Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14: 'The Tea Party's Uninvited Guest'

Florian's gaze wandered as he stepped into the magical garden. The scene was breathtaking: vibrant, shimmering flowers swayed in an unseen breeze, and sunlight streamed through a canopy of enchanted trees, casting golden patterns on the stone pathways.

At the center of it all stood a grand gazebo, draped in flowing silk and adorned with intricate decorations, where the princesses sat around an opulent tea set.

It would've been serene—if Florian didn't feel every eye in the garden boring into him.

The whispers started immediately. _{freēwēbηovel.c૦m}

"What is he doing here?"

"For once, he isn't wearing something so scandalous."

"I still feel so repulsed by the fact that he's a man and he's...that."

'It's because of his kingdom's odd biology.'

'I heard his personality was foul too...and he keeps chasing after his majesty.'

'A man loving another man is so unnatural.'

"But look at him. Despite everything though..., he truly is—"

"Beautiful."

Florian forced himself to stay calm. He was used to this by now—the endless whispers, the disdain veiled in fascination. It was the hallmark of Florian's experience in Concordia. Beautiful, yes, but also an outsider. A walking contradiction.

'So many eyes,' Florian thought, his hands curling into fists at his sides. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see nobles, maids, and gardeners watching, their murmurs weaving a tapestry of judgment and curiosity. He felt a twinge of unease but kept moving forward, Cashew trailing nervously behind him.

As they reached the gazebo, the chatter ceased. All six princesses turned their attention to him, their gazes ranging from surprise to outright disdain.

Scarlett was the first to speak. Of course.

"What an unpleasant surprise!" she sneered, her fan snapping shut with a dramatic clack. "These tea parties are for the princesses, Prince Florian." She spat the title like it was venom.

Beside her, Camilla smirked, setting her teacup down with deliberate grace. "And after a whole month of skipping them, you suddenly decide to join us? How bold."

Florian's heart skipped a beat. 'Wait. What? Florian never attended these?'

A moment of panic washed over him. It was starting to make sense now that he never recalled any scenes of Florian attending a tea party with the princesses, nor did he even recall the princesses having tea parties.

'I knew I shouldn't have trusted him. He has been acting so fucking...ugh.'

He shot a quick glance at Lucius, who stood a few steps behind him, ever composed, ever watchful.

'You even used my own excuse against me.' Florian's eyes narrowed slightly. The supposed "concussion confusion" excuse that Lucius had used earlier now clicked into place.

'But why though?'

The panic gave way to annoyance.

And then, seriousness.

Florian had to get himself out of this situation, and panicking won't help him.

"Well," Florian began, his voice steady but sharp, "I wasn't aware that my presence was such an affront." He straightened his posture, meeting Scarlett's glare head-on. "If it bothers you so much, I'll gladly leave."

'I didn't even want to be here.'

He turned, intending to walk away, but Scarlett's voice stopped him.

"W-Wait!" she sputtered, clearly unprepared for his indifference. "You can't just leave. This is—"

Camilla quickly jumped in, her tone mocking. "You came here to impress His Majesty, didn't you? That's why you're suddenly showing up now—trying to win favor?"

'Are they...are they serious?'

Florian blinked, momentarily stunned by the sheer absurdity of the accusation. He glanced around, noting the curious stares from the onlookers. His gaze landed on Lucius, who stood as impassive as ever, though there was a flicker of something unreadable in his golden eyes.

Taking a deep breath, Florian turned back to the princesses, forcing a smile.

"Are you perhaps seeing ghosts, Lady Scarlett?"

Scarlett blinked, clearly thrown. "Excuse me?"

"You claim I'm here to impress His Majesty," Florian said, feigning confusion, "but I don't see him anywhere. Unless, of course, you're seeing something I'm not."

The silence that followed was deafening.

Mira and Bridget, who had been quietly sipping their tea, exchanged glances. Mira smirked, clearly amused, while Bridget outright chuckled. Even Alexandria stifled a giggle behind her hand.

Florian's smile tightened. He turned to Lucius, locking eyes with the butler. 'Your fault. Fix this.'

Turning back to Scarlett and Camilla, Florian shrugged. "There you have it. And as for me, I've long since accepted that His Majesty is searching for a bride. I have no intention of humiliating myself further." His tone sharpened. "Perhaps you should focus on impressing each other instead of trying to tear down someone who isn't even part of the competition."

"Interesting," Bridget murmured to Mira. "That prince has a spine after all."

'It would've been nice to talk to Alexandria or Athena, though,' Florian thought, his steps slowing slightly. But he dismissed the idea quickly because it was just not possible at his current position.

'Better not. They'd just feel awkward, and I'd rather not deal with that.'

'It's been a hell of a day, and I deserve it.'