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

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." _{ƒгeewebnovёl.com}

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?’

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

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."

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.’

’Well, I put the effort but...’