CHAPTER 441: ’ANOTHER BALL!’

’Heinz actually told them he didn’t need a queen anymore?’ Florian blinked, the thought sinking in heavily. ’I mean... I figured. He only ever wanted a queen to find out who killed him, that was clear enough. But... to say it outright to the princesses?’

That was new. Unsettling, even.

"Of course, it came as a surprise to everyone considering what happened." Scarlett shrugged as she leaned back in her chair, arms raised lazily.

"They were not happy. Camilla, especially—she was fuming. Mira and Bridgett seemed more composed, but you could tell it made them question everything. Like, what’s even the point of being here anymore?"

"I-I do wonder, though..." Athena murmured as she cradled her teacup, her voice soft and hesitant. "If His Majesty isn’t looking for a queen anymore and says he has no interest in us whatsoever... then why are we still here?" She looked down into her tea. "Not that I mind he doesn’t call on us anymore. I just..."

In the middle of taking a sip, Florian choked.

He coughed, eyes widening as he sputtered into his cup. Tea nearly spilled over the rim.

"Y-Your Highness? Are you okay?" Athena asked quickly, reaching out slightly, worry written all over her face.

"Why did you suddenly choke on your tea?" Scarlett asked, half-rising from her seat. "Should... should I call for someone?"

Florian waved them off and placed the cup down, patting his chest and breathing through it. "No—cough—no, I’m fine, really." He coughed again. "I was just—" He let out another breath, rubbing his sternum. "Did His Majesty really tell you that directly? That... he has no interest in any of you?"

Athena and Scarlett glanced at one another.

Then both nodded.

"Yes," they said in unison.

’What the fuck is Heinz thinking?’ The thought rang sharp in Florian’s head. ’He’s being too honest. Too... blunt. Doesn’t he realize how harsh that sounds?’

Scarlett scoffed, clearly unbothered. "I mean, I really don’t care. You know me. But for once, I actually agree with the brainy twins." She rolled her eyes. "Why are we still here then? If it’s not for marriage, then what? Political decoration? Breeding stock?"

She snorted at her own sarcasm.

"I-I wonder as well..." Athena said, her voice small. "I miss my family. So much. Before I left, our kingdom was struggling. I helped my father manage things, kept things stable for a while. I wonder how they’re doing now... if they’re okay."

Florian frowned, eyes softening.

This was... unfair. So unfair.

’They didn’t ask for this. None of them did.’ He felt something twist in his chest. ’Heinz already made his point. He destroyed their kingdoms. Why keep them?’

The silence returned briefly, only interrupted by the soft clinking of Athena’s spoon against her cup and Scarlett’s occasional glances toward her.

’Could she be any more obvious?’ Florian resisted the urge to smile. He remembers Scarlett ’confessing’ to Florian that she did like Athena during his ’test’ almost a week ago.

He studied Athena for a moment.

’I wonder if she feels the same. She hasn’t said anything about it. Doesn’t seem like it... or maybe she’s just not ready.’

A beat passed. Then, gently, Florian set down his cup.

"By the way..." he started, his tone lighter now.

Scarlett hummed in acknowledgment, her eyes flicking up. "Mhm?"

"I heard you two asked to host a small party for my birthday," Florian said with a teasing smile.

"Oh! That was Scarlett’s idea—" Athena began cheerfully, but before she could finish, Scarlett’s hand immediately clamped over her mouth.

"No! It’s—it was both our idea!" Scarlett stammered, her face turning crimson. "Don’t be so coy, Athena."

Athena blinked a few times, eyes wide, before giggling into Scarlett’s palm. "Haha... sorry," she said sheepishly once the hand was lowered.

Florian raised an eyebrow at the flustered redhead, amused. Athena, on the other hand, just smiled sweetly.

"You don’t have to be embarrassed about it, Scarlett. I’m sure His Highness will appreciate it," Athena said kindly.

"Athena!" Scarlett whined, it was very unlike her.

Or...no, this was her. The real Scarlett.

Florian chuckled, unable to hide the amused glint in his eyes. ’Oh, I’m totally getting these two together.’ He rested his elbows on the table and leaned forward, chin atop his hands like a scheming matchmaker.

"As I was saying," he continued, drawing the two girls’ attention back to him, "His Majesty has decided that I can host a ball for my birthday."

Scarlett gasped, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Another ball? That’s fantastic!"

"That’s wonderful news," Athena added with a gentle nod, her voice soft but sincere.

"And since His Majesty’s no longer looking for a queen," Scarlett added, her lips curling into a sly smile, "I assume that means none of us have to be escorted by him this time, yes?"

Florian nodded. "Correct. But—there’s more."

"More?" Athena asked, tilting her head.

"Mhm." Florian hummed, his smile widening just a bit. "I’d like the two of you to help me with the preparations. The planning, the details—all of it. Honestly, I don’t really know much about organizing balls. So, if it’s alright with you..."

"YES!" Scarlett burst out, practically jumping in her seat. Florian blinked, startled.

She cleared her throat, adjusting her posture. "I mean—ahem—yes. We would be honored to help you plan the ball."

Florian stifled a laugh. ’God, she’s been waiting her whole life for this, hasn’t she?’ Her enthusiasm was infectious, and honestly, kind of adorable.

"What about you, Athena?" he asked, turning toward her with a gentler tone. "Are you up for it?"

Athena glanced sideways at Scarlett, then gave a small smile. "If... if Scarlett is up for it, then I shall do my best. I’ve never hosted a ball before, so I can’t promise I’ll be any good..."

"I’ll teach you." Scarlett said immediately, placing a hand over her chest like she was pledging loyalty. "I’ve been helping host balls since I was eight. I know the do’s, the don’ts, the flow of everything. Trust me, Your Highness. We’ll make it spectacular. Just give me the theme, the deadline, and the guest list—and maybe the food menu if you want to delegate."

Florian smiled, warmed by her confidence. "Alright. The deadline is my birthday, which is... about two weeks from now."

Scarlett nodded confidently. "I can work with that."

"The theme is... uh... flowers?"

Scarlett immediately rolled her eyes in playful exasperation. "Not surprised," she teased with a smirk. "Of course you’d pick flowers."

Florian chuckled. "It’s fitting."

"And the food?" Scarlett asked, already shifting into planning mode.

"You two can decide on that," Florian said, waving his hand a little. "Whatever you think would suit the theme. And as for the guest list..."

He paused.

"It’ll be the same as the previous ball, I suppose. Some nobles, the dukes, and..."

Scarlett, already scribbling mental notes in her head, noticed and looked at him curiously. "And?"

Florian hesitated. His fingers tapped lightly on the porcelain rim of his cup.

"My family."