Chapter 23

“You didn’t ask for anything?!”

I blink at Phoenix’s outburst. Tilting my head, I don’t understand what he mistook. “I did.” I explain simply.

“It doesn’t sound like you did!” Phoenix sighs and slumps back onto the couch across from me.

I just finished explaining what happened to Phoenix and Father. Alongside Callisto, the four of us are now having tea in the guest room I’ve been allowed to stay in.

“You could have asked for anything, even a private investigation of what happened to you and Rosanna. Instead, you asked her to pardon you for leaving the capital?” Father asks me, though he looks calmer than he sounds.

“Father, it isn’t very nice of you to question what I did when you clearly agree to my decision.” I frown at him, but my reaction is playful at most.

Father chuckles, but neither Phoenix nor Callisto seem to understand.

“I’m confused. Am I the only one who doesn’t get it?”

“No, I’m much the same.”