As the people dispersed, murmurs filled the air like an unsettling wind. Phoebe stood frozen, still kneeling on the ground, her thoughts swirling with disbelief at the events that had unfolded. Xenia’s silent acceptance of Prince Zod’s claim felt wrong, unnatural. And Lucas-he looked as though his very soul had been shattered. Phoebe watched him, her heart aching for the man she barely knew, but could already see carried more burdens than most.
The crowd thinned, leaving behind an uncomfortable silence between those who remained. Prince Edward gently helped Phoebe to her feet, his grip firm yet delicate as though afraid she might slip away if he let go. He could feel the tremble in her hand. Despite her powerful words, the weight of what lay ahead was taking its toll.
“Phoebe,” Edward whispered, looking into her eyes. “Are you truly prepared for what’s coming? You don’t have to face this alone.”
Her throat tightened, but she nodded. “I don’t know if I’m prepared, but I have no choice. This is my fate, isn’t it?”
Edward’s face darkened, guilt creeping into his expression. “If I could change it-”
“You can’t,” she cut him off softly but firmly. “None of us can. But if my death is what it takes to restore this kingdom, then I’ll do it. Just… promise me it won’t be in vain.”
“I promise,” Edward said, but his voice faltered. He wasn’t sure he could keep that promise, but for her, he would do anything.
Lucas was still standing in the courtyard, his back turned to everyone, his fists clenched by his sides. Phoebe could sense the storm inside him. His body radiated pain, anger, and helplessness. She had never seen someone so broken.
Xenia, meanwhile, remained beside Prince Zod, her body stiff and eyes void of emotion. Phoebe couldn’t shake the feeling that Xenia was trapped, bound by something greater than her own desires. She wanted to reach out to her, to understand why she had chosen this path, but Xenia’s cold demeanor warned her to stay away.
The priest approached, his usual calm countenance replaced by a look of concern. “This is a dangerous game being played,” he said quietly to Edward. “With Zod claiming Xenia and Phoebe’s sacrifice looming, the balance is tipping faster than we can control.”
Edward’s jaw tightened. “I know. But Zod’s interference was unexpected. I had hoped to resolve the situation with Phoebe before dealing with him.”
“You’re playing with the lives of the people,” the priest said gravely. “And now, we must tread carefully. Zod’s intentions are unclear, but I suspect he’s not here for love. There’s more at play.”
Phoebe listened to their exchange, her unease growing. She stepped toward Lucas, who was still standing rigidly. “Lucas…” she called softly.
He didn’t respond. His body was like a statue, unmoving and cold. After a long moment, he finally turned to face her, his eyes red but dry. “She’s gone,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “The Xenia I knew… she’s gone.”
Phoebe felt a pang in her chest. She didn’t know Xenia well, but she could see the bond between Lucas and her was deep-deeper than words or actions. “Maybe she’s not gone, Lucas. Maybe she’s just lost.”
His eyes flickered with a brief hope before hardening again. “She chose him. I have to accept that.”
“But do you believe it?” Phoebe pressed gently. “Do you believe she wants to be with him?”
Lucas shook his head, his voice thick with emotion. “No. I know she doesn’t. But what can I do? Fight him? Zod is a prince, and I’m just a warrior.”
Phoebe wanted to tell him that titles didn’t matter, that love was stronger than any crown, but she knew this world wasn’t that simple. The rules here were dictated by power and bloodlines. She had learned that the hard way.
Before she could say anything more, a loud, commanding voice broke through the tension.
“Enough!” Zod barked, striding toward them. His arm was wrapped possessively around Xenia’s waist. “There’s no need for this pointless conversation. Xenia is with me now, and that’s final.”
Lucas’s hands twitched at his sides, and Phoebe feared he might lose control. But before anything could escalate, the queen stepped forward, her expression stern.
“Zod,” she said with authority, “you may have claimed Xenia, but this is not your kingdom. You will respect our customs and our people.”
Zod smirked, clearly unbothered by the queen’s reprimand. “Of course, Your Majesty. I’m simply celebrating my union with my bride.”
The queen’s eyes narrowed, but she chose not to engage further. Instead, she turned to Phoebe. “We must prepare for tomorrow. The rites will be difficult, and you must be ready.”
Phoebe nodded, though a knot of fear tightened in her stomach. Tomorrow-the day she would face her destiny.
As the group began to disperse, Lucas remained rooted to the spot, his gaze fixed on Xenia, who refused to look at him. Zod pulled her away toward their quarters, and Phoebe could see the pain in Xenia’s eyes, though she tried to hide it.
Phoebe lingered beside Lucas for a moment longer. “Don’t give up on her,” she said softly.
Lucas clenched his jaw. “I can’t… but I don’t know how to save her.”
“We’ll figure it out,” Phoebe said, her voice filled with determination. “But first… I have to survive tomorrow.”
As they parted ways, Phoebe couldn’t help but feel the weight of everything that was happening. Her own fate was uncertain, and yet, there was a glimmer of hope-a hope that perhaps, through all this darkness, they could find a way to save not just the kingdom, but each other.