'Too Beautiful'

The day of the ball had finally arrived.

A grand event, shimmering with expectation, where nobles and dignitaries would gather beneath glittering chandeliers, their eyes keen and judgment sharp. The weight of it pressed down on Florian, winding through his chest like an iron coil.

He was nervous—incredibly nervous.

Sleep had evaded him the night before, his mind an endless loop of what-ifs and worst-case scenarios.

What if something went wrong? What if he embarrassed himself? What if he wasn't prepared?

But he had forced himself to rest, knowing full well what happened when exhaustion crept in. The last time he had gone without proper sleep, he had felt sluggish, unfocused—his reflection in the mirror looking hollow and haggard.

He couldn't afford that today.

"Your Highness, is this okay?"