'Something's Wrong With The Prince...Again!'

Lucius realized Florian had slipped away when he overheard hushed whispers from the nearby nobles.

"Did you see how elegant the prince was with Princess Athena?"

"Yes, if we weren't aware of the rumors, I'd say he's quite the gentleman."

Lucius stiffened. 'Florian danced with Princess Athena?' His gaze swept across the ballroom, but neither of them was in sight.

Before he could dwell on it, Lancelot, ever oblivious, opened his mouth to speak. Lucius raised a hand, cutting him off.

"What the fuck—?" Lancelot scowled, irritated.

"His Highness is gone," Lucius said flatly.

"What?" Lancelot's head snapped around, only now realizing Florian was no longer beside them. His brows furrowed. "Where is he?"

Lucius didn't answer immediately. His eyes flickered across the ballroom, searching for a familiar head of soft lilac hair amidst the sea of nobles.

But there were too many people. Too many emotions.