Chapter 23: The Bodyguard
Zane~
Sleep had escaped my eyes. I had spent most of the night pacing in my study, my mind tangled in a web of frustration and unanswered questions. When the faint hues of dawn crept through the curtains, I gave up entirely, heading downstairs to wait for Sebastian. True to his word, he arrived at exactly six a.m.
I heard the click of the front door, followed by the familiar sound of his boots against the marble floor. His voice rang out cheerfully, breaking the silence.
"Rise and shine, Your Royal Highness. I hope you’ve prepared a red carpet for my grand entrance."
I stepped into the dining room, suppressing a sigh. There he was, lounging against the doorframe with an infuriatingly smug grin. His dark hair was perfectly tousled, and his sharp features were as pale as ever. He looked far too lively for someone who didn’t sleep often.
"Good morning to you too, Sebastian," I said dryly.
Before I could say more, Nora entered the room, carrying a tray of breakfast. She paused when she saw Sebastian, her lips thinning into a displeased line.
"Vampire," she muttered under her breath.
Sebastian, unbothered as usual, offered her his most dazzling smile. "Good morning, Nora. Always a pleasure to see you. And might I say, you’re aging like fine wine."
Her frown deepened, and she set the tray down with a little more force than necessary. Ignoring Sebastian, she turned to me, her expression softening as she placed a plate in front of me.
"Eat, Zane," she said gently, brushing a hand over my hair before kissing my forehead. Then, with one last glare at Sebastian, she left the room.