[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke
Chapter 87: The End of The Banquet

Chapter 87: The End of The Banquet

The grand hall fell silent for the second time.

The long silver strands cascaded over his shoulder like threads of fine silk. Xion barely had to turn his head to know who it was.

The Archduke.

A sharp inhale rippled through the hushed hall, and even the mindless chatter of the nobles faltered.

Darius’ presence was heavy like a tempest. And Xion, still wrapped in his iron embrace, did not dare to move.

His crimson-stained palm was now carefully held by the archduke. Before he could move his hand, the grip on his wrist tightened.

Unbeknownst to Xion, the venomous gaze had landed on the future heir of the duchy. Making Klein, who had stood so smug just moments ago, visibly stiffen.

Darius didn’t need to raise his voice, nor did he need to move. The sheer weight of his presence was enough to send a chill crawling up Klein’s spine.

"You are hurt, Xion."

His baritone voice was low and quiet. The kind of quiet that would shroud the sky before the heavy storm.

Xion couldn’t answer. Not when his back was pressed so snugly against the archduke’s broad chest. He could hear the steady, foreign rhythm of his heartbeat thudding against his spine.

His throat tightened as he watched the taller male pull out his own white handkerchief. The noble crest of two crossed swords wrapped in thorny vines was embroidered in golden threads.

As the long fingers carefully wrapped the cloth around Xion’s bleeding palm, the swords turned red.

It felt almost provocative, like a sin. Xion swallowed hard.

He had never considered himself fragile, at least mentally. Yet in the archduke’s grasp, he felt as if he were something delicate. Something that could break. Not from harm, but from being held too tightly.

Klein had already taken a step back. A single bead of sweat rolled down his temple.

The sight of pale, uneasy Klein brought an unexpected relief to Xion. He strangely felt safe.

It was scary, yes. The archduke was terrifying. But between him and Klein, the choice was obvious.

Xion exhaled slowly, steadying his voice. "Thank you." He gave himself a mental pat for managing not to stutter.

Darius’ fingers twitched against the small hand. "I thought you were resting."

The way he so softly asked made the people present widen their eyes. Which of them had not heard the tales of Darius’ massacre? Some of them had even seen him on the battlefield.

The sudden shift in the atmosphere made the already silent hall even more solemn.

Toosilent. That was Ray’s first thought as he stepped back into the hall with a wooden chest in his hands. This was what he had been discussing with Duke Nocturne. The relic was finally within his grasp.

But all his joy vanished the moment his gaze landed on his master who was holding Xion’s bleeding hand.

His legs almost gave up. I am done for!

Contrary to Ray’s fear, Xion finally felt at ease. The familiar sight of Ray and the archduke Theodore made his chest light.

"I came here to take a look with Ray," Xion replied, unaware that his innocent words nearly sent the knight tripping over his own feet.

"Do you need a healer?"

The voice was more intoxicating than the wine he had drank earlier, yet something about it sent a strange chill down Xion’s spine. The cold breath that fanned against his ear made every nerve in his body tingle.

Xion shivered. He was certain Theodore had felt it too.

"N-No. I’ll be fine."

The next second, the arm left his waist only for a long coat to fall over his shoulders.

"Do you want to go back?" Darius asked as he helped him wrap the garment around him.

"Yes, please." I want to sleep.

The dark red fabric was cold against his skin, yet Xion found himself liking its weight.

His fingers turned white as he clutched onto the lapels. The blood on his palm easily mingled with the bright color.

Yeah, there is nothing to worry about now.

Xion wanted to turn around. He wanted to see the archduke, but his legs remained rooted to the spot.

The silence was making him more anxious. He bit the inner side of his lower lips, forcing himself not to fidget. That was until he saw the knight he had been waiting for finally reaching him.

Ray knew he was done for. Although he had managed to get the relic, he was sure his grace would not forgive him for leaving the little rabbit alone.

Perhaps his move was hasty. But it was necessary. Giving the wooden chest to his soldier, he walked toward his angry master.

Darius didn’t acknowledge him. His pale green eyes remained fixed on Xion as he spoke.

"Go back with Ray, alright?"

Xion gathered his courage and turned around. The sight nearly knocked the breath out of him. He had always known the archduke was handsome, but not to this extent.

The dark red and black color made his long silver hair, and pale green eyes stand out even more. Right now they were staring at him without any malice.

"And you?"

The question slipped out before Xion could stop himself. And the moment he realized what he had just said, he nearly slapped a hand over his mouth.

What was he doing, worrying about a grown man? It wasn’t Rael!

His question seemed to surprise the archduke. His eyes widened slightly before a slight smile curled on his lips.

"I will see you later." Darius gently ruffled Xion’s hair.

Xion stiffened. But this time, he didn’t protest. He let the archduke ruffle his hair, let him make a mess of it. Consider it a reward for helping me out.

Ray, wisely choosing to stay silent, extended his arm. Xion glanced at him, then at the archduke, before finally accepting the offer.

Just then, the grand gates opened and took everyone’s attention. The royals had arrived.

This was the first time, Xion saw the royal family from this close. There were three people. One was a pretty girl. She was short, unlike the two towering males on both sides.

Xion squinted his eyes to make sure what he saw was not an illusion. There on the left stood Nikolai, the one he had saved back at Uzera!

As for the other male, he was similar to Nikolai albeit muscular.

There was one thing common among them and it was their golden eyes and hair.

The urge to rush back was dominating his senses more than ever. Because he caught a glimpse of Soren and Caspian mingling with the royals.

But would it not be rude to leave the banquet hall in the presence of royals?

Suddenly Soren looked at him.

His sharp gaze forced Xion to take a step back. A hand on his shoulder stabilized his falling body.

A low whisper fell on his ears, and Xion’s grip on Ray’s arm tightened involuntarily.

"What are you worried about when I am the one supporting you? Go back and leave the fools to me."

Even without looking Xion knew his face was burning up.

How could it not when such a sexy voice spoke so sinfully close to him? His ears were sensitive, all right!

"Thank you," Xion mumbled the words in a voice resembling a mosquito.

Without looking at the archduke, he turned to the knight. He gripped Ray’s arm as if his life depended on it before dragging him toward the exit.

As they left, a fleeting thought crossed his mind, one that he almost wanted to laugh at.

Rael’s father, Theodore... he was a bit like one of those domineering presidents, wasn’t he?

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