"Are your notes that important?" Heinz asked, glancing at Florian from the corner of his eye as they stood in the quiet corridor, waiting for Lucius to return.
Lucius had volunteered to retrieve Florian's notes, citing his ability to move quickly between the palace wings. Cashew had followed along too, likely to help, since he knew Florian's habits and where he stored his things.
The halls were cold and polished, the sound of their footsteps echoing faintly in the distance.
Florian nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "Every detail of my plan is there. My speech is there. I need it... to make sure the presentation is perfect."
His fingers clutched at the fabric of the cape Heinz had wrapped around him. The thick, warm material did little to calm the storm inside.
He hadn't always been this anxious—but public speaking? It had always been his weakness.
