The Tyrant's Pet

Dexter stared at the hearth, listening to the crackle of woods with a glass of wine in his hand, sitting leisurely on the armchair. He didn't plan to tell Aries about how he met Abel — at least it wasn't in his plans right now. However, his mouth just naturally spoke the things he didn't talk about for a long time.

Dexter blinked ever so slowly, turning his head to the person who entered his chambers. Seeing it was Gustav, he peeled his eyes away from him and set them back in the fireplace.

"Gustav," he called, while the head butler silently lit up a candle on the stand. "Do you remember the time we first met?"

Gustav smiled without turning around to face the marquess. "You were young back then, my Lord."

"Arrogant and naive," Dexter added with a bitter laugh. "Who would have thought, right?"

"That you will last this long? Or that I will end up serving the man I vowed to make his life a living hell?" Gustav slowly turned on his heel, facing Dexter's vantage point with a smile.

"Both." Dexter raised the glass of wine to his lips, eyes on the fire. "Also, I didn't expect to live this long… and meet her."

Gustav smiled subtly. "Lady Aries is a wonderful lady and I'm glad you had lived this long, my Lord."

"Mhm… I never thought I will ever thank this punishment for this long life. If I died back then… back when Daniella died, I will not meet Dani." Dexter's eyes softened at the thought of Aries, and how she was so clingy today. "She melts my heart and whenever I look at her, all I can think of is how to make her happy and how to protect her from all sides."

"She married that man, after all. Of all the males out there… she just had to fall in love with the deadliest and the most twisted of all," he continued bitterly, emptying the wineglass in one go.

"But you and I are aware that His Majesty, although cruel to his enemies, is merciful to us who doesn't deserve it," Gustav reminded the marquess, advancing in Dexter's direction, and stopped several steps away from the armchair Dexter was sitting on. "Isn't that the reason‌, despite your grudges against him, you cannot leave him behind?"

Dexter lowered his eyes and laughed bitterly. "He always worries me."

"His Majesty has always been like that. He does whatever he wants without regard for those around him."

"He should've lived a bit decently," Dexter added under his breath. "If only he did… if only he tried even more or just walked away from those who shunned him as he had always done… they wouldn't treat him the way they did."

Gustav smiled subtly at Dexter. He knew the marquess more than anyone. Dexter's hatred against Abel was pure, but at the same time, Dexter looked up at the man with genuine admiration. The marquess never showed it or verbalized his sentiments regarding Abel, but Gustav was aware Dexter was torn between his love and hate towards the emperor of this land.

It was a case that everyone could understand; Abel was someone that one would hate with passion or admire like a god. There was no in-between.

"I had always believed in karma. That was what makes me go on." Dexter spoke before silence dominate the room. "But now… I sincerely hope it doesn't exist, Gustav."

"Are you afraid of the lady's safety?"

"No. I'm terrified." Dexter's eyes fell on his hand, seeing how the wineglass tremble under his grip. "His enemies weren't as simple as those in the Maganti Empire. He had made tons and tons of enemies, and they had always been eyeing to end him. I don't think it will be a battle that we will all survive, Gustav."

"I do not mind dying. I had lived long enough, but Dani… she's just starting her life again. I'm certain His Majesty shared the same sentiments as I do."

"Everything will be well, my lord," Gustav reassured, to soothe the marquess's worries. "Nothing happened yet."

"Nothing?" Dexter arched a brow and cast Gustav a look. "You've been in Haimirich all this time. Do you believe nothing had happened yet? Or nothing will happen anytime soon?"

This time, Gustav remained silent, lowering his eyes. Meanwhile, Dexter planted his hands on the armrest to push himself up. When Dexter stood proud in his stature, he faced Gustav squarely.

"You had replaced a lot of our servants while we're away, picking only those who can protect the manor. I don't think you believe your own claims, Gustav." Dexter pointed out calmly. "When I arrived in the capital, I went straight to the imperial palace. Thus, I know someone cast a spell to fight the duke's protection spell. If that is not the sign Haimirich isn't about to welcome a catastrophe, I don't know what is."

Dexter bent over, placing the empty wineglass on the table. When he straightened his back, the side of his lips curled up.

"When worse comes to worst, protect Dani with your life, Gustav," he ordered with a soft voice. "I… cannot bear to watch my sister die before me. She can't die before me, Gustav. It'll kill me."

"Yes, my Lord."

Dexter rocked his head, a bit reassured ‌Aries had a capable person who would protect her lest something unprecedented happened. With that being said, he picked up his coat that was draped over the other armchair.

"You're leaving, my Lord?" Gustav furrowed his brows, seeing that Dexter didn't seem he had any intention to stay.

"Mhm. I heard the duke and Morro left the capital." Dexter explained while slipping his hand inside the sleeve. "I assume it was His Majesty's order — probably because of what happened in the Imperial Palace. I had to see what was going on in that place. We cannot afford to get caught off guard since there will be an approaching coven in a month."

"But my lord —" Gustav stopped when Dexter shook his head.

"I won't be long," the latter remarked with certainty. "In case Dani looks for me, tell her I will be handling some affairs and will return in the evening. Also, she will be welcoming a friend soon. Prepare everything beforehand."

"Yes, my lord." Gustav let out a deep exhale, watching Dexter prepare to leave at this hour.

Little did Dexter know that going to the imperial palace was one of the worst decisions he had ever made in his entire life.