Sebastian’s lips curved up into a smile, the first true one that I'd seen from him in days. “You’re kidding me, right?”
“Well, I didn'tjustrealize it. Your father is the king, so obviously you're the prince. But it's not something I really ever think about—no one ever refers to you in that way.”
“That's because I’ve asked them not to.”
“Why? Sebastian Hawthorne, Crown Prince of Caelestis, has a nice ring to it.”
“I don’t use the title because I have no intention of following in my father’s footsteps,” he said seriously.
“Well I’d sure hope not. He's a royal fucking jackass.”
My comment broke Sebastian. He released the most heartfelt laugh I had ever heard from him. “I would pay anything to hear you say that to his face.”
“I’ll do it for free,” I scoffed, turning more in my chair. “Why not, though? Isn't it every man's dream to have all ofthis?” I gestured vaguely with my arms.
He shrugged. “For most maybe, but I want a simple life. Idon't need any of this. I don't want to rule a kingdom that has ruled me my entire life.”
Understandable. His father hadn't set the best example.
“Plus, politics really aren't my forte.”
That, I agreed with. “Mine, either. I don’t quite understand it all, if I’m being honest. I’ve never stepped foot outside of Caelestis, and why? Because it would be considered treason? Seems stupid to me. I hardly think traveling across the continent should be considered trying to overthrow our government.”
“You’re safer in our borders, anyway.”
“Who's to say it's not safer elsewhere? Like Mealioria?
“I’ve been to Mealioria. Trust me, you have it better here. There's no beaches in Mealioria.”
“How have you been there?”
“Long story.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Oh, whatever. All I’m saying is, if I were queen, things would be different around here.”
“How so?”
“Well, for starters, I wouldn't hold the gifted on the castle grounds with a tall, mysterious guard watching their every move.”
“You forgot charming,” Sebastian pointed out with a grin. “What’s your next order of business, Queen Willawood?”
I tapped a finger to my chin. “I would secure the eastern territory and safeguard it from harm. Keep the land free of mortals and allow it to just exist as nature wishes.”
“Wouldn’t that be nice.”
“It would. I also would scratch this wholekingdombullshit and just rule the entire Prilarean empire alongside my sister. Maybe a man, too, should I find one worth keeping around.”
Sebastian snorted a chuckle. “I know I said politics aren't my forte, but they certainly aren't yours.”
“Why not?” I raised my brow. “It sounds like a solid plan to me.”
“How would you execute it? How would you get all of the kingdoms to follow you? What would you say or do to prove to their citizens that they should trust you with their lives? And what would you do about an army if not enough citizens volunteered willingly?”
I sucked my lip under my teeth. “I haven't gotten that far yet. Tell me, though, why is the crown prince also one of the king's head soldiers? Your father wouldn't bend the rules for his son?”
“That was somewhat of a compromise for my refusal to take on most of my royal duties, but also I chose to be a soldier.”
“Why?”
