The handmaid

I jump up and pass next to Ignis. I hug the plump body of my handmaid.

Aida is older than me. Almost mother's age. She has taken care of me for my whole life since I was born. She didn't abandon me during the most difficult years of my adolescence, nor when I threw tantrums as a child.

«Aida,» I murmur while sinking my face in her soft shoulder.

My mother is lovely, really. Yet, she didn't always know how to comfort a child.

The only one understanding how to treat and when to hug me has always been my maid.

«I'm so happy to see you,» I say.

«Come, come,» she replies, caressing my hair. «I am here now. It will be all right.»

«Father had to leave first.»

«Yes, his highness, the Duke, received a letter and went out a few days ago. After coming back, he packed his things and departed for Narith. He told me to stay here and wait for you in his stead.»

«Oh, Aida... So much happened in just a few days. I got married, you know? It's the only way I have to escape the King's clutches.»

«I heard the news,» she chuckles. «We'll solve everything once home, right?»

«Right...»

I split from her and turn to Ignis.

«You might remember him. He's Ignis... Well, Ignatius. He visited our home years ago.»

«Now, now... I'm relieved my Lady met someone she can trust.»

Her smile is a bit tense and awkward. However, she holds my hand and presses her thumb on my palm.

«Ignis, this is my handmaid Aida. She took care of me when I was little, so you might have met her...»

«I don't remember,» Ignis replies. «I don't think we met.»

«The young lord must have visited when I was away,» Aida realises. «I would often travel to visit my family back then. My father would fall ill often. That must be the case.»

It might be. Yet, I talked about Ignis for a while, even after he left. I'm sure Aida knows who he is.

«We should move!» Ignis stops our exchange and starts collecting our things. «We're still too close to the Palace to relax.»

«Is that so? Are we continuing on foot?»

Not that I mind walking, but Aida doesn't need to withstand the knight's speed.

When we walked into the night, I managed not to slow Ignis and Tobin too much.

Yet, no matter how fit I am, I stayed closed in a room for days. I was dead tired when we finally reached the inn.

Aida won't last a day with them. And I think I won't too if we continue on foot.

«I bought a carriage already. Not too fashionable, so I hope my Lady won't mind,» Ignis replies. His lips curl up when his tone becomes courteous. «The horses also won't be white like snow, but I hope they'll bring us far.»

«Don't tease me,» I complain.

He chuckles while passing me the bag with my necessities.

«Please, hurry up. You can sleep later on the carriage.»

«As if.»

Ignis walks out, leaving Aida and me to prepare. So, he didn't sleep at all... That's no good. Also, he shouldn't live his life in fear.

I'll keep watch for him if he doesn't want to sleep defenceless. He's so settled on protecting me, but there's no need to do so much. After all, I'm not a damsel that needs constant saving.

Once out of the capital and given that my identity is kept hidden, I can do as much as protect myself and the people around me. That's why father didn't think twice about leaving me here and travelling south. He knows I'm not really in danger.

«Your highness,» Aida says as soon as we're alone. «I see you managed to leave the Palace unnoticed.»

«Yes, Aida. I did.» It was so hard to contain my powers with my swinging mood, yet I managed.

Now, even if something weird happens, there's hope no one notices it's because of me.

«How long has it been since last time?»

«I didn't use any magic from the moment the guards took me from home.»

«More than a month...»

«Correct. I'd throw small spells around but, right now, I fear I'll lose control if I do anything. Let's wait to be truly alone.»

«Who is the man that you used to get out? A guard?»

«He is my friend, Aida. You can trust Ignis. He knows about my powers, and he kept the secret for ten years.»

«So, he's that person...» she says. «The one you saved when you were a child.»

I nod, remembering the events back then.

Ignis was weak and delicate when he was younger. Falling in the river would have been fatal. Even if he had managed to reach the shore, he would have died of the cold.

It was clear as day what would have happened. I didn't have any choice but to warm him with my magic.

I'm not sure if he noticed that I also brought him to the shore, manipulating the water. But he definitely understood what was going on when I took his hand.

That was the moment when he realised I was a mage. Oh, he said witch. But not in an evil way. It was just an observation, maybe adorned by awe.

«He swore he would protect my secret for his whole life,» I say. «And he added he would pay me back one day. This is why I believe he won't hurt me.»

«If that's the case, I won't suspect him, your highness. But, if by any chance, something makes you feel in danger, please tell me.»

«Yes, Aida. I will.»

I know very well that my safety isn't mine only. It belongs to all the mages that want another mage as their Queen.

My siblings didn't inherit my mother's abilities. Except for my younger sister that shows some traces of magic. However, she's not nearly as powerful as me.

«You're the one that will become our Queen one day. You need to take care of yourself. It's easier if that man is indebted to you. He will behave when the voice is spread that we have a Prince Consort.»

«I don't know if that will ever happen. I don't want to trouble Ignis with my problems, Aida. If he doesn't want to be involved with us, I'll annul the marriage and find another husband.»

«If that happens, please choose someone among the mages. It's easier when we keep it among ourselves...»

«Oh, come on. Are you saying father caused more trouble than what he solved?»

«No, I would never dare, your highness.»