Chapter 39: The Art of Seduction

I stop by the kitchens first, picking up a bottle of wine and a tray of crackers with cheese. A delicious distraction.

Then, I make my way to Sebastian’s room. He won’t know I’m coming, and I hope he’s there. If he isn’t, it will throw a wrench in my plan.

I tap lightly on the door. The prince opens a moment later.

His brow raises as he sees me, drinking in my dress like I want him to.

“Surprise,” I say.

He steps aside so I can walk inside.

Now, the game begins.

“What’s the occasion?” Sebastian asks, watching me as I set the platter of snacks down.

I hold out the bottle of wine toward him. “Do you mind?”

He steps forward, taking it from me. Our fingers touch briefly and I let the touch linger, gazing up at him.

His expression is blank. It’s making me nervous.

Does he know why I’m truly here?

But then he smirks and I watch as he opens the wine, retrieving glasses from a cabinet in his room. He pours us both a cup and hands me mine.

I set forward. “Cheers.”