Betrayed By The Hero, Loved By The Lord

"Lord Blackthorn," Selene curtsied. "We are not all blessed to tolerate the sun better than others. I can tolerate warm days," Selene said, holding out her hand to feel the sunlight

"Walking around with a parasol might lead the humans to think they can kill us with the light. Do continue to fool them. Did I put you in a bad position with your husband last night?" Xavier asked, needing to know if he added to the mess that was her marriage.

Selene got the feeling that Xavier was hoping he had created drama. "You did not. I explained to my husband that we were only having a conversation."

"What a shame," Xavier replied, his disappointment evident in his tone. "I was hoping you would consider an offer from a friend."

Selene didn't know what offer Xavier meant and how they were friends. "Forgive me. The offer you made must have slipped my mind and I do not recall us being friends, Lord Blackthorn."

"We aren't? We used to play in the gardens on the estate-"

"As children," Selene reminded Xavier of the missing piece to their past. "We have not spoken in years."

"Well, how could we when you moved and never sent a letter? Then you return to marry the town's hero. Or so they call him," Xavier said, glancing at the papers with Gabriel's face placed around the town. "Where are you trying to run to now?"

"I am not trying to run. I am taking a stroll," Selene replied. 

"You are not planning to leave that man? You will stay with him after the show he has put on?"

Selene looked around, paying attention to the vampires trying to listen. "I do not want to speak of this here."

"They cannot hear us. Magic stones are pricey but they are worth it," Xavier said, opening his hand to reveal a red stone. "You asked before if I would have accepted your offer for marriage. I will accept it now. Leave that fool and come to me."

Xavier's offer would be tempting to others but Selene found it suspicious. Why were they suddenly friends and why was he making this offer?

"No," Selene rejected the offer. "Look where entering a marriage without any love has left me and I refuse to believe you are just trying to help me. Good day, Lord Blackthorn."

"You're a pureblood, Selene. You're far above these mixed-bloods you allow to mock you. I am also a pureblood not yet married," said Xavier. 

"I am not the only pureblood lady in this town or the kingdom. Our kind does not need to be saved for you to enter a loveless marriage with me. I will not do that again to end back right here," Selene said, having learnt her lesson. 

Xavier was insulted she held him in the same regard as her husband. "Do not see me the same as that fool. I wouldn't make you the offer only to bring a mistress into my home after. That isn't the kind of entertainment I seek."

"I cannot stand by while you allow the weak to laugh at one of our kind. You never should have wasted your time with the mixed blood. I will give you four days," Xavier said, but hoped she could make the right choice in one day. 

Selene wanted to know what had come over Xavier. First, he rarely showed up to social gatherings and now he was making her an offer. She might have taken it when she was desperate before but she was burned too much by such an offer to accept it this time. 

"He is toying with me," Selene muttered.

Selene remembered Xavier to be a man who liked to find ways to end his boredom. She would not become his entertainment.

"We will carry on without the parasol," Selene informed Elsie.

Xavier's presence added more attention so Selene needed to move fast to look around for a home she could buy.

Selene returned home near the hour for dinner. She had yet to find a home to use and considered returning to her father's old home where she would need to send away her relatives who had taken over.

Selene heard Gabriel's laughter the second she entered the front doors. He seemed to have much to celebrate these days. "Put away the parasol and come to my room," she instructed Elsie. 

She needed to retire to her bed before Gabriel decided to make use of it again.

"There you are! It's about time you return," Gabriel said. He was in too much of a good mood to question Selene about how she treated his mother. "The king has granted this family something special. An offer I could not resist. I will be able to make Cassandra my second wife."

Selene stared at her fool of a husband who seemed to be waiting for her to jump for joy. "Why not make her your first wife?"

Gabriel frowned. "Her presence shouldn't push you to kill yourself. That is a little dramatic."

Selene smiled, amused by how he thought she would seek death. "You will not need the king's permission for a second wife if I am no longer married to you. We should make this easier for all of us."

Gabriel was furious. He presented Selene with an opportunity which would not have her ridiculed by him having a mistress. He would have two wives recognised by the king. "You will be so foolish to leave me? I am not letting go of you," he said, hitting his fist on the wall near Selene. 

"I know. That is why I am letting go of you. I will have my dinner in my bedroom so I do not disturb your celebrations with my mood. Excuse me, Gabriel," Selene curtsied.

Selene headed upstairs to her room before Gabriel could tell her more about not letting her go. All she wanted to do now was have a fresh glass of blood, her dinner, and then retire to bed. 

When Selene reached the second floor, she came across Agnes who appeared relieved to see she had returned. 

"What is with that look? I would not leave you without saying goodbye. Was there trouble when I was away?" Selene asked, curious about Cassandra's time with Lucinda. 

Agnes pouted. "Do not leave me again, Milady. She made me stand for an hour with a tray in my hand to serve her."

"I will not leave you again. Where has Elsie wandered off to?" Selene wondered, puzzled by what was taking Elsie so long. She was only putting away the parasol.

Selene could not make the mistake of leaving one of her maids behind for Cassandra to mistreat. "Please find her for me and return to dress me for bed. I shall have my dinner alone."