After the small incident in the garden, which fortunately passed unnoticed, Ignis and I are ready to depart.
The tree is alive again, but it will need a few months to sign traces of its health. If winter comes earlier, it might have a few leaves in spring and, with some luck, even a few flower buds.
The Count has prepared some dresses for me, based on measurements Ignis sent beforehand. I now have enough clothes to travel as a noblewoman.
However, I'll keep dressing simply. Like a merchant daughter, I would say.
It's easier and attracts less attention.
As for Ignis, I don't know what could make him pass unnoticed. Even wearing simple clothes doesn't make his handsome face less alluring and his physique less attractive.
It will be difficult to keep women away if we decide to stay married. It's a decision we need to make after thorough pondering and not on a whim. But still, every day I'd like to stay with him more and more.
By the end of the journey, I'll be head over heels with him.
But... why? Is it because of our intimate moments? We kissed a couple of times, it shouldn't be enough.
Because of his handsomeness? I like to think I'm not that superficial.
«Competence?» I wonder in a whisper.
Oh, it could be. Ignis is very competent in fighting and escaping. He also knows how to handle a conversation. His hands are gentle when he deals with me, meaning he has the patience to have a noble as a wife.
And, also, he's sweet. He was as a child, and he somehow stayed that way. His solemn face while kissing my hand is just perfect for my heart. It makes it race and beat happily as if nothing else in the world mattered.
«You said something?» he asks, turning to me.
«No, nothing,» I sigh. «I was just thinking.»
«About what?»
About you. Can I say this?
Oh, what if he wants to know the details? It would be too embarrassing. I'm not yet used to all of this; I need some more time.
The two carriages are slower to travel. It turns out the Count sent two with us. One for Ignis and me, and one for Aida and the guards who take turns to proceed on horse.
Like this, we can have some privacy and more space to sit comfortably.
«Are you tired of sitting?» he asks. «I can help you if your legs are suffering.»
«How?» I chuckle.
It's not like we can stop for a walk every couple of hours. The less we attract attention, the better.
Instead of answering, he decides to show me. He grabs my ankle and pulls my feet on his lap. At first, I resist. But then, I turn on the seat and let him do.
It's not more comfortable to sit like this. Not at all.
But if Ignis wants to be useful, I'll stay like this a few minutes and then just return sitting like before.
He seems convinced this is very much better. Ah, my poor heart. Why in the world is he so tender, at times?
I realise I understated his ability to get things to go the way he wants only later. Exactly, when his fingers move my skirt up to my leg and uncover the ankles.
My left shoe slips down, while the other is removed by Ignis.
«Which part hurts more?» he asks.
«No part.» It doesn't hurt at all.
«Oh, so I can pay the same attention to every spot,» he chuckles, happy like a child.
His fingers press on my heel, and I sigh while leaning back. He observes my feet, small enough to stay in his fist. Indeed, he wraps his hand around it, and his palm covers most of the plant.
Then, Ignis starts something similar to a massage. I can't tell if his intention is to please me or if he's just playing with me like a doll.
Yet, the movements of his hand are so precise and careful that I don't mind, even if it's just a game. He makes me rotate the foot a couple of times, and then he pulls the fingers.
«Ouch,» I murmur when I fail to fight my ticklish nature.
«Sorry,» Ignis says, releasing his clench. He just massages my feet, both, for a few minutes more.
When he's tired of the same routine, he proceeds with his wicked plan and caresses my calf. I bet this is all part of a hidden agenda. He wants to look and touch my legs with an excuse, doesn't he?
Regardless, I don't really care.
It's not that unpleasant, even if I'm a proper girl. I don't feel taken advantage of. Just a slight embarrassment because of my uncovered skin.
What if my legs aren't good enough? What if I didn't clean my feet properly yesterday? Oh, I didn't check my toenails, for goodness!
I can't tell anything is wrong with Ignis's reaction, but he's always so nice!
«Your muscles are so stiff, Veronica. Are you sure they don't hurt?»
«Ah? No...» I moan, realising he's touching anywhere around my calf and knee. When did the skirt even make it this far?
I haven't shown my knees to anyone before. Only to the maids helping me get dressed or take a bath. No one ever told me anything about them, so I guess they're not weird.
But... How can I be sure?
«If it doesn't hurt, then you're nervous,» Ignis continues. «Are you nervous?»
«A... A bit,» I admit in a whisper. There's no point in denying it. It's rather evident, especially from my stuttering.
«Why?»
Oh, he's going to drive me crazy. Doesn't he already know what kind of effect he has on me?