Xion was just about to return to his chambers when a cheerful voice stopped him mid-step.
"How are you doing, Your Grace?"
He turned to see Bianca Nocturne standing there with a smile as bright as morning sunlight, her expression so sweet and effortless that it was hard to believe they'd had that odd, teasing exchange a couple of days ago.
She looked entirely unbothered, as if it hadn't happened at all.
Her poise was enviable, really—like someone who had long mastered the art of gliding past judgment.
Xion found himself wondering if he'd ever be able to do the same, especially under the kind of scrutiny Darius constantly faced.
He smiled politely. "I'm good. And you?"
Anyway, Bianca wasn't interested in Darius, he reasoned.
As for Darius... well, the great Archduke was only interested in him. So what was the point in being hostile to a girl so far from home?
