The Tyrant's Pet

The Haimirich Empire hadn't mourned for many years, as it had always been success after success. But the last three days had been especially quiet, not just in the imperial palace but in the street of the capital.

Aries stood in front of the full body mirror, staring at herself after she got ready for her plans for the day.

"Your Majesty." Aries snapped her eyes ever so tenderly, glancing over her shoulder to where Suzanne stood. "Everyone is waiting."

"Everyone can wait." Aries faced herself in the mirror again, taking a deep yet careful breath. "These jewelries were too extravagant. Get me a new one."

Suzanne pressed her lips into a thin line before she bowed. "Yes, my queen."

Suzanne carefully left Aries to get the empress jewelry box to change the ones she was wearing for the third time. She knew Aries was stalling, but she didn't point it out. When she returned with the box in her hand, Aries was still standing in the same position, staring at herself longer than before.

"Should I let my original hair color back?" asked Aries out of nowhere, making Suzanne's steps slow down until the latter was standing on the empress's side. "I've been dying my hair blonde, but I don't see the need for it anymore."

"Everything Your Majesty does and wear becomes a fashion trend," Suzanne remarked softly. "I am certain changing your hair color to its original color will do nothing to your reputation."

Aries rocked her head. "I don't think it will. After all, everyone in the empire would become a prisoner today."

Suzanne didn't respond anymore, studying Aries's side profile. Ever since Aries ascended the throne, she had been careful and distant. However, privately, there were remnants of that woman Suzanne first met: nonchalant, caring, and curious. Only recently did Suzanne notice the subtle changes in Aries.

"How was Violet?" Aries asked as she chose which jewelry would suit her outfit today.

"She is doing well, Your Majesty. Sir Roman had visited her two days ago. I'm certain he had already secured her and her children's safety."

"Those two were always so frustrating."

This time, Suzanne let out a weak chuckle. "The Baroness was in no hurry."

"Every passing day, Violet is growing older. Roman does not."

"There were children involved, Your Majesty," said Suzanne, knowing Aries was simply indulging in this small talk to forget about the bigger problems for a moment. "Therefore, the Baroness and Sir Knight were taking their time in courtship."

Aries remained silent, picking up a ring that had a ruby stone.

"This looks better," she said, testing the ring she hadn't worn before.

"It's beautiful, my lady." Suzanne smiled. "I heard His Majesty had gathered all skilled jewelers across the empire to make it."

"It's from Abel?" Aries lifted her brows, peeking at Suzanne.

"Yes, Your Majesty. It came along with all the gifts you received from him during the wedding."

"Hah…" she rocked her head, raising her hand, staring at the ring on her ring finger. "It's beautiful, indeed."

"In Topia and Chivisea, warriors adorned their armor with rubies for protection. Some royals used it to protect themselves from misfortune and illnesses," Suzanne shared while Aries lifted her hands higher, staring at the twinkle of the red stone. "I think Your Majesty should wear it."

The side of Aries's lips curled up. "Find me a necklace and earrings that had the same color."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Suzanne immediately searched for the jewelry that matches the ring. It didn't take long for her to find them, setting them aside, before assisting Aries to take off the pieces of jewelry the empress was already wearing.

When Suzanne was done, Aries stared at herself in the mirror, caressing the gold-plated collar necklace that had little pieces of rubies on it.

"Isn't it too grand?" Aries inquired, while Suzanne shook her head.

"Grand is only suited for the empress."

"Should I wear a bigger one, then?"

"Whatever you please, Your Majesty. Everyone can wait until you're ready."

"Then let's test out everything."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

With that being said, Suzanne had to take off Aries's jewelry and replace them with another set. They did it over and over. Aries tested everything, taking her precious time as if she didn't have a scheduled appointment to welcome the king of the mainland.

Aries knew she was late, but no one from the emperor's palace came to her to tell her about it. In fact, not a single soul went to remind her of her tardiness.

"This looks simple," Aries mused as she gazed at the set of jewelry she was currently wearing. "Simple yet elegant. I like it."

Suzanne just smile. That set was what Aries originally wore before she tested the ruby ring. The only piece that Aries didn't take off was the ruby ring.

"Do you think the welcoming ceremony is over?" asked Aries, snapping her eyes back at Suzanne.

"Considering they probably waited for your arrival, the ceremony was probably delayed."

"Then should we go through this again?"

"Why don't I make you some calming tea, Your Majesty?" Suzanne smiled subtly, knowing Aries was simply exhausting herself to have an excuse.

Not showing up at the arrival of Maximus was a big gesture of the empress. It only meant she disliked this guest, and so, those who were supporters of the queen would be wary of the empire's distinguished guest.

"That would be nice," said Aries, making Suzanne's smile stretch just a little bit.

With that being said, Suzanne assisted Aries to the armchair near the window before she left to prepare the empress some tea and snacks. When Suzanne left Aries alone, she turned her head to the window, letting silence reign in the chamber.

"What a bother." Her soft voice pierced the still air, fluttering her eyelashes ever so tenderly. "Even from this distance, I can feel the tension in the great hall. I hope my husband forgives me for not being there to listen to his friend's nonsense."

Aries propped her elbow against the armrest, resting her jaw on her knuckles. "I wonder… where is that man who claimed to be my soulmate? Should I force him to come to me?"