While Maria and Joy stood still, each visibly puzzled by the Empress's cryptic words, Aqua hardly cared about the spy or the mystery surrounding Cassius's supposed innocence.
None of that mattered to her.
All she could feel was a surge of pure relief.
Her aunt had spoken in her brother's favor.
Cassius was innocent.
Her aunt believed it.
That alone was enough to make Aqua's entire world light up.
Her eyes gleamed with sudden emotion as a bright smile broke across her face.
"Thank you, Auntie! Thank you!"
She exclaimed, and before anyone could stop her, she pushed past the translucent veil concealing the Empress's seat and threw her arms around her.
Marina blinked in surprise. Very few dared to touch her so boldly, but then a genuine laugh escaped her lips.
Aqua hugged her tightly, voice muffled against her aunt's shoulder.
"I love you! I knew you were the best aunt ever! I can always trust you when I need to!"
