[Bonus chapter]Everyone had stepped foot on the webs she weaved

"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."

Cherry held her breath as she discreetly looked in where the crown princess and the ninth princess were sitting. Her heart pounded against her chest when Inez glanced back while Aries cast Cherry a quick look. 

'She knew...' The dominant part of her brain already whispered a woman's gut feeling, but there was a small part of her telling her it might've been a coincidence. Thus, Cherry forced her feet and tried her very best to act naturally.

When the faint click from the door caressed Aries's ears, she slowly set her eyes back to Inez. The latter was still looking in the shut door, smirking as if Cherry wronged her.

"Ninth sister, may I know the real purpose of your visit?" she asked, waiting for Inez to return her gaze.