[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 145

Chapter 145: Clash With The Crown Prince

The carriage jolted over a stone, nearly sending Xion tumbling from his seat. His shoulder struck the wall, and his head shot upward only to meet something unexpectedly soft on the curved roof.

Strange... Was it always this soft? Xion mused while looking at his surroundings. Then he noticed it, a new layer of something soft that was cushioning him.

Oh, so this was why.

His gaze shifted to the archduke, and an absurd image bloomed in his mind. One where Darius was lounging on a big throne like a spoiled princess, demanding his servants make everything perfect ... even his carriage.

Xion nearly laughed out loud. His lips curled up ever so slightly, easing some of his anxiety.

However, it was not long before his face tensed again. He might have to see Caspian Hale.

Even if Caspian had only hugged him once — and in truth, had saved Xion from crashing to the floor, that did not erase all those horrible memories from his mind.

Caspian was the son of Viscount Hale, a supporter of the crown prince, Isidor Valaria.

Unlike Marquis Roberto, and the three dukes who had their own territories to rule over, the Hale family lived in the capital city.

It made many things easier for Isidor. And difficult for someone helpless like little Xion Vaelis.

The carriage stopped with a jolt, forcing Xion to come back to reality. Darius was the first to leave, and that gave Xion some time to collect himself.

Just as Xion moved to follow, a large hand appeared in front of him.

Xion’s gaze flicked from the offered palm to its owner. Darius wore a faint smile, but there was something smug in his eyes. A glint shone in his pale eyes that told Xion the archduke was enjoying this far more than he should.

He’s teasing me.

Xion’s eyes narrowed slightly before placing his hand on Darius’.

If he wants to act, fine. Let him.

If Xion slipped up, if he embarrassed himself, it was Darius, his nominal fiancé, who’d have to bear the consequences.

With that thought easing his nerves, Xion relaxed his stiff shoulders. He let Darius’ hand steady him as he jumped down.

However, he didn’t let go of the hand even after steadying himself on the ground.

Instead, with a faint smirk, Xion’s fingers tightened around Darius’ palm, giving it a light tug.

I can tease you too... Xion snorted proudly.

Darius’s gaze flicked down to their joined hands.

The archduke was tickled by Xion’s ’retaliation’. If this childish action could even be considered as retaliation in the first place. _{freёwebnovel.com}

Rather than frustration, Darius found Xion’s puffed-up chest and forced bravado unexpectedly endearing.

With his blue eyes glinting smugly, Xion looked so adorable that Darius had the sudden urge to ruffle his hair.

This kitten is getting bold, Darius thought. But then again, when was he not?

Without a word, Darius simply clasped Xion’s smaller hand more firmly and walked forward.

Xion expected him to let go once they reached the corridor, but the archduke held on even as they stood before the Crown Prince.

Isidor Valaria was strolling in the lavish corridors of his grand palace when they met him.

Xion noticed the resemblance of Isidor and Nikolai at a glance.

Albeit curly, it was the same golden hair which shone under the sunlight along with those bright golden eyes narrowing at them in obvious ... something. Something negative.

Xion could not pinpoint exactly what it was, but one thing was sure, the crown prince did not like them, or more likely him.

While Nikolai’s charming smiles masked his thoughtful mind, Isidor did not bother with such pretenses. His gaze felt like an icy blade against Xion’s skin. It was cold and calculating and not in a way that felt good.

He is glaring at me as if I owe him a few million.

Xion mentally moved the crown prince from ’neutral’ to a cautious shade of red.

"Your Grace," Isidor greeted with the same respectful title as Ray, and yet from his mouth, they sounded like a mock greeting. Or maybe with the way Isidor had a lazy lopsided smile on his lips, it really was fake.

And all this while, he directly ignored Xion. Just the sight of those clasped hand burned Isidor’s senses with barely contained rage.

Xion, who was about to bow down, halted "..." Fine then. Have it your way.

Isidor gaze flicked from Darius’ hand still holding Xion’s to Archduke’s face, "It’s good to see you well enough to travel. Though... I wonder if you’re truly in a condition to fulfill your duties as a loyal subject of the Valaria."

His eyes narrowed slightly. He’s mocking Darius...

Just that was enough to shake the crown prince. He had never seen Darius smile. To hell with that, no one had!

That sure hit a nerve.