"And rejecting him," Drizelous added, his voice barely above a whisper, "might actually be hurting you more than the idea of trying with him again."
"Are you alright?"
The question made Florian flinch—not because it startled him, but because of who had asked it.
Slowly, he lifted his head.
"I'm alright, Your Majesty," Florian replied quietly, careful not to meet Heinz's eyes. He could feel Heinz's gaze on him anyway, steady and searching, like it had been there for far longer than Florian wanted to acknowledge.
They had been standing side by side for hours now, fulfilling their duties.
Saying goodbye to visiting kingdoms. Escorting departing nobles. Smiling when required.
Mira and Camilla had already returned to their respective kingdoms. Bridget had chosen to stay for her education, and Athena and Scarlett remained in the palace as well—uncertain of their next steps, but welcomed all the same.
Heinz had made that much clear.
