[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 119

Chapter 119: A Garden of Hidden Intentions

Nikolai left Siena kneeling in the open cell. She could leave when she felt like it.

Her trembling form had already faded from his mind as his thoughts had long since shifted to someone far more interesting.

Xion Vaelis. A bastard who was far more talented than the entire Marquis family including their ancestors.

Not just that. Xion was so, so beautiful!

He really wanted to put Xion on the stage and draw him! But it was not just that.

Nikolai wanted to keep Xion closer where he could look at him whenever he wished.

A smirk curled on his lips. Doll did not seem like the type to be swayed by riches. If that were the case, Darius would have already been the favored one.

The archduke had wealth, power, and the status to provide anything a person could desire.

Yet, despite everything, Xion remained out of reach.

Nikolai ran a hand through his golden locks, shaking his head. Even his face, something that had entranced countless nobles and beauties, had failed to capture Xion’s attention the way it should have.

Xion was just flustered and then... nothing.

It was truly unacceptable.

With a sigh, he changed into fresh clothes and made his way toward the garden. As soon as he stepped onto the stone pathway, the scent of flowers filled his lungs.

His golden gaze swept over the vibrant blooms, satisfied by what he saw.

Anything else aside, that woman sure has talent in this field.

Still, the thought of letting Siena live for a few more days soured his mood. If not for Darius being forced onto the battlefield soon, he would have already disposed of her.

Tsk. What a bother.

The sight of a knight’s blue uniform caught his eye. The familiar figure patrolled the area, looking as sharp as ever.

Raymond Eldritch was Darius’s most trusted sword. Unlike his infamous older brother, Raymond had no noble titles or influence, yet the archduke had kept him close for years.

Nikolai grinned and directly strolled over to the frowning man.

"Raymond," he drawled lazily. "You always look so serious. Has no one told you that scowling like that will give you wrinkles?"

Ray could only properly greet the prince with a straight face, "Greetings, Your Highness."

Nikolai chuckled. "You wound me, truly. Do you not smile at anyone? Don’t speak more than needed to? Are you perhaps copying your master?"

So many questions but Ray didn’t so much as open his mouth to answer. He was used to Prince Nikolai’s way of riling him up. Nevertheless, much to the prince’s dismay, and his pleasure, it never worked on him.

Shrugging as if helpless, Nikolai turned and waved a hand toward the garden. "Since I have an hour to kill before my appointment, why don’t we share some tea? I find it refreshing to speak with someone who is so loyal to his master for a change."

That caught Ray’s attention. "Someone betrayed you?"

Change in voice meant half the work done. Nikolai arched a brow. "Are you? You’re standing in my garden, far from the palace halls. Unless His Majesty suddenly started growing roses in his throne room, I’d say you’re killing time just like I am."

Nikolai smirked. He’s easier to move than his master.