The Tyrant's Pet



Meanwhile, in the house of Grimsbanne…

"There's a fire in the palace." Lilou narrowed her eyes, looking in the palace's direction from the window of her husband's workshop. She had her arms folded under her chest, leaning her side against the jamb of the open window. "Should I check if Her Majesty was alright?"

"Of course she is." Her husband, Samael, answered while working on the canvass he hadn't touched for years. "I bet she's the one who started the fire."

"What do you think she means by it?"

"Hmm…" He hummed a long tune, taking a deliberate pause. The tip of his paintbrush moved away from the canvass, shifting his attention to where his wife was. "Maybe a warning?"

"Uh." Lilou rocked her head in understanding. "A warning, huh? I guess the night council finally made their move."

"They've been on the move for years, my love." Samael slowly placed the things in his hand on the stand nearby. He then took off his apron, wiping off the paint on his hands and arms. "Rather than on the move, they probably announced they couldn't delay things any further."

Samael strutted his way to his wife, wrapping his arms around her slender waist. He carefully twisted her until she was facing him, smiling as soon as he locked eyes with her dazzling pair of eyes. 

"Sam." Lilou sighed. "Have you seen Abel? He hadn't gone back since he left a week ago and I'm getting worried."

"Don't mind him. Abel is Abel. Worrying about him is useless; the man does all crazy stuff one could think of." His lack of worry about Abel appeared on his playful countenance. "Let's just think about Sunny is already old enough. She can take care of a little Lilou."

Lilou rolled her eyes, slapping his chest mildly. "Sometimes, I can't help but wonder if that is what you can think about."

"I'm a man — a simple man with needs."

"Stop it." She pushed his chest away with little strength, but Samael pulled her waist closer. "Sam, we are on the mainland. Do not forget what these people made us go through — don't forget how they ruined our peace for a reason until now it was yet disclosed."

Samael pressed his lips into a thin line, staring at the solemn countenance dominating his wife's face. "I never forget people's kindness, my love. Which also means I never forget grudges."

"What should we do now?" she asked with a shallow breath. "I don't know Abel's plans and Aries's also has a different plan. I'm worried."

"My love, why are you so worried?" His eyes softened, smiling. "Abel and Aries had been through different levels of hell. I'm sure they understand each other even without a word uttered. Just like you and me."

"But what if our plans don't align with theirs?"

"It will."

"How are you sure?"

"Because we all want the same thing, love." He pulled her waist closer as if the little gap between their bodies was still too wide. "And we have the same enemy. We worked and made alliances with many types of people in the past. Things work each time."

Lilou bit her inner lower lips while staring at her husband's reassuring smile. Another shallow breath slipped past her lips, nodding in understanding.

"I guess it's good that this is happening now," she muttered, snapping her eyes back to the window, where she could see the bright red and the thick smoke that was nearly piercing the clouds. "My patience is also running thin, after all. I don't think I can stomach another year worrying about my family's safety."

"The feeling is mutual, love." Samael followed her gaze, eyes glinting menacingly as soon as his eyes fell on the fire in the palace. "I think everyone's patience already runs thin as well."

*******

Somewhere on the mainland, several people were watching the fire in the palace on the second floor of a private estate. Each balcony had at least four people, eyes in the same direction. The fire in the royal palace was huge enough to garner the attention of everyone in the capital. 

It wouldn't be surprising if chaos would ensue tomorrow, asking about what happened tonight or whether the queen was alright. The latter question was a little suspicious, knowing only a few cared about the new sovereign of the land. 

"I wonder if that is the answer to our invitation." One of the men on the balcony spoke. His voice was a little rasped and his eyes reflected the fire far away clearly. 

"Of course, Lord Rothschild." Beside him, a blind woman, who was also known as Giselle, answered with certainty in her voice. Lord Rothschild, Miguel's father, turn his head to her before she continued. "She had no other choice but to accept our invitation. Even if the relationship between the monarch and the council is complicated, she still has her responsibility to us… just like how we have a responsibility to her."

"Our plan is to make sure she drops her alliance with the Grimsbanne," he repeated in a questioning tone as if he was trying to confirm their agenda. "Her Majesty is smart and cunning; I give that to her. However, she was also once a human. Humans… their hearts were fickle. It worries me that making her take our side is impossible."

"A human heart is truly appalling. However, that is the reason we waited until now." Giselle maintained her poker face while Lord Rothschild was staring at her side profile. "Her Majesty was capable of locking everyone she holds dear to protect them, even if it means she would be alone. I'm certain she would make the same decision in a heartbeat if she is left with no choice."

The corner of Giselle's lips curled up into a subtle smirk. Although it was subtle, Miguel's father couldn't help but swallow a mouthful of tension in his throat. He huffed faintly, peeling his eyes from her. 

"Please do not forget our deal, my lady," said Lord Rothschild, setting his eyes on the burning palace in a distance. "I made a promise to the late king to protect his wife, and I'm putting my faith in you. Please… save this land and Her Majesty from the clutches of the Grimsbanne."

Giselle slowly opened her eyes, revealing her clouded pupils. "Certainly, my Lord. After all, you and I simply want the same thing."