The Tyrant's Pet

Aries stayed with Conan for a bit but didn't stay for long since people would start looking for her. She ended the day like usual, working on the task she ought to give attention to, and then left to the Sapphire Palace. Even though she didn't see Joaquin throughout the day, Aries was aware of the current plight in the inner palace and pretended to not get affected by it.

"Welcome back, Your Highness." Gertrude welcomed her back with a polite bow, along with the servants, as soon as Aries returned. Aries waved, and that was Gertrude's cue to follow her as she waltzed through the hallway leading to her room.

"I asked someone to take my pet in here. Where is he?" Aries inquired without taking her eyes off of the hallway.

"He's in the room next to Your Highness."

Aries nodded at Gertrude's response. "Take me to him. I'd like to pet him after a long day of work."

"Yes, your highness. This way, please."

With that being said, Gertrude led Aries along the way while the other servants followed from behind. When they reached the room near Aries, she glanced at the servants behind but said nothing. Instead, she let Gertrude open the door for her before she headed in.

As soon as she stepped foot inside, her expression sharpened. Curtis was put in a small cage in the corner of the room.

"I will let him get out —"

"No need, Gertrude. Stay there and don't let anyone in." Aries didn't even cast Gertrude a look as she sauntered towards the cage.

This cage reminded her of the cage they used to lock her in, causing her heart to tighten, but not enough to stop her from functioning altogether. If anything, it only ignited her determination to save Curtis.

Squatting down right outside the cage, Aries smiled and lowered her head to see Curtis. He was all balled up, trying to fit into this small cage perfectly. By the looks of it, Curtis was already used to this cage that he was rather cozy inside.

"Hello. I'm back," she whispered, catching Curtis' attention. "I'm sorry they put you back inside here. Come out and share tea with me."

Aries opened the door, which wasn't even locked, yet Curtis didn't even try to escape. A slight bitterness flickered in her eyes, but she kept the forced smile on her face as she held her hand out.

"Let's go, Curtis."

Curtis looked at her without a word and glanced at her hand before crawling his way out. As soon as he came close to her hand, he poked his head against her palm and then looked up.

"I'm happy to see you too, Curtis." She smiled, cupping his cheek and brushing it with her thumb. "But what did I tell you? Don't crawl anymore, right? Can you stand up properly?"

Since he wasn't responding anymore, Aries held his arms and tried to assist him to stand up so he could walk on his feet. However, as she did, Curtis clutched her slender arms and trembled, subsequently falling to his knees and scratching her arm.

THUD!

"Your Highness!" Gertrude yelled on instinct, seeing the scratch on Aries's arms. However, just as she took a step, her breath hitched, and she froze at the glare she received from Aries.

Aries peeled her eyes away from her and then back to Curtis, only to see terror clouding his features. A shallow breath slipped past her lips, squatting down once again.

"It's alright," she reassured with a smile. "I'm not angry. Come, let's try again, hmm?"

This time, Curtis was reluctant to approach her again, seeing the red scratch marks across her arms. However, she crooked her fingers and waited for him patiently. So he hesitatingly crawled towards her once again.

Her eyes softened, holding his arm once again. "Don't be afraid to try, alright? I'll be here every step of the way and no matter how many times you fall." She encouraged in a soft voice, assisting him up, but to no avail.

Curtis had lived by crawling like an animal, so walking like normal humans had become a struggle for him. But Aries was determined to help him. She had time, and she didn't stay in her office overtime because she wanted to spare Curtis some time to help him.

They tried and tried, standing up, only to slump back down on the floor with a thud. As they did, the scratches on her arms increased. Gertrude, who was witnessing this, couldn't help but cover her lips, holding her breath, feeling sorry for the both of them.

Even though Aries didn't disclose her relationship with Curtis, she wasn't slow-witted to conclude that this man, who arrived in a cage around lunch, was someone close to Aries's heart. It was despicable. Gertrude already thought how despicable this place was to condone such an inhumane deed to a human being, but watching this situation unfold, she couldn't help but think of all the worst things Aries endured in this place.

If this young man named Curtis had turned like this, just what kind of hell did Aries endure? It was already a miracle Aries was sane… or was she? Either way, this was slowly breaking Gertrude's heart as tears shone in her eyes.

"That's right… you're doing well, Curtis." Aries cheered in the same patient tone, helping Curtis for the umpteenth time. "You're doing good. We're almost there."

Her arms trembled along with his grip, watching Curtis straighten his knees with great difficulty. Her eyes glistened with anticipation, while Gertrude cheered for the two of them in silence.

"Almost… almost…" she trailed off and caught Curtis by his waist when his knees almost gave way, holding him still to her side with a proud smile on her face. "You did great, Curtis. That's enough for the day."

Curtis simply held on to her, with sweats breaking out of his forehead and back. Because of his lean and almost malnourished body, it wasn't a vigorous task to carry him by his waist. Gertrude also helped until both Aries and Curtis sat on the long settee.

"I'm so proud of you, Curtis." Aries ruffled his hair as he sat down properly for the first time in a long time. She could see the genuine wonder and slight discomfort he was feeling while sitting up, but she ignored it. Letting him crouch like usual wouldn't help him.

"Gertrude." Aries breathed out, withdrawing her hand from Curtis' head as she set her attention on Gertrude. This time, however, her soft expression slowly faded, replaced by sharpness and coldness. "Bring Curtis some snacks — healthy snacks he can enjoy and… bring that cage in the garden."

"Yes, Your Highness." Gertrude's response was quick, knowing just the sight of that cage would only bring pain and terrible memories, not just to Curtis but to Aries as well. But right before she could execute the order, Aries spoke once again.

"And gathered everyone, servants and knights, in the garden, including those who delivered Curtis in the Sapphire Palace." Gertrude subconsciously held her breath, sensing the murderous intent emanating from Aries's back like a silent scream. "Anyone who refused this order will be punished accordingly."

"Ye — yes, Your Highness." She stammered, having this gut feeling things would become bloody tonight, and Gertrude, for the first time, although terrified of Aries, wasn't scared for her.