Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 100

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.

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

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