The Tyrant's Pet

"My lady...?" 

Minerva furrowed her brows as soon as she entered Aries's room. The latter's face was red, as if out of breath. Her hair was also a little disheveled, just like the creases on the bed. Before Minerva came in, she had to wait for a minute because Aries told her not to enter.

"Mhmm?" Aries raised her brows, clearing her throat as she flashed her a smile. 

"Uh... I've prepared the clothes you asked for, my lady. Would you like to... are you alright?" asked Minerva, noticing the sweat on her forehead. "You're sweating, my lady. Shall I open the windows for you so --"

"Stop!"

The servant, Minerva, halted from approaching the window. She looked at Aries, wide-eyed. 

"I..." Aries cleared her throat, scratching her temple. She needed to get a grip. Minerva wasn't foolish to not notice she was acting out of character. 

"My lady? Are you hurt somewhere?" asked Minerva worriedly, approaching the bed. 

A ding rang in Aries' head at the servant's inquiry. "No!" she replied strongly, keeping a brave facade as if to hide something. 

"My lady..."

"It's nothing." She huffed and waved. "Help me out of the bed. I can't let my brother wait for me for dinner."

Minerva frowned, thinking Aries was enduring something but didn't want to sacrifice a meal with Dexter. No one could blame the maid for thinking like this since Aries had instilled that idea in their head. 

"Alright, my lady. Let me help you," she answered, assisting Aries so she wouldn't strain her sprained ankle even more. With that being said, Aries sat on the armchair while Minerva brought three dresses for Aries to choose from. 

The maid didn't bring up Aries's health but made sure that the lady of the house wouldn't strain her body. All the dresses Minerva brought were all pretty, but Aries chose the most modest one. Simple but elegant. 

After she picked a dress to wear, Minerva helped Aries wear it. They stood near the settee, so Aries could hold on to it to support her weight. 

They didn't speak a word the entire time, but the servant noticed Aries's discomfort. Minerva didn't probe until she was done tying Aries's bodice. 

"My lady, would you like some tea?" she asked instead of suggesting to fix her hair. "We still have time before the chefs finish preparing dinner."

Aries shook her head. "I'm fine. I'll do my hair from here." 

"My lady, forgive this humble servant for speaking. However, I am worried about you. If you are feeling unwell, please tell me and I will do my best to help you." Minerva mustered enough courage as she looked at her straight in the eye. "I won't tell the marquess, my lady."

Surprised, Aries looked at the servant, wide-eyed. The latter's eyes bore sincerity and concern, bothered that Aries was 'forcing' herself to act strong. If only Minerva knew Aries was simply rattled because there was a man in this same room and he was the emperor at that. 

"I'm... just a little tired." Aries's voice faded as she lowered her eyes, feeling a little guilty for deceiving Minerva. But she could only continue the act, knowing Daniella hadn't fully recovered yet. It was a good excuse.

"Shall I bring you medicine?"

Aries waved. "No need. I'll just need a little rest. I'll do my hair. Leave me and don't let anyone enter my room unless it's my brother." 

"Yes, my lady." Minerva bowed reluctantly before she helped Aries back to the bed. 

It wasn't a surprise that Aries was stubborn. Trust wasn't easy to give, even if she was Aries's personal maid. Minerva could only hope that Aries could give her a little bit of trust over time. 

"I will be right outside if you need me, my lady." Minerva held her hand in front of her and bowed. Aries just waved without casting her a look before the former dragged her feet outside. When she was by the door, she glanced at Aries once again and saw the latter massage her temple. 

Yet Minerva didn't say anything and left the room without making a sound. 

CLICK

As soon as the click of the door caressed Aries's ears, she quirked a brow and glanced at the shut door. She heaved a sigh of relief before crawling to the other side of the bed hurriedly. Her eyes softened as a subtle smile resurfaced on her face as soon as her eyes landed on the man lying on the floor. 

Abel arched a brow, hands behind the back of his head as his cushion. "Darling, if this isn't what a secret love affair is, I don't know what it is called."

"I'm sorry about that," came out a soft voice, watching Abel sit up whilst crossing his legs. She sported an awkward smile. "Are you alright?"

"Am I alright? Well, of course, I am. To be frank, hiding and trying not the be found out is something I had never done before. Who would have thought it will be this fun and thrilling?" His lips slowly stretched into an amused grin, staring at her eye to eye. Abel sitting leisurely on the floor while Aries had her hands and knees on the bed like a cat.

"However, why do I need to hide, darling?" he inquired out of plain curiosity. 

"That's because..." Aries was unable to finish her sentence, blinking countless times as she also had to ask herself the same question. Abel came in here in broad daylight and with Dexter.

Doesn't that mean no one would question if they saw him in her room? Since he was an official guest of the manor? Therefore, there was no need for Abel to hide?

'Oh, my god...' Her jaw dropped as realization hit her. She just pushed him and urged him to hide on instinct because Abel snuck in last time. 

Seeing her aghast expression, he could not help but laugh. Abel cupped her cheek and leaned forward, planting a kiss on the apex of her nose. 

"How silly, you," he crooned almost seductively, drawing his head back while brushing her cheek with his thumb. "It was fun, though. So, it's alright.. Don't frown, you'll break my heart."