Betrayed By The Hero, Loved By The Lord
Chapter 92: Stuck in the past (3)

Chapter 92: Stuck in the past (3)

The gathering ended well compared to how it started for Selene. Knowing Xavier was near and would be able to hear them stopped the women from questioning her.

Selene thought it wasn’t smart for them to speak when he wasn’t near and then be silent when he was here. When she returned home and Xavier asked about her day, she would have been honest about all that was said there and who said it.

Selene wasn’t going to lie to save any of these women.

The gathering wasn’t something Selene wanted to attend again but she enjoyed Francesca’s company. She knew Quinn, who was close to Francesca, was not fond of her but Selene did not mind.

As the other women left in their carriage, Francesca showed Selene her art pieces.

"I envy you for having something to do with your spare time," said Selene.

"We must find something to make this life wonderful since time moves slowly for us. I do not want to think of going to sleep when I am so young. I’m sure you will find something to do and if you don’t, doing your husband is a great replacement," Francesca said since it worked for her.

Selene could not believe how easily the suggestion rolled off of Francesca’s tongue.

"Oh, don’t look at me like that. It is impossible that you have not thought about it. I understand why you did not accept the queen’s invitation right after you got married. I would enjoy my time with a man like that over these women," said Francesca.

Francesca fanned her face as she thought about her husband. He needed to send all the guests away faster. "I did just that when we got married. Our doors did not open for a week."

"You are quite open with someone you just met. I do not mind it but still," Selene said, surprised by what Francesca shared.

"You are making me a little chatterbox," Francesca agreed with Selene. "You are not like I have heard you are. That is what I get for believing the nonsense said around this town. I cannot ignore what was done by your parents but I think it is worth having you around."

Francesca was slowly growing tired of the other ladies always being at each other’s throats. Tired of having to bow to the queen when she was in a foul mood. The women were becoming hard to bear.

Now that the queen and the other women were gone, Francesca shared, "It wasn’t my idea to have this gathering today. I received an order from the queen to do it. The king was to be here as well but he did not show. I think she used me to lure you out because my husband once did business with Lord Blackthorn."

"I knew it was her doing," Selene replied.

Francesca was surprised to hear this. "And you still came? It was an ambush waiting for you from the start. I will admit you handled it well but that was brave of you. They didn’t expect you to speak up," she laughed.

It was an interesting sight today to witness the queen not getting what she wanted. It wasn’t a secret that Vivienne was once with Xavier but it was quite the treat to realise Vivienne was so interested in Xavier’s life.

"If you keep this up, we might have to be friends. I thought I needed a new piece of art to brighten up my home but perhaps it was a new friend. Do not worry about Quinn since she will come around at some point. She is lovely when you get close to her," said Francesca.

"Perhaps," Selene replied, still uninterested in a friendship with Quinn. "I hope you don’t plan to use me to go against the queen for some reason. I will not be used."

"Oh no," Francesca laughed. "I don’t hate the queen nor do I have something against her. I just like that someone different has shown up. I would hate to see you become like the rest of us. Like opening your home by her order and letting her do as she pleased. Don’t become me."

"I plan not to," Selene answered.

"Good. Your husband is coming so I will leave you. I hope to receive an invitation from you or that you will accept any I send. Next time, I will not have the others here to trouble you."

Selene bid goodbye to Francesca. She was able to overhear Francesca speak of finding her husband for a hobby so knowing what the lady meant, Selene wanted to get away from the home quickly.

"We should go," Selene grabbed Xavier’s hand and pulled him to the carriage.

Xavier didn’t understand the rush but he didn’t try to free his hand from her hold. How could he when didn’t know the next time she would hold onto him like this?

Lucas opened the carriage door for the pair. Like everyone else, Lucas didn’t know Xavier would attend. Xavier was meant to be tracking down who started the rumours in place of Lucas today since he was guarding Selene.

’Did he find the person behind it?’ Lucas wondered. He had already narrowed it down to three people for Xavier a day before.

"Lucas, why don’t you and Agnes become well acquainted with the coachman? He seems lonely out there," said Xavier.

Xavier was helping Selene to get inside the carriage when he decided to sit alone with her.

Lucas was quick to make his way to sit at the front but Agnes was not all for it. "If you do not want to upset him, I suggest you come to the front. Your lady will be fine."

Agnes knew that but she simply found it hard not to ride near Selene.

Selene grew suspicious of what Xavier planned to do. She got inside the carriage to sit down on the right and positioned herself so Xavier would have to sit on the left side.

"Are you angry with me?" Xavier asked after taking his seat opposite Selene.

"No," Selene shook her head. "Why would I be when you helped me today? You should have told me that you were coming."

"I wanted you to ask but you didn’t. I thought I would surprise you and it worked well to end their questions," Xavier replied.

"I could have dealt with it myself but thank you. There is one thing I am well aware of today which is that the queen still loves you. She wouldn’t be this way if she didn’t. Did you know she still loved you?" Selene asked, curious as to what he noticed.

"I did but I am not around the queen often to know this is how she behaves now. I am always unfortunate to run into the king with each visit. She has stated she will not make it easy for you to fit in. I will deal with her if it gets out of hand," Xavier promised.

Hearing this, Selene knew when Vivienne had gotten up she went to speak with Xavier. Selene trusted Xavier but she did not like to think of those two alone. Who knows what Vivienne would do once with Xavier?

"So, about that hobby the lady mentioned. Do you plan to try her suggestion?" Xavier asked, trying to take her mind off of Vivienne.

"I must use that stone more often," Selene said, regretting that she did not bring it.

"You should because now I await becoming your hobby," Xavier said, smiling whilst Selene wanted to get out of the carriage.