'Fathers and Sons'

As the final notes of the waltz faded into the air, a round of polite applause rippled through the ballroom. Florian and Lancelot bowed to each other, maintaining the composed grace expected of them. Yet, as Florian straightened, his mind snapped back to the reason he had agreed to this dance in the first place.

'Right. I needed to tell him about that man.'

He turned to Lancelot, opening his mouth—but before he could get a single word out, a heavy presence swept over them, demanding attention.

"Lancelot."

The voice was sharp, edged with barely restrained displeasure. Florian felt the temperature in the room shift, as if the very air itself recognized the authority of the man who had spoken. He turned his head and, for the first time, laid eyes on Duke Alexandrius Flameheart.