"What did you two talk about?"
"You mean His Highness Nikolai?" Xion asked, pushing a bowl of soba with wild mushrooms and bone broth toward the Archduke.
Steam rose from the dark broth, carrying the earthy scent of mushrooms and herbs, threaded with something foreign to the Northern lord's palate, and yet soothing all the same.
"Yes, him."
Darius knew Xion was busy in the kitchen.
To keep his recovery a secret, there was no one else to help him through the process. Only Xion.
So when he was suddenly dragged to share a meal in their chamber, he had been almost happy about this little lunch date.
Almost — if not for that damned prince still freeloading in his castle.
"Why would you talk to him for so long?"
Xion blinked, tilting his head as though the question itself puzzled him.
"We talked about medicinal herbs, and it was only for a few minutes. Were you keeping an eye on me, Your Grace?"
