Betrayed By The Hero, Loved By The Lord-Chapter 193: Stranger in my bed (1)

"I did not get to see him off," said Selene.

"He was busy speaking to his guest from the court. Isaac, the man who attended your wedding. I’m sure Lord Blackthorn didn’t want to trouble you again. He was at your side all morning until you woke up," Agnes said, trying to cheer up Selene. "You were asleep longer than usual."

"We had a long day yesterday but it was good. I don’t mind that I woke up late since I would love to be more active at night when the maids are at their busiest time. Was Isaac happy with this visit? He is always trying to get away from Xavier," Selene said, curious about how their talk went.

Would Isaac want to work for Xavier?

"He might have been happy since I have not heard of any arguments from the maids. There were fruits delivered this morning. Should I cut you a few?" Agnes asked.

"Not right now. I am thinking of what I can do with some of them. Should I try to bake? Do you think Xavier would like it if I baked for him? He doesn’t care for human food," Selene said, worried about that part.

"I think you could hand Lord Blackthorn a bowl of dirty fruits and he would smile since it is for you," Agnes replied.

Selene laughed at the repeated answer. "Just because he would accept it doesn’t mean my gifts for him should be simple. I should bake again. I started so well."

Agnes wanted Selene to take up the hobby again since she got to eat a lot of dessert when Selene baked. "Is there a special reason why?"

"Must there be one?" Selene wondered. She simply wanted to do something nice for him. "I just want to do it. We had a good day yesterday but plenty of other times have been disturbed. I want to prepare a small dinner for us outside tonight and I don’t want anyone to come near us."

Selene wanted to try again to have alone time with Xavier outside. A second try at their first interrupted time. She only had to hope the family servant wouldn’t be flying around watching them.

"Remind me to tell Harold to prepare something more suited for a picnic with wine for dinner and to place it in a basket. I will find a good secluded place for us later. Hopefully, Xavier will not return home late," Selene said as then her plans might not go well.

"Lord Blackthorn has always said if you miss or need him, you can send for him. I think this counts as a good reason to send for him if he isn’t on time. Should I gather what you need to bake? He will be very surprised," Agnes said excitedly.

"I think the thought of getting something sweet is starting to get to you. Since I have nothing to do now, we should do it now. Come," Selene said, changing course for the kitchen. "I will make enough to share amongst the servants if there are enough fruits."

Selene looked out a window they were passing at the land behind the estate. "The weather will change in a few weeks for winter."

"It will," Agnes said.

"I think we will hear of more attacks during that time. Attacks on both sides. We must be careful then, Agnes. We should stay inside as much as we can for winter. Do you still have a coat?" Selene asked, now thinking of what Agnes would need.

"I do. The last one you gifted me is still useful. Should I start sorting what you will need to wear for winter? You have the most beautiful dresses Lord Blackthorn gifted you. I will need to look into what is now in season for ladies," Agnes said, getting lost in how to dress Selene.

"Do as you wish, Agnes. I trust your vision. Harold," Selene greeted the butler. "Is it for me?"

"Yes," Harold handed Selene an envelope. "A letter from Josephine Blackthorn."

"Thank you. Your timing is wonderful, Harold. I would love for dinner to be something suited for a picnic with wine so I can eat in a quiet area outside. Somewhere for us to be alone. I hear there is a pond," said Selene.

"There is. I will arrange it and set up a quiet place for you. I shall also inform the guards to stay away from that area. Excuse me,’ Harold said, parting from Selene to get what she wanted done.

Agnes watched as Harold walked away. She was waiting for the right chance again to ask for his help in becoming a better maid for Selene. The head maid was too busy to help her and strangely, Harold was more open to hearing her concerns.

"I will need to prepare a room and light snacks. I shall have Josephine as a guest tomorrow morning, Agnes. I wonder if it is so we can continue to get to know each other or if there is trouble," Selene said, hoping it wasn’t the latter. "It will be fine."

Selene continued on her way to the kitchen to make use of the fruits she got. While she worked away in the kitchen, time slipped away from her and soon night had fallen on the town.

Selene examined the variety of pies she had made. She was proud of the work she did today and most proud of the pie she made for Xavier. It was beautiful with the different array of berries she used.

"Gertrude, please treat the maids to the remaining pies. I have already shared some with the cooks and guards. I will make more for the servants who work during the day tomorrow but I must get ready for dinner now," Selene said, wiping her hands with a small cloth.

"Thank you, Lady Blackthorn. The maids will love them. Is there trouble?" Gertrude wondered after hearing someone yelling. "It sounds like the guards are keeping someone out of the estate. I will go see."

Selene started to hear the same noise and by the sound of it, whoever had come wasn’t backing down. "Agnes, we should head to my bedroom. I should be able to get a glimpse of the gates from there."

Selene didn’t bother to go outside to personally send the visitor away since it wouldn’t be any use. The guards could handle it and she just might be the one the visitor wanted to see.

Selene headed up to her bedroom, passing maids who were going to the windows to see what trouble was.

"It sounds very bad," Agnes said, worried about what was happening outside.

"That is why we should stay here. If Xavier or anyone needs to look for us, this is where they might search first. The guards will send the visitor away," Selene said, confident they could do it.

Just as Selene reached the door to her bedroom and started to turn the knob, Lucas came running toward her.

"Lady Blackthorn!" Lucas called. He noticed Selene was shocked by something inside the room.

Selene stood still by the door. She had not entered the room yet but she had a good view of the bed and the woman who laid on it as though it belonged to her.