The Tyrant's Pet

After their meal, Abel, who was now under the disguise of Baron Albe, led the crown princess and the crown prince to the gifts he brought for them. Standing in the courtyard of the Sapphire Palace, Aries and Joaquin watched him open the crate.

"Please." Abel motioned his hands for them to see his gifts.

Aries and Joaquin walked closer and her brows furrowed at the weapon she had glimpsed in Haimirich. She had never seen it being used, but some of the knights in the said empire carried these arms that were still under development.

"These are…?" she turned to Abel only to see him smile brightly.

"Rifles." Abel took out the rifle inside and held it properly. "Unlike arrows, these were more capable of penetrating armors and had a much faster velocity."

"I had seen arms like these before and even when we gathered enough, I hadn't seen this type." Joaquin chimed in enthusiastically as he picked up another rifle from inside the crate. His eyes gleamed, caressing it to have a feel on it.

"It is an invention in Haimirich."

"What?" Aries gasped at the mention of Haimirich, causing Joaquin to glance at her.

"Your Royal Highness, apologies if that surprised you, knowing Haimirich is your homeland." Abel kept his smile as her reaction was on point since this only meant he was smuggling arms. "However, I procured these legally since they were still under development and Haimirich needed funds for mass production. I got a few samples that passed the prototype stage."

"Circe, it's alright. Baron Albe is not only known in Maganti but in other lands as well." Joaquin cajoled with a subtle smile.

Aries pursed her lips and huffed, darting her eyes between the two men. She couldn't show further reaction since it would naturally displease the 'two' men. She had to keep the act because she was now a crown princess in Maganti and not a revered lady in Haimirich.

"Your Highness," Abel called, as he placed back the rifle, only to open another one. Her brows rose when he held a pistol and approached her. "This one is perfect for you. I heard the crown princess was a good archer back in Haimirich. Although this pistol can only hit your target with close proximity compared to arrows, it's lighter and easy to carry around."

Abel stopped in front of her, offering the pistol to her. Aries gazed up at him, staring into his eyes for a moment before she reached for it. As she did so, he raised his pinky to caress her finger, barely stopping himself from holding her hand entirely.

Aries glanced up at him as she curled her pinky around his for a split second before accepting the pistol.

"Is this what you call light?" she asked as she held it with both her hands, twisting and turning her wrist to study the weapon in her possession.

"Compare to the big guys." Abel humored before glancing at Joaquin, holding his hands behind him. "I hope my gifts pleased Your Royal Highnesses."

"Haha!" Joaquin laughed as he held the rifle in a shooting stance, aiming it at the open expanse. When he heard Abel say, "it's loaded," his eyes glinted, placing his finger on the trigger before firing it.

<strong>BANG!</strong>

Aries jumped at the deafening noise while Abel held her shoulder to still her. She gazed up at him, only to see him smile while nodding reassuringly.

"That noise…" Her heart was racing, feeling it constrict as she had heard that noise in the past — although this one was far louder than the faint explosion during the battle between Rikhill and the Maganti empire.

"It's fine, darling." She gazed at Abel as he bent over from behind her and whispered in her ear while squeezing her shoulders. "I'm here."

There was always something in his presence that somehow calmed her down. Pursing her lips, Aries breathed in and out as she set her eyes on Joaquin.

"Amazing." Joaquin, who was thrilled about his new toy, ignored Aries as he chuckled. His eyes scrutinized the rifle; this one was one of the best he held so far. Surely, Haimirich's inventions were one of their strongest point which was why they continued to flourish.

After minutes of admiring the weapon, he faced his wife and Abel, who were standing near each other. His eyes fell on Abel and smiled.

"Baron Albe, as expected from you. You never disappoint," he praised, placing the rifle back on top of the open crate. "It's perfect to practice it in the hunting season."

"I am honored you liked my presents, Your Highness."

"Circe?" Joaquin raised his brows, waiting for her to speak her thoughts.

Aries simply smiled at him and then faced Abel. She didn't speak for a moment, exchanging looks with him as if she was communicating silently.

"I am looking forward to seeing you in the hunting season so we can test out these gifts," she expressed, rocking her head, keeping her demure in check. She then cast Joaquin a look and sported a pleasing smile.

"It's a fruitful meeting," she remarked, watching Joaquin smile at her subtly. Aries marched to his side when he held out his hand, standing beside him.

"Your Royal Highnesses, since I had delivered the presents myself, I am already glad to know you liked them. But I must excuse myself, for I still have arrangements to attend." Abel announced in a polite tone, bowing at Joaquin before marching to the crown prince. "May I?"

Her lips curled up, placing her hand on his palm. His fingers slowly curled around her delicately, holding her with such gentleness as he guided it to his lips.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Your Royal Highness." Abel kept his naturally sharp eyes on her as he placed a peck on the back of her hand. Aries simply smiled, squeezing his hand discreetly before he let her go. When Abel straightened his back, he faced Joaquin with a smile.

"I'll see you in the hunting grounds, Baron Albe." Joaquin smiled, but this time, however, his eyes glinted with contempt and jealousy.