The Tyrant's Pet

"Brother!"

Dexter looked back and saw Aries running in his direction. She was clutching her skirt as she dashed to him, making his brows knit in puzzlement. When Aries stood in front of him, she was already catching up to her breathing, an obvious sign she ran all the way there.

"Dani." He signaled the knights to wait, facing her squarely. "What are you — why are you here? Don't you have arrangements during this time? Why did you rush here? Is there something wrong?"

Aries cleared her throat, straightening her back. "I forgot to give you this." The side of her lips stretched into a subtle smile, offering her hand to him.

"Huh?" Dexter gazed down, watching her open her hand, and revealed a black trinket. He picked it up despite his puzzlement, raising it to examine it.

"Hah… this trinket is for?" he asked, setting his eyes back to her.

"A protection charm." Aries smiled. "I had been learning from…" she looked around cautiously before leaning forward to whisper, "... this spell from Marsella. I forgot to give it to you earlier, so I rushed here."

"A lucky charm, huh?" Dexter rocked his head, smiling. He clasped the trinket, snapping his eyes back to her.

"It's not just a lucky charm, but in case something happens, it will protect you."

"And how will this protect me?"

Aries shrugged. "I don't know yet, but I have good faith in my abilities." She extended her hand and held his hand that was holding the trinket. "Always keep this with you, hmm? Only if you promised will I let you ride your steed."

"I never believed in charms, but I will." His smile stretched broader, nodding at her reassuringly. "I don't like Darkmore's magic, but I believe in yours. This charm… feels reassuring for sure."

Aries smiled in relief, releasing his hand carefully. She took a step back to give way to him, watching him put the trinket inside his coat.

"May you have a safe journey, brother. I'll wait for your return," she expressed, watching him hold the reins while standing on the side of the steed. Dexter looked back at her and smiled, nodding, and then climbed up the horse.

His eyes scanned the small group of knights around and then his gaze fell on her once again. He flashed her another smile before he yelled for them to depart. Her smile remained on her face, watching her brother and the knights amble up the dirt away.

Only when they were already in a distance did the smile on her face fade as worry shone in her eyes.

"Why do I feel so restless about this?" she wondered to herself, clutching her hand close to her chest. "He'll be alright, Aries. The protection charm will keep him from harm."

Aries repeated those words like a chant until the restlessness in her heart subsided. Perhaps it was just that she wasn't used to Dexter going to a faraway place with a mission. Even though she lived in the palace right now, knowing Dexter was just around put her heart at ease.

"That's right." She nodded, forcing a smile to her face.

Aries then turned, walking back to the Hyacinth Palace. Unlike how she sprinted from the Hyacinth Palace to the inner palace, Aries took her time on her way back to the candidate's dwelling. When she reached the Hyacinth Palace's premises, her steps slowed down until she halted.

Looking at the woman ahead, Aries lowered her head as a greeting to the woman standing at the other end of the hallway. She then resumed her steps, walking ahead with her chin up.

"I see you were in a rush this morning, Lady Daniella."

Aries stopped when she walked past the candidate, Princess Agnes. She looked back and smiled subtly.

"It seemed you had seen me in such an embarrassing predicament," she humored, keeping it civil with her.

"Do not worry, my lady. I won't tell anyone."

"I appreciate that." Aries tilted her head down. "Very well. I'll be on my way, princess."

With that being said, Aries didn't idle as she took a step away from the princess. At this point, Aries was already familiar with the candidates. Aside from Suzanne, Sybil, and Veronika, there were actually other candidates who had left an impression on Aries, and one of them was the sophisticated Princess Agnes.

"Should I put my bet on you, my lady?" Aries stopped once again when Agnes spoke. The latter slowly turned, facing Aries's figure.

"Should you put your bet on me?" Aries repeated, turning around to face her the second time. "I am not following, Your Highness."

Agnes smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "This selection. Should I bet on you?"

"I heard you, but I don't understand why would Your Highness support me."

"Let's drop the pretense, Lady Daniella. Supporting another candidate isn't a surprise. The princess from Chivisea, Topia, and Nuirus is supporting you. It's the same with the rest of the candidates who didn't have high hopes of clinching the title of the Empress," Agnes said, arching a brow knowingly.

"Indeed," agreed Aries with a nod. "But isn't that the same with you? There is Lady Wendell and other ladies supporting you, Princess. In my opinion, you are the strongest candidate there is right now, and Lady Ivory comes in second."

Agnes laughed modestly. "Am I?"

"You do not have to support me, Your Highness."

"And why shouldn't I? Don't you want to become an Empress?"

Aries smiled, shrugging weakly. "Who doesn't?" she said, holding the princess's gaze in momentary silence. "I just don't want to owe more people in the future. I think my answer is clear enough, so I'll be on my way. May you enjoy your stroll, Your Highness. Although it'll be better if you stroll with a company."

With that being said, Aries turned around to return to her chambers or find her friends to have some tea. She wanted to check on those three princesses since she knocked them out yesterday to quarrel with Abel.

"Aries Aime Heathcliffe."