The Tyrant's Pet

"They've been waiting for a lifetime. Let's not make them wait for more."

Just as Aries could signal Suzanne to assist her, Gustav took a step forward. "Your Majesty —"

"Gustav, you will stick with your task tonight." Suzanne cut off whatever concern Gustav has to raise. "You might have other questions, but Her Majesty already chose me to assist her in her first coven."

Gustav's already knitted brows furrowed even more, darting his eyes between Aries and Suzanne. "Your Majesty."

"I know this upsets you, but I hope you understand I can't put everything in one basket." Aries offered Gustav a warm smile. 

"Do you not trust me, Your Majesty?"

"This is not about trust, Gustav." Aries shook her head mildly. "I trust you with all my life, but I believed protecting me right now isn't your priority. Your priority is to make my plans work."

Aries raised her hand ever so slowly, hinting at Suzanne to assist her. The latter immediately rushed to the queen's side to hold her, carrying the weight to lighten Aries's burden. 

"I'll see you tomorrow, Gustav?" Aries cast Gustav a knowing look, but Gustav didn't answer immediately. 

The man pressed his lips into a thin line, still frustrated at the realization Aries seemed to have another plan. But then again, he should've known. Aries was a woman with a thousand plans. She wasn't the type to give everyone the same task as she preferred to distribute them, so her people could focus and perfect their given tasks. 

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"Very well." Gustav sighed heavily, bowing to hide the frown dominating his face. "I'll hold on to your words. I'll see you tomorrow, Your Majesty."

"How adorable have you become, Gustav," Aries chuckled, casting Suzanne a look. "Let's go, Suzanne."

With that being said, Aries walked away with Suzanne on her side. Gustav was left standing in the same spot with his head hung low. 

*** BREAK ***

"Where are these people waiting for me?" Aries inquired as she walked down the hall with no one to assist her but Suzanne. 

"They are waiting at the exit of the Queen's Palace," answered Suzanne. "They wanted to fetch you, but there is no way I would allow their presence to tarnish the Queen's dwelling."

"Easy now, Suzanne." Aries chuckled, arching a brow upon noticing the restlessness in her handmaiden's eyes. "Are you worried about Gustav?"

"No, Your Majesty. Gustav is a capable and reliable man. There is no need to worry about him."

"Then why do you look otherwise?"

Suzanne pressed her lisp into a thin line, keeping her gaze on the floor as they walked. "I'm simply wondering if I can keep you safe when we're already inside. It makes me think Gustav is a better assistant."I think you should take a look at

Aries remained silent, but the sound of metals dragging on the floor filled in the silence that was attempting to reign over them. She kept her eyes on Suzanne for a minute before peeling them away and setting them ahead. 

"I am not scared of losing my life again. But I wouldn't forgive myself if I can't protect you," Suzanne continued, recalling that night years ago. 

Back then, Suzanne lost her life at the hands of Marsella. Although Aries did everything to revive her, this situation reminded her of her 'failure.' Therefore, no one could blame Suzanne if she was reluctant to assist Aries. 

"You will protect no one, Suzanne." After some time, Aries spoke calmly and sincerely. "The coven sounds scary because it is. However, the great hall will be the safest place tonight."

"Your Majesty?" Suzanne raised her head, setting her eyes on the Queen immediately. "What did you mean by that, Your Majesty?"

"I came to this decision not because I want you to risk your life to protect me. No offense, but bringing Gustav or anyone else other than you will make it harder for me. Because you…" Aries's steps halted, facing Suzanne squarely. "... don't intimidate anyone."

Suzanne's breath hitched as the queen's eyelids drooped dangerously. 

"I'm not saying you are weak. We both know you aren't. However, those Ravens think so little of you." The side of Aries's lips stretched from ear to ear, raising one of her hands to cup her cheek. "I can't blame them. All the tasks I have given you are far too simple."

"Your Majesty…"

"Do not beat yourself over this." Aries retrieved her hand from Suzanne's cheek and then faced forward. "At the end of this hallway lies the people who wanted nothing but my dead body. The last thing I want is to have someone who wasn't on the same page as I do."

Aries took a step forward, leaving Suzanne. "If you are going with me, then make up your mind. I can go on my own, though… I have to improvise."

"Your Majesty!" Suzanne didn't think twice about dashing her way to Aries's side, holding the latter's hand to lighten up the burden the queen was carrying. "I…"

Suzanne trailed off, shutting her lips to smile. There was no need for pledges and things like that. That wasn't what Aries needed and wanted. 

In silence, Aries and Suzanne made their way to the exit of the Queen's Palace. When the door was in sight, a few knights under the queen's order were standing on either side of it. As they came closer to the door, the knights unhurriedly opened the door.

The door creaked open, echoing in every corner of the hallway. When Aries stopped in her steps, her eyes fell on the few people in robes. The person in the middle was a short woman with a pair of shut eyes. Both parties stood on either side of the door, being separated by a fine line.

"Greetings to Your Majesty." Giselle and a few members of the Raven beckoned a neck bow. When she raised her head once again, her face was facing directly at Aries. "I'm glad to see you tonight, Your Majesty."

"I couldn't say the same." Aries shrugged, smirking. "Very well. Shall we go?"

Giselle smiled at Aries's suspicious enthusiasm but didn't say anything. Instead, she nodded and waited for Aries to step out of the queen's palace.