The Tyrant's Pet

Joaquin gazed at Aries from across his spot inside the carriage. He was shaking his foot with his leg draped over the other. She had her attention to the window, holding the flowers on her lap, not speaking a word to him.

It had been two days since they last spoke, and he hadn't seen her for the last two days. However, he knew for a fact that even though he was a little miffed at her attitude, he couldn't prolong this argument between the two of them. They wouldn't talk anymore, and many of his enemies would surely lure her to their side.

Aries might bear an ulterior motive if she was the fallen princess of Green, so it was better to keep a close eye on her. Nothing was confirmed yet, so he still had to play along. Surely, Joaquin was someone who would suddenly snap when poked at the wrong time and place.

"Still angry?" his calm baritone voice broke the thick silence in the carriage. "Circe."

Aries breathed out heavily, peeling her eyes away from the window to the man sitting across from her. "What gave you the impression that I am, Your Highness?"

"How you address me is the giveaway."

"I am simply being polite."

"Circe." His face flashed solemnity while looking at her straight in the eye, tapping his finger against his thigh simultaneously. "My apologies if my actions and words upset you. Please understand that I am but a flawed man. I had lost my control and returned to the life I was used to."

"I am not making excuses. What I am saying is, it is my fault and I want to take responsibility for it. Will you give me a chance to make up to you?" he continued in the same tone, eyes unfaltering whilst holding hers. Aries nearly applauded him as his expression was truly deceiving, but not as deceiving as hers.

'Not making excuses… that's what people say when they are making excuses.' She bit her tongue to stop herself from voicing out her sarcastic thoughts.

"Fine." She rolled her eyes and reluctantly nodded. "I understand it is hard to change your ways from being a bachelor to a married man. However, please remember, even if it's hard, I am forced to change my ways and adjust to being a fitting crown princess and your wife away from my homeland and my family."

"I understand."
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Aries scrutinized him for several seconds before a deep exhale slipped past her lips once again. She still looked reluctant, but it couldn't be helped. It was hard to stay angry — even though she had been boiling within.

"Thank you, Circe." Joaquin leaned forward, extending his arm towards her, smiling gently. "May I hold my wife's hand now?"

She huffed as her last protest but still clasp his hand, making him grin.

"I feel like a thorn is plucked out of my heart," he expressed in relief, guiding her hand to his lips. "I'll be a better husband for you."

Joaquin kept his eyes on her as he planted a kiss on the back of her hand, hiding the contempt perfectly. Meanwhile, Aries tried to keep her fierce facade and slowly relaxed her tensed shoulders, knowing he was watching her reaction. Being the prideful Daniella, she had to play a little hard to get for a bit and let him watch her take off her intimidating mask for a better effect.

"I hope that is the last time you'll break my heart," she announced, seeing him nod.

"I never intend to break your heart."

They held each other's gazes, studying the slight relief in their eyes. However, in contrast with the emotions in their eyes, the atmosphere around them thickened instead. Yet neither of them pointed it out, knowing both of them bore hidden agenda in making up.

After the two finally reconciled and put the issue in the past where it belongs, silence descended on the carriage again. Joaquin watched her fix the flowers on her lap, quirking a brow when he noticed the slight smile that appeared on her face while staring at them.

"Do you like flowers that much?" he asked, causing for her to lift her gaze at him.

"Yes." She smiled peacefully, caressing the petals with her fingertips. "I mentioned to the ninth princess about our greenhouse back home, so she told me about the greenhouse in Lazuli Palace and invited me over."

Joaquin scrutinized her with narrowed eyes and then let out a hum. "Be careful."

"Pardon?"
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"To the people who are approaching you," he clarified while she furrowed her brows. "I know you are smart, but everyone in the palace had their own agenda. You already noticed my relationship with my siblings. Not just the princes, but some of the princesses were just as ambitious as them. Don't fall for Inez's antics.; she isn't as beautiful as her shell."

Aries blinked twice, almost looking innocent as she processed his words carefully. "Are you worried they might use me against you?"

"You are my wife and the crown princess, after all. They aren't the people who will get intimidated by just the title you hold."

"Joaquin, do you still underestimate me until now?" she asked out of plain curiosity, tilting my head to the side. "I think I can read people and know if they hold malicious intention towards me. Trust me. The ninth princess isn't like that."

"I'm simply reminding my wife, but I'm certain she wouldn't fall into schemes easily."

"Of course. I have you." His brows rose when she humored playfully. "You will be watching my back. I'm certain my beautiful and reliable husband will keep me away from danger even before it approaches me."

He smirked and chuckled, lip-closed. "You do not have to speak so much flattery in one sentence to get your point across."

His reply caused her to laugh as well. Aries then showed him one particular flower and handed it to him.

"This flower smells good. What do you think?" she inquired with her brows raised. Joaquin glanced at it and even from the distance, he could smell its permeating scent.

"Not as lovely as your perfume." He raised his eyes at her, watching her purse her lips while withdrawing her hand.

"Don't make my heart flutter so suddenly," she muttered while looking away.

He smiled subtly, finding her adorable whenever she denied things that reaches her heart. "But I am speaking the truth."

Aries sneered internally. His answer was enough for her to calculate how hooked Joaquin was with her scent. It wouldn't be long before the effects settled deep into his bones.