The Tyrant's Pet

Abel, the "love guru," said healthy arguments were the secret to a happy marriage. Absurd as it may sound, but Aries believed the man, even though Abel's reasoning was the ridiculous 'intense' make-up sex, which differed from Conan's professional advice.

According to the empire's genius, arguments that were dealt with properly could be essential to a healthy relationship. For one, it could create a new depth of intimacy and increase trust between the couple. Hence, Aries didn't mind her first argument with her husband, the crown prince.

Having an almost perfect and ideal relationship wouldn't deepen her connection with Joaquin. They planned out everything and calculated — thanks to Conan's guidance.

"Are you alright, Your Highness?" Inez's voice brought Aries back from her train of thoughts, making the latter raise her head at her sister-in-law across the table in the pavilion. "Your finger is bleeding."

The space between Aries's brows wrinkled as her eyes landed on the flower she was working on. For now, Aries had picked up the habit of arranging flowers, and she thought of inviting Inez.

"Gertrude." Aries glanced at Gertrude standing outside the pavilion, watching the latter enter where she was. "A handkerchief."

With Inez's presence, Gertrude kept her mouth in a tight slash as she handed Aries a handkerchief. She would be fussing around Aries if it were just the two of them. When Gertrude saw Aries coldly wave before continuing to wipe her finger, Gertrude lowered her head.

"Apologies, if my mind is drifting elsewhere when I should accommodate you." Aries sported a forced smile, ignoring how Inez stare at Gertrude.

"It's alright, Your Highness. Is your finger alright?" asked Inez, keeping her demure.

Nove l B(in).C OM

"Yes, it's just a prick. It's not much, so you do not have to worry about me."
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Inez pursed her lips, studying Aries's spirit. "Your Highness, if you do not mind, I can lend you an ear if you want to unload that weighs your heart down." She then flashed her an understanding smile — a smile that rarely appeared on Inez's face, and every time this smile appeared, there was always a hidden agenda.

Aries opened and closed her mouth, but no words came out. A deep exhale slipped past her lips as she smiled bitterly.

"I appreciate your kind and genuine offer, ninth sister. However, I do not want to burden you with my worries." Her bitter smile reigned across her face, placing the cloth to the side only to resume cutting the stem of the flowers. "I am already glad that you accepted yet another hasty invitation of mine."

Aries cut the white rose's stem after snipping out the thorns and then slid it in front of Inez. "A token of appreciation," she said with a subtle smile, tilting her head slightly. "For you."

"I am honored." Unlike the first time she handed her a white rose, Inez reacted properly and with a kind smile, picking up the rose to her nose. As its fresh scent wafted through her nostrils, her lip stretched a little broader, eyes on Aries.

"It smells wonderful."

"The gardeners of the Sapphire Palace are very skilled in taking care of the garden." Aries rocked her head, pleased at Inez's praise. "Back home, we have this greenhouse where my brother and I usually spend an afternoon tea together."

"A greenhouse?"

Aries nodded, smiling with her lips closed. "We have this little greenhouse back home. It's like my sanctuary. Flowers soothe my mind and calm my heart. It's easier to breathe surrounded by beautiful scenery."

Inez stared at Aries's expression. Although the latter was trying so hard to look alright, Inez was certain she wasn't. It could be that Aries was bluffing and trying to get sympathy, but she already decided to play the game Aries was trying to play. It was just a matter of who was the greatest pretender and Inez… wasn't someone to back down.

"Your Highness, I may be stepping out of my bounds once again, but the Lazuli Palace had this greenhouse. I'm certain it is not as beautiful as the one you had back home, but… I can guarantee you that the flowers in it won't disappoint." She smiled amicably.
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Aries brows rose as her expression was blank for the first three seconds before her eyes softened. "Can we go now?"

"Pardon?"

"To the greenhouse," came out a soft and a little shy voice. "I hadn't gone out of the Sapphire Palace since I arrived and I think… going out for the first time and the Lazuli Palace as my destination is worth the travel. That is, if it wasn't an inconvenience for you, of course."

"No… I mean, of course, you're not an inconvenience." Inez shook her head and chuckled. "If you truly want to visit the Lazuli Palace now, then I am more than happy to tour you in my place."

Aries face brightened up with excitement while the sadness in her eyes slowly dissipated. Unplanned trips were always been the best! Especially when the crown princess had her first argument with her husband, just days after they tied the knot.

With that being said, Inez informed everyone Aries would come to her palace. So a few maids, including Gertrude, Aries's personal maid, whom she brought to the empire with her, escorted the crown princess.

*

The Lazuli palace was quite far from the Sapphire Palace — a place in the east and then up north. They still had to ride a carriage, since the imperial palace of the Maganti Empire was just as vast as Haimirich. It was worth the trip, though. Inez's humble remarks regarding the greenhouse in the said place truly wouldn't disappoint.

"Ninth sister… you were too humble. I am astonished at how vast this greenhouse was." Aries faced Inez as a defeated chuckle slipped past her lips, glancing at the water stream perfectly designed that created a path on the concrete floor. The greenhouse was enormous, sheltering not only flowers but there was even a small curve bridge over the man-made pond, a statue, and spots for gatherings to hold.

Aries peeled her eyes away from Inez as she looked around, marveling at the beauty of such a remarkable place. "Magnificent. The flowers that also grow were rare."

"Shall we take a tour?" offered Inez, guaranteeing her with Aries's raring and unhesitant answer, "yes!"