Page 10 of Throne Off Course

Alexander slumped deeper into his chair. “And to make matters worse, I completely humiliated myself before we even met. She overheard me complaining to Davenport about her age, saying she probably only applied because of that ridiculous GQ spread.”

Sebastian nearly choked on his whiskey. “Oh my God. You didn’t.”

“I did,” Alexander admitted, wincing at the memory. “She made it perfectly clear that she was approached for the position and declined twice before accepting. Then she delivered this cutting remark about how the concept of being selected based on merit might be ‘foreign’ to me.”

Sebastian burst into laughter, completely delighted. “She’s going to eat you alive.”

Alexander put his head in his hands. “This is such a nightmare.”

Leaning back in his chair, Sebastian studied Alexander with clear amusement. “So, let me get this straight,” he said, holding up a hand. “You met a beautiful woman who isn’t impressed by you, who challenges you, who doesn’t hang on your every word like the rest of the palace staff, and who caught youinsulting her before you even met…”

He paused dramatically. “…And you absolutely cannot stop thinking about her?”

Alexander narrowed his eyes. “Who said she was beautiful?”

Sebastian’s grin turned knowing. “Well, let’s just say I don’t think you’d be this worked up if she were unfortunate looking.”

Alexander let out a frustrated breath, loosening his tie with a quick tug. “She is just another distraction I don’t need. Not to mention that she has a complete lack of respect for the monarchy.”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “Tragic.”

Alexander leaned forward, the leather creaking beneath him. “She’s also way too confident in her opinions.”

Sebastian clasped his hands together. “Alexander.”

Alexander pinched the bridge of his nose. Sebastian continued. “You don’t have to sell me on her, I love her already.”

Alexander groaned, sinking deeper into his chair.

Sebastian tilted his head, watching Alexander spiral into frustration over some woman he had just met. And frankly? It was hilarious.

“Well, if she’s really that insufferable,” Sebastian mused, “you have two options.”

Alexander sighed, staring at the ceiling. “Oh, here we go.”

Sebastian held up a finger. “Option one: Fire her.”

Alexander gave him a flat look. “She was hand-selected by the Royal Historical Commission.”

“And turned them down twice, from what you just told me,” Sebastian reminded him with a smirk.

Alexander glared. “Not helping.”

Sebastian shrugged, the movement casual and unconcerned. “Fine. Option two, then.”

He leaned forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Flirt with her.”

Alexander blinked. Then stared at him. Then tilted his head, as if he had misheard. “Come again?”

Sebastian grinned. “Oh, you heard me. Flirt with her. Completely throw her off her game.”

Alexander leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his usually immaculate hair. “That,” he said slowly, “is possibly the worst advice you have ever given me.”

Sebastian held up a hand. “Hear me out. Right now, she’s in control, she’s winning, and you hate it.”

“I do not hate it,” Alexander responded immediately, too quickly.

Sebastian ignored him. “She expects you to be stiff, serious, dismissive,” he continued, “so instead, be charming. Use that royal charm of yours, ask her about her deepest, darkest secrets. Maybe casually roll up your sleeves, look brooding. It works for me.”