The Tyrant's Pet

Back when Aries took Daniella, Dexter's sister's identity, Conan had already spread a rumor regarding the imperial faction being threatened by the marquess's scheme. Everyone, even children, was aware the empire had yet welcomed an empress. The emperor was a tyrant, and even when the discussion regarding welcoming an empress would be brought up in the royal court, no one had pressed on about it that hard.

Who would?

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The emperor was ruthless with a nasty record of debauchery. Even though many maidens in the high society would be mesmerized by the emperor's beauty, his beguiling nature did not blind them. Or at least, his charms didn't work on the selected noble ladies Aries was able to befriend before she was married off.

Just like how the news regarding Aries known as Daniella recovered from her illness, and how the talks about the imperial faction marrying her off to avoid the marquess gaining more power in the royal court as his sister was the best candidate for an empress, it was the same with her return.

Although the imperial palace was put under a spell, Conan had already prepared everything. Hence, while the brewing tension in the Maganti Empire was occurring, rumors of the rebellion where Aries was had already circulated in the Haimirich Empire. Many were worried and angry, especially those who were members of the aristocratic faction. Some didn't have much reaction from it since they had seen it coming.

The rumors remained as rumors for months, with everyone forgetting their agenda the second they stepped foot in the imperial palace. The aristocratic faction couldn't get a hold of Dexter as well, so everyone was left with myriads of questions without answers.

In other words, everyone had expected the news of Aries's (Daniella) death or her return to the empire because Dexter wouldn't sit still.

"Wow..." Aries was in awe, staring at Dexter sitting on the head seat of the table in the estate's grand dining hall. "I should commend Sir Conan for that. But how did he know when to start the rumor?"

"He made an estimation and had ordered his people to spread it. He didn't need any exact time, since rumors take a bit of time to take off." Dexter paused in slicing his steak, propping his arm against the edge of the table, eyes on Aries. "I hate to admit it, but he's excellent at spreading rumors. Perhaps it was because he is nosey by nature."

She chuckled, glancing around the dining hall. There were just the two of them, as per Dexter's order to have some quality time with his sister.
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"Have you rested well last night, though?" she asked, changing the subject since it seemed everything was under their control, just as they claimed. "You haven't been working all night, have you?"

"I take care of myself, Dani. I rewarded myself with a good rest while Gustav reported the current state of affairs and everything I had missed during my absence." He shrugged. "Since I am now here, I will be preoccupied with the matters of the march and the royal court since the aristocratic faction will start pointing their fingers at the imperial factions."

"Will that be alright?"

"For me? Yes. For the Imperial Faction? They better prepare loads of bull to douse the royal court." He smirked, making Aries sigh. "Don't worry about anything too much. You had a rough time the second you left the empire for another. Focus on recovering first."

Aries nodded, smacking her lips mildly. "Well, that's the plan. I mean, I can't do anything at this point but allow things to settle on their own. It's not like this is the first time the two factions will fight over something."

"That right." Dexter rocked his head, not a bit worried at the level of stress Conan would throw at his way. He was used to it and had also prepared his revenge for abducting him in the ugliest way. As he was about to resume his meal, his brow rose upon noticing her let out a long-suffering sigh.

"What's the matter?" he inquired out of plain curiosity. "I told you don't worry about the matters in the royal court too much. We'll be fine."

"No, it's not that." Aries shook her head mildly. "I was simply wondering about something."

"What, something?"

Aries pursed her lips, weighing whether or not she would bring it up to Dexter. "About... something in me."

"Something in you?" His brows knitted, peering at her with intrigue in his eyes.
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"Mhm. Abel mentioned something regarding witchcraft..." she trailed off, noticing the slight surprise in his eyes. "Can I do it?"

"Did he tell you, you should?" he asked in disbelief, confirming her assumption that Dexter had known a thing or two.

"So, I'm the only one who is left in the dark?" came out a mumble, lowering her eyes to think about what they knew that she didn't. Aries could ask him about it, but she was certain Dexter's answer would be just as vague as Abel's and Sunny's response.

"Dani." Dexter put down his cutlery and waited until she raised her head. "Do you really have to... I mean, I know you trust him, but why... will you want to get a hold of such dangerous knowledge such as witchcraft?"

"It's not that, and Abel is unwilling to teach me himself. However, I cannot shrug off the feeling that I had forgotten something important... huh?" Aries trailed off as her brows instantly furrowed, making Dexter narrow his eyes as it seemed she had remembered something vital.

"Maleficent," she whispered, raising her eyes, only to catch how his pupils dilated in surprise. "Brother, now that I think about it, did you catch the fifth prince?"

"You mean...?"

"Javier," she clarified. "During the revolt, I had slain him myself. However, he mentioned some odd things and called me Maleficent. Do you have any idea what or who is she?"

Dexter held his breath while looking into her curious eyes. "This Javier... knows Maleficent?" he asked, and Aries nodded profusely without a second hesitation.

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"What else does he know?" he inquired almost immediately, making her mull about her encounter with Javier.

"Well, he said something about... me as his masterpiece or some sort." She shrugged, vaguely recalling her last encounter with the man since she was already bleeding heavily at that time. "I shouldn't have killed him."

"Dani." His expression grew solemn, catching her full attention. "I don't know much about Maleficent, aside from her being a powerful witch. How she died or what power she possesses is still a mystery. However, what I am certain is His Majesty will not give you a hard time figuring it out yourself if he thinks it wasn't dangerous."

Dexter held her eyes solemnly as he paused. "Witches and vampires had never been on good terms. Do you know why vampires were wary of witches?" he asked, letting a minute pass in silence before he continued, "because they could subdue us since their curses were the same curse running deep in our bones. But that's not all. There were many heavier reasons. I would rather agree to turn you into one of us than my sister wielding a dangerous prowess that would require heavy sacrifices."