There were many dangers in life.
As an Imperial Crown Prince, Xavier had faced assassinations, attempted coups, destabilizations, and, of course, the looming threat of corruption. All before he even managed to learn how to walk.
But nothing—and he meant nothing—compared to willingly walking into his father-in-law's room, together with said man's precious, oblivious son.
On paper, it sounded touching. Sweet, even. Visiting a sick relative.
In practice, however, it felt less like a warm family moment and more like volunteering to be the next patient.
It didn't help that his esteemed father-in-law hadn't known of his existence until this very morning.
Which probably explained the sudden, suffocating killing intent that made the air itself shimmer around Xavier as they entered.
But it was warranted, Xavier reasoned grimly as his eyes locked with the feral Duke's across the room.
