[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 272

Chapter 272: A Calm Before The Strom

Xion, still wrapped snugly in the thick duvet like some sort of burrito, found himself perched on Darius’ lap.

In front of them stood a small table with steaming hot dishes, the delicious aroma filling the air.

Xion glanced from the perfectly plated food to his boyfriend, disbelief flickering across his eyes. It was carefully prepared by none other than the Archduke himself.

No matter how he imagined it, he simply couldn’t fathom the image of Darius shuffling around a kitchen, fussing over ingredients.

The tomato soup from last time had already been a big surprise.

"When did you start cooking?" he asked, curiosity seeping into his voice.

"When you left me." The response was smooth, tinged with a note of teasing. "I thought...what if one day you came back? I should be able to feed you, no?"

Thinking about that time that felt so distant yet so close, Xion pursed his lips.

"I can’t do it like you, though," Darius confessed with a sheepish smile, scratching Xion’s scrunched-up nose. "I only know how to make porridge and soup. So, you better not dislike it."

The gentle scratch made Xion lean back, his gaze locking onto those shimmering green eyes.

Darius looked happy. Truly happy. As if wasting time like this was a thing of immense joy.

"I left you because I was afraid," Xion murmured suddenly.

The acknowledgment made Darius’ smile falter. "Of what?" Even knowing the answer, he pressed further. "Of me? Of the way I treated you?"

Much to Darius’ surprise, the answer wasn’t completely what he thought.

"Not really." Xion sighed, resting his head against Darius’ broad shoulder. "I was afraid I’d fall for you even more than I already had."

The grip around his waist tightened. And yet, Xion chuckled softly. "No one has ever wanted me, Your Grace. Not my parents, not my brothers... or sister. Not even the servants."

Eli’s hatred was still fresh in his mind, telling him that even in this new world his situation wasn’t any different.

"I was afraid that when you pushed me away, I wouldn’t be able to handle it." His voice softened.

"And also..." Xion suddenly laughed, his eyes playfully narrowing at the silver-haired man. "You weren’t exactly good either. You were all high and mighty, you know. Like everyone was beneath you. You even looked at me like I was some... thing. Honestly, it made my skin crawl."

Those words struck like arrows, piercing Darius’ chest with unerring precision.

His ears turned red, and his dense silver lashes dropped down, looking so guilty that it was almost endearing.

"I’m sorry." That was all the Archduke could say. "Give me one chance, Xion. I won’t ever let you down again."

Xion knocked his forehead against Darius’. They had both been young and stupid. Neither had known how these feelings were supposed to work.

What was the point of rehashing the past?

"Aren’t I already giving you one?" Amidst Darius’ confused gaze, Xion leaned forward and loudly smacked a kiss onto his forehead, right where he’d knocked him.

"You’re my lover now. That’s me giving you a chance. So, let’s not talk about those things anymore."

And if he hadn’t wanted it, he certainly wouldn’t have let this beast toss him around all night.

Looking at Xion who was eager not to discuss the past with him any further, Darius had to stop all the things he wanted to ask. Like how Xion had lived all those years, were there any people making things difficult for him, were there any perverts?

But instead, he focused his attention on the porridge.

Thanks to Nazia, who had packed all the things in the frozen state, Darius had the opportunity to simply heat and mix them up.

If not for that, he might’ve burned the entire kitchen down like before.

However, those were the things Xion didn’t need to know. As his darling had said, there was no need to mention such trivialities.

Darius dipped the spoon into the congee and blew on it lightly before bringing it to Xion’s lips. "You need something light and easy to digest, after..." His smile curled into something cruelly soft. "... Last night."

Xion’s ears turned crimson at a rapid pace. But he opened his mouth obediently, lips closing around the spoonful of warmth.

"Good?"

Xion nodded. The taste was mild, and gentle on his stomach, but it was delicious, nonetheless.

"I’m glad," Darius replied, scooping another spoonful.

The little kitten wiggled, trying to find a comfortable position, only to tug at his injuries.

Don’t scare him. Darius mused while saying, "Considering your body’s... delicate condition, I should have been gentle with you, darling. My bad."