The Tyrant's Pet

The three (Aries, Abel, and Dexter) discussed anything but important things. It was as if they didn't get separated for the past two years. In the beginning, the atmosphere was still a little stiff, but over time, Aries was able to loosen up.

For the past two years, Aries finally laughed until she was tearing up. It was an emotion she thought she had once lost, but it seemed there was just nothing funny in the past two years. They didn't even lose topics, hopping from one topic to another, catching up until the sky turned darker and darker.

"Today, the summit commenced." Dexter cleared his throat, swallowing down the wine. "Will you just ditch it entirely?"

Abel shrugged, casting Aries a knowing look. "Depends on her decision."

"I can't." Aries sighed, staring at the wineglass in her hand. "No matter what, I am still the current queen of the mainland. Therefore, I had to do my duties."

"Any particular reason for that?" Dexter leaned back, arching his brow. "I don't think is just purely because you feel responsible."

Aries rocked her head, keeping quiet for a moment. This was probably the first important discussion they had, and she was aware her brother was simply asking out of plain curiosity.

"It's true that I have no emotional attachment to the mainland. However, there were certain things I can do as the queen. Although it was Maximus's plan to establish the mainland as a legal country in this world, it wasn't just a one-sided plan. I also want the mainland to get recognized."

"And why is that?" Dexter's follow-up question was quick, but this time, Abel was the first to answer.

"Have you gone asinine after being stuck with a she-male?" Abel snickered, bringing a frown to Dexter's face. "Making the mainland known is a good way for all the other kingdoms to grow wary of them. I am absolutely horrified that I have to explain this to you, but binding the mainland with international law will keep them all at bay."

"That is right." Aries nodded. "It was one of the reasons I hosted this summit. To establish the mainland as a country known to the rest of the world and bring awareness of the existence of vampires. The other reason was for this world organization to rise up to power."

Politics were always a complicated game to play. However, this was Aries's forte. It might be a futile attempt, but if the majority were aware of the existence of vampires and other creatures, humans wouldn't just live in fear.

Only the unknown was something humans fear, after all. Moreover, she could say, at least, she tried.

"This world organization, huh?" Dexter rocked his head, already aware of this organization London proposed and Aries approved. "However, I don't see any reason for it to help your situation."

"It's not meant to help me get out of my situation, brother." Aries sported a subtle smile. "After being the crown princess of the land of Rikhill and the Maganti Empire, and then being an empress of the Haimirich Empire, I realized something important."

She lowered her eyes, watching her distorted reflection as she swirled the wine mildly.

"Things such as political disputes and international discourtesy which lead to war and other problems don't affect those in power that much. Innocent people suffer because of the men in power, and even when I can just point the blame at those royalties and nobles… I can't. After all, the lack of information was partly at fault." Aries slowly lifted her eyes back to Dexter, sporting a short smile. "I want everyone… not just the people of Haimirich, but everyone across the globe that even when they couldn't rely on their king and their governance, there's an organization who could help them."

"I want to protect the future… that's the only thing I can do for Maleficent," she added in a calm and soft voice. "To give peace and order and acceptance not just for the witches, but also for the vampires. Also, for children like Sunny."

Aries cast Abel a look and flashed him a subtle smile before facing Dexter. "I… don't want more people — vampires and humans or any other creatures alike to go through the hell you all overcame."

No one was born wicked, and that was what Aries realized. She already had this realization in mind back then, but only two years ago did she truly understand that phrase.

Villains were made, and she didn't want to create more villains in this world. The cycle of revenge and hatred and schemes was too tiring to deal with.

Abel had this smirk on his face, staring at her side profile with equal admiration and delight. Aries couldn't save herself and yet, she was trying to save as many people as she could.

How admirable.

Meanwhile, Dexter's eyes softened as he nodded in understanding.

"You changed, Dani," said the Marquess, reaching out for the glass of wine. "You never cease to make me proud. Although I cannot deny I couldn't help but question myself. Just what am I doing for the past two years?"

"Don't blame yourself, though," he added reassuringly. "It only motivates me to be more proactive."

"This time, I am with you, Marquess." Abel cupped his face, eyes on Aries. "I need to be more proactive since my wife just continues to blossom without withering."

"You two flatter me too much." Aries chuckled, shaking her head mildly.

The three of them engaged in a menial but entertaining conversation with Dexter and Abel, showering her with compliments from time to time. Little did Dexter and Abel know, what Abel mentioned previously was stuck in Aries's mind.

"She just continues to blossom without withering…" was that kept replaying in Aries's mind.

A beautiful yet thorny flower… that was what many people described the queen of the mainland as. However, even the rarest and most beautiful flower withered, and Aries… was not any different.

While the three of them laughed, they had no idea that Aries had been holding her left fist on her lap whilst enduring the numbing pain gnawing under her skin. It was as if someone was stabbing her hand repeatedly, but no blood was in sight.

Aries could only have one explanation for it. Maximus was stabbing his hand to hurt her, but there was no way in hell would she would ruin this moment. Over her dead body.