Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 309

Chapter 309: ’Stormwing and Darkthorn’

As per custom, the first carriage to arrive would be the first to disembark, while the second remained still—its passengers waiting patiently until the former had cleared the grounds.

Two butlers stood rigidly by the Stormwing carriage, each positioned with precision, awaiting the signal to open the door. Their uniforms were immaculate, the family crest of the Stormwings—an obsidian hawk with lightning-shaped wings—emblazoned proudly on their chest.

The first two princesses, Mira and Bridget, stepped forward with delicate grace. Their soft silks fluttered slightly in the gentle breeze, a whisper of movement against the formal stillness of the moment.

"Presenting His Grace, Duke Roland Stormwing, and his son, Lord Rodrick Stormwing," the elder butler proclaimed, his voice deep and clear across the courtyard.

The carriage door creaked open smoothly, revealing first a man in his fifties. He descended with practiced poise, his smile wide and warm, the kind that could disarm a room.

His pale pink hair, though dusted with age at the roots, remained thick, and his steel-gray eyes scanned the welcoming party with a spark of familiarity.

Following him was a young man, perhaps Florian’s age—if not a year older. Rodrick stepped down with measured grace, posture noble yet relaxed.

His pink hair, a few shades deeper than his father’s, shimmered faintly under the sunlight. But what caught Florian’s attention was his eyes—pure white, almost luminescent. They were unsettlingly beautiful.

Yet Florian’s gaze shifted instinctively, landing on the tall, composed figure beside him.

’Not as handsome as Heinz.’

The thought struck like a stone tossed into still water, and Florian’s eyes widened the slightest bit in realization.

’Oh gods... Did I really just think that?’

He forced his expression to remain untouched, biting back the urge to grimace or glance away, and instead walked forward beside Heinz with a polished smile carefully placed upon his lips.

"Welcome back to the Diamond Palace, Lord Stormwing, and Rodrick," Heinz greeted with formal ease. "It’s been quite some time."

Roland and Rodrick both offered deep bows, hands folded respectfully at their stomachs.

"Thank you for inviting us, Your Majesty. Indeed, it has been far too long," Rodrick answered, his tone smooth and practiced.

"And how long I’ve waited for you to host a summit," Roland added with a chuckle, before turning toward Florian. His eyes gleamed with interest. "Ah... and this must be Prince Florian, your representative. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I wasn’t able to see you in during the ball in your honor."

’That’s because I had to go early.’

Florian bowed his head gracefully, the kind of movement honed through years of court etiquette.

"The honor is mine, Duke Roland—and of course, Lord Rodrick." He smiled politely at Rodrick, whose ears turned a soft shade of pink the moment their eyes met.

Of course.

Florian was used to that reaction. It was easier to ignore it than dwell.

Just then, Bridget and Mira stepped forward in perfect unison, raising their bouquets to offer them to the duke and his son.

"Welcome, Duke Stormwing and Lord Stormwing," Mira said, her voice smooth and respectful. "Please accept this small gift as a token of the Diamond Palace’s hospitality."

The two men accepted the flowers with gracious smiles.

"These are lovely," Roland said, inhaling the scent with appreciation. He turned to the princesses with a twinkle in his eye. "And it is always wonderful to see you two again—more radiant than ever, if I may say so."

He then gave a dramatic sigh and added, "Oh, how I wish my son would finally find someone as lovely as your princesses, Your Majesty."

"Father..." Rodrick muttered, his brow furrowing in quiet embarrassment. "That might be rude to His Majesty..."

"No, no, it’s fine," Heinz said, waving the comment off. There was a glint in his crimson eyes, the barest trace of amusement. "It’s understandable. I do have the finest princesses..."

He paused, only a heartbeat, but it hung heavily in the air.

"...and prince."

Florian blinked.

Even Roland and Rodrick looked momentarily caught off guard—before the duke broke into a booming laugh, waving it off as harmless jest.

"Right you are, Your Majesty!" Roland said. "Now, shall we head inside? That old bastard Alaric will throw one of his fits if I keep him waiting much longer."

Delilah, standing nearby in her formal attire, finally stepped forward.

"Of course. This way, Your Graces," she said, voice cool and clear. "I shall escort you to the waiting room." _{fɾēewebnσveℓ.com}

With nods of thanks, the duke and his son followed her lead. As Rodrick passed by Florian, he cast a sidelong glance and offered a small, charming smile.

Florian arched a brow subtly, lips curling into a faint smirk.

Interesting.

Once the pair disappeared into the palace, the Stormwing carriage rolled away smoothly, allowing the next carriage in line to move forward with an ominous creak of its wheels.

Florian’s eyes narrowed slightly as the new arrival came into view.

’Ugh. It’s Alaric.’