The Tyrant's Pet

The day before the coronation…

"I didn't know you will ask for a private audience, Lady Norwood." Aries looked at the stunning woman across the round table. "I do not have too much time to spare. Let us hear what you got to tell me."

"I would like to express my gratitude for granting my request despite your busy schedule." Lady Ivory beckoned a neck bow, and when she straightened her back, she locked gaze with Aries. Lady Ivory might be arrogant, but she definitely knew when to cross the line or not. "I know once you claimed the throne, I wouldn't have the opportunity to thank you."

"Thank me?" Aries cocked her head to the side. "For what, Lady Norwood? For making sure Princess Agnes will get punished accordingly?"

"For giving justice to those people in the east," Lady Ivory corrected, making Aries arch her brow. "Those in the east were people who had been struggling especially after the plague that struck them years ago. Until now, the east was still recovering from that unfortunate event and what Princess Agnes did for her own selfish interest is unforgivable."

<strong>'Oh?' </strong>Aries was a bit stunned at how the arrogant Lady Ivory would speak such words. This lady was always busy picking on the candidates, and it was a bit surprising she seemed to have cared a lot about the people in the east.

"I wouldn't have forgiven myself if something bad will happen to them."

"Even if the south didn't send their relief to fill up the spare storage, the empire would surely do something about it." Aries pointed out. "I would be lying if I said this didn't surprise me, but you do not have to thank me. At the end of the day, I still gained something."

Lady Ivory pursed her lips but didn't look away from Aries. "I will be leaving the empire today, my lady. But before I go, I want to express my sincere congratulations on your hard-earned success. Today is the last day people will address you as her ladyship. I'm sure tomorrow will be only the first of many proud moments for you."

"That is heart-warming. May you have a safe journey home, Lady Norwood."

"Many including I, look forward to seeing even more great things from you." Lady Ivory smiled subtly. "And as such, I would like to give you a gift before I leave."

"A gift?" Aries arched a brow, watching Lady Ivory slide her hand inside the secret pocket on her bell sleeve.

Lady Ivory placed a small note on the table, sliding it across to Aries. The latter glanced at the small envelope, before snapping her eyes up at the lady.

"This is your gift?" Aries asked, intrigued at what could be the content of that small notebook.

"During my stay in here, some people, whom I never knew approached me. They promised to help me win the crown," explained Lady Ivory solemnly.

"People promising you to win the crown?" Aries narrowed her eyes. How audacious.

"Yes."

"In exchange for?"

Lady Ivory raised her palm, pointing at the note. "Everything is there, my lady. It is not much and you might find it not helpful at all. However, since the letters I received get burned once I finish reading them, I record everything I remember in this notebook."

"Hah…" Aries let out a dry chuckle, bending over to pick up the book. "Even if that is the case, why are you telling me this now?"

"Because they didn't keep their promise."

"Oh?" Aries cocked her head to the side. "Vengeful, I see."

"I am not a good person, my lady, and I think everyone is already aware of what sort of person I am. They promised me something, and I did what they told me, but they didn't keep their word. So, here I am, going home as a loser," Lady Ivory's voice didn't show the slightest hesitation with her statements. "I will not let those people who humiliate me or give me false hope walk away freely."

Aries leaned back, holding the small notebook on her lap. "There were days I like you, Lady Ivory."

"I am simply being true to myself, because if I am not, then who will?"

"So, this is your way to avenge yourself?" Aries fluttered her eyelashes ever so slowly, watching Lady Ivory nod as an answer. "Aren't you afraid for your life?"

"I am terrified. Another reason I am handing this to you, my lady." Lady Ivory's eyes sharpened. "I will cut to the chase, knowing you do not have enough time to indulge with me."

"You want to make a request?" Aries waited patiently for what Lady Ivory had to say.

"Send people to escort me safely to my home," Lady Ivory requested. "I think I know enough to warrant an order to silence me."

"What do you know?"

"As I've said, it is all written inside that note."

"Can't you say one?"

Lady Ivory pursed her lips as she looked around cautiously. Her tight-lipped reaction caused Aries to narrow her eyes.

"Are they listening?" Aries's sudden inquiry made Lady Ivory flinch slightly. "Do not worry. The Hyacinth Palace is safe — this chamber, I mean. So, you do not have to worry or wonder who was listening on the other side of the wall."

"I know the security in the Imperial Palace is quite loose. Those people are walking among us, my lady." Lady Ivory bent over as she spoke quietly. "The only reason I am still alive is that they were afraid His Majesty would find out about them if they acted rashly. However, I'm certain once I stepped out of the imperial palace, my life will be in danger."

"I understand your fears, Lady Norwood —"

"You do not, Lady Vandran." Lady Ivory's eyes blazed, clutching the edge of the table until her hand turned white. She shook her head mildly, letting out a deep exhale.

"What is there that I do not understand, Lady Norwood?" Aries asked with a delicately arched brow. "I might not completely comprehend if you don't tell me one clear reason why you think we're not on the same page."

"I… I know something happened to the Marquess, your brother."