'Taking Responsibility'

'I have to do this.'

Heinz's gaze remained impassive, but his mind was calculating, turning over every possibility. He had already made his decision—there was no other choice. He exhaled through his nose before turning to Lysander, who was watching him with poorly concealed apprehension.

"I will be the one to help him," Heinz stated evenly.

Lysander stiffened. "Your Majesty, surely you do not mean—"

"I do."

The royal physician looked genuinely unsettled. "Your Majesty, I understand your concern for Prince Florian, but there are others who can—"

Heinz cut him off with a single glance. "Exactly." His voice was calm, deliberate. "I am the king. Florian is part of my harem. It is only correct that I take responsibility."

Lysander opened his mouth as if to protest but quickly shut it. There was nothing he could say against that. Heinz's word was absolute.