The Tyrant's Pet

The parade continued smoothly with the knights being extra cautious of the surrounding. Nothing happened after the monarch's brief encounter in the middle of the procession. However, as they proceed, Aries felt this cold chill down her spine.

Aries kept her smile and composure, but her eyes caught figures at the back of the crowd on either way down the street. Each figure in a dark cloak had a uniform distance from one another, like a formation. Even though she couldn't see their faces other than the lower half, she was certain their eyes never left her.

"That's how they welcome you, darling," Aries heard Abel's calm voice. He was facing the other direction, waving and nodding at the unsuspecting crowd.

"They won't do anything harmful, right?" she inquired under her breath, keeping her surface in check.

"I doubt." Abel cast her a quick look. "Isaiah won't let anything happen."

Aries secretly heaved a sigh of relief, knowing Isaiah put up a protective barrier against witches or vampires — not against humans, though. The reason that man who attacked Abel was able to approach them. Fortunately, Abel's wound wasn't deep and it could heal on its own.

"If that is what you say…" she shrugged mildly, her action almost unnoticeable.

The route of the procession covered almost half of the capital. Hence, it took almost half a day to reach the last town. Fortunately, when they turned to go back to the Imperial Palace, their pace was much faster. The plan was once they returned, Aries and Abel would have a few words with their people in front of the Imperial Palace.
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And then, after that, they would attend a royal banquet to celebrate their union with carefully selected guests from noble houses across the empire. Once the night fell, the emperor and empress were to share their first night together.

When the procession reached the gates of the imperial palace, the people were already gathered in front of the raised platform. The crowd stretched to the plaza, filling every corner and street to hear and see the empress and emperor one more time before they enter their abode.

"Careful." Abel stood on the side of the carriage, offering his hand to assist his wife down.

"You shouldn't have ripped my dress." She clasped his hand, taking the step down, and they made their way to the stairs of the raised platform. As they did so, Aries habitually pulled her royal mantle to cover her ripped skirt, which wasn't truly noticeable unless one made a closer look.

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Abel chuckled, treading carefully so she wouldn't trip. "But the idea was delightful."

"For you, yes. But for me? Just what would people think of me if someone noticed something was happening down there?" Aries cast him a sidelong glance, snapping her tongue in irritation. "Would you like it if the situation was reversed?"

"I would definitely love it, for sure." His answer was quick without a second hesitation, smiling from ear to ear until his eyes were squinting evilly. "Why would you ask me that, darling? I suddenly feel excited."

<strong>'He's crazy,' </strong>Aries thought, fighting herself not to roll her eyes as they reached the raised platform.

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When they stood in the middle, both of them smiled modestly, looking at the thick crowd ahead and the unbelievable scene of jubilation. Abel and Aries waved, their people's cheers echoing that even those in the heavens or those in the pits of the earth could hear.
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The sound of the horn rang loudly, and the cheers gradually subsided. Abel raised a hand, smiling in satisfaction as silence slowly reigned over the place so they could hear the emperor's speech. The emperor rarely made public appearances — the last time he did was around five years ago. Therefore, the people were thrilled to see him in the flesh after a long time. He didn't age at all and seemed to look much younger and dashing with that strange green hair of his.

Some were even more intrigued by the empress. People had heard a lot about the lady in the House Vandran and also the noblest lady across the continent because the empire didn't have a princess or an empress. The title naturally fell on the lady of the House Vandran. But now that Aries claimed the crown, she had only proven she was, indeed, the noblest lady.

Everyone eagerly listened to the emperor's speech, cheering upon his promises to them, knowing the emperor had always done what he had said. After the emperor's speech, he stepped to the side to give Aries the spotlight and say a few words to their subject.

Seeing the amicable relationship between them, their people's hearts were at ease. The emperor and the empress, although they came from different factions, seemed to have built a good relationship. Now, their empire that had always been divided between the imperialist and the aristocrats would be united with this wonderful union. Their chemistry was undeniably great as well — hopefully, they would soon hear the news of little princes and princesses running in the palace soon. The sheer thought of it thrilled the people.

"And therefore, as the empress of this empire and the mother of this nation, rest assured, I will do my best to prioritize the people's interest before mine." Aries smiled beautifully while Abel stood beside her. The two of them looked at each other affectionately, warranting the people's cheers.

When they faced ahead, both bore confident and reassuring smiles.

"Together with His Majesty," she added, hearing a loud round of applause and whistles.

Both Abel and Aries stood in the same spot for the next minute to give the people one last look. Once the time limit was over, Aries waited for Abel to assist her. However, instead of hearing a "shall we?" she caught him facing her from the corner of her eyes.

Deep lines appeared in between her brows, turning her head to him, only to see him smile and say, "Let's kiss."

"Kiss!" someone yelled from the crowd, and those who were holding back to say that very intimate request found the fuel to yell the same word. Soon, the entire plaza was filled with voices saying that same word with high enthusiasm.

"Darling." Abel tugged her hand and pulled her closer, his other arm around her waist. "Let's give them a lovely last image, shall we?"