Page 31 of Throne Off Course

“You’re right, you were worse,” Alexander countered with rare humor.

“Says the man who broke royal protocol and punched me in the jaw,” Sebastian retorted, rubbing his jaw dramatically for Emilia’s benefit.

Alexander’s lips twitched. “Only after months of your insults.”

Emilia burst out laughing, the sound both surprised and genuine. “Wait, you actually punched him?” She looked at Alexander with newfound curiosity. “Do you still resort to violence when Sebastian’s being annoying?”

“No, I’ve matured considerably,” Alexander replied with dignity, though a hint of humor remained in his eyes.

“And I’ve learned which buttons not to push,” Sebastian added. “Most of them, anyway.”

Sebastian turned back to Emilia, his practiced smile returning. “Anyway, enough about ancient history. Should I abandon my carefree existence and pursue you properly? I warn you, I’m relentless.”

Emilia arched a brow, unimpressed. “I doubt you could keep up.”

Sebastian’s smile didn’t fade. If anything, it sharpened, his eyes gleaming with renewed interest. “Is that a challenge?”

“You’d get bored,” she added, flipping a page in her notes like she couldn’t be bothered, though she was secretly entertained by the banter.

Sebastian tilted his head, studying her with exaggerated intensity. “You underestimate my stamina.”

Alexander set his pen down with deliberate force, the sound cutting through the room. “I didn’t think intellectuals were your type, Sebastian.”

Sebastian’s grin widened as he caught Alexander’s expression. “Oh, they’re not. Far too much effort. But for Emilia, I’d make an exception.”

Emilia laughed. “Flattered, really. But I prefer my suitors to have a vague sense of responsibility.”

Sebastian put his hand over his heart dramatically, “Emilia, you wound me. Deeply.”

“You’ll recover,” Emilia said dryly, hiding her amusement.

Sebastian turned to Alexander, his eyes alight with mischief. “See? She’s vicious. No wonder you like her.”

Alexander set his papers down with deliberate control, his muscles tensing almost imperceptibly. Sebastian, looking utterly entertained, simply inclined his head in a slow acknowledgement, his eyes flickering between Alexander’s sharp glare and Emilia’s amused expression. He’d struck anerve—and from the way his eyes glinted with mischief, that had been exactly his intention.

Emilia leaned back against her chair. “So, do you actually have any work to do, Sebastian, or is your entire existence dedicated to being a professional headache?”

Sebastian’s lips curved into a knowing smirk. “Oh, I have responsibilities.” He waved a lazy hand, the signet ring on his finger catching the light. “Tradition, policy, upholding the delicate balance of aristocratic nonsense—but let’s be honest, most of it runs itself.”

Alexander sighed, the sound of a man who had heard this speech many times before. “Your father would disagree.”

Sebastian tilted his head, thoughtful. “Yes, well, my father also believes I should ‘settle down,’ take my work more seriously, and stop making your life unnecessarily difficult.” He took another sip, eyes gleaming over the rim of his glass. “Nevertheless, I persist.”

Alexander pinched the bridge of his nose, a gesture Emilia had come to recognize as his response to mounting frustration.

“Alright,” Emilia said, setting her pen down. “Humor me—if you had to get a real job, what would it be?”

Sebastian looked genuinely horrified, sitting up straighter. “A real job?”

“Yes,” she said sweetly, enjoying his discomfort. “Something where you actually have to show up, work under someone else’s authority, and earn an actual salary instead of inheriting wealth.”

Sebastian looked appalled at the very idea. “That sounds awful.”

“It does,” Alexander agreed unexpectedly, flipping a page in his document. “Can’t recommend it.”

Emilia rolled her eyes, surprised to find herself enjoying their company. “Fine. But if you had to?”

Sebastian slumped, as if the question itself was exhausting, his head falling back dramatically against the chair. “If I absolutely had to lower myself to civilian standards, I suppose I’d be a lifestyle consultant.”