Aries and Joaquin had a heart-to-heart talk like what a married couple would do to settle an issue. She listened to his explanation and, as expected, Joaquin told her the truth. Or rather... the truth he wanted her to believe, just to paint him as a saint while Cherry was a seductress.
"Am I off the hook now?" he inquired as he held her hand, sitting around the rectangular dining table.
"You didn't touch her?" she asked, brushing across his fingertips. "Not even with your fingertips?"
He chuckled and shook his head. "Not even the slightest."
"Really? Joaquin, I will definitely deliver you to hell if you are lying."
"You're keen enough to know if I am lying or not."
Aries opened her mouth but closed it again. His smile stretched broader slightly, pulling her hand until they were on his thigh.
p
"Don't." She shook her head, causing his brows to elevate. "Even though Countess Lloyd tried to covet my husband, dismissing her will put a bad light on the crown princess's name."
"That is why I will do it, Circe." Joaquin sighed, knowing it was easier for him to dismiss Cherry since everyone would believe him. His wife might've left a strong impression on the high society, but with one wrong step, things would change. Her foothold wasn't that 'solid' just yet.
"It's fine, Joaquin." Aries forced a smile as her eyes studied his charming face. "I'm simply glad it wasn't as terrible as I thought it was. Thank you for thinking of me, Joaquin. I deeply appreciate it."
She cupped his cheek as her eyes softened. "But you know me, husband. I don't give out forgiveness so easily; you're the only exception." He smiled at her remark, as he felt special in a way.
"Dismissing her is mercy. I want her to stay," she added while he rocked his head.
Joaquin gazed at her expression and caught the glint that flickered across her eyes. In a way, he was pleased how she looked at him differently, while her eyes would grow sharper if she was thinking of someone else. Surely, his wife only had soft spots for those who were close to her heart, and he was one of the very few people.
What an honor.
"Don't kill her," he remarked while she giggled.
"Death is mercy, husband." Aries raised her chin as the side of her lips curled up into a cunning sneer. "That is not how I play. You know me."
"I know... that is why there's no way you will capture my heart if you don't have a perfect balance." The corner of his lips curled up as he raised her hand to his lips, planting a peck on her knuckles while keeping his eyes on her. "No woman will ever match you."
"It's a lie if you know or met someone who is like me." She shrugged confidently before flashing him a sweet and stunning smile. "I'm glad my husband is aware of that."
***
After Joaquin and Aries reconciled, he walked her to her chancery for the last touches of her charity projects in the east ninth district. It was as though nothing happened as they were sweeter than ever, walking hand in hand, talking about the upcoming hunting season.
But Aries didn't have the time to enjoy her accomplishment today because as soon as they arrived at the crown princess's chancery, Inez was waiting for her. Well, it wasn't like she didn't expect this.
"Thank you for walking me here." She faced Joaquin and straightened his suit. Joaquin glanced at Inez who was standing in the same hallway, several feet from the two of them.
"Why is she here?" he wondered, returning his attention back to his wife.
"I don't know, but it's probably about the east ninth district since the ninth princess had been assisting me." She flashed him a reassuring smile before she retrieved her hand from him. "Have a great day, Your Royal Highness."
"Don't be so distant." He chuckled, taking a step back and offering his hand. "May I?"
Her lips curled up as she placed her hand on his palm. "Of course."
"I'll see what I can do and pick you up so we can return to the Sapphire Palace together." Joaquin bent over, planting a peck on her knuckles while keeping his eyes on her. "Have a great day, Circe."
"You too, Joaquin."
Aries bit her lower lip as she retrieved her hand from him. They looked at each other for a minute before she laughed weakly, like a teenager in love, pivoting on her heel as she sauntered through the hallway in high spirits. Meanwhile, Joaquin remained in his spot for a moment and simply stared at her back with a subtle smile.
'Inez,' he thought as he peeled his eyes away from her and walked in the opposite direction. 'I don't like the attention she's giving to my wife.'
<strong>****</strong>
At the entrance of the crown princess' chancery, Inez performed a curtsy when Aries stood in front of her. Usually, people wouldn't be in this hallway, but she was royalty. So, Aries wasn't surprised she was in here.
"Good day, ninth princess," Aries greeted as she sported a smile before she glanced at the door when it opened from the inside. "Come inside, ninth sister."
"Yes, Your Royal Highness."
Inez kept her demure in check as she followed Aries's track. As she did so, she glanced to her right as she passed through the door, eyes falling on Cherry, who was standing on the side with her head hung low.
She snickered, catching Cherry's attention. But she said nothing as she followed Aries, sitting on the armchair in the middle of the office while Aries perched on the long settee.
"Lady Lloyd?" Aries called, raising her chin at Cherry, who was acting strangely timid today.
"Yes, Your Royal Highness?"
"Served us some tea and snacks and tell everyone who wants to have an audience with me to return once the season ends," Aries ordered, which Cherry executed politely before the latter walked away to prepare the tea and snacks for the royalty. But just as Cherry was by the door, she froze when she heard Inez's remarks.
"I hope my surprise visit doesn't inconvenience you, Your Royal Highness. I was simply concerned after what you had seen last night in the west wing of the Lazuli Palace."
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