Chapter 23: The Falco Family (2)

The dinner is quite silent for a family meal.

Father-in-law's name is Julius. Brother's, Fernard.

They're pretty shy, so I can't find out much more about them. Also, they don't know how to call me.

I've thrown the bait and hoped they would be less formal when I addressed them as part of the family, but they're still reluctant. As if I would get offended or something.

«So, you two got married in the capital,» Fernard starts.

Finally, someone is getting a bit of courage here!

«Yes, that's correct,» Ignis replies.

The brothers are warming up to each other, so I just observe their exchange in silence. The food is exquisite, by the way.

«We heard about Veronica Bursio's wedding, but wasn't it supposed to happen with his majesty, King Aurelius?»

«It was, in fact. But my wife wasn't willing to marry into royalty, so I offered her my help.»

The two nod as if it made sense.

They're more concerned about Ignis's reactions than the King seeking vengeance on their house. They must have missed all the stories about that man's cruelty.

«Oh, so the Falco family gained a daughter-in-law,» Fernard exclaims. Bit by bit, he's relaxing. Now, he's looking at Ignis as a brother rather than a threat. It's better...

However, these two are rather close in age. How old is Fernard? Ignis is twenty-two. His older brother should be at least twenty-three or twenty-four, but the difference isn't visible at all.

Also, once again, I was expecting someone a few years older, not just two.

My expectations about Ignis's family are all turning out wrong, one after the other.

«I'm wondering, sister...» Fernard voices, turning to me all of a sudden.

I clean my lips with the handkerchief and wait for the question.

Fernard takes his time to formulate the words, so the silence falls on the table, and we all seem eager to hear it.

«I understand you wanted to escape marriage with that tyrant,» he comments. «But why choose Ignis out of all the men in the capital?»

The Count starts coughing. Tears form in his eyes while he glares at his elder son. He would scold him here and now, but he can't because he's choking on the steak.

I'm not sure what's graver, by the way: calling the King tyrant or understating Ignis's charms.

«Don't talk like that about your King,» my husband replies, in fact.

We all think that, don't we? Yet, there's no reason to say it out loud. It's also dangerous. What if someone hears?

Words like tyrant and cruel are to be whispered in secret, in fear of being punished. Not said out loud at a family dinner.

Oh, now that I think about it, I also didn't spare my own thoughts about the King. But it's different. I was in a difficult position because of that man.

«Becoming Queen is too much of an honour for me,» I reply. «I am not the right woman to stand next to someone as great and capable as our new King.»

Fernard nods, laughing in secret. The Count chokes on the food again, and the butler moves forward to pour him a glass of wine.

Of all the people in this room, only Ignis is calm and in control of the situation.

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«So, you decided to wed someone not as great and not as capable?» Fernard continues.

Oh, he wants me to say something bad about Ignis? He's out of his mind.

If I were this easy to trick, I wouldn't be Duke Bursio's daughter.

«I still feel like I don't deserve to be Ignis's wife. Yet, it's worth the trouble.»

As in: your brother is too good for me, but he's so good that I don't mind being at a disadvantage. Ah, diplomacy is one hidden talent of mine I discovered these last few days.

Fernard scoffs unhappy, while the Count nods, approving.

Before the brother has time to cause more trouble, Ignis reaches out for my hand. He leans it on his face and throws me a caring glance.

«You can't explain it, Fernard. Love is irrational and unpredictable.»

Oh, I should have thought about this earlier. Love can explain our getaway. And it also doesn't leave space for questions and political considerations.

My husband is so smart.

«It's powerful enough to overcome any obstacle,» I add. «Love really is incredible.»

I blink at Ignis, wondering if he's pleased by my playing along.

He glances back, satisfied.

«My wife and I love each other, and this is the main reason for our wedding. I won't ask anyone to approve of it, father, because I won't let her go even if the whole world is against us.»

I smile, happy that the interrogation is finally over.

«I'm so glad you feel the same as me!» I say.

For some reason, the two men in front of us become paler and paler.

As if it makes everything more complicated rather than simple.

Oh, whatever. They already accepted me, so it's late to take back their hospitality.

«So, the reason why the King didn't behead both of you is that he was moved by your love?» Fernard inquires.

His tone is ironic, and I can't help but wonder. How did the King react? Did he send people looking for us?

Will he kill us painfully to get his revenge? Oh, only if we're caught.

Once reached home, he won't be able to have me just like that.

He would need to issue another decree, but calling a girl twice to get married isn't easy to pass.

Sentencing me to death is out of the question, too, unless he finds proof that I broke some law. And I didn't. I didn't refuse to marry him.

I got married before even being betrothed. In this case, I became ineligible to become the Queen.

«Have you heard about the news from the capital, by the way?» Fernard adds as if knowing something we don't.

There's still the chance the King will persecute me out of spite.

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