[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 87

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.

Too silent. 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.

Yeah, there is nothing to worry about now.

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.