"My Lady, you should pay more attention to your health. You didn't eat much today as well. I am worried that the stress will kill you one day". Domi was massaging Ignis's hair.
"I am not going to die so soon, do not worry. I will take a few people with me when I die" she said grinning. But there was nothing amusing for Domi to smile.
"My Lady - " a knock on the door stopped Domi. The guard announced the arrival of the King. "What does he want so early in the morning?" she asked, annoyed at his sudden visit.
Ignis straightened her hair and asked Domi to open the door. Domi did so and welcomed Adrian before going out and closing the door behind.
"Good morning Your Highness" Ignis greeted him with much enthusiasm and curtsied.
"Someone is very happy today. Anything special?" he leaned forward and tilted his face, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Nothing special, really, I am just in a good mood. Now tell me, do you have some work for me?"
He straightened and clasped his hand behind him, his mood suddenly turned foul. "Oh, so I can only visit you when I have some work for you. Is that what you mean to say?"
"Adrian, you know that is not what I meant" she took a step towards him and he took one back.
He turned away from her and took a deep breath. "Ignis I ... I apologize" he turned to face her again. "I am not in as good of a mood as you are. There are some tensions growing in the west area of the Land and it's just getting worse. I will have to leave immediately" he took a step towards her. "I wanted to inform you that I will be gone for a few days. I have asked Aldo and Roanna to help you with anything that you want. Father and Mother are also here, so feel free to meet them as well."
Ignis took hold of his hands in her "Is that really the reason?"
"Why else would I leave you with the people who get on my nerves every second" he said, with a sneer on his face. "I agree, I do have some thoughts that are bothering me, but, it is not for you to worry about. I am sure things will be fine once I sort out my thoughts"
Ignis hesitated for a moment before sliding her hands around his neck. "Then, take as much time as you want. Do not worry about the wedding. Clear your thoughts and come back soon"
"Ignis - " Adrian was stunned with her sudden boldness.
"You will come back to me, won't you?" she pouted.
"Goodness!" he closed his eyes and embraced her. "I will come back to you soon".
Another knock forced them to get out of each other's comfort. The guard announced the arrival of the former Queen. They both looked at each other in confusion, the Queen's visit was not expected. Ignis walked towards the door to open it, but, Adrian caught her hand and pulled her close to kiss her on forehead. Ignis could feel her face heating up.
"I am leaving after lunch, but, you do not have to come to see me off. Just take care of yourself".
He released her and went to open the door.
"Oh, Your Highness, I was not expecting you here" Stella moved her gaze from Adrian to Ignis. "I hope I didn't come at the wrong time."
"Lady Stella, we are pleased to make your acquaintance" Ignis curtsied and welcome her.
"I have preparations to do so I must go now" Adrian took a final look at Ignis and left.
"Looks like my son is allured by you, Princess of Fyre Land" Ignis could feel a slight irritation in her smile. The former Queen made sure to draw a line, pointing that Ignis is still not part of Aqua Land. "I was not aware that he has a thing for unbridled souls".
Ignis smiled, she was not going to let the mock in Stella's tone go unnoticed. "Lady Stella, I sometimes think the same thing. We have so much in common. I wonder from whom he got that".
Ignis has long back stopped respecting people who do not know to give them. She thought of Stella as someone who will not indulge into pointless fights. But, it looked like the old woman enjoyed childish tantrums, behaving like a spoiled princess of the Empire.
Stella was stunned with Ignis's instant comeback. She was speechless for a moment before breaking into an uncontrollable laugh. Ignis was baffled by her unexpected laugh, but, the laugh itself made her miss Adrian who has not even left for his expedition yet.
'So he got his laugh from his Mother.'
Ignis patiently waited for Stella to calm down. Once the laugh subsided, Stella patted Ignis's back "You have grown quite sharp and beautiful, Princess. Your Mother must be proud of you"
"Lady Stella, I don't understand... I thought you do not like me".
Stella shook her head "I do not have any reasons to dislike you Princess. I was just testing you. Adrian and Sermon, both have accepted you. I do not see why I should not". Stella took a long look at Ignis before turning away and sitting on one of the chairs in the room. "Do you remember, we have met once in the past. You were searching for your Mother in the Astras Palace".
Ignis was not sure how she was supposed to behave in such a situation. Nevertheless, she took a seat opposite the former Queen. Ignis nodded pouring themselves some tea. "I was lost. You helped me to get to my Mother".
"You were such an adorable child back then. You were scared but still kept your poise. The moment you saw Ruby you couldn't stop crying." Stella giggled recalling the event. Ignis remembered the day as clearly as if it happened yesterday.
"My mother was sick at that time. Along with attending the Coronation, we also wanted to visit the imperial healer. No matter what we did in the Fyre Land, she was not getting any better. My Mother wrote to the new Emperor asking for permission, but, that time, even the Empress was pregnant. The Emperor would not share any healer with anyone no matter the rank or status." Ignis took a deep breath. "That day when I woke up to find myself alone in the room, I thought my mother left me."
The memories that she has of her Mother were mostly of Ruby giving her a warm smile, listening to her endless chattering, eating in the garden. Despite being sick and filled with workload, she would take time off her schedule to spend it with Ignis. It was hard to believe that the same woman, who looked fragile, once led an army to fight against the monsters.
"Do you hate my brother?" Stella's voice was almost like a whisper.
"Yes, I do. I hate him so much. Do you know the real reason why he didn't provide us with any healer? Because he already knew the cause of my Mother's sickness. My Mother was aware that the Emperor was making excuses but didn't say anything. She didn't have much time and after her, I was supposed to be the Queen. Going against the Emperor would have placed me in a tight spot. Unfortunately, I do not have anything to prove the fact".
Stella squeezed her hand "I am sorry you had to go through this at such a young age"
Ignis shook her head "You do not have anything to apologize for... nothing was in your hand. Whatever happened was all because of the schemes of my Father and the current Emperor."
'And I am going to make both of them pay heavily...' Ignis thought.