Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21: 'Awkward Silences'

"Your Highness, be honest... did you do something?" Lucius whispered, his voice low and cautious. He stood close behind Florian, whose outward calm belied the storm of panic brewing within.

'I need to stay positive. Think this through.' Florian forced himself to keep a neutral expression, though he could feel the weight of Lucius's gaze pressing him for answers.

After the chaotic events at breakfast, Heinz had dismissed the princesses, their maids, and even Cashew, leaving only Florian and Lucius behind. The two had been summoned to the king's office—a rare occurrence in itself.

It was the first time in a month that Heinz had personally addressed Florian, and as far as Florian knew from the contents of the novel, the first time ever that Florian had been granted a private audience.

Private meetings with the harem, Florian knew, typically took place in Heinz's chambers. Yet, with Heinz's unchanged cold demeanor, Florian was fairly confident this wasn't a romantic gesture. 'No need to worry about that kind of drama.'

"I didn't do anything wrong, per se," Florian admitted softly, glancing at Lucius. "But I did speak to His Majesty yesterday when I bumped into him." Florian decided honesty was the best policy, especially since Lucius had gone out of his way to help him earlier. Even if it stemmed from some moral crusade to defend poor, fragile Florian, it was a form of support Florian could appreciate.

"When was this?" Lucius's voice dropped further, his tone now edged with concern.

"Yesterday, after the tea party fiasco," Florian replied, keeping his tone casual.

"Why didn't you inform me—"

"Prince Florian, Lord Lucius," a knight at the door interrupted, bowing slightly. "His Majesty requests your presence inside."

The heavy wooden door to Heinz's office creaked open, and Florian felt a wave of apprehension. He took a shaky breath, whispering a silent prayer to any deity who might be listening. 'Please let this be good news.'

Lucius straightened his posture and strode ahead confidently, while Florian trailed behind, his nerves barely under control. As soon as he stepped inside, a sudden wave of dizziness struck him.

The world spun, his vision blurred, and a sickening nausea rose in his stomach. Florian instinctively covered his mouth, taking a stumbling step back in an effort to steady himself.

"Your Highness!" Lucius reacted immediately, reaching out to grab Florian before he could collapse.

"Ah." Heinz's voice was calm, almost bored, as his gaze flicked toward them. "I see. The mana stones are making him dizzy. He's not accustomed to them yet."

Lucius adjusted his hold on Florian, his tone respectful but tinged with concern. "Your Majesty, please pardon him. His Highness hasn't been exposed to mana stones before."

Florian wanted to protest, to insist he was fine and didn't need to be treated like some frail noblewoman. But his head throbbed too much for him to summon the energy.

"Just place him on the couch," Heinz said dismissively, barely sparing Florian another glance. "He'll acclimate eventually."

'Asshole.' Florian thought bitterly as he felt Lucius lift him. 'Oh, great. This is turning into one of those cliché "princess carry" moments. Fantastic.'

Lucius carried him effortlessly, but Florian couldn't bring himself to look at the man. He could feel Lucius's steady gaze on him, scrutinizing him as though he were something fragile.

'Less than a minute in, and this is already going downhill. How could I have forgotten about the mana stones?' Florian grimaced internally, realizing this was new information that Kaz nor Aden had wrote.

The Concordia Kingdom was renowned for its mastery of magic, a power sourced from their unique production of mana stones. These stones were the foundation of their strength and fearsome reputation, allowing citizens to imbue everyday objects, jewelry, and weapons with magical properties.

Those who could use magic via mana stones were known as Arcaniors, but not everyone in Concordia was gifted with such abilities. Some remained unaffected by the stones, while others—like Florian, apparently—were susceptible to their adverse effects when exposed too quickly.

Both Heinz's bedroom and office were fortified with an abundance of mana stones to ward off assassins and protect the king at all times. Florian hadn't considered the possibility that they could also weaken someone unfamiliar with their presence. _{freёweɓnovel.com}

'Another detail I didn't know. Lovely.' Florian sighed as Lucius gently set him down on the plush couch.

Florian gave a faint nod, his voice dry. "I'll manage."

'At least he doesn't seem aggressive like yesterday.'

'Why is he so quiet? It's unbearable.' Florian grimaced, shifting uncomfortably on the plush couch. His headache was finally beginning to subside, but the tension in the room wasn't helping.