The bailiff who’s been frozen on the other side of the cell while I had my adventure in the demon realm jingles his keys before opening the door.
“Congratulations on the pending nuptials,” he says, moving in kind of a daze as he unlocks Phillip’s shackles and helps him to his feet.
Phillip looks at me, confusion plain on his face, and I shake my head.
Don’t question it.
He gets the message, but looks at me with far more suspicion.
“Ing, youcan’tmarry the Judge,” he hisses as we’re led up the stairs.
“Oh thank heavens, Phillip!” Ella cries the moment we step out of the courthouse. She flings herself around him, her pretty face blotchy and tear-stained. “I told them it was a mistake,” she says, kissing his bruised and swollen face all over. “I told them, I told them.”
“Shh, it’s all right, love. I’m all right,” Phillip says, wrapping his arms around her gently, stroking her hair as he soothes her.
Not brushing her off or calling her emotional. Not teasing her or using the opportunity to play a prank.
Just…holding her. Comforting her.
Like a partner does.
When did my little brother grow up so much?
Phillip’s smart enough not to ask questions about his lucky break when we dine with Lord and Lady Amond, breaking bread over our families being joined and how happy Ella and Phillip are together. It’s a better outcome than anyone could have hoped for, but the lord’s finest wines taste like ash to me, soft breads turning to sawdust in my mouth.
I can’t stomach the meal and excuse myself as discreetly as I can.
It’s not discreet enough.
Phillip follows me out to the stable, leaning against one of the stalls while I feed Violet an apple.
“What’s going on?” he asks, going to fold his arms over his chest, then wincing at the movement. He looks absolutely terrible, which makes it a lot easier to keep my gaze averted.
“I don’t know what—”
“I don’t believe you. Why is everyone saying Ella and I are getting married? Don’t get me wrong, Iwantto marry her, but her father would never give his blessing to someone like me.”
My throat tightens, and I shrug. “I suppose he had a change of heart.”
I could give Phillip the explanation he wants, but he wouldn’t believe it. Who would? I hardly believe it myself now that it’s over. It all feels like an impossible dream.
It’s best for me to forget about the demon realm and focus onmyworld. My brother, and the beautiful wedding he’ll have.
It should bemywedding being planned.
I want to be happy for Phillip. Iamhappy for him. It’s just not enough to overcome the hollowness inside me. Like I’m only a shell of a person, and all the important parts were left behind in another world.
An impossible world with an impossible king.
A king I love so dearly I feel like he’s still holding my heart in his clawed hands.
Oh Ingrid… What have you done?
Chapter Thirty-Three
Xandril
It can’t be real.
