Betrayed By The Hero, Loved By The Lord-Chapter 186: Meeting with friends (2)

"That is kind of you to say. Surely there must have been something good about the ball to make your time going there worth it. Did you dance with your husband?" Selene asked.

"I did for a song or two. It is a bit awkward since most of the time others would stay off to the side to gossip about what they saw. I know a few couples found themselves in trouble for having too much to drink and going into the arms of the wrong partners. I would say if you want to protect your marriage, stay out of the palace," said Francesca.

"It sounds like you would only need to stay away from drinks and stay close to the one you came with," Selene said, thinking it to be easy to not make such mistakes.

"It is not so simple. I’m not sure what it is but when you enter the palace for the balls, it feels like you come under a spell and start to lose yourself. I feel that way when I only had one drink so I wonder if it is something in the air. A witch might be able to do that to us, right?" Francesca asked, bringing up a theory others laughed at.

Francesca looked away from Selene since she knew she sounded crazy. "I know how I sound. I would think I was crazy with this theory if I didn’t know how the king could be. Why is it that the women feel strange when we go to the palace? Others pass it off as what they have drunk."

"I would not be surprised if the king has done something like that. He is a disgusting man who has the power to do such things," Selene replied, believing Francesca.

"It worries me because I have a friend from out of town who has been chained and confined to her home because she attacked humans, killing them after only having a little bit of their blood. It isn’t like her. I have known her for a long time so I suspect someone did something to her. Either a witch is involved or someone controls her. I need a drink," Francesca said, searching for a servant.

Selene thought it was possible. She doubted there was a chance a vampire was responsible for this since. Why would a vampire want to make another vampire attack humans?

’It would benefit a human to drive fears into others to start a war,’ Selene thought. It wouldn’t be the first time anyone would go so far as to hurt their kind to start a war.

"Did anyone say what could have happened to her?" Selene questioned, needing to know more.

"They claim she might have starved herself, not having enough blood for a long time then attacked the first few humans she came across. I doubt it since there’s no reason she couldn’t have afforded to get her hands on blood. She was happy so why starve herself? It is strange," Francesca said, once again concerned.

It was starting to feel like strange things were happening around the kingdom and no one who could do anything about it thought it was important.

"I know my friend better than anyone. She did not just go mad and attack someone. It is this and then you hear about the attacks around the kingdom. Vampires and humans are going back to the old days. My husband advised me to stay inside more than ever now," Francesca said, scared that it came to this.

"It is what Xavier has told me to do or to go out with guards. I also hope they can deal with this matter soon. If you become bored at home, you can always visit me at the estate. I can send a carriage with guards to get you and take you home," Selene offered.

"That would be great. My husband is preparing to no longer enter the palace now that he is at odds with the king so until he is done with his duties there, I shall visit you. My husband doesn’t agree with what the king is doing so he, along with many others, has abandoned the palace," Francesca shared.

Francesca had to be concerned about Darius holding a grudge and later coming after everyone who did not follow his commands. "I would give anything to have another king or maybe we must get inside the king’s head to understand why he isn’t worried. If he has a way to end this madness, what is he waiting for?"

"Time will tell us," Selene replied since she didn’t understand Darius. "It might be best that you and your husband do not attend any more balls where the king or queen will be. I have heard and witnessed what the queen has now done to ensure I make no friends. I know of the warning she gave."

"I know it as well. That reminds me that at the ball I was warned about meeting with you. Not by the queen herself since she never does it but by our peers. I’m sure if they know about this, there won’t be any balls for me to attend but I don’t mind. Life’s a bore when I try to keep up with what the queen wants," Francesca said, certain her decision was right. freёnovelkiss.com

Francesca continued to say, "I cannot go on forcing myself to find issues with each lady Vivienne turns to dislike and considering she once hated me because she thought I wanted the king, I was never fond of her. I tried to be quiet to not let it affect my husband but now he is leaving the palace, so here we are."

"Thank you for continuing to meet with me and I truly hope it doesn’t bring you any harm. I know how the women here can get and the queen might not be an enemy you want. I will tell Xavier to help you whenever there is trouble. You only need to send word to us when there is," Selene said, more than willing to fight for Francesca.

"That is kind of you but Henry and I can handle ourselves. That is why he is not afraid of no longer doing as the king wants. When I shared I was tired of the queen, he was ready to agree to live quietly. I think that’s why our husbands get along," Francesca said since it seemed neither cared for what Darius had to say.

"They must be busy with their boring men talk so how about I show you the new art I collected recently? Then we should discuss finding you a hobby or convincing you to do the one I suggested. I am never going to let you forget it," Francesca said, trying not to laugh at how Selene hated the topic.

"Seeing you like this makes me wonder how he survives. Like I said, Henry and I want to try for a child so this will always be on my mind. However, I am starting to realise this might be an awful time to welcome a child into a town. I might hold off," Francesca decided.

"I understand why but you shouldn’t let what is happening halt your happiness," Selene advised Francesca.

"Good," Francesca grabbed Selene’s hand. "Why don’t you stop acting shy and have one as well so our children can be friends?"

Selene smiled rather than answering. That wouldn’t be the reason she had a child.