Heinz had used Florian's room to freshen up quickly—ridding himself of the blood and filth he didn't want Florian to see.
He changed clothes in a rush, barely bothering to fix his appearance, and stepped out into the corridor, making his way toward his own chambers.
But he stopped in his tracks the moment he saw them.
Lucius, Lysander, and Cashew were all standing outside the door to his room.
Lysander had a hand to his chin, brows furrowed in thought. Lucius looked tense, eyes darting, jaw clenched. And Cashew—poor Cashew—was hunched forward, sobbing into his sleeve.
'Why are they all outside?' Heinz's pace quickened, anxiety blooming in his chest.
He stormed toward them, boots echoing heavily against the marble floors. All three looked up immediately at the sound.
"Your Majest—" Lucius began, but Heinz cut him off.
"What happened?" he demanded. "Why are you out here? Where's Florian?" His voice cracked slightly at the end, the name weighed with concern.
