The Tyrant's Pet

One of the things Aries learned in Haimirich was designing dresses. It was a skill that wasn't really her intention to learn. The situation forced her to because her lover, the emperor of the empire, was too picky in choosing her dresses. Heavens knows how all the renowned seamstresses were summoned under the royal decree just to make multiple custom dresses for Aries.

What made it hard for them to know what would suit Aries was that they didn't get to see her face for the confidentiality of the emperor and Aries's affair. So, to save them all the trouble, Aries requested the seamstresses to send their design first before they make it.

She resorted to this when Abel's frown grew worse during her fitting and tore all of them. Abel just inflated her confidence while just being honest, like usual.

"I miss Abel."

Gertrude froze while combing Aries's hair when the latter whispered with her eyes closed. She then gazed at Aries with shaking eyes through the mirror, noticing that the crown princess seemed unaware of what just came out of her lips. It raised concern for her since Aries had also said that while she was bathing.

"Your Highness," called Gertrude with a worried voice, watching Aries open her eyes ever so tenderly. "You've been expressing your longing for His Majesty aloud."

"I do?" she batted her eyes lazily, tilting her head.

"Your Highness, what if someone hears you?"

Aries blinked twice, pressing her lips into a thin line while humming. "But I miss Abel, Gertrude." Her frown grew worse, thinking of spending another night beside a detestable creature. Although Joaquin's sleep was growing deeper every passing night, his presence alone was enough to disturb her.
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That was what she signed up for, though.

"Your Highness, I understand your sentiments, but… please be careful." Gertrude let out a defeated sigh because this was the first in a long time that Aries frowned like a spoiled princess.

Ever since the crown princess's arrival in this place, even Gertrude had to tread on eggshells as she didn't know what was going on inside Aries's head. But now, Aries's heart was written all over her face.

Nove l B(in).C OM

Gertrude continued to comb Aries's hair gently. "I'm certain His Majesty also yearns for your presence, Your Highness."

"He better should," came out a grumble, pouting at the thought of having this one-sided feeling. "If only I can fly like a bird, I would've gone to Haimirich just to take a look. How nice would it be if I can do that — convenient too!"

"Your Highness." A chuckle slipped past the maid's lips while she shook her head lightly, relaxing her tensed shoulders until she finished combing her. "Your Highness, I will prepare you some of your favorite teas and snacks tomorrow to uplift your mood."

"Thank you, Gertrude." Aries smiled, gazing at her personal maid while the latter smiled back.

Gertrude didn't stay for too long since Aries was expecting Joaquin to come. But as usual, Gertrude lighted up all the scented candles until the smell of lavender filled the room. It had become their little ritual, so she somehow got used to it already.

"I'll be taking my leave, Your Highness."

"Have a great night, Gertrude." Aries waved, watching her personal maid bow when she was by the door before leaving. "She's been so uptight lately as well, but I can't really blame her, since my mood affects her as well."
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For the nth time, Aries let out a deep exhaled before she pushed herself up from the stool to the bed. Another night with Joaquin. Ever since they reconciled after their first argument, Joaquin never failed to sleep in her room. Gertrude could only change the candles to a new set with a higher dose since the effect was getting less effective.

"Just for a few more days, Aries," she whispered, massaging her nape as she plopped her butt down on the edge of the mattress. "After that, I'm certain everyone will get busy."

She looked back at the door, hoping Joaquin would trip over and hit his head so he wouldn't come tonight. At a time when yearning for Abel was growing unbearable, she wanted to be alone. She didn't want to vent her frustration to Joaquin mindlessly.

"Never mind. This feeling will pass soon." Aries shook her head and slid under the sheet to rest for a bit before her husband comes.

Sadly, even though she sincerely hoped that Joaquin would miss tonight's visit, he still came. But unlike the usual nights where she had to indulge with him, Joaquin was just as exhausted as her. So, they called it a night and slept. Usually, Aries wouldn't sleep deeply, but she could only meet Abel in her dreams. Hence, she forced herself and was successful.

<strong>*</strong>

<strong>As</strong> the night grew deeper and silent, Aries and Joaquin slept soundlessly with the help of the scented candles. They were both fast asleep, unaware of the faint creak of the door from outside the balcony. The second the door went ajar, the soft wind from the outside extinguished the light of the nearest candelabra on the stand.

His shadow stretching towards the bed showed how his wings slowly shrunk, taking soundless steps inside until he was standing on the side of the bed.

'Hmm…' Abel planted his hand on his hips, darting his eyes from Aries, who squeezed herself on the edge of the bed. One wrong move, she would roll over the bed. Meanwhile, her husband, Joaquin, was sleeping in comfort.

'What a bastard to occupy the space of the bed whilst my darling is all shrunk on this side,' he thought, ignoring the hundredth way of how to make that man disappear from the face of the world that crossed his head the second he entered the room. Abel clicked his tongue faintly before setting his focus on her sleeping face.

'God… I missed her, that's for sure.' His eyes softened as a subtle smile resurfaced on his face.