The Tyrant's Pet

"Then why... would you say all that if you're leaving? Isn't that a little selfish, Your Highness? After all this time... you kept silent. You didn't say a word, nor did you get credit for all the help you had given me. Why would you confess, saying you like me, only to announce you are going far away? Why, Your Highness? I can't understand."

Tears pooled in Violet's eyes, but thanks to all the crying she had shed for the past month, she was able to hold back her tears. Her eyes gleamed with clarity, but Roman chose to stay silent.

"I know you do not owe me an explanation... maybe. But at least, allow me to cook you something nice before you go." Violet forced a smile on her face, holding her hand behind her to hide their tremor. "Please. I insist."

His throat bobbed, watching her try her best not to pry despite that her clear eyes showed intrigued. He narrowed his eyes, hearing the rush in her blood, which Violet managed to hide with that smile of hers.

'She's always like this,' he thought. 'Even in the past, she hides everything with her smile.'

"Your Highness?" she called once more when a minute had passed, but Roman stayed motionless. "Shall we?"

"I can't." His voice was firm but gentle. "I just came to bid you farewell, but I did not have any plans to stay longer."

"Do you have other things to do?"

"Yes."

"Is — is that so?"

Roman lowered his head before he could see the disappointment in her eyes. "I sincerely wish you a good life, Your Highness. May you live your life to the fullest and full of happiness," he expressed, closing his eyes briefly.

When he reopened his eyes, Roman already turned on his heel. His expression was solemn and his eyes shone determination. He told himself not to look back, knowing he would falter if he saw her expression. But just as Roman took a step toward the railing, he halted.

"Don't go," whispered Violet that barely reached her own ear. She gazed at his back softly, clutching her hand into a tight fist. "Don't go, Rome."

Bitterness filled her eyes when he didn't move a muscle. It had always been like this, she thought. Roman would do anything for her; he would kill anyone if Violet told him to, but there was only one request he never fulfilled and that was for him to stay.

"You always wish for my happiness, for my peace, and for my future. But why... don't you wish for yourself some happiness, peace, and freedom, Rome?" she continued, getting a little overwhelmed at the tension in her chest. "If you are so concerned about my well-being, why are you going far away? For a debt you must pay? Then at least, tell me when will you come back."

"This is so unfair, Rome. I had always thought and accepted life is naturally unfair, but the more I think about it... we're the one who are cruel. You and me... we're too cruel and hard on ourselves. Why? Was it because we are convinced we do not deserve happiness? Or was it because we see ourselves with a little value that our sacrifices sounded more plausible for others' convenience?" her voice cracked, but her face showed resolution and anger. "I'm not saying we should rekindle the lost love between the young girl and the young prince. We're too old for that, Rome. But... just like you, I wished for you to have a good life. Will your life be better if you go? Just tell me that, and I won't ask anything anymore."

"Tell me, Your Highness." Violet advanced in his direction and stopped at arm's length. "Tell me you will be happier at leaving than staying, and I will respect that."

As the night breeze whistled in their ears, silence reigned over them. Violet didn't take her eyes off of his back until Roman slowly faced her. Her eyes glanced at the metal helm covering his face, but she knew he was looking back at her solemnly.

"I... was cursed," he confessed, giving an entirely different answer from her question. "I am not the Roman you once knew, Violet."

"What... do you mean?"

Roman bit his inner lower lips. "Literally."

"I don't understand, Rome."

"You do not have to understand." Roman stiffened when she suddenly lurched and grabbed his gauntlet.

Violet's eyes lit up with a mix of anger and worry, gripping his metal tightly. "I don't understand," she repeated, stressing each syllable through her gritted teeth. "Make me understand, Rome. Don't leave me with a question I might not get an answer in the future."

Roman's jaw tightened as he looked at her slender hand that was trembling while holding him. Knowing Violet, she wouldn't let him go until he confess everything. She wasn't always like this, but Roman had seen her stubbornness in the past, which she rarely showed in the imperial palace.

"I'm no longer human," he confessed just as she wanted, raising his eyes, only to catch the confusion in her eyes — just as expected. "Behind this armor... lies a monster. A monster who can suck out the life out of you, drink your blood straight from your veins, and hurt you. I had my neck snapped once by Joaquin, but here I am, standing before you."

"Believe me or not, but that is the truth," he added. "Staying with you means putting you and your children at harm. I could barely control myself and quench my hunger for blood. Behind this helm, the person looking back at you is a person who wants to kill you for his own pleasure."

Violet held her breath while processing the confession she forced out of him. Not human? A monster? He died once? It sounded impossible. However, she knew Roman, and there was not the slightest trace of deceit in his words. If anything, what she could detect in his tone was sincere authenticity.

"If you understand that, then please let me go --"

"Can I take it off?" she asked, stopping his sentence midway. Roman's brows creased as he studied the determination in her eyes. "I want to see... the monster you are talking about, Rome."