Chapter 144 - Who Sent You?

As a marriage custom agreed by both empires, Aries would have to journey without taking off her veil publicly and would always, and at all times, be left alone. Unless she needed the assistance of her lady servant. No one could join her in the carriage while the envoy from the Maganti Empire and the soldiers of the Haimirich Empire protect her carriage with their lives. 

Anything could happen on the way, so the security was tight only escorted by the elite knights of both empires. 

"He really didn't send me off," Aries whispered, sliding her finger in the curtain to peek. "The night is about to fall."

She slowly retrieved her hand upon seeing that they would enter a town to rest for the night. A shallow breath slipped past her lips, leaning back, tilting her head back, eyes closed. Her heavy dress was the least of her concerns. 

This would be a very long journey and she would have to stay inside the courage at all times. It would be better if Gertrude were with her. 

"I feel a little sad..." she breathed out, thinking that after her wedding, she barely had enough time to change into something more 'comfortable' and bid everyone goodbye. "... I still miss him."

Her relationship with Abel was a rocky path. Even when they shared too many passionate nights and days, there was just something that would trigger each other's heads that would drive them mad about something. It took quite some time before they started trusting each other's hearts completely. 

Still, Aries missed Abel. She couldn't help it.

No matter how they spent each day together as if it was the last, this void in her heart was growing distinct. Perhaps that was because she didn't have anything else to do but think—not about Abel, but about that place, Maganti Empire. Hence, her mind would automatically shift to Abel, since he was the best thing that happened to her... and he was also handsome too. He was the perfect distraction. 

"Maganti…" Aries gazed down, staring at the jade ring around her index. She caressed it with her thumb, eyes dropping until they were partially closed. 

"It still feels surreal," she added under her breath.

Although Aries had been preparing for her return to her husband's country, it hadn't completely sunk into her. Even right at this second, she still couldn't believe that this was happening. There were times she would wonder if this was simply a dream or a nightmare. 

"I don't even know what to feel yet." — there were just too many emotions wrestling in her heart, fighting for dominance. "I don't even know where to start…"

Her unresigned expression gradually sharpened. Her throat moved as she gulped, taking a deep breath, thumb still caressing the jade ring.

"But I know perfectly well who would go first." She blinked elegantly, turning her eyes away from her ring. "Inez Imperial." 

Aries propped her jaw against her knuckles at the mention of that woman's name. It had been a while since she spoke someone's name in the past. But she already had their names listed down. Everyone… in that place who took advantage and took pleasure in her misery would pay one by one. 

Inez, the pampered ninth princess, would be the first. 

Back in the said empire, the crown prince wasn't the only one who put Aries through hell. Aries… she was no more than a toy, which the crown prince could let his siblings borrow. She didn't even want to think about what they made her do or what they did to her. 

But Inez… was the worse. 

"Hah… I can't wait to meet her," Aries muttered, eyes glinting with contempt, thinking about that smug smirk on that woman's face and her evil laughter.

She remained silent for a long time until the carriage came to a halt. Aries arched a brow as she heard a knock, followed by a man's voice, telling her they had arrived at their first stop.

Aries didn't respond, knowing she didn't have to. 'Soon…' she uttered internally before Gertrude came to assist her in the noble house, who would accommodate Aries's entourage for the night.

*****

"My lady, if you need me, I..."

"Gertrude." Aries cast Gertrude a look, sitting on the edge of the mattress. The latter was still standing, hands on her abdomen, with her head slightly lowered. 

"You don't have to worry so much. I'm alright." 

Gertrude pursed her lips and lowered her gaze. She was aware of Aries's plans but only the general knowledge. So, she couldn't help but get worried about many factors.

"We've been on the road the entire day. You should rest as well. I don't want you to fall ill just before we arrive in my husband's home," Aries's voice was soft and kind, but behind her gentle eyes hid something chilling. 

"Then, please rest well, Your Highness." Gertrude flashed a weak smile before bowing, walking away without making a sound.

click...

Aries blinked ever so tenderly as she watched the door closed with a soft click. A shallow breath slipped past her lips, turning her head in the window's direction. It was a good thing that Dexter's influence stretched even to the last country of the Empire. 

She didn't have to look for inns, because every town, an ally of the aristocrat leader, would welcome Aries as their guest. 

"Brother's influence is more amazing the more I think about it," came out a whisper, smiling, before tucking herself into sleep. 

Due to a tiring journey, it didn't take long for her to fall asleep. 

The night was silent, more placid than any other night. As the night grew deeper and her breathing grew heavier, the sound of a soft creak coming from the window sounded incredibly loud. The soft wind blew inside her room at the same time a foot landed on the floor. 

In the dark, the towering figure carefully approached Aries, who was sleeping soundlessly on the bed. A hand slowly approached her throat, but the second her breath hit his skin, her eyes popped open.

Aries didn't waste a millisecond as she instantly wrapped her legs around his arm, jumping on top of him, right after taking out a dagger under her pillow. A glint flickering across her eyes, staring down at the intruder like a beast who was disturbed during her sleep. 

"Who sent you?" came out a shaking, full voice.

"My... libido."

She blinked twice as Abel's familiar voice caressed her ears.. The side of his lips curled up playfully, hand in front of his throat, holding the dagger's blade that nearly impaled his neck.