"Please... have mercy on me... Aime."
Gertrude held her breath as she stared at the crown princess's lady-in-waiting. Even though she couldn't see Cherry's face, she could feel the woman's fear.
"Gertrude." Gertrude raised her eyes to Aries and saw the latter wave. "Don't let anyone in."
"Ye — yes, Your Royal Highness."
Gertrude didn't idle as she bowed and rushed outside while Aries watched her silently. When the latter heard the door opening and closing, her eyes fell down on Cherry's pale complexion.
"Countess Lloyd, why are you kneeling?" Aries asked while tilting her head to the side. "You don't look well. Did the hunting competition, perhaps, traumatize you?"
"I know..." Cherry's lips quivered, clutching her skirt. "I already know, Aime. I already know about you, about Curtis — I know."
