Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 441

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."

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.

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.

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