Loveology

CHAPTER 203
"Of course, Sebastian." You rest your hand in the crook of his elbow, offering him a soft smile. "Lead the way."

Sebastian places his hand over yours, returning the smile. He guides you up the stairs and down the hall until you reach his hotel room. He withdraws his hand from your own to unlock the door and hold it open for you. You step inside as you promised.

"Just a moment," Sebastian says as he follow you into the room and towards a door. He swings it open to reveal a small closet and begins pulling out canvases and lying them on the bed.

"Sebastian," you gasp as you approach the bed. The first canvas is a simple landscape: the sun rising on the ocean. The silhouette of a massive ship is the centerpiece of the painting.

The first piece alone is enough to blow you away, but Sebastian produces five more, most of them paintings of different settings. You're able to identify the fountain in Main Square, the royal family's castle, the farmhouse out South, and the East Outskirts.

But the fifth painting you recognize instantly. It's identical to the portrait you tore out Sebastian's sketchbook.

"I thought it would look better with color," Sebastian explains as you admire the canvas. "I thought you may want to see this one, too."

"I love it," you finally turn to the artist in question. "Thank you, Sebastian."

"Do you really like them?"

"Of course," you answer honestly. "They're beautiful. You certainly have a talent." He smiles at your answer, his brown eyes lighting up.

"Well, I've been thinking about that, actually," he says as he leads you to a loveseat in the room, settling you on one end and himself on the other. "I think I'm going to quit my job with the state."

"Sebastian, you love that job!" It doesn't take much to see that Sebastian prides himself in the work he does for the kingdom. "You can't give it up."

"But this is my passion, Carol." He gestures at his paintings. "This is what I want to do." He leans forward and takes your hands in his own. "And you helped me see that."

"Are you sure about this, Sebastian?" you ask. You believe he has the potential to do this successfully, but if he doesn't, this is all for naught.

"Yes," he says simply. "I'm sure."

"Then go for it," you answer with a laugh. "I think you can do this, Sebastian."

"Thank you, Carol." Sebastian smiles freely, leaning in for a kiss which you gladly return.

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