Betrayed By The Hero, Loved By The Lord
Chapter 88: Friends and enemies (2)

Chapter 88: Friends and enemies (2)

"Would you like something to drink?" Francesca asked Selene again. She hoped that if the women kept themselves busy with drinks and food, they would forget about each other and not destroy her home.

Francesca was curious why the queen tasked her to prepare this gathering and invite Selene to it. Vivienne could have easily gotten one of her friends to host it and then she would be in full control.

’Is she planning to blame me if something happens to Selene?’ Francesca wondered. She didn’t want to be the one to explain to Xavier what happened to his wife.

Francesca’s husband saw having all of these women present as a good idea but she saw it as a trap.

"I am not ready yet but thank you. You have a wonderful home. I have not seen many pieces of art you have around the town. You have a good eye for unique art," said Selene.

Francesca was surprised Selene noticed it. Most of the women were more interested in what each other wore today. "Thank you. I like to collect what pieces might have some worth in the future. My husband thinks it’s a pricey hobby but he will be grateful in the future."

"I have heard of art selling for a good price these days. I enjoy looking at some pieces but I don’t know what might be good for the future," Selene replied.

Francesca shifted in her seat to face Selene. "I can help you with that. You should focus on the painter."

"Is this what we have gathered to speak about? Paint?" Natalie asked, bored by the conversation. "It is a boring topic."

"Well, it was only a conversation between us but since we are all purebloods, I guess it is hard not to eavesdrop. What would you prefer to speak about?" Selene asked, knowing the answer would be her.

"It should be something everyone present can speak about, not about art. I don’t have any interest in it. I am more interested in talks of the king having a ball to celebrate the soldiers’ recent victory. Will we all be invited?" Natalie asked Vivienne.

"I will put in a special word for everyone. Will you be able to attend this time, Selene?" Vivienne asked, enjoying the forced smile Selene wore now.

It was evident to Vivienne that Selene was trying to act like she was fine. There was an attitude with Selene’s responses which was not needed since the questions were playful.

If Selene couldn’t take these little questions then Vivienne knew she wouldn’t last too long in their circle.

"I would love to attend a ball celebrating the recent victory. If my husband wants to attend then I will be there. It is wonderful that you will invite all the soldiers and give them a night to relax," said Selene.

Vivienne smiled since that was hardly the case. "It is more of a ball for certain families. We could not fit all the soldiers in the ballroom. They have already been rewarded in other ways."

"I see. Hopefully, no one will feel left out if they cannot attend the ball. Surely the king didn’t pick favourites for who will attend," Selene replied and then looked away from Vivienne.

Selene didn’t have any plans to attend any ball in the palace but Vivienne did not need to know that now. Why was the queen so interested in if she would enter the palace?

"Of course, he didn’t pick favourites. Many of the men did more during the war than others so we want to invite them to the palace. You cannot expect men who hid in fear to receive the same treatment. That would not be good," Vivienne replied.

Vivienne did not enjoy Selene trying to question how Darius was as a king. He was handling the soldiers well and so far, no one was complaining. "Francesca, I think it is time you let us walk around to view your beautiful garden. I want to have a word with Selene in the meantime."

"Oh. Very well," Francesca started to get up. It was too soon to do this but she wasn’t in charge in her own home. "I can show everyone around."

Selene remained seated while the other women got up. There wasn’t any point in sending the women away since they could all eavesdrop. Perhaps that was what Vivienne wanted. For the women to think she had another side when left alone with the queen.

"I was very disappointed when you turned down my invitation to join me in the palace. It was a step forward to clean your name. After what happened with your parents, many are yet to come around about accepting you," said Vivienne.

"Then I will offer them some relief in knowing I don’t care to have them accept me. We do not need to be in the same places," Selene replied.

"It is strange of you to say that when your husband is Lord Blackthorn. A man of his status coming from an important family will have to meet with all kinds of people around the town. For his wife to affect that is a shame," Vivienne said, disappointed with Selene’s response.

"I know my husband well so don’t worry. He does not enjoy everyone’s company so he is often at home. You have nothing to worry about Queen Vivienne," Selene answered, hoping it would end there.

Vivienne smiled. "That is like him. I do not know if you are aware but I was once close to your husband. He helped me through a lot of bad times in my life. I hope you won’t find it hard to be around me."

"I have heard about it and I am not worried since he described it as nothing serious," Selene shared.

Vivienne frowned since that was hardly the case. She could have been sitting where Selene was now if she had played her hand better. "You were not there to know how it was."

"I never claimed to be there. You misunderstood me since I said it was described as nothing serious. It is silly for us to speak of this since we are both married. Your past means nothing with him now as I am sure your feelings are all gone. Right?" Selene asked but she didn’t expect an honest answer.

"Of course. I love my husband dearly. I may not have any feelings for him but I want the best for Xavier since we were good friends. I hope you will do your best to not shame him in any way. For your sake, you should do your best," Vivienne advised Selene.

"I believe that out of everyone here, I know what is best for my husband but I thank you for your concern. I will keep in mind that you care so much," Selene replied.

Vivienne bit her tongue. Again, she did not see the appeal about Selene. She should be thankful to have been invited to sit amongst these ladies.

Before Vivienne could address Selene again, the other women disturbed them with their excitement over something.

Vivienne smiled once more since she knew what it was. She looked to Selene as the women walked back to the table followed by servants who carried gifts. "It has become a habit for the men to send us gifts. I am curious what was sent for you."