Chapter Three

Leonardo

The moderator announced the start of the Q&A session, and the room shifted. People shuffled in their seats, eager to jump in with their questions. I could already feel the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. This was it—the perfect moment.

I raised my hand, and the room fell silent as every eye turned to me. I could feel their gazes, those judgmental little glances from the crowd, but I didn’t care. This was my stage, and I was going to make the royal boy sweat.

"We have a question from Mr. Leonardo Francesco Vittorio," the moderator announced, bracing himself for whatever I was about to throw at them.

Who would’ve thought my reputation would carry all the way to pretty-boy’s land?

I flashed a grin, the devil-may-care attitude slipping into place like a second skin. “Your Highness, I’ve been listening intently to your talk about sustainable innovation and the steps your government is taking to protect the environment. And it all sounds very nice—very noble—but forgive me for being skeptical. I mean, let’s be real here—how much of this is just for show?”

A collective intake of breath rippled through the room. I could see the tension tighten in Alexander’s jaw. I was getting to him already. Good. This was just the start.

He cleared his throat, that same cold, polished smile never slipping. "Mr. Vittorio—"

"Leonardo is fine," I dared to interrupt, flashing him my most disarming smile. “No need for formalities. I think we should get to know each other better. All of us, I mean, of course.”

But that’s definitely not what I mean.

"As I said earlier, these matters are complicated. It takes time, collaboration, and yes, sometimes compromise. The work we’re doing is not for public consumption—it’s for the long-term benefit of our nations."

I couldn’t help the sarcastic edge that crept into my voice. “Ah, so it’s all about the long-term, huh? Funny, I was under the impression that real change takes more than just speeches. It takes action. But here you are, standing in front of a room full of people, touting your ‘commitment’ while the world burns. Are we really supposed to believe that these policies are more than just smoke and mirrors? Or are you just another prince with a nice title and a pretty face, doing the bare minimum to keep the royal image intact?”

The room went tense. The flicker of irritation in Alexander’s eyes was only there for a split second before it was masked again by flawless royal composure.

Oh, that hit a nerve. Come on, Alexander, give me something to work with.

His voice was still calm, but there was an edge to it now. "I’m not sure I appreciate the implication, Mr. Vittorio," he said, pointedly ignoring my offered first name. "My family has worked tirelessly to protect the future of our kingdom and the world. If you think you can simply come in here and dismiss all of that with one question—"

I interrupted again, my tone sharp and challenging. “It’s not just one question, Your Highness. How can you stand there and claim to be the voice of change when your own country’s policies are only making the rich richer and the poor… well, poorer?”

"You seem to have a lot of opinions, Mr. Vittorio," he said coolly. "Perhaps you’d like to share your expertise on how to solve global crises from your undoubtedly extensive experience."

"Touché," I replied, leaning back in my chair with a smirk. “But I’d need a bit more time on stage for that, Your Highness. Care to lend me your crown for the next session?”

There it was again, the faintest flicker of annoyance in his eyes.

"Is that what you want, a crown?" he countered smoothly. "Perhaps you’re mistaking this forum for a pageant."

Oh, he’s got claws after all. That’s my boy.

“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of competing with you, Alexander,” I shot back, my voice dripping with mock sincerity. “You wear it so well. It’s almost distracting, really.”

For the briefest moment, I thought he blushed.

“Tell me this: when the cameras are off, and you’re just Alexander, what do you really believe in?” I leaned forward looking him straight in the eyes. “Or is Alexander just another role you’re playing?”

That got him. No a word came out when his mouth slightly as if to respond; instead he nervously bit on his lower juicy lip and it took every self control I had left, not to push him down the podium and bite it myself.

Get a grip, Leo…. You’ll eat that mouth sooner or later. I reassured my raging hormones.

"I’m not here to discuss my personal beliefs," he said finally, his voice taut with restraint. “This is about the policies we’re implementing to create a sustainable future.”

"Policies are great," I said with a shrug, “but they’re only as good as the people behind them. And I have to wonder—what’s driving you, Alexander?”

The tension in the room was palpable now. Every eye darted between us, the audience caught in the invisible tug-of-war between his restraint and my provocation.

“The encouragement of people like you, Mr. Vittorio,” he said, his voice laced with sarcasm. “Perhaps next time you can submit your theories in writing.”

"Oh, but that wouldn’t be nearly as fun," I replied, letting the words hang in the air as I leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. “So, tell me, Alexander—when will you start being the real leader your people need?”

“Mr. Vittorio, I’m afraid your disrespect won’t be tolerated in this room—” the moderator shot me a glare of disapproval.

Alexander’s eyes locked onto mine, and for a brief moment, it felt like the world outside of us had faded away. There was no podium, no conference room, no polite warnings. There was only him—flushed with irritation, a fire flickering in his eyes like he wanted to rip me apart and put me back together at the same time.

The tension in the room was palpable. For all of his poise and polished control, I’d gotten under his skin. And I could see it—he hated it.

Unfortunately, before I could ask another question, Alexander stepped away from the podium, his posture rigid; eyes burning with an intensity I couldn’t quite decipher. The press immediately swarmed him, microphones and cameras flashing.

I stayed in my seat, smirking, knowing I’d left him shaken. The reporters didn’t even give him a chance to breathe as they shoved questions in his face.

I felt an unexpected rush from what I’d just done—a bit of guilt, but mostly pride and excitement. It was a rush I could feel from head to groin.

Alexander shot me one last look before finally storming out of the room.

I saw him leave, but I knew I wasn’t done with him yet. Not by a long shot.