Page 98 of Throne Off Course

Sebastian exhaled a quiet laugh. “And yet, so little to report?”

Lavinia’s lips curved. “No point in stirring up trouble for the potential future queen, now is there?”

He let the words settle, his expression darkening with amusement. “How very pragmatic of you.”

“We like to stay ahead of the curve,” Allegra remarked smoothly.

“A rare quality in this city,” Sebastian murmured, swirling his whiskey.

“Which is precisely why you rely on us,” Lavinia added.

Sebastian inclined his head. “And I trust I can continue to do so?”

Allegra leaned in, her expression all honeyed charm and razor-sharp intent. “That depends, dear. Will it be worth our while?”

Sebastian’s eyes glinted. “Always.”

Satisfied, they turned the conversation to more interesting topics—the shifting tides of power, the Queen’s diminishing control, and the opportunities ahead.

It was only then, once the air around them crackled with anticipation, that Sebastian delivered his real move.

“Listen,” he said, dropping his voice just enough to command attention. “What would you say to spreading a particular kind of narrative? One that positions Alexander not as rebellious, but as… someone claiming his rightful place?”

Lavinia and Allegra exchanged glances.

“We’re listening,” Lavinia said carefully.

Sebastian smiled, slow and measured. “The Queen has played her game unchallenged for too long.” He swirled his drink. “But times are changing. What would happen if everyone started seeing her control not as strength, but as… fear?”

Allegra’s breath hitched slightly. She understood.

“You’re suggesting we help turn sentiment against the Queen?”

Sebastian exhaled, casual as ever. “Not against,” he corrected smoothly. “Simply… toward a more balanced perspective. After all, Alexander will be king someday. It would be prudent to ensure he remembers who supported his independence when the time comes. By the time Eleanor realizes what’s happening, half her court will have already shifted allegiance.”

Lavinia’s smile deepened. “I’m hosting a charity dinner this week. Half of Parliament will be there.”

“And I’m dining with Lord and Lady Kensington tomorrow,” Allegra added. “They have considerable influence among the conservatives.”

Sebastian’s expression sharpened. “Perfect. Remember—it’s not about criticism. It’s about… concern. For stability. For the future.”

As they melted into the crowd, selecting their next targets, Sebastian adjusted his mental timeline.

Things were moving faster than expected.

Later that night, Sebastian sank into the driver’s seat of his father’s Porsche, fingers drumming against the leather steering wheel as the estate lights faded in his rearview mirror. The low growl of the engine purred beneath him as he pulled onto the main road.

Tonight had been a masterpiece of subtle maneuvering—no direct threats or overt rebellion, just well-placed words,carefully cultivated allies, and precise pressure applied exactly where needed. The whispers he’d planted would spread through the elite circles by morning, each one carrying a seed of doubt about Eleanor’s reign.

For years, Eleanor had dismissed him as reckless and indulgent, too unfocused to pose any real threat. That had been her first mistake in a game she didn’t even realize they were playing.

Sebastian’s fingers tightened around the wheel as moonlight spilled across the winding country road ahead. A slow, satisfied smile curled at the edges of his mouth while the cool night air rushed through the open window. He wasn’t just playing the game anymore—he was winning it.

And soon, when the whispers grew too loud to ignore, Eleanor would realize just how badly she had miscalculated.

As he accelerated, feeling the engine’s response beneath him, Sebastian reached for his phone and dialed Alexander.

* * *