The Tyrant's Pet

After the success of her debut as Daniella and a well-spent passionate night with Abel, the word about a dazzling princess spread across the continent. Some sang praises about her while others hid their jealousy, afraid it would come back and bite them. Men, on the other hand, had more reason to affiliate themselves with the Vandrans.

Aries, or Daniella, as what everyone called her, wasn't only elegant and beautiful. She was also Marquess' new powerful political tool to use if he wanted to. 

That was where Abel, His Majesty's name, would appear. 

Regardless of the nobles' different opinions, another name would always appear in every tea party and secret gathering: His Majesty, the Emperor. 

Abel's promiscuous lifestyle was no secret in the upper echelon. With a beauty that was akin to a goddess incarnate as Aries, she would surely catch the eye of the infamous emperor. 

But with her relationship with Dexter, who was the leader of the aristocratic faction, would she become the bridge between the aristocratic faction and the imperial faction? Or would she break the political balance and become a reason for a power struggle?

That question would remain a mystery but also a heated topic.

While nobles were busy wondering about that, the people involved in their talk hadn't spared a second about it. They were busy with something else. 

"Lady Aries!!!" 

Aries looked back and her face instantly brightened up. There, at the entrance of the garden in the Rose garden, was the energetic Conan. 

"Sir Conan!" she exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. 

Energetic and happy to see each other again, Aries jogged to meet Conan halfway. They stopped in the middle of the fountain, holding each other hands excitedly. 

"Lady Aries! You look beautiful the last time I saw you, but you're even more beautiful today!" he praised happily, jumping along with her while still holding her hand. 

"Sir Conan, that's too much of a compliment!" she giggled.

Both of them grinned until their teeth were showing, jumping like excited little children. Today was Aries's first visit to the imperial palace as Daniella after her debut five days ago. 

"I didn't know blonde will suit you!" Conan gazed at her golden straight hair as they stopped jumping. "Green is better. I feel like I'm staring at the Marquess' hair."

She clicked her tongue. "Sir Conan, hold your tongue if you have nothing good to say about my brother."

"Lady Aries! Are you saying you'll choose Marquess Vandran over me? Your Ally?!" 

"The ally who always betrays and takes advantage of my good conscience, and also the ally who is already drowning in the debt he owed me?! Of course!" 

"Really?" he frowned, casting her puppy eyes to gain some sympathy. "Lady Aries, you know I just did…"

"Shh!" her eyes dilated, giving him a warning look. "Sir Conan, I'm really glad to see you after months. But let's not rekindle all the awful things you did to me."

"What…" His frown grew worse as he pouted, but didn't really argue with her.

Well, he wasn't as shameless as Abel, because Conan was aware he betrayed her one way or another. Although it was more like selling his friend out to save his own skin, things still met a good end. 

Abel and Aries became lovers. With Abel's help, Aries could get the justice she deserved and now was known as Daniella. The noblest woman on the continent who had the power to change the authority in the empire. 

Aries released his hands and crossed her arms, taking a step before she plopped her butt down on the flat rim of the fountain. 

"Sir Conan, you hadn't changed." She pointed out, arching a brow as he also sat down beside her. "I mean, the only thing that changed in you is that you have more wrinkles."

Conan gasped as he dramatically planted his palm on his chest. "What? Lady Aries, that is not a good joke!"

"But I'm not joking! You really look like you aged ten years than the last time I saw you."

"After complimenting you, you're telling me I looked ugly?" 

"I didn't say that." Aries feigned innocence as she shook her head. "All I'm saying is, Gustav, the head butler of the House of Vandran, will look younger than you."

"Hell! That's even worse!" 

As he looked at her ghastly, Aries could not help but burst out in laughter. This was what she meant when Conan didn't change a bit. He was still a bit gullible, especially when his looks were brought up. Conan was very concerned about his looks. 

"Haha! I'm jesting, Sir Conan." She covered her lips with the back of her fist, causing his expression to die. "You should stop stressing over His Majesty's shenanigans and you'll live a freer life."

"I wish!" he grumbled, scrunching his nose up. "Lady Aries, ever since you and His Majesty had become all chummy, I'm on my own again! Did you think my life here became easy when you left for the marquess's house? He's so bored that all his attention is on me!" 

A shallow breath slipped past her lips while gazing at him. "Sir Conan, you're still alive and in one piece. So, that means you're alright."

"Alright? Have you considered my mental health before saying that?"

"Well… bless your heart." 

"Not my heart, bless my brain!" He sighed for the umpteenth time, wiping the invisible tears from the corner of his eyes. "I'm really on my own again." 

Aries chuckled while staring at the dramatic Conan. She was truly pleased that she decided to visit the imperial palace under the guise of visiting Dexter. Thanks to Morro, Abel's raven, she managed to inform Conan regarding this visit. 

"By the way, Sir Conan, have you heard anything about the current state of affairs in the Maganti empire?" she inquired after clearing her throat, changing the topic to the main reason the two of them met in the Rose palace like secret lovers. 

Her question realigned his focus to something more important. 

"Oh… right." His lips formed an O-shape as he rocked his head slightly. "About that, His Majesty is still delaying about your betrothal and is focusing on the trades. But if you're asking about that rotten piece of milk, then he's still worse than human manure."

"Have you met him?" 

"No. But I hate him. He managed to dethrone the marquess on my hate list." Conan shrugged nonchalantly. "Your betrothal to him will secure his spot for their throne. So you have all the time in the world to train under Lord Darkmore while I and His Majesty will keep demanding and draining their royal treasury."

The corner of her lips twitched, seeing that proud grin plastered across his face. "You're evil."

"Well, this kind of evilness is the satisfying one!"

All she could do was shake her head lightly before the two of them just chatted and planned in between. It was hard to focus on the important thing since Conan always get sidetracked. 

Either way, the first phase of their plan was carried out smoothly.. It was time for the second phase of their preparation.