"Your Highness... are you okay...?" Cashew's small voice carried a note of hesitation, his brows furrowed in concern. "You've been staring at the butterflies for quite some time..."
Florian blinked, his dazed mind barely registering the words. "I'm fine," he murmured, though the distant look in his eyes said otherwise. He didn't notice the deepening worry in Cashew's expression as the young servant kneeled beside his bed.
Azure, curled comfortably on Florian's stomach, let out a soft croak, golden eyes watching him intently. The small creature's warmth was a grounding presence, but even that wasn't enough to steady Florian's swirling thoughts. He wanted to reassure them both, to tell them everything was fine, but his mind had reached its limit.
The village visit. Heinz. Cashew's unusual behavior. Lucius becoming bolder. Lancelot's confession. Cashew lying to him.
