The Tyrant's Pet

It was no secret that the House Vandran held a fortune that was 'equal' to the royal treasury of the empire. With countless businesses across the continent, said noble family stood only second to the emperor in terms of power.

Dexter Vandran was the only person in the empire who could oppose Abel and get away with it. That was the reason there were only two sides to choose from in this place: the Imperialist or the Aristocratic factions. There was no middle ground.

That was also the reason Dexter was one of the most sought-after bachelors of his generation across the continent. Many ladies never failed to dress perfectly to catch the marquess's eye and gain unimaginable influence through the Vandran name alone. Men, on the other hand, would either sing praises of his name or see him as a threat to their political power.

Either way, Dexter wasn't the main highlight for tonight's banquet. In this glamorous banquet hall, attended only by those essential in the upper echelon and the middle-class nobles, they had only one thing in their mind.

Tonight's event was all about the marquess' beloved sister. Some guests from the opposing parties simply attended to see if the cunning marquess truly planned to introduce his real sister, or if it was simply part of a bigger scheme. While others looked forward to seeing the talk of the town ever since the rumors of her return to the capital and recovery had spread in the high society like a wildfire.

Daniella's name had been brought up at every tea party and banquet. Hence, she had been a target for either men wanting to affiliate with the Vandrans' and women wanting to get close with the marquess through his sister, whom he cherished dearly.

Amidst the glamorous atmosphere that seemed to sparkle just like the huge chandeliers dangling from the ceiling accompanied by lovely waves of laughter and chattering, everyone's eyes screamed with hunger and their not-so-hidden agendas.

​ "The Marquess Vandran and the Lady of the manor are now entering…!" A knight announced and despite the chattering filling the enormous banquet hall, they heard his voice loud and clear.

Everyone was paying attention.

The noises slowly subsided, and all eyes moved to the entrance. Women hid behind their fans, eyes penetrating the shut door. Men stood proudly, anticipating what sort of princess the marquess had hidden from everyone's eyes.

CREAK…

Golden hair that was akin to the first peek of the sun in the morning reflected the warm sparkle of the chandeliers. A pair of sharp olive eyes that were akin to the first day of spring gazed at the owner of the pair of deep green that looked like the guardian of the calm and magical forest.

Aries held Dexter's hand barely, fingers flicked to highlight her clean and beautiful nails. The azure laces of her dress matched perfectly the shade of his cufflinks.

What a pair, was what instantly came to everyone's mind at the sight of them. Despite that, the two didn't share so many similarities in their facial structure aside from their distinct golden hair and a similar shade of eye color, no one doubted their relationship.

Aries was… stunning. They both were.

The flames behind the men's eyes, which were ignited just at the sight of her, were enough proof that her beauty was surreal. But more than that, both Dexter's and Aries's confident aura were enough to speak volumes.

And when she smiled modestly while gazing at him, she was breathtaking. No one had seen Dexter smile genuinely because he always kept a stoic front, but when he did, although faint, the subtle gentleness in his eyes was enough to make everyone envious of her.

For a man who had never batted an eye at women, the way he gazed at Aries was the biggest compliment of all. Well, now it was clear to everyone. The reason Dexter never batted an eye at other women was that he was used to seeing a goddess incarnate.

When Aries and Dexter stopped in the middle of the banquet hall, silence descended on the entire venue. Some held their breath, darting their eyes between the two, while others looked at the pair approvingly.

"Ladies and gentlemen," spoke Dexter with his attractive baritone voice, eyes scanning the crowd surrounding them. "I would like to express my gratitude for attending this very special night and celebrating the debut of my sister, who is very close to my heart."

A subtle and formal smile dominated his face, studying everyone's energy. Even within just a few seconds, he could feel everyone's interest. His guests were staring at them as if they were staring at their prey, but that was just what he wanted. It only meant they acknowledged Aries.

His sister was different, after all. She would stand out everywhere she would go.

Dexter smiled proudly at the thought, shifting his eyes to Aries, who stood by his side. She glanced at him and smiled back elegantly.

"Allow me to introduce my sister, the reason we have gathered tonight and brought unity within our hearts, even just for the night." He peeled his eyes away from her as he set them at the crowd, motioning his hand in Aries's direction.

"Daniella Circe Vandran."

Aries took a step forward, keeping her reserved smile and clarity in her eyes. All her movements, her smile, how her eyelashes fluttered, the way her fingers flicked were watched very carefully.

"Allow me to express my gratitude for gracing our House with your presence tonight. Our House Vandran would surely remember your warm reception." Her voice was soft and soothing as if the Heavens itself played a lovely tune to give justice to it.

Now… that woman was undoubtedly fit to be the noblest woman on the continent.

She had it all: wealth, status, and beauty… and she exceeded in all of them, raising the standard to a level one would only attempt to reach whilst risking their life of falling.

***

"Wow… Lady Aries came out strong. I'm so proud of her!" Conan whistled, standing at the railings of the emperor's room. They were watching everything unfold from a distance.

He gazed at Abel on instinct. The latter was leaning against the railings with a smirk plastered on his face.

"How nice," Abel whispered dangerously. "I would've scooped out their eyes if not for the fact it will be me, my name, she will  be screaming later."