☬♛ PART FIFTEEN ♛☬

The air was thick with unspoken words.

Alex stood frozen, Sebastian’s hand still resting against his jaw. His dark eyes were conflicted, torn between wanting and fearing.

Sebastian had seen that look before.

And he hated it.

"I will not let him take you from me." Sebastian’s voice was quiet but firm. "Do you understand me, Alex?"

Alex swallowed. "Sebastian—"

"Say you understand."

A long pause.

Then, finally—

"I understand."

But Sebastian wasn’t satisfied.

Because understanding was not the same as agreeing.

And Alex—despite everything—was still preparing to leave.

Sebastian’s grip tightened. "Do not make me chase you, Alex."

A sharp exhale.

Then Alex murmured, "If it keeps you safe… I will let you."

Sebastian’s breath caught.

Because damn him, Alex always knew exactly how to ruin him with words.

_________________________________________

The following morning, the summons arrived.

Sebastian had been expecting it.

"The king wishes to see you, Your Highness."

Sebastian rolled his eyes as the royal advisor relayed the message. "Of course he does."

He glanced at Alex.

Alex said nothing, but his fingers curled slightly at his side.

He was worried.

And for good reason.

"Tell him I’m on my way."

________________________________________

Sebastian entered the throne room with his usual confidence, hands clasped behind his back.

His father sat on his throne, watching him with cool disdain. His mother stood beside him, silent, unreadable.

And beside her—

Prince Gabriel.

Sebastian’s stomach turned.

"You wished to see me, Father?" he said, arching a brow.

The king exhaled sharply. "You have embarrassed this family, Sebastian."

"So I’ve been told."

His father’s eyes darkened. "Enough of your games. You will undo this mistake. You will accept Gabriel’s proposal."

Sebastian clenched his jaw.

"I already refused."

"Then I suggest you reconsider."

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. "And if I don’t?"

The king’s lips curled into something dangerous.

"Then I will send your butler far away from this palace."

A cold silence fell.

Sebastian’s blood ran hot.

"You wouldn’t."

"Wouldn’t I?" His father tilted his head. "You are my son. But he? He is nothing, Sebastian. A mere servant. Easily discarded."

Sebastian’s entire body went rigid.

He glanced at Gabriel—who was watching him with far too much amusement.

Gabriel smirked. "It’s a simple choice, Your Highness."

Sebastian exhaled through his nose. "So that’s your plan? Threaten the man I care about until I bend to your will?"

The king’s expression didn’t change. "I am giving you the opportunity to correct your foolishness."

Sebastian’s hands curled into fists.

For the first time, fear began to creep in.

Because his father was serious.

Because if Sebastian refused—

Alex would be taken from him.

And there was nothing he could do to stop it.

________________________________________

Sebastian forced his voice to stay calm. "And if I agree?"

"Then Alex remains in the palace." The king’s eyes were sharp. "But only as a servant. Nothing more."

Sebastian’s stomach twisted.

They were trying to break him.

Trying to force him into submission.

He looked at his mother.

She said nothing.

Because she couldn’t.

Because even she knew that this was no longer his choice.

This was war.

Sebastian turned to Gabriel. "And what do you get out of this?"

Gabriel smirked. "You, of course."

Sebastian’s jaw tightened.

He wanted to laugh.

Because it was ridiculous.

Because it was cruel.

Because, for the first time in his life—

He had everything to lose.

And no way to win.

The Final Ultimatum

"You have three days," his father said coldly.

"Three days to decide."

"Marry Gabriel."

"Or lose Alex forever."