Petition to give Gertrude a raise

Joaquin returned to the banquet hall, only to know Aries had already left without waiting for him. He didn't think much about it as he returned to the Sapphire palace immediately. However, when he arrived in their shared room, just to check on her, Aries wasn't in the bedroom. 

"Where did she go?" he wondered, marching outside the chambers. Joaquin didn't ask anyone as he went straight to the other room, which was now being used by Curtis. There was only one place that Aries would go to if she wasn't in her room and that was Curtis's.

As Joaquin approached the chamber, he caught Gertrude exiting the room while closing the door behind her. 

"Is Circe inside?" he asked, stopping at arm's length from Aries' personal maid. Gertrude gazed up before she bowed politely.

"Yes, Your Royal Highness."

"I see."

Joaquin was about to take a step to enter the room but stopped when Gertrude blocked his way. He arched a brow, gazing down at her.