☬♛ PART TWO ♛☬

The following days passed in an agonizingly slow manner. Alex remained the same-calm, collected, and infuriatingly composed. Yet, Sebastian could feel it. A shift. A crack forming in the butler's carefully constructed walls.

And Sebastian was not one to let an opportunity slip away.

The palace was hosting another grand event-a feast celebrating a recent military victory. Lords, ladies, and foreign dignitaries filled the grand hall, laughter and music echoing against the gilded walls.

Sebastian, dressed in deep royal blue, stood at the center of it all, dazzling and untouchable. But his eyes, though hidden behind effortless charm, sought only one.

Alex, stationed near the edge of the room, was ever watchful. Ever silent.

Sebastian knew Alex would never interfere, so he decided to push again.

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"Prince Sebastian," came the honeyed voice of Lady Eleanor as she approached, her gown shimmering under the chandeliers. "May I have this dance?"

Sebastian smiled. "It would be my honor."

As they moved to the center of the ballroom, Sebastian allowed his hands to linger just a bit longer than necessary, whispering something low enough to make her giggle.

But he wasn't looking at her.

He was looking at Alex.

And there it was-the tension in his shoulders, the tightening of his gloved fingers at his side. Barely noticeable to anyone else, but Sebastian saw it.

The music swelled. The dance ended. And when Lady Eleanor leaned up to whisper something in his ear, Sebastian let her.

Then he turned.

Alex was gone.

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Later that night, Sebastian found Alex waiting in his chambers, as expected. But something was different.

"You left early, Alex," Sebastian murmured, shrugging off his coat. "Did the feast bore you?"

"My presence was not required."

Sebastian chuckled, stepping closer. "Now, that's not true. I quite enjoy watching you sulk."

Alex finally met his gaze.

"Is that what you think, My Prince? That I am... sulking?"

Sebastian stilled. The way Alex said it-low, quiet, but edged with something dangerous-sent a thrill down his spine.

Then Alex did something unexpected.

He took a step forward.

"Do you enjoy it?" Alex asked, voice steady. "Making a spectacle? Whispering into Lady Eleanor's ear, knowing I am watching?"

Sebastian's lips parted slightly. Alex never reacted. Never questioned.

"What a ridiculous thing to say, Alex."

"Then why do you seek my eyes in every room?"

Silence.

Sebastian could feel the heat of Alex's gaze, the weight of words unspoken between them.

But Alex... Alex would never cross that line.

Sebastian smirked, tilting his head. "You should be careful, Alex. Someone might think you care."

Alex's jaw tightened. Then, as if nothing had happened, he stepped back and bowed.

"Goodnight, My Prince."

And just like that, the moment was gone.

Sebastian let out a breath as the door closed behind him. His heart was pounding.

Alex was breaking.

And Sebastian wanted to see how far he would go.