I Called the Archduke B-Baby?!!!

The archduke's breath brushed against his skin, making his cheeks burn even hotter.

"Answer me, Xion."

A certain confused kitten with wide innocent eyes blinked, "...Huh???"

Those pale eyes observed everything silently as Darius slowly rubbed his thumb over Xion's jaw, "What have I done to you that you are so afraid of me, hmm?"

The touch was so light, so delicate that it made Xion tremble. It also brought his stuttering mind back on the right track.

Honestly, Xion didn't know how to answer the question. He had no idea what Darius wanted to hear, nor did he know what he actually wanted to convey.

The archduke's thumb trailed over a faint scratch on Xion's cheek, one of the few remnants of last night's struggle.

His touch lingered a bit longer there as if memorizing the imperfection.

"Do you want me to stand aside and watch that insect hurt you?"