Florian told Cashew everything that had happened during the summit presentation, from the very beginning to the end.
He didn’t skip a single detail—not the tension in the air, not the bitter expressions of the dukes, not even the way he held himself tall and unshaken.
Cashew hung onto every word, his wide purple eyes sparkling with admiration and excitement, as if each part of Florian’s story were a page in his favorite fairytale.
These were the moments Florian cherished the most. Moments where he felt like he was talking to Kaz again.
Where he was no longer Prince Florian, but just Aden—the ordinary office worker recounting a long, exhausting day to the person who made everything feel bearable.
Kaz would always listen with the same rapt attention Cashew had now. He’d cheer him on, call his bosses jerks, and say things like "You should’ve punched him in the face!"
Cashew had been delighted to hear how Florian put both Alexandrius and Alaric in their place, practically vibrating with joy at how his prince handled things so gracefully, yet firmly.
"You’re amazing, Your Highness!" Cashew kept repeating with such sincerity that Florian lost count of how many times he’d said it. It made his chest warm and tight at the same time.
Before they knew it, the sky outside had turned indigo, and night had settled in like a quiet sigh.
Florian had refused dinner, much to Cashew’s dismay. He just wasn’t hungry—not after the emotional rollercoaster of the day. Instead, he let Cashew help him freshen up.
It was only then that Florian discovered just how lavish his new room really was.
His bathroom wasn’t just a bathroom—it was an experience. The tub alone was a sprawling basin of marble and steam, something that couldn’t even be called a tub. No, it was practically a private hot spring, nestled inside polished stone and gilded faucets that looked like they belonged in a palace from a painting.
’How is this even real?’ he wondered as the warmth soaked into his skin. ’It’s ridiculous... but also kind of nice.’
By the time he stepped out, skin flushed and shoulders looser, Cashew had bid him a fond goodnight, leaving Florian alone in the massive room. The glowing blue butterflies hovered around the high ceilings and tucked themselves along the drapes and walls, clearly still adjusting to the new space, much like him.
And Azure—now finally calm—was curled up in a corner of the plush carpet, his chest rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm.
’At least he’s much calmer now.’ Florian thought with a soft sigh of relief as he approached and reached out to gently pat Azure’s head.
But the second his fingers made contact, he recoiled with a hiss.
"What the fuck?" Florian mumbled, shaking his stinging hand. It was as if he’d touched burning iron. Azure’s usually cool, glossy scales were scorching hot.
Something was definitely going on.
’This is more than just heat, right?’ Florian eyed the sleeping dragon warily. ’Should I wake him? No... he looks peaceful. He’s not in pain, at least.’
He debated checking to see if Heinz had returned from his gathering with the dukes, but deep down, Florian already knew the answer. He doubted Heinz would be back so early, especially if wine and nobles were involved.
Florian bit his lip. He didn’t want to go to Lancelot, and he definitely wasn’t about to talk to Lucius.
’Ugh. My pride won’t let me. Besides, I’m still mad at him.’
So, for now, he would wait for Heinz. Azure didn’t look like he was suffering—just warm. Too warm.
’It really does seem like dragon heat. Just... amplified.’
Deciding he needed some air, Florian turned toward one part of the room he hadn’t explored until now.
The balcony.
A proper balcony with stone pillars and archways, overlooking the ethereal sprawl of the royal garden. A garden kissed by moonlight.
He walked toward the glass sliding doors and gently pulled them open. The cool night air greeted him instantly, brushing past his skin like a lover’s soft touch. He stepped out slowly, barefoot, the stone beneath his feet cold but grounding.
He placed a hand on the railing and took a deep breath, closing his eyes. His body relaxed in a way it hadn’t in days.
Then, he heard it—the soft fluttering of wings.
Opening his eyes, he looked up and saw his glowing blue butterflies swirling around him like little spirits, flapping excitedly in the fresh night air.
’I’m starting to really warm up to this room.’ he thought with a small, genuine smile.
’I just hope no trouble comes knocking—especially once people find out I’m staying here.’
’Could it be Lancelot? Lucius? I’m guessing they want to tell me what happened with the interrogation but...’
No matter who it was, Florian figured it had to be important if someone was knocking this late. With a small sigh, he straightened his robe and padded across the room, bare feet brushing silently over the cool marble floor.
’Probably Lancelot... or Lucius... Maybe even Cashew, if he forgot something.’
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