[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 299

Chapter 299: A mischievous Fairy Ready To Cause Trouble

The rustle of fabric broke the spell of that put everyone in trance. The gazes, though reluctant, shifted from Xion to the Archduke.

Darius was descending the steps of the podium.

His movements were less like walking and more like drifting, as though even gravity dared not hinder his grace.

The obsidian robe shimmered under the enchantment lights, and the silver embroidery along the hems caught every flicker of light, perfectly matching his silver hair.

Only Xion noticed that Darius had styled his hair the same way Xion had once done for him.

The braided crown was fastened with the same winged hairpin Xion had left behind before fleeing to Faymere.

So, when Darius descended the final step and turned toward him, Xion halted as well.

He watched how the great Archduke bowed to him with utmost reverence, silently offering him his hand.

The silence that stretched was deafening for the guests, who held their breath, not even daring to gasp aloud.

A smile flickered in his blue eyes. Honestly, what was he even worrying about? As long as Darius was here, everything would be fine. Had it not always been like this?

Without hesitation, he placed his hand into the larger one, and it was instantly clasped tight.

Ah, Xion sensed it, the heat that lingered on the wide palm. Darius is tense.

The smile on his face widened an inch, mirroring the tilt on the Archduke’s lips.

Without Xion being conscious of it, something shifted in the atmosphere.

The air warmed despite the ever-present chill. Gasps and hushed murmurs rippled through the crowd. Nobles stiffened, attendants dropped their gazes, and even the close ministers blinked as if witnessing an illusion.

Darius Rael Darkhelm was smiling.

Not smirking. Not coldly amused. But smiling—softly, genuinely, as if the weight of a thousand winters had been lifted away.

To most of the noble crowd, it was a miracle. The devil Archduke smiling in front of hundreds? They could barely process it.

Of course, his closest entourage and even the old steward were not as surprised. They had long since known that His Grace only acted like that for one person.

Still, it was a sight rare enough to make them pause.

Xion didn’t seem to notice the ripple he had caused. Or perhaps he simply didn’t care. His bright blue eyes were fixed solely on Darius.

They stood facing one another, hand in hand, and the admiration in their gazes was far from being subtle.

Xion couldn’t help but think, how unfairly handsome this man is.

Even when Darius gently led him up to the podium, his gaze was fixed on the broad back of his lover.

No—his husband. The title sent a strange current through him, one that made his chest ache in ways he couldn’t explain.

Meanwhile, Darius’ thoughts were of a different kind entirely.

My Xion is so, so pretty. Why did I let him be dressed like this in front of everyone? I should’ve hidden him under seven layers of armor.

Xion may not have noticed, but how could Darius miss the overly eager stares aimed at his lover?

Some were openly staring at Xion. Others were sneakier, but their sideways glances were no less offensive.

So disgusting.

I want to kiss him...

After all, there was still plenty of time before they would be able to rest in their chambers.