But the idea of Cinder ever becoming thralled or fed upon like a piece of meat makes my stomach curl and wither with disgust.
I would never in a million years do that to her.
To the basest root of my being, I’ve always known it’s wrong to do that to humans.
Three years ago, it finally became too much. Maybe it was one too many beatings from my father, one too many familiars staring at me through sightless eyes, one too many days being crushed by cold, merciless oppression.
I decided I would be the one to help pave the way to a new monarchy. One without my father.
Where that left me in the end didn’t matter. Though I’m starting to fear where that will leave Cinder.
Chapter 22
Rap Will Cut You
CHARMING
If Cinder insists on going back to work her shift at the Poison Apple, I still insist on going with her. It’s non-negotiable, especially after what happened last time.
Though I’m not sure why she feels so inclined to gripe about it. She’s not the one who has to shove her foot in a tiny glass torture shoe that doesn’t fit.
Despite the pain, nausea, and dizziness that comes with the teleporting shoes—or whatever magic they are harnessing to transport us—I’m damned happy to be in the Common World. If only to defy my father’s orders to stay in the castle.
Fuck him.
Seriously, right off the throne and into a pit of crocodiles.
Thoughts of rallying a rebellion and playing the engaged prince to my people all fade away in the hustle and bustle of the Poison Apple.
Instead of hunkering down at the booth, I end up at the bar next to the bespectacled bookstore owner again.
“Prosecco and espresso?” I ask, raising an eyebrow at the two dainty drinks in front of her.
Belle’s pink lips curve up even as she keeps her eyes on her open book. “It’s the combo for champions.”
She’s been engrossed between the pages of a book with a cover of a man chest, called Chase Me—a Dragon’s Love Curves novel by someone called Aidy Award.
“I’ll have to try it sometime,” I say, tipping my dirty martini to her.
“So, you must not care that much about Cinder,” she says loftily, while turning a page.
My spine stiffens at her comment. “What makes you say that?”
Not that Belle knows our engagement is a ruse to help me incite a rebellion while Cinder investigates her father’s murder. But I’m instantly irked by her comment.
“She’s not wearing a ring,” Belle points out.
My eyes track across the room to fall on Cinder’s naked ring finger.
Shit. She’s right. I did miss an element to this engagement, not only in this world. It’s also a significant gesture in my own world. For a moment, I wonder why no one has brought this to my attention in Midnight.
Oh right, everything thinks she’s human scum and doesn’t want her as their princess. Not even my own father.
“It’s on my list of things to do,” I say airily before sipping my drink again.
“Mmm, hmm,” Belle hums as if unconvinced or unimpressed. “You better if you want an HEA.”
“A what now?”
