Page 22

Justice Bloodworth, the Korn I recognize because he’s on the news a lot, and who looks older and more distinguished, steps forward to speak first. “I got your message this morning and as you can see Hale and I are here as quick as possible.”

“I appreciate your timely arrival.”

Hale shakes his head. “It’s not because we’re here to perform a citizen’s arrest. We’re here because we’ve been in contact with our special investigators this whole time and we finally just had a breakthrough. We were about to get in touch with you anyways to let you know what happened.”

“Special investigators?”

“Yes,” Justice answers. “I know all about those snooty bastards in the royal guard. I never trusted their story about what happened to you. And because I knew you couldn’t afford the steep price for an investigator, Hale and I went in together and got one for you. The investigor and her team have been on the job since you left Korn. She discovered that your ship was meddled with and that was the reason you left your position and crash landed. Your flight log had also been changed. She found the original flight log.”

Bruce steps closer. “There is hard evidence, showing that I was set up?”

“Yes,” Hale answers. “As a matter of fact, that evidence is being leaked to the news organizations right now, as well as being given to the proper authorities.”

Justice smiles. “I have a feeling a special apology and dispensation from the King will be incoming.”

Bruce looks at me and I swear his eyes are wet. “We don’t have to hide. I don’t have to leave…”

“It’s true, you can now publicly claim your bride.”

“And I won’t have to kick his ass.”

“Willow…” Bruce rasps.

“I want a wedding,” my mom proclaims.

Steve winks at her. “Cindy will want the same.”

I let go of my mom’s hand and race into Bruce’s arms. He swings me around and gives me another deep, magical kiss, in front of everyone. “I love you,” he whispers in my ear.

“I know,” I respond. “I’ve always known.”