Comparison of presents

Even though I inherited my father's strong black hair, my eyes are grey, just like my mother's.

In Narith, I was considered a beauty. However, I am conscious enough that there are many prettier girls in the capital.

It's just that our land isn't as fashionable as the capital, so being healthy and smiling is enough. My high-quality clothes and delicate jewels were also of help to build the reputation of the untouchable, beautiful daughter of Duke Bursio.

Looking at me in the mirror, I can't pinpoint what exactly was so commendable. My hair is plain, nothing to do with Ignis's flames. My eyes are a bit dull lately, maybe because of my mood.

My lips are red from biting and nibbling, even if I'm trying not to hurt myself anymore. What if Ignis tries something like the other day again?

I want my lips to be as soft as possible if that happens. Not as much as Ignis's since it's impossible, by the way.

Just the thought makes me bite my lower lip again. Oh, I wouldn't even notice if I wasn't staring at the mirror.

I feel warm every time I think about that innocent kiss, and my lips start tingling. It's as if it happened a few minutes ago, not days.

There's also that moment when Ignis held my hand. But somehow, it doesn't feel as intimate as our first contact.

The bracelet is still around my wrist. I'm reminded of Ignis every time I look at it.

I raise my eyes and return them to the mirror. I'll avoid staring at the gems so as not to make the maid suspect there's some meaning behind it.

The girl is combing my hair. It's still early in the morning, but I want to take a long walk before the weather turns too hot.

«His majesty sent a gift for you, my Queen. Do you want to try it on, today?» she says once finished to arrange my locks. The thick braid rests against my back, as long as to pass my waist by a few centimetres.

«What kind of gift?» I inquire.

Are we in this stage now? Sending gifts to gain favour?

It's not going to happen.

I didn't lack anything at home. A few gifts won't make me desire to stay here.

«It's a hairpin,» the woman says.

Well, it's a bit big for a hairpin. It's more like a brooch. Just, the part that would hang on the clothes has been designed for hair.

There's an emerald in the centre, surrounded by an intricate pattern of gold and silver. All in all, it's very pretty and shiny. And heavy.

It must come from the Royal treasure. Maybe, it has been modernised a bit by the Dowager Queen or the generation before the last.

I don't think one is supposed to gift it at random like this. But the new King is a tyrant, so they most probably forgot to warn him.

How am I supposed to refuse such a present? It would just upset that madman, and I need some peace and quiet for the coming days.

«Yes, I'd like it,» I reply. «Please help me wear it.»

The maid positions the hairpin on top of the braid, just where the locks start intertwining. It's not too heavy in this position, and I have to admit it's suitable for my colour of hair.

The King doesn't know a thing about me, yet he guessed the right accessory.

Shall I send a thank you note? Oh, that would be excessive. I acted unfriendly till now.

«Tell his majesty that I appreciate the thought,» I inform the maid. This should be good. I'm starting to accept my position. Tell him, please.

Inform your ruler that the future Queen is now calm and relaxed.

«I will, my Queen.»

«Will I be able to meet with him?» Not that I care. But I'm curious to see what that person looks like.

What if he's actually weak and ordinary? The gossip describes an unbending tyrant, someone with the strength to slaughter the best swordsmen without difficulty. With the demonic grin of a grim reaper and the calm, cold determination of a psychopath, he got rid of his opponents one at a time.

Or several at a time if it was easier.

I imagine a tall, aloof man with a dark aura and the body of a bull. A bloody sword hanging by his belt, and cruel eyes looking for the next prey.

Not the perfect man with whom to form a family.

Why in the world did he ask for me? How did it come to mind that Veronica Bursio was a good candidate?

Wearing this accessory must be enough to placate him for a while. He sent a present, and I accepted. All is good, right?

Now, it's time to show my new jewel around. People need to report to the King if I want him to know that I wore it.

One of the people who see, as soon as I step out, is Ignis. I wasn't expecting him. He stops in front of the door.

He must have come to exchange places with one of the guards.

He steps aside and bows lightly.

«Shall I accompany my Queen in her walk?»

«You shall,» I reply.

I feel more at ease with him than anybody else.

We walk in silence, two steps of distance always kept. No word is spoken until we're far enough to keep it private. Then, Ignis finally notices my new look.

«You wore his gift,» he remarks.

All of a sudden, my good mood disappears.

How in the world did I think it was a good move? Why did I wear it?

I'm not sure myself, but suddenly wearing another man's gift in front of my legal husband doesn't feel right.

Ignis's words aren't weird. His tone is normal, and his face is straight. Only his gaze fails at hiding how he feels. He would have preferred if I didn't have this jewel in my hair.

«I'm sorry,» I say. «I just wanted to sound less suspicious. I thought the King would stop controlling me if I started acting the way he wants.»

Is that so? Oh, I was exactly thinking about this when I made the decision. Yet, why do I feel guilty?

«Also, think about it. We can keep this thing and sell it later when we need some money. It's not that bad, all in all... It doesn't have any meaning to me: it's just a shiny stone surrounded by precious metals. The bracelet you gave me is so much prettier!»

Ignis follows my words, his expression unchanged from start to finish. Only when I'm done, he replies.

«It suits you. I thought you wore it because of the emerald. That man can buy you many emeralds of different sizes. What if you decide it's better to stay here than follow me out?»

Ah? Is he nuts? What makes him think I can change my mind with a single present?

«Is this what you think of me?» I ask. It hurts.

«No, I didn't mean it like that,» he rebukes. «I was just worried, Veronica. I know you wouldn't change your idea just because of this!»

Now, he's panicking. My guilt is slowly dissipating, and my eyes start to notice how Ignis was trying to make me say things... that I did say, for goodness. He just wanted to hear that I like his present more!

Or maybe that the hairpin doesn't mean anything, unlike the bracelet.

«Ignis?» I murmur. «Why are you sweating now?»

«Nothing, I... I just figured I have no reason to feel like this.»

«Are you jealous?» Of whom, and why?

«Jealous?» he scoffs.

He walks to me and holds both my hands. We're getting more and more skin contact by the day.

«Do I need to be jealous? You already are my wife, right?»

«Right.»

«So, you won't abandon me for another man.»

«We just got married,» I chuckle. «Isn't it too early to worry about affairs and divorce?»

«It's never too early.»