The Tyrant's Pet

"Aries."

Aries turned her head, only to jump back with the horrendous mask in front of her. She patted her chest, gritting her teeth when Abel slid the mask to the side and smirked evilly.

"Goodness..." she clutched her hand, suppressing the urge to smack him just once. "... you'd be the death of me," she blurted out.

"That's fine with me." He laughed, checking the horrendous mask in his hand. "It's not a bad one. We should get two. One for me and you. We'll scare the living hell out of Conan. What do you think?"

Abel quirked a brow, studying her blank expression. It was safe to say that he was enjoying this, while the latter was akin to a chaperon. Either way, Abel was having fun. That was more important.

"Say." Aries cleared her throat, toeing closer to him until they were shoulder to shoulder. "You're a little annoyed by Sir Conan, right?"

Abel looked at her with a slight surprise. "Darling, just because I appreciate his efforts for this idea, doesn't necessarily mean I agree with his methods. I dislike it when others think they can decide for me." She held her breath upon noticing the glint that flickered across his eyes.

He wasn't angry, that was for sure. But Aries instantly recognized that glint in his eyes. He felt insulted. For a person who experienced all sorts of insult and shame, a slight pang struck her chest at the sight of it.

"Please don't kill Sir Conan." She grinned, diverting the subject to 'save' Conan. "Anyway, are you sure you want that mask?"

"Why? You think it's horrific?"

"Well, of course not..."

"Yes or no?"

"Uhm..." Aries tried so hard to keep her cool, but this game he had been doing was giving her a headache. He just kept raising questions and making it feel like it was a troublesome question. At this point, she was done.

"Yes. It's horrific," came out a dead voice, embracing her fate just like that. To something she wasn't surprised about was his great reaction.

"Great! We'll take it!" Abel tossed a few silver coins to the merchant, signaling him two masks. When the merchant passed the smaller mask, Abel faced Aries.

"Do you want to wear it?" He looked around, seeing that most people were holding one or wearing one. A scene when the annual festival was starting its week-long celebration.

"Hmm! That's why you bought them, right?" she blinked, looking adorable as she looked up at him. She didn't mean, though. But for Abel, who was staring down at her, this was the first time she looked at him without calculating in her mind.

Abel narrowed his eyes and smirked. "Let me tie it on you." He stepped forward, holding the drawstrings, then tied the mask around her head. But instead of concealing her face, he tied it on top of her head. He then tilted it a bit, causing it to slide to her side lightly.

"Huh?" Aries titled her head to the side, a bit confused. Why did he tie it 'incorrectly?'

"Don't put on the mask. I might lose you."

"Oh..." she rocked her head lightly. Not that she already planned to escape; she couldn't underestimate this man. Aries watched Abel tie the mask around his head, placing it on the side slightly. Just like hers.

"This is better." The side of his lips curled up charmingly, winking to add some charm points.

'It's unfair to have a terrible personality and a handsome face.' She sighed, mentally shaking her head.

"So, what now?" Abel inquired with his hands on his hips. They just arrived in the plaza and this stall was the first one they approached. Neither had experience in dating properly.

It was obvious why dating was never been Abel's problem. He was the emperor. He could have a harem if he so pleased.

What about Aries? Unfortunately, she was picky. What she desired was something different from the love she usually received from the citizens of Rikhill.

"How about... a walk?" Aries suggested, grazing her chin. "Talk and walk? I've never been out of the palace, so a walk while looking around isn't bad."

"Then a walk it is." A smile dominated his face while he raised a palm. "Hand. This date isn't just about you, darling. We walk just as you pleased, but we hold hands. That's my condition."

"Abel, do you always do things with something in return in mind?" she scrunched her nose up, but still clasped his hand before they walked.

"Of course. If there's no benefit from it, then there's no reason for me to exert effort." He shrugged while she frowned.

"Doing things and expecting nothing in return is the main reason to choose it." She pouted, muffling her reply. But he heard her loud and clear, so Aries just continued her argument.

"Your Majesty, I mean, Abel. Sometimes, it's good to receive something from someone because they appreciate and value your deed from the bottom of their heart. Not because they had to."

"Darling, you are quite cute." He rubbed his knuckles against her cheek lightly. "But no thanks. You know I'm not as patient as you think I am."

Aries sighed and studied his side profile as he looked ahead. For reasons unknown, she noticed Abel was closed off on most things. That was what she had felt since the beginning. She was so close to him and sometimes, she would legitimately think she was getting too close. But somehow, she also felt he was getting farther.

The concept of the closer he felt, the more distant he was. This was something she only felt around Abel. It wasn't a good feeling, but also not bad. It was simply strange if she put it.

Aries squeezed his hand to get his attention, smiling subtly at him. "Better?" she asked, making the space between his brows wrinkle.

How did she know? He wondered. How did she figure out he disliked the crowd?

His eyes softened for a split second. "Better." He squeezed her hand lightly. "So, what is Princess Aries like?"