'Stay... away?'
Heinz's brows furrowed as he processed Florian's words. His first instinct was irritation—how dare Florian, a mere prince, command him, a king, to stay away? After everything Heinz had done, after everything he had endured, Florian had the audacity to treat him like he was some sort of threat?
'But why does it sting?'
Heinz had felt uneasy since their last argument. A part of him had expected Florian to act cold toward him, but this… this was different. This wasn't the usual stubborn defiance Florian displayed. This was fear—real, tangible fear laced with something else Heinz couldn't yet name.
Heinz knew he should have been angry, should have demanded respect, should have put Florian in his place. A king did not tolerate disrespect. That was one of the few lessons his father had drilled into him.
'Power and respect—those are the only things that matter. A king does as he pleases, and no one can question him.'
