The Tyrant's Pet

One month later…

The current matters on the mainland were just the tip of the iceberg, and everyone knew that. The throne and the reinstatement of the Grimsbanne clan were just small matters. It almost meant nothing, although it gave them a lot of advantages to avoid their enemies from spewing their ridiculous hypocrisy hidden under the twisted laws of the land.

"The roots of all these were planted deeper than I could imagine," Aries whispered, standing before the empty throne that was now hers. She held the tip of her finger with the other, keeping her poise despite being all alone.

The great hall was empty with only the golden light of the sunset filtering through the glass windows. Her throne was perfectly placed to where the light would land, highlighting the polished seat wrapped with gold and rare jewels.

She could imagine what she would look like sitting on it from the eyes of the people who were honored to stand in the great hall.

"Do I look like them?" she wondered, blinking ever so slowly. "Like all the kings who owned their bloody throne?"

There were a few people Aries could remember at the thought of a throne. One of them was Maximus and Abel. Before being their queen, Aries was their subject.

Abel might be different in front of her and to his close confidante; he was playful and mischievous with a bit of wickedness. However, every time he would sit on the throne, Abel looked reputable and intimidating. One look and one could tell he was no doubt the emperor of the land; the natural air surrounding him screamed royalty.

Maximus was a different case, though. But he wasn't any less, just carried a different charisma that would compel anyone to listen. Whenever Maximus would sit on this same throne and even when he sat down on that throne in the Haimirich Empire two years ago, Aries only thought of one thing; he was someone one shouldn't underestimate.

Their methods of governing might be different, but she couldn't say who was far more wicked or good. Good was never in the options, anyway.

She had come a long way to even have these sorts of thoughts.

"Never in my life…" she whispered again, caressing the seat she stole and claimed as hers. "... would have I imagined owning you."

Never.

Considering how small the land of Rikhill was, Aries never thought she was up for 'greater' things. Though considered great, but not all in a good sense. All she wanted back then was to lead her people with love, compassion, and fair justice. But after the Kingdom of Rikhill fell, her fate spiraled.

From a war trophy to an escaped prisoner, an escapee to being a pet, then climbing up the ladder and becoming the emperor's mistress; a mistress to a noble lady, and then cinching the title of the crown princess in another empire… before she trekked her way to become an empress.

As far as she could remember, everything was intentional up to the point where she became the crown princess of the Maganti Empire. After that, she was like a leaf being drifted where the wind blow. There was probably a tropical storm because she was blown in this direction — to a place she didn't think existed.

Aries could vividly remember everything and how she reached this place, but what was clear to her was that being the Sovereign of the land of vampires was never in her plan. She never even wished to be associated with this land — ever.

But because people with evil intentions were following her husband like a shadow; she had no other choice. She loved Abel so much that she was willing to step into the lake of fire and dip herself into it. The only consolation in going far and beyond was that Abel would do the same for her. He would go even to the pits of hell for her.

"There is no point in having a trip down memory lane, is there?" she murmured to herself, retrieving her hand from the golden throne. "Not that Aries Heathcliffe was still alive."

Aries Heathcliffe died a long time ago when the land of Rikhill fell. Therefore, she had no problems living as Daniella Circe Vandran, Queen, or whatever name people would call her. Although she had one favorite: Aries Grimsbanne. Sadly, she couldn't use that right now.

"Your Majesty."

Suddenly, Suzanne's voice rang from the side. She bowed and raised her head to the figure standing in front of the throne.

"The young Lord of the Rothschild has arrived in the capital and is requesting a private audience," announced Suzanne.

A month after Aries's coronation, there were many things that had happened. Although most of them involved the establishment of the new era, as this was the first time a woman would rule the Mainland. With that being said, there were problems here and there, but they were issues that only required simple solutions.

"The young Lord of the Rothschild, huh?" Aries repeated, rocking her head without casting her handmaiden a look. "He said he will come in a month, but it seemed he came a little early."

"Should I send him away, Your Majesty?"

"No." Aries slowly peeled her gaze from the throne to the woman standing on the last step of the raised platform from where Aries stood. "Take him to the garden and prepare us the best tea the Queen's palace can offer. I would like to be surrounded by comfort while meeting this… infamous young Lord."

Suzanne lowered her head, hands in front of her abdomen. "As you wished, Your Majesty."

With that being said, Suzanne excused herself to execute the Queen's order. Meanwhile, Aries kept her attention on Suzanne's retreating back.

There were families and houses that Aries kept a close eye on for the past month. Aside from the Grimsbanne, she monitored the movements of the powerhouses that had great influence in this land. She didn't do this to offer them alliance as she would normally do, but rather, to keep those who could threaten her authority, such as the House of Bathory, the Rothschild, and the Leviticus.

Aries drew a breath before walking down the five-step up. When she reached the last step, she looked back at the throne.

'The Rothschild…' she whispered inwardly. '... had always shown an interest in that stool. I would like to see what they have prepared for me.'

With that thought in mind, Aries sauntered off to meet the young Lord of the mentioned powerhouse whom she heard lots of things about.