“I’m alright,” I insisted.
But he had already slipped off his blazer and walked over, slipping the garment over my shoulders. I caught an intoxicating whiff of his delicious cologne, all the while relishing in my newfound warmth. He’d closed off the distance between us, unabashed at how close we were.
“This is the closest I’ve ever been to nobility,” I giggled.
“What do you think? Do you feel different?”
“Not really.”
“When you get right down to it, we’re just like everybody else.”
“True. Except, you know, you get fancy titles and tons of money.”
Prince Sebastian winced at my last comment. “I’ll admit I’m more fortunate than others.”
“I’m sorry,” I rushed. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“I like that you speak your mind.” He chuckled.
“You do?”
“People are always careful about what they say around me. It’s kind of annoying. Everybody’s got their own agenda, but they try to hide what they want until the last minute.”
“I’m not like that at all,” I laughed. “Klaus is always worried I’m going to anger the wrong people by saying something stupid.”
“Who’s Klaus?” he inquired.
“My personal assistant. The guy with the dorky glasses?”
“Ah,” he hummed, nodding slowly. “I remember him. He looked absolutely petrified when you spoke out of turn today.”
“I’ll have to take your word for it. I was kind of wrapped up in my speech.”
Prince Sebastian laughed, loud and absolutely brilliant. His voice vibrated in my chest, left me aching to hear more. I supposed he wasn’t so bad, after all.
“Will you be attending tomorrow’s meeting?” he asked, a glimmer of hope in his question.
“Yes. I’ll be here until next week.”
“I see,” he mumbled, his expression dropping slightly. “I take it you’ll be quite busy.”
“Most likely.”
“That’s a shame.”
“Why would that be, Your Royal Highness?”
He smiled wide. “Please, call me Sebastian.”
My heart leapt up into my throat and lodged itself there. “Sebastian,” I echoed, testing his name in my mouth. I swallowed hard, too occupied with how close he was to remember to breathe. In fact, he was so close that I could easily lean forward and press my lips to his. But I stopped myself, fought every urge to do so.
We may not presently be at war, but politics are a fickle bitch.
“If you find yourself free one evening,” he started, “I would love the chance to invite you out to dinner.”
I smirked. “We’re already out to dinner.”
Sebastian rolled his eyes, but there was no heat behind the action. “You know what I mean. I’m asking you out on a date. Just the two of us.”
He wasn’t somebody you would want to piss off.
I looked away, cast my eyes to the floor. “I’m sorry,” I grumbled. “That’s… It’s not a good idea. You’re royalty.”
Sebastian squinted and gave me a crooked smile. “I’m aware.”
“And I’m a foreign diplomat from a country your Kingdom used to be at war with,” I sighed. “It’s complicated.”
“Are dinner dates complicated in Sunyata? I promise they’re far more casual here.”
“You know what I mean. I’m sorry, Prince Sebastian, but I have my reputation and career to think about. If word got out that I was out on a date with you, however innocent it may be, I’d lose all credibility. And you probably don’t want another scandal under your belt. I have to assume dating a commoner, let alone a foreigner, isn’t something your people would approve of.”
He straightened his back and relaxed his shoulders, pulling away slightly. Sebastian pressed his lips together, silent. “I suppose you’re right,” he eventually concluded. “I’m a little jealous I don’t have someone as dedicated as yourself working for me.” He stuck his hand out amicably to shake, which I took with all the grace I could muster. “Well, at least I asked.”
Our hands lingered together for far longer than necessary. His large, rough palms were warm against mine. Sebastian’s touch was gentle, like he was handling fine crystal or something equally as precious. The smile he gave me was sweet, if a bit tainted with disappointment.
“Ali? Where are you?” shouted Klaus as he barged through the banquet hall doors.
Sebastian snatched his hand back, startled by Klaus’ sudden entrance. The gentle, kind man who’d joined me in the gardens was suddenly gone, replaced by the cold indifference of a Crown Prince. Klaus’ mouth dropped open like he was about to say something, but he promptly shut it again.
“The car is here,” he informed me, voice cracking under stress.
“Thank you, Klaus,” I sighed. I handed the Prince his uniform blazer, which he took and slipped back into. “Enjoy your evening, Your Royal Highness.”
“Likewise, Diplomat Smith.”
CHAPTER SIX
Sebastian
I was used to getting what I wanted. As the Crown Prince, people were ready to serve me at my every beck and call. Growing up in my father’s court, I’d been surrounded by people who were willing to do anything and everything to please me. Of course, they did so in order to gain my favor–and by extension, my father’s–to achieve their own goals. The only person I trusted wholeheartedly was Patrick. In an official capacity, he was my personal advisor, selected out of hundreds to provide me with fresh perspectives and ultimately keep me out of trouble. But Patrick was more than that. All things considered, he was probably the closest thing I had to a best friend and brother. With him, I never had to lie or worry about ulterior motives. He was my soundboard, someone I shared my concerns with. And right now, my mind was plagued with concerns about a particularly stunning diplomat.
“Would you please stop moping?” Patrick sighed as he delivered a stack of documents, placing them before me on my mahogany desk.
“I’m not moping.”
“You can have literally any girl you want. If you’d like, I can bring you a list of potential marriage candidates your father selected.”
“No,” I stressed, “absolutely not.”
“I don’t understand what makes her so special.”
“I can’t describe it, Pat,” I grumbled as I ran my fingers through my hair. “I don’t think I could explain without doing her an injustice. She’s… She’s just amazing.”
“Do you think you’re hung up on her because she rejected you? Twice?”
I winced at his comment. “I respect her decision to say no.”
“Then move on, Sebastian. There are plenty of fish in the sea. She clearly doesn’t feel the same way, so I suggest you save yourself the heartache.”
Something about what he said just didn’t ring true in my mind. He wasn’t there in the gardens with us. He didn’t see how Ali looked at me. I recognized all the signs–from her parted lips, the blush that tinted her cheeks, her blown-out pupils, to the way she stared at my mouth and giggled breathlessly. Ali looked like she wanted me as badly as I wanted her. The only thing standing in our way was circumstance.
“She said she didn’t think my people would approve of us if they found out,” I muttered.
“Smart girl,” huffed Patrick. “The Crown Prince and a Sunyata commoner? The press would have a field day. I’m glad she has a level head on her shoulders.”
I balled my hands into tight fists. “It’s not fair. My title’s never been an obstacle for me before.”
“I know you don’t want to hear it, but you have a responsibility to your people. As the next in line to the throne, you need to ensure your family’s legacy.”
“We’ve had this conversation before.”
“I’m well aware. I just thought you could do with a refresher course.” Patrick frowned, nothing but pity in his eyes. “Sebastian, I know it’s hard. You can never act on your impulses.
You can’t act recklessly without severe consequences. Your title is both a privilege and a burden.”
“You’re being awfully cryptic today.”
“I was trying to be,” he said dryly.
“Was that another joke? You’re on a hot streak.”
Patrick stood, eyes glossed over like he was deep in thought. “I just want what’s best for you.”
“I know you do. I appreciate it.”
“I must deliver some reports to Diplomat Smith at her hotel with regards to the relief response. Was there anything I could help you with before I go?”
I shook my head. “No. Thank you, Patrick.”
“I’m always at your service.”
Just as Patrick was about to turn, a thought occurred to me. “Wait,” I said.
“Yes?”
“Let me come with you. I need to stretch my legs.”
Patrick chewed on the inside of his cheek as his brows pulled together. He finally clicked his tongue and sighed. “As you wish, Your Royal Highness.”
The security team had the car pull up to the back entrance of the building. It was one of five buildings that I owned throughout the city, which offered me the freedom to go about my day to day activities without being restricted by the stuffiness of my father’s palace, which was located roughly three hours to the east nearer to the mountains. I much preferred living in the city–though Patrick had admitted on several occasions that it made my security detail more of a hassle. I didn’t want to end up like my father, squirreled away behind high walls. He claimed he represented the people, but he hadn’t been amongst his subjects in several years. I didn’t want to feel disconnected from the people around me. In a figurative sense, I wanted an ear to the ground. What better way to understand my countrymen than to live amongst them? I’d admit I lived significantly better than most, but at least I was out and about with them whenever I had the chance.
The driver got out of the car and opened the back door for me, allowing me to slip inside quickly. There didn’t look to be any reporters around looking for the latest scoop. It was one of the many benefits of owning five different homes. It was hard for nosy paparazzi to snap photos of me if they didn’t know where I’d be spending the evening. Once Patrick took a seat beside me, the driver closed the door and immediately circled around the car to get back behind the wheel. The security officers assigned to my personal protection hopped into their only vehicle, a discreet black SUV, which was to drive a few feet behind us.
I looked out through the tinted window and admired the city’s architecture. Half of the capital had been burned to the ground during the war, resulting in an oddly satisfying mix of new and old. Tall glass buildings replaced old brick ones, rising from the ashes like eager sprouts after a forest fire. The combination of old Wyvernbank architecture and newer, modern towers was truly a sight to behold. Recently constructed buildings didn’t overshadow their predecessors. Rather, they complimented their charm and elegance. My Kingdom was growing, thriving despite our struggles. As I examined my surroundings, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride well up in my chest. One day, all of this was going to be mine.
The streets were packed with people from all walks of life. Children walked hand in hand with their mothers, flustered businessmen in suits dashed hurriedly to their next destination, and elderly couples took their time as they strolled together, arm in arm. I was curious to know what it was like in Sunyata. Did the city that Alison lived in look like mine? Did her people go about their lives like mine did, occupied in their own thoughts and concerns while navigating through busy streets? I grew up in a time after the war, when everything was still unstable and uncertain. For my safety, I was never allowed to travel very far out of fear of kidnapping for political gains.
We eventually arrived at the hotel where Ali was supposedly staying for the duration of the conference. It was an older building, with distinct marble columns holding up its massive roof. The first thing I noticed was the number of private security officers surrounding the perimeter.
“Are they with us?” I asked.
Patrick didn’t even look up from the file he was browsing through. “No. They’re here to protect Diplomat Smith.”
I frowned. “I don’t recall the other diplomats having such tight security.”
“She’s a Sunyata, remember?”
“Oh,” I mumbled, instantly realizing.
That made a lot of sense. Ali was a Sunyata national in the heart of my Kingdom. It was probably just as dangerous for her to be seen in public as it was for me. Ali was incredibly brave to come here so willingly, and to help some of my subjects no less. If this was Sunyata’s way of repairing the damage they’d done to my Kingdom all those years ago, sending her to negotiate was an incredibly smart move. After all, who could hate a beautiful woman who clearly wanted to help?
The car pulled up to the front entrance of the hotel where a bellhop in a gaudy, bright red uniform immediately opened the door for me. When I stepped out, the young man gasped and immediately threw his head down in a bow.
“Y-your Royal Highness,” he stammered.
Patrick followed on my heel and slipped the boy some cash, tucking it away in his breast pocket. “We’d appreciate your discretion,” he said, keeping his voice low.
“O-of course. You were never here.”
I smiled as Patrick led the way, documents tucked away in the crook of his arm. The inside lobby was impressive, with tall walls and an arched ceiling decorated with a colorful fresco. The floor-to-ceiling windows allowed the soft glow of daylight to stream through, warming the air around us. The marble floors were so well-polished that I could see the reflection of my face when I glanced down. Behind the tall receptionist counter, several employees gawked upon recognizing me. Patrick sighed and tilted his head in my direction.
“This is why I don’t like going out with you,” he grumbled. “You leave everyone starstruck.”
“You’re just jealous.” I chuckled.
Patrick approached the counter. “I am here to see Diplomat Smith. Would you please call her for me?”
“R-right away, sir,” said the receptionist, reaching with a shaky hand to dial the correct number.
One of the other employees reached into her pocket to pull out her cell phone. “W-would it be alright if I took a picture with you, Your Royal Highness?”
I was about to agree to her request, but Patrick shook his head. “I’m afraid I can’t allow any images to be taken,” he said quickly. “For his safety. I’m sure you understand.”
The employee blushed, swallowing hard. “Oh, right. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean–”
“It’s okay.” I chuckled, relishing in the way the woman practically swooned.
The receptionist looked up from his phone call. “Diplomat Smith’s assistant is on his way down to meet you.”
“Do you know if she’s coming?” I asked, a little too eager. Patrick threw me a wary look.
“The man on the phone didn’t say.”
My personal advisor clapped his hand on my shoulder and whispered in my ear. “Behave yourself.”
I placed a hand over my heart dramatically. “I always behave.”
Hard clicks against the cold floor echoed off the walls, alerting us of someone’s approach. We turned to see Ali and Klaus make their way down the hall. My guts tied themselves into terrible little knots when I laid eyes on her. She looked like a model straight out of a fashion magazine, wearing chic dress pants made of teal fabric and a flowing light peach-colored blouse. Ali once again wore her lips bright red, confident and proud. But what sent my heart into overdrive was the smile she gave when her eyes locked with mine. She stuck her hand out to shake.
“Your Royal Highness,” she greeted.
Patrick cleared his throat. “Proper protocol is to bow, Diplomat Smith.”
“It’s fine,” I interrupted, reaching out to take her hand. Her fingers were long and delicate, the surface of her palm impossibly smooth. �
��It’s good to see you again.”
“Likewise,” she giggled quietly. “You remember Klaus?”
“Yes,” I replied. “And I’m sure you’ve met Patrick.”
“Yes,” she echoed, grinning.
Patrick cleared his throat. “Right, well, now that we all know who’s who, shall we get down to business?”
“You can let go of his hand now,” Klaus whispered to her.
Ali laughed nervously and finally let go of my hand. “The hotel has an on-site restaurant,” she explained. “Maybe we can conduct business over a few drinks.”
“An excellent idea,” I beamed.
Klaus looked to me and then to Ali and then back to me before frowning. He mumbled something in his language under his breath, too quiet for me to hear. Ali nudged her elbow into his side, shutting him up instantly. She gestured in the direction of the restaurant.
“Shall we, gentleman?”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Alison
I couldn’t concentrate. There was absolutely no way I could. Every time I tried to focus on the matter at hand, I’d accidentally distract myself with a stolen glance at the Prince. Klaus had informed me that Sebastian’s advisor would be stopping by to finalize our joint relief mission, but he hadn’t said a thing about Sebastian showing up to personally take care of matters. I was a proud and capable woman when it came to my work. Very little could distract me from accomplishing my goals. But now, sitting across from Sebastian at a small square table, everything had officially been thrown straight out the window.
“The reserve army is already on their way to Belwald,” explained Sebastian. “Once they arrive, they will set up several emergency response posts at key locations to get to as many people as possible.”
“When are they expected to reach their destination?” asked Klaus, who was furiously scribbling into his black notebook.
“Later this evening,” answered Patrick. “Early tomorrow morning, at the latest.”
Klaus nodded. “Excellent. I’ve already reached out to my contacts within the Sunyata Air Force. They’ve got all the supplies loaded and are waiting on your troops’ arrival. Isn’t that right, Ali?”
The Prince's Baby Page 4
