125: The more corrupt you are, the better.

The more corrupt you are, the better.

Aries grinned and bit her lower lip to stop herself from grinning like a fool. Walking through the hallway to her room with her hands on her back, her mind drifted to her successful debut.  2

The banquets in the empire and Rikhill were very different, but the attitude of the people was almost the same. Although Aries was surrounded by good people in her home country, ambitious people were everywhere. It was a good thing she already knew how to socialize back then.

It only made it better with Dexter's obvious affection for his sister. Hence, everyone also wanted to curry favor with her. 

If this had happened back then, Aries would have taken it as an insult, since she didn't want to live a life in anyone's shadow. But the situation was different now, and she needed to adjust and compromise. 

"It's a success," she whispered, gazing ahead at the empty hallway with a bright smile before she chuckled once again. Ladies in the upper echelon hinted to her they would be sending invitations for a tea party soon, which would be good for her to have her own connections and strengthen her power in high society. 

Meanwhile, men had a hard time approaching her since Dexter guarded her without even trying to conceal that he was an overprotective brother. And it wouldn't be a surprise if marriage proposals that kept coming to the House Vandran for Dexter multiplied now as his sister made her debut. 

Overall, her hard work was slowly paying off. No one questioned her relationship with Dexter and she immediately won the hearts of many powerful men and made acquaintance with influential women. 

"You seem to be in a good mood." Aries flinched when Abel's familiar voice caressed her ears from ahead. She stopped, eyes gazing at his crossed legs, wandering up to the bewitching smirk on his face. 

Abel was leaning against the jamb of her room, arms crossed. She looked around on instinct before skipping her step to him when she was confident no one was around. 

"Now I'm in a better mood," she humored, standing on his side, leaning her face forward, hands on her back. "I thought you'd be attending."

"Apparently, I didn't receive an invitation." His brows rose, showing nonchalance at Dexter's action. 

"You'd still attend if you wanted to, though." She narrowed her eyes, glaring at him with a pout, knowing his personality. 

The corner of his lips curled up as his eyebrow arched. He unlinked his arms, tilting his head while sliding the back of his finger, tracing her jaw. 

"Darling, did you think that if I were there… anyone could stop me from dragging you away for all of them to see?" he gazed with his eyes glinting dangerously, screaming his desire to dominate, to monopolize her, and let the entire world know Aries was his alone, no one else's but his. 

Aries lowered her head as he leaned forward to whisper into her ear. "I don't think so, love. Even if you'd asked, I'd have rather touched you right then and there just so they'd have stopped any silly thought of you." He then bit the tip of her ear, making her tilt and wince slightly.

"Are you angry?" came out a soft inquiry, hands on his hips, gazing up as he drew his head back. 

"Darling, why would I?" he cocked his head, feigning innocence.

Aries blinked twice while studying his face. After several seconds of just staring at him, she stood on her toes and planted a soft peck on his lips, eyes closed. His irises dilated before his eyes softened at the warmth of her lips. 

Abel wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her body against his. His eyes slowly closed, basking in the sweetness and softness of her lips. 

He wasn't angry, per se. It was… anxiety. Aries looked like she had fun at the banquet even without him, and he couldn't help but wonder if she had thought of him even once during the entire time. It felt nice that her first question was something about his absence and then made him feel as though his thoughts mattered. 

"Better?" she panted as they broke their passionate kiss, raising her head with eyes bearing clarity of what she wanted: his peace of mind. 

Abel brushed her flustered cheek with the back of his hand. "You should definitely marry me." 

"Is that an order, Your Majesty?" She smiled playfully, wiggling her brows. 

"Of course not," he lied through his teeth, leaning his face in a bit. "I am asking you nicely like a gentleman would." 

"That is not how you ask for a lady's hand in marriage." 

"Hah… very well, forgive this gentleman if that came across as rude." 

"Forgiven." She shrugged, suppressing her giggle by biting her lips. 

"How kind."

"Well, how can I ignore this gentleman's sincerity?" she winked, slipping her arms over his shoulder. "Shall we go in?"

He smiled. "Unfortunately, I cannot stay for the night…" he trailed off when sadness flickered across her eyes for a split second. 

"Oh… is that so?" Aries hid her disappointment with an understanding smile while he arched a brow. 

"Stay," he said, causing her forehead to crease. "That's all you have to say, darling, and I will. You don't have to act as if you're an understanding person. The more corrupt you are, the better." 

Aries frowned before a muffled voice came out of her mouth. "Stay," she averted her eyes. "I have many stories to share and I need an ear." — these were her honest thoughts when he mentioned not staying for the night. 

Abel chuckled with his lips closed. "Happily." He brushed the tip of his nose against hers, but her frown remained as she drew her head back. 

"Don't leave early in the morning too," she demanded, eyes fixed on his pair of rubies. "I want to wake up next to you. You're so mean to leave before I can even say my morning greetings."

He tilted his head to the side, blinking cluelessly, and before he could speak, she continued;

"I won't take no for an answer."

"Will you listen to that?" he chortled, pulling her waist closer, eyelids shutting until they were half-closed, revealing a dangerous glint in his eyes she knew so well. "You really know how to mess with my head, darling." 

"I'm not messing with… you…" Aries shrunk, words drifting back to her throat as he bent over to claim her lips.

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