The Tyrant's Pet

Since Abel asked to be invited to join them for tea, they had no choice but to endure his presence. Sitting around the tea table, Veronika darted her eyes between the two people sitting across from her. Just like Veronika, Suzanne pursed her lips into a thin line. Meanwhile, Sybil cast the other princesses a quick look.

The three had occupied solo chairs while the host of this mini tea party was sitting on the same divan that the emperor was sitting on. Although there was an arm's length distance between Aries and Abel, it still felt a little strange how the emperor chose to sit with her.

"Does my presence bother you, princesses?" his cool voice broke the prolonging and thickening silence in the room.

"Of course not, Your Majesty?" Aries flashed him a meek smile. "We are honored to be graced by your presence."

"Then why are you letting the tea run cold?"

"We are waiting for His Majesty to drink his." She motioned her hand towards the coffee table in front of them, eyes fixed on him, her subtle smile cemented on her face. "Please, Your Majesty. If you do not mind, this humble subject would like to offer you a cup of tea."

"Oh…" Abel rocked his head, wondering if this was a custom in the nobility. He didn't actually conform to etiquette since he rarely had tea with anyone because the teas that were usually served to him were meant to kill him.

"I see. So, that's why," he humored, bending over to pick up the teacup.

When Abel leaned back, he sniffed the aroma, lingering in the steam that was ascending softly from the teacup. His brow arched at his first sniff and his eyes fell on Aries.

Aries offered a subtle smile, gesturing for him to have a drink. Since she was the host of this mini tea party, Aries also exhibited her talent for brewing tea, which she served to them.

"I wonder…" his eyelids drooped as he guided the mouth of the teacup to his lips, eyes fixed on her. "... what's in your mind?"

Abel sipped the tea and its sweet yet minty taste filled his mouth. He felt a slight line travel down his throat, but his lips curled up in satisfaction.

"What a refreshing tea," he mused, casting Aries a satisfied look as he placed the teacup back on the table. "I never had such a strong flavor in my life."

"I'll take that as a compliment." Aries let out a weak chuckle and then faced the ladies. "Please, Your Highnesses. I hope you would love the tea I had brewed for everyone."

Suzanne and Sybil looked at each other and then flashed Aries a polite smile. "We are honored, Lady Daniella." And then picked up their teacups to their lips.

"If His Majesty gave out such great feedback, I'd expect it to be phenomenal." Veronika humored as she slowly picked up the teacup and then guided it to her lips.

Their eyes lit up, almost making a sound at the flavor that burst into their mouths. The tea was refreshing with a bit of this oddly strong flavor, but also had a touch of sweetness that blended well with the taste. The satisfied smile was enough for Aries to know it was to their liking.

"This is the first time Lady Daniella brewed us tea. Hence, I was unaware the lady was great at making teas," Veronika praised, acting according to etiquette in the presence of the emperor. If Abel wasn't here, this mini tea party would be less stiff and have a more carefree atmosphere full of giggles and teasing.

"I never had such a great tea, even back in Topia," Suzanne chimed in with a smile as she placed the teacup back on the table.

"Lady Daniella, I would've recommended you to open classes for making tea." Sybil humored, trying her best to ignore Abel's intimidating presence so the air wouldn't be so awkward. "I would personally line up to get a spot in your class."

Aries chuckled, covering her lips with the back of her hand. "Your Highnesses are so generous with their words. I am flattered."

"We are simply speaking the truth, Lady Aries," said Suzanne, making Sybil nod.

"That's right. It was a praise well deserved…" Veronika trailed off as her vision suddenly shook. She narrowed her eyes, holding on to the armrest to stop her body from swaying.

"Princess Veronika, are you alright?" asked Aries the moment she noticed Veronika's pale complexion.

"Ah… of cour… se." Veronika mustered every bit of her strength to raise her eyes at Aries, but her vision was already blurred. She felt her strength slip away from her grip, leaning back ever so slowly.

"Your highness," Aries called once again, snapping her eyes at Suzanne and Sybil, only to see them slowly close their eyes until they were unconscious.

The worry in Aries's eyes gradually faded, darting her gaze between the three, who were now sleeping in their seats. A shallow breath slipped past her lips, picking up a cup of tea to enjoy in the momentary silence.

"I hope that made you happy," she remarked calmly after the faint click of the bottom of the teacup upon contact with the saucer caressed her ears.

"Was that supposed to make me happy? Well, I do not know, but it sure surprised me," Abel smirked, leaning his back against the armrest with his body facing her. "It is amazing how you never failed to surprise me, darling. But what is even more amusing is that I'm perplexed. Did you do this just to keep me a secret?"

"You're angry." Aries didn't beat around the bush.

"I was when I came here." He nodded as he folded his arms under his chest. "But then, when I saw you, my anger disappeared. However, your answer to my previous inquiry might bring that anger back."

"Did you knock these ladies out for the sole reason you do not want your friends to know we are married?" Abel narrowed his eyes as he raised his chin.

Aries kept her sharp countenance as she replied with an honest, "yes."