Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight!
Chapter 321: ’After Practice Revelations’

Chapter 321: ’After Practice Revelations’

The moment Florian stepped into his chambers, with Alexandria just a few steps behind, a streak of blue suddenly flew across the room.

"KRAAAA!"

A small, excited blur collided into his chest—and Florian barely had time to react before Azure, his ever-energetic dragon companion, began nuzzling up to his neck with a trill of joy.

Alexandria gasped softly behind him, a hand instinctively rising to her lips in surprise.

Florian laughed, his arms wrapping around the small dragon. "Hello, Azure. I’m guessing you missed me?"

Azure chirped and nodded enthusiastically, rubbing his cheek against Florian’s once more, his scaly body warm and soft as ever.

’He’s been waiting for me all this time...’

Florian’s smile deepened, the exhaustion of the day briefly washing away in the comfort of familiar affection.

And just as he was adjusting Azure’s weight in his arms, he was greeted next by a very human hug.

"Your Highness!" Cashew called, barreling into him with all the enthusiasm of a puppy reunited with its owner.

Florian caught him with one arm, hugging him close. "Cashew!"

The younger boy looked up at him, concern creasing his gentle face. "How was it?"

"Tiring," Florian admitted, letting out a sigh, though his voice was still warm. His eyes softened as he saw Cashew’s expression shift to worry. "But... it was fun too."

"You weren’t around," he added, petting Cashew’s soft hair with his free hand, the other still cradling Azure. "You helped the maids again today, right?"

Cashew hesitated before nodding. "I was also helping finish the cleaning in the guest wing, Your Highness."

"I’m sure you did great," Florian said, giving his head an affectionate pat. With both Azure and Cashew leaning into him, he chuckled. "Now I’m being swarmed."

’They’re both too sweet...’

So caught up in the comfort of the two, Florian completely forgot he had a guest with him.

That is—until a soft giggle reminded him.

He turned and saw Alexandria still standing near the doorway, her hands neatly folded, her smile delicate and amused.

"Oh my," she said, her voice light. "It’s still such a surprise to see the king’s dragon this close. And they’re both so affectionate toward you. It’s... quite adorable."

Cashew blinked and turned to face her, quickly remembering his manners. "Princess Alexandria. Good afternoon."

"Good afternoon, Cashew. And Azure..." she added politely.

But Azure didn’t so much as glance her way, choosing instead to stay curled in Florian’s arms, his eyes half-lidded in contentment.

Florian gave her an apologetic look. "He takes a while to warm up to people."

"I don’t mind," Alexandria replied, her smile unwavering.

"Cashew," Florian began, shifting slightly, "Lady Alexandria is going to help me practice my speech. Could you please get us some snacks and refreshments?"

Cashew nodded instantly. "Of course, Your Highness."

Alexandria raised a hand gently. "Oh, Prince Florian, you really don’t need to—"

"I insist," Florian cut in with a soft smile. "I’m sure you haven’t eaten anything either, right?"

She blinked, eyes widening slightly in surprise before her expression melted into something softer—something almost touched.

"You’re... really too kind, Prince Florian."

Florian felt his cheeks grow hot, a flustered flutter rising in his chest.

’Woah. I still can’t get used to her beauty... and now she just called me kind? Damn it, why am I blushing?’

He coughed lightly, trying to brush it off with a smile. "It’s no problem at all. Now—shall we finally go in?"

Cashew stepped aside respectfully. "I’ll be back with refreshments soon, Your Highnesses."

"Thanks, Cashew!" Florian called after him as the boy bowed and quietly slipped out.

Now alone with Alexandria, Florian led her inside the room, taking quick strides toward the couch.

"Please, take a seat. I’ll grab my notes."

Alexandria gracefully lowered herself onto the plush cushions, her posture elegant even as she relaxed. "Thank you," she said, watching him with interest.

Florian made his way to his desk where he had left his plans and draft of the speech, still clutching Azure who had now curled around his neck like a scarf. The small dragon was quiet now, tail flicking lazily, clearly at peace but visibly tired.

’He must’ve waited up all night... poor thing. I’ll let him nap while I work.’

He gathered the papers Heinz had allowed him to prepare and returned to the couch, taking the seat across from Alexandria. She had been quietly observing him the entire time, a warm smile tugging at her lips.

"Are you ready?" she asked gently.

Florian took in a deep breath, the parchment cool in his hands.

He nodded. "Yeah... let’s do this."

✧༺ ⏱︎ ༻✧

"And that is the end of my presentation," Florian said, lowering his notes with a soft exhale.

Across from him, Alexandria gracefully placed her teacup down on its saucer with a delicate clink, the faint aroma of jasmine and honey still lingering in the air. Cashew had returned earlier with a beautifully arranged tray—gold-trimmed teacups, warm biscuits, and fruit-topped cookies glistening with glaze—and now the sweet scent of everything filled the room.

Alexandria’s eyes widened with admiration, and then she began clapping, her expression glowing with genuine praise. "Oh my! That was... amazing!"

Florian looked up, startled by her enthusiasm.

"The amount of effort you put in... The passion in your voice..." she continued, almost breathless. "You spoke as if you were already standing before the dukes."

Florian let out a small, nervous laugh, cheeks blooming with color. He rubbed the back of his neck, shyly avoiding her eyes. "You flatter me, Lady Alexandria. You don’t have to be so nice—you can be honest."

"But I am being honest!" she insisted, her voice bright and sincere. "Trust me, Prince Florian, you will absolutely blow them away."

The words hit Florian deeper than he expected.

He blinked, smile trembling slightly before settling. ’She really thinks that? I... I needed to hear that.’

For the past few days, the weight of tomorrow’s presentation had been pressing on his chest like stone. He’d doubted himself more times than he could count. But hearing Alexandria, someone so poised and intelligent, speak with such conviction—it melted some of that doubt away.

"Now," he said softly, glancing at the papers in his lap, "all I have to do is get through tomorrow... and hope for the best."

"I’ll pray to the Gods for your success," Alexandria said sweetly as she reached for a biscuit, taking a small bite.

Florian was just about to follow suit—hand halfway to a cookie—when a soft fluttering sound caught his attention. The delicate glow of pale blue lights drifted across the room.

The butterflies.

His glowing butterflies, which had been dancing lazily around the flowers near his window, suddenly shifted.

Their movements became erratic, focused. The six of them veered from their blooms and flew—not to him—but toward Alexandria.

"Oh?" Alexandria blinked, surprised. One landed on the back of her hand, another hovered close to her cheek.

Florian sat up straighter, unease rippling through his chest. At first glance, it seemed harmless, even endearing. But the way they circled her... wasn’t like how they usually behaved.

"It must be the tea you’re drinking," he said quickly, trying to reassure her, though he couldn’t quite hide the furrow of his brow. "Or maybe your perfume... they must like it."

’What’s gotten into them?’

His eyes followed the glowing wings, their blue light dimmer now, as if pulsing with tension instead of joy. He narrowed his gaze.

"Luluwing, Blinky, Shimmie, Dewdrop, Twinkle, Mimiwing," he called gently, trying to summon them back. "Let her eat in peace... come here."

Obediently, and to Alexandria’s amazement, the butterflies fluttered away from her and returned to their master, some landing on Florian’s shoulders, others circling near his hair.

"I’m sorry," he said, brushing one of them with a finger. "They’re not usually like that. It was a bit sudden."

"I know, but it’s fine," Alexandria replied, still watching the butterflies as they settled. "I usually have tea with you here, but this is the first time they’ve approached me like that. But... you really are good with animals, no? Even butterflies listen to you."

Florian offered her a sheepish smile.

"And you even named them. Your naming skills are truly something, Prince Florian," she added, voice playful. "Didn’t you also name Cashew?"

Florian laughed. "Haha, yes."

’Though, Cashew was named by the original Florian... I just went with it.’

He took a sip of his tea, the warmth settling in his chest, and for a moment, everything felt peaceful again.

But then—

"Prince Florian," Alexandria said softly, setting her biscuit down, her tone shifting ever so slightly. "Were you aware... that your butterflies are poisonous?"

Florian blinked once.

Then again.

"...Huh?"