The Tyrant's Pet

[ MAINLAND ]

"The crown prince from the land of Zel had arrived in the royal palace."

Aries paused from putting her earring, raising her eyes at the woman's reflection in the mirror. There, standing several feet from Aries's chair — that was in front of the vanity mirror — was Suzanne.

Yes. Suzanne.

Suzanne had died that night in the Haimirich Empire, but thanks to Aries's newly acquired powers and Maximus's assistance, she was able to bring her back to life. Although the cost of bringing back the dead was high, Aries didn't hesitate.

"Gustav will welcome them and usher them to their lodging." Aries snapped her eyes ever so tenderly, resuming locking the earring. "There's no need to report who arrived one by one, Suzanne."

"The prince of Zel is requesting a private audience with you."

"Everyone wants a private audience with me." Aries let out a dry snicker, picking up the other pair of earrings to put in her other ear. "I'm busy."

Suzanne pressed her lips into a thin line and lowered her head. "Very well. I will tell them to rest until the start of the summit two days from now."

"Mhm."

"Do you need my help, Your Majesty?" asked Suzanne as she straightened her back, watching Aries put on her necklace.

Aries didn't respond immediately, pausing, and turning around to face Suzanne.

"I am alright." Her lips curled up into a subtle smile. "Everyone is busy since we are hosting a summit. The least I can do is not to burden my people even more."

"Assisting you is an honor, not a burden, Your Majesty."

"I appreciate that." Aries rocked her head. "But there's no need. I enjoy the little things in this life that I can do all on my own."

"If that is what Her Majesty wishes, then there's nothing I can do."

"Don't be disheartened, Suzanne." Aries faced the mirror once again, keeping her gaze on Suzanne's face. Her eyes fell on the high-collar dress Suzanne was wearing that covered her entire neck. "Those wounds hadn't healed completely."

"Your kindness had healed all the inner wounds. Those were the most important to me." Suzanne lowered her eyes, pertaining to the fact Aries had sacrificed a lot just to bring her back. The wounds that killed Suzanne that night might've not healed yet, but having a second chance to serve her queen mended all the regrets in her heart.

"You never fail to make my heart flutter. Even my husband-to-be couldn't make my heart skip a beat." Aries chuckled, setting her eyes on her reflection. She cupped her cheek, eyes drooping until they were partially closed. "Before you go, send people to clean that mansion in the Forbidden Forest."

"Your Majesty?"

"That mansion in that forest. The one that looks exactly like the Forbidden Mansion in Haimirich," Aries stressed, gazing back at Suzanne. "Send people to clean it spotless."

Deep lines appeared between Suzanne's brows. It had been two years since they migrated to the mainland with Aries as the Queen. Obviously, being the Queen and the Queen's lady-in-waiting, they studied almost everything. Therefore, they were aware of the existence of that mansion in the forbidden forest.

According to the records, that mansion was where the Grimsbanne lived before. The reason the forest that surrounded the mansion was considered a Forbidden Forest -- where one couldn't just cross thoughtlessly -- was that it was dangerous. They said not everyone who went there returned.

Even until now, no one touched the forbidden forest even though the Grimsbanne wasn't on the mainland anymore. They tried, but it was still dangerous and wasn't Aries's priority.

That was why Suzanne was puzzled by the Queen's sudden order.

"We'll be expecting some interesting guests." Aries chuckled, noticing the apparent confusion plastered on Suzanne's face. "With all the current guests the royal palace is accommodating, I don't think we can welcome more."

"Additional guests…?" Suzanne mulled about Aries's remarks, counting the guests that hadn't and expecting to arrive on the mainland. There were only a few and since they had prepared for the summit since the establishment of the mainland two years ago, she was certain they could accommodate all the guests.

The side of Aries's lips curled up but didn't give Suzanne some enlightenment. She drew a breath, about to reach for her perfume, before hearing the subtle knocks on the door.

Knock Knock…

Suzanne snapped out of her thoughts as she looked back at the door, waiting for someone to announce their identity. However, the knocks stopped at three before silence followed.

"I will be on my way, Your Majesty," said Suzanne as she looked back at Aries's back. She then lowered her head slightly, turned on her heel, and sauntered off.

When Suzanne opened the door, she paused. Her eyes lifted to the person standing outside, only to see a towering man with a stature of no less than six feet tall. The other half of his platinum hair was tied while the rest was let down.

Maximus still looked as sickly and pale, but the luster in his eyes and that smirk plastered on his face didn't allow pity from another.

"Greetings, Your Highness." A layer of frost coated Suzanne's eyes as she beckoned a neck bow.

"Lady Suzanne, I always wonder how come you are getting colder every time I see you even after your resurrection?" Maximus mused with a short chuckle. "We are allies now, and yet, you couldn't offer me a smile."

"Her Majesty is inside, Your Highness. She was expecting you." Suzanne's expression turned even colder as she raised her head to face Maximus. "I'll be on my way."

Maximus shook his head and shrugged. "I can't force you to like me, can I?" he humored, taking a step to the side whilst moving his arm as a gesture to make way for her.

"You should be thankful you are her precious handmaiden. That glare is annoying," he added as he held Suzanne's sharp gaze.

"I will be forever grateful to my queen. Only to her." She smirked, almost like taunting him. "I'll excuse myself first."

Suzanne didn't idle as she turned on her heel, walking away with her chin held high. Meanwhile, Maximus kept his attention on Suzanne's back before he smirk.

"What a rude woman," he commented before taking a step into the queen's chambers. "My dearest Queen, I suggest disciplining your people. They were becoming more and more brazen…"

Maximus trailed off as soon as his steps halted, gazing at the elegant woman rising from her chair and then facing him.

"What a stunning fiancee I have!"