SIDE STORY (2)

King Sebastian had a reputation.

A fearsome reputation.

To the nobles, he was a ruthless ruler-sharp-eyed, calculating, impossible to deceive. His presence alone commanded attention, and his cold, unwavering gaze could silence even the most ambitious lord.

To his enemies, he was terrifying.

To his people, he was their strength.

To his husband, however-

He was pathetic.

The Problem: Sebastian Couldn't Stop Staring

It wasn't his fault.

Alex was just... there.

All the time.

Everywhere.

And every single time Sebastian saw him, his entire demeanor changed.

This was a problem.

Because now, the nobles were noticing.

________________________________________

Sebastian sat at the head of the long mahogany table, arms crossed, expression blank. His council stood before him, presenting reports, trade agreements, and other dull matters he had long since mastered.

But instead of paying attention-

His gaze kept drifting.

To him.

Alex, who stood quietly to the side, reading over documents like he wasn't the most beautiful thing in existence.

Sebastian barely heard the conversation. His sharp, analytical mind-usually quick to dissect political strategies-was instead focused on Alex's hands.

Strong, steady hands.

Hands that had tended to Sebastian's wounds, had gripped his own in the darkest times. Hands that had-

"Your Majesty?"

Sebastian blinked.

The entire room was staring at him.

One of the nobles shifted uncomfortably. "Did... Did you hear my proposal?"

Sebastian clenched his jaw. "Of course I did."

The noble hesitated. "Then... your decision?"

Sebastian had no idea what had just been said.

But before he could recover-

A very amused voice cut in.

"I believe His Majesty would prefer a moment to reconsider," Alex said smoothly, stepping forward, handing Sebastian a very obvious summary of the discussion.

Sebastian cleared his throat, straightened his posture, and took the document, grateful beyond words.

Alex's lips twitched, clearly fighting a smirk.

Sebastian sent him a glare that (unfortunately) held zero actual heat.

The nobles, however, weren't blind.

One of them whispered to another.

"Did you see his face change?"

"Gods, I did. He glares at us, but then looks at the consort like he hung the damn moon."

"Terrifying one second, lovesick the next."

"It's honestly disturbing."

Sebastian heard every word.

But, honestly?

He couldn't even deny it.

_______________________________________

At a royal banquet later that evening, the issue only got worse.

Sebastian stood near the throne, observing the crowd with his usual sharp, unreadable expression.

Nobles mingled, drinking expensive wine, engaging in tedious political conversations.

Sebastian, however, wasn't focused on them.

His gaze had, once again, locked onto one person.

Alex.

Who was laughing at something one of the knights had said.

And damn it all, he looked radiant.

The candlelight flickered against his features, highlighting the sharp angles of his face, the warmth in his eyes. The way his shoulders relaxed, the easy grace of his movements-

Sebastian sighed.

He was doomed.

The nobles whispered again.

"There it is again. The soft look."

"I swear, I saw his lips twitch. He almost smiled."

"You think he realizes he's been staring all night?"

"Absolutely not."

Unfortunately for Sebastian, Alex definitely noticed.

Their eyes met across the room.

And Alex smirked.

Sebastian immediately looked away, bringing his wine glass to his lips to hide the fact that he had just been caught.

________________________________________

"You're ridiculous."

Sebastian turned away from the mirror where he had been removing his royal cloak, raising an eyebrow at Alex. "Oh? And why is that?"

Alex leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. "You do realize you spent the entire day staring at me, don't you?"

Sebastian scoffed. "I did not."

Alex's smirk widened. "You absolutely did."

Sebastian turned back to the mirror, acting as if he wasn't caught. "You should be honored, then."

"Honored?" Alex repeated, amused.

Sebastian shrugged, removing his crown. "That my attention is so valuable. Kings do not look at just anyone, you know."

Alex walked closer, stopping behind him. "True. But this king seems to only look at one person."

Sebastian held his gaze in the mirror.

Alex tilted his head. "I suppose I should be flattered."

Sebastian finally turned, facing him fully. "You should."

Alex hummed, stepping into his space. "Then I should give my king a reward, shouldn't I?"

Sebastian's breath hitched. "Oh?"

Alex leaned in, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to his cheek.

Sebastian froze.

And, of course-

Alex just grinned.

"Enjoy your reward, Your Majesty."

Then he walked away.

Sebastian stood there for a full minute, brain shut down.

...And he knew.

He was completely, utterly ruined.