☬♛ PART SIX ♛☬

Sebastian did not sleep that night.

He lay awake, staring at the ceiling, his mind consumed by the ghost of Alex's touch.

This is all I can allow.

Sebastian wanted to hate him for that. Wanted to be furious at the way Alex continued to pull away, continued to deny them both.

But how could he?

When Alex had trembled against him, when his breath had been uneven, when his hands had clung just a second too long before letting go.

Sebastian had seen it-the truth Alex refused to speak.

And he wasn't going to let this end here.

________________________________________

The next morning, Alex entered the chambers as usual, his expression unreadable, his movements as controlled as ever.

But Sebastian saw the difference.

The stiffness in his posture. The way his hands remained at his sides, as if afraid to touch anything.

"Good morning, Alex," Sebastian said, his voice smooth, measured.

"Good morning, My Prince."

Sebastian smirked. "Ah. Back to formality, are we?"

Alex didn't respond, moving toward the wardrobe to prepare his attire for the day.

Sebastian watched him, crossing his arms. "Tell me, Alex," he mused, "how long do you think you can keep pretending last night never happened?"

Alex stilled for only a fraction of a second.

"Nothing happened, Your Highness."

Sebastian's eyes darkened. "Liar."

Alex turned slightly, his expression carefully neutral. "You have royal duties to attend to today, My Prince. I suggest we-"

"Don't do that."

Alex's breath hitched.

Sebastian rose from his seat, walking toward him with slow, deliberate steps.

"Don't stand there and act as if you did not hold me last night."

Alex said nothing.

Sebastian tilted his head. "Shall I remind you?"

He reached out, fingers ghosting over Alex's wrist.

Alex inhaled sharply but didn't move away.

"Tell me, Alex," Sebastian murmured, "if I held you again, would you still refuse me?"

Alex's jaw tightened.

Sebastian stepped closer. "Or would you break?"

The silence stretched between them, thick and unyielding.

Then-

"Do not test me, My Prince."

Sebastian smirked. "Is that a warning?"

Alex's gaze flickered to his, and for the first time, there was no mask, no restraint.

"Yes."

Sebastian's pulse pounded.

Because Alex had never warned him before.

And if he was warning him now...

It meant Alex was dangerously close to falling.

An Unwanted Proposal

The moment was broken by a knock at the door.

"Your Highness," a guard called, "the King requests your presence in the great hall."

Sebastian frowned. "Did he say why?"

"Prince Gabriel is waiting for you, sire. He has... made a request."

Sebastian's smirk faded.

A request?

He turned to Alex, but the butler's expression was unreadable once again.

"Shall I accompany you, My Prince?" Alex asked smoothly.

Sebastian hesitated.

Then he nodded.

"Always."

________________________________________

The great hall was filled with nobility when Sebastian arrived. His father sat on the throne, his expression neutral but sharp.

And standing in the center of the room was Prince Gabriel.

Sebastian strode forward, keeping his tone light. "Gabriel, you make my mornings ever so interesting. What is this request of yours?"

Gabriel turned, his lips curling into a smirk.

"I wish to formally court you."

The words were like ice.

The room erupted in murmurs. The King said nothing, merely watching his son.

Sebastian forced a chuckle. "You move rather boldly, Gabriel. I thought Arenthian men preferred a chase?"

Gabriel stepped closer. "And I thought Valenian men knew when to stop running."

Sebastian kept his expression amused, but his heart pounded in his chest.

Not from excitement.

But from rage.

Because he knew what this was.

A public challenge.

If he refused too harshly, it would insult an ally. If he accepted, he would be trapped.

And worst of all-

Alex was there.

Watching.

Unmoving.

Silent.

Sebastian turned slightly, just enough to meet Alex's gaze.

And for the first time in years...

He could not read him.

That terrified him more than anything.

________________________________________

Sebastian inhaled slowly, then turned back to Gabriel.

"A generous offer," he said, voice smooth. "But I am not so easily won, Gabriel."

Gabriel's smirk deepened. "Then allow me the chance to prove myself."

Sebastian exhaled through his nose.

"Very well," he said at last. "Impress me, if you can."

The court murmured in approval.

Gabriel's grin widened.

And across the room-

Alex turned and left.

Sebastian clenched his fists.

This was not over.