The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled. “Alison,” he echoed.
Prince Sebastian looked incredibly dashing. He’d changed out of his moody black ensemble from earlier today and into his formal navy-blue military uniform. Several badges and metals decorated his chest, and the gold stripes sewn into his blazer’s shoulder pads indicated his rank as captain. In every conceivable way, he looked like a man of honor. Up close, his smile was not only enchanting, but his deep, dark eyes had me frozen in place. They were tantalizing, full of calm that I’d failed to see before, like deep waters that ran perfectly still.
“You look like you’re about ready to leave,” he stated.
“I am. I’ve never been one for parties. And my assistant just informed me of a work emergency.”
“I hope everything’s alright.”
“They will be once I attend to the matter.”
A beat of silence passed between us, a tense fire building up within my core. Prince Sebastian looked at me far too kindly. After everything I’d heard about the man, from both the tabloids and Klaus, I thought that he would be different. I came to Wyvernbank with the expectation that he was wild, immature, and brash. But the man before me exuded control, respect, and authority. I considered for a moment if this was all an act. After all, someone like Prince Sebastian–who’d grown up in the push and pull of a ceaseless political atmosphere–would benefit greatly from homing in on his acting skills. Maybe this was all just a big game of pretend to him. I just needed to find his tell, pull at a weakness, and watch him unravel.
But I couldn’t find one.
“I’d like to apologize for the scene I caused,” I started slowly.
“No need to apologize. It’s refreshing to see someone so driven. You were right. My people are suffering. I’m glad I’m able to work with someone so compassionate.” Prince Sebastian took a single step forward, testing the waters. “It’s not safe to be out here alone.”
“I could say the same to you. Especially you, actually.”
“My guards are close by if I need them.”
“Do you think you’ll need them?”
He looked about the space. “It’s just the two of us.”
“And you trust me enough to be alone with me?”
The Prince chuckled. “I do.” There was a warmth in his gaze that left my insides bubbling with excitement. “You speak my language incredibly well,” he said. “Where did you study?”
“The University of Almas in Dulan. I actually graduated with a degree in business and minored in Wyvernbank linguistics.”
The Prince raised an eyebrow, amused. “How did you find your way into politics?”
“It’s a long story,” I admitted. “I wouldn’t want to bother you.”
“I wouldn’t mind listening, Ali.” The way he said my name shot a wonderful chill down my spine. Prince Sebastian must have noticed me shiver, because he immediately asked, “Are you cold?”
“I’m alright,” I insisted.
But he had already slipped off his blazer and walked over, slipping the garment over my shoulders. I caught an intoxicating whiff of his delicious cologne, all the while relishing in my newfound warmth. He’d closed off the distance between us, unabashed at how close we were.
“This is the closest I’ve ever been to nobility,” I giggled.
“What do you think? Do you feel different?”
“Not really.”
“When you get right down to it, we’re just like everybody else.”
“True. Except, you know, you get fancy titles and tons of money.”
Prince Sebastian winced at my last comment. “I’ll admit I’m more fortunate than others.”
“I’m sorry,” I rushed. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“I like that you speak your mind.” He chuckled.
“You do?”
“People are always careful about what they say around me. It’s kind of annoying. Everybody’s got their own agenda, but they try to hide what they want until the last minute.”
“I’m not like that at all,” I laughed. “Klaus is always worried I’m going to anger the wrong people by saying something stupid.”
“Who’s Klaus?” he inquired.
“My personal assistant. The guy with the dorky glasses?”
“Ah,” he hummed, nodding slowly. “I remember him. He looked absolutely petrified when you spoke out of turn today.”
“I’ll have to take your word for it. I was kind of wrapped up in my speech.”
Prince Sebastian laughed, loud and absolutely brilliant. His voice vibrated in my chest, left me aching to hear more. I supposed he wasn’t so bad, after all.
“Will you be attending tomorrow’s meeting?” he asked, a glimmer of hope in his question.
“Yes. I’ll be here until next week.”
“I see,” he mumbled, his expression dropping slightly. “I take it you’ll be quite busy.”
“Most likely.”
“That’s a shame.”
“Why would that be, Your Royal Highness?”
He smiled wide. “Please, call me Sebastian.”
My heart leapt up into my throat and lodged itself there. “Sebastian,” I echoed, testing his name in my mouth. I swallowed hard, too occupied with how close he was to remember to breathe. In fact, he was so close that I could easily lean forward and press my lips to his. But I stopped myself, fought every urge to do so.
We may not presently be at war, but politics are a fickle bitch.
“If you find yourself free one evening,” he started, “I would love the chance to invite you out to dinner.”
I smirked. “We’re already out to dinner.”
Sebastian rolled his eyes, but there was no heat behind the action. “You know what I mean. I’m asking you out on a date. Just the two of us.”
He wasn’t somebody you would want to piss off.
I looked away, cast my eyes to the floor. “I’m sorry,” I grumbled. “That’s… It’s not a good idea. You’re royalty.”
Sebastian squinted and gave me a crooked smile. “I’m aware.”
“And I’m a foreign diplomat from a country your Kingdom used to be at war with,” I sighed. “It’s complicated.”
“Are dinner dates complicated in Sunyata? I promise they’re far more casual here.”
“You know what I mean. I’m sorry, Prince Sebastian, but I have my reputation and career to think about. If word got out that I was out on a date with you, however innocent it may be, I’d lose all credibility. And you probably don’t want another scandal under your belt. I have to assume dating a commoner, let alone a foreigner, isn’t something your people would approve of.”
He straightened his back and relaxed his shoulders, pulling away slightly. Sebastian pressed his lips together, silent. “I suppose you’re right,” he eventually concluded. “I’m a little jealous I don’t have someone as dedicated as yourself working for me.” He stuck his hand out amicably to shake, which I took with all the grace I could muster. “Well, at least I asked.”
Our hands lingered together for far longer than necessary. His large, rough palms were warm against mine. Sebastian’s touch was gentle, like he was handling fine crystal or something equally as precious. The smile he gave me was sweet, if a bit tainted with disappointment.
“Ali? Where are you?” shouted Klaus as he barged through the banquet hall doors.
Sebastian snatched his hand back, startled by Klaus’ sudden entrance. The gentle, kind man who’d joined me in the gardens was suddenly gone, replaced by the cold indifference of a Crown Prince. Klaus’ mouth dropped open like he was about to say something, but he promptly shut it again.
“The car is here,” he informed me, voice cracking under stress.
“Thank you, Klaus,” I sighed. I handed the Prince his uniform blazer, which he took and slipped back into. “Enjoy your evening, Your Royal Highness.”
“Likewise, Diplomat Smith.”
6
Sebastian
“Would you please stop moping?” Patrick sighed as he delivered a stack of documents, placing them before me on my mahogany desk.
“I’m not moping.”
“You can have literally any girl you want. If you’d like, I can bring you a list of potential marriage candidates your father selected.”
“No,” I stressed, “absolutely not.”
“I don’t understand what makes her so special.”
“I can’t describe it, Pat,” I grumbled as I ran my fingers through my hair. “I don’t think I could explain without doing her an injustice. She’s… She’s just amazing.”
“Do you think you’re hung up on her because she rejected you? Twice?”
I winced at his comment. “I respect her decision to say no.”
“Then move on, Sebastian. There are plenty of fish in the sea. She clearly doesn’t feel the same way, so I suggest you save yourself the heartache.”
Something about what he said just didn’t ring true in my mind. He wasn’t there in the gardens with us. He didn’t see how Ali looked at me. I recognized all the signs–from her parted lips, the blush that tinted her cheeks, her blown-out pupils, to the way she stared at my mouth and giggled breathlessly. Ali looked like she wanted me as badly as I wanted her. The only thing standing in our way was circumstance.
“She said she didn’t think my people would approve of us if they found out,” I muttered.
“Smart girl,” huffed Patrick. “The Crown Prince and a Sunyata commoner? The press would have a field day. I’m glad she has a level head on her shoulders.”
I balled my hands into tight fists. “It’s not fair. My title’s never been an obstacle for me before.”
“I know you don’t want to hear it, but you have a responsibility to your people. As the next in line to the throne, you need to ensure your family’s legacy.”
“We’ve had this conversation before.”
“I’m well aware. I just thought you could do with a refresher course.” Patrick frowned, nothing but pity in his eyes. “Sebastian, I know it’s hard. You can never act on your impulses. You can’t act recklessly without severe consequences. Your title is both a privilege and a burden.”
“You’re being awfully cryptic today.”
“I was trying to be,” he said dryly.
“Was that another joke? You’re on a hot streak.”
Patrick stood, eyes glossed over like he was deep in thought. “I just want what’s best for you.”
“I know you do. I appreciate it.”
“I must deliver some reports to Diplomat Smith at her hotel with regards to the relief response. Was there anything I could help you with before I go?”
I shook my head. “No. Thank you, Patrick.”
“I’m always at your service.”
Just as Patrick was about to turn, a thought occurred to me. “Wait,” I said.
“Yes?”
“Let me come with you. I need to stretch my legs.”
Patrick chewed on the inside of his cheek as his brows pulled together. He finally clicked his tongue and sighed. “As you wish, Your Royal Highness.”
The security team had the car pull up to the back entrance of the building. It was one of five buildings that I owned throughout the city, which offered me the freedom to go about my day to day activities without being restricted by the stuffiness of my father’s palace, which was located roughly three hours to the east nearer to the mountains. I much preferred living in the city–though Patrick had admitted on several occasions that it made my security detail more of a hassle. I didn’t want to end up like my father, squirreled away behind high walls. He claimed he represented the people, but he hadn’t been amongst his subjects in several years. I didn’t want to feel disconnected from the people around me. In a figurative sense, I wanted an ear to the ground. What better way to understand my countrymen than to live amongst them? I’d admit I lived significantly better than most, but at least I was out and about with them whenever I had the chance.
The driver got out of the car and opened the back door for me, allowing me to slip inside quickly. There didn’t look to be any reporters around looking for the latest scoop. It was one of the many benefits of owning five different homes. It was hard for nosy paparazzi to snap photos of me if they didn’t know where I’d be spending the evening. Once Patrick took a seat beside me, the driver closed the door and immediately circled around the car to get back behind the wheel. The security officers assigned to my personal protection hopped into their only vehicle, a discreet black SUV, which was to drive a few feet behind us.
I looked out through the tinted window and admired the city’s architecture. Half of the capital had been burned to the ground during the war, resulting in an oddly satisfying mix of new and old. Tall glass buildings replaced old brick ones, rising from the ashes like eager sprouts after a forest fire. The combination of old Wyvernbank architecture and newer, modern towers was truly a sight to behold. Recently constructed buildings didn’t overshadow their predecessors. Rather, they complimented their charm and elegance. My Kingdom was growing, thriving despite our struggles. As I examined my surroundings, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride well up in my chest. One day, all of this was going to be mine.
The streets were packed with people from all walks of life. Children walked hand in hand with their mothers, flustered businessmen in suits dashed hurriedly to their next destination, and elderly couples took their time as they strolled together, arm in arm. I was curious to know what it was like in Sunyata. Did the city that Alison lived in look like mine? Did her people go about their lives like mine did, occupied in their own thoughts and concerns while navigating through busy streets? I grew up in a time after the war, when everything was still unstable and uncertain. For my safety, I was never allowed to travel very far out of fear of kidnapping for political gains.
We eventually arrived at the hotel where Ali was supposedly staying for the duration of the conference. It was an older building, with distinct marble columns holding up its massive roof. The first thing I noticed was the number of private security officers surrounding the perimeter.
“Are they with us?” I asked.
Patrick didn’t even look up from the file he was browsing through. “No. They’re here to protect Diplomat Smith.”
I frowned. “I don’t recall the other diplomats having such tight security.”
“She’s a Sunyata, remember?”
“Oh,” I mumbled, instantly realizing.
That made a lot of sense. Ali was a Sunyata national in the heart of my Kingdom. It was probably just as dangerous for her to be seen in public as it was for me. Ali was incredibly brave to come here so willingly, and to help some of my subjects no less. If this was Sunyata’s way of repairing the damage they’d done to my Kingdom all those years ago, sending her to negotiate was an incredibly smart move. After all, who could hate a beautiful woman who clearly wanted to help?
The car pulled up to the front entrance of the hotel where a bellhop in a gaudy, bright red uniform immediately opened the door for me. When I stepped out, the young man gasped and immediately threw his head down in a bow.
“Y-your Royal Highness,” he stammered.
Patrick followed on my heel and slipped the boy some cash, tucking it away in his breast pocket. “We’d appreciate your discretion,” he said, keeping his voice low.
“O-of course. You were never here.”
I smiled as Patrick led the way, documents tucked away in the crook of his arm. The inside lobby was impressive, with tall walls and an arched ceiling decorated with a colorful fresco. The floor-to-ceiling windows allowed the soft glow of daylight to stream through, warming the air around us. The marble floors were so well-polished that I could see the reflection of my face when I glanced down. Behind the tall receptionist counter, several employees gawked upon recognizing me. Patrick sighed and tilted his head in my direction.
“This is why I don’t like going out with you,” he grumbled. “You leave everyone starstruck.”
“You’re just jealous.” I chuckled.
Patrick approached the counter. “I am here to see Diplomat Smith. Would you please call her for me?”
“R-right away, sir,” said the receptionist, reaching with a shaky hand to dial the correct number.
One of the other employees reached into her pocket to pull out her cell phone. “W-would it be alright if I took a picture with you, Your Royal Highness?”
I was about to agree to her request, but Patrick shook his head. “I’m afraid I can’t allow any images to be taken,” he said quickly. “For his safety. I’m sure you understand.”
The employee blushed, swallowing hard. “Oh, right. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean–”
“It’s okay.” I chuckled, relishing in the way the woman practically swooned.
The receptionist looked up from his phone call. “Diplomat Smith’s assistant is on his way down to meet you.”
“Do you know if she’s coming?” I asked, a little too eager. Patrick threw me a wary look.
“The man on the phone didn’t say.”
My personal advisor clapped his hand on my shoulder and whispered in my ear. “Behave yourself.”
I placed a hand over my heart dramatically. “I always behave.”
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