'...Why Her?'

'That's such a weird phrasing.'

Florian kept his expression carefully neutral, though his fingers twitched slightly against the porcelain of his cup. The warmth seeped into his skin, grounding him, but it did little to ease the unease curling in his gut.

It was rare for Heinz to single him out so openly, especially in front of Alexandria and Athena. He wasn't sure if that should concern him.

He cleared his throat, lifting his gaze to meet Heinz's. "I assume this is about the ball tomorrow?"

Heinz nodded once, predictably silent.

Across from him, Alexandria's poised smile remained intact, but something was... off. Her eyes still shimmered with their usual charm, and her lips retained their delicate curve, but there was a stiffness to her posture now—an unnatural stillness, like a performer holding their breath before stepping onto the stage.