Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight!
Chapter 117: ’Alexandria’

Chapter 117: ’Alexandria’

Florian trudged toward the princesses’ wing of the castle, each step heavier than the last. His body felt as though it had turned against him, sluggish and unwilling, dragging him forward only out of habit. He felt hollow—like a ghost haunting the halls. No will, no spark, just... movement.

Around him, the castle buzzed with its usual activity. Servants darted through the corridors with arms overflowing with silks, flowers, and endless finery. The air was alive with hurried footsteps and the hum of excited voices as preparations for the upcoming ball reached a fever pitch.

"Did you hear? King Heinz is meeting the princesses again today," one maid whispered loudly enough for Florian to catch.

"I heard Lady Alexandria might be the first one," another replied with poorly masked excitement.

Florian’s ears picked up their conversation, but his mind dismissed it almost immediately. He wasn’t interested—not in their chatter, not in the stares that followed him as he passed. He knew what they saw.

’I look like a wreck.’

The whispers trailed behind him, sharp and unavoidable, even if he tried to ignore them.

"Is that His Highness Florian?"

"He looks terrible... What’s wrong with him?"

"As if I didn’t already know," Florian thought bitterly. He didn’t glance their way, didn’t acknowledge their stares. What was the point? They weren’t wrong. He was a mess. Exhaustion clung to him like a second skin, weighing down every step, every breath. He felt like a broken thing moving through a world that didn’t care.

Polite bows and murmured greetings occasionally came his way, and he returned only the barest nods—just enough to satisfy protocol. It felt mechanical, hollow. Empty gestures from an empty man.

Behind him, Cashew walked in silence, his small frame almost dwarfed by the grandeur of the castle halls. The boy’s hands fidgeted nervously with the hem of his tunic, and his wide eyes darted between the bustling servants and Florian’s slouched figure.

Normally, Cashew’s presence was unobtrusive, comforting even. But today, his silence felt heavy. Florian could feel the unspoken questions hanging between them.

Finally, he broke the quiet. "Cashew, do you remember where Lady Alexandria’s room is?" His voice came out rough, almost hoarse, as if the act of speaking was more effort than it should have been.

Cashew straightened immediately, nodding quickly. "Y-Yes, Your Highness. It’s just ahead. I-I can lead the way."

"Good," Florian replied curtly. His voice sounded flat, even to his own ears, but he couldn’t muster anything more.

As they approached the princesses’ wing, the change in atmosphere was like stepping into another world. The air here felt lighter, touched with a faint floral fragrance that hinted at the magic imbued into every corner.

The soft hues of pink and white on the walls shimmered under the daylight streaming through arched windows, and gold accents glimmered like the light of distant stars.

’Everything’s so...girly.’ Florian thought.

Magic hung in the air, subtle but undeniable—a quiet hum that seemed to magnify the pristine beauty of the surroundings. Even the knights stationed outside the doors wore silver armor so polished it gleamed like mirrors. Their expressions remained stoic, but Florian caught the faint flicker of curiosity in their eyes when they glanced his way.

"They’re probably wondering if I crawled out of a grave," he thought, squaring his shoulders and forcing himself to stand straighter. The movement was stiff, unnatural, but he had to at least look like a prince.

"I’m here to escort Princess Alexandria to the king," he announced, his voice steady despite the exhaustion pulling at him.

The knights exchanged a glance before one of them turned to knock on the door. "Your Highness Alexandria, Prince Florian has arrived to escort you."

Moments later, the door opened, and Alexandria stepped out.

Florian had to admit, she was radiant. Her pale blonde hair fell in soft waves, catching the sunlight like threads of spun gold. Her sky-blue eyes sparkled with warmth, and her gown—a masterpiece of white silk and silver embroidery—seemed to glow faintly in the magical light of the hallway.

"Good morning, Prince Florian," she greeted, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze. Her gaze swept over him, and her brows furrowed slightly. "You look... tired. Are you feeling well?"

"Tired? That’s one way to put it."

Florian forced a polite smile, the corners of his mouth barely lifting. "I’m fine, Your Highness. Thank you for your concern."

Her lips quirked into a faint smile, though her concern lingered in her gaze. "If you say so. But do take care of yourself, Prince Florian. The day is only just beginning."

’Thank you for that reminder, Alexandria.’ he thought, nodding stiffly.

"I’ll keep that in mind," he said aloud, his tone softening despite himself. "Are you ready to go?"

Alexandria nodded, her expression brightening. "Yes, I am. I have a good feeling about today."

Florian raised a brow, her words stirring a flicker of curiosity within him. "Oh? And what gives you that impression?"

"The gods," she said simply, her voice steady with serene conviction. "They’ve whispered that today will be... significant."

’Significant?’

They began walking, the soft rustle of Alexandria’s gown filling the silence between them. Florian’s gaze shifted toward her, studying her from the corner of his eye. She moved with the grace of someone untouchable, her every step purposeful, her every gesture poised.

’Her beauty is unreal,’ he thought, almost reluctantly. ’It really does make sense that she’s a saint. She looks like an ange—’

"Ah," Alexandria’s voice broke his reverie, and she turned slightly to the boy trailing behind them. Her smile softened as her eyes landed on him. "And who might this be?"

Cashew froze mid-step, his face flushing bright red as Alexandria’s attention turned to him. He fidgeted nervously, his words stumbling over themselves. "I-I... um... My name is—um—Cashew, Your Highness. I’m... I’m Prince Florian’s servant."

Her smile brightened, and she inclined her head graciously. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cashew. Thank you for taking care of Prince Florian, and at such a young age."

Cashew blinked, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. His face burned as he finally managed a shaky nod. "N-No trouble at all, Your Highness! H-He’s... um... He’s very kind and takes care of me as well..."

Florian fought the urge to coo at Cashew’s adorableness, a faint smirk tugging at his lips instead. "Don’t let him fool you, Princess. He’s very capable despite being young. He knows more than I do."

Alexandria laughed softly, her voice like the gentle chime of bells. "It sounds like you make a good team," she said warmly.

Cashew glanced down, shy pride and embarrassment warring on his face, while Florian let out a soft exhale. For a fleeting moment, the suffocating weight in his chest seemed to lift. "A good team, huh? Maybe in some ways, she’s not entirely wrong."

The conversation lapsed into a comfortable silence, the trio walking through the enchanting halls of the princesses’ wing.

The faint fragrance of flowers lingered in the air, mingling with the golden light streaming through arched windows. For the first time that morning, Florian felt a faint sense of calm settle over him, the steady rhythm of their footsteps grounding him in the present.

Alexandria walked beside him, her steps graceful and measured, her gown flowing around her like water. She glanced at him, her serene expression softening into one of quiet curiosity.

"What are we going to do with King Heinz today?" she asked, her voice light but carrying an undercurrent of nervousness she couldn’t entirely mask.

Florian tilted his head, offering her a small, reassuring smile. ’Of all the princesses, if there’s anyone I’d want Heinz to end up with, it would be her. She’s kind, patient, almost unnervingly serene. But then again... knowing Heinz...’

His lips curved into a faint, wry grin, the thought leaving a bitter aftertaste. ’I wouldn’t wish him on anyone.’

"It’s a surprise," he replied after a moment, his tone carefully neutral. "But I can tell you this—His Majesty has really put effort into spending time with each of you."

’Well, I put the effort but...’

Alexandria tilted her head slightly, her blue eyes studying him, as if she could see past his polite exterior to the turmoil beneath. "A surprise? That sounds promising," she said with a smile that didn’t quite hide her nerves. "But... what about the test? Do you have any advice?"

The question hung in the air for a moment, and Florian hesitated, his steps slowing slightly. His expression turned thoughtful, his gaze flicking toward the polished marble floor.

’The test... Of course, she’s thinking about that. I don’t want to give away too much...so I’ll just say this...’

Clearing his throat, he glanced back at her. "My advice is simple," he said carefully, weighing his words. "Just... be smart."

Alexandria blinked, her soft smile faltering as surprise flickered across her face. "Be smart? That’s your advice?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

’Oh? Did...did I offend? Does she think I called her stupid?’ But then she giggled, a soft, melodic sound that carried warmth and a touch of mischief, making the prince feel relieved.

Florian chuckled despite himself, the weight in his chest lifting just slightly. He scratched the back of his neck, his faint smile carrying a rare glimmer of amusement. "It’s good advice," he defended with a shrug.

Her laughter lingered in the air, and Florian found himself watching her for a moment longer than he should have. The way her eyes sparkled when she laughed, the soft blush warming her cheeks—it caught him off guard. ’She’s... really pretty,’ he thought, the realization hitting him with an unexpected pang of wistfulness.

The emotion twisted in his chest, sharp and unrelenting. ’I wish I had someone like her. Not necessarily a princess, but just... someone.’ The thought felt treacherous, self-indulgent, but it was there, persistent and unshakable.

His gaze flicked to the other princesses they passed in the halls, their glittering gowns and perfect smiles framed by the beauty of the castle’s decor.

’Do they really love Heinz? Or are they just here because they have to be? Because their kingdoms pushed them into this? Because they want recognition?’ He hesitated, his brow furrowing faintly. ’I wonder if she’s the same. Is this all just a duty for her too?’

He glanced at Alexandria again, her serene demeanor steady as ever. But the thought lingered. ’Or is she just better at hiding it than the others?’

Before he could delve deeper into his musings, they reached the entrance to the gardens.

The heavy wooden doors swung open to reveal the expanse of the royal garden, its beauty almost otherworldly. Magic shimmered faintly in the air, weaving through the blooming flowers and enchanted ivy that draped over the gazebo ahead.

Beneath the arched roof of the gazebo, two figures stood waiting. Heinz, as regal and commanding as ever, sat with an air of practiced ease, his dark eyes scanning the trio as they approached. Beside him stood Lucius, his ever-loyal knight, his silver armor gleaming in the soft light.

Alexandria’s steps quickened, her nervous energy driving her forward, but Florian’s pace slowed. His gaze locked onto the two figures waiting for them, and his chest tightened.

’So, it begins.’ The thought was grim, heavy with the weight of unspoken fears and the knowledge of what was to come.

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