Betrayed By The Hero, Loved By The Lord novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25: Divorce (3)

Selene and Xavier made it to their carriage without being stopped by anyone.

"I’m sorry if it took more time than you would have liked. They kept asking if we were certain we wanted to go through with it and since it was arranged fast under the king’s request, I did not want to rush them," Selene said, trying to calm Xavier’s obvious anger.

"I am not annoyed by how long it took. It moved along rather quickly. I knew well in advance that the king would not let me leave the palace without coming to see us. As you saw today, he has nothing better to do than to see what is between us," Xavier replied.

"Still, you were left outside with Cassandra. You could have waited in the carriage but I am grateful you did not. Did you hear what Gabriel said before you opened the door?" Selene asked, still curious about his timing.

"What did he say?" Xavier asked.

"Right, the stones prevented you from hearing," Selene spoke softly. His anger had nothing to do with what Gabriel started to say. "Never mind. It is not important."

"You are asking if I heard when he mentioned you are ruined? The stones are powerful but some chatter slips by them sometimes. I did not want to hear you waste your breath over that man. He sought to provoke you," said Xavier.

Selene looked down at her lap. "I know he was but I do not like it when anyone speaks of my family. He knew what happened to them before we wed and never spoke of it. Now he wants to speak of them being traitors. Had you not startled us, I might have attempted something foolish."

"You thought of killing him? It would have been a little tricky to get out of it since you were standing in a court but we could have found a solution. You should have told me that it crossed your mind," Xavier said, disappointed.

"It would not have been good to attack him there. The kingdom still loves him and many would hate me for attacking him. I have to think of your reputation regardless of whether you care about it or not. I have troubled you plenty already so I will be careful with everything else," Selene promised.

"I do not care what anyone thinks. My name will always be said in rooms I have never entered and I am willing to bet what is always said isn’t good. If we spend our days caring too much about reputations, wouldn’t our days be boring?" Xavier asked.

"Still, I must be smart with my choices. It is a terrible idea to attack him for anyone to see it. I want to see Gabriel fall but when he does, I do not want my name to be mentioned. For your name to be mentioned," Selene said, explaining her restraint.

"I would tell you not to worry about it but I will enjoy your concern for me."

Selene stayed silent to let Xavier see it as he liked. She was still trying to understand him but for right now, Selene saw Xavier as kind. At least to her, he was kind. "When will we announce our engagement? Must we meet with your family first?"

"We can announce it when you like but I must find you a ring first. I am still a gentleman," Xavier said, deciding to do it right.

"You don’t need to put too much thought into the ring. I am fine with anything. Since I came to you for help, perhaps I should prepare my ring," Selene offered.

"Do not wound me, Selene. I have enough money to find you a ring and not be affected by it. I will find you a ring and you will not think of the price. It is unlikely for my wife to have a simple ring," Xavier said, knowing she wouldn’t be able to resist thinking of what a Blackthorn should wear.