But he smiled when he saw me. Genuine. Warm. The kind of smile that said he was proud, even if he didn't know how to say it out loud.
“Sebastian.” His hand came to my shoulder. “Are you ready?”
“As I'll ever be.”
He studied me for a moment. Seeing past the prince, past the performance, straight through to the exhausted man underneath. “You've done well. Your mother would be proud.”
My throat tightened. “I hope so.”
“I know so.” He squeezed my shoulder once, then turned toward the balcony doors. “Let's show them what survival looks like.”
The doors opened. Sound hit like a physical force. Cheering, applause, the roar of thousands of people packed into the courtyard below. Flags rippled in the morning breeze. Bells tolled from churches across the city. Cameras flashed like lightning.
I stepped out beside my father, and the noise doubled.
Viktor followed three paces behind. Apollo at his heel, perfectly trained. Close enough to move if needed. Far enough to stay professional. But I felt him there. Solid. Unmovable. The wall at my back that never wavered.
My father raised his hand. The crowd quieted, thousands of voices falling to silence in rippling waves.
“Two weeks ago,” he began, voice strong despite everything, “our kingdom faced its darkest hour. A traitor within our walls. An enemy who wore loyalty like a mask while plotting our destruction.”
The crowd murmured. Angry. Hurt. Still processing the betrayal.
“But we survived.” My father's voice rang clear across the courtyard. “We survived because of courage. Because of loyalty. Because good men stood between evil and innocent lives.”
He turned, gestured to Viktor. “Sir Viktor, step forward.”
Viktor moved. Smooth. Controlled. Every inch the soldier even as every camera in London swiveled to capture him. Apollo stayed at his side, regal and alert.
“Sir Viktor has served this crown with honor beyond measure,” my father continued. “He has bled for us. Fought for us. Stood as shield and sword when darkness came calling. And today, I name him Royal Consort and Protector of the Crown.”
The applause was thunderous. Deafening. Viktor stood there, expression unreadable, while medals gleamed on his chest and the kingdom roared its approval.
My father placed a ceremonial chain around Viktor's neck. Heavy gold links, the Laurent crest hanging like a promise. Official. Binding. Recognition that Viktor wasn't just hired muscle anymore. He was family.
He was mine.
Viktor's eyes found mine across the space between us. Grey meeting green. A small smile tugged at his mouth. Private. Just for me. Hidden in plain sight while thousands watched and cameras recorded and history etched itself into stone.
My father spoke again. “And there is one more matter.” He gestured for me to step forward. “My son has faced trials that would break lesser men. He has survived attempts on his life. Witnessed betrayal from those he trusted most. And through it all, he has shown the strength and compassion that defines true leadership.”
He looked at me. Really looked. Father to son. No ceremony. No performance. Just love.
“Sebastian, you are my heir. My pride. The future of this kingdom.” His voice cracked slightly. “And you have my blessing. In all things. With whomever you choose to stand beside you.”
The words hung in the air. Clear. Unmistakable. A public declaration that my father approved. That Viktor and I had his support. That the crown itself recognized what we were to each other.
The crowd erupted again. Louder than before. Cheering. Crying. Celebrating not just survival, but love that had survived alongside it.
I turned to Viktor. Didn't care about protocol. Didn't care about cameras or crowds or what anyone thought. Just crossed the space between us and pulled him into an embrace.
He held me tight. Careful of my injuries but desperate all the same.Apollo pressed against our legs, tail wagging so hard his whole body shook.
“So much for keeping us a secret,” I murmured against Viktor's shoulder.
His low chuckle vibrated through my chest. “Wasn't much of one to begin with.”
When we pulled apart, my father was watching us with tears in his eyes. Happy tears. The kind he hadn't shed since my mother died.
