'Jealous? Yes'

'Is he being serious?'

"So…"

Florian barely had time to process Lucius's words before the man stepped forward, a gloved hand extending toward him with deliberate ease. The golden glow of the chandeliers reflected off his pristine white sleeve, the gesture effortlessly elegant yet unmistakably expectant.

"Shall we dance?" Lucius asked smoothly, his voice carrying that infuriating mixture of amusement and challenge.

Florian blinked. "…Are you serious?"

Lucius tilted his head slightly, golden eyes steady. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Florian sighed, pressing his fingers against his temple as if that would somehow ease the impending headache. "Maybe because your father is still talking to His Majesty? I don't think he'd appreciate you waltzing around the ballroom instead of standing at his side."

'He's angry enough as it is.'