Everyone was shocked—but no one more than Florian.
If he had thought Heinz was confusing before, now he was utterly baffling. Even Lucius, usually composed, looked bewildered, his gaze flickering between Heinz and Scarlett as if searching for some hidden logic. Out of all the princesses—out of every possible candidate—he had chosen her?
Scarlett, who had failed in every aspect of the trials?
Florian's mind raced, trying to make sense of it, but no explanation came. His stomach tightened as the room filled with tense silence.
"M-M-Me, Your Majesty?" Scarlett's voice wavered. She covered her mouth, her shock unmistakable. Then, as if instinctively seeking confirmation, her wide, disbelieving eyes darted straight to Florian.
Florian felt the weight of countless stares pressing down on him. The other princesses were looking at him too, suspicion creeping into their expressions. As if he had been the one to make this decision.
