Meeting Aida after days of worry feels refreshing.
«Oh, thank goodness you're all right!» I exclaim, drowning in her arms.
«I am here, your highness. I won't leave you alone anymore, no matter what happens...»
«We're in father's territory. We can relax a bit more now.»
Ignis winces at my words. Relaxing is such a difficult word for him.
But the rest of the delegation is relieved it's almost over.
A couple of days, and we'll finally be safe and have everything we need.
«Shall we send a messenger ahead?» I say, moving my eyes on Ignis.
«No need. We'll be a few hours behind the messenger, so it's the same.»
«But what if father worries? It's better to tell him we're safe and sound.»
«We risk being intercepted, Veronica. We should keep a low profile instead.»
We resume the journey early in the day, long before lunch. Aida and Tobin don't have time to rest, as well as the rest of the guards. Yet, we're all in a hurry to arrive.
In the end, after the second attack during the same trip, I won't inquire anymore about Tobin. It's fine if he tags along, for there's a higher chance to survive for all.
As for Aida, she's not just a regular nanny and handmaid. She's a mage, too. And a rare species of mage, at that.
She's one of the few that can influence human people with her powers, including healing wounds and helping with the spirit. She can throw spells to make people sleep or lose consciousness. She can stop the effects of poison, and so on.
She's the perfect guard for a Princess. For sure, she knows how to defend herself and the people around her.
Yet, my worries don't concern what some attackers can't do to her. On the contrary. The real danger is that someone notices her powers and denounces her to the Church.
Aida knows how to pass unnoticed, by the way. Still, I can't help but be concerned. Especially because she wouldn't be here if not for me.
«Your highness, do you need something before departing?» she inquires, following me in the carriage.
«No, I'm fine.»
She nods, sitting on the opposite side and observing me.
«You feel different, your highness.»
«Different?» I murmur, absent-minded. «What do you mean?»
Could it be that what I did with Ignis left more visible signs than the love bites on my bosom?
«Your aura changed. It's as if you grew up in two days.»
«Oh, Aida, I already am an adult. I can't grow up more than this...»
«No, but you can become more mature.»
«How so? What makes you feel like I changed?»
Oh, I'm transparent. But, for some reason, I feel embarrassed to reveal my first night.
«You didn't persist with your intention to send a messenger a few minutes ago...» she starts.
As we talk, the carriage begins moving, bringing us closer to home every second.
«Ignis is right about being tracked down. Also, we'll be home in a few days. Three or four, but I guess three is more accurate. I can resist without communicating to father our position. It's the best decision for the moment being.»
«It's not the only thing, your highness. You didn't protest for a few other things. It surprised me.»
«Like what?»
«You didn't force your current husband to eat. Nor did you insist on him resting.»
«It's because Ignis rested enough. And he also had breakfast.»
Is that so? Did I stop worrying about him?
I don't think that's the case. Rather, I must have figured out that it's useless to insist.
Or, maybe, I was too distracted with my own body to worry about him. Could it be?
«You're calmer, your highness.»
For real?
«I don't see a kid in front of me. Not anymore.»
Oh, she figured it out. But I can't tell her out loud. It's too much!
It's better just to pretend to know nothing and continue smiling like an idiot.
«A man and a woman, alone for two days.»
Three nights, to be exact. There was no chance nothing would happen. But still, Aida is so insistent on this...
«It's no surprise you have consummated your marriage. Just remember, your highness. That man might be neutral with regard to mages. He might not fear you. Yet, you never know if his lips are tight enough.»
Oh, I know his lips very well.
«We're husband and wife,» I point out. «Ignis won't hurt me because that would bring damage to him as well.»
«I'm not saying he'll betray you. He might not do it on purpose. But men... They're unpredictable. And they change ideas too often.»
Even though I agree, I can't let her slander Ignis like this!
«My husband is different,» I say. «He won't get rid of me just because he's grown tired. And, just to be clear, he didn't insist on this. I was the one, actually.»
He's not taking advantage of me, for goodness. It's the exact opposite.
I'm the one exploiting Ignis. First, to get out of the Palace. And, now, for his body.
«We want to stay married, Aida. We'll retire somewhere far from human politics and far from the Church. I will dedicate my life to help our people, and Ignis will support me.»
«Have you told him?»
«Not yet. But I will! As soon as we're safe, and only after he thinks about this marriage a bit more. I don't want to risk exposing my identity because of a hasty decision.»
«You indeed became wiser, your highness.»