The Tyrant's Pet

Aries's separation anxiety slowly faded as she observed the bustling capital of Haimirich. It was the same as the last time she was in this place: peaceful, lively, and the people had no worries with such a reliable emperor sitting on the throne. During their journey, Aries had always been curious about how come the most important figures of the empire could leave for months.

Thanks to Conan, Aries was reassured everything was under control. Apparently, Isaiah put a powerful spell on the imperial palace. The spell wasn't harmful; it was just that it would make the people who would enter the imperial palace do what was necessary. Annoying Abel wasn't a necessity. Hence, they were safe. When the officials would leave the imperial palace, their memories would be a little hazy, and could only remember the recurring events of just working for the betterment of the empire.

In other words, no one knew the emperor went on a vacation to ruin another empire along with a few of them. Aries slightly doubted that explanation at first, but now that she had seen the capital city, she had no choice but to believe it. Nothing seemed amiss, and everyone was just as joyful as ever.

? Aries arrived at the Vandran residence with a smile, which grew wider as the carriage approach the entrance of Dexter's mansion.

"He's always a show-off," came out a mumble, giggling at the beeline of servants to welcome her return. In the middle was Dexter, staring at the carriage with a solemn look plastered across his face.

When the carriage halted in front of the mansion's portico, Aries had already shut the window. She drew a deep breath, sporting a more miserable look. From what she heard, Abel had only abducted Dexter and left a letter to Gustav about it. Hence, the servants in the Vandran residence were aware of the marquess's absence.

Even so, Aries still had to put on a show. After all, no matter how private the marquess was, nosey people were everywhere.

The moment the door of the carriage was opened from the outside, Aries's eyes were already watery. Turning to the person who opened it, a tear instantly fell from her eyes.

"Brother!" she called in relief, almost jumping out of the carriage as she threw herself to Dexter. The latter was quick enough to catch her, rubbing her trembling back on instinct. However, Aries still heard his deep sigh, as if he didn't have time for this sort.

"Have you been well?" he asked, looking down at her. Her face was buried in his chest, clutching his clothes. If he didn't know better, he would have also thought what she experienced had traumatized her.
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"You're safe now," Dexter reassured gently. "Welcome home, Dani."

Aries slowly raised her head and smiled subtly. "I'm home."

The relief that fastened across her eyes wasn't part of the act. Aries was truly relieved she was back to reclaim the life Abel and Dexter provided her. The two might have the strangest relationship, but they were both important to her.

Dexter smiled back gently, offering his arm for her to cling on. "You had a long journey. Let's head inside first so you can rest."

"Mhm." Aries held on his arm, marching with Dexter while the servants bowed and welcomed the princess of the Vandran estate. But just as they took three steps, she paused and looked back at the carriage coachman's seat.

"I already ordered to give your knight a proper lodging and things he might need," Dexter explained, making her sigh in relief.

"Thank you."

"Don't worry about it."

With that being said, the two of them sauntered toward the mansion. Despite knowing Aries made a stop in one of the towns, Dexter still assisted her back to her room to rest first. The servants had also busied themselves unloading the carriage's luggage and assisting Climaco to settle in the residence.

No one questioned Aries or Dexter regarding everything and left them alone when the two entered Aries's chambers.

"The capital looks lively as ever," said Aries as soon as she plopped her butt down on the soft settee. "Ahh... this feels nice."
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Dexter stood in front of the window, glancing back at her tardy posture as she raised her feet on the coffee table. A subtle smile dominated his face, seeing her stretch and get comfortable after almost an entire month on the road.

"Brother, is everyone in the residence knew about me?" she asked, propping her elbow against the armrest as she reclined to her side. "Was my cover blown now?"

"No, not really." Aries furrowed her brows as she looked back, watching Dexter saunter to the armchair near the armrest she was leaning on. When he sat down, his brows rose as he added, "they knew about my absence, but Gustav had covered it up using a business trip as an excuse."

"Oh..."

"It's nothing to be surprised about since there were times I would be gone for months whenever I go on an expedition."

"How about the members of the aristocratic faction? You didn't leave a word that you'll leave."

"I don't owe them an explanation, nor do I need to inform them of my whereabouts. They will treat it as one of those days since I lost you."

"You make it sound like I died."

"But it was the same since His Majesty married off my sister." He shrugged, making Aries rock her head in understanding. "The aristocratic factions are full of hypocrites and greedy men. However, they were aware if they made a move without me, His Majesty will devour them alive. They're not that foolish."

Aries squinted her eyes while processing Dexter's words. "Did Sir Conan abduct you because..." she trailed off when Dexter nodded even before she could finish.

Nove l B(in).C OM

"Wait. You weren't planning to destroy Haimirich if they left you behind, right?" she asked cautiously, only to scrunch her nose up when he smiled.

"Don't look at me like that. If destroying Haimirich had always been my plan, then there were tons of means to do that. However, if they didn't abduct me, the worst I'd do was create loads of problems to keep them busy for an entire year," he explained with a grin.

"Goodness..." Aries shook her head slightly. "Now it makes sense why you, of all people, will be in Maganti. Sir Conan's image in my head is slowly restoring. I can't deny that the man had thought about it long and hard."