Betrayed By The Hero, Loved By The Lord-Chapter 67: Help (3)

"Is there trouble outside? More visitors?" Selene asked.

She heard the knocks on the door while she got changed and from her stay so far, Selene knew it could only mean someone had come to disturb them.

"My father came with his siblings which is surprising. They don’t normally get along. I decided I would meet with them tomorrow so they would stop coming here. My aunt is the one I want you to stay away from most," said Xavier.

Selene found that odd since it was his father who voiced his displeasure the most.

"I don’t have any memories of your aunt. Why is it that I should stay away from her most and not your father?" Selene asked, concerned about the new visitors.

"My aunt has always been that one relative the others couldn’t control. Many years ago, she went on a killing spree. Taking blood from any human she came across. It got so bad that my grandfather had to step in and use the only punishment that could stop and shame her," Xavier shared.

Selene frowned. "Shame her? Did he break her fangs? Since it is your family, I am a little surprised they would go so far as to punish her for taking blood. It is wrong but many families are getting away with attacking humans. I would expect your aunt to."

"Normally, she would have gotten away with it but it was when we were sorting out the truce with humans. Her attacks didn’t stop at humans. She once got so out of her mind that she started to attack our kind. We don’t know at which moment she might snap so stay away from her," Xavier advised Selene.

"I should just kill her," Xavier concluded. "It will be hard to do since I have always been her favourite nephew."

"Who among your father’s siblings has a son or many more?"

"No one which is why they are so involved in who I have gotten married to," Xavier replied.

"Then, you are her only nephew," Selene said, realising Xavier could have the title of favourite nephew since there wasn’t any competition. "Why am I even surprised? You said that people who lose their sanity are taken to the palace. Why wasn’t your aunt taken there if she is so bad?"

"The Blackthorns would not allow for one of their own to go there. She was moved out of town to where she was surrounded by only servants to look after her. My father made the foolish decision to bring her back. My mother will not enjoy it since she does not get along with my aunt," Xavier revealed.

Xavier was certain his father did not inform his mother who he was inviting to town.

"You will be fine. I will not let our marriage end so quickly. Are you thinking of leaving the estate tomorrow?" Xavier asked, planning how many guards she would need.

"I am. I want to get what I will need myself and enjoy some fresh air around the market. I can stay inside if you think there is too much danger," Selene replied.

"There is always danger in this town but I will keep you protected. I will add two more guards to protect you. I cannot protect you from what might be said but no one will lay a finger on you. If they try to, they will lose that finger. Enjoy yourself," Xavier said, surprising Selene with a kiss on her head. "One of us needs to enjoy tomorrow."

Xavier noticed Selene now avoiding his eyes. "It was a peck. Don’t tempt me to test what your reaction would be for more. I do enjoy how you face others but then you are so shy before me."

"I am not shy," Selene replied, facing Xavier. "You just get too close sometimes."

"Is it wrong for me to like being near my wife?" Xavier asked.

"When you act like this, it confuses me. For a moment, I thought you did all of this because you had feelings for me but it was just your way of teasing me. You like to see others nervous. Don’t worry since I can tell that it is all a joke," Selene said.

"I hate to crush your thoughts but it appears you can’t tell the difference. I thought I had been making my intentions quite obvious but I will do more so you aren’t confused. Now, if you would excuse me, I must speak to Harold," Xavier said, leaving Selene to think about what he said.

The more she was around him the more Xavier thought of the young girl who was once oblivious to the world outside her family walls and lacked interest in the status among their kind so she would easily approach him.

Their conversations had always been few so it was understandable why she hadn’t thought of them as friends but it was enough for her to become someone who intrigued Xavier which was why her invitation to Gabriel’s banquet pulled him out of his estate.

Selene watched as Xavier walked away before she could ask him about what he said but deep down, she wanted time alone to think about it. She understood quite clearly what he was trying to say and what he intended to do.

Her mind went back to the times Xavier spoke of the possibility of them growing to love each other since love was unpredictable.

Selene wasn’t against the idea of her and Xavier falling in love if it were ever to be possible but she never considered the chance that he might have liked her all along or came to like her so fast.

"Milady?" Agnes called to Selene. She worried about Selene since it wasn’t noticed she entered the room after Xavier exited. "Are you alright? Do you need blood?"

Selene looked to Agnes. "Your timing is wonderful. I must go on a walk or do something other than sit here to be lost in my thoughts. Quickly," she said, getting to her feet to lead the way.

Agnes knew something was wrong with Selene to suddenly want to go for a walk when it was already planned Selene wanted to speak with her husband and then go to the head maid.

Still, Agnes didn’t question it to avoid adding to what was already bothering Selene. She only hoped nothing was wrong between Selene and Xavier.

"O-Oh," Agnes stumbled, almost colliding with Selene after she stopped without warning. "Milady?"

"This way," Selene changed direction.

Agnes looked ahead at where the lord stood with the butler and then quickly followed Selene.

Harold was puzzled by the lady seemingly running away from passing them. He turned to Xavier, trying to figure out what the lord might have done now. It was only a matter of time before Xavier scared Selene.

"Would you be nervous if I were to start courting you, Harold?" Xavier asked, enjoying the chase Selene started.

"Well, yes. I am a man," Harold replied.

The smile Xavier wore fell to a frown. "Why do I bother speaking to you, Harold? You were to think about how Selene would feel."

"Yes, she should be nervous," Harold replied.

Xavier couldn’t take much more of Harold’s responses. "Tend to your flowers and leave me alone, Harold. You aren’t any use to me now."