Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 158

Chapter 158: ’Athena’s Request’

’It’s Alexandria and Athena.’

Florian’s lips curled into a small smile as he took another sip of his drink, the cool liquid doing little to ease the warmth in his chest. The two princesses stood together, their dresses shimmering under the soft glow of the chandeliers.

He stepped closer, his presence drawing their attention. As soon as he reached them, he offered a polite yet warm smile. "Did you two enjoy yourselves? Dancing, conversing with the nobles?"

Alexandria returned his smile with ease, the corners of her lips curving in amusement. "Yes, actually. It was quite pleasant. I danced with a gentleman who seemed very interested in my kingdom’s religious beliefs." There was genuine delight in her expression, a rare sight for someone as composed as her.

"That’s great to hear," Florian said before shifting his gaze to Athena. "How about you, Lady Athena?"

At his question, Athena’s face immediately turned a shade of pink. "I-I, um... I danced with a noble, and he kept complimenting me," she admitted, her fingers fidgeting with the fabric of her gown. "It’s my first time hearing so many compliments in so long."

’Really? She’s so cute, though. And she’s a princess. I would’ve assumed she constantly received compliments back in her kingdom.’

"Did you not often receive compliments in your kingdom?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.

For a moment, Athena hesitated. Then, something in her expression changed—her usual bashfulness giving way to something far more somber.

"...My kingdom has been going through a lot these past few years," she said quietly. "Many of our people suffered, and my parents... they were too busy trying to save them. I—I was preoccupied too. So there was never really room to think about something as trivial as... compliments."

Florian blinked.

That escalated quickly.

Even Alexandria seemed momentarily taken aback, her smile faltering just slightly.

’Wow. I was expecting her to say something flustered or cute—not drop a heartbreaking backstory on me in the middle of a ball.’

For a few beats, he didn’t know how to respond.

Athena must have noticed the sudden tension because her face turned bright red, and she quickly shook her head. "I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to make it awkward. I just... I couldn’t help but reminisce about my kingdom..."

"It’s fine, Lady Athena," Florian said gently, his voice softer. "I understand. Sometimes, I miss my home as well."

"I do too," Alexandria added, offering a small, knowing smile. _{freēwebnovel.com}

A quiet understanding passed between the three of them. For a moment, the lively atmosphere of the ballroom faded into the background, replaced by the shared weight of longing for their homes.

Then, Florian clapped his hands together, snapping himself out of the lingering melancholy. "By the way," he said, drawing their attention once more. "You two approached me for something, didn’t you? It seemed like you had something to say."

Alexandria’s eyes widened slightly before she let out a small, amused laugh. "Right! Athena and I were actually going to ask you to dance, Prince Florian."

"Oh..." Florian blinked, caught off guard. That was the last thing he expected.

"Actually, it was Athena’s idea," Alexandria added, her gaze flickering toward the other princess with a teasing glint.

’Athena did?’

Florian turned his attention to Athena, who was now twiddling her thumbs, eyes cast downward.

"I-I haven’t properly thanked you... for saving me, Prince Florian," she murmured. "And I... I don’t really know how to properly express my gratitude, so I thought... maybe we could dance?"

Florian stared at her. His eyes brightened.

’Girls... princesses... want to dance with me! Finally!’

After spending the entire night surrounded by men—enduring flirtations, playful teasing, and far too many close encounters—this was a breath of fresh air.

’I have to act natural. I have to act chill.’

He took a deep breath, composing himself before flashing them a charming smile. "I would love to dance with you, Lady Athena. And with you as well, Lady Alexandria."

Both princesses lit up at his response.

"That’s wonderful!" Alexandria said, her amusement evident. "You can dance with Athena first, and then it’ll be my turn."

’Ah. This is amazing.’

Florian nodded before turning to Athena. "Shall we?" He extended his hand toward her, his movements smooth and practiced.

Athena hesitated only for a moment before placing her hand in his, her fingers delicate against his palm.

Just as he was about to lead her onto the dance floor, a thought struck him, and he turned back to Alexandria. "Ah, by the way, would you mind waiting here for my servant, Cashew? He went to get me some food."

"Prince Florian is dancing with Princess Athena?"

"I heard she was the one who was held hostage, and Prince Florian saved her."

"They look... rather stunning together, don’t they?"

’Here we go.’

"Prince Florian... he’s quite the dancer, isn’t he?"

"I never noticed before, but he’s rather charming when he’s not surrounded by men."

"He handles Lady Athena so well. How graceful."

Florian’s fingers twitched slightly against Athena’s hand. ’That’s new...’

’Is it because I’m dancing with a woman? Because I seem... normal?’