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For the first three days since Maximus\' arrival, Abel had to accompany him for formality. It was a diplomatic visit and everything was done formally and in accordance with the Haimirich law. Even so, the people of the palace tweaked some practices that might offend the esteemed guest.

The only person who wasn\'t affected by these changes or the busy schedules of everyone was the empress.

"I heard some whisperings regarding the shut Rose Palace," Suzanne reported to Aries who was enjoying her morning tea in the empress\'s chancery. "Your absence had made an impact on this visit, Your Majesty. Prolonging it might put you in a terrible light, though."

Aries carefully placed the teacup back on the saucer. "They did most of the formal meetings in the past three days," she crooned, leaning back ever so slowly, eyes on Suzanne. "I guess I do not have to deal with such a confounded nuisance."

"Open the Rose Palace."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Suzanne bowed with her hands placed meticulously on her stomach.

Aries watched Suzanne leave the chancery silently, and when the door opened, she caught Gustav offering the empress\'s lady-in-waiting a slight bow. Gustav went in while Suzanne went out to execute the order. Except for these two, no one had interacted with Aries since Maximus\'s arrival.

"How was my brother?" asked Aries when Gustav stopped several feet from the chair she was sitting on that was near the window.

"The room where the marquess was recuperating is heavily guarded. No one can infiltrate it without causing rackets."

"The people we let in the imperial palace were vampires from the mainland. Stay on your toes."

"I am from the mainland, Your Majesty. Therefore, fret not. The marquess will be safe once the queen makes her move."

Aries rocked her head, peeling her eyes away from him to the window on her side. From her spot, she could see the beautiful palace garden that only nurtured the rarest flowers.

"Even so, do not let your guard down. You cannot be complacent since Abel wouldn\'t make any move… just yet."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

There was a moment of silence between them before her voice pierced the stilling air again.

"Maximus will come," she said calmly, but her focus remained on the garden. "His schedule will be a lot freer from today onwards."

"Should I add more knights to protect the palace, Your Majesty?"

"No. I want to see what he has in store for me."

Gustav\'s lips parted, but he shut them again. He wanted to tell her this game she was playing was far more dangerous, but there was no need for that. Aries was aware of that. Thus, Gustav lowered his head in understanding.

"Maximus IV…" Aries hummed, narrowing her eyes. "... I heard the grand duke had to replace Conan\'s spot."

"The grand duke had always been His Majesty\'s advisor. It was a wise decision of Sir Conan and His Grace," explained Gustav to soothe her worries. "It is the first time that a king of the mainland stepped out of that island. Due to a conflict of interest, the grand duke had to switch places with Sir Conan. Worry not. Sir Conan had been unleashing his fury during his training session. Things will be calm for now."

Aries slowly turned her head back to Gustav. But just as her lips parted, the marshall outside the chancery was heard knocking. When Gustav gave permission to enter after casting Aries a look, the knight entered discreetly.

"Your Majesty, someone from the guests wants to have a private audience with you," the knight reported quietly and sternly.

"Speaking of the devil," said Aries, casting Gustav a cursory look. "Prepare this person some snacks. I\'ll make him tea myself."

"As you wish, Your Majesty." Gustav lowered his head before facing the knight. "Let him come."

​ "Yes."

<strong>*********************************** BREAK ******************************************</strong>

"I thought since the Rose Palace had been quiet, you\'ll decline my request."

Aries gazed at the man sitting across from her with a thin smile. Unlike the first time they met, Maximus donned an expensive and pristine suit. His complexion was just as pale and he still looked sickly, but his eyes looked crafty.

"How dare I purposely decline such a request from a man with such outstanding status?" Aries humbled calmly. "In fact, I would\'ve invited you to my humble dwelling to express my sincerest apology for not showing up."

"I heard the empress wasn\'t feeling well," said Maximus, sporting an amicable smile. "Thus, I understand you couldn\'t show up with His Majesty. It was also the same reason I mustered my courage to go here. I\'m glad you had recovered well."

Her lips stretched a little broader at his response. Both were aware that her reasons were nothing but a lie, including everything he had said just now.

"Your Majesty," Gustav called quietly when he returned after preparing the teas and snacks, continuing his approach while wheeling the tray. Aries simply cast Gustav a quick glance as the latter served the snacks on the table between Aries and Maximus.

Gustav, however, didn\'t serve the tea since Aries wanted to brew it herself. Letting the pot and herbs on top of the trolley tray, Gustav faced the two politely.

"I will be outside if you need me, Your Majesty," said Gustav to Aries with a small bow. He only saw her nod before taking his leave without looking back.

"You had chosen a reliable chamberlain. It\'s a wonder an honorable man such as himself once served a cruel man I knew."

Aries flashed Maximus a smile after the latter\'s remarks, pushing herself from the chair slowly. She sauntered toward the trolley trail.

"People…" she said as she steeped the tea, feeling his gaze on her back. "... vampires and humans alike were full of wonders and surprises. And that shouldn\'t be surprising anymore."

Maximus\' eyes went up on her nape and then down to her rear. His gaze didn\'t last long as she turned, holding a saucer and a cup on it, which she placed in front of him.

"Your husband… will not be delighted with this," he crooned, watching her transfer another empty cup while she waited for the tea to seep.

"With what, Your Majesty?" Aries tilted her head to the side. "With you checking on my rear?"

"I didn\'t mean to, my empress. Apologies." His chuckles were warm and captivating. "I\'m simply curious since my dearest friend would occasionally squeeze his hand, saying he was trying to recall what your body feels under his touch."

Aries laughed. "I\'m not surprised."

"Fret not. It wasn\'t intended to be malicious."

"I know." Playfulness shone in her eyes. "You\'ve never been out of the mainland. Therefore, I understand you will be naturally… curious about most things."

Her smile stretched to hide the slight sarcasm in her remarks. "I will serve the tea."