'Azure?'

"Then, we'll be going now. Cashew, you stay here and wait for His Highness to return," Lucius said, his voice crisp and authoritative the moment Florian stepped out of his room, fully dressed and ready.

Cashew's face fell almost immediately. His fingers clenched at the fabric of his sleeves, his shoulders slumping ever so slightly. The disappointment in his eyes was subtle but unmistakable.

Still, he nodded. "Okay..." he mumbled, bowing his head. His voice was quiet, small—like he wanted to argue but knew it wouldn't change anything.

Florian sighed. Without thinking, he reached out, his hand settling atop Cashew's soft, messy hair. He gave it a light ruffle, the way he always did when he wanted to reassure the boy.

"This'll be quick, like last time," he murmured. "Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere else anymore."