Chapter 9 Sebastian’s Complete Lack of Self-Preservation
Sebastian’s Complete Lack of Self-Preservation
Sebastian had been having a rather pleasant evening, just texting friends to decide which parties he wanted to commit to and what particular brand of chaos would be appropriate for each.
Life was good.
Until his study doors slammed open so violently that one of his books fell off the shelf.
Sebastian startled, looking up just in time to see a thunderous, predatory-looking Prince Alexander storm inside. Sebastian blinked. Then slowly set down his phone.
“Well,” he said. “I assume this is about her.”
Alexander stalked forward, jaw clenched so tightly it could cut glass.
Sebastian held up a hand. “Now, before you break my face, I’d just like to point out that—”
“You,” Alexander snapped, voice low and full of impending murder, “are a dead man.”
Sebastian pressed his lips together, his shoulders beginning to tremble. Because, oh no, Alexander had truly done it. He had genuinely tried to be charming and it had backfired spectacularly. Which meant this was the greatest moment of Sebastian’s entire life.
Sebastian tried. He really did, but the image of Prince Alexander… stiff, proper, composed Alexander attempting to flirt, only for Emilia to see right through it, was just too much. The first laugh escaped before he could stop it.
Alexander narrowed his eyes. Sebastian lost it. He fell back in his chair, laughing so hard he nearly tipped over.
“You really did it?” he wheezed, gripping the armrest for stability. “Oh, oh God, you said you wouldn’t but you went through with it, didn’t you?”
Alexander crossed his arms, glowering. Sebastian couldn’t breathe.
“Wait, wait,” he gasped for air. “What, what did she do?”
Alexander rolled his shoulders like a man physically restraining himself from committing a crime. “She immediately called me out,” he said, voice flat and lethal. “Looked me dead in the eye and said, ‘You don’t enjoy seeing me. You find me deeply frustrating, and I make your life harder.’”
Sebastian was wheezing now, barely able to contain himself.
“And then,” Alexander continued, his voice growing even darker, “she reminded me about overhearing my comments about her age and qualifications. Said she wasn’t selected for this project because she’s ‘easily charmed,’ but because she ‘doesn’t fall for performances, royal or otherwise.’”
Sebastian howled. “Oh, this is my favorite day.”
“She actually asked if I wanted to discuss her Pinterest boards first,” Alexander added, his voice deadly quiet. “A direct reference to what she overheard me saying to Davenport. And then she told me she prefers ‘honest disdain to insincere charm.’”
Sebastian clutched his sides, gasping for breath. “She’s magnificent. I need to meet this woman immediately.”
Alexander took a slow step forward, the floorboards creaking beneath his deliberate tread. Sebastian’s laughter abruptly cut off. Because, oh right. Alexander was still murderously angry.
“Ah,” Sebastian said casually, straightening in his seat. “Now, let’s not be hasty…”
“You gave me terrible advice,” Alexander growled, voice low and dangerous.
Sebastian held up his hands. “In my defense, you were already acting unhinged about her. I merely… encouraged the inevitable.”
Alexander took another step. Sebastian swiftly pushed back his chair, standing.
“Now, now, violence won’t solve this—”
Alexander rolled his sleeves up with methodical precision. Sebastian’s eyes widened as he immediately moved behind his desk.
“Listen, listen,” he said, one hand up. “I have plans this evening, my friend. I would very much like to attend them without a black eye.”
Alexander took another step. Sebastian grabbed a very expensive decorative vase off the table.
“Don’t make me throw this,” he warned.
Alexander arched a brow. “You wouldn’t.”
Sebastian lifted the vase higher. “Try me.”
A long, tense silence. Finally, Alexander exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders back.
“Fine,” he muttered. “You’re not worth the effort.”
Sebastian smirked. “Oh, I never am.”
Alexander glared. Sebastian casually set the vase down. Then, just as Alexander turned toward the door, Sebastian couldn’t resist one final jab.
“You know,” Sebastian mused, grinning again, “if you had just done what I originally suggested and flirted properly, she might not have suspected a thing.”
Alexander immediately turned back around. Sebastian sprinted for the exit.