Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight!
Chapter 150: ’Dance with Someone’

Chapter 150: ’Dance with Someone’

Florian turned toward the dance floor, his breath hitching slightly at the sight before him. Heinz and Scarlett moved in perfect synchrony, their forms elegant against the golden glow of the ballroom.

Heinz, ever the commanding presence, led the dance with an effortless grace that belied his usual cold demeanor. Scarlett, for all her eccentricity and brattiness, looked stunning in the moment—her gown swirling like liquid silk, her expression poised yet radiant.

The other dancers moved around them, yet they seemed to exist in an entirely different world. It was natural, of course. This was Heinz—the King, a man of immense power, perhaps the most powerful in this world. And Scarlett, despite her usual antics, was no ordinary woman. She hailed from one of the most influential kingdoms next to Concordia, and her beauty was undeniable.

Still, something felt... off.

Florian narrowed his eyes. He could see the two of them conversing, yet their words were drowned out by the murmurs of the nobles around him. The whispers of jealous noblewomen reached his ears, their envy woven into soft sighs and hushed tones.

"To think His Majesty is actually that handsome..."

"His reputation made me expect a monster, but look at him."

"That Princess Scarlett is truly lucky... though I suppose it’s only natural for the winner of the test to stand at his side."

"I wonder if this means she’s currently the running for queen..."

Florian bit back a laugh. Oh, if only they knew. If only they had seen the real Heinz—the sharp-edged, often exasperating, and occasionally terrifying man he had come to know. The nobles only saw a poised and powerful king. Florian, on the other hand, saw a man burdened by duty, emotions carefully concealed beneath layers of restraint.

A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Hmph. I still think it’s ridiculous that Scarlett is the one dancing with His Majesty."

Bridget’s blunt complaint pulled Florian’s attention away from the dance floor. He turned to see her standing beside Alexandria, Athena, and Mira. The four princesses—his fellow members of Heinz’s harem—each carried a different expression.

’She’s still annoyed?’

Bridget’s arms were crossed, irritation evident in her stance. Alexandria, ever the kind one, smiled despite her clear disappointment. Athena fidgeted, her usual shyness preventing her from voicing any complaint. Mira, ever elegant, merely observed the scene with her usual sharp-eyed composure.

Florian offered Bridget a small smirk. "Come now, Bridget, you know the rules. She won the test. It’s only natural for her to be the one at his majesty’s side tonight."

Bridget huffed. "Doesn’t mean I have to like it."

’She’s actually surprisingly petty sometimes.’

Florian chuckled, then glanced at the gathering of nobles around them. Several young men stood at a polite distance, their eyes flickering toward the princesses with barely concealed interest. Some looked eager, others hesitant, as if unsure whether they could approach royalty without offense.

He gestured toward them with a tilt of his head. "Why don’t you all dance with someone as well? I’m sure you’d rather not stand around brooding over Lady Scarlett."

Athena’s eyes widened slightly. "D-Dance? With nobles?" Her fingers curled at her sides, the very idea making her tense.

Alexandria, ever gentle, turned toward the group of waiting men, offering them a soft smile. "They do look like they’re hoping for a dance."

Mira’s lips curved subtly, though her sharp gaze remained assessing. "It would be rude to ignore such eager partners."

’It is... by Concordian customs. A lady with no partner shouldn’t turn down a dance request.’

Bridget sighed, crossing her arms. "Fine. It’s better than watching His Majesty and Scarlett."

Florian, suppressing a chuckle, cast her an amused glance. "I’m sure you’ll manage. Besides, Lady Camilla is already dancing, and it wouldn’t do for the rest of the princesses to stand idly by."

That seemed to settle the matter. One by one, noblemen stepped forward, offering their hands with careful bows. Alexandria accepted hers with effortless grace, while Athena—though hesitant—gave a small, nervous nod before taking her partner’s hand.

’At least Athena’s also dancing.’

Bridget, still reluctant, was approached by a confident young lord who seemed entirely unfazed by her blunt demeanor. Meanwhile, Mira, composed as ever, took her time choosing. Her keen gaze eventually landed on a nobleman who carried himself with quiet elegance, and she nodded in approval before taking his hand.

Florian watched as they all moved onto the dance floor, the once-lingering tension in the room slowly easing into a swirl of movement and laughter. He exhaled softly. The night was progressing well enough.

Still, his gaze flickered back to Heinz and Scarlett. That uneasy feeling from earlier hadn’t left him—a nagging sensation clawing at the back of his mind.

Something was going on with Scarlett. But that wasn’t his priority right now.

Right now, he had to—

"May I have this dance?"

Florian blinked in surprise as one of the young nobles stepped toward him. ’Let’s see... this is, uh...’ His sharp eyes scanned the man. He looked to be in his early twenties, with dirty blonde hair and striking yellow eyes.

Oh.

"Lord Skyshroud, I am honored." Florian inclined his head in a respectful nod.

The Skyshroud family was one of the five ducal houses of Concordia. Lucius had made it a point for him to know them, even if Heinz couldn’t care less about the rest of the nobility. The ducal families still held significant power.

There was the Darkthorn family—Lucius’ family. The Stormwing and Frostblade families, whom Florian had yet to meet. The Flameheart family, which belonged to Lancelot. And then there was Skyshroud.

"Please, you may call me Elias. ’Lord Skyshroud’ is my father," Elias said smoothly, a warm smile tugging at his lips as he extended a hand toward Florian.

Florian felt his stomach drop.

’Fuck. I can’t say no to him—he’s a duke’s son. But I really don’t want to dance.’

He forced a polite smile. "Are you sure you wish to dance with me, my lord? After all, I am a man. I know customs here in Concordia differ, but wouldn’t you prefer the princesses?"

Elias chuckled, tilting his head slightly. "With a pretty face like yours, Your Highness, I believe half the men in this room would die for the chance to dance with you—just to get a glimpse of you up close."

Florian’s brain short-circuited.

’DAMN. THIS BOY HAS FLIRTING SKILLS THAT BEAT LUCIUS’ OR LANCELOT’S!’

His eyes widened, his mind screaming at him to find a way out. Now, he really couldn’t say no—not without causing a scene. He wasn’t like Lucius or Lancelot, who he could just brush off however he liked.

He exhaled, resigning himself to his fate. He was about to accept when—

"Unfortunately, Elias, His Highness cannot dance with you."

The voice was smooth, firm, and unmistakably familiar.

Florian turned sharply.

"Lancelot!"

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