The Tyrant's Pet

"I'm not Daniella. I'm not trying to be her. What I'm doing is something... I wished I had done to my brother."

Dexter didn't speak after Aries's remarks as the physician also arrived shortly after. But even with the physician taking charge, Dexter remained inside her room and watched him do a quick check-up. 

Fortunately, Aries simply sprained her ankle, but no major injury had happened. The physician prescribed her an ointment and told her not to move around too much so she could recover quickly. 

"That's all, my Lord. Lady Daniella will be fine with enough rest." The physician reassured politely, standing across the bed, Dexter in the armchair. 

"I see." Dexter rocked his head, planting his palms on the armrest. "I'll see you out."

"Wait!" Aries perked up, catching their attention. "Please check on my brother as well. He caught me while falling. He might've hit his head or something." 

"Dan, I don't need that," said Dexter indifferently while casting her a side-eye.

She frowned. "I'll walk around!" she threatened like a spoiled young miss. "I'll walk around the entire house until my ankles are beyond repair if you don't get yourself checked!" 

Her eyes blazed, glaring at Dexter while clutching the blanket over her lap. The latter stared at her for a moment before a shallow sigh escaped his nostrils. 

"Fine." Dexter sat down on the edge of the mattress, knowing she wouldn't be pleased if he let the physician check on him in his room. As he backed down, the physician for the House of Vandran for a long time nearly gasped in disbelief. 

This was the first time he had laid his eyes on Dexter's sisters, but he was surprised that they didn't resemble each other at all. But he had never seen Dexter back down to anyone; even the emperor 'couldn't' touch the marquess without second thoughts since he was the leader of the aristocratic factions. 

Perhaps it was just the hair, the physician thought. That Aries looked a little different from Dexter.

"What are you looking at?" the Physician snapped back to the current lapse at the Marquess's indifferent voice. "She will not believe I got myself checked if you don't do it here."

"Uh, yes, my Lord! My apologies." 

As the physician cleared his throat and prepared to check Dexter's condition, the latter cocked his head back. His eyes landed on Aries, who was pursing her lips to suppress the smile that was tempting to resurface on her face.

"Happy now?" he asked with a poker face. When that question flew out of his mouth, she couldn't suppress the smile any longer. 

"Yes." she simpered while Dexter shook his head. 

"What a piece of work. Stop climbing on trees, you're not a monkey." 

She pouted as her brows crossed. "I was fine until I felt dizzy."

"More reasons you stop doing dangerous things, Dani."

"It's not dangerous," she mumbled, only to bite her tongue at his warning glare. "Yes... I won't do it again." But he still narrowed his eyes at her. 

"I promise, alright?! The next time I climb a tree, I'll make sure someone will prepare a mattress underneath it!" 

"You're not a monkey, Dani. No next time."

"But it's fun!" she frowned, shoulders lowering as she shrunk under his sharpening eyes. "I won't climb on trees anymore, I promise. No ifs and buts, Sire." 

"Good." 

"It's not like trees are the only thing I can climb."

"Daniella." 

Aries snickered mischievously as she moved her bottom closer to him. She tilted her head to the side to look at his side profile better, stretching her lips from ear to ear.

"Brother, can I have my lessons in your study?" she asked out of nowhere, taking advantage of the situation. 

"No."

"Please?" 

"Still, a no."

"Aww..." her frown grew worse, batting her eyes adorably to get his slightest sympathy. "... please?" 

As the two of them conversed, the physician kept quiet all this time, a bit taken aback at the marquess's patience. If this woman wasn't his sister, Dexter wouldn't have this long patience.

Actually, it didn't seem that Dexter disliked her stubbornness. If anything, he looked like he was enjoying it even when he kept his usual aloof facade. 

It was not a secret that Dexter had a sister, whom he protected from everyone because of her frail condition. But there had been rumors only recently regarding the recovery of his sister. Some believed it, others, especially those opposing parties, were questioning its legitimacy. 

If the physician didn't witness their interaction, he would have doubts about Aries's identity as well. However, questioning that now was plain stupid. It was obvious if they looked at Dexter; they could tell he looked at her differently as if he would give the entire world to her. Not romantically; everyone could tell if they saw what the physician had seen.

"Happy now?" Dexter sported a bored look after the physician, reassured he didn't inflict major injuries aside from the bruises. 

"Yes." 

He sighed, seeing her satisfied with the result. "The maids will clean you up. Take a rest." 

"Alright." She nodded, biting her tongue to stop herself from speaking more. Still, he noticed,

"What now?" he inquired annoyingly. 

"Will you join me for dinner?" 

Dexter scratched his temple with a finger before he nodded reluctantly. "I'll come back later, so you behave."

His agreement brought a bright smile to her face; it made her look like a fool. All he could do was shake his head before he assisted himself up. 

"Later," he repeated as soon as he was up on his two feet. "Behave until then."

"Yes!" Aries saluted, watching Dexter walk the physician out. 

*****

"Marquess, you received a letter from the imperial palace." 

As soon as Dexter left Aries's room, Gustav, the head butler, was holding a tray with a letter on top of it. Dexter quirked a brow, glancing at the physician before he waved.

"Prepare more effective ointments so Dani's wound won't leave a scar," the Marquess ordered.

"Yes, my Lord." The physician bowed before walking away, as that was his cue to leave.

While he walked away, Dexter quirked a brow before accepting the letter. He didn't go to his office to read it as he immediately opened the letter with the emperor's seal on it. 

[ The second time she bleeds for you, you'll reunite with your dear sister. Fetch me. ]

Dexter's eyes glinted as the side of his lips curled up. Surely, Abel sent his fastest courier just to send a warning. At this point, the marquess was already used to Abel's whims for sending letters that aren't important.

"How shameless," he muttered, reading Abel's warning and request so he could sneak out of the palace through the marquess' carriage. "Prepare the carriage. I'm going to the imperial palace," Dexter folded the letter and cast Gustav a look. 

"Yes, my Lord."