CHAPTER 513: ’UNLESS...’

’Why is he just staring at me?’ Florian furrowed his brows slightly, lifting his gaze to meet Heinz’s.

It was almost eerie—Heinz stood before him as if ensnared by some invisible enchantment, his face composed, calmer than Florian had ever seen it.

He wasn’t angry, wasn’t scolding, wasn’t sharp with his words or movements.

No... this calmness was different.

Heavy.

And yet... Heinz was only touching his face, his thumb grazing along his cheek with an almost reverent care, his other hand lightly brushing over the soft edge of Florian’s veil.

Just... staring.

Florian’s pulse quickened. ’Should I call him again? I already called him... why won’t he say anything?’

The silence stretched, and soon Florian found himself staring back, caught in an unspoken contest of who would break first.

But in that suspended moment, his eyes betrayed him, slipping downward and taking in Heinz’s attire.

The difference was striking. This wasn’t the Heinz he was used to—the man who lived in sharp, black garments, dark and brooding like the very shadow of Concordia itself.

No, tonight he was adorned in deep silks traced with gold, every pattern curling like fire dancing across his frame. Regal, commanding... yet softened by the elegance of Floramatrian style.

And then there were the accessories—gold draped across him like chains of sunlight, a crown unfamiliar yet fitting, far more ornate than the one Florian was accustomed to seeing upon his head.

It was strange, yes... but undeniably breathtaking.

’He looks good.’

The thought came unbidden, slipping through before Florian could stop it. He had always known Heinz was handsome—everyone did.

Dubbed the most handsome man in Concordia, the title suited him well enough.

But Florian had grown so used to that brooding mask Heinz always wore, that distant, stormy expression, he never truly saw him like this.

Here, with a calm face, with the lanterns casting soft shadows that caught the gleam of his crown, with that outfit that lent him a near otherworldly presence... Heinz wasn’t just handsome. He was... arresting.

Before he realized it, the words left his lips in a low, honest murmur. "You really look handsome tonight, Your Majesty."

For the first time since Florian had entered, Heinz’s expression shifted. The controlled calm faltered, his eyes widening ever so slightly, as if he hadn’t expected those words at all.

And then—oh?

Color bloomed across Heinz’s cheeks, stark against his usually composed features.

His lips parted just barely, but no words came out, only silence and that betraying flush of crimson that deepened the longer Florian stared.

Florian blinked in surprise, his own heart skipping.

’Is he... blushing?’ Florian blinked rapidly, his breath catching.

This might have been only the second time he had ever seen Heinz’s face turn red, but this—this was different.

Not a fleeting flush. This was full, undeniable fluster, painting across the stoic king’s features like fire across stone.

It was so rare, so startling, that Florian could only stare.

"Don’t..." Heinz’s voice finally broke the silence, low and weighted. His eyes softened, but his tone carried something dangerous underneath. "...say things like that, Florian. Unless..."

Florian tilted his head, confusion flickering across his face. "Unless?"

Surely this wasn’t the first time he had complimented Heinz—or anyone, for that matter. Compliments slipped from his lips often enough.

Why was this one different? Why did it feel like the air between them had thickened, pressing on his chest, as though the ballroom doors themselves were holding their breath?

Heinz’s eyes narrowed just slightly, and then he leaned down.

Florian froze, tension running through his body like a jolt of lightning.

The heat of Heinz’s breath ghosted against his cheek as the king’s lips brushed near his ear, close enough to send shivers down every nerve in his body.

"Unless," Heinz murmured, voice dipped in velvet and steel, "you want me to strip you of those clothes, leave only the gold against your skin, and take you—right here, right now."

Florian’s breath hitched. A violent shiver raced down his spine, betraying him, his body reacting before his mind could catch up.

Heat flooded his face, traitorous and undeniable, and his knees weakened ever so slightly at the weight of those words.

’No, no, no—bad thoughts. Bad thoughts!1’

His eyes flickered, searching desperately for an anchor—and landed on Cashew. The boy stood nearby, head tilted curiously, clearly wondering why neither of them had moved to enter the ballroom.

And nestled against Cashew’s arm, Azure hid his face beneath a folded wing, the little dragon unaware of the storm brewing between his master and the king.

Mortification gripped Florian. He bit down on his bottom lip hard, forcing himself to step back, his feet clumsy, his chest tightening with embarrassment.

His fingers twitched at his sides as though he could physically swat away the heat crawling up his neck.

Heinz straightened smoothly, the moment of intimacy vanishing in an instant. Yet when Florian dared to look up, he wished he hadn’t.

Because Heinz’s eyes... oh, those eyes.

They were no longer calm, no longer neutral. They were clouded, darkened, a storm gathering behind them, heavy with something dangerous.

Something... sinful.

Florian’s heart thudded violently. ’No. Ignore it. Ignore it!’

Swallowing hard, he forced a nervous smile, his voice slightly strained as he blurted, "Uh... shouldn’t we go in now, Your Majesty?"

Heinz’s gaze lingered on him, that same heavy, dangerous look that made Florian’s stomach twist and heat crawl stubbornly back to his cheeks.

It was a stare that said too much without words, one Florian wasn’t sure he could endure much longer.

But then Heinz finally gave a small nod, his composure slipping back into place with practiced ease.

"You’re right," he said smoothly, though that glimmer in his eyes betrayed the wicked thoughts still dancing in his mind. "We shouldn’t keep our guests waiting."

He shifted slightly, extending his arm toward Florian with deliberate grace, the faintest curl of a smile at his lips. "Shall we?"

Florian froze for a heartbeat, staring at the arm offered to him as though it were a test. His pulse quickened, and his throat felt tight.

’Stay calm... just stay calm.’

Taking a deep breath, he placed his hand carefully against Heinz’s arm, the firm muscle beneath the silk a stark reminder of who he was leaning into.

His grip was tentative at first, but when Heinz gave the faintest encouraging squeeze, Florian nodded in return, forcing his shoulders to relax.

"...We shall," he murmured, trying to steady his voice.

Heinz’s gaze softened almost imperceptibly, though that devilish edge never left. Turning his head slightly, he addressed Cashew, who was still watching curiously from the side.

"Cashew," Heinz said, his voice commanding yet calm, "go and announce our arrival."

The boy straightened immediately, nodding. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Before leaving, Cashew stepped closer and carefully shifted Azure into Heinz’s care. The little blue dragon stirred with a soft chirp as he was placed upon Heinz’s shoulder, curling comfortably against his neck as though he belonged there.

Heinz adjusted him effortlessly, one hand briefly brushing over the dragon’s smooth scales, and with that quiet, natural motion, he looked every bit the king who held dominion over man and beast alike.

Cashew gave a quick bow, then turned sharply on his heel, making his way to the grand doors. The heavy handles gleamed under the lantern light as the boy placed both hands against them, ready to throw them open and announce the pair to the waiting crowd inside.

Florian’s heart raced in anticipation.

’Here we go...’

Straightness...where?