Betrayed By The Hero, Loved By The Lord-Chapter 59: Trouble (1)

"Welcome home, Lord Blackthorn," Harold greeted Xavier at the front door. "Will you need blood?"

"No," Xavier declined the offer. "It wasn’t a long journey. Did anything exciting happen during my absence?"

"Nothing inside the estate but I have noticed a few more carriages than usual passing by the land. I do not know if it will be exciting but there was an invitation addressed to Selene Blackthorn from the queen. Should I get it for you or throw it away?" Harold asked.

"It would be wrong to hide it from her, wouldn’t it? Give it to her as I have already informed Selene to avoid the palace. It would be a test to see what she says. What could the queen be up to now?" Xavier wondered but he had a good idea what it was all about. "She’s gathering women for her husband now?"

Harold was also curious since he hadn’t heard of the queen being interested in anything Xavier did for years. He did not want the two women to meet since their hearts were different.

"You wear your thoughts on your sleeve. Harold. Have you come to love Selene already?" Xavier inquired.

"She is the lady of the estate so I am loyal to her. As your servant, I want the best for your wife and for her to remain protected," Harold replied.

"It is fine to say you have come to like her not because she is my wife but because you enjoy her company. Why must you always be so complicated, Harold?" Xavier asked, playfully patting Harold’s back.

"I would hate to be in the way of your jealousy," Harold answered.

Xavier moved his hand from Harold’s back. "Your quickness to answer with honesty still pisses me off sometimes. I do not know what you speak of with jealousy."

"I have been around long to know when you lie. I will be careful not to get too close to the lady and I will keep an eye on all the men around the estate. I will ask Gertrude for help," Harold said since the head maid could use the maids to help.

"You should have been doing that from the start. Selene seems to enjoy asking you questions when I am not around so do not be stranger than you already are and answer her. I do not mind if you tell her all about the estate, who I am close to or not, and about my family. She will need to know," said Xavier.

"And of your talents?" Harold asked since this was most important.

"I can’t let secrets out for free, Harold. She should offer me something and I have made it quite easy for her. This is a bit painful," Xavier sighed as he thought about his coffin. "I want to rest."

"I hear they made beds for that," Harold spoke up but bowed his head to avoid Xavier’s gaze. "I can have the floor kept quiet for you to rest in peace. Oh," he realised his words. "Not like that, My Lord."

"You certainly have your moments, Harold. I will do some work and then rest. Wake me right away when my wife returns. If she does not return within a few hours, wake me. We must be careful with the attacks throughout the town. Do not forget," Xavier instructed Harold.

"I will not forget," Harold replied, planning to stay near the door for Selene’s return.

It was close to two hours later when Selene returned to the estate and went for a walk outside to clear her mind.

As promised, Harold went to find Xavier to inform him.

"The lady has returned," Harold announced when he entered Xavier’s study.

"It is about time," Xavier replied, getting up from his chair. "Where is she now? Looking for me?"

Harold hesitated on answering since Selene wasn’t looking for Xavier but he still answered, "No. The lady and her maid are taking a stroll today. They are enjoying the benches I had placed in the shady areas outside. Gertrude is preparing the maids to send blood and treats outside."

"Good. Now, why does it feel like there is something else you want to share? Speak," Xavier ordered Harold. "Do not hide anything when it comes to Selene."

"The lady did not return as she left. She appears to be in deep thought and after speaking to the coachman, I learned she had not stayed at her friend’s home for long after the husband returned. Instead, they took a ride around the town before finally returning," Harold shared.

"Was it because she wanted to see the town or was she trying to fool me that everything went well with the visit? Bring Lucas to me now," Xavier ordered Harold.

Harold excused himself and went to find the guard. They returned together without Selene knowing of the small gathering since she was still outside.

"Tell me what caused my wife’s visit to end so quickly. Do not leave anything out," said Xavier.

"It was going well until the husband returned. He was upset from the time he saw the carriage and upon entering, I heard him tell the wife the lady wasn’t welcomed there. Lady Blackthorn left without being harmed but there was much said on the husband’s part," Lucas told the story as he remembered.

Lucas continued, "The lady seemed reluctant to leave her friend with that man but she ordered us to leave once she reached the carriage. We went for a ride around the town until the lady said to return to the estate."

Xavier became interested in the husband. "What is his name?"

"I believe it is Oliver Carleton. I overheard the lady’s maid speaking of the Harrisons once helping him and of how he turned to have a temper. From what was said, he turned on Lady Blackthorn after her parents were announced traitors but his wife wishes to keep the friendship," Lucas revealed.

Seeing Xavier’s interest in the man Lucas offered, "Should I look into him?"

"What use is it to look into a man who might die if he is not careful? He has disrespected my wife with this one visit. I don’t need to look any further. You’ve done well at keeping her safe today so take a break and prepare for her next trip. I must see my wife,’ Xavier said, leaving the two men to chat or do whatever he wanted.

Xavier made his way outside to where Selene sat with Agnes. He knew she had to be lost in thought or upset over this. After speaking to her relatives and then the emotional visit with her parents, Xavier had hoped her friend would brighten up Selene’s mood but the opposite happened.

Selene noticed Xavier approaching her so she sent Agnes away.

"I was going to come tell you that I have returned shortly. I wasn’t trying to be rude by coming here first," said Selene.

Selene scooted to the right to make way for Xavier to sit beside her.

"It is a beautiful day so you should enjoy being out here. Harold informed me of your return so you did not need to come to me. Did you enjoy your time with your friend?" Xavier asked as he took his seat beside Selene.

"No," Selene shook her head. "But you already know that, don’t you?"