Plans for the future

Ignis doesn't appear for a few days. Three, to be exact.

Still, I can't inquire about him. I need to avoid suspicions.

Meanwhile, I don't sit and wait for him. I explore the surroundings. I open every door and check every leaf in the garden.

I am so active that another message from the King is delivered in my room.

«Do not try to escape.» Just five words. The King told me I can walk around but, when I did, he wrote not to?

Regardless, was I that obvious? Well, he won't be able to stop me. Staying here, and getting exposed for who I am, means death as well, so I better place my bet where I do have some chance.

«My dear King,» I write down.

Then, I realise that calling him like this is like accepting his courtship. As if he did anything to woo me, for goodness.

«Your majesty,» I start over on a new paper. «Your last letter was so stingy with words that I don't understand your reasons nor intentions. What makes you think I'll try to escape? Didn't you tell me to explore in your previous missive?»

Also, it's time to start hinting to him that I do not want to get married.

«I'll take this chance to inform your majesty about the impediments to me becoming Queen. First of all, it regards a wedding. And secondly, I am not suited for such a complex role. As a countryside noble, I don't have enough grace and capabilities.»

I won't talk about the marriage with Ignis right away. I'll keep that as a secret ace in my sleeve and use it only if necessary. Mainly because I don't want to ruin his life for nothing.

Now that I have a line of communication, I should work on it.

I send the missive and wait for the reply. It's weird that his first reply entertained me while today's letter made me feel worse.

As far as I know, the King might not be the person writing those inclined, weird Gs. However, I doubt the correspondence happens behind his back.

Even if he's too busy and has an aide replying in his stead, he still must be notified about it.

Another message arrives in a few minutes. Once again, only five words.

«No impediment will stop me.»

Oh, let's see what happens when I use the same technique to reply. Five words? Awesome, they are just enough.

«I can't get married twice.» Ah, five words, yes...

I send the second message for the day, but I don't receive any reply.

Ignis's turn to guard me comes, and he walks inside with the meal.

«You'll watch me closely to be sure I don't choke?» I ask him while pouring myself some soup. I'm starving.

Exploring the castle is tiresome enough. Then, the correspondence kept me busy and focused today.

I would have never imagined that writing and reading replies would be this difficult.

«It's the protocol,» Ignis explains. «I can't get my eyes off you. In case you show any sign of poisoning, I need to intervene.»

«Is there such a chance? Who would poison me?»

«The Palace is more difficult than you imagine. Also, his majesty sat on the throne a few months ago. His power isn't stable yet, and the Council has been pressing him into taking some decisions. For example, to get married. They gave him a deadline.»

«So, that's why he made the decree instead of just proposing,» I say. «He was worried his time would be over if I didn't readily accept. But then, why am I still here?»

«His majesty is fighting against several enemies. Maybe, he didn't want to bring them here on his tail.»

«As if,» I scoff.

Ignis sits next to me, and he moves a lock of my hair behind my ear. He bows over and whispers to my ear.

«What made you so angry? What did he do that annoyed you to such a degree?»

Ignis? When did he become so smooth?

His breath hits my neck, and shivers run through my spine. Does he know what effect his voice has on me right now?

«I... don't know,» I reply. «It's just that he treats me like an object.»

It was like that before, too, by the way. I'm not sure what part of those letters annoyed me as much as to make Ignis notice.

«Is that so?» he continues, still too close.

I make the mistake of pushing him away. I lean my hand on his chest, and I feel his muscles underneath... Oh, jeez... What were we talking about?

How in the world did he become so manly? He was just a kind, shy boy. Does he know how charming he is when he acts serious, though?

«Yes, it is,» I say, remembering what we were talking about. «The King never asked for my opinion, and now he wants me to sit here and patiently wait. That is not going to happen; I have my own plans for my future.»

«Plans? What kind of plans?» Ignis inquires while leaning back. «Am I included in your plans?»

«Oh, well...» I can't say he's not part of it: it's too late.

But I don't want to make him feel obliged to stay by my side even after everything is over.

«Father will bestow a fief and a title to you,» I say. «This way, you will be set for life.» And not just him but his children too.

It should be enough to repay my debt to him.

«And you? What will you do? Will you be content with being just a Baroness or a Viscountess?»

«I don't care about titles.» I already have a heavy one. One day, I'll be Queen of Mages. It's better if my status is low by then.

I'll attract less attention while working to protect the other mages from the Church.

Ignis already discovered my powers, but he doesn't have a clue about my real position. If he's more comfortable away from magic, I'll just leave.

«And I won't impose this marriage on you. We can annul it as soon as the King marries another woman.»

After all, my intention isn't to trap Ignis. He should be free to find happiness.

«I won't forget how much you helped me, ever,» I add, just to make sure he doesn't think I'm getting rid of my responsibilities.

His face is difficult to read. He nods, but he doesn't seem to agree.

«You want to live your life as a divorced woman?»

«I don't need a husband, so it wouldn't be that bad. Also, it won't be a divorce. We'll just annul the marriage; it will be as if it never happened.»

«Do you think you can annul the marriage you used to escape from the King?»

«He won't care once he has a Queen. And by law, a marriage that wasn't consummated can be erased without consequences.»

«You need to prove it,» Ignis points out. «Are you sure you'll go through the medical examinations just like that?»

«Oh, Ignis, that only if you don't confirm my words. Come on, I'm Duke Bursio's daughter.»

«Yes, I know that.»

«Don't worry. We'll find a way. There are many options to resolve our marriage when it's not needed anymore.»

«Till the King finds another Queen, ah?»

«Yes, that's right.»

«What if you want to stay married, though? Will you annul the marriage even then?»

Ah?

«I won't go back on my word, Ignis. Even if I change my mind and fall in love with you, I won't be as selfish as to force you to stay married against your will.»

He sighs. However, it doesn't sound like a sigh of relief.