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Chapter 100: ‘Florian’s Choice’

Chapter 100: ‘Florian’s Choice’

Florian instinctively straightened at the sound of Heinz’s commanding voice, his spine going rigid as if an invisible force demanded his attention. His stomach churned uneasily, the knot in his gut tightening with every passing second.

’What now?’ he wondered, his mind racing as he resisted the urge to glance at the princesses for reassurance.

The air in the room grew heavier, a suffocating tension gripping everyone present. Florian and the princesses lowered themselves into deep bows, their movements synchronized yet laced with hesitation. It was as if the very walls of the room braced for the tempest that always seemed to accompany Heinz’s presence.

"Y-Your Majesty," Scarlett stammered, her voice trembling, stripped of its usual sharp confidence. Florian couldn’t help but steal a quick glance at her. Seeing Scarlett—the ever-intimidating, ever-composed Scarlett—reduced to nervous stutters was jarring, unsettling even.

Heinz entered with a deliberate grace, each step measured, purposeful, and heavy with authority. The regal robes of his station billowed slightly behind him, their gold embellishments catching the warm glow of the chandelier. His gaze swept across the room, sharp and probing, like a predator surveying its prey. When his eyes briefly landed on Florian, a faint furrow marred his brow, though it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.

"And what," Heinz began, his voice calm yet steeped in unyielding authority, "is all this fuss about?"

Florian kept his gaze fixed on the floor, his head bowed low. His thoughts churned relentlessly, bitterness creeping in at the edges. ’Of course, he acts like he doesn’t know. Now that I’m aware of his secrets, everything he does feels calculated... even annoying.’

Alexandria, ever the pillar of composure, rose slightly from her bow, her voice steady and clear. "Your Majesty, we were merely expressing our gratitude to Prince Florian for his bravery during the rogue attack. He risked himself to protect us all, without hesitation."

Florian felt heat bloom across his cheeks at her words. Embarrassment coursed through him, his skin prickling under the weight of the praise. ’Why does she have to make me sound like some kind of noble hero?’ He focused on steadying his breathing, unwilling to look up and meet anyone’s gaze—especially Heinz’s.

The king’s eyes shifted toward Florian, his gaze softening for a fleeting moment—so brief that Florian almost questioned whether it had even happened.

"Is that so?" Heinz’s tone was neutral, unreadable, as his piercing gaze lingered on Florian. "It seems you’ve been earning your place in the palace, Prince Florian."

Straightening from his bow, Florian mustered his courage, keeping his voice even. "I only did what was right, Your Majesty. It was an honor to protect the candidates for queen."

Still, an unsettling undercurrent swirled in his thoughts. ’Something’s off. That faint smile of his... what is he planning?’

Heinz waved a hand, dismissing the subject with the ease of swatting a fly. "Very well. If that’s all, let us move on."

The tension in the room eased slightly, like a collective exhale. But the reprieve was short-lived.

"Your Majesty," Mira’s hesitant voice broke the silence. "We were wondering... does your presence today have anything to do with an announcement? Perhaps regarding..." She cast a coy glance toward Florian, her lips curving into a shy smile. "...a bride?"

Florian’s stomach dropped, and he barely suppressed a groan. ’Really, Mira? Subtlety clearly isn’t your strong suit.’

Heinz raised a single brow, his amusement flickering just beneath the surface. "Impatient, are we?"

Scarlett, as sharp and bold as ever, snapped her head up, her eyes gleaming with a dangerous mix of ambition and impatience. "If it’s news about choosing a bride, Your Majesty, surely you wouldn’t keep us waiting any longer?"

A low chuckle rumbled from Heinz, silencing the whispers beginning to ripple through the room. "Not quite what you think, Scarlett," he replied, his tone laced with amusement. Striding to his throne, he settled into the ornate seat with an air of unshakable authority. Resting his chin on one hand, he surveyed the room, his sharp eyes cutting through the lingering unease.

"I do have an announcement," he began, his voice ringing with calm finality. "In honor of Prince Florian’s bravery and his contributions to the safety of the royal family, I will be hosting a grand ball."

A stunned silence filled the room. Florian blinked, his composure faltering for just a moment. ’A ball? For me? That’s... unexpected.’ Suspicion gnawed at him, his mind racing to make sense of Heinz’s intentions. Gratitude seemed unlikely—Heinz wasn’t the type to do anything without ulterior motives.

The princesses reacted in a flurry of mixed emotions. Mira’s face lit up with joy, her hands clasped together in excitement. Athena clapped politely, though her gaze flickered nervously toward Florian. Scarlett and Camilla exchanged knowing glances, their sharp minds undoubtedly already at work scheming. Bridget, ever the observer, adjusted her glasses, her expression thoughtful.

"But," Heinz interjected, his voice cutting through the budding chatter like a blade.

Florian’s chest tightened. ’Here it comes.’

"But," Heinz repeated, letting the pause stretch unbearably, "this ball will not simply be a gathering of nobles and dignitaries. It will serve... a purpose. I will be accompanying only one of you to the ball."

"What?"

"One of us?"

Camilla’s scoff cut through the air, her arms crossed defiantly. "So, you’re saying you’ll only accompany one of us? Forgive me, Your Majesty, but what’s the point of that?"

Heinz’s lips curved into a faint smirk, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Not only that," he added, the words dropping like stones into the growing tension.

Florian’s breath hitched. ’There’s more?’

"But Florian," Heinz continued, his gaze locking onto him, "will be the one to decide who I will accompany."

"WHAT?!" Camilla and Scarlett exclaimed in unison, their voices echoing in the room.

Florian’s jaw slackened, his heart pounding. ’Me? What... what is he thinking?!’

Bridget stepped forward, her tone cautious yet direct. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, this seems... unorthodox. What are you hoping to achieve?"

Heinz leaned back, utterly unbothered by the skepticism swirling around him. "It’s simple," he said smoothly. "This ball will serve as a test—to determine which of you is most suited to be queen."

Scarlett narrowed her eyes. "And why does he get to decide? Is this just because he saved us?"

"No," Heinz replied sharply. "This isn’t about reward. It’s about recognition. Florian comes from a matriarchal kingdom where women lead. His sister is a future queen. Who better to assess the qualities needed for such a role?"

Florian’s eyes widened slightly as realization dawned. ’Oh. That’s why. He’s testing them—and me. It’s always a game with him.’

"This will also be a test for him," Heinz added, his gaze like a blade cutting through Florian. "To see if he’s worthy of such responsibility."

The room fell into an uneasy silence, whispers spreading among the princesses like wildfire.

Bridget broke the quiet. "And what criteria will Prince Florian use to make this... decision?"

Heinz rose from his throne, his sharp gaze sweeping over the room. "That," he said, his voice cold and commanding, "is for him to decide."

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