Nicolas stopped abruptly in the hallway, his sharp green eyes narrowing the moment he caught sight of you. His tall frame blocked the corridor as if to bar your path entirely, his presence commanding and edged with an irritation he made no effort to hide.

“You.” The word came out clipped, almost accusatory, as his gaze swept over you with unsettling precision. His tone carried none of the warmth Rafael’s voice so effortlessly held, replaced instead with a sharpness that cut straight to the point.

He folded his arms, his posture stiff, and tilted his head slightly, the irritation in his expression giving way to something darker. Jealousy.

“You’ve been with him, haven’t you?” He said, the accusation clear in his voice. He didn’t bother to elaborate; there was no need. The faint trace of dust on your clothes and the faint scent of old parchment lingering around you told him all he needed to know.

His jaw tightened at the thought, the brown-eyed calm of his younger brother flashing in his mind, a stark contrast to the storm brewing in his chest. Nicolas stepped closer, his shadow falling over you as he lowered his voice, though the intensity didn’t waver.

“What did you two talk about?” He demanded, his tone sharp but laced with something almost vulnerable, though he’d never admit it.

“Let me guess.” He said bitterly, cutting off any attempt you might have made to answer.

“He smiled at you, didn’t he? Spoke to you like you’re the only person in the world who matters.” His voice dropped further, and his eyes burned with something possessive.

“But tell me this, did he really see you, or did he just enjoy playing prince for an audience?” The words stung, even as they revealed more of his insecurities than he likely intended. Seeing you come from the library, looking so at ease, so content, it was enough to drive the wedge deeper.

“Don’t waste your time on him. You’re better off with someone else.” The unspoken part lingered in the silence between you. 'Someone like me.'