after the nights they spent with him. One can also use some kind of physical barrier. The best is made of goat bowel.»
«Bowel?» Did the ladies eat that? Or the King?
Oh, she said physical barrier.
«Yes, your Majesty. It can be worn by the man soon before the act. It also keeps the skin separated. In case your Majesty didn't like the thought of touching where other women touched.»
«Please, spare me the images,» I say. «I'd hear the methods only, without any reference to my own situation.»
«The Queen Dowager used various methods, depending on the situation.»
«Her methods haven't worked very well since our King was born,» I point out. «I'd like to hear about the Princess's methods.»
«The Princess had no saying into it.»
«The Prince's, then. He didn't have any bastard child.»
«No, that's true. However, if there's something he did not think about, it was avoiding pregnancies... I would say he didn't care at all.»
«No methods, then.»
She must be talking about the dead mistress. I don't need to hear it for a second time.
«No method to protect the ladies from pregnancies. No thought about it. Yet, there is not a single child? Not even a hint or suspicion of it?»
«No, your Majesty. The only one bearing a child was the Princess.»
«And how do you think such a situation is possible?»
«Of course, it's magic. Princess Juliet uses dark magic for her purposes,» she says. However, her tone is sarcastic. She's playing with me, and I'm pretending to be innocent and trusty.
I can't scoff now, or my facade will disappear. I need to keep my expression neutral and slightly surprised.
«Do you think it would be the same with my husband?» I ask her. «Am I worrying too much?»
«No, your Majesty. Your concerns are correct and relevant. It's good you're considering the matter, and I believe you should be careful. Especially in your state. A second prince challenging your baby's standing wouldn't be good. Especially if your child is a girl.»
No, it will be a boy.
However, I need to finish this secret interrogation before returning to my day job.
«And... How did the Queen choose the ladies?» I inquire. If I want her to believe my acting, I need to be convincing. Which means asking questions I would rather forget.
«Mostly, she chose ladies the King liked. They had an understanding, and she tried following his tastes while keeping the power at court balanced. And she made sure it always was a noble lady. She didn't always succeed, by the way.»
«I'm understanding a little better, Marchioness. Thank you for your help, sincerely!»
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