Aries and Joaquin dined peacefully, talking casually like most husbands and wives would do. After finishing their meal, instead of going outside for a walk, Aries told him to stay as the maid finally brought the medicine kit for the scratches on Joaquin's knuckles.
"I always find your hands pretty," she spoke to end the silence, eyes focused on putting ointment on Joaquin's knuckles. "They were large and a little intimidating. At first, it made me think they were large enough to snap my neck. However, whenever you touch me… these hands, although rough and I could feel your calluses on my skin…"
Aries paused and glanced up at him. "They were surprisingly gentle. Sometimes, possessive. But it had a good balance, making me lose my mind whether or not I want to be held tight enough until I feel suffocated or gentle enough to feel your warmth." She smiled subtly, telling him the words which were meant for another man.
His eyes were soft as its corner squinted. "But you hate them when they weren't washed?"
"Yes. Definitely." Her reply was quick, making him laugh out loud. "Joaquin, my dearest husband, I do not mind holding your hand. But in bed, things are different. I do not want to reek of another person's scent other than mine or yours."
"Aren't you a little silly, Circe?"
"People were silly, to begin with." She shrugged.
"Well, I guess we all have that part in ours that we didn't know is within us until you feel it." He nodded in agreement, gazing at her smirk before she refocused on treating the minor scratches on the back of his hand. "Just like how I think it was foolish to put all my eggs in one basket, but I still feel like doing so."
Her brow arched and looked back at him. "I hope you're not talking about your mistress."
"Circe. Are you still doubting my commitment to you?" he asked. "I had remained abstinent all because of you. I do not want anyone else but you, my love."
'Of course, you won't. That won't raise anymore.' She bit her tongue and smiled back at him.
"I hope." She glared at him playfully and clicked her tongue. "Being married to a handsome and capable man can be a curse. I would always have to keep an eye on him, knowing he would attract all sorts of temptations."
"Aren't you a jealous woman?" He chuckled, pleased by her possessiveness. Joaquin clasped her hand gently and guided it to cup his cheek. "I love this side of yours."
Aries pressed her lips into a thin line and averted her eyes. "This won't charm me."
"And I love this side, too." The side of his lips stretched playfully when she glared at him for a moment. "That glare too."
"Stop…" she rolled her eyes, only to hear him say, "that eye roll is quite fascinating too."
Aries puffed her cheek and heard another compliment from him. His compliments continued at every little thing she would do and every different expression she would sport. Although she was aware Joaquin was just being playful, it increased her anxiety. This also meant Joaquin was alert subconsciously. If she showed an out-of-place emotion, he would surely catch it, no matter how brief it appeared.
"Tch." She clicked her tongue in irritation while he laughed louder. "Joaquin, stop. You're embarrassing me."
"Oh, wife." He shook his head and held her hand until his chin was resting over their entwined hands. His eyes were fixed on her, studying her gorgeous face and that faint blush on her cheek. Surely, she was one of a kind. Someone who was fierce and keen, but at the same time, would act bashfully when teased just for a bit.
"You're everything I want from a woman," he confessed after his brief silence, taking her by surprise as she looked back at him with wide eyes. His naughty smirk grew gentle, eyes filled with nothing but affection and admiration.
He didn't continue his sentiments as he simply looked at her. They held each other's gaze for a very long time, making him think he married a capable and wise woman. The reason he wasn't in a terrible mood despite the occurrence last night was that one thing was for sure.
Joaquin might've lost Roman, but his wife was someone far better. She might not be as skilled as the seventh prince in terms of their swordsmanship, but her mind was sharper than any blade. Not to mention, his wife understood him.
The crown princess wasn't the person to judge him so easily. She doesn't condemn his methods, although she would sometimes voice her disagreement with them.
"That's all that I wanted," he murmured while she cocked her head to the side."
"Huh?"
He simply smiled in response. "Nothing, Circe. Don't mind me. I'm simply mumbling things because the more I look at you, the more I am thankful to have you by my side." His eyelids drooped until they were partially closed, hiding the dangerous glint behind them.
"You are mine," he claimed under his breath. "Just mine."
Aries kept her meek smile. "For as long as you treat me right."
"No, Circe." He shook his head, using the same tone to speak a chilling statement. "Even if I don't treat you right, you are mine. And I will make sure of that."
Her heart thudded against her chest. Yet, she maintained her composure and continued to treat the minor scratches on his hand and then up into his arms. After that, the two of them departed the dining hall to enjoy what she expected to be a normal morning walk.
To her surprise, Joaquin led her to the inner palace. At first, she thought he planned to show her Roman, but when they went past the inner palace and onto the emperor's palace, it piqued her interest.
But now… after entering the emperor's room to meet her father-in-law for the first time, Aries felt her blood run cold while staring at the person inside a cage.
"This… is the emperor?"
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