Hey, I just want to say right away that the chapters will be shorter the next few weeks since I'm going to visit my family and won't have as much time to write. I'll still post every Sunday and keep the chapter at 6-7k words, just don't expect anything super long like the last ones have been.
"Oh wow. I think you just let that spirit into the… veil? That was what she called it, right?" Magnus asked and moved a millimeter away from Alec so he could look at his face.
"Uh, yeah. Yeah, I guess I did," Alec mumbled.
"Alexander, are you okay?" Magnus asked. Alec shook his head.
"This won't work, Magnus. It's impossible, it can't work."
"What are you talking about?" Magnus asked.
"Us, Magnus's. It's not possible." Alec pulled completely away from him. "I wish it was, I really do. But it's not, it's not possible. I'm sorry," Alec said, shaking his head.
"I… I understand," Magnus whispered, his voice breaking. It wasn't fair! Alec shouldn't have to marry Lydia. "So… what do you want to do? What do you want me to do? Now that I know."
"Nothing. I don't want anything to change, Magnus. I still want us to be us. Let's just… keep pretending."
"I don't think I can pretend much longer," Magnus said, looking at Alec. "It was hard enough when I thought you weren't interested, but now…"
"Magnus, we have to. I'm gonna marry Lydia and there's nothing any of us can do about that. So please, don't make it harder. Let's just forget this ever happened, please," Alec begged.
"I can't. I'm sorry Alec but I can't pretend this never happened, I love you and I know you love me, too. I can't pretend that we are just friends and I… I know I said I will always help you and… damn, I still will, but I need to stop being your servant. I can't be around you and her, not when I know you'll never love her. Not when I know that you love me."
"No, Magnus. You- you can't leave me, please. I need you, now more than ever. I'm sorry, I never wanted to tell you, I was fine being your friend, that was enough for me. I need you, Magnus. You're the one who keeps me going." Alec was blinking away tears, and Magnus felt his own eyes getting wet.
"You are so strong, Alexander. You don't need me to go on, you can do that just fine on your own. If you want to marry Lydia, marry her. I won't stop you. But I won't be around to watch it. I'm sorry." Magnus turned around and climbed up on Jem. He rode away as fast as he dared, drying away tears he couldn't hold back as he blindly rode through the forest, hoping Jem knew somewhat what way they were going.
Alec watched Magnus disappear into the forest until Jem's silver fur was long out of sight and be was simply staring in the direction he'd gone in. What have I done? "What have I done?" He mumbled to himself. He'd just ruined what he cherished the most, his relationship with Magnus was… gone. Broken.
Alec sucked in a quick breath as he tried to fight away tears. There was no point. He crumbled together, back against the stone and face in his hands as he sobbed his feelings out. All of this for a stupid sword! He hadn't asked for this. For this responsibility, these expectations. The damn prophecy! Alec just wanted a normal fucking life. Was that too much to ask for?
Alec felt a tuft of air hit his hair and a soft muzzle pushing lightly at his head. He looked up with teary eyes. "Hi, Shadowhunter," he whispered, hating how broken his voice sounded. He pulled Shadowhunter closer to him, leaning his cheek into his muzzle and running a hand through his mane to calm himself. That was how Lydia found him when she came back five minutes later.
"Alec? Are you okay? Where's Magnus?" She asked.
"He left," Alec said, his voice only slightly wavering.
"Oh," Lydia said as she realized. "It didn't go well?" Alec shook his head, blinking away more tears.
"It was my fault. I told him we couldn't be together. I told him to forget it."
"Wait, so he loved you too?" Alec had to bite his tongue to hold back a sob. He nodded instead.
"Why did you tell him no then?"
"Because I have to marry you! It's just like you and your boyfriend. It's not possible." Alec was glad when Lydia didn't argue further. She knew what it was like, she understood. Not Jace, not Izzy, not Magnus. Lydia could understand what it was like, she was in the same situation.
"I'm sorry," was all she said. She understood.
"Me too."
Alec was thrashing around in his bed. He'd been trying to sleep for hours, but he couldn't. Magnus wasn't there, Magnus wasn't there at all. He would never be there. He was gone. Gone. Probably hated him. Alec turned around again, pressed his face into the pillow and sobbed into it.
Magnus was reading a book. Well, correction, Magnus was trying to read a book. He'd been on the same page for almost an hour. It was far past midnight, but he couldn't go to sleep. He knew that if he did, if he fell asleep, there would only be nightmares. About Alec. About losing him, about him marrying Lydia, it didn't matter. They would be painful. It was better to not fall asleep, better to just keep reading, even if he had to read the same word fifty times to understand it.
It shouldn't hurt this much. I've barely known him for three months! His father had told him that emotions cloud judgment, he was right. They did, and right now they were clouding Alec's. That's why he wanted to go to Magnus, cry and beg for forgiveness, beg for Magnus to come back to him. But he didn't, that was just his emotions talking. Emotions cloud judgment.
Alec got out of the bed. He knew what he needed, he needed pain. Physical pain always worked. Please tell me you aren't hurting yourself on purpose, Magnus's voice echoed in his mind, the memory of that day playing before his eyes. Alec closed his eyes and fisted his hands hard, tried to make the memory go away. It didn't work.
He paced around the room, tried to get his mind away from Magnus. The bells rang out twice, telling Alec it was two o'clock. Alec wondered what Magnus was doing. He was probably sleeping, Magnus wasn't one to lose sleep over much.
"Fuck," Alec sobbed as he fell into bed again. His pillow was still humid when he started soaking it for the nth time that night.
Magnus was staring at the ceiling, book long since discarded as his mind only filled with thoughts of Alec. He heard the two o'clock bells ring and sighed. He wished he could sleep, he didn't even care about the nightmares anymore, he just wanted sleep to take him.
He wasn't crying. Not anymore. It made sense, what Alec said. He had to marry Lydia, none of them could change that. It wouldn't be right for a prince to have a boyfriend. It made sense, it was fine. Magnus understood. He wished it was different, but he understood.
He wondered what Alec was doing. Knowing him he was probably awake, maybe punching a bag, maybe out in the woods, alone. Maybe just thrashing around in bed and trying to sleep. But it didn't matter. It had been his choice, he would have to live with it. No, we both have to live with it. Magnus hated it, he was hurting, so much. For two minutes he had had everything he wanted, he had kissed Alec and heard that he loved him. And in the next moment, it was all gone. Alec didn't want to, or couldn't, and Magnus couldn't keep pretending to be someone else, couldn't keep being just Alec's friend. He'd doubted for a moment if he'd made the right choice, if distancing himself from Alec completely was right. He could just keep being his friend. Alec had begged him to not leave, begged. And Magnus had left. But it was best for both of them, right? None of them would have to pretend anymore, Alec wouldn't have to look at him every day. Magnus didn't think he could keep looking at Alec without remembering the kiss, the words. I love you.
Alec had had lots of sleepless nights, but none like this, none this horrible. It was the night before the wedding and he was scared, terrified. He wanted, needed, to talk to someone. Needed someone to give him strength, courage. He was scared he might run away if not.
But he couldn't talk to anyone. He hadn't seen Magnus since the day in the clearing, Izzy refused to talk to him after he'd told her about what happened, Jace… well, he was Jace. And Alec didn't have anyone else. He was alone, just him and his tears and fear. Alec was actually thinking about going to Magnus, but he knew he couldn't do that. Maybe he should talk to Lydia?
Lydia had been very understanding. She wouldn't mind talking to Alec about it, she'd told him that herself. Alec really needed to get it out, he was completely out of tears, he couldn't hit anything without being reminded of Magnus asking him to never intentionally hurt himself again, and he had to hold back the urges of just screaming.
Alec didn't know what time it was, and he didn't care. It was late, the halls were empty and dark. Lydia's chambers weren't far away, Alec was there before he could think it through and turn back. He hesitated at the door. What if she was asleep? It was a big day for them both tomorrow, it was bad enough that he was still awake. If he was going to wake up Lydia too… Alec turned around, planning to leave. He didn't need to make everyone suffer from his problems, he could keep them to himself, suffer alone.
He was walking away when he heard his name. "Alec?" It was Lydia, Alec turned around to see her head poking out of the door. "What are you doing here?" She asked. Alec shook his head.
"Nothing, go to sleep," Alec said.
"Alec, come in," Lydia commanded, ignoring him. When Lydia wanted something, she got it, so there was no point in fighting. Alec walked into her room slowly, noticing she only had a thin sleeping gown on. Why can't I be straight? He questioned the universe. Any other man would probably go crazy by looking at her, why not him? Why did he have to be like that?
Lydia saw him looking and probably realized what he was thinking. She was good at that, at figuring people out. "It's not your fault, Alec. It's not your choice. You were born that way, and there's nothing wrong with that," She said. Alec sighed.
"I… I know there's nothing wrong. And it wouldn't be a problem if only I knew everyone was like you, you know?" He said. "I know it's not wrong, but I know people think it is, that's what scares me." Lydia guided Alec to sit down on her bed.
"We don't have to go through with this. We can cancel the wedding, if I tell my father I changed my mind he would cancel it right away." Alec sighed.
"There's no point. Dad will find me another wife, and it would be the same. Maybe even worse, cause I like you, and I might not like the next woman he chooses."
"That sounds a bit like a compliment so… thank you, Alec. I like you, too. And I wish I could do anything to help you."
"Can I stay here tonight?" Alec asked. "Not- not on the bed. Not like that, just… I can sleep on the floor or something. I can't be alone, it's driving me crazy. And I have no one else to go to, or I wouldn't have disturbed you, I'm just- sorry. I'm a mess." Lydia sat down beside him and put a hand on his arm to shut him up.
"You can stay here," she said. "And it's okay to be a mess, don't apologize. After what happened, I would be surprised if you weren't a mess."
"Thank- Thank you" he whispered and sniffled a bit. "Thank you for… letting me stay, and for doing all of this."
"Of course. It's the least I owe you. I wish you didn't have to marry me, I wish it could be Magnus. But neither of us can do anything about this, so the least I can do is try to make this easier for you. Now lay down in bed. We will be sharing one from tomorrow on anyways so it doesn't matter if we do it one day earlier."
"Yeah, right… But sometime after tomorrow I'd actually have to get you pregnant. But thank you," he mumbled and laid down on the bed.
Lydia laid down next to him and took his hand. "We will manage it, somehow. I mean maybe- maybe once his father died John will actually move here and then he could... like we thought he might."
"Mhm… I don't know how to thank you for this, for trying to help me and making it easier."
"Of course. I mean I should get married as well and… I actually think this is the best solution. I mean you understand me and we both want to be with the one we love so we are a match, Alec. Getting married when we both want to be with someone else."
"Yeah, I guess we are. Thank you, Lydia," Alec said, shuffling a bit on the bed. He didn't want to be too close to Lydia, it felt wrong. But he didn't want to seem rude by sleeping too far away.
"Hey, Alec," Lydia called for his attention. "Don't worry, just make yourself comfortable," she said.
"I... I'm trying to" he mumbled.
"I'm your friend, Alec. You can trust me and be relaxed around me"
"Yes, I know. It's not you, Lydia. I'm not worried that you will… do anything. I'm just… used to sleeping alone, I guess."
"Yeah… I'm sure we can get an extra bed in our bedroom if you won't get comfortable sleeping next to me"
"No, that would just make people suspicious. I'll get used to it," Alec assured her.
"Okay… now try to sleep, Alec. You need it."
"Yeah, I'll try." Alec closed his eyes and tried to settle down. After a little while, he could hear Lydia's breath slowing down, she was asleep. Alec stared up at the ceiling. He'd hoped pure exhaustion would take him now, it had been almost a week and he'd had maybe a few hours of sleep. But no, he didn't pass out from exhaustion, instead, he just felt like shit, tired and hurting and sad.
Alec was standing in front of a huge mirror, he was dressed already and prepared for his wedding. Well, not really prepared. He was presentable, but he would never be ready. Would anyone be? He knew it was the right thing to do, but that didn't mean it was easy.
When he first found out about the wedding he was mad, but he knew he had to do it. He'd imagined Magnus and Izzy and Jace by his side, now he would only have Jace. Izzy would be there, but she hadn't even talked to him, she would not offer supportive smiles like he needed her to do. And Magnus wouldn't be there at all, maybe that was for the best though. If Magnus had been there Alec might have made out with him instead of Lydia. He had to try to avoid that.
He was in this alone. He had Jace, who still supported him, unknowing of everything that had happened with Magnus. He didn't even know Alec had feelings for Magnus. Jace knew there had been some kind of argument, but he hadn't asked about it.
Alec sat down in a chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. He'd had a constant headache ever since he'd woken up. At some point during the night he'd fallen asleep. He hadn't slept for long though, he'd fallen asleep after the four o'clock bells, and Lydia had woken him up a little past seven. He'd slept through the bells and Lydia had decided to let him sleep for a bit more. Now Alec was left with a throbbing headache. That's what he got for not sleeping an entire week. That's what he got for breaking his own heart. That's what he got for always putting the kingdom first.
There was a light knock at the door, pulling Alec out of his thoughts. "Hey, Alec. Are you in there?" Jace called from the other side.
"Yeah, come in," Alec said, standing up.
"Hey man, how're you doing?" Jace asked, looking Alec up and down.
"I'm fine, Jace. Just a little nervous."
"Yeah, I bet that's normal," Jace chuckled. "I mean you are getting married, Alec. That's a big thing."
"Yeah, I know. I'm glad it's Lydia, I could have landed someone much worse." Alec would, of course, prefer if it was Magnus. But if he had to marry a girl, Lydia was the one he wanted to marry.
"You're right. She's hot, isn't she? I bet you're gonna have fun tonight." If by having fun you mean awkwardly sleeping in the same bed and thinking about who we would much rather be with… sure.
"Yeah, I can't wait till tonight," Alec lied. He couldn't explain that to Jace. He would tell him one day, probably. But not now, right now he didn't even want to think about it. Magnus, Lydia, the wedding, he didn't want it in his head. He wanted to turn off and go on autopilot all day. And as soon as the wedding was over he would sneak away with Shadowhunter for a while to clear his head before coming back to be with Lydia.
They had agreed they wouldn't sleep together, at least not right away. The would pretend. Maybe, if Lydia didn't go to her boyfriend in the first few weeks, they would at least try. Lydia needed to get pregnant or people would start suspecting something was wrong. Alec still wasn't sure if he would be capable, but he would have to at least try.
"Now… are you ready? We should get you to the chapel," Jace said.
"Yeah, as ready as I'll ever be," Alec sighed. Jace patted his shoulder before turning around, Alec following in his heels as they walked through the castle to where the wedding would take place.
The room was fully packed, the whole court was there, plus a few knights. Alec saw Luke in one of the front rows and looked around nervously to check if Magnus was there. He didn't know if he was relieved or disappointed when he saw that he wasn't.
Relieved, he decided. He didn't think he could go through with this if Magnus had been there. Emotions cloud judgment, damn right they do. And Alec's weren't just clouding his judgment, they were drowning it. So yeah, it was better that Magnus wasn't there. For everyone.
Alec took his position in front of the priest and turned around to wait for Lydia come in. Jace was standing by his side and Izzy sat in the first row, next to their father. She looked so angry that Alec couldn't look at her for very long. She didn't even pretend to make him feel better, she was staring at him with what he could almost call hate. Not hate, not really. But so much anger Alec almost regretted telling her.
He stood uncomfortably on the little podium, wishing Lydia would hurry up and people would stop looking at him. After a few, long minutes the violins started playing and Lydia appeared at the end of the room. Alec could hear multiple gasps from the crowd as everyone looked at her. This was the first time many people saw her up close, and she was dressed to impress with a beautiful white and gold dress, diamonds glinting on her dress and from her hair, which was in a beautiful braid. If Alec was straight he would be so happy to marry Lydia, but he wasn't. He wasn't straight and he wasn't happy to marry Lydia.
He was glad he was marrying Lydia and not some other woman. But he really wasn't happy, and probably never would be. He'd already come to terms with that years ago. Why were all these feelings coming back again? He knew why, but he still tried to ignore them, and what was causing them.
When Lydia stood in front of him, he took her by the hand and helped her up onto the podium. He smiled at her and then turned to look at the priest, still holding her hand.
Alec wasn't really paying much attention, he knew what was gonna happen anyway. He heard the priest talking, but he didn't hear what he was saying. He hoped Lydia was paying attention, so at least one of them would know when to react.
Magnus had barely been outside the whole week. Luke had been worried ever since the day he came home sobbing and locked himself in his room, but Magnus refused to tell him what had happened. When Luke had tried to come to talk to him later that day he'd set up a spell to keep the door locked. He'd read something about wards once, but he didn't want to go look for that spell. He hadn't done anything for hours, just cried and cried. His life has been perfect for a second, taking it away from him just as quick was just cruel.
He'd gotten something to eat hours later, after he was sure Luke was asleep. The days had continued like that, Magnus refused to leave his room, no matter how hard Luke tried to make him. And today was the day Alec got married. Magnus heard Luke leave the flat, this time without even trying to talk to him. He probably understood that this is about Alec, Magnus thought. Luke wasn't an idiot and he knew that Magnus had been out with Alec and Lydia the day he came home crying.
Now he was sitting there, on his bed and stared at the wall. A part of him wanted to see Alec. If he got in some nice clothes he could blend right in in the background. But that was a stupid thought. What good would it do? It would only hurt him further to watch Alec marry Lydia. He could crash the wedding, or completely stop it. With just a word a curtain could accidentally catch on fire, and then everyone would have to evacuate the room… But why? That would only slow it down, they would set a new date and that would be it. All that could do was damage the castle, hurt people, and cost money. And Alec would still marry Lydia, so it wasn't worth it.
He knew Luke was out so he decided to spend some time in the living room. He opened the door and looked around before he stepped out and moved over to the small couch. "What the…" he mumbled when he saw an envelope on the table next to the sofa. It had his name on it. And it had the royal seal. Magnus sat down on the couch and grabbed it, tearing it open. If this was some kind of apology letter from Alec or something he could forget it. He was marrying Lydia, he'd made that decision. He'd have to live with the consequences.
Magnus unfolded the letter and looked at the familiar handwriting for a moment. He hadn't spent much time with Alec's siblings, but Isabelle had written him a list of things she wanted from Luke once. It was the same handwriting. What could Isabelle possibly want from him?
Magnus.
I'm writing this to you because someone has to and none of you have balls enough to do it. Alec told me about what happened at the clearing, and I'm taking your side in this, Alec was an idiot. But, he is my brother, and even when he's acting like an idiot, it's still my job to take care of him. We both know Alec will never be happy with Lydia. Alec is stubborn, but he loves you. I think, if you show up, it might make the difference he needs. There's another piece of paper in this envelope, it's an invitation to the wedding. Show it to the guards at the door and they'll let you in. You don't have to come, of course, but I hope you do. For Alec.
Sincerely, Isabelle.
P.S. He loves you, please don't let him make this huge mistake.
Magnus read the letter twice, just to be sure he'd read it right. Isabelle really was something different. She deeply cared about Alec. He loves you. "I love him too," Magnus said to himself. I can't let him do this, he thought as he grabbed the invitation. He didn't think about it at all but stormed out of the flat and towards the castle. He realized, about halfway there, that he hadn't changed clothes in almost a week. And he was on his way to a royal wedding.
Magnus hid in a small alley and tried to recall a cleaning spell. He cast one and immediately felt fresher. He looked down at himself and took in his clothes. He could not go to a wedding like that. He ran a dozen spells through his head, thinking of which one would be best to use. He settled on one that would turn his clothes into whatever clothes he was imagining in his head. He imagined a tight suit, all black. And while he was at it he imagined the tips of his hair dyed pink. Another one of Luke's things, hair dye.
After he made sure he finally looked presentable Magnus left the alley and continued his way towards the castle. There were two guards at the door, but they let Magnus in. The ones outside the chapel were a little bit harder though.
"You can't come in here," one of the guards said. "The ceremony has already begun."
"I have an invitation signed by the princess herself, I think that should give me some privileges." The guards looked at each other before looking back at Magnus.
"If you really have one signed by the princess we can let you slip inside." Magnus reached inside his pocket and pulled out the invitation, relieved it hadn't disappeared when he had changed his clothes. He showed it to the guards, the stamped invitation and Isabelle's signature under it. The guards looked at each other again before one of them hesitantly opened the door, just enough for Magnus to squeeze inside.
All eyes were on the front of the room where Alec and Lydia were standing together, facing each other as the priest talked. No one had noticed Magnus walking in. Yet. Magnus walked down where he guessed Lydia had walked earlier. He'd just taken a few steps when people started noticing him. The priest looked up and his eyes landed on Magnus as he stopped talking.
As expected, Magnus was immediately approached by a guard. Everyone was looking now, everyone had seen him. Magnus couldn't see Isabelle or Luke, but he hoped they could see him. Magnus looked up at Alec, found him already staring down at him. It had been so long… it was just a week, but it felt like years since he'd seen Alec. He'd missed him so much.
"Excuse me, you have to leave this wedd-" Magnus cut the guard off.
"This is between me and Alexander," he said. "I'll leave if he asks me to." The guard was as surprised by that as Magnus was. He hadn't expected himself to say that, or to sound so confident while saying it. The guard looked up at Alec, unsure of what to do. Magnus looked up at him too, silently begging Alec to not make him come here for nothing. If Alec flipped him off, ordered for him to be taken away… Magnus didn't know what he would do.
"Alexander Lightwood, do you take Lydia Branwell to-" the priest's voice stopped suddenly and Alec heard whispers in the crowd. What was going on? Had he done something wrong? Alec looked up to see what had caught everyone's attention and saw… Magnus.
Alec blinked fast, not believing what he was seeing. He was imagining things. He missed Magnus so much he was imagining him.
Alec looked at Lydia and saw her staring too. He looked down at the crowd and saw Izzy smirking as she held back their father. Magnus is here! His brain reminded him. His eyes were pulled back to him. "This is between me and Alexander. I'll leave if he asks me to." He was really there.
Alec had told himself earlier that he might make out with Magnus if he saw him. He had not been serious. He was not gonna make out with Mangus, he was gonna tell the guard to throw him out. That was the right thing to do.
Emotions cloud judgment.
I love you, Alexander Lightwood. I love you and I'm going to do something now that I've wanted to do for so long. The memory replayed in Alec's head. Magnus's lips on his, Magnus's confession. The best two minutes of his life. For two minutes he'd been happy.
Emotions cloud judgment. If emotions cloud it, love completely shreds it apart.
I have to marry Lydia, Alec thought, even as he stepped down from the podium. He was aware of everyone's eyes on him. Wondering what the hell he was going to do. He vaguely heard Jace asking if he was okay. He ignored it all. Just… stared. Stared at Magnus.
I have to marry Lydia, he thought as he took a step closer. Magnus looked excellent in the suit he was wearing, it must be new, Alec hadn't seen it before.
I have to marry Lydia, the words were like a mantra in his head as he walked closer and closer. The whole room was holding its breath.
I don't want to marry Lydia, Alec thought as he pulled Magnus in by the lapels, connecting their lips like they had been a week ago. Ignoring the gasps around him, ignoring what he was sure was his father's voice, ignoring everything that wasn't Magnus. Magnus's lips on his, Magnus's hands on his waist, Magnus's nose bumping with his as Alec kissed him with no experience.
Magnus wasn't sure exactly what he was expecting Alec to do. Call off the wedding, maybe. Or throw him out and finish the ceremony. Maybe just flee the room and run away from the kingdom. He had not expected this.
He could see the conflict on Alec's face, could see him debating on what to do. He hadn't expected Alec to step down from the podium, to come closer and closer. He really wasn't expecting it when Alec reached out for him, and for a moment he thought Alec was gonna throw him out himself. But then there had been lips on his, and Alec's mouth had muffled Magnus's surprised gasp.
Magnus's hands had gone to Alec's waist, pulling him closer, closer. It would never be close enough. When Alec pulled back for air, Magnus chased his mouth, never wanting it to stop.
Magnus didn't know how much time had passed, only that the need for air was growing. When they eventually pulled back the room was completely silent. Magnus pulled back so he could look at Alec's face.
"You never cease to amaze me, Alec," Magnus said, smiling brightly up at Alec.
"Yeah... What did I just do?" Alec asked. Magnus was wondering the same thing.
They got about two seconds of silence before the room broke into the noise of people talking. Loudly.
"Alec, I am so proud of you." Magnus heard. Alec turned his face away from Magnus to look at his approaching sister.
"Alec, I am so proud of you," Alec turned his head to look at Izzy, smiling as she embraced him in a tight hug for a second before pulling away, looking at Magnus. "Magnus, thank you. I knew you would make the right decision."
"I had to. I... I love him and I couldn't let him make this huge mistake."
"Hm? Did you two... Did you plan this, Izzy?" Izzy faked her most innocent look.
"Plan this? Why would we do that?" Then, more seriously, she added, "I had hoped for this. Or at least I planned something and hoped this would be the outcome. I gave Magnus the invitation."
"How could you do that without telling me?"
"Hey, I don't think you're in the right position to complain. I just saved you from an unhappy life." Alec's face softened.
"You're right. Thank you, Izzy."
"ALEXANDER GIDEON LIGHTWOOD!"
"Oh no… Father," Alec cringed and was instantly reminded of the scene around them.
"Sorry," Izzy said. "I tried to hold him off." Robert approached them, and he was angry. He was fuming, his face red and hands fisted. Alec was scared for a second, but then Izzy stepped in front of him and shielded him from his father.
"Leave him alone," she said.
"Isabelle, move. I do not want to get mad at you too," Robert said, his voice was calm, but Alec could hear the strain behind it.
"No. I will not let you be mad at Alec for fighting for his own happiness."
"Alexander's happiness does not matter in this. Especially not if he wants to be with servant boys." Robert turned to look at Alec. "Now get up on that altar and marry Lydia like a real prince would." Alec shook his head.
"He can't," Lydia called as she made her way over to them. "I won't let him give up his happiness. I am not going to marry him. And I wish him all the best with Magnus." Alec smiled over at Lydia, thankful for her input. Now his father couldn't make him marry her at all.
"Guards!" Robert called. Immediately four guards gathered around them. "I want that servant in the dungeons. Alexander, you can go to your room and stay there." Alec put a hand around Magnus's waist and pulled him close, away from the guards.
"Magnus is not going anywhere," he said. He was not gonna let anyone take him away from him again. Never again. Not now, that he was ready to stick to him and be who he was.
"Don't forget who is the leader here, Alexander," Robert growled.
"Magnus hasn't done anything wrong. You can't throw him in the dungeons."
"He crashed a royal wedding, that's more than enough to put him in prison for years!"
"He did not do such a thing, he was simply late and I crashed my wedding." Robert glared at all of them, Alec, Magnus, Lydia, and Izzy. He was met with the same, defiant glare on all their faces.
"This will have consequences," he snarled before leaving the room, the guards trailing after him.
"We'll deal with them," Alec said after him before he looked down at Magnus. "We will, right? Deal with him. Together."
"Yes, we will, of course we will," Magnus nodded. "But first we have to deal with this wedding, I mean I bet there is a lot of food and wine and stuff. What do you plan to do with that now?" Alec gave it a thought for a second.
"Nothing is stopping us from following plans. We'll have the party, just like we were supposed to, except Lydia and I won't be married. At least that way nobody came here for no reason."
"I love that idea, brother," Izzy smiled and nodded. "You two… go and talk while I get all your guests into the ballroom. Lydia, will you help me?"
"Yes, just give me a second," Lydia nodded and then turned to Alec, she took his hands into her own and smiled at him. "I am so happy for you. I wish you the best and I know you can do it. Don't listen to your father. Your happiness is important.." Alec smiled.
"Thanks, Lydia. This also means you can be with John." Lydia nodded.
"Yes, I'm sure he'll be very happy to hear that." She gave his hand a quick squeeze before turning around and leaving with Izzy to gather everyone up. Alec turned to Magnus after they were finally left alone.
"Hi," he whispered. Magnus smiled.
"Hi," he said.
"I'm sorry," Alec said immediately. "I… I thought I had to do what's best for the kingdom, I didn't think about myself. Or about you." Magnus reached up to stroke Alec's cheek, and Alec leaned into the touch.
"It's okay, Alexander. You were doing what you thought was right. I'm sorry for rushing away like that. I mean… I probably would do it again because I can't hurt either of us by pretending but… the way I ran away… I shouldn't have done that."
"I would have done it too," Alec confessed, his voice low.
"It still wasn't right. You begged me to stay, you needed me. And I left. I'm sorry." Alec shook his head.
"We both did things we regret. Let's just forget about that now, let's just… be happy." Magnus smiled.
"I would love to be happy with you, Alexander."