The Tyrant's Pet

Days had passed and Aries quickly got used to the life as the crown princess. She had worked hard before her wedding. Not to mention, she used to attend the court matters in the Haimirich with Abel, and Conan himself trained her.

Therefore, the matters she was handling were nothing. It was more like handling the easiest task back in Rikhill.

"Hmm…" Aries hummed as she read the document on the desk.

"Your Highness, would you want to take a break and enjoy a cup of tea?" she arched a brow and gazed at Cherry, her lady-in-waiting, who was standing on the side near Aries' desk. "You've been working hard since morning. Apologies if I'm overstepping."

"It's alright, Countess Lloyd. I understand that you're simply concerned about my well-being." Aries sported a smile as she pushed herself away from the desk. "Something that will soothe my muscles and clear my mind is something I sorely need now."

"Then, I will return." Cherry tilted her head down before walking away gracefully. Meanwhile, Aries rose from her seat and picked up the document she was reading, walking towards the set of settees inside her office. When she perched on the end of the long settee, Aries propped her arm over the armrest and sighed.

"I miss Abel." She bit her tongue as her eyes dilated, gazing at the shut door. Aries heaved a sigh of relief and patted her chest when she was certain no one was inside, aside from her.

'My goodness Aries.' Shaking her head as she had been missing Abel every passing day. Those words had been a constant thought, a subconscious sentiment. She didn't think she would whisper it unconsciously.

'I guess I really miss him.'

A frown dominated her face as she felt a little drained. Although her plans were moving on as planned, it would be better to hug him, even just for a second. Just one tight hug, she thought. But she didn't really have a choice. She knew Abel hadn't reached Haimirich even if he rode the fastest steed. It was just impossible.

"I miss Abel," she repeated in a somber tone, glancing at the document in her hands. "Can't they give me a harder task to solve? I'll do the Maganti a favor just because I need to distract myself for a bit."

Another sigh slipped past her lips before she tossed her head back, eyes closed, to relax them for a bit. Maybe it was the waiting, she thought, that she was feeling a bit bored and couldn't help but yearn for Abel.

There was never a second dull moment with that guy.  Be it his out of nowhere thoughts or just his ridiculous ideas, Aries missed all of them. Who would have thought there would be a time she would miss that menace?

"Your Highness."

Aries slowly opened her eyes when she heard a knock on the door, letting out another faint sigh for the umpteenth time. She responded, "come in," in a soft voice, peeling her eyes away from the ceiling to the document in her hand.

As Cherry pushed the trolley tray inside, Aries glanced at her for a second. She hadn't been giving Cherry a scare since their first meeting, letting her feel comfortable, knowing she had been reporting to Joaquin since day one.

'Should I play with her for a bit?' she wondered, tossing away the thought when Cherry served her the tea. 'Nevermind. Cherry can have her peace of mind for now. There's some important thing I must focus on.'

"Countess Lloyd, would you share a cup of tea with me?" Aries proposed with a subtle smile, to which Cherry returned with a polite one.

"It's my honor, Your Highness."

Aries rocked her head, watching Cherry sit across from her. This had been their activity together, giving Cherry the impression of how Aries enjoyed teas. It was the opposite of the Aries this woman knew. Aries didn't like tea that much — she preferred the strong aroma of coffee back at Rikhill.

"Lady Lloyd, have you prepared a dress for the upcoming ball hosted by the ninth princess?" asked Aries right after Cherry sipped tea. "If you still hadn't had one yet, should I prepare you one?"

"Your Highness, that is very generous of you, but how dare I simply accept such an offer so easily?"

"It is my first public appearance. Therefore, as my lady-in-waiting, I want my people to standout." Aries shrugged nonchalantly, speaking without brakes, as that was just Daniella's character. It wasn't from the goodness of her heart, it was simply to… promote. 

Yes. If everyone sees Cherry stood out on the ball, Aries would take all the credit. Although she was certain Cherry would stand out even without her help since the latter took care of herself very well and often wanted to be the center of attention.

In that case, people would have an impression that the crown princess took care of her people. Thus, many would want to curry favor just to gain such perks. It was something she learned in Haimirich as Daniella and her small circle of friends in that place were queens of tea parties and banquets.

They were the women who had control of the current in the high society. Aries had to dominate the high society here since the information in the high society was fast, albeit not entirely reliable. But then again, a good and believable story was hard to kill, even if it was a total lie.

Cherry sported a complicated smile, but when she saw Aries arched a brow, she didn't have a choice.

"Then, thank you for your benevolence, Your Highness." She accepted with a smile and bowed, hoping Aries wasn't thinking of dressing her up with the common trend that wouldn't make her look special for the night. Cherry didn't have the same level of beauty as the crown princess, so she had to prepare well to stand out.

"I'll take care of you, Lady Lloyd." Aries smiled back, looking back at her with delight. "Don't worry. We'll get you measured later. I just thought of a design that will suit you perfectly."