[Bonus chapter]Something she can gloat

"After all… I have a wedding to attend." 

Aries winked, tossing the sword to the side and skipping to the exit. Aries stopped at the entrance and looked at the knights blocking her path. Her lips curled until her eyes squinted. 

"Move," she said. "Or you'll only have five seconds to bid your family farewell."

The knight's throat bobbed at the sight of her bright aura, yet it still sent a chill down their spine. They glanced at Joaquin on instinct, and to their dismay, Joaquin was simply staring at the empress's back with brooding eyes. 

"Follow her," Joaquin ordered, watching Aries look back at him and smile. 

"Good boy," she crooned and then glanced back at the knights. "You heard His Majesty. Follow me, but don't touch me."