Page 67 of Throne Off Course

“You know what the worst part is?”

Alexander raised an eyebrow. “What?”

Sebastian sighed dramatically, draping a hand over his heart. “I’m actually rooting for you two.”

Alexander blinked. “…What?”

Sebastian scowled, looking disgusted with himself. “I know, I hate it too. But you’re hopelessly in love, and she’s hopelessly in love, and now I have to be invested because I have the misfortune of caring about both of you.” He groaned. “It’s repulsive, really.”

Alexander huffed a short, almost amused breath.

Sebastian’s lips quirked into a half-smile. “So. Tell me. When the inevitable disaster hits, will we be running away together? Or am I just sneaking you both out of the country under the cover of darkness?”

Alexander pressed his fingers against his temple. “Why are these my only options?”

Sebastian grinned. “Because this is a spectacularly bad idea, Your Highness.”

Alexander sighed. “I know.”

30

Tell Me This Isn’t Goodbye

Emilia had been sitting at her desk, staring at the same page in her book for the past hour. She should go home but she found herself unable to leave the palace, because tomorrow, everything would change.

She wasn’t expecting anyone in the archives this late but suddenly, there he was—Alexander, standing in the dim light of the hallway, looking at her like she was the only thing keeping him tethered to the earth.

She started in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

He hesitated. “I couldn’t—” He exhaled sharply, eyes burning. “I couldn’t let this be it.”

She wanted to say something sharp. Wanted to tell him how selfish it was to come here, to make this harder than it already was.

But instead, she just stepped aside, letting him in.

Because she was selfish too.

The room was dimly lit, the glow of the desk lamp casting long shadows. He was too close, but not close enough.

“You shouldn’t be here,” she whispered.

His throat worked, his hands curling into fists at his sides. “Genevieve arrives tomorrow.”

“I know.”

“I don’t want her,” he said, the words almost a growl, full of frustration and something else—something raw.

“I know,” she repeated.

His eyes searched hers, desperate, pleading. “Then don’t walk away from me.”

Emilia swallowed hard, her fingers curling against the fabric of her sleeve, trying to anchor herself. “Alexander—”

“I mean it,” he said, stepping closer. “I need you.”

Her heart shattered.

Because she needed him too.