"This matter is more personal than it appeared and things are easier said than done."
Dexter could never argue with that. Things had always been easier said than done, and that was an undeniable fact. Even though London had rebelled against the royal family — against the late Maximus IV — he had done so with his people in mind.
The situation this time was different.
This time, the brewing tension behind the grandeur of the royal palace was much more intense than it ever was. One could imagine the consequence once this blew out of proportion.
"It wasn't just an if." Dexter blinked ever so tenderly. He was still sitting on the chair behind the desk, setting his gaze on the window. "Things will surely blow out of proportion and this land will enter an era they aren't prepared for."
Although winning wasn't crystal clear as their foe wasn't someone to be underestimated, Aries was dead set to end this once and for all. Not just her, but Abel and the Grimsbanne were determined to reclaim their freedom.
Dexter was just as determined to protect his sister. Their enemies were just as undaunted.
"This is why… I would never be grateful for Abel's benevolence. I wanted to blame him for everything…" Dexter secretly blamed Abel for why Aries had to go through another hell, but that wasn't enough to stop him from helping them.
Dexter leaned back ever so slowly, resting his back against the chair, leaving the book of records open. He cocked his head back, eyes shut.
"The night of the coven will be a long one," came out a whisper while his body relaxed in the chair. "I wonder…"
He slowly reopened his eyes, catching the ceiling instantly. "... if we should go back to Haimirich and return to our lives, or was it better to start anew?"
******
QUEEN's PALACE: GARDEN
"Risk his life for me, huh?" Aries chuckled when Gustav relayed Miguel Rothschild's words to her. She had been busy all day, and only now did Gustav was able to relay Miguel's words to her.
"I don't remember laughing today." She continued to laugh while shaking her head. "That was enlivening. I feel like I can go on for several more hours of work."
Gustav sighed, standing near where Aries perched as she enjoyed a cup of tea after hours of work.
"My lady — Your Majesty, the Count seemed sincere," he remarked politely. "I think he is a good addition to your forces if the Marquess persuades him a little more."
"Persuade him?" Aries smirked, casting Gustav. "Gustav, you speak as though you did not serve my brother for centuries. As far as I remember, you also served Abel. Therefore, I expect a more sensible suggestion from you."
"I am simply thinking of Your Majesty." Gustav pressed his lips into a thin line. His eyes swirled with genuine worry. "You don't want to hurt him."
The smile lines on the corner of her lips waned.
"I, Gustav, pledged to follow your words without questions asked. Using my body to shield you was something I'd do without orders. Still, I may shield you from all incoming attacks, but I am powerless if it's your heart." Gustav lowered his head.
Gustav wanted to elaborate or say more, but he knew where to stand. He didn't want to mention how Aries witnessed how her brother, Davien, died for her, and now she might experience that again since Miguel carried Davien's face.
This time, however, Aries might take Miguel's life with her own hands if worse comes to worst. Just the thought of it, Gustav could already imagine the pain that Aries had to endure again.
The sternness that was dominating Aries's face softened. Her eyes were fixed on the bowing Gustav, smiling subtly.
"Just knowing you know what I am expecting puts my heart at ease." She peeled her gaze from him while Gustav straightened his back. "I held back ever since meeting Miguel Rothschild. After all, he doesn't only resemble my brother, but the resemblance in their personality was uncanny."
"They were both foolish and idealistic — always so optimistic." She bent over to pick up the cup of tea. "They believed everything is negotiable; that peace is easily attained. That is why he died… and I won't be surprised if he dies again for the same damn reason."
Her eyelids drooped as she took a sip, swallowing down the bitter taste of the tea. She licked her lips as she placed the cup down.
"I blamed myself the first time," she continued after a minute, facing Gustav this time. "If that face dies again under the same reason, then that's his fault this time."
"I lost everything once: my family, my land, my people, my dignity, even my sanity. I cannot allow that to happen again just because someone who looks exactly like my brother is in the way." Her tone this time carried an unbendable determination. "It might hurt, yes. However, I am no longer the Aries I was years ago. I am now a part of the Grimsbanne, the holder of Maleficent, was the Empress of two mighty empires, the crown princess of Rikhill, and now the Queen of the land of Vampires."
"I already sacrificed many things to reach this point in my life, Gustav. Therefore, you do not need to worry about my welfare." Aries smiled. It was a short smile, but it was genuine and full of sincerity and reassurance. "I am fighting not to die, but to live."
Gustav studied Aries's countenance and secretly sighed in relief. "Your Majesty sounds more confident and feels more reassuring when you're honest."
"You and my brother are too sensitive when it comes to me. Not that I am complaining," she humored, shifting her eyes behind Gustav as Suzanne came into sight.
Sensing a presence behind him, Gustav glanced over his shoulder. When he saw Suzanne, he faced Aries again.
"I will excuse myself first, Your Majesty," he politely excused himself with a bow, then greeted Suzanne with a slight nod. Suzanne nodded back but remained quiet until Gustav left the Queen's Garden.
"The witches have sent word, Your Majesty," Suzanne announced, making Aries's soft countenance sharpen. "They are ready for tomorrow night's full moon."
The corner of Aries's lips curled up into a devious smirk as a glint flickered across her eyes.
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