The Tyrant's Pet

Six long months had passed since they crowned Aries the empress of the Haimirich Empire. It wasn't easy. Many things had changed and Aries had to adjust to this new role she voluntarily embraced. On top of fulfilling her duties as the empress, she also had to attend a few times in the night council, addressed the problems during the night, and get used to the fact this empire was split — just like night and day.

Aside from the empire's law that every citizen must adhere to follow, there was also a separate set of rules the creatures of the night must strictly follow. One of them was to not touch or harm humans; they could blend in with them, though. It was the same for humans. Although humans weren't aware of their existence, they weren't allowed to purge someone and must report it to the local office if they found something suspicious or strange.

By doing this, the empire could control the information and safeguard both races' safety.

Aries learned a lot in the past six months, especially how this empire runs. Her admiration for Abel obviously shot up; he might be unreasonable most of the time and lacked remorse, but to be truthful, Abel was not only a wise emperor but the best ruler any country could have. Aside from being an infamous tyrant, there was more and deeper reason the Haimirich Empire had lasted this long and wasn't getting any weaker.

Abel might be a wicked villain in the eyes of others, but in Haimirich, he was everyone's hero. Everyone owed him their peaceful lives away from wars and fear of invasion.

"Don't be angry." Aries let out a deep exhale as she looked at Conan's gloomy mood. "Can't you see? Everyone is fine."

She raised her eyes at the door where the noble ladies she invited for a tea party were walking out one after another. The ladies' eyes were still cloudy and blank, but they were functioning. It was better than having someone else carry them to their carriage.

"Goodness…" Conan grumbled listlessly, closing his eyes. He had already sat down on the armchair near Aries's spot, melting on it to rest his exhausted body and mind.

"I brewed you a tea to ease your fatigue and also a stress relief. You should drink it before it turns cold."

Conan reopened his eyes and cocked his head to her. His expression was blank.

"Lady Aries, every time you urge me to drink the tea you brewed, my anxiety keeps rising."

"I didn't poison it," she defended immediately. "I promise."

"You didn't poison it… do you think I didn't know that's not the only thing you can do?"

A laugh escaped her mouth. "Trust me. I didn't do anything to it."

"I've been having trust issues in this place," mumbled Conan, peeling his back from the chair to pick up the teacup. But just as he guided it to his lips, he glanced over the rim, narrowing his eyes at her.

"Should I drink it for you first?"

"I'm reconsidering."

Aries chuckled and shook her head. She couldn't blame Conan since she had once used him as a test subject a few months ago. It only happened once, and the terrifying nagging from Conan traumatized her. Still, Conan was too cautious and wouldn't want it to happen again.

"The tea inside that cup came from this pot." Aries carefully reached for the pot and poured herself a cup. When she picked up the teacup and saucer, she faced Conan with a smile. "You should really forgive me for that one time."

"Ever heard of the phrase, forgiven but not forgotten?"

"Goodness… just what should I do to prove I don't plan to harm you?" mumbled Aries, before taking a sip of tea. When she drank a considerable amount, she slowly placed the teacup and saucer back on the table before facing Conan. "See? It's safe."

Conan waited for a minute patiently, and then secretly sighed in relief when nothing happened to her.

"I cannot let my guard down around here," he complained, taking a sip of the tea. "I said I liked the teas you brewed, but it takes a lifetime of courage to take a sip."

"Don't make me sound like I'm some sort of maniac."

Conan licked his lips while giving her a judgemental look. 'Wasn't she turning into a madwoman?' was what he wanted to say, but Aries could be petty sometimes. She honestly scares him just the same as Abel. Both of them were like ticking time bombs.

Aries didn't lie about the tea, as it was truly safe. They enjoyed a moment of peace and quietness for a while before Conan's voice pierced the air again.

"Anyway, are you alright?" he asked, causing her brows to elevate. "About those dreams you've been having."

"They're not dreams, Your Grace," Aries corrected. "They're visions."

"Either way, are they still bothering you?"

"Well, not much. After that strange and vague vision I had months ago, it's been the same." Aries lowered her eyes, recalling the visions she had kept having since claiming the throne.

She had openly told everyone about it because she didn't want to keep everyone in the dark. Especially now that she was a part of the night council, Aries had to tell things such as this to Abel or to Conan or Isaiah. After all, witches and vampires had their own abilities, and playing with someone's mind was an easy fit to do.

"That tree… that child and elderly, and those who were hanged upon that tree…" she mumbled, recalling what was clear to her until now. Aries was certain she had these visions, but she just couldn't remember every little detail aside from these snippets.

"That's scary…" Conan commented before he smacked his lips. "His Majesty couldn't enter that dream?"

"He can't, apparently. So we concluded it has something to do with Maleficent." Aries shrugged. "And even if he can, I have a feeling he shouldn't."

"A feeling?"

"Mhm. A strong gut feeling that these visions are better off left alone." Aries leaned back leisurely. "I think Abel thought the same."