[Bonus chapter]

With Curtis's appearance in the Jade Palace, Ismael had no other option but to return to his study with him. The third prince kept pacing back and forth, while Curtis was leaning in the corner of the room with folded arms, eyes on Ismael. 

"Damn that woman…" Ismael cursed through his gritted teeth, running his hand through his hair. "What the hell is she up to now?"

Ismael, although never trusted Aries, knew she wanted Joaquin's demise just as much as he does. However, he shouldn't be that complacent. Aries would sacrifice him and use him as fodder for her convenience. If Curtis was here, then that answered Joaquin's change of plans. Aries used her sly mouth once again. 

"Calm down —"

"Calm down?! How can I?!" Ismael roared at Curtis. "My damn brother is out there being tortured to death! You fucking know how far Joaquin can take this just to fucking get what he wants. It would be better if he just slit Rome's throat, but Joaquin wasn't that kind."