"Quite a lot of times," Athena answered, placing a thoughtful hand against her cheek. "She always seems so happy afterward. Right now, I believe she's in His Majesty's office."
There it was again.
The sting.
A sharp, quiet burn deep in his chest—unexpected and persistent. It wasn't loud, but it was there, spreading like an invisible bruise.
Florian told himself he should be happy. He had been rooting for Alexandria and Heinz to grow closer. Wasn't that the plan? Wasn't that what he wanted?
This was good news.
So why did it feel like someone had shoved a fist through his ribcage?
Florian's expression curled upward, a practiced smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. It was convincing—pleasant, even.
But his heart wasn't in it.
That could only mean one thing.
The original Florian was jealous.
